November 16, 2025

WE GATHER IN AWE AND PRAISE

PRELUDE                                                                 “Teach Me to Walk in the Light”                                                      arr. Anne Britt

INTROIT                      “All That Hath Life and Breath, Praise Ye the Lord”                              Rene Clausen

WELCOME                                                                   

One: This is the day that the Lord has made

All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

*CALL TO WORSHIP

One: In the midst of darkness that feels too familiar,

Many: God calls us by name.

One: In a world that does not yet look like peace,

Many: God speaks a promise of justice and joy.

One: The Light shines, not in some distant future,

Many: but here, now, breaking in at the edges.

One: Come, let us look toward that light.

All: We gather to worship the God who is not finished with us, or with the world.

*HYMN 12                          “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”                                                             ST. DENIO

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                                                                                                         Rebekah Gayley

God of Promise, we confess that we are weary from the waiting. We look at the world and see violence, division, and despair, and we lose sight of your light. We confess that sometimes we choose cynicism over hope, comfort over courage, apathy over love. Do not leave us where we are. Draw us toward the light of your vision, that we may join you in building a world where justice and peace are real. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*RESPONSE OF PARDON 695            “Change My Heart, O God”                   CHANGE MY HEART

*PASSING OF THE PEACE                                       

     One:   The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

     All:      And also with you.

We LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

ANTHEM                                                “Purpose”                                         Glenn Burleigh

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE                                                                   Ruth Harold

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE   Isaiah 9:1-7  CEB

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.
    On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.
 You have made the nation great;
    you have increased its joy.
They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest,
    as those who divide plunder rejoice.
 As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them,
    the staff on their shoulders,
    and the rod of their oppressor.
 Because every boot of the thundering warriors,
    and every garment rolled in blood
    will be burned, fuel for the fire.
A child is born to us, a son is given to us,
    and authority will be on his shoulders.
    He will be named
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
 There will be vast authority and endless peace
    for David’s throne and for his kingdom,
    establishing and sustaining it
    with justice and righteousness
    now and forever.

The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.

One: Holy wisdom, Holy Word,
All: Thanks be to God 

SERMON                                                                                                                                                                                      Rev. Trip Porch

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

*HYMN 314                                   “Christ, Be Our Light”                                                     CHRIST, BE OUR LIGHT

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE  

Time of Offering   online giving is available at  www. indianolapres.org/give  

OFFERTORY                                  “Andantino”                                                   Ceasar Franck

*OFFERTORY RESPONSE 717      “For the Life That You Have Given”                   PLEADING SAVIOR

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

God of promise, receive these gifts as signs of our hope. Use them to shine light where there is shadow, justice where there is suffering, and peace where there is division. Amen. 

*HYMN 79                             “Light Dawns on a Weary World”                       TEMPLE OF PEACE

TIME OF COMMUNITY SHARING

CHARGE & BENEDICTION

CHORAL RESPONSE           “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”                William G. Tomer

POSTLUDE                       “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”                 arr. Michael Ware

 Acknowledgments: Unless otherwise indicated, all texts and music are printed and broadcast under OneLicense.net license #A-702452