November 23, 2025 Order of Worship
We Gather Together (setting by Emma Lou Diemer) – Geoffrey Liu
Welcome – Terry Bolender
Stewardship Drive Update—Michael & Molly Robinett
Opening Prayer – Kristine Wallace
Leader: How beautiful it is to make room for gratitude!
People: Thank you, God, for every moment you walk alongside us!
Leader: Thank you for your protection, for laughter, for joy!
People: Thank you for taking care of us in moments of loss and devastation and despair.
Leader: Your Holy Spirit’s power and purpose give us courage that overcomes our fear.
People: Thank you for meeting our needs with the abundance of your love!
Leader: Thank you for every moment of comfort, the care of family and friends, our church, and the generosity of strangers!
People: Thank you for your patience and persistence, God, for waiting with open arms – always ready to welcome us home to you.
Leader: Thank you for trusting us with the ministry of reconciliation and sending us to share your good gifts with all people everywhere!
People: Thank you for giving simply because you are generous, for lavishing us with your love!
Leader: Lord, turn our gratitude into generosity and justice!
All: In Jesus’ name, for your church’s strength, and for your coming kingdom’s sake we pray. Amen!
Come Ye Thankful People Come – UMH #694
Time with Young Disciples – Stephanie McIlwain Miller
We Plow the Fields and Scatter – Sanctuary Choir
Scripture Readings – Kristine Wallace
Introduction to the Gospel Reading
Our Gospel reading is by a close friend and follower of Jesus named John. Our 2-verse gospel reading gives insight into the saving love of God poured out in Jesus that goes all the way that goes all the way for us. Here’s what Jesus says…
John 10:17-18 (The Message)
“This is why God, my Father, loves me: because I freely lay down my life for you and for the world. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from God, my Father.”
Introduction to the Second Scripture Reading
Isaiah lived in Jerusalem in the last years of Israel’s independence, 6-8 centuries before Jesus. He delivered a message of God’s judgement for Israel’s unfaithfulness to God and their failure to care for the vulnerable and the poor. Isaiah also brings a message of hope that one day God would set things right. Our first scripture reading is that message of hope and encouragement: Do not fear! Here’s what Isaiah says…
Isaiah 41:9-10 (NLT, adapted by Pastor Jim)
God says, “I have called you back from the ends of the earth,”
saying, “You are my servant.
I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
Do not fear, for I am with you.
Do not be discouraged nor afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you. I will help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Introduction to the Psalm
Psalm 23 teaches that the secret of life is, in all moments, just a matter of leaning in and trusting God. It’s the only risk you could possibly take that will cancel out and banish your deepest fears. Our memory verse today comes from Psalm 23:4…
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil,
for you, God, are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Message – No Need. No Fear. – Pastor Jim Head-Corliss
Your Love, O God – UMH #120 vv. 1, 3 & 4
Baptism of Adam Russell Thomas
Offering Our Gifts to God – All Good Gifts – Trevor Bygland, Geoffrey Liu
Doxology – Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow, UMH #94
Prayer of Dedication
Leader: All that we have, we have from you, Creator and Preserver of all.
People: Accept these gifts which we now offer. Help us to make the whole of life an offering and every thought a prayer.
Now Thank We All Our God – UMH #102
Blessing – Pastor Jim
Now Thank We All Our God (setting by Egil Hovland) – Geoffrey Liu
Resources for Worship
Opening Prayer is by Jim Head-Corliss for worship at Kent UMC, November 23, 2025 adapted from a prayer he wrote November 24, 2024.