Proper 25
October 25th, 2026
You are welcome to print this liturgy at home and bring it with you on Sunday.
Call to Worship
The Lord be with you.
and also with you.
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Opening Sentences
from the Northumbria Community
One thing I have asked of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life;
to behold the beauty of the Lord
and to seek God in God’s temple.
Who is it that you seek?
We seek the Lord our God.
Do you seek God with all your heart?
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Do you seek God with all your soul?
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Do you seek God with all your mind?
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Do you seek God with all your strength?
Amen. Christ, have mercy.
Processional
They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love (Peter Scholtes)
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity, may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity, and save each others pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love
All praise to the Father from whom all things come
And all praise to Christ Jesus His only Son
All praise to the Spirit, who makes us one
And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love
Song of Praise
Blest Be the Tie That Binds (John Fawcett, Lowell Mason)
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that a- bove.
Before our Father's throne we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.
When we are called to part, it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet a- gain.
The Collect of the Day from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
O God most holy, in Jesus Christ you have laid a foundation upon which to build our lives. Help us to follow your perfect law of love, so that we may fulfill and observe it to the end. Amen.
First Lesson Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
“Speak to all the congregation of the Israelites and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
“You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand idly by when the blood of your neighbor is at stake: I am the Lord.
“You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 1
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the *wicked,
or take the path that sinners *tread,
or sit in the seat of *scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the *Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and *night.
They are like trees planted by streams of *water,
which yield their fruit in its *season,
and their leaves do not *wither.
In all that they do, they *prosper.
The wicked are not *so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives a*way.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the *judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the *righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the *righteous,
but the way of the wicked will *perish.
Glory be to the Father, and to the *Son,
and to the Holy *Spirit,
as it was in the be*ginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. A*men.
Second Lesson 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals but to please God, who tests our hearts. As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed, nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love
The Gospel Reading Matthew 22:34-46
+ This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: “What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet” ’?
“If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Gospel Acclamation
And they'll know we are Christians by our love by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love
Homily
A Creed from the United Church of Canada
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
The Prayers of the People
by Rev. Terri Pilarski
For all the blessings of this life, we give thanks to you, Creator God. For families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers, who nurture us, that the love of God may grow within. That your love, your Word, like a seed, may grow to produce in us, good fruit.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For the leaders of various nations and cities, that they may lead with strong hearts and gentle hands and generous spirits, with compassion and mercy, with wisdom and grace. May they reflect your will guiding all their actions and decisions.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For those who serve in harms way, those who live in dangerous places, those who live in areas of war and strife, those who live in fear, those who worry about employment, bills, food, and struggle just to find dignity in life. May your grace bring peace and safety to all people, one to another.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For those who suffer from any illness or dis-ease of mind, body, or spirit: Restore these, and all those we carry in our hearts, to fullness of health— health as only you, O God, can bring. May your mercy shower each of us with healing mercy and love.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For those who are dying, and for those who have died: send forth your comforting love. Give solace to those who mourn. Console those who grieve. May your grace surround us like a mantle upon our heads,
a shawl upon our shoulders, a hand, to hold our hand.
May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we have hurt others, and we have been hurt. We have presumed upon others, and we have been presumed upon. We have taken others for granted, and we have been taken for granted. We have dishonored others, and we have been dishonored. As we receive your forgiveness for our wrongs, we extend forgiveness to others who have wronged us. Have mercy upon us all. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Be reminded my friends: as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. So, let us heed God’s admonitions that we need not be afraid and that God has not come to condemn the world but to redeem it! Amen.
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Song of Preparation
Hold Us Together (Steve Wilson and Matt Maher)
It don't have a job
Don't pay your bills
Won't buy you a home
In Beverly Hills
Won't fix your life
In five easy steps
Ain't the law of the land
Or the government
But it's all you need...
