# Sunday Worship Service ## November 16, 2025 | St. John's United Church of Christ, Chambersburg, PA ### Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost (NL411) --- *Please stand in body or in spirit* ## ORDER OF SERVICE ### Gathering Song **"This Is the Day"** ### Unison Welcome "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" ### Announcements ### Passing of the Peace "The peace of Christ be with you" / "And also with you" ### Chiming of the Trinity ### Prelude --- ## OPENING RITES ### Call to Worship *posted on Worship Resource Archive* Celebrate and rejoice, all you people of Christ, **for the Lord our God is doing a new thing!** The old order is gone, **everything is new!** Illness, disease and crying and mourning, shall be as a distant memory! **Hatred and war shall cease from the earth,** for Christ has risen! Death is defeated! **Hallelujah! Jesus lives! Hallelujah! Amen.** ### Hymn #332 **"O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing"** *Music: Carl G. Glässer; arrangement by Lowell Mason, 1839* *Words: Charles Wesley, 1739* O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, Jesus, the name that calms my fears, that bids my sorrows cease; He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; He speaks, and listening to His voice, new life the dead receives To God all glory, praise, and love be ever, ever given the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of His grace. to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of Thy name. 'tis music in the sinner's ears; 'tis life and health and peace. His blood a-vailed for me. the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe. by saints be low and saints above, the church in earth and heaven. --- ## CONFESSION & ASSURANCE ### Call to Confession *from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* Just as the prophet Isaiah assured God's people so many years ago, he assures us now that God is our salvation. It is because of that confidence, because of that promise, that we dare to approve God with our confession. ### Prayer of Confession *from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* God of peace we confess we are a people of fear. We have let anxiety rule our days and worry our nights. We have been distracted by nerves and focused on tension. We confess we have ignored your command to not be afraid. Forgive us, O God. Calm our hearts, settle our stomachs, and renew in us the ability to find our comfort in you. Amen. ### Kyrie *Hymnal Companion C-4* ### Assurance of Grace *from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* The prophet Isaiah assures us: God is building a new heaven and a new earth; the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. Forgiven and freed, rejoice in what the Lord is creating in you, in me, in all creation. --- ## PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD ### Glory Be to the Father #704 ### Scripture Reading **Luke 21:5-19** > [!bible]+ [Luke 21:5-19 - AMP](https://bolls.life/AMP/42/21/) > 5. As some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and consecrated offerings <i>[of magnificent gifts of gold which were displayed on the walls and hung in the porticoes]</i>, He said, > 6. "As for all these things which you see, the time will come when there will not be one stone left on another that will not be torn down." > 7. They asked Him, "Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to happen?" > 8. He said, "Be careful <i>and</i> see to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name <i>[appropriating for themselves the name Messiah which belongs to Me alone]</i>, saying, 'I am <i>He</i>,' and, 'The time is near!' Do not follow them. > 9. When you hear of wars and disturbances <i>[civil unrest, revolts, uprisings]</i>, do not panic; for these things must take place first, but the end will not <i>come</i> immediately." > 10. Then Jesus told them, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. > 11. There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and <i>[deadly and devastating]</i> pestilences (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven. > 12. "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. > 13. This will be a time <i>and</i> an opportunity for you to testify <i>[about Me]</i>. > 14. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; > 15. for I will give you <i>[skillful]</i> words and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. > 16. But you will be betrayed <i>and</i> handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put <i>some</i> of you to death, > 17. and you will be <i>continually</i> hated by everyone because of <i>[your association with]</i> My name. > 18. But not a hair of your head will perish. > 19. By your <i>[patient]</i> endurance <i>[empowered by the Holy Spirit]</i> you will gain your souls. %% #Luke21 %% ### Responsive Reading **Isaiah 12** *(The Inclusive Bible)* **On that Day, Israel will say: "I praise you, YHWH! Yes, you were angry with me, but your anger has abated and now you are a comfort to me.** **You are my deliverer, O God! I trust you and am no longer afraid of you – you are my strength and my refuge. You are my deliverer."** With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. **And on that Day you will say: "Give thanks to YHWH, invoke God's holy Name! Make known among all the people what YHWH has done. Proclaim that God's Name is exalted.