Sunday, November 8, 2026:
The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
PRELUDE: My Lord, What a Morning
—Robert C. Lau (b.1943)
WELCOME
*CALL TO WORSHIP —Psalm 105: 1, 3-4
L: O give thanks to the Lord; call upon God’s name;
A: make known the deeds of the Lord among all the peoples.
L: Glory in God’s holy name;
A: let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
L: Seek the Lord and his strength;
A: let us constantly seek God’s face.
*OPENING HYMN: My Lord, What a Morning UMH 719
*OPENING PRAYER:
O God,
your blessed Son came into the world
to destroy the works of evil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life.
Grant that, since we have been given this hope,
we may purify ourselves as he is pure
so that when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with your and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
ACT OF PRAISE: Gloria Patri UMH 71
JOYS & CONCERNS
A PRAYER FOR VETERANS
Lord God,
creator of us all and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid
for the liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support,
gentle love and compassionate healing.
Be their power and protector,
leading them from darkness to light.
O God,
by whose mercy the faithful departed find their rest,
look kindly on all our departed veterans
who gave their lives in the service of their country.
Grant that, through the passion, death,
and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ,
they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom,
and rejoice with you and your saints forever. To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.
PASTORAL PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT II
INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE
Brothers and sisters in Christ:
Through the Sacrament of Baptism
we are initiated into Christ’s holy Church.
We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price.
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
I present this child for baptism.
RENUNCIATION OF SIN AND PROFESSION OF FAITH
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
Reject the evil powers of this world,
And repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you
To resist evil, injustice, and oppression
In whatever forms they represent themselves?
I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
Put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord,
in union with the church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races?
I do.
Will you nurture this child in Christ’s holy Church,
that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves,
to profess their faith openly,
and to lead a Christian life?
I will.
Do you, as Christ’s body, the Church,
reaffirm both your rejection of sin
and your commitment to Christ?
We do.
[To the Congregation]
Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now before you in your care?
With God’s help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these persons
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their trust of God,
and be found faithful in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
that they may be true disciples
who walk in the way that leads to life.
Let us join together in professing the Christian faith
as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
[who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.]
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
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.]
THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Eternal Father:
When nothing existed but chaos,
you swept across the dark waters
and brought forth light.
In the days of Noah
you saved those on the ark through water.
After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow.
When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt,
you led them to freedom through the sea.
Their children you brought through the Jordan
to the land which you promised.
**Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Tell of God’s mercy each day.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus,
nurtured in the water of a womb.
He was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit.
He called his disciples
to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection
and to make disciples of all nations.
**Declare Christ’s works to the nations,
his glory among all the people.
Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and those who receive it,
to wash away their sin
and clothe them in righteousness
throughout their lives,
that, dying and being raised with Christ,
they may share in his final victory.
**All praise to you, Eternal Father,
through your Son Jesus Christ,
who with you and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns for ever. Amen.
BAPTISM WITH LAYING ON OF HANDS
I baptize you in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Holy Spirit work within you,
that being born through water and the Spirit,
you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now it is our joy to welcome
our new brother/sister in Christ.
Through baptism
you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit
into God’s new creation
and made to share in Christ’s royal priesthood.
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you
as members of the family of Christ.
COMMENDATION AND WELCOME
Members of the household of God,
I commend this person to your love and care.
Do all in your power to increase their faith,
confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
We give thanks for all that God has already given you
and we welcome you in Christian love.
As members together with you
in the body of Christ
and in this congregation
of The United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant
faithfully to participate in the ministries of the Church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, our service, and our witness,
that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ.
The God of all grace,
who has called us to eternal glory in Christ,
establish you and strengthen you.
By the power of the Holy Spirit
that you may live in grace and peace.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
*HYMN BEFORE SCRIPTURE:
Steal Away UMH 704
Today’s Epistle reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The Word of the Lord. THANKS BE TO GOD.
*Please stand as you are able for the Gospel Acclamation
& remain standing for the reading of the Gospel.
*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Halle, Hallelujah TWFS 2026
The Gospel of the Lord. THANKS BE TO GOD.
MUSIC FOR MEDITATION: Keep God’s Light
—Mark Patterson
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
MUSIC AT THE GRADUAL:
Teach Me, My God and King —Arlan Clarke
MESSAGE —Rev. JW Park
THANKSGIVING PRAYER BEFORE THE OFFERING
MUSIC DURING THE OFFERING:
Still I Sing Alleluia —Kyle Pederson
*DOXOLOGY UMH 95
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*CLOSING HYMN: O God, Our Help in Ages Past UMH 117
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Shalom to You UMH 666
POSTLUDE: Trumpet Tune in C Major
—Robert C. Lau (b.1943)
HYMNS —-
The flowers on the altar today are dedicated to the glory of God and in memory of my husband Bob Lesche on what would have been our 65th Anniversary on November 4th. ~Deanna Lesche
DAILY SCRIPTURES
Mon: Luke 12:35-59 Tues: Hebrews 11:32-12:2
Wed: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Thur: Acts 17:16-34
Fri: John 11:1-44 Sat: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
MORNING PRAYER CALL: Monday-Saturday, 630-645am
Dial 267-807-9601 and enter access code: 111-576-270 #
Monday, Nov. 9th – Saturday, Nov. 14th: Ray Orocco-John
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Children’s Church Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers to teach Children’s Church (about 30-40 minutes) twice a month. Lessons can be provided or provided by the volunteer. Contact Becky to sign up: beckyroper@stmatthews-bowie.org
Pastor Appreciation Month
Please join your fellow congregants in thanking our Senior Pastor, JW Park, for his loving ministry, dedication to us, and his faithful discipleship.
