Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
October 26, 2025 | 10:00am
Rev. Mark Poyner, Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude I Need Thee Every Hour | McDonald
Call to Worship
Votum
This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and let us be glad in it.”
Amen
Opening Sentences
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.
You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.
When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.
Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.
You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.
Salutation Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Amen.
*Hymn of Praise In Unity We Lift Our Song
Call to Confession
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Scriptures remind us that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us come before Him in humility and faith, and confess our sins together. Let us now join together as we read our prayer of confession in unison:
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we come before You knowing that we have fallen short of Your glory. Too often, we boast in our own goodness, and compare ourselves to others instead of seeking Your mercy. We have trusted in our own strength and forgotten that all good things come from You. Forgive us, Lord. Renew our hearts with humility, cleanse us with Your Spirit, and help us to walk in the joy of Your forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: “The Lord has done great things for you. You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied, and never again will you be put to shame. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and restored. Thanks be to God!
The Law of God
*Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Anthem Sing God’s Love | Pethel
Prayer for Illumination
Loving God, as Your Word is read and proclaimed, open our hearts to receive Your truth. Pour out Your Spirit upon us, that we may dream Your dreams, see Your visions, and live as people transformed by Your grace. Through Jesus Christ, the Living Word, we pray. Amen.
Old Testament Readings: Joel 2:23–32 and Ezekiel 37:1-14
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
*Hymn: I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Second Reading: Luke 18:9–14
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon: “When Mercy Falls Like Rain” | Rev. Poyner
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering Let Heavenly Music Fill This Place | Young
*Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with the Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father, 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 debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
*Hymn Go Ye, Go Ye into the World
Benediction
Postlude O God, Our Help in Ages Past | Callahan
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Please consider making a weekly donation of eggs or milk to the P-G Food Pantry.
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED