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)

Sunday October 25, 2026

Reformation Sunday

40th Anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada

Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.

Prayer of the Day

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all; truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28

Gospel - John 8:31-36

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.

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. For no human will be justified before him by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 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; 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. Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith. 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.

Gospel: John 8:31-36

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 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’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

40th Anniversary Sermon

REMEMBRANCE OF MARTIN MADELUNG (1953-2026)

In joyful expectation of the resurrection to eternal life, we remember Martin Madelung, a much loved member of our congregation, dedicated and caring leader and friend, who has gone before us in faith and who now rests from his labours.

Lord God, you have surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses. Grant that we, encouraged by the example of Martin Madelung, may persevere in the course that is set before us and, at the last, share in your eternal joy with all the saints in light, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Music

Borning Cry

Prayers of Intercession

Seeking the Spirit of God who makes all things new, we pray for the church and the world.

A brief silence.

As we celebrate Reformation Sunday, we remember the witness of Martin Luther and the reformers of the church in every generation. Empower us to continue the work of reform and renewal in our own day. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the healing of natural places despoiled by pollution and human greed. Give all living creatures access to safe land, water, and air. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for our criminal justice systems and all those whose lives are affected by them. Give wisdom and discernment to police, probation officers, judges, and attorneys; give courage and peace to prisoners and the formerly incarcerated. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We ask your blessing upon all people who have been harmed by the church and its leaders, that the truth may make them free. We pray for the relief of all those who are sick or suffering Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We give thanks for those exploring or returning to a life of faith. Encourage and guide them, that they may find their hope in you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other petitions may be offered.

We thank you for our ancestors and all who have been called home to you especially Martin Madelung. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Trusting in your boundless grace, O God, we lift up these spoken prayers and those in our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Season of Pentecost Devotional Practices

Worship Resources - ELCIC's 40th Anniversary

Anniversary Litany

Prayer for the Church

Reformation Day - Saturday, October 31, 2026

By the end of the seventeenth century, many Lutheran churches celebrated a festival commemorating Martin Luther's posting of the Ninety-five Theses, a summary of abuses in the church of his time. At the heart of the reform movement was the gospel, the good news that it is by grace through faith that we are justified and set free.

Readings for Sunday, November 1 - All Saints Sunday

Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3;

Gospel - Matthew 5:1-12

During this week, you may wish to read them ahead of time especially the gospel.

Where did you stop?

What questions, thoughts arose as you read?

Where may the Spirit be nudging you?

Music To Enjoy During the Week

God Alone Be Praised (ACS Accompaniment Edition) - ELW/ACS 1023

Though the Earth Shall Change - YouTube

Your Grace Is Enough - Matt Maher [With Lyrics]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4wU1zS0tPk&list=RDC4wU1zS0tPk&start_radio=1