Help St. Matthew’s Put Its Best Foot Forward
Our church is looking for friendly volunteers to welcome contractors and visitors during the week Monday through Friday, not weekends. Greeters will offer a warm welcome, help folks find their way, answer basic questions, and create a hospitable first impression of our church. Flexible scheduling is available and training will be provided. If you have a welcoming spirit and a few weekday hours to share, please contact Jay Megonigal at druce19@comcast.net to learn more or sign up.
Christian Book Club – Tuesday, November 17th at 7pm | ZOOM
Our next book is titled The Girl Got Up: A Cruciform Memoir by Presbyterian pastor and poet Rachel M. Srubas. It is available in paperback or e-book on Amazon and other on-line retailers (Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Books-a-Million, Liturgical Press, etc.) Some retailers may not offer both of those options. Please join us!
Memorial Bench for Betty Dodson Update
My Family wants to express their appreciation to the Members of St. Matthew’s UMC, Friends & Family, who so generously contributed to the Memorial Bench honoring Betty Dodson. We’re just a few dollars short of our goal for the bench and soon will be ordering the bench for placement at the entrance to the Church.
Bowie Food Pantry Update
At this time, the Bowie Food Pantry is most in need of condensed soup, canned tomatoes, canned pasta (e.g., beefaroni), and low-sugar cereal. Please place donations in the shopping cart in the coat room
Little Free Pantry Update
The most needed thing now for the Little Free Pantry is monetary donations. As you know, groceries are very expensive. The LFP serves many people in need, and we need more money to provide some of the basics.
Please write “Little Free Pantry” on the front of your envelope and on the memo line of your check or select “Little Free Pantry” from the “Select a Fund” drop-down box when giving online. Thank you! (bethlingg@comcast.net)
SPECIAL THANKS TO TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS!
| Greeters | St. Matthew’s Members |
| Welcome Desk | St. Matthew’s Members |
| Ushers | Pat Clark*, Maysen Gore-Duran, Stacy Ann Samuels, Corey Smith |
| Acolytes | Henry Berfield, Shurn Scatliffe |
| Liturgist | Jay Megonigal |
| Musicians | Chancel Choir |
| Counters | Allison Pena, Carolyn Fisher, Ed Darnell |
| Projection Design | Jane Thessin |
| Broadcasting | The Hulens, George Wood, Steve Smith, Bruce Thoman, Zoom Team |
| Coffee Hour | The Mennes |
WHAT’S HAPPENING…
| Today | 11am | Coffee Hour | Fellowship Hall |
| Adult Sunday School | Parlor | ||
| Children’s Sunday School | Room 126 | ||
| 12pm | God & Guinness | Molloy’s | |
| Mon. | 1pm | Friendship Circle | Parlor |
| 7pm | Gloria Ringers Rehearsal | Sanctuary | |
| Tues. | 945am | Bible Study w/Isaac Borocz | Parlor |
| 11am | Angel Gang | ZOOM | |
| 5pm | Spaghetti Dinner – Youth Group Fundraiser | Fellowship Hall | |
| 7pm | Evening Bible Study w/Rev. Park | ZOOM | |
| Veterans’ Day – Church Office Closed | |||
| Wed. | 8am | Men’s Breakfast | Rip’s Country Inn |
| 7pm | Simple Prayer Service | Sanctuary | |
| Thurs. | 7pm | Chancel Choir Rehearsal | Choir Room |
| Sat. | 930am | Altar Guild | Sanctuary |
| 1pm | Memorial Service of Mary Ann Anzallo | Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall | |
CONTACT US
| Facebook Page | www.facebook.com/stmbowie | |
| Senior Pastor | Rev. JW Park | jwpark@stmatthews-bowie.org |
| Dir. Music Ministries &
Adult Education |
Isaac Borocz | isaacborocz @stmatthews-bowie.org |
| Dir. Children & Youth Ministry | Becky Roper | childrenandyouth @stmatthews-bowie.org |
| Office Administrator | Melissa Hauer | admin@stmatthews-bowie.org |
| Financial Administrator | Scot Dahl | bookkeeper @stmatthews-bowie.org |
| Outreach Coordinator | Toni Gorman | < |