Online Bulletin

SANCTUARY  |  Church Online

---

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

November 8, 2026
8:30am 

---

Prelude "Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying”, Johann Gottfried Walther
Alex Guebert, organ

 

Welcome Pastor Tim Klinkenberg

 

Ringing of the Bell

 

Opening Hymn “Thy Strong Word”
verses 1, 2 and 3
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 578.

Thy strong word did cleave the darkness;
At Thy speaking it was done.
For created light we thank Thee,
While Thine ordered seasons run.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!

Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness,
Dark as night and deep as death,
Broke the light of Thy salvation,
Breathed Thine own life-breathing breath.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!

Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous;
Bright with Thine own holiness,
Glorious now, we press toward glory,
And our lives our hopes confess.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!

 

Invocation
Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19b)
People: Amen.

 

Confession and Absolution
Pastor: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
People: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination.
Pastor: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.
People: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Pastor: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.

 

Hymn of Praise “Thy Strong Word”
verse 6

God the Father, light-creator,
To Thee laud and honor be.
To Thee, Light of Light begotten,
Praise be sung eternally.
Holy Spirit, light-revealer,
Glory, glory be to Thee.
Mortals, angels, now and ever
Praise the holy Trinity!

 
Salutation and Collect of the Day
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us pray.
Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son to lead home His bride, the Church, that with all the company of the redeemed we may finally enter into His eternal wedding feast; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen. 

 
Sacrament of Baptism
   

Old Testament Reading Amos 5:18–24 NIV

¹⁸ Woe to you who long

    for the day of the Lord!

Why do you long for the day of the Lord?

    That day will be darkness, not light.

¹⁹ It will be as though a man fled from a lion

    only to meet a bear,

as though he entered his house

    and rested his hand on the wall

    only to have a snake bite him.

²⁰ Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light—

    pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness?

²¹ “I hate, I despise your religious festivals;

    your assemblies are a stench to me.

²² Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,

    I will not accept them.

Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,

    I will have no regard for them.

²³ Away with the noise of your songs!

    I will not listen to the music of your harps.

²⁴ But let justice roll on like a river,

    righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

  

Meditation "Beneath the Cross of Jesus", arr. Cynthia Dobrinski
Cathedral Bells

In this hymn text by Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane, we are shown the cross as an oasis. It is a shelter for us. In three separate instances, God provided Jonah, Abraham, and Elijah with the shade of trees to protect them from the sun. Now, the cross is that shade for us. The hymn text also compares the cross to a ladder connecting earth to heaven; only through Christ's sacrifice on the cross are we able to access our eternal home.

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand;
The shadow of a mighty rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From burns beneath the noontide heat
And burdens of the day.

O safe and happy shelter!
O refuge tried and sweet!
O sacred place where Heaven's love
And Heaven's justice meet!
As to the exil'd patriarch
That wondrous dream was given,
So seems my Savior's cross to me:
A ladder up to Heav'n.

 
Epistle Reading  1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 NIV

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

 

Meditation "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire", Sally DeFord and James Montgomery
Marcia Biang, Heidi Elliott, Lily Elliott, and Lexi Gass, vocalists

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast;
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye when none but God is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try,
Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach the Majesty on high,
Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death; He enters heav’n with prayer,

Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice, returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice, and cry, “Behold, he prays!”
Nor prayer is made on earth alone, the Holy Spirit pleads,
And Jesus at the Father’s throne for sinners intercedes.

O Thou by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way,
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray.

 
Holy Gospel Matthew 25:1–13 NIV

25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Lector: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

 

Hymn of the Day “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying"

“Wake, awake, for night is flying,”
The watchmen on the heights are crying;
“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!”
Midnight hears the welcome voices
And at the thrilling cry rejoices:
“Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?
The Bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!
Alleluia!
With bridal care
Yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.”

Zion hears the watchmen singing,
And all her heart with joy is springing;
She wakes, she rises from her gloom.
For her Lord comes down all-glorious,
The strong in grace, in truth victorious;
Her star is ris’n, her light is come.
Now come, Thou Blessèd One,
Lord Jesus, God’s own Son,
Hail! Hosanna!
We enter all
The wedding hall
To eat the Supper at Thy call.