** **Sing praises to YHWH, for God has triumphed. Let this be known throughout the world!** Cry out, shout aloud, you who dwell in Zion, for the Holy One of Israel dwells among us in majesty!" ### Children's Message *Roxanne Davenport* *Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message* ### Scripture Reading **Isaiah 65:17-25** ### Sermon **Rev. Peter Emig** ### Hymn #72 **"Day by Day"** *Music: Oscar Ahnfelt, 1872* *Words: Caroline V. Sandell-Berg, 1866; translated by A. L. Skoog, 1921* Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure gives unto each day what He deems best— Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest. Every day the Lord Himself is near me with a special mercy for each hour; All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me with the promise of His love and power. The protection of His child and treasure is a charge that on Himself He's gladly borne; Therefore I can rest in God and measure all the knowledge that I have of Him is true. Help me then in every tribulation so to trust Your promises, O Lord, That I lose not faith's sweet consolation offered me within Your holy Word. Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meet me, e'er to take, as from a father's hand, One by one, the days, with mercy greet me as, out-going, goes at His command. --- ## RESPONSE TO THE WORD ### Sharing of Joys and Concerns ### Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (DEBTS) ### Invitation to Giving ### Offertory ### Offertory Response #706 **"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"** ### Prayer of Dedication *from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion* God of the wolf and the lamb, the lion and the ox, we give thanks for these gifts and pray that they might be agents of your peace. May they serve creation as we seek your new heaven and new earth. Amen. --- ## SENDING FORTH ### Hymn #37 **"God, Our Father, You Have Led Us"** *Music: John Hughes, 1907* *Words: Terry W. York, 1984* God, our Father, You have led us to this moment in this place. God, our Father, Your Son taught us our lives lost for Him are gain. God, our Father, ever lead us from this moment in this place. Focused here, within and 'round us, dreams and hopes unfold, Help us, then, rejoice in challenge 'til our lives Your vision see. Help us see Divine potential in each challenge 'til our lives in each challenge. nite with grace. goals attain. in each face. God, our Father, You have led us. God, our Father, Your Son taught us. God, our Father, You have led us. Through Your Spirit lead us still. Through Your Spirit teach us still. Through Your Spirit lead us still. Through Your Spirit lead us still. Through Your Spirit teach us still. Through Your Spirit lead us still. ### Commission & Benediction ### Postlude *(seated)* --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ### Service Participants | Role | Name | |------|------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Guest Pastor | Rev. Peter Emig | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Deacon in Charge | Cathy Kinton | | Lector | Erin Hartman | | Children's Corner | Rebecca Pound | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz, Neath Ham, Heidi Ramos | | Bulletin Cover | Edd Scheer | ### Liturgical Notes **Liturgical Color:** Green **Narrative Lectionary:** Year 4 (John) – Cycle NL411 **Primary Text:** Isaiah 9:1-7 **Accompanying Reading:** John 8:12 **Secondary Reading:** Isaiah 65:17-25 *(Isaiah 12 responsive reading)* **Gospel Connection:** John 8:12 – *"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."* ### Memorial Note The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross are given in loving memory of Albert and Evelyn Sites by Larry and Vonnie Wadel. --- ## THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN'S ### Today: Sunday, November 16 - **After Worship:** Cookie Dough and Coffee Sales by St. John's Nursery School (also pizza and sub coupons available) ### Monday, November 17 - **10:00 am** – Chi Gong/Zazen silent body energy and soulful meditation – Parlor Room 104 - **11:30 am** – Book Sale Volunteer lunch – Fellowship Hall - **1:30 pm** – Monday Afternoon Book Study (Ch. 9) – Conference Room 111 - **6:30 pm** – Bible and a Beer – Trojan Diner - **7:00 pm** – Boy Scouts – Fellowship Hall ### Tuesday, November 18 - **5:30 pm** – Yoga – Room 202 - **6:00 pm** – Ladies' Bible – Zoom - **6:30 pm** – Cub Scouts – Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups ### Wednesday, November 19 - **6:30 pm** – Council Meeting – Conference Room 111 ### Thursday, November 20 - **6:00 pm** – Bell Choir – Choir Room 103 - **6:15 pm** – Girl Scouts – Room 201 - **7:15 pm** – Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 103 ### Saturday, November 22 - **9:00 am** – Fall Clean Up – St. John's grounds ### Sunday, November 23 - **8:45 am** – Godly Play Class – Room 119 - **8:45 am** – SPARK! Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - **8:45 am** – Teen Discussion Class – Room 206 - **8:45 am** – Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 - **10:00 am** – Sunday Worship – Sanctuary (Totenfest) - **3:00 pm** – Thanksgiving Community Worship Service – Calvary United Methodist Church --- ## ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICES ### Angel Tree and Hoffman Homes Gift Tags Angel Tree and Hoffman Homes Gift Tags are now available to be picked up. Angel Tree tags are on the Christmas tree in the lobby; Hoffman Homes' tags are on the Christmas tree in the church office. Consult the November Spirit or contact Pastor Caroline regarding gift guidelines. ### St. John's Nursery School Cookie & Coffee Sales St. John's Nursery School will be selling The Butcher Shoppe cookie dough and coffee again this year, as well as pizza and sub coupons, after worship on Sunday November 16. Delivery of coffee and cookie dough will be in early December. ### Totenfest – Sunday, November 23 Totenfest will be Sunday, November 23, the last Sunday of the church year. We will remember with love and thanksgiving those members of our faith community who have died during the past year. We also wish to include the people in your lives who have transitioned to be with God since our last observance of Totenfest on November 24, 2024. **Please contact Pastor Caroline by Monday, November 17** with the name of the person you wish to be remembered, along with their date of death, so that we can honor them during the service and in the bulletin. ### Church Directory Update As we work to finalize our new photo directory, we need your updated contact information. If your address, phone number or email address has changed, please share this with the church office. Thank you! ### November First Fruits – Supporting Heifer International November First Fruits will go toward supporting Heifer International. Heifer's model includes working in economic development, environmental sustainability, food security and nutrition, risk mitigation and women's empowerment and social capital. Partnering with Children and Youth Ministry, our First Fruits will go toward strengthening communities across the globe. **Speak with Roxanne Davenport** to learn more how you can make a difference. ### Sign Up Now: Cookies for Kids (Cookie Walk) Sign up now for Cookies for Kids (aka Cookie Walk) on Saturday, December 6! Sign-up sheets are in both lobbies. **Contact Roxanne Davenport or Harold Collier** with any questions. ### Thanksgiving Worship Join us on Sunday, November 23, 3:00 pm at Calvary United Methodist Church (150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville) for the CMC Thanksgiving Community Worship Service. ### Staff Christmas Gifts Staff Christmas Gifts are a way we at St. John's honor our talented staff at Christmas. If you would like to participate, please designate "Staff Christmas Gift" on your envelope or check; contributions should be submitted by Sunday, December 7, in order for our staff to receive this by Christmas. ### November/December Upper Room Devotionals November/December Upper Room devotionals are currently available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. ### Bible and a Beer Bible and a Beer is an opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. **Our next gathering will be November 17.** ### Birthday Balloons All are invited to share in a special coffee hour the last Sunday of the month to honor all who celebrated a birthday that month. **November birthdays will be honored on Sunday, November 30.** We hope you'll join us! ### LifeTalk **What's on your mind?** Just want to talk with other adults for a bit? Grab your snack/coffee & meet in the parlor after worship on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome. ### Stay in Touch Want to stay in touch? Contact the Church Office to be added to our email list! You can sign up to receive our regular weekly emails, Diana's Devotionals, and/or be part of the Prayer Chain. --- ## CONTACT INFORMATION **The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton, Pastor** [email protected] | (641) 260-1868 (cell) **Tonya Schwartz, Office Administrator** [email protected] | (717) 263-8593 (office) **Gary Crum, Music Director | Barbara Motichka, Organist** **Roxanne Davenport, Director of Children & Youth** **The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman, Pastor Emeritus** --- ## ST. JOHN'S VISION & MISSION ### Our Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### Our Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor ### Worship Resources - Call to Worship posted on the Worship Resource Archive of the Lectionary Sermons website - Feasting on the Word Worship Companion - The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation --- *Join us for a time of fellowship after worship!* *The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available.* **Birthdays this week:** 11/17 Mason Leister; 11/18 Judy Hodges and Beth Rensch --- **St. John's United Church of Christ** Chambersburg, Pennsylvania --- ## Notes for Courtney's Ministry Context This service marks the **Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost** in Year 4 (John) of the Narrative Lectionary, with primary focus on **Isaiah 9:1-7** ("Isaiah: A Child Is Born") aligned with the Advent season's approach. The responsive reading from **Isaiah 12** (using The Inclusive Bible's gender-inclusive language for YHWH) emphasizes liberation theology's themes of comfort, strength, and deliverance from oppression. The sermon by Rev. Peter Emig (guest pastor) paired with Rev. Caroline Saxton's pastoral leadership reflects St. John's commitment to progressive, inclusive biblical scholarship. The hymn selections—particularly the Wesleyan emphasis in "O for a Thousand Tongues" (Wesley, 1739) and the contemplative "Day by Day" (Swedish liturgical tradition)—support integration of both prophetic justice and mystical/contemplative dimensions appropriate for a UCC congregation.