INTRODUCTION

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.

ANNOUNCEMENTS   

PRELUDE In Remembrance of Me

* CONFESSION AND FORGIVNESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity,  one God,

who forgives all our sin,

whose mercy endures forever. Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God

and of one another.

Faithful God,

you have shown us the ways of your heart, yet we stray from your paths. We are stuck in sinful systems of oppression and do not embrace the freedom of your faithful promises. We ignore our neighbors. We exploit the earth. We reject your abundance,

trusting our impulses instead of your steadfast love. Repair our relationships, restore what we have broken, renew our hearts,

and bring us to new life. Amen.

Hear the good news:

God the Faithful One loves you,  in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit you are set free. Amen.

* PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. 

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

GATHERING SONG     For All Your Saints, O Lord (ELW 427)

FIRST READING: DANIEL 7:1-3, 15-18

1In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head as he lay in bed. Then he wrote down the dream: 2I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, 3and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another.

 15As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. 16I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would disclose to me the interpretation of the matter: 17“As for these four great beasts, four kings shall arise out of the earth. 18But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever—forever and ever.”

Psalm: Psalm 149

1Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD | a new song,

God’s praise in the assembly | of the faithful.

2Let Israel rejoice | in their maker;

let the children of Zion be joyful | in their ruler.

3Let them praise their maker’s | name with dancing;

let them sing praise with tambourine and harp.

4For the LORD takes pleasure | in the people

and adorns the | poor with victory. 

5Let the faithful rejoice in triumph;

let them sing for joy | on their beds.

6Let the praises of God be | in their throat

and a two-edged sword | in their hand,

7to wreak vengeance | on the nations

and punishment | on the peoples,

8to bind their | kings in chains

and their nobles with | links of iron,

9to inflict on them the judgment decreed;

this is glory for all God’s faithful ones. | Hallelujah! 

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:11-23

11In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

 15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

GOSPEL: LUKE 6:20-31

20Then [Jesus] looked up at his disciples and said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,

for yours is the kingdom of God.

21“Blessed are you who are hungry now,

for you will be filled.

“Blessed are you who weep now,

for you will laugh.

 22“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

24“But woe to you who are rich,

for you have received your consolation.

25“Woe to you who are full now,

for you will be hungry.

“Woe to you who are laughing now,

for you will mourn and weep.

 26“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

 27“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

The gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, O Christ.

MEDITATION Pastor Wende Bleam

HYMN OF THE DAY Give Thanks for Saints (ELW 428)

* NICENE CREED

We believe in one God,

   the Father, the Almighty,

   maker of heaven and earth,

   of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

   the only Son of God,

   eternally begotten of the Father,

   God from God, Light from Light,

   true God from true God,

   begotten, not made,

   of one Being with the Father;

   through him all things were made.

   For us and for our salvation

       he came down from heaven,

       was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary

       and became truly human.

       For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

       he suffered death and was buried.

       On the third day he rose again

       in accordance with the scriptures;

       he ascended into heaven

       and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

       He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

       and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

   who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*

   who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

   who has spoken through the prophets.

   We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

   We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

   We look for the resurrection of the dead,

       and the life of the world to come. Amen.

       

*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Gathered with one voice, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

God of all that is, delight in the praises of your people and revive the spirit of your church. Move through us with boldness so that we proclaim the gospel of Christ throughout the world. Renew and revive pastors, deacons, and lay leaders. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of the beginning, give us the courage to advocate for environmental policy that will ensure a viable future for generations to come. Restore desolate places to health and flourishing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of all our days, guide the leaders of governments, nations, municipalities, and all those seeking office. Accompany election officials and volunteers. Dismantle injustice and oppression wherever it is found. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of comfort in troubled times, we pray for those in need of protection and care. Trusting that you are constant in mercy, protect those who seek safety and solace.  We pray especially for the Folcroft Police and Fire Company members, Bill, the family of Tiona, family and friends of Dan, Pastor Wende, Ray, Richie, Derek, Chris, Bill, Donna, Trena, Keyasi, Sorie, Bill, Carol, Vince, Danielle, Barbara, Deb, Connor, Dawn, Elaine, Robert, Anna, Don, Bryant, Lois, Curt, Calvin, Robin, Helen, Hoon, Pat, Joe, Ruth, Lisa, Jacklyn, Lillian, Alexis, and those we now raise before you in our hearts.  We pray for those affected by the Covid virus in mind, body or spirit.  Grant them healing and wholeness. . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of what is yet to come, encourage and inspire those who give their time, talent, and treasure in service to your church. By their commitment, further the work of ministry in this place and uplift your gospel. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of time and space, we give thanks for the faithful departed. Sustain us in hope of our eternal unity in Christ. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We offer these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your grace and unyielding love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

