The Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th St., Coshocton, OH 43812
Pastor Karen Crawford
Mark Wagner, Organist
Courtney Snyder and Sarah Swigert, Liturgists
Prelude: Be Still My Soul by Jean Sibelius; setting, William M. Felton
Greeting/Announcements
Opening Words
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations;
you have been our home throughout all the ages.
You were there before the world was made and will be forever.
From everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Gathering Prayer
God of righteousness, you overcome those who abuse their power and lift up those who suffer. Even now, when evil seems to hold sway, we know that you will have the last word. Keep us faithful as we wait and watch for your coming realm, when you will welcome all your children into your kingdom of justice, peace, and love. Amen.
Hymn: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (stanzas 1 and 2)
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, you have shown us the ways of justice and nurtured us with love. Even so, we have not lived according to your will. When we are oppressed or unjustly accused, we cling to fear and forget to trust in your deliverance. When we are giddy with power and abuse the rights of others, we hold tight to our privilege and forget your laws. Have mercy on us, Lord, for we are weak and prone to disobedience. Hear our confession, and respond to us with kindness, that we might turn to you again, walk in the light, and live in equity and peace; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Meet Our Church Family: Jake, Barb, Courtney and Ari Snyder
Message for Children and Youth: Using Your Talents for God
Prayer for Illumination
Readings: Judges 4:1-7; 1 Thess. 5:1-11
Holy wisdom, holy word. Thanks be to God!
Reading: Matthew 25:14-30
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ!
Message Are You Investing in the Kingdom?
Hymn: Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought (stanzas 1 and 2)
Joys and Concerns
Prayer of Intercession
Holy God, you welcome us into your joy and entrust us with your gospel. In hope for the world to come and with love for the world you made, we offer our prayers for your church, your earth, and your people.
For your church, in this community and around the world, that your good news may be proclaimed to all . . .
For oppressors, that they might know justice, and those oppressed, that they might know peace . . .
For your creation, that we may be the caretakers you intend . . .
For the young, that they might be nurtured in love . . .
For the old, that they might be secure in your care . . .
For those who fight the demons of addiction, that they might find relief . . .
For those who face an early death and those they leave behind, that they might be comforted . . .
For all those who care for the suffering and those in their charge, that they would be freed from pain and fear . . .
For all of those about whom we worry and those whose troubles are known only to you . . .
All this we pray with gratitude for your eternal love and extravagant grace; in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray….
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory: Largo by Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876)
Doxology
Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication
For all that you are and all that you do, we give you thanks, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. We wait in hope for the coming of your realm and offer these gifts to further your kingdom on earth; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hymn: 384 Soon and Very Soon (stanzas 1-3)
(Ron Geese, euphonium; Mark Wagner, piano)
Charge/Benediction
Postlude: Andantino by Orlando Gibbons (1583-1626; arr., David Johnson
Sharing God's Love and Grace 