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November 23, 2025
24th Sunday after Pentecost – Reign of Christ Sunday
TRADITIONAL Service
Union-Congregational Church

Gathering Music                                 

Welcome and Announcements            Rev. RaeAnn Beebe

Sharing the Peace of Christ

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 46)          
One: In this present time, no matter what passes before us,
Many: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
 

One: As earth shakes and nations are in an uproar,
Many: God is present with us and is our refuge in times of trouble.
 

One: As the world trembles in fear and worry,
Many: May we find stillness and peace, knowing God is God of all.

Opening Prayer (unison)                        
Holy Redeemer,
In the dusk of this liturgical year, we recall the beauty of our days together. The blessedness of Christmas love and the light of Epiphany move us to bring illumination to our neighbors. The hope of Easter and the strength of Pentecost inspire us to bring the Good News of God’s love to this world. All of this is to create God’s Realm here on this earth, where we follow the steps of Christ, knowing the endurance of the Holy Spirit abides with us today and always. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #106 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Children’s Time

Reading of Scripture                   
Colossians 1:11-20
11 May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, so that you may have all endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, 16 for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Luke 23:33-43              
33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” 43 He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”

Message: A Picture of the Reign of Christ

Hymn: #621 For the Healing of the Nations

Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns 
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

We Offer Our Gifts
What would happen if we were to set aside our worries and begin to create paradise on earth – here and now? What if we shared just a little extra of our time, talent, and treasures so that others can experience paradise on this side of heaven? When we share our gifts, the universe begins to transform for our neighbors, creation, and ourselves.

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication (unison)
God of All Time and Space, you call us to transform the world through the extension of your grace to all of creation. May we find new and creative ways to share our treasures, talents, and time in order to create your Realm here on earth. May we work to create paradise beginning here today. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #561 Christ for the World! We Sing

Benediction
As we transform our universe into God’s paradise, may the Spirit of Strength give us courage to care for our neighbors. May the Christ of Mercy give us peace in each time and space. May our Creator of Hope inspire us to love in new ways. Fellow companions on this journey: we are called to build God’s Realm, creating heaven on earth for all. Amen!

Sending Music                                    

Today: Service Prayers for Reign of Christ Sunday written by Rev. Michelle L. Torigian, an ordained UCC minister in Belleville, Illinois for UCC Worship Ways.