A Warm Welcome Awaits You!
+ORDER OF SERVICE+
October 5th, 2025
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
World Communion Sunday
Prelude: Ciacona in d minor – Johann Pachelbel
Welcome and Announcements (10:25 am)
Entry of the Word (please rise)
Greeting and Call to Worship
We are the church, gathered in Christ’s name.
We are the Body of Christ, seeking to live faithfully.
Come in faith, trusting in God’s steadfast love.
We seek God’s power, which is greater than ourselves.
Know that Christ is the image of the invisible God.
In Jesus we see God’s grace made manifest.
Hymn # 448: O God beyond all praising
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Hymn # 625: Seek ye first
Children’s Message
Anthem: I Come with Joy – Karen Marrolli
Prayer of Illumination
Ever-Faithful God,
whose mercy is offered to the just and to the unjust, help us to be faithful with our earthly wealth, that we may inherit your heavenly riches,
for we ask it through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Old Testament Amos 8:4-7
Responsive Psalm Psalm 112 (Refrain 1)
Epistle 1 Timothy 6:6-12
Gospel Luke 16:1-13
Sermon “Savvy Christians”
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Offering: Air – Alexandre Boely
Doxology # 661: We give thee but thine own (v.1)
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Communion Hymn: # 530: I come with joy
The Apostles’ Creed: # 539
The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving- Lord’s Prayer: #564
Prayer after Communion
Hymn # 775: Sent forth by your blessing
Benediction and Parting Hymn:
“Go Now In Peace”
Go now in peace, never be afraid;
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong, and true;
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe;
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there, watching from above;
Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Words by Don Besig and Nancy Price. Copyright 1988 Harold Flammer Music. Used by permission
Postlude: A Festal Fanfare – J.S. Bach
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please continue to pray for anyone sick, in hospital, or recovering from illness or surgery. If you know of anyone in need of prayers, please let the office know.
ORKIN INSECT CONTROL: Orkin Canada will be at the church on Monday, Oct. 6th performing insect and rodent control. While this application is being done, it is recommended that you keep out of the church for the day. This work was post-poned from last Monday.
NEW SOUND SYSTEM and SCREENS: The Sanctuary renovation work, originally scheduled to begin this December, will now begin on Tuesday, October 14th and will be completed by Friday, October 24th. This may also include the work in McCullough Hall. As with any project, allowances and accommodations will need to be made during this time period, so your patience and co-operation are greatly appreciated. Please keep the project, and the people who are labouring to make it happen, in your prayers. This is an exciting time at St. Andrew's!
WEEKLY GROUPS & MEETINGS – Week of Oct. 6th to Oct. 11th:
Monday, Oct. 6 – Orkin Canada – Insect and rodent control
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Medical Missions – 9:00 AM to Noon
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Bible Study – 10:00 AM
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – PCW Meeting – 2:00 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Tracey Frank Music Lessons – 4:00 – 7:45 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Sandwich Making – 9:30 AM
Wednesday, Oct. 8 – JYSEP Youth Programme – 2:30 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Ladies’ Choir – 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday, Oct. 9 – Community Meals – All Day
Thursday, Oct. 9 – Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 PM
Saturday, Oct. 11 – Tracey Frank Music Lessons – 10 AM – 5 PM
POSTAL STRIKE: Workers at Canada Post are once again on strike. Please be mindful of this if you are attempting to send mail to the church. If you have something for the church, please call and we will try to make other arrangements with you.
SUNDAY COFFEE TIME & FELLOWSHIP: Join us before (at 9:45 AM) or immediately after the service downstairs in McCullough Hall for coffee, refreshments, and fellowship. All are welcome. If you can help in the kitchen, or can provide treats on Sunday morning, please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the kitchen counter.
FREE SUNDAY BUS SERVICE: There is a free bus service to Sunday worship at St. Andrew's for those in the Stratford area. If you wish to use the bus, please call the Office at St. Andrew's at 519-271 5668 to book a ride. The deadline for booking or cancelling (if you have a weekly scheduled pick up) is 12 Noon on the Friday prior to the Sunday you wish to attend
CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW: Join Avondale United Church for a penny sale fund-raiser on Saturday, Oct. 18th. Admission by donation of non-perishable food. See the poster on the bulletin board for more information.
JAZZ VESPERS: St. James Anglican Church is holding a Jazz Vespers service on Sunday, October 19th at 4 PM. Music provided by The Steve Holowitz Trio. All are welcome. Free-will offering will be taken.
STRATFORD HOUSE OF BLESSING: Join the House of Blessing at the Rotary Complex for their “Empty Bowls” event on Friday, October 24th at 5:00 PM. Select one of 800 bowls hand-painted by local artists and savour entrees, bread, and desserts provided by local restaurants. Enjoy live music. Cost is $35 for adults and $30 for children aged 4-12. To purchase tickets, call 519-273 3433.