Worship Bulletin 11/15/26

Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God's creation.
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Sunday, November 15, 2026

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Welcome Video

♫Gathering Music | “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” | arr. Dan Masterson

Ellen Gilbert, organ; Dan Masterson, piano

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Invitation to Give          ‍

‍You may Give online or send a check made payable to "McPherson Church of the Brethren,"
200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460

Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Dan Lichty

Message for the Kids | Barbara Wagoner

♫Opening Special Music | “Wana Baraka” | Shawn Kirchner

McPherson College Choir; Director, Andrew Voth; Accompanist: Brett Janssen
McPherson Church of the Brethren Worship Choir; Director, Becky Snell; Accompanist: Ellen Gilbert

Swahili Text:‍

"Wana baraka wale waombao / Yesu mwenyewe alisema / Alleluya! / Wana amani, wana furaha, wana uzima"

English Translation:‍

"They have blessings, those who pray; Jesus himself said so. Hallelujah!
 They have peace, they have joy, they have well-being"

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Unison Prayer of Supplication

           Creating God, we come to You with joy and thanksgiving, trusting that those who pray have Your blessings.

           Guide us always to rejoice in You, letting our restfulness be evident because You are near.

           We release our anxiety, presenting our lives to You with gratitude, believing Your transcendent peace

           will guard our hearts and minds. We pray to live in peace and joy so that we - and all with whom

           we interact- might be well. AMEN

♫Opening Song | “May You Be Rooted and Grounded”

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Scripture Focus | Philippians 4:4-9

                       4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

                       5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

                       6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,

                                   with thanksgiving - present your requests to God.

                       7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts

                                   and your minds in Christ Jesus.

                       8 Finally, [family] brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

                                   whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or

                                   praiseworthy—think about such things.

                       9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me - or seen in me - put it into practice.

                        And the God of peace will be with you.

♫Scripture Song | El Senyor és la meva forca  (X3)                        

(In the Lord I’ll be ever Thankful)

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 Message | “peace, joy, well-being” | Kathryn Whitacre

♫Sending Song | “Woza nomthwalo wakho”  (X4)  

 (Come, Bring Your Burdens to God, for Jesus will never say no.)

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Responsive Sending Prayer of Thanks

           ONE:   Gracious Creator, we leave this worship today, remembering your promises: that we can

                       bring all we are – and you will never say no.

           ALL:     As we move back into the rhythm of this new week – we will work to lay down before you;

                       Our fears, our stumbling and our quiet griefs; trusting in your open arms and unending grace.

           ONE:   Hear our prayers; in moments when we feel unworthy, when our efforts fall short and our

                       strength fades. In these bleak hours we ask not for what we have earned, but for Your heart of

                       compassion. We ask for your mercy, God of Love, as you heal our weary spirits.

           ALL:     Have mercy upon us, restore our hope, and teach us how to walk in your example as we

                       journey through the tasks, the joys, and the trials of this life. Guide our hands and steady our hearts;

                        mold us in Your service until the day our race is run.

                       Bless us with the affirmation at journey’s end: Well done, good and faithful servant.

                       Receive our thanks, accept our surrender, and keep us faithful to the end. AMEN

♫Sending Special Music | “Hear My Prayer” | Moses Hogan

                                   O Lord, please hear my prayer in the morning when I rise

                                   It's your servant bound for glory, O dear Lord, please hear my prayer.

                                   O Lord, please hear my prayer, keep me safe within your arms

                                   It's your servant bound for glory, O dear Lord, please hear my prayer.

                                   When my work on earth is done and you come to take me home

                                   Just to know I'm bound for glory and to hear You say, "Well done!"

                                   Done with sin and sorrow, have mercy. Mercy.

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