Now let all the heav’ns adore Thee,
Let saints and angels sing before Thee
With harp and cymbals’ clearest tone.
Of one pearl each shining portal,
Where, joining with the choir immortal,
We gather round Thy radiant throne.
No eye has seen the light,
No ear has heard the might
Of Thy glory;
Therefore will we
Eternally
Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee!

 

---

Message Pastor Tim Klinkenberg

---

 

Apostles’ Creed 
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

  
Prayers of the Church
Each petition concludes with:
Pastor:  Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.

  

Gathering of Our Tithes and Offerings 


Music at the Offering

"Amazing Grace" arr. H. Dean Wagner 
Cathedral Bells

This handbell setting of "Amazing Grace" sets all 5 verses of this beloved hymn text. Please refer to hymnal #744 if you would like to read along with the words. Verse 4 is of particular interest, as the arranger H. Dean Wagner layers the Amazing Grace tune with the military bugle call "Taps", which is played in the lower-middle range bells. On this Veteran's Day, when we celebrate the bravery of the living who have served, this "Taps" reminds us that for those servicemen and women who have died in the Lord, "amazing grace shall then prevail, in heaven's joy and peace".

     

The Lord's Prayer 
Pastor: Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
People: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.

 
Benediction
Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)
People: Amen.

 

Closing Hymn “In Thee Is Gladness”
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 818.

In Thee is gladness, amid all sadness,
Jesus, sunshine of my heart.
By Thee are given the gifts of heaven,
Thou the true Redeemer art.
Our souls Thou wakest, our bonds Thou breakest;
Who trusts Thee surely has built securely;
He stands forever: Alleluia!
Our hearts are pining to see Thy shining,
Dying or living, to Thee are cleaving;
Naught can us sever: Alleluia!

Since He is ours, we fear no powers,
Not of earth nor sin nor death.
He sees and blesses, in worst distresses;
He can change them with a breath.
Wherefore the story, tell of His glory
With hearts and voices; all heav’n rejoices
In Him forever: Alleluia!
We shout for gladness, triumph o’er sadness,
Love Him and praise Him and still shall raise Him
Glad hymns forever: Alleluia!

 

---

Worship Service Participants

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Klinkenberg
Organ: Alex Guebert
Handbell Choir: Cathedral Bells
Handbell Choir Director: Alex Guebert
Vocals: Marcia Biang, Heidi Elliott, Lily Elliott, and Lexi Gass
Audio/Visual: Hector Cerda, Blaine Currer, and Cody Thomas

Thanks for joining us today!

---

 

  ONLINE GIVING

PRAYER REQUEST

CONNECTION CARD

 

---

November 8, 2026

Prayers of the Church
All Saints’ Day November 1st, 2026

O God, our help in ages past and our hope for years to come,
You have provided Your church with individuals to point us and others to You.

We give You thanks for those who have taught and continue to teach us the Scriptures,
which make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
By Your Spirit, may we imitate their faith. Lord, in Your mercy,

O Lord our God, You are forever faithful to Your promises.

We thank You for the Baptism of Lucy Danielle Rodriguez,
daughter of Shauna and Evaristo Rodriguez III, granddaughter of Evaristo Rodriguez, Jr.

Nurture her as a citizen of Your kingdom. And when Christ returns, let her celebrate
with all the saints Your greatness and goodness forever in the joy of Your new creation.
Lord, in Your mercy,

Father of mercies, we love because You first loved us.

We thank You for 40 years of marriage for Mark and Martha Landry.
Strengthen their love, and the love of all spouses, toward You and one another,
that they may rejoice in truth and walk in obedience to Your commands.
Lord, in Your mercy,

Righteous Lord, be near to the sick, the recovering, and the discerning.

We pray especially for Greg Beringer, Matthew Denbic, Ian and Emma Dimas, Gail Ferguson, Dan Hansen, Juan and Maria Garcia, Joan Gregory, Eileen Hamilton, Marshall Lopez, Cathy, Penelope Papadopoulos, Barbara Stevens, Scott Wauters, those names written on our printed prayer lists and those from our hearts and minds now…

Grant them health, healing, and sustenance according to Your wisdom.
Lord, in Your mercy,

Heavenly Father, into whose keeping we entrust our loved ones,
help all to look to You in grief and sorrow.

Remembering the cloud of faithful witnesses with which we are surrounded,
grant that we may soon one day share in the joys of those who now rest in Your presence.
Lord, in Your mercy,

O God our King, You are the Lord of all peoples, nations, and tribes.

