Worship Resources

29 October 2023

Ordinary Time (Proper 25)

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

What Is Your Gospel Message?

Additional Scriptures

Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; Matthew 22:34-46; Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b; 165:2b

Preparation

This worship is designed to be a reflective service. Worship leaders are encouraged to create a tranquil setting for participants. Setting considerations include soft music playing, dimmed lighting, pre-recorded water soundtracks, candles lit, etc. Be mindful of worship participants need to safely navigate the worship setting

For the All Saints’ Day Remembrance, provide poster board or newsprint paper and markers posted in a location all can see and reach. Be prepared to help those who can’t come forward. Arrange candles (battery operated or wax with a lighter) in the worship center for everyone to be able to light at least one candle.

We Gather

Prelude

Hymn of Gathering

“All Creatures of Our God and King”

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. OR “Praise to the Living God”

CCS 98

CCS 8 OR “Called to Gather as God’s People”

Welcome

Call to Worship

Psalm 90:1-2

Hymn of Centering

WE CENTER

CCS 152

CCS 162 OR “Open My Heart” CCS 171

“Meet Me in a Holy Place”

OR “Come, Holy Spirit, Come” sing at least twice CCS 154

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Ubi Caritas et Amor” sing several times CCS 152

Invocation

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle. Ring bell/chime and pause.

Prayer

Let there be peace on earth…

And let it begin with those who are willing to risk courageous love.

Ring bell and pause.

Let there be peace on earth…

And let it begin with a community who is dedicated to the pursuit of justice and equality.

Ring bell and pause.

Let us walk with each other…

And let us shine your radiance into the darkness of the world.

Ring bell and pause.

Let peace begin with me…

And let this be the moment where we walk a new path towards healing and reconciliation.

Ring bell and pause.

Amen.

-by Ryan Pitt, paraphrase from “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” CCS 307, by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org

We Reflect

All Saints’ Day Statement

This week on November 1st in the Christian calendar it is All Saints’ Day. We want to pause today to begin our remembrance of friends and colleagues who, in the past year, now rest from their labors in God’s loving embrace. We do not simply remember people who have passed but acknowledge those who walk with us on our journey toward the peaceable kingdom.

Hymn of All Saints

“For All the Saints” CCS 331

As we pause for this moment of reflection, consider those in your life who have walked with you and helped shape your discipleship. They might have been parents, teachers, pastors, writers, or friends. Today, we celebrate spiritual companions from our past, the present, and those moving together with us into the future.

On the poster board/newsprint paper provided, come forward and write down the names of those you are remembering First names are fine. Then, light a candle as a symbol of this remembrance. Play quiet music in the background.

Hymn of Reflection

“Teach Me, God, to Wonder” CCS 176 OR “Searcher of Hearts” CCS 178 OR “Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” CCS 166

Scripture Reading

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

“He Came Singing Love” CCS 226 OR “We Are the Ones the World Awaits” CCS 305 OR “God Forgave My Sin in Jesus’ Name” CCS 627

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Message

Based on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement

We Share

God’s generosity is revealed in beautiful sunrises, waves on the shore, the face of a newborn child, music that touches our soul. But it’s also revealed in things as simple as the chairs we sit on or the clothes we wear. Discover what you’ve already received, where it came from and how you can use it for God’s purposes and vision for creation.

Sharing

Share your thoughts on what you have generously received from God.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2b

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response tools at www.CofChrist.org/disciples-generous-response-tools

We Respond

Hymn of Renewal

“Spirit of the Living God” sing several times CCS 567

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Called by Christ to Love Each Other” CCS 577 OR “When Holy Ghost Shall Come in Power” CCS 628

Pastoral Prayer