ORDER OF WORSHIP
All Saints Sunday
November 1, 2026
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.
+ GATHERING +
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,
our dwelling place for all generations,
whose compassion never slumbers.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God
and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy God,
we confess that we have trusted in our preparation
instead of your invitation.
We prioritize our piety over care for your beloved.
We trust the voice of our shame and fear,
which keeps us from entering fully
into relationship with you and others.
We are not awake to the coming of your reign.
Rouse us and rescue us,
that we may enter into your joy.
Amen.
Inherit the riches of God’s grace.
Jesus, the good shepherd, feeds you with his mercy.
You are forgiven.
Blessed are you.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Shall 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
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.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE (page 149)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
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:
Revelation 7:9-17
9 After 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. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb!”
11 And 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, 12 singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who 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.
15 For 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.
16 They will hunger no more and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat,
17 for 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.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 34:1-10, 22 (We will read the Psalm responsively by half verse.)
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
the praise of God shall ever be in my mouth.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
let the lowly hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord;
let us exalt God’s name together.
4 I sought the Lord, who answered me
and delivered me from all my terrors.
5 Look upon the Lord and be radiant,
and let not your faces be ashamed.
6 I called in my affliction, and the Lord heard me
and saved me from all my troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear the Lord
and delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are they who take refuge in God!
9 Fear the Lord, you saints of the Lord,
for those who fear the Lord lack nothing.
10 The lions are in want and suffer hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
22 O 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
1 See 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. 2 Beloved, 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. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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:
Matthew 20:17–28
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 20th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.
17 While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves and said to them on the way, 18 “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; 19 then they will hand him over to the gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and on the third day he will be raised.”
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
24 When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26 It will not be so among you, but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave, 28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”
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
Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW 414
Holy God, we praise your name;
Lord of all, we bow before you.
All on earth your scepter claim,
all in heav'n above adore you.
Infinite your vast domain,
everlasting is your reign.
Hark! The glad celestial hymn
angel choirs above are raising;
cherubim and seraphim,
in unceasing chorus praising,
fill the heav'ns with sweet accord:
"Holy, holy, holy Lord!"
Lo, the apostolic train
join your sacred name to hallow;
prophets swell the glad refrain,
and the white-robed martyrs follow;
and from morn to set of sun
through the church the song goes on.
Holy Father, holy Son,
Holy Spirit, three we name you,
though in essence only one;
undivided God we claim you
and, adoring, bend the knee
while we own the mystery.
APOSTLES' 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
United with the great cloud of witnesses, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all of creation.
A brief silence.
Fill your church with mercy and humility as we proclaim the gospel in our worship and witness in the world. Renew and inspire all who preach and teach among us. Please bless presiding Bishop Curry, Bishop Suárez, and our synod staff.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Restore all lands suffering from ecological degradation. Protect soils and waterways, especially our beloved local lakes. Point us toward innovative ways of living in harmony and joy with creation.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Unite the nations in their actions toward justice and peace. Raise up leaders who listen deeply for the needs of their communities, and surround the election process with wisdom and discernment.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring comfort and care to all who are in need, especially all who mourn this day. Bless those who travel, and encourage those who are looking for work. Sustain any who are weary, experiencing loneliness, or struggling with chronic illness, especially Mary, Anne, Mabel, June, Willah, Rickey, Julie, Carol, Judy, Jeff, Gloria, Jennifer, Brian, James & Gray, Wil, Amy, Al, Al, Bob & Jane, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Barbara, Monica, Avery, Art, John, Abby, Colline, Tim, Arleen & Richard, Betty, Linda, Sue, Natalie, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Beverly & Ray, Helen & Ron, and Max.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Nurture programs and communities that support elders and those who are homebound. Bless caregivers, nurses, chaplains, social workers, and hospice staff. Guide this congregation’s ministry with seniors and their families. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
With grateful hearts we remember all who have died and now rest from their labors, including Jeff Tanner, Don Strandlund, Anne Guilford, Chuck Bietau, Mac McPeak, Arlene Bowles, and Caroline Low. Fill us with songs of praise until we too are gathered at your side.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your steadfast love, faithful God, we entrust all for whom we pray, in the name of Jesus, your beloved.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
GRATITUDE
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
For the Saints
Klein/Angerman
OFFERING SONG
As Saints of Old
ELW 695
As saints of old their firstfruits brought
of orchard, flock, and field
to God, the giver of all good,
the source of bounteous yield;
so we today firstfruits would bring,
the wealth of this good land,
of farm and market, shop and home,
of mind and heart and hand.