Love, will, hold us together
Make us a shelter
to weather the storm
And I'll be my brother's keeper
So the whole world will know
That we're not alone
It's waiting for you
Knockin' at your door
Every moment of truth
When your heart hits the floor
And you're on your knees, then
Love, will, hold us together
Make us a shelter
to weather the storm
And I'll be my brother's keeper
So the whole world will know
That we're not alone
Love, will, hold us together
Make us a shelter
to weather the storm
And I'll be my brother's keeper
So the whole world will know
That we're not alone
Presentation Hymn
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen
About Communion
On the night Jesus washed his disciples feet and promised to overcome the troubles of this world, he gave his friends a meal to remember their belonging to him and to one another. Friends of Jesus have continued to celebrate this communion meal since that night, and this table is open to all who desire the belonging and peace of Jesus.
Gluten free wafers and grape juice are available if you have those health needs. An usher will invite you to approach the kneelers to receive the meal. If for any reason you’re not prepared to join us, you’re welcome to remain in your seat. If coming to the front is physically difficult for you, please let an usher know and the elements will be brought to you. If you’d like to come up and simply receive a blessing, you can put your arms across your chest and a prayer of peace will be prayed over you.
The Great Thanksgiving
from the Children’s Sabbaths Celebration — Children’s Defense Fund (adapted)
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We give you thanks and praise, amazing God, who made heaven and earth and sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry; You watch over the strangers, uphold the children and most vulnerable caregivers, and have triumphed over sin and evil. And so we join the saints and angels in proclaiming your glory, as we say,
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
+ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We praise you, O God, for sending your beloved child Jesus born as a baby nurtured by his family, and protected by strangers, who grew as a child who was taught in his temple, surrounded by his community, and guided by his parents, who became an adult who loved and blessed the children, who cared for those who were sick, poor, and left out, who taught that God loves us like a parent, and who called us his friends. This one who was born a baby needing us died our Savior whom we all need, triumphant even over death, freeing us to live as your beloved children.
On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at the table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. As you do this, remember me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me.”
Around your table, as your children, O God, we remember Jesus Christ, who came in love, lived in love, and died in love, who was and is and is to come. We offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and we offer to you our lives.
Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ, that they strengthen us to welcome the children, to show your love, to work for your justice, to bring your peace. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen.
As Christ teaches us, we pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
You are welcome to pray in any language.
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.
The Breaking of the Bread
The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.
We being many are one body, for we all share in one bread.
The Invitation
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Jesus Christ is holy, Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Communion Music
All Belong Here (Hannah Rand and Lenora Rand)
When you’re not sure who you really are
When all you feel is the shape of your scars
And you have more wounds than you can count
Open your eyes, look all around
You aren’t alone, this is your home
Come and remember who you are here
Do this to remember who I am
Come and remember you belong here
All belong here
When you don’t know how to forgive
When locked doors seem like the only way to live
And you’ve got more questions than you can count
Open your eyes, look all around
You aren’t alone, this is your home
Come and remember who you are here
Do this to remember who I am
Come and remember you belong here
All belong here
At this table come as you are
Broken and bleeding’s ok
At this table eat and be filled
Come and drink in this grace.
Come and remember who you are here
Do this to remember who I am
Come and remember you belong here
All belong here
Christians, Let Us Love One Another (Sr. Claudia Foltz, and Armand Nigro)
Christians, let us love one another,
as we share the true living bread.
Jesus is our God and our brother;
with his flesh and blood we are fed.
Everyone who loves is born of God;
Jesus is our life, God is love.
We who break this bread are one body,
we who share this cup are all one,
Children of our Father in heaven,
sharers of the life of God’s Son.
Everyone who loves is born of God;
Jesus is our life, God is love.
We who eat and drink at this table,
die and rise again with our Lord,
Drawing from our rock, living water,
for all they who thirst for accord.
Everyone who loves is born of God;
Jesus is our life, God is love.
The Great Silence
When all have received communion, ministers and people keep silence for reflection.
Prayer After Communion
Let us pray.
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
Recessional
Love Will Never Fail (1 Corinthians 13) (The Porter’s Gate)
Love is patient, love is kind
It has no arrogance or pride
It seeks the good of others first
It keeps no record of wrong or hurt
It finds no joy in wickedness
But rejoices in the truth
Through it all it will endure
Love will never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never fail
Though all prophecy will cease
Though our knowledge, it will fade
Though an end will come to speech
And even death will pass away
We will see you face to face
And your mercy will prevail
Faith and hope, they will remain
Love will never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never, never fail
Love will never fail
The Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!