October 26, 2021

We are gathered today on the occupied territory of the Sana and Tonkawa People who have stewarded this land for generations.

GATHERING

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

In the name of the Father,
and of the ☩ Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ.
By grace you have been saved.
In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ,
your sins are forgiven.
Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.
Amen.

GATHERING SONG – Blest Be The Tie That Binds

Word – Romans 3:19-28

19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, in order to shut every mouth and make it so the whole world has to answer to God. 20 It follows that no human being will be treated as righteous in his presence by doing what the Law says, because the knowledge of sin comes through the Law. 21 But now God’s righteousness has been revealed apart from the Law, which is confirmed by the Law and the Prophets. 22 God’s righteousness comes through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who have faith in him. There’s no distinction. 23 All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, 24 but all are treated as righteous freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus. 25 Through his faithfulness, God displayed Jesus as the place of sacrifice where mercy is found by means of his blood. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness in passing over sins that happened before, 26 during the time of God’s patient tolerance. He also did this to demonstrate that he is righteous in the present time, and to treat the one who has faith in Jesus as righteous. 27 What happens to our bragging? It’s thrown out. With which law? With what we have accomplished under the Law? 28 No, not at all, but through the law of faith. We consider that a person is treated as righteous by faith, apart from what is accomplished under the Law.

WORD – John 8:31-36

31 Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They responded, “We are Abraham’s children; we’ve never been anyone’s slaves. How can you say that we will be set free?” 34 Jesus answered, “I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 A slave isn’t a permanent member of the household, but a son is. 36 Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you really will be free.

Reflection

HYMN OF THE DAY – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

CREED


I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.*
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.


PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious God,
we commend all for whom we pray,
trusting in your mercy;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.

PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Communion

The Lord be with you.
And also with you. 

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Thanksgiving at the Table

LORD’S PRAYER

Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever.
Amen.

Communion Song

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you
with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor
and ☩ give you peace.
Amen.

SENDING SONG – Go My Children

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. To Love and Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

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