Welcome
New Testament Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
The Children’s Time to Lead Us
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 25:1-13
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Leader: This is the Word of God for the People of God. People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon: Rev. Lorrin Radzik
Transforming Our Lives & the World
Prayers of the People
Let us pray for the needs of the world, saying, Eternal God, hear our prayer.
God of life, you created the world and called it good. In Jesus Christ you came to redeem us; his resurrection is our promise of eternal life. By the power of your Spirit you claim us, strengthen us, and prepare us to live with you in glory. In sure and certain hope, we pray for your world, that we may live into your coming reign of justice and peace.
For the church, wherever it thrives and wherever it struggles - keep us faithful to your gospel. Eternal God, hear our prayer.
For those who govern - grant them wisdom and a commitment
to justice. Eternal God, hear our prayer.
For planet Earth - heal its wounds and make us better stewards of its wonders and gifts. Eternal God, hear our prayer.
For those who are dying - calm all fears and welcome them into your peace. Eternal God, hear our prayer.
For those who suffer from anxieties and ills - give them relief, Eternal God, hear our prayer.
For those who endure the days and nights without food or shelter - feed and protect them.
Eternal God, hear our prayer.
For those who suffer in silence - comfort those who carry secret sorrows. Eternal God, hear our prayer.
For all who seek your face, Eternal God, hear our prayer.
With thanks that you hear our prayers, spoken and unspoken, we entrust all of life to you, gracious God, our Alpha and Omega, our only hope in life and in death; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Time of Silent Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Invitation to Generosity
Offering Silent Prayer
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, receive our gifts, tokens of thanks for your extravagant blessings, signs of trust in your coming reign of justice, peace, and love; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Benediction