Worship and Devotions

Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world!(Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)

Sunday November 8, 2026

Twenty - Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Today the prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Music

Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand

Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand - ELW 441

Prayer of the Day

O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Music

Soon and Very Soon

Andrae Crouch *Soon And Very Soon* w/Lyrics

Readings

Semi-Continuous Readings

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Gospel - Matthew 25:1-13

Alternate First Readings

Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70

Matthew 25:1-13

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus tells a parable about his own second coming, emphasizing the need for readiness at all times.

[Jesus said to the disciples:] “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten young women took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those young women got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later the other young women came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying

ELW 436 Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying | ELW 436 - YouTube

Sermon

REMEMBRANCE OF MARTIN MADELUNG (1953-2026)

In joyful expectation of the resurrection to eternal life, we remember Martin Madelung, a much loved member of our congregation, dedicated and caring leader and friend, who has gone before us in faith and who now rests from his labours.

Lord God, you have surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses. Grant that we, encouraged by the example of Martin Madelung, may persevere in the course that is set before us and, at the last, share in your eternal joy with all the saints in light, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Music

Borning Cry

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.

You illumine the church with the hope of your new day. Prepare our hearts and minds for the inbreaking of your kingdom, that we might awaken to your transforming love at work in us all. Grant wisdom, courage, and hope to our leaders, both lay and ordained. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You create and sustain the earth’s natural rhythms so that all life might thrive. Show us the wisdom and wonder of nature’s balance; make us careful stewards of our common home. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You make justice roll down in all places and among all nations. Encourage all who protect vulnerable communities and help them rebuild in the aftermath of conflict. Uphold veterans, those who have died in service to their country and give us and all nations a renewed commitment to work for peace. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You hasten to heal our wounds and make whole what is broken. Comfort and heal individuals and families facing difficult diagnoses, receiving palliative care, facing uncertain treatment options, and dealing with illness and grief. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You give rest to weary hearts and bodies. As the days grow shorter in the north, help us to move more slowly and intentionally through our days, honouring the need for quiet and stillness. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

You welcome those who have come before us in faith into the joys of heaven. Sustain us by your grace and guide us into the promise of everlasting life. 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.

Music

Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers

Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ELW 244

Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine (Tune: Blessed Assurance - 3vv) [with lyrics for congregations]