Order of Worship
CALL TO WORSHIP “Shaking Hands” by Pádraig Ó Tuama
OPENING SONG O God Our Help In Ages Past
Our God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home:
Under the shadow of your throne
your saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is your arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood
or earth received its frame,
From everlasting you are God,
to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in your sight
are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten, as a dream
fades at the opening day.
Our God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
Still be our God while troubles last,
and our eternal home!
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Peace be with you
…...and also with you
SONG Standing In The Need Of Prayer
Not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer;
Not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer.
Refrain:
It’s me, it’s me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer;
It’s me, it’s me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer.
Not the preacher, nor the deacon, but it’s me, O God
standing in the need of prayer;
Not the preacher, nor the deacon, but it’s me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer.
[Refrain]
Not my father, nor my mother, but it’s me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer;
Not my father, nor my mother, but it’s me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer.
[Refrain]
Not the stranger, nor my neighbor, but it's me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer;
Not the stranger, nor my neighbor, but it's me, O God,
standing in the need of prayer.
[Refrain]
SCRIPTURE Jeremiah 31:27 - 30
READING A Future Not Our Own
SONG OF PREPARATION Come, Bring Your Burdens to God
Come, bring your burdens to God
Come, bring your burdens to God
Come, bring your burdens to God
Jesus will never say no.
SERMON Rev. Rebecca Anderson
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Total Praise Richard Smallwood
Katy Lindhart (soprano) and The Bethany Pick-Up Choir
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
When in the past week did you see God at work? What concerns would you like to turn over to God’s care?
PASTORAL PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father/Creator/Parent, 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.
Amen
GIVE, SERVE, SHARE: Announcements
STEP BY STEP STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Linton Childs
OFFERTORY
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
CLOSING SONG Help! by the Beatles
I need somebody
(Help) not just anybody
(Help) you know I need someone, help
So much younger than today
(I never need) I never needed anybody's help in any way
(Now) but now these days are gone (these days are gone)
I'm not so self assured
(And now I find) now I find I've changed my mind
And opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me
In oh so many ways
(My independ-) my independence seems to vanish in the haze
(But) but every now and then (now and then)
I feel so insecure
(I know that I) I know that I just need you like
I've never done before
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me
When I was younger, so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
(Now) but now these days are gone (these days are gone)
I'm not so self assured
(And now I find) now I find I've changed my mind
And opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, ooh
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE.
* * *
Step By Step Pledge Campaign
At Bethany, we’re on a journey of revitalization. Of becoming the community that God dreams we might be: a congregation that challenges itself to work for justice and care for our neighbors; that cares for its historical legacy, so that we can pass the gifts that we have received on to the next generation of Bethany members.
This is the time of year when we ask you to make a commitment to take the next step toward the church we are becoming. In our recent congregational budget meeting, we set ourselves a goal of $125,000 in pledges for 2025. We can only get there with everyone’s help. We hope that you’ll take the next step and pledge to Bethany for 2025.
You can make a pledge here or submitting a pledge card to the church by mail or in the offering box.
Creation Justice Small Group - Next Meeting Monday Nov. 11th 7-8pm
Do your favorite pair of Bob Ross socks have a hole in them so now you can’t wear them? Or is your only red sweater relegated to the depths of your closet because of a small tear? Well fret no more, this month we are darning socks and sewing our old outfits together. Having to buy new clothes out of new materials takes a huge toll on the environment, so let’s learn how to mend what’s broken. If you are proficient at sewing or darning socks, I need you! Sign up here
Donations Needed For Refugee Family
Our Congolese refugee family, who came to Chicago earlier this year, are facing their first-ever winter. We would like to provide them with boots and coats, and of course hats, scarves and gloves. If you have any of these items new or gently used, please contact Judy Beaupre (jhbeaupre@yahoo.com or 312-810-4981). Check your weekly email for a full list of needed items
November Book Group: Seven Empty Houses- Nov. 13th
Join us for our next Book Group on November 13th! We'll be reading and discussing Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin.The book is a collection of seven short stories that explore the fragility of the human mind, body, and spirit. The stories are set in strange houses where something is missing, and each story features unexpected twists and turns. The collection is described as unsettling, exhilarating, and original, and it exposes uncomfortable truths about the people and places we think are safe. Sign up here if you're interested in reading with us!
Thanksgiving Potluck- Nov. 24th After Worship
We’ll be hosting our annual Thanksgiving Potluck on Nov. 24th after worship (the Sunday before Thanksgiving). Please plan to join us for this wholesome Bethany tradition. If you plan to bring a dish, let us know what you’re bringing by signing up here! We also need volunteers for set up and break down, please sign up if you’re able to help.
Collecting Items for The Night Ministry- Dec. 8th
On December 8th after service, we'll be filling stockings again for folks living unsheltered or under-sheltered. The Night Ministry gives us guidance and distributes them: we need your help providing the stocking stuffers!This year, we are filling 40 stockings with requested items (with an emphasis on quality items that will last through the winter and provide real warmth) so you'll notice you have the option to provide less items this year. Sign up here and follow the directions there: select which items to purchase and drop off (or have delivered) to Bethany on or before Sunday, Dec 8th. Then, after church, we'll stuff stockings together. Want to do something extra? Consider grabbing gift cards to a few convenient Chicago stores (Walgreens, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, etc) — recipients really appreciate it!
Other Things Coming Up....
Music That Makes Community, Nov 18th: Join us for an evening of low stakes meditative singing. All are welcome, from tone deaf to professional!
Hanging Of The Greens, Dec 1st: Help us after worship on 12/1 to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas!
COFFEE HOUR
We’ll have coffee hour on every second and fourth Sunday of each month! Click here to lock in a date you're willing to host. Reminder, we make the coffee and you bring treats to share!
