A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
Order of Worship
October 26, 2025 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message
*Call to Worship -Psalm 65
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.
You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.
When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.
Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.
You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.
*Opening Praise Songs
“I Give You My Heart” -CCLI #1866132
“Change My Heart, O God” -CCLI #1565
Call to Confession –Romans 3:21-24
Prayer of Confession
Lord God in heaven, we confess that we try to measure our faithfulness by comparing ourselves with others.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us as sinners.
Forgive us O God where we fail to see your Spirit’s work in others, in those who have lived before us.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us as sinners.
Forgive us for choosing comfort and convenience over faithfulness.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us as sinners.
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, Your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living -Romans 3:25-26
Offering
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Heidelberg Catechism Q & A 60
- How are you righteous before God?
- Only by true faith in Jesus Christ.
Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God’s commandments, of never having kept any of them, and of still being inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without any merit of my own, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, and as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is accept this gift with a believing heart.
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Luke 18:9-14 (NIV Pew Bible, Page 1494)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “WHOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS, MINE OR GOD’S?”
Prayer of Application
Our Response to God
*Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his 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. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come 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.
*Hymn of Response “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” -Hymn #737, vv. 1, 2, 4
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*Closing Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” -Hymn #601; vv. 1, 3, 4)
*Benediction -Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Postlude
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs