October 12, 2025 Order of Worship
When We Are Living (setting by Emma Lou Diemer) – Geoffrey Liu
Welcome – Susan Adams
Opening Prayer
Leader: O living God, God of all the earth, send down the Spirit of your Son Jesus Christ.
People: Heal our wounded hearts.
Leader: Make peace in the places of conflict in the world and in our lives.
People: Grant love in the face of revenge.
Leader: Build hope where fear prevails.
People: Establish trust across our divisions.
Leader: Let the light of truth disperse the shadows and the dawn of justice banish all hatred,
People: That our lives may be saved and our land restored.
Leader: That all people would be saved and your whole creation restored!
People: So that your love can be known for all to enjoy!
Leader: Give us courage enough to fight for love for all your people everywhere!
All: In Jesus’ name and for his coming kingdom’s sake we pray. Amen!
Welcome – W & S #3152
Time with Young Disciples – Rachael Robinett
Sing to the Lord a Marvelous Song – Sanctuary Choir
Scripture Readings
Introduction to the First Scripture Reading
Our first scripture reading comes from the book of Job. It’s set in a far away land called Uz. All the characters are non-Israelites. And, there’s no historical setting. It’s as if the author wants us to be laser focused on the questions and complaints it raises for our lives. Where is God in the midst of all this suffering?
Job 23:1-9
“Today also my complaint is bitter;
his hand is heavy despite my groaning.
Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his dwelling!
I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would learn what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.
Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No, but he would give heed to me.
There the upright could reason with him,
and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.
“If I go forward, he is not there;
or backward, I cannot perceive him;
on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.
Introduction to the Second Reading
The letter to the Hebrews is anonymous but written by someone who had a firsthand relationship with Jesus. Anchored in the teachings of Jesus, our reading assumes we have thorough knowledge of Old Testament scripture as it speaks of God’s complete awareness of our lives and Jesus as our new high priest.
Hebrews 4:12–16
Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Introduction to the Gospel Reading
The Gospel according to Mark is one of the first accounts of the life of Jesus, written by a coworker of Paul and a close friend of Peter, named John Mark. In our Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about how hard it is and what it will cost to follow him in the work of changing lives and changing the world. Here’s what Jesus says…
Mark 10:17–31
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. You shall not defraud. Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Message – Grace Without Borders – Rev. David Valera
Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown – UMH #386 vss. 1, 2 & 4
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer – Rev. David Valera
Offering Our Gifts to God – In Christ Alone – Liz Gough & Geoffrey Liu
Doxology – All Creatures of Our God and King, vs. 7 plus refrain UMH #62
Prayer of Dedication – Susan Adams
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.
O Young and Fearless Prophet – UMH #444 vss. 1, 2, 4 & 5
Blessing – Rev. David Valera
The Emperor's Fanfare (Antonio Soler) – Geoffrey Liu
Resources for Worship
Opening Prayer is from a prayer (known as the Sharperville Prayer) by Bishop Peter Lee of South Africa in Prayers Encircling the World: An International Anthology (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998) adapted here for worship at Kent UMC October 12, 2025 by Jim Head-Corliss.