October 31, 2004

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is, and is to come!
Revelation: Triumph of the Lamb

October 31, 2004

Gathering in Christ's name

Call to worship based on Psalm 111

Leader: Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Men: He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
Women: He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
All: We will extol the LORD with all our hearts
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
Men: He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
Women: The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
All: We will extol the LORD with all our hearts
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
Men: They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.
Women: He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever-
holy and awesome is his name.
All: We will extol the LORD with all our hearts
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.

Prayer of Invocation

From the rising of the sun to its setting, O Lord, your name is to be praised. We are here gathered to join in that praise. Make this a holy hour. Make this a joyful time of praise and sincere worship. Stir us by your Spirit so that none may stay without an awareness of your presence and love and none may leave without a sense of your accomplishment in the details and decisions of each day ahead.

Hymns Praise, I will praise you Lord HWB 76
What a friend we have in Jesus MH 337

Children's story Anne Dickey

Hymn O bless the Lord HWB 600

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture Revelation 15 - 16
Sermon "Wrath in the hope of repentance"
Hymn of Response Joy to the world HWB 318

Responding to God's call

Joys and concerns
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
Offering

Let us give thanks to the Lord with all our being. In the company of the upright, let us honor God for the blessings and goodness we have received.

Announcements
Hymn I to the hills will lift my eyes HWB 169

You have met for worship. Go forth to witness. You have met to hear the word of God. Go forth to share the Word. You have met as God's people. Go forth as Christ's body.

Today

Worship Leader - Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music - Dottie Scott, Kim Flash
Sermon - Roy Hange
Nursery - Miriam Nissley
Scripture readers - Junior youth

Announcements

Covenant Renewal Sunday will be November 7 this year. On that day we will renew our commitment to Christ and one another, as a community of faith. At that time all persons who have been members here will be asked to renew their membership covenant with the congregation. This includes associate members as well. Persons who are members elsewhere and who for various reasons do not want to become a member or associate member are welcome to sign the covenant book as a friend of the congregation.

The VMRC Auxiliary will hold its annual Fall Bake Sale on Saturday, November 20. Proceeds will provide quality of life assistance for nursing care patients. Please bring your homemade baked goods (no cream pies) to Park Gables on Friday afternoon, November 19. Holiday items especially appreciated!

"When was the last time you got to spend some time with your spouse? When will you do your Christmas shopping? Youth to the rescue: Saturday, November 20th childcare will be provided at the church from 5 P.M.-9 P.M.(supper not included). Donations for your evening of freedom will go to the youth fund for Assembly 2005. Notify Lois Alderfer if your children plan to attend."

Below are the links to the MCC bridges not walls web site. Please contact Mel Janzen or Jean Marie Shumate for a draft letter or if you are planning to write a letter. www.mcc.org/us/washington/bridges/talkingpoints.html

"Can't Keep Quiet" is the theme for Charlotte 2005, the joint convention of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. Plan now to attend, July 4-9, 2005. Look for registration materials in December! And watch for updates on the web site at www.Charlotte2005.org.

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: This is All Saint's Day. Remember to thank God for the saints in the past who gave us a legacy of faith. Also identify present-day saints who live close by and in countries around the world; thank God for their witness of Christ's love to all they meet.

Mennonite Mission Network: Pray for Tongbai, interim team leader, and other local staff who are carrying on ministry among the Isaan people in the Borabur area of Thailand, during the North American Ministry of mission workers Pat and Rad Houmphan.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Food Bank, Salvation Army, and the initiative for the homeless in Charlottesville.