Grant wisdom and truth to those in authority over us
and to those who defend and uphold our freedoms,
that they may faithfully promote good and punish evil.

Thank You for the freedom and opportunity to vote.
Help us to utilize that gift to choose trustworthy leaders,
contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare,
and serve You faithfully in our generation. Lord, in Your mercy,

Lord Jesus, You went up on a mountainside
and reassured those persecuted because of You.

We pray for persecuted Christians and missionaries around the world.
Protect them wherever they worship and labor.

We ask for safekeeping of our St. John’s team going to Kenya this month.
Grant that Your Word, wherever it is preached, will not return to You void,
but achieve the purpose for which You sent it. Lord, in Your mercy,

Loving and faithful God, we thank You for calling us to be a holy people,
living for You in service to each other for the sake of Your world.

Work powerfully through us to accomplish Your purposes in the world.

Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,
whom saints and angels adore with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

WALKER HALL  |  Church Online

---

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, November 8, 2026
10:30am

---

Welcome Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom

Invocation

Confession and Absolution

Worship Set

“Let Me Count the Ways”
“Great Are You Lord”
“King of Kings”

Salutation and Collect of the Day

Sacrament of Baptism

Scripture Readings

Message Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom

Apostles’ Creed

Prayers of the Church

Gathering of the Offering

“Who Else”

The Lord’s Prayer

“In Christ Alone”

Benediction

---

Worship Service Participants

Preacher: Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom
Contemporary Worship Leader:  Adam Friedrich

Thanks for joining us today!

---

 

  ONLINE GIVING

PRAYER REQUEST

CONNECTION CARD

 

---

November 8, 2026

Prayers of the Church
All Saints’ Day November 1st, 2026

O God, our help in ages past and our hope for years to come,
You have provided Your church with individuals to point us and others to You.

We give You thanks for those who have taught and continue to teach us the Scriptures,
which make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
By Your Spirit, may we imitate their faith. Lord, in Your mercy,

O Lord our God, You are forever faithful to Your promises.

We thank You for the Baptism of Lucy Danielle Rodriguez,
daughter of Shauna and Evaristo Rodriguez III, granddaughter of Evaristo Rodriguez, Jr.

Nurture her as a citizen of Your kingdom. And when Christ returns, let her celebrate
with all the saints Your greatness and goodness forever in the joy of Your new creation.
Lord, in Your mercy,

Father of mercies, we love because You first loved us.

We thank You for 40 years of marriage for Mark and Martha Landry.
Strengthen their love, and the love of all spouses, toward You and one another,
that they may rejoice in truth and walk in obedience to Your commands.
Lord, in Your mercy,

Righteous Lord, be near to the sick, the recovering, and the discerning.

We pray especially for Greg Beringer, Matthew Denbic, Ian and Emma Dimas, Gail Ferguson, Dan Hansen, Juan and Maria Garcia, Joan Gregory, Eileen Hamilton, Marshall Lopez, Cathy, Penelope Papadopoulos, Barbara Stevens, Scott Wauters, those names written on our printed prayer lists and those from our hearts and minds now…

Grant them health, healing, and sustenance according to Your wisdom.
Lord, in Your mercy,

Heavenly Father, into whose keeping we entrust our loved ones,
help all to look to You in grief and sorrow.

Remembering the cloud of faithful witnesses with which we are surrounded,
grant that we may soon one day share in the joys of those who now rest in Your presence.
Lord, in Your mercy,

O God our King, You are the Lord of all peoples, nations, and tribes.

Grant wisdom and truth to those in authority over us
and to those who defend and uphold our freedoms,
that they may faithfully promote good and punish evil.

Thank You for the freedom and opportunity to vote.
Help us to utilize that gift to choose trustworthy leaders,
contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare,
and serve You faithfully in our generation. Lord, in Your mercy,

Lord Jesus, You went up on a mountainside
and reassured those persecuted because of You.

We pray for persecuted Christians and missionaries around the world.
Protect them wherever they worship and labor.

We ask for safekeeping of our St. John’s team going to Kenya this month.
Grant that Your Word, wherever it is preached, will not return to You void,
but achieve the purpose for which You sent it. Lord, in Your mercy,

Loving and faithful God, we thank You for calling us to be a holy people,
living for You in service to each other for the sake of Your world.

Work powerfully through us to accomplish Your purposes in the world.

Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,
whom saints and angels adore with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.