November 19 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Flowers from Sandra Jordan

The bells warm-up before worship

Hyeji Park offers the postlude

Rev. Dan & Bets Daniels, Rev. John Daniels,
and Pastor Charles

Fellowship time conversation

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

(View today's service at this link)

Today’s Meditation Verse: “I raise my eyes to you—You who rule heaven.”          —Psalm 123:1

Welcome...Pastor Charles

Prelude...Hyeji Park / “We Gather Together,” arranged by Bonnie Heidenreich

*Call to Worship...Ben Glancy

The world is filled with the glory of God, and we say, Thank you! The hills and valleys are filled with colour, and we say, Thank you! The vines and trees are filled with fruit, and we say, Thank you! Our tables are overflowing with food, and we say, Thank you! Our life is filled with love of family and friends, and we say,   Thank you! We fill this house of God with our voices, saying, Thank you! May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, as enter into this service of thanksgiving and praise.

—Carol Penner, posted on Leading in Worship

*Hymn...“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” (UMH #694)

Prayer of Intercession (based on Matthew 14:13-21 and Psalm 145:15-16)...Ben Glancy (to be read responsively)

Loving God, You are our Creator and Sustainer. When You open Your hand, You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. And so we look to You whenever we are in need, trusting in Your love and Your abundant goodness.

As You once fed the hungry crowds with five loaves and two small fish, we ask that You again fill those who are empty this day. Pour out Your Spirit on all who hunger and thirst.

We pray for those who are physically hungry—whose stomachs are empty. We think especially of the people in the world who are facing critical food shortages; who are suffering the effects of malnutrition and starvation; and watching helplessly as loved ones die. Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand. Pour out Your Spirit, so that they may be filled.

We pray for those who are empty emotionally—who are lonely and long for companionship and love, who are caught in the grip of depression or overwhelmed with grief. Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand. Pour out Your Spirit, so that they may be filled.

We pray for those who are spiritually empty—who are troubled, but don’t know where to turn; who long for purpose and meaning, but don’t know where to look; who need You, but do not yet know You. Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand. Pour out Your Spirit, so that they may be filled.

God, we praise You for Your abundant gifts in our lives. Pour out Your Spirit on us as well. Fill us with Your compassion and love, so that we would willingly share some of our abundance with those who have need. Lord, in Your mercy, open Your hand. Pour out Your Spirit, so that we may be filled.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who came so that all of humanity might come to know the abundant life that comes from You. Amen.

—Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations 

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Pastor Charles

Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:11-19...Ben Glancy

Bell Anthem...“Grace and Thanksgiving,” arranged by Anna Laura Page

Epistle Lesson: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15...Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon...Pastor Charles / “A gift that can’t be described”

*Hymn...“Now Thank We All Our God” (UMH #102)

*Words for the Journey...Pastor Charles

Postlude...Hyeji Park / “He Is Exalted,” arranged by Twila Paris