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)

Christ the King Sunday

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.

Music

All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name

ELW 634 - All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (Tune: Coronation)

Prayer of the Day

O God, our true life, to serve you is freedom, and to know you is unending joy. We worship you; we glorify you, and we give thanks to you for your great glory. Abide with us, reign in us, and make this world into a fit habitation for your divine majesty, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Music

Blessing And Honor

Blessing and Honor - ELW 854

Readings

Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20

Semi-continuous - Jeremiah 23:1-6; Luke 1:69-79; Colossians 1:11-20

Gospel - Luke 23:33-43

Glory to you, O Lord.

Amid scoffing and slander from those who sarcastically call him Messiah and king, Jesus reveals that to be Messiah and king is to give one’s life for others. Here he uses his power to welcome a despised sinner to paradise but puts his own death into God’s hands.

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

You, Lord, Are Both Lamb And Shepherd

You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd - ELW/ACS 954

Sermon

https://youtu.be/J_4NSEpgMfM

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.

We pray for the church in the world, its leaders, and its mission to share the good news of healing and restoration. Grant discernment, wisdom and brave testimony. Inspire us to embody the beloved community in ways that faithfully witness to the Holy Spirit. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the trembling mountains and glad streams of creation. Preserve and renew your coastlines, deep seas, forests, and grasslands. Guide all who tend flocks or care for creatures of all kinds. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for leaders and advocates in governments, civil life and public safety around the world. Support equity and heal divisions with accountability and truth. 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. Bring an end also to the war between Ukraine and Russia. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for any who are hungry, living in poverty or desperation, weary in body or spirit, sick or in mourning especially the families of the more than 1,376 people who have died from toxic drug overdoses in BC 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. Surround them with your love and tender care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for this part of the body of Christ gathered around word and sacrament. Bring us into authentic community where all ages are valued and experience God’s faithfulness together. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We give thanks for all who have died in faith. May we remember them faithfully until we are gathered with you in the paradise you promise. 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

O Christ, What Can It Mean For Us

O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us - ELW 431

Soon And Very Soon

Andrae Crouch *Soon And Very Soon* w/Lyrics

Go Now In Peace

Go Now In Peace / Don Besig and Nancy Price - YouTube