INTRODUCTION
All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.
PRELUDE Behold, a Host Arrayed in White (Grieg) Rick Vanstone, violin
* CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, in whose image we are made,
who claims us and calls us beloved. Amen.
Holy One,
we confess that we are not awake for you.
We are not faithful in using your gifts.
We forget the least of our siblings.
We do not see your beautiful image in one another.
We are infected by sin
that divides your beloved community.
Open our hearts to your coming,
open our eyes to see you in our neighbor,
open our hands to serve your creation.
Amen.
Beloved, we are God’s children, and Jesus, our Beloved, opens the door to us. Through Jesus you are forgiven, by Jesus you are welcome, in Jesus you are called to rejoice! Let us live in the promises prepared for us from the foundation of the world. Amen.
* PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
* GATHERING SONG Shall We Gather at the River (ELW 423)
FIRST READING: Revelation 7:9-17
9After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
11And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from” 14I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
16They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;
17for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
PSALM: Psalm 34:1-10, 22
1I will bless the LORD| at all times;
the praise of God shall ever be | in my mouth.
2I will glory | in the LORD;
let the lowly hear | and rejoice.
3Proclaim with me the greatness | of the LORD;
let us exalt God’s | name together.
4I sought the LORD, who | answered me
and delivered me from | all my terrors.
5Look upon the LORD| and be radiant,
and let not your faces | be ashamed.
6I called in my affliction, and | the LORD heard me
and saved me from | all my troubles.
7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who | fear the LORD
and de- | livers them.
8Taste and see that the | LORD is good;
happy are they who take refuge in God!
9Fear the LORD, you saints | of the LORD,
for those who fear the | LORD lack nothing.
10The lions are in want and | suffer hunger,
but those who seek the LORD lack nothing | that is good.
22O LORD, you redeem the life | of your servants,
and those who put their trust in you will | not be punished.
SECOND READING: 1 John 3:1-3
1See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
*GOSPEL: Matthew 5:1-12
The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.
1When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
MEDITATION Pastor Wende Bleam
*HYMN OF THE DAY For All the Saints (ELW 422) Choir vs. 3, 4, 5
* NICENE CREED
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD
Please place your offering in the plate near the Sanctuary door any time during or following worship. Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our website: stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org or sent by mail to
St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.
* OFFERING PRAYER
God of all goodness,
generations have turned to you,
gathered around your table,
and shared your abundant blessings.
Number us among them
that, as we gather these gifts from your abundance,
and give thanks for your rich blessings,
we may feast upon your very self
and care for all that you have made,
through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant.
Amen.
* PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Let us turn our hearts to God, our breath and life, as we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
Holy God, encourage and uphold your church around the world. We thank you for your Word, which we receive as holy. Lead bishops, pastors, deacons, and all members of your church in lives worthy of you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Creating God, revive your creation where it is neglected, misused, or abused. Bolster advocates in eco-justice organizations. Nurture endeavors that aid communities affected by hazardous waste, poor air, and polluted waters. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Righteous God, accompany our nation as it prepares for elections. Protect voters, voting officials, poll workers, and journalists. Guide leaders around the world, that fair and wise decisions show care for all, especially those society has forgotten or mistreated. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord, we pray for the people of Israel and Palestine, for those the Gaze strip who are suffering the ravages of war. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord, we pray for the Ukrainian people that they be surrounded by your love and protection against the attacks on their country. Lift them up, and protect, them, end this war against them and let your peace reign. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Nurturing One, bring relief to those carrying heavy burdens. We pray for those in difficult home situations, for foster children, and for all who are in jails or prison. Strengthen those burdened by chronic pain, grief, or other illness . We pray especially for Luke, Dan, Sue, Jennifer, Ray, Ashton, Justin, Lois, Kathy and Rich McLaughlin, Carol, Connor, Ana, Helen, Jose, Hoon, Connie, Pat, Hazel, Deb, Joe, Ruth, Lisa, Rick, Dick, Alisia, Jacklyn, Lillian, Alexis, Jim and those we now raise before you in our hearts. We pray for those affected by the Covid virus in mind, body or spirit. Grant them healing and wholeness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Welcoming God, accompany those in new and unfamiliar places who need an invitation to community. We pray especially for any who have recently moved to start their first year of college, a new job, or a missionary position in another land. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Eternal God, you unite all the faithful in at your heavenly feast. We remember your saints gathered in your eternal presence, especially all who have died in the past year. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We offer our spoken prayers and those held in our hearts trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
REMEMBRANCE OF DEPARTED LOVED ONES:
As the name is read, a tone is sounded and a candle lit reminding us their light and life is in the Lord. You are invited to come forward and light a candle when the name of your loved one is read,
Lord God of every time, countless are the multitudes you have called by name and gathered to yourself.
