Order of Worship for November 8, 2020

PRELUDE AND INTROIT:  Zion Hears the Watchmen’s Voices by J. S. Bach/ed. John Rutter

Zion hears the watchmen’s voices, with gladness all her heart rejoices, she eager wakes to greet the day.  See, her Lord from heaven descending with grace and truth and power unending, her day-star dawns with brightest ray.  O come, thou blessed One, Lord Jesu, God’s own Son, Hosanna!  We follow there Thy feast to share, and taste the joys beyond compare.  Glory now to God we render, who reigns on high in heavenly splendor; let every tongue in praise unite.  Lo, we enter heaven’s bright portal to join the song of saints immortal with angels round thy throne of light.  No mortal joy can ever with heaven’s true bliss compare; Alleluia!  Rejoice below, i-o, -io!  Sing out in dulci jubilo.  [Philip Nicolai]

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP

PRAYER

HYMN:  Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers  [Llangloffan]

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE LESSON:  Matthew 25:1-13

HYMN:  Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning  [Keep Your Lamps]

SERMON:  “Only the Prepared Can Welcome”

ANTHEM:  Lost in the Night Finnish Folk Tune/arr. by Kyle S. Haugen

Lost in the night do the people yet languish, longing for morning the darkness to vanquish, plaintively heaving a sigh full of anguish.  Will not day come soon?  Must we be vainly awaiting the morrow?  Shall those who have light no light let us borrow, giving no heed to our burden of sorrow? Will you help us soon?  Help us soon.  Sorrowing wanderers, in darkness yet dwelling, dawned has the day of a radiance excelling, death’s dreaded darkness forever dispelling.  Christ is coming soon!  Will not day come soon?  Come and save us soon!  Christ is coming soon!  [Finnish song tr. Olav Lee]

PRAYER

HYMN:  Take My Life  [Hendon]

BENEDICTION

RESPONSE:  Let Your Light Shine by Mary McDonald

Let your light shine, shine, shine for Jesus all the time, time, time.  Walk in the light, beautiful light of his love!  Let your voices praise, praise, praise!  Let your love for Jesus raise!  Walk in the light, beautiful light of his love!  Come to the light, heavenly light:  Jesus is the light of the world!  Shine every-day, let your spirit say:  Jesus is the light of the world!  Come to the One; glory in the Son!  All the debt for sin is paid.  Let your voices sing, for we know the King:  Jesus is the truth and way!  Shine your light, heavenly light.  Walk in the light of his love!  Let your light shine, shine, shine for Jesus all the time, time, time.  Walk in the light, beautiful light of his love!  Walk in the light of his love!