OFFERING PRAYER
Eternal God,
our time, talents, and treasures are gifts from you.
Receive what we offer,
and all that you entrust to us,
until hungry no more, all the world is fed,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
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;
By the witness of your 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 choirs of angels and all the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (page 200)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow'r 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
Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father:
Endless is your mercy and eternal your reign.
You have filled all creation with light and life;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
We praise you for the grace shown to your people in every age:
the promise to Israel,
the rescue from Egypt,
the gift of the promised land,
the words of the prophets;
and, at this end of all the ages, the gift of your Son,
who proclaimed the good news in word and deed
and was obedient to your will, even to giving his life.
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.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever.
Amen.
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.
All baptized children of God are invited to the Lord’s Table, where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We partake at the communion rail; gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and we will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. Anyone may remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer, following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
In bread and cup the reign of Christ is breaking in.
Come, receive what Christ has prepared.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
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 sin of the world;
grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW 712
Lord, whose love in humble service
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken,
worked your mercy's perfect deed:
we, your servants, bring the worship
not of voice alone, but heart;
consecrating to your purpose
ev'ry gift which you impart.
Still your children wander homeless;
still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom;
still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
healed the sick and freed the soul,
by your Spirit send your power
to our world to make it whole.
As we worship, grant us vision,
till your love's revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness
dawns upon our quickened sight,
making known the needs and burdens
your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to ardent service,
your abundant life to share.
Called by worship to your service,
forth in your dear name we go,
to the child, the youth, the aged,
love in living deeds to show;
hope and health, good will and comfort,
counsel, aid and peace we give,
that your servants, Lord, in freedom
may your mercy know and live.
Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
ELW 659
Will you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey,
we are trav'lers on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
till we've seen this journey through.
Will you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant, too.
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.
Holy God,
we have received your never-ending mercy in this meal.
You continuously seek the lost,
bind the injured,
and feed your people abundantly.
Now send us out,
awake to your presence,
now and forever.
Amen.
SENDING OF COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
Gracious God, loving all your family with a mother’s tender care: As you sent the angel to feed Elijah with heavenly bread, assist us in this ministry on which we are sent forth. In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those to whom we bring this sacrament, that through the body and blood of your Son we all may know the comfort of your abiding presence. 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 holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you with wisdom to welcome the reign of God,
today and always.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Encourage one another.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Holy God, We Praise Your Name
arr. Michael Burkhardt
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, With One Voice, All Creation Sings, and sundaysandseasons.com, © 1995, 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: SINE NOMINE, 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.
Shall We Gather at the River, Text and Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. Public domain.
Holy God, We Praise Your Name, Text: source unknown; tr. Clarence A. Walworth, 1820-1900, Music: Katholisches Gesangbuch, Vienna, 1774. Public domain.
For the Saints, Words and Music: Jennifer Klein and David Angerman, b. 1955. Text and Music © 2004 Harold Flammer Music, div. Shawnee Press, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
As Saints of Old, Text: Frank von Christierson, 1900-1996, alt. Text © 1961, ren.1989 The Hymn Society admin. Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: English folk tune, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Public domain.
Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service, Text: Albert F. Bayly, 1901-1984. Text © 1961 Oxford University Press. Music: The Sacred Heart, Philadelphia, 1844; arr. Selected Hymns, 1985. Arr. © Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Will You Let Me Be Your Servant, Text: Richard Gillard, b. 1953. Music: Richard Gillard, arr. Betty C. Pulkingham, 1928-2019. Text and music © 1977 Scripture In Song, admin. Capitol CMG Publishing. Words and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
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.
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, Tune: GROSSER GOTT, Katholisches Gesangbuch, Vienna, 1774. Arr: Michael Burkhardt, b.1957. Arr. © 2006 Birnamwood Publications (ASCAP), div. MorningStar Music Publishers. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