Comfort us as we grieve those who have died in the past year - Connie Armstrong, Arlene Baumann, Carole, Tammy DeGraff, Eddie, Julia, Ann Kackley, Renus Kackley, Bill Knoell, Virginia Lewis, Makenzie Lashefsky, Christine Z. Lynn, Don Smith, Lillian Pappas Smith, Calvin Strand, Dawanda Warring, those who died from Covid and fires and those who died seeking asylum and were incarcerated.
Lord we pray you comfort all who mourn the loss of loved ones. Amen.
* 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 and ever. Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
* THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift the to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. By the witness of the saints you show us the hope of our calling, and strengthen us to run the race set before us, that we may delight in your mercy and rejoice with them in glory. And so, with all the saints, with the choir of angels, and the hosts of heaven, we praise your and join their unending hymn."
* HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
* THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
All who hunger and thirst, come. - Taste and see the Lord is good.
COMMUNION SONG
CHOIR ANTHEM Making Their Way (Valerius)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Blessed be your name, O God, for we have feasted on your Word, Christ Jesus, the joy and delight of our hearts. Strengthened by this food, send us to gather the world to your banquet, where none are left out and all are satisfied. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
*BLESSING
The God of glory, Jesus Christ, name above all names, and the Spirit who lives in you, bless you now and forever. Amen.
* SENDING SONG Give Thanks for Saints (ELW 428)
DISMISSAL Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE: Postlude on "Kuortane" (Hobby)
The ETERNAL CANDLE is sponsored for the month of November by the Modge and Snell families in loving memory of William Reese, Sr.
We hope that this service was meaningful for you and brought God’s peace and comfort into your homes. Continue to wear a mask and wash your hands frequently and to love others as yourself. Pray, trust, believe and wait. See you next week.
You are welcome to watch the live service at 10:15 am at https://www.facebook.com/stjohnslutheranfolcroft
Or you can watch live streaming on the St. John's website: https://stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org
If you are having trouble accessing, please let us know.
The Social Ministry Committee would love to hear from you if you have any ideas for small fundraising and/or social ministry events that we could pull off with minimal effort. Challenge us with your ideas!!
With our church building getting older, we need everyone’s eyes and ears to help keep her in good repair. If you see any problems like a burnt out light bulb, please let Charlotte, Barb or Bud know or drop a note in the offering plate on Sunday. We need to get a jump on current or upcoming problems.
Each week, we collect food for our hungry neighbors in need in our SHARING GOD'S BOUNTY WAGON. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Please consider making a donation of a food item each week. If you are in need of food, please notify Pastor Wende and she will let you know what we have available.tober
YOU CAN HELP! You can be a good steward AND get your grocery shopping done. Did you know that if you purchase a grocery food gift card from St. John’s, our congregation will receive 5% of all sales of gift cards. Please see Ruth Weaver if you wish to purchase and gift cards. Thank you for helping us raise that 5% for helping to continue our ministry.
Our Financial Response (October)
CURRENT
Budgeted costs per month $ 8,510.68
Offering last month $ 5.158.29
Budget required to date (10 months) $ 85,966.80
Total received to date $ 52,618.90
MISSION SUPPORT
Budget required to date (10 months) $ 4,000.00
Total received to date $ 3,526.99
Please continue to support St. John's. Our expenses continue each month even if we are not all worshipping together inside our building.
Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our website: stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org or sent by mail to
St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.
