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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
52 Pinewood Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
October 26, 2025
Pastor Leonard Bolick
Kim Ledford, Interim Music Director Judy Parker, Organist

We welcome you to our service today! May God richly bless you as you worship here. If you are visiting for the first time this morning, we ask that you please sign the guest register found in the narthex. We welcome Deacon GeoRene Jones this morning to be our supply pastor this morning.

Reformation Sunday

Gathering music
D: Welcome and announcements
Musical Prelude “little prelude in f major bach
(Remain seated during prelude)
GATHERING: We have been gathered by the Holy Spirit.
*(As the music begins, we are invited to stand, facing the procession of the cross.)
*Gathering song “a mighty fortress is our god”
elw #504
*greeting
D: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
D: *confession and forgiveness
(All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)
Blessed be the holy Trinity, X one God,
our maker, our helper, and our keeper.
Amen.
Trusting in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin
in the presence of God and of one another.
(Silence is kept for reflection.)
Merciful and loving God,
we are your stiff-necked people.
We trample on the needy.
We grumble about your grace to others.
We turn away from the poor.
Have mercy on us and forgive our sins.
Rejoice over us as ones who were lost
and have been found.
Amen.

(Continued on next page.....)

*(Denotes when congregation stands.)
(Bold italicized print denotes when congregation speaks.)

Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful.
Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.
You who were lost have been found.
In the name of X Jesus, your sins are forgiven!
Amen.

D: *Kyrie

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D: CANTICLE OF PRAISE

Assisting Minister

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*PRAYER OF THE DAY
D: Let us pray….

(The congregation may be seated.)

Children’s message

Word: God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

First Reading Jeremiah 31: 31-34
The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.
A reading from the thirty-first chapter of Jeremiah
31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

second reading Romans 3: 19-28
Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.
A reading from the third chapter of Romans
19 Now we know that, whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For no human will be justified before him by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

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21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Assisting Minister: Psalm 46 (sung in unison)
1 God is our ref- | uge and strength, a very present | help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the | earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths | of the sea; 3 though its waters | rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble | with its tumult. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the cit- | y of God, the holy habitation of | the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall | not be shaken; God shall help it at the | break of day. 6 The nations rage, and the | kingdoms shake; God speaks, and the earth | melts away. 7 The Lord of | hosts is with us; the God of Jacob | is our stronghold.

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8 Come now, regard the works | of the Lord, what desolations God has brought up- | on the earth; 9 behold the one who makes war to cease in | all the world; who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the | shields with fire. 10 “Be still, then, and know that | I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted | in the earth.” 11 The Lord of | hosts is with us; the God of Jacob | is our stronghold.

d* Gospel Acclamation

D: *Holy Gospel john 8: 31-36
Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.
The Holy Gospel according to the eighth chapter of John
Glory to you, O Lord.
31 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

Praise to you, O Christ. (The assembly is seated.)

Sermon deacon georene jones

*hymn of the day “the church’s one foundation ”
elw #654

D: And now as we respond to God’s Word, we confess our faith through the words of the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession
Assisting Minister: Renewed in God’s everlasting grace, let us pray for the church, the world, and all creation.
(A brief silence.....we kneel or sit.)
Free your church, O God, with grace, mercy, and love to be transformed by your word. Direct your church to be united in word and deed so that all creation knows the uniting and transforming power of the gospel. God of grace,
receive our prayer.

(Continued on next page,,,,,)

Renew creation, O God, so that all living creatures thrive together. Guide those who work to restore and renew creation. Preserve and care for endangered species throughout the world. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Bring peace among the nations, O God, so violence and terror are not the norm on your earth. Inspire leaders of communities to work for peace and justice. Unite our politicians with a common mission and purpose. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Heal all who suffer, O God, and bring them peace. Draw near to people who are incarcerated. Give hope to people experiencing housing or employment insecurity, oppression, or discrimination. Heal those who are il. Be our stronghold at all times. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Forgive us our sins, O God, and grant us your grace. Move us to understanding and reconciliation between people of other faiths and other Christian traditions in our community. Mend hurt feelings and heal wounds we have caused one another. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We give you thanks, O God, for the life and witness of all your saints. Give us hope in your son’s victory through the cross. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
D: Are there any other intentions?
D: We offer our prayers, O God, trusting in your everlasting grace and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

*Sharing of the Peace
d: The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Offering/noisy offering (You may remain seated.)
(Giving to those in need, is a sign of the giving of our whole selves in grateful response for all God’s gifts.)
Offertory handbells

*Lord's Prayer
P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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.

Sending: (God blesses us and sends us with gifts of grace in mission to the world.)

P: blessing
The God of righteousness,
who gives justice to the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry,
who sets the prisoners free,
X bless you now and forever.
Amen

*sending song “built on a rock” elw#652

Assisting minister*Dismissal
Go in peace. Do not lose heart.
Thanks be to God.

Postlude “toccata in g minor” pachelbel

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God by
Sharon Oxford in memory of Box Oxford, & Marshall & Faye McGee

The sanctuary lamp is given to the Glory of God and in honor of My Grandchildren by Judy Parker

Sunday Servants october 26th
Assisting Minister...............................................................................David Hartmann
Lay Reader…………………………….....................……..........................Kelly Taylor
Ushers ………………........................................................Ron Herman & Art Chaffee
Greeter.....................................................................................................Dot Fairchild
Acolyte………………..…………...............................................................Kelly Taylor
Crucifer.............................................................................................Amanda Pritchard
Tabulators………………...................................................Marc Woodie & Leah Isley
Altar Guild……..............………...........................................Leah Isley & Dot Fairchild
Presenters....................................................................................Harold & Judy Smith

We will be using red poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary during the Christmas season this year. If you would like to place a poinsettia in honor or memory of someone, please fill out the form below. The cost is $12.00 for medium and $24.00 for large. The deadline is November16th.*You may place your check and order form in the offering plate or give it to the office.

*Orders turned in after November 16th will not be accepted or ordered.

ORDER FORM
Donated by:
This poinsettia is donated to the glory of God and in HONOR of
To the glory of God and in MEMORY of
Number of poinsettias donated:____Medium (12.00) each
_____Large (24.00) each
Amount: $

Announcements

Trunk or Treat
Trunk or treat has been scheduled for Friday, October 31st from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. A bag with a hotdog, fixings, chips, and a drink will be given out also. Volunteers are needed for trunks, preparing the food, giving out the food bags, and clean-up. Candy donations are needed also. You may also give money to Mary Cathreine Belk or the office to purchase candy. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex.

Quilts of Valor Exhibition
To honor our veterans this November, the Granite Falls History and Transportation Museum will display quilts of valor and have veteran speakers. On each Sunday in November, the quilts will be on display and there will be a veteran speaker. The event is from 2:00—4:00 PM. Refreshments will be provided.
107 Falls Avenue
Granite Falls, NC

Next Sunday is All Saints Sunday. During the morning worship service on that day, we will honor the Saints of Philadelphia Lutheran Church.

This Week’s Opportunities
Sunday 10:00 a.m. Worship
Monday
Tuesday Church Office Closed
5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Quilting
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday 5:30-7:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat
(AA will not meet at the church.)
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Amen.

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