WELCOME to Union Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), an open and affirming faith community growing in the treasures of justice, stewardship, artistic expression, and hospitality.
We’re delighted you’re with us this morning.
We ask that you remain masked throughout the service, except during a brief time while partaking of the elements of communion. Communion elements are stacked in a double cup in the trays just outside the sanctuary.
There are several areas in the sanctuary that have been designated as “pods” for families with children. Please speak with a greeter to learn where these are.
WE ARE GATHERED IN FAITH …
PRELUDE “Recordare” from Requiem String quintet
W.A. Mozart
Wanda Becker, violin, Adrian Walker, violin, Victoria Voumard, viola, Beverly Field, cello, Wendy Hyman-Fite, bass
WELCOME Ron Lindsey
WE GIVE PRAISE TO GOD …
CALL TO WORSHIP Jane Koch
On this All Saints Sunday, we remember, Creator God,
that in you, through you, and for you, all things were created.
In you all things hold together and have their being.
Through Abraham, the father of believers, ...
you gave birth to movements of grace that bridge the passage of time.
Through Mary, mother of Jesus, ...
you have shown us the meaning of courage and faithfulness.
Through Paul, who once was known as Saul of Tarsus, ...
you unveiled the power of transformation.
Through Mary Magdalene, apostle to the apostles, ...
you ordained women to proclaim the good news.
Through J.S. Bach, musician of holy mystery, ...
you bathed the world in beauty.
Through Vincent Van Gogh, artist of light, ...
you revealed the sacredness in sunflowers and starry nights.
Through Harriet Tubman, prophet and pilgrim, ...
you led the captives into freedom.
Through all the saints in every time and every land ...
you have given us hope, Creator God,
and in the presence of all the saints,
we lift our voices to you in thankful praise!
*OPENING HYMN “Give Thanks for Life” #649
*LITANY AND INVOCATION Jennifer Darnell
Good morning, Church the Lord be with you!
And also with you!
Let us pray …
WE PROCLAIM THE LOVE OF GOD …
CHILDREN’S MOMENT Anya Weber
ANTHEM “Lacrymosa” from Requiem Chancel Choir W.A. Mozart
SCRIPTURE Ephesians 3:8 – 10, 15 – 19, 4:1 Carol Iglauer
Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the Church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
I pray that, according to the riches of [God’s] glory, [God] may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through [God’s] Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called…
These are the words of our tradition.
God grant us insight.
SERMON “The Very Least of the Saints” Rev. Michael Riggs
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #648
“There Are Some Who by Their Living”
WE JOIN IN PRAYER …
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Riggs
CANDLES OF REMEMBRANCE
Everyone is invited to come forward during the music and light a single candle
in remembrance of those passed away.
ANTHEM “Recordare”from Requiem Chancel Choir W.A. Mozart
WE CELEBRATE IN HOLY COMMUNION …
COMMUNION LITURGY Kathy Davis & Rev. Riggs
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
THE LORD’S PRAYER (using whatever words that are familiar to your tradition)
Our [Creator],
who art in heaven,
hallowéd 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/sins/trespasses,
as we forgive our debtors/those who [sin/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.
DECLARATION OF GIFTS
PARTAKING OF THE ELEMENTS
COMMUNION MUSIC “Hostias” from Requiem Chancel Choir &
W.A. Mozart String quintet
POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Most gracious God, we praise you for what you have given
and for what you have promised us here.
You have made us one with all your saints in heaven and on earth.
You have fed us with the bread of life,
and renewed us for your service.
Now we give ourselves to you; and we ask that our daily living
may be part of the life of your kingdom,
and that our love may be your love
reaching out into the life of the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DISMISSAL Mark 14:26a
WE ARE SENT FORTH TO SERVE AND WITNESS …
*CLOSING HYMN “In the Bulb There Is a Flower” #638
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION Rev. Riggs
*POSTLUDE “Lux æterna” from Requiem Chancel Choir & String Quintet
W.A. Mozart Laurie Kampman, solist
