Proper 27
November 8th, 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
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Robert Robinson, John Wyeth)

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of God's unchanging love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I'm come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Song of Praise
Christ Is the Life of the World (Sandra McCracken)

In Christ we offer
All that he has offered
The perfect offering

Christ is the life of the world
Christ is the life of the world

So we remember
All that he remembered
The whole of love returned

Christ is the life of the world
Christ is the life of the world

Let us lift up, lift our hearts
Let us lift up, lift our hearts
It is good to lift our hearts to the Lord

Sent forth in beauty
Reconciling all things
Radiant in holiness

Christ is the life of the world
Christ is the life of the world

The Collect of the Day from Opening Prayers (1997)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Brighten your Church, O God, with the promise of your kingdom, and waken our hearts to its light. Bid us hasten with faith undimmed to greet the bridegroom’s return and join the wedding feast. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

First Lesson Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor—lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan and made his offspring many.

“Now, therefore, revere the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods, for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went and among all the peoples through whom we passed, and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

But Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” And the people said to Joshua, “No, we will serve the Lord!” Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” The people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and him we will obey.” So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 78

Give ear, O my people, to my *teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my *mouth.
I will open my mouth in a *parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of *old,

things that we have heard and *known,
that our ancestors have *told us.
We will not hide them from their *children;
we will tell to the coming *generation

the glorious deeds of the *Lord
and his might and the wonders that he has *done.
He established a decree in *Jacob
and appointed a law in *Israel,

which he commanded our *ancestors
to teach to their *children,
that the next generation might *know them,
the children yet un*born,
and rise up and tell them to their *children,

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 4:13-18

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

You are steadfast, steadfast
You are steadfast, steadfast

The Gospel Reading Matthew 25:1-13

+ This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Matthew.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.

“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.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Gospel Acclamation

You are steadfast, steadfast
You are steadfast, steadfast

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
I Boast No More (Sandra McCracken, Isaac Watts)

No more my God, I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done
I quit the hopes I held before,
To trust the merits of Thy Son

No more my God
No more my God
No more my God
I boast no more

Now, for the loss I bear his name,
What was my gain I count my loss
My former pride I call my shame
And nail my glory to His cross

No more my God
No more my God
No more my God
I boast no more

Yes, and I must, I will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus' sake
O may my soul be found in Him
And of His righteousness partake
Amen, amen

The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before Thy throne
But faith can answer Thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done

No more my God
No more my God
No more my God
I boast no more

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 Who Hunger, Gather Gladly (Sylvia G. Dunstan)

All who hunger, gather gladly
Holy manna is our bread
Come from wilderness and wand'ring
Here in truth we will be fed

You that yearn for days of fullness
All around us is our food
Taste and see the grace eternal
Taste and see that God is good

All who hunger, never strangers
Seeker, be a welcome guest
Come from restlessness and roaming
Here in joy we keep the feast

We that once were lost and scattered
In communion's love have stood
Taste and see the grace eternal
Taste and see that God is good

All who hunger, sing together
Jesus Christ is living bread
Come from loneliness and longing
Here in peace we have been fed

Blest are those who from this table
Live their days in gratitude
Taste and see the grace eternal
Taste and see that God is good

Here Is Love (William Edwards, Robert S. Lowry, and William Rees)

Here is love, vast as the ocean, lovingkindness long foretold.
When the Prince of Life, our ransom, gave a love that can't be sold.
Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten, throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion, fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers, poured incessant from above,
Heaven’s peace and perfect justice kissed a broken world in love.

Grace and love, like mighty rivers, poured incessant from above,
Heaven’s peace and perfect justice kissed a broken world in love.
Heaven’s peace and perfect justice kissed a broken world in 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
The Risen Christ (Walter Greatorex, Nigel Weaver)

The risen Christ, who walks on wounded feet
from garden tomb through darkened city street,
unlocks the door of grief, despair, and fear,
and speaks a word of peace to all who hear.

The risen Christ, who stands with wounded side,
breathes out his Spirit on them to abide
whose faith still wavers, who dare not believe;
new grace, new strength, new purpose they receive.

The risen Christ, who breaks with wounded hand
the bread for those who fail to understand,
reveals himself, despite their lingering tears,
enflames their hearts, then quickly disappears.

May we, Christ's body, walk and serve and stand
with those oppressed in this and every land,
till all are blessed and can a blessing be,
restored in Christ to true humanity.

The Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Proper 27November 8th, 2026

Proper 27
November 8th, 2026