GATHERING
PRELUDE/ENTRANCE/LIFE OF THE CHURCH
*OPENING SONG
“Surely the Presence of the Lord” UMH 328
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Liturgist: Family of God, rejoice! The kingdom of God is all around us! People: We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand.
Liturgist: Sometimes we grow weary in the waiting, and we wonder if we are watching and working for nothing. People: We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand.
Liturgist: Sometimes God surprises, and we are overwhelmed by joy and wonder at all God is doing among us. People: We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand.
Liturgist: Family of God, whether you are weary or energized, worried or wonder-filled, rejoice! The kingdom of God is all around us! People: We gather to encourage one another to keep awake and watch, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, August 2026.
Opening Prayer
Gracious and ever-watchful God, You call us to be ready for your presence, to keep our lamps burning, and to live each day in faithful expectation of your kingdom. Too often we become distracted by the concerns of this world, neglecting the things that nourish our faith and draw us closer to you. As we gather in worship today, fill us with the oil of your Spirit. Awaken our hearts to your voice, open our eyes to your work among us, and renew our commitment to follow Christ with wisdom and perseverance. Make us a people who are prepared not by fear, but by faith; not by anxiety, but by trust; not merely waiting, but actively serving in love. May this time of worship deepen our devotion, strengthen our hope, and prepare us to meet you wherever you come to us: in Word and Sacrament, in neighbor and stranger, in joy and sorrow, and one day in the fullness of your glory.
Through Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom, Savior, and Lord. Amen.
. Compiled by CoPilot November 1, 2026
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
SHARING GOD’S PEACE
GOD SIGHTINGS AND INTERCESSIONS
THE LORD’S PRAYER
PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
SPECIAL MUSIC
*FIRST LESSON 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 25:1-13
MESSAGE
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
SONG OF RESPONSE
“Give Me Oil For My Lamp" Words on the Screen
*OFFERING OF OURSELVES
THE APOSTLES CREED UMH 881
*DOXOLOGY UMH 95
*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
SENDING FORTH
*SONG OF DISMISSAL
“The Battle Hymn of the Republic" UMH 717
*BENEDICTION
*PEACE
“God Be with You till We Meet Again” UMH 672
Verse 1