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BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 1, 2020
Liberation

Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. 

Prelude—Erich Boschmann
                                                                                                                                        

Welcome and Lighting the Christ Candle—Nathan Koontz                                                             

Call to Worship and Prayer—Dawn Yoder Harms                                                                             

Gathering Hymns–God is here among us—Hymnal A Worship Book #16

Children’s Conversation—Esther Koontz                                                                                         

Scripture–Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Matthew 22:34-40

Hymn—O God of Loving—https://bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/_mediavault/2020/11/O-God-of-Loving.pdf

Note:  The composer/author of the hymn “O God of Loving” used in the service today is Paul Damico-Carper, the assistant music director and worship producer at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.  This hymn was one of the winners in a regional synod contest for the Lutheran Church (ELCA) this past September.  Paul is also the grandson of Bill and Margaret Friesen, long-time members of our congregation, who both died in the last 6 years; his parents are Michelle (who grew up in this congregation) and Dennis Friesen-Carper. 

Sermon—A God of love and liberation–Patty Shelly

Hymn of Response—O God of Loving—https://bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/_mediavault/2020/11/O-God-of-Loving.pdf

Litany of Return Returning Liturgy—”Giving Thanks for Renewal”

Leader: Pastor Dawn, we welcome you and Doug back from your renewal time. 

Congregation: We welcome you back with open arms. 

Pastor Dawn: I trust that you have been renewed, even as I have.

Leader: Let us pray: Spirit of God, descend upon our hearts. We thank you for this time we had apart to renew ourselves, and now for this time to reunite with one another and carry on with our ministries together once again. We pray that we minister and serve with the enthusiasm of your Spirit upon us. We pray that we, together, as your church, may be open to your Spirit’s leading in the future, to be willing to risk in faith to follow where you lead us. 

ALL: Thank you, Lord, for this time away and for this time of returning! Help us to continue to do justice, love mercy and humbly walk with you, God.  AMEN! 

Prayers of God’s People—Dawn Yoder Harms                                                                                  

Sending Hymn—Lead on, O cloud of Presence —Hymnal A Worship Book # 419

Benediction—Patty Shelly                                   

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Audio visual technician: Ken Lamp
Musicians:
Erich Boschmann
Matt Schloneger
Rebecca Schloneger
Esther Koontz
Sara Dick

Pastors:
Dawn Yoder Harms
Nathan Koontz