Worship and Devotions

Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world!

(Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)

All Saints Sunday

Sunday, November 2, 2025

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labours rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Saviour’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.

Music

Rejoice In God’s Saints

Rejoice in God’s Saints - ELW 418 - YouTube

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Music

For All Your Saints, O Lord

For All Your Saints, O Lord - ELW 427 - YouTube

Readings

Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:11-23

Gospel - Luke 6:20-31

Glory to you, O Lord.

In echoes of the prophet Isaiah and Mary’s song of praise, Jesus reveals surprising things about who enjoys blessing and who endures woe. He invites his disciples to shower radical love, blessing, forgiveness, generosity, and trust even on enemies and outsiders.

Then [Jesus] looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

Sing With All The Saints In Glory

ELW 426 "Sing with All the Saints in Glory" - Virtual Hymn - Samm Hills & Mt. Si Lutheran Church

Sermon

https://youtu.be/o64coeHH_EY

Prayers of Intercession

Gathered with one voice, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

God of all that is, delight in the praises of your people and revive the spirit of your church. Move through us with boldness so that we proclaim the gospel of Christ throughout the world. Renew and revive our leaders, lay and ordained. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of the beginning, give us the courage to advocate for environmental policy that will ensure a viable future for generations to come. Restore desolate places to health and flourish. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of all our days, guide the leaders of governments, nations, provinces, municipalities, and all those seeking office. Dismantle injustice and oppression wherever it is found. Bring an end to the civil war in Sudan that is escalating. Help Israel and Hamas, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand to keep the ceasefires and use this time to listen to each other and bring about peaceful resolution of their conflicts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of comfort in troubled times, we pray for those in need of protection, care, healing and comfort especially the families of the more than 1218 people who have died from toxic drug overdoses in B.C. this year; the families of all murdered and missing Indigenous persons; the more than 218 homeless here in the Comox Valley; the more than 600 homeless in Nanaimo; and others whom we name in our heart. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of what is yet to come, encourage and inspire those who give their time, talent, and treasure in service to your church. By their commitment, further the work of ministry in this place and uplift your gospel. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of justice, thank you for all those saints who by their standing firm and speaking out, even at the risk of their lives have brought about justice for so many. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of time and space, we give thanks for the faithful departed. Sustain us in hope of our eternal unity in Christ. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We offer these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your grace and unyielding love, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Music

For All The Saints

ELW 422 For All the Saints - Virtual Hymn Lutheran Hymn - Samm Hills Worship