Blog

October 26, 2025
TRADITIONAL Service
Union-Congregational Church

Gathering Music                                         

Welcome and Announcements                       

Sharing the Peace of Christ

Call to Worship                                  
Leader: God, not by our strength,
All: but by your grace we come.
 

Leader: Not because of our righteousness,
All: but in your grace, you love us.
 

Leader: Not by our effort,
All: but by your Spirit in us, our praise overflows. We thank you. We bless you. We worship you.

Opening Prayer (unison)                          
God of Love, Divine Friend, our hearts are open to you. If a thought crosses our minds, you are present and are ready to hold it for us. There is no emotion radiating from our souls that is too heavy or painful for you. Your Spirit encourages our dreams as we seek to find ways to build your Realm here on earth. May we work side-by-side, co-creating a world of possibilities where all experience your love and joy. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #721 Come Ye Thankful People Come

Children’s Time

Reading of Scripture                             
Psalm 84: 1-7
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. 5 Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So, I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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

Message: Leaning On God’s Strength

Hymn: #473 What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns 
After each prayer petition, Jacob will say, “God in your mercy”, and the congregation is invited to respond: “Receive our prayer.” 
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

We Offer Our Gifts

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Gracious God, we give you these gifts as symbols of our lives. Receive them with love, bless them with grace, and use them according to your will. You have poured your Holy Spirit into us; now pour us out into the world as the embodiment of your love. We pray, as we serve, in the name and the Spirit of Christ. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #496 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Benediction

Sending Music                                     

Opening Prayer: Rev. Michelle Torigian, UCC Worship Ways

Call to Worship, Prayer of Dedication: Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes, Unfolding Light