Order of Worship
GATHERING MUSIC - We Rise by Batya Levine
WELCOME
* OPENING SONG - I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
I sing a song of the saints of God,
faithful their whole lives through
who bravely labored, lived and died
for the God they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and another a shepherd on pastures green;
they were saints of God, if you know what I mean.
God help me to be one too.
They loved their God and they lived that love
It was loving that made them strong
They did what was right for Jesus’ sake,
lived justly their whole lives long.
And one was a prophet and one was a priest,
and another was slain by a fierce wild beast;
there is no earthly reason, none in the least
why I shouldn’t be one too.
They lived not only in ages past;
there are hundreds of thousands still.
The world is filled with living saints
who choose to do God’s will.
You can meet them in school, on the road, or at sea
In a church, in a train, in a shop, or at tea:
for saints are folk like you and like me,
and I mean to be one too.
ALL SAINTS LITANY
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Peace be with you… ...and also with you
* SONG - “When the Saints Go Marching In”
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call...
Oh when the sun begins to shine...
GIVE, SERVE, SHARE: Announcements
STEWARDSHIP 2026: Free for All - Paul Monzella
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.
SCRIPTURE - Matthew 19:16-26 - Gina Henrickson
READING - “Loaves and Fishes” by David Whyte
SONG OF PREPARATION - We Rise
SERMON- Rev. Vince Amlin
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Defying Gravity by Stephen Schwartz from Wicked
Sarah Simmons McCollum, mezzo soprano
(RE)WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS
Sheila Banerji
Jennifer LeBlanc
Kezia Zakem
* CLOSING SONG - “Some Glad Morning (I’ll Fly Away)” #595
* BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE I’m a Believer by Neil Diamond
Sarah Simmons McCollum, mezzo soprano
**********
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Book Group: Song Of Solomon- Nov 5th
Our next book group is on Nov. 5th at 7pm! We’ll be reading Song Of Solomon by Toni Morrison:
Song of Solomon explores the quest for cultural identity. Based on the African-American folktale about enslaved Africans who escape slavery by flying back to Africa, it tells the story of a young man alienated from himself and estranged from his family, who embarks on a physical and spiritual journey that enables him to reconnect with his past and realize his self-worth. Sign up here if you plan on reading with us!
Healing Religious Trauma- Nov. 6th
Small Group running Thursdays in November
You’re a Bethanian - you’ve likely already done a lot of work on religious trauma and know God loves you as you are. But have you ever wanted to dive into some more loving religious doctrine to understand your belovedness from a philosophical and biblical perspective? In this small group, we’ll look at universalism, queer theology, and liberation.
Join us on Nov. 6th at 6pm, and every following Thursday in November! Sign up here
Join The Outer Belt Pilgrimage - Nov. 8th
Sign up to join us for the next leg of our Outer Belt Pilgrimage! We’ll be walking together on Saturday November 8th.
If you can’t make it this time, mark your calendars for our next trip on December 6th!
For more info, reach out Vince at vince@bethanychicago.com and/or go to outerbelt.org
Fall Sew-In - Nov. 9th
This November 9 we'll be at our sewing machines again as Bethany hosts a fall "sew-in" to make fabric produce bags and gift bags in time for the holidays.
From Noon to 4pm teams of 6-8 people will cut, iron, pin, sew and finish simple bags made from pillow cases, sheets, clothing and cotton fabrics. Save the date and plan to spend two hours helping—no sewing experience required! Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. For this sewing event we will be joined by members of the Lake View Lutheran Church. Please sign up here. More news to come.
Yasuko Oura & Keanon Kyles in Concert- Nov. 22nd
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as pianist Yasuko Oura and singer Keanon Kyles unite on stage for a one-of-a-kind musical celebration that spans genres and generations. This is not your typical concert—it’s a soul-stirring, heart-pounding journey through opera, classical, contemporary art song, musical theater, and pop, all masterfully woven into a night of passion, power, and pure joy.
Don’t miss this genre-blending, spirit-lifting musical experience. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, Broadway, or radio hits, this concert promises something for everyone.
Grab tickets and learn more about the concert here
Congregational Meeting- Nov. 23rd
Bethany members, please join us Sunday Nov. 23rd after worship for our Congregational Meeting. At our fall meeting, we approve the budget for 2026. We hope all BUCC members will join us! Visitors are also welcome to join and see how our church works! Stick around after worship for the meeting, then we’ll head downstairs to enjoy the Thanksgiving Potluck! Hope to see you there.
Thanksgiving Potluck- Nov. 23rd
We’ll be hosting our annual Thanksgiving Potluck on Nov. 23rd after worship (the Sunday before Thanksgiving). Please plan to bring a dish to share! We’re also in need of volunteers for set up and break down, please sign up here if you’re able to help. Looking forward to sharing a meal together!
Holiday “Stockings” for Night Ministry- Dec. 7th
Believe it or not, it's that time again! We're collecting items for The Night Ministry to distribute to clients living un- or undersheltered. There's again an emphasis on high quality, so you can sign up to bring individual items (or lots). New this year: we're stuffing drawstring backpacks! Turns out: that's what recipients prefer. So we need those as well. Details about those and everything else here
Please bring or send items to church by Sun, Dec 7th. We'll be packing them up that day after church.
Service and Justice Pilot Year: 2026
On Tuesday, September 16th, the parlor was packed with folks who've been at Bethany forever, and some who just got here. We had a lively conversation about plans for Service & Justice in 2026. Whether you were there or not, you're invited to take part!
Bethany is a different church now than it was five years ago. We’re bigger, more active, with shifting energies and passions in the face of the current climate in our city, our country, and our world. What hasn't changed: our core commitments to serving others and pursuing justice.
As we move into 2026, we’re embarking on a pilot year for the Service and Justice arm of Bethany UCC. We want to hear from YOU about where we should be directing our energy as a church. And, we want to strengthen relationships as we serve others, both within our Bethany community and with our neighbors.
So, here’s our ask:
If you have a topic on your heart (homelessness, food insecurity, refugee resettlement, earth care, police reform, mental health, suicide-prevention, prison-abolition…) submit a proposal for Bethany’s consideration.
Our goal: a 2026 calendar full of diverse, sustainable, opportunities to serve and seek justice alongside each other. Pastor Fredrick Buecher said that the place God calls us to is "where our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” What needs are we called to meet now, and what joyful gifts do we have to offer?
