Today’s Gospel

Matthew 25:1-13

The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids 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 bridesmaids 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 bridesmaids 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.

The Word of the Lord

 

 

 

Statement of Faith (Philippians 2:5-11)

In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.

Christ himself was like God in everything.
   But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit.
But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.
   He was born as a man
   and became like a servant.
And when he was living as a man,
   he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God,
   even when that caused his death—death on a cross.
So God raised him to the highest place.
   God made his name greater than every other name
so that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus—
   everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
And everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
   and bring glory to God the Father.

 

 

The Lord's Prayer

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,
   for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

Prayers of Intercession

As heralds of God’s good tidings,                      

let us lift up our voices with strength this day

praying to the One who comforts, restores, and heals.

 

Let us pray for all leaders and people of the world.

You have created one human family to live in
righteousness and peace.

Give us the wisdom to order our common life

according to your loving purposes,

that your glory may be revealed and all people shall
see it together.                                                      

 

Let us pray for your church.

You have given us the gift of the Messiah

so that your church may be steadfast and true.

Give us strength to follow your Son

until all have come to repentance and are reconciled
by his love.

 

Let us pray for those who are sick, who suffer need,
who are exiled or in danger.

You have made us for a holy purpose,

to comfort and care for each other.

Give us compassion to love our neighbor

and patience to care for those in need.

 

Let us pray for your creation.

Your faithfulness springs up from the ground, 

and your goodness looks down from the sky.

Rid us of the laziness and greed that diminish life

as you teach us to care for your creation together.

Let us remember those who have died.

Ever-living God,

one day in your presence is like a thousand years,

and a thousand years are like one day.            

Make us one with the saints,

who have found their eternal home in you,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

Doxology (Jude: 25)

To the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory,

majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

 

 

Closing Hymn: