Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
November 19, 2023
Scripture Texts: Zephaniah 1:7–16; Psalm 90:1–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11; Matthew 25:14–30
Sermon: Dressed in Faith and Love
Join us at 10:30am for our service of worship featuring readings from the Holy Scripture, Holy Communion, an anthem from our Men's Choir, sacred music, a chat with our children, and a message about how be dressed in faith and love until the Lord's return.
Online Crossword based on today's readings
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Order of Worship
Download today's bulletin PDF for the entire order of worship and more.
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
Help us, Lord, in even the briefest silences of life, to remember that your kingdom is in our midst. You have prepared a sacrifice, given once for all people throughout time. Your table is set in our midst, and we would remember you and your given grace. Consecrate us and speak to us in the silence of our hearts, Holy Spirit. Bring the Word of Christ Jesus to us anew. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We dwell in you, Lord, for apart from you we have no home. All the years of our lives, until the day you return us to the dust, we depend upon you. Just so, our sins are ever before you; we are undone. So, teach us to number our days, to know the brevity of life. Give us hearts of wisdom so that we may turn to you with true faith, knowing that even sinners like us have a home in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We long for your return, Lord Jesus. Nevertheless, you will take us by surprise. So, help us to live as children of the day by living in your light. Give us strength of spirit, that we may keep watch like Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns at midnight. Fortify us with faith and love and salvation, that we might be all the more eager for your return, or if by your will, for that blessed sleep until you return for all your people . Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give us the strength of hope, that we may be faithful to keep watch for your return, Lord Jesus. Fill us with the oil of faith, even enough to last until that Day, or until that day when, by your blessed will, you call us each home to you. Until such time, we ask that you give this same hope and faith to all those among us who are suffering in any way. Keep them filled to overflowing, Spirit of Christ, that they abound in faith, hope, and love for you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy — through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Giving
You may give an offering online, using this secure link. If you do not have an account with Tithely, it will take a few minutes to set that up. If you need help, please call the church office at 704-633-0922. Please note that a small, typical percentage is retained by Tithely.
You may also mail offerings to:
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
205 St. Paul's Church Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
License
Streaming License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 URL: stpaulslutheran.church GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC),as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.
Performance License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play and perform in any of the Licensee’s facilities within the United States any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP,BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS PERFORMmusic License Terms and Conditions.
CCLI License # 11395633
Announcements
Please consult the bulletin and the current "Epistle" where you will find complete announcements.
• Soupbeans and cornbread supper: December 2, 4–7pm in Fellowship Hall
• Children's Christmas Play: December 17, 4pm in Fellowship Hall
• Christmas Concert: December 23, 4pm in Sanctuary
• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: December 24, 7pm
Visitor Info
Though we livestream our services, we invite you to join us for an in-person service if you live in the area or are passing though. St. Paul's features traditional worship and a message grounded in the Scriptures and guided by the Lutheran Confessions — all in a friendly, multigenerational environment. Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday.
Please notice that we welcome and encourage children to worship with us. Just before the sermon, Pastor Ryman has a chat with the children. You're going to love this part of the service.