NOV 15, 2026 ORDER OF WORSHIP

 

THE FIRST WORD Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

Pastor: For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function. 

People: So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

 

WELCOME Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist

 

PRELUDE Dr. Troy Banks

 

INVOCATION (Remain Seated) Liturgist

Eternal God, you have been our dwelling place through every generation. Teach us to number our days wisely, awaken us to your presence, and help us live faithfully in the light of Christ. Amen.

 

**CALL TO WORSHIP Liturgist

Leader: The night does not have the final word.

People: We belong to the light.

 

Leader: Fear does not have the final word.

People: We belong to the light.

 

Leader: Despair does not have the final word.

People: We belong to the light.

 

Leader: Wake up, encourage one another, and put on faith, hope, and love.

People: God has called us to live as children of the light. We will not sleepwalk through this life. We are awake. We are ready. We are here to worship God.

**TFWS HYMN #2223 “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”

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 

will one day be restored.

And they'll know we are Christians 

by our love, by our love,

yes, 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,

yes, 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 man's dignity 

and save each man's pride.

And they'll know we are Christians 

by our love, by our love,

yes, 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.

And all praise to the Spirit 

who makes us one.

And they'll know we are Christians 

by our love, by our love,

yes, they'll know we are Christians 

by our love.

 

OFFERING & OFFERTORY

 

**DOXOLOGY    

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

JOYS AND CONCERNS Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

PASTORAL PRAYER

LORD’S PRAYER

 

SCRIPTURE READING 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 NRSV Liturgist

5 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 

2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 

3 When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 

5 for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6 So, then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober, 

7 for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 

8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 

9 For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 

11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

 

RESPONSE TO SCRIPTURE Liturgist

Leader:  The Word of God for the people of God.

Congregation:  Thanks be to God.

 

SPECIAL MUSIC Dr. Troy Banks

 

SERMON “Practicing Our Faith: Grow Together” Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

**UMH HYMN #548 “In Christ There Is No East or West”

Verse 1

In Christ there is no east or west

In Him no south or north

But one great fellowship of love

Throughout the whole wide earth

 

Verse 2

In Christ shall true hearts everywhere

Their high communion find

His service is the golden cord

Close bindiing humankind

 

Verse 3

In Christ is neither Jew or Greek

And neither slave nor free

Both male and female heirs are made

And all are kin to me

 

Verse 4

In Christ now meet both east and west

In Him meet south and north

All Christly souls are one in Him

Throughout the whole wide earth

 

FELLOWSHIP BLESSING Youth Representative

God, thank you for all you have given us.

Bless our food and our time together.

Help us use what you have given us to serve others, share your love, and do good in Your world for Your name.

Amen.

**BENEDICTION Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

POSTLUDE Dr. Troy Banks

(Please be seated as the postlude closes our service)