Sunday, November 16, 2025
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost - Year C
Luke 21:5-19 | “Gain Your Souls”

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 98)
One: O Sing to our Creator a New Song,
Many: Make a joyful noise to God, everyone! 
One: With trumpets and sounds of the horn
Many: We create joyful sounds for you, God of love.
One: The hills will sing together in bliss.
Many: Just as the sea roars and the artists rhyme, we serenade our Creator.

Invocation
Beloved Divine Sustainer,
Like the sunlight, your presence illuminates the world around us.  Like the air, your being invigorates us.  Even when the world seems to be on fire, your quenching rain soothes our souls.  Through your wisdom, we find our hope and strength.  Fill our minds with your peace and our hearts with fortitude, knowing you will never depart from us.  Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Holy Strength,
At the signs of conflict in our communities and world, we cower instead of running towards the needs of our neighbors.  We believe the end is near, but in actuality, this is another wave of dread coming from our fellow humans.  Unfortunately, we can’t simply wish this conflict away.  Instead you call us to walk through the fire and to use our voices.  Forgive us when we want to stop instead of continuing to follow the way of Jesus.  Give us grace to keep moving forward, even when betrayal and hate are raining upon us.  Amen.

Words of Grace
Shame and despair will not overtake us.  The grace of God sustains us from dawn until dusk and in the depths of the night.  Amen.

Invitation to Generosity
What are the best ways for us to share what we have?  How can we best use our gifts when our neighbors hurt and our systems attempt to limit the well-being of God’s children?  Through our gifts, we are able to bear your strength and boost the hearts of many.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Creator God, Source of All Energy,
We see how your gifts transform the hearts, minds, and souls of this world.  May your wisdom continue to strengthen our spirits.  Through our gifts of treasures, talents, and time, we can serve your children, ensuring no one goes hungry and all are thriving.  Through our endurance and compassion, may we build God’s Realm here on earth. Amen.

Benediction
As we work to faithfully follow God’s call,
May the Christ illuminate the road ahead,
May the Spirit invigorate us throughout each day,
May our Creator soothe us and instill hope.
Beloved siblings, even as waves of fear crash over us, God never leaves nor forsakes us and brings us courage as we journey together.
Amen!

Gain Your Souls: Service Prayers for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost was written by Rev. Michelle L. Torigian , an ordained UCC minister in Belleville, Illinois.