ORDER OF WORSHIP
All Saints Sunday
November 2, 2025
In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Fugue and Finale on "Sine Nomine"
Stanley Saxton
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
+ All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Faithful God,
you have shown us the ways of your heart, yet we stray from your paths.
We are stuck in sinful systems of oppression, and do not embrace the freedom of your faithful promises.
We ignore our neighbors. We exploit the earth.
We reject your abundance,
trusting our impulses instead of your steadfast love.
Repair our relationships, restore what we have broken,
renew our hearts, and bring us to new life.
Amen.
Hear the good news:
God the Faithful One loves you,
+ in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit you are set free.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Gather Us In
ELW 532
Here in this place the new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
gather us in, the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a myst'ry,
we are the old who yearn for your face;
we have been sung throughout all of hist'ry,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,
gather us in, the proud and the strong;
give us a heart, so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.
Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away—
here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
APOSTOLIC GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE (page 193)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
GLORIA
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heav’nly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you,
we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord Jesus Christ,
only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God;
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen, amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray together.
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.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
1 In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: 2 I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, 3 and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.
15 As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. 16 I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: 17 “As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever—forever and ever.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 149 (We will read the Psalm responsively by whole verse)
1 Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song,
God’s praise in the assembly of the faithful.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their maker;
let the children of Zion be joyful in their ruler.
3 Let them praise their maker’s name with dancing;
let them sing praise with tambourine and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in the people
and adorns the poor with victory.
5 Let the faithful rejoice in triumph;
let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the praises of God be in their throat
and a two-edged sword in their hand,
7 to wreak vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings in chains
and their nobles with links of iron,
9 to inflict on them the judgment decreed;
this is glory for all God’s faithful ones. Hallelujah!
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1:11-23
11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 198)
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
GOSPEL: Luke 6:17-31
The Holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
17 [Jesus] came down with [the twelve disciples] and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
20 Then [Jesus] looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.
“Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.
26 “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Silence is kept for reflection.
HYMN OF THE DAY
How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord
ELW 580
How clear is our vocation, Lord,
when once we heed your call
to live according to your word
and daily learn, refreshed, restored,
that you are Lord of all,
and will not let us fall.
But if, forgetful, we should find
your yoke is hard to bear;
if worldly pressures fray the mind
and life itself cannot unwind
its tangled skein of care:
our inward life repair.
We marvel how your saints become
in hindrances more sure;
whose joyful virtues put to shame
the casual way we wear your name,
and by our faults obscure
your pow'r to cleanse and cure.
In what you give us, Lord, to do,
together or alone,
in old routines or ventures new,
may we not cease to look to you,
the cross you hung upon,
all you endeavored done.
APOSTLE’S CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the Apostles’ 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
Gathered with one voice, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
God of all that is, delight in the praises of your people and revive the spirit of your church. Move through us with boldness so that we proclaim the gospel of Christ throughout the world. Renew and revive pastors, deacons, and lay leaders. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of the beginning, give us the courage to advocate for environmental policy that will ensure a viable future for generations to come. Restore desolate places to health and flourishing. Bless those recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of all our days, guide the leaders of governments, nations, municipalities, and all those seeking office. As we approach another election day and as the right to vote and fair representation is under threat, O God, give courage and strength to those who defend democracy. Spirit of wisdom, guide those who vote in Lakeland this week—our mayoral and city commission races, and every amendment to our charter. Grant us leaders who are committed to justice, compassion, and truth. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of comfort in troubled times, we pray for those in need of protection and care, especially Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Ann, Julie, Rita, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Barbara, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Avery, Doris, John, Abby, Mike, Tim, Arleen, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max & Michelle. Trusting that you are constant in mercy, protect those who seek safety and solace. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of what is yet to come, encourage and inspire those who give their time, talent, and treasure in service to your church. By their commitment, further the work of ministry in this place and uplift your gospel. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of time and space, we give thanks for the faithful departed, especially Anna Mae Chinault, Dot Schroeder, Mary Venable, Marquita Storms, Horace Hanchard, and Patty Olstad de Camp. Sustain us in hope of our eternal unity in Christ. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We offer these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your grace and unyielding love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
GRATITUDE
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
OFFERTORY
Unto God
Joel Raney
OFFERING SONG
If We Live, We Live to the Lord
ACS 1025
If we live, we live to the Lord.
If we die, we die to the Lord.
So then, whether we live or whether we die,
we are the Lord's.
OFFERING PRAYER
God of healing and hope,
you bless those who are hungry,
promising to fill them with good things.
Fulfill that promise through us and these your gifts.
Nourish us with the abundance of your feast
and unite us into the blessed body of Jesus Christ our Savior,
now and forever.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 199)
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.
PREFACE
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;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
you have brought us this far along the way.
In times of bitterness you did not abandon us,
but guided us into the path of love and light.
In every age, you sent prophets
to make known your loving will for all humanity.
The cry of the poor has become your own cry;
our hunger and thirst for justice is your own desire.
In the fullness of time, you sent your chosen servant
to preach good news to the afflicted,
to break bread with the outcast and despised,
and to ransom those in bondage to prejudice and sin.
In the night in which he was handed over,
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.
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
There is a place for you at the table of God.
Come, receive the food that does not perish,
a taste of life eternal.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION
The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
LAMB OF GOD (page 201)
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Here Is Bread
ELW 483
Here is bread here is wine
Christ is with us He is with us
Break the bread drink the wine
Christ is with us here
Refrain
In this bread there is healing
In this cup there's life forever
In this moment by the Spirit
Christ is with us here
Here is grace here is peace
Christ is with us He is with us
Know His grace find His peace
Feast on Jesus here Refrain
Here we are joined in one
Christ is with us He is with us
We'll proclaim 'til He comes
Jesus crucified Refrain
Shall We Gather at the River
ELW 423
Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. Refrain
Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we ev'ry burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. Refrain
Soon we'll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. Refrain
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
God of field and flower, wheat and grape,
you have nourished us with the bread of heaven
that gives life to the world.
Strengthened by the body and blood of your Son,
send us out to gather your good gifts for all who
hunger and thirst,
and embolden us to love and serve in Christ’s name.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
For All the Saints
ELW 422
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful servants cometh rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
But then there breaks a yet more glorious day:
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
BENEDICTION
The love of God the Sovereign strengthen you,
God the Son save you,
and God the Holy Spirit anoint you for the work ahead.
The holy Trinity bless you
and grant you a faithful and courageous heart
now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the harvest.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
The Church's One Foundation
Don Hustad
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Fugue and Finale on "Sine Nomine", Tune: Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1872-1958, Music: Stanley E. Saxton, 1904-2002. Music © 1992 Lorenz Publishing Co. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Gather Us In, Text and music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950, Text and music © 1972 GIA Publications, Inc, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord, Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000, Text © 1982 Hope Publishing Company. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved Music: C. Hubert H. Parry, 1848-1918. Public domain.
Unto God, Words and Music: Joel Raney, b. 1956. Words and Music © 2023 Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
If We Live, We Live in the Lord, Text and Music: Rolf Vegdahl, b. 1955. Text and Music © 2009, 2016 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Here Is Bread, Text and Music: Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Text and music © 1991 Make Way Music, admin. Music Services. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Shall We Gather at the River, Text and Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. Public domain.
For All the Saints, Text: William W. How, 1823-1897. Public domain. Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Music © Oxford University Press., Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Church's One Foundation, Music: Samuel S. Wesley, 1766-1837, arr. Donald P. Hustad. 1918-2013. Music © 1992 Lorenz Publishing Co. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