REMEMBRANCE OF DEPARTED LOVED ONES:

As the name is read, a tone is sounded and a candle lit reminding us their light and life is in the Lord.  You are invited to come forward and light a candle when the name of your loved one is read,

Lord God of every time, countless are the multitudes you have called by name and gathered to yourself. 

Comfort us as we grieve those who have died in the past year - Levi Fisher, Gehrig Flemming, Michael Murray and Richard Sadusky..

Lord we pray you comfort all who mourn the loss of loved ones.   Amen.

* LORD'S PRAYER

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD

Please place your offering in the plate near the Sanctuary door any time during or following worship. Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our  website:   stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org  or sent by mail to

St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.

* OFFERING PRAYER

* THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.  We lift the to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.  

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  By the witness of the saints you show us the hope of our calling, and strengthen us to run the race set before us, that we may delight in your mercy and rejoice with them in glory.  And so, with all the saints, with the choir of angels, and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn."

* HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

In the night in which he was betrayed,

our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

* INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Come and be nourished by the gift of our Lord and know the God of life and love.

COMMUNION SONG

May the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in His grace.  Amen.

CONGREGATION HYMN Shall We Gather at the River

*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

*BLESSING

The love of God the Sovereign strengthen you,

God the Son save you,

and God the Holy Spirit anoint you for the work ahead.

The holy Trinity bless you 

and grant you a faithful and courageous heart

now and forever.

Amen.

* SENDING SONG  For All the Saints (ELW 422)

DISMISSAL - Go in peace. Share the harvest. Thanks be to God.

The ETERNAL CANDLE is sponsored for the month of November by the Modge and Snell families in memory of William J Reese, Sr.

YOU CAN HELP!  You can be a good steward AND get your grocery shopping done.  Did you know that if you purchase a grocery food gift card from St. John’s, our congregation will receive 5% of all sales of gift cards.  Please see MaryAnne Rossi if you wish to purchase and gift cards.  Thank you for helping us raise that 5% for helping to continue our ministry. 

Each week, we collect food for our hungry neighbors in need in our SHARING GOD'S BOUNTY WAGON.  Hunger doesn’t take a vacation.  Please consider making a donation of a food item each week. If you are in need of food, please notify Pastor Wende and she will let you know what we have available.

The Social Ministry Committee would love to hear from you if you have any ideas for small fundraising and/or social ministry events that we could pull off with minimal effort. Challenge us with your ideas!!

With our church building getting older, we need everyone’s eyes and ears to help keep her in good repair. If you see any problems like a burnt out light bulb, please let Barb or Bud know or drop a note in the offering plate on Sunday. We need to get a jump on current or upcoming problems.

Our Financial Response  (October) 

CURRENT

Budgeted costs per month        $   7,263.55

Offering last month        $   4,618.14

Budget required to date (10 months)        $  72,635.50

Total received to date        $  54,354.40

MISSION SUPPORT

Budget required to date (10 months)        $   4,000.00

Total received to date        $   3,771.20

Please continue to support St. John's.  Our expenses continue each month. 

Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our  website:   stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org  or sent by mail to

St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.

The sign-up sheet for sponsorship of the ETERNAL CANDLE is now available on the hallway table.  The cost this year has increased slightly.  Sponsorship for one month is now $27.

UPCOMING EVENTS:  11/9 Council Meeting (Budget)

Our annual Thanksgiving Food Collection begins on Sunday, October 19 through November 9. Here is the list of items:

 

October 19...stuffing, rice, elbow macaroni or ziti, instant mashed potatoes.

October 26...canned cranberry sauce, cans of vegetables, jars of applesauce and peanut butter. 

November 2...flour, sugar, cooking oils, gravy packets.

November 9...canned meats, like chicken or spam, canned beans, soup, chili or stew.

 

We hope to deliver to Mt. Zion on Saturday, November 15 so please get your donated goods into Church by November 9th.