Veterans Day

Sunday, November 9, 2025

We Mourn. Nevertheless, We Hope.

Prelude:                                        

The Peace

from Rubrics by Dan Locklair

David Moldenhauer, organist

from Rubrics: A Liturgical Suite for Organ
by Dan Locklair 
© 1988 Dan Locklair/ E.C. Kerby, Ltd.

Call to Worship 

Cathedral of Hope, today we remember our veterans and the sacrifices made to protect the freedom of all people.

We gather to remember the liberties offered to us by this nation,

To celebrate those who in all times and places have been true and brave,

And to recognize those who served and are serving their country in the armed forces.

So rise, Church of God, in body and spirit, and lift your voices to the God of every nation!

**Processional Hymn

This Is My Song

This is my song, O God of all the nations,
a song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is,
here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine;
but other hearts in other lands are beating
with hopes a dreams as true and high as mine.

My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean,
and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine;
but other lands have sunlight too, and clover,
and skies are ev’rywhere as blue as mine.
O hear my song, O God of all the nations,
a song of peace for their and for mine.

This is my pray’r, O God of earth’s dominions:
Your justice come; on earth your will be done.
Let Christ’s example raise us all to service;
and hearts united learn to live as one. 
O hear my pray’r, O God of all the nations,
myself I give you, let your will be done.

Words: Lloyd Stone, 1934; Georgia Elma Harkness, 1939
© Lorenz Publishing Company
Music: Jean Sibelius, 1899

Welcome and Life of the Church

**Sharing of the Peace

Litany for Veterans Day

Jeremy:  God of peace and abundant life,

Today we honor the veterans whose lives speak of bravery, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to something greater than themselves. We recognize the abundant life that they sought to protect—the freedoms, the hopes, the dreams of generations to come. In their service, we see a reflection of your call to care for one another, to seek peace, and to stand in solidarity with those in need.

We give thanks for the veterans who have served, offering their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

All:          We honor their courage and seek to live in the abundant life they have protected.

Neil:        For the strength they showed in times of conflict and for the sacrifices made on behalf of others.

All:          We remember their service and commit to being peacemakers in a world longing for peace.

Lay R:     As we reflect on this legacy, we commit ourselves to creating a future where all may live in safety and abundance.

All:          Together, we seek abundant life for all, grounded in peace, justice, and love.

Jeremy:  For those who served and continue to carry the weight of war, we pray for healing and wholeness. May they find in you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

All:          Help us, too, to be peacemakers, living lives that contribute to a world where all may flourish and live abundantly.

Neil:        We pray all this in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray:

**Scripture Lesson: Psalm 126 

One: Our Scripture Lesson is the 126^th Psalm. Hear these words:

When our God restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “Their God has done great things for them.” Yes – our God has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. Restore our fortunes, O God, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

One: This is the Word of God for the People of God.

All:    Thanks be to God. Amen.

Gloria

Glory to God

Glory to God in the highest, and to all creation, peace!

O God Almighty, we thank you and give praise to you for your glory.

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, you take away our sin;

for you alone are the Holy One; you alone are Most High.

To Jesus Christ, at God’s right hand, and Holy Spirit, evermore

Be blessing and honor and glory; be all blessing and honor and glory.

Amen, Amen, Amen!   

Words adapted from the Latin Mass by Danny Ray
Music: Danny Ray
©1985 Danny Ray

Sermon

We Mourn. Nevertheless, We Hope.

Offering Call       

Offertory  

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Words based on Matthew 5:9
Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra

Dona nobis pacem.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Dona nobis pacem.

Blessed are they who pray for peace,
who strive for peace, who yearn for peace.
Blessed are the children of God.
Dona nobis pacem.

Blessed are the peacemakers. Pray for peace.
Blessed are the peacemakers. Strive for peace.
Blessed are the peacemakers. Yearn for peace.
Blessed are the children of God.
Dona nobis pacem. Blessed peace.

Words by Anne Krentz Organ based on Matthew 5:9
Music by Anne Krentz Organ 
© 2009 Augsburg Fortress 

Communion   

Words of Institution      

Prayer of Consecration  

Let us pray.

Almighty God, send the power of your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of grape and grain. Make them be for us holy food that nurtures us in body and spirit, that by sharing this feast, we may know the presence of the living Christ. By your Spirit, make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all of the world. Through Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory be yours, now and forever. Amen.

Invitation 

Music during Communion

Praise and Thanksgiving

Praise and thanksgiving, God we would offer
for all things living, created good:
harvest of sown fields, fruit of the orchard,
hay from the mown fields, blossom and wood.

God, bless the labor we bring to serve you, 
that with our neighbor we may be fed.
Sowing or tilling, we would work with you,
harvesting, milling for daily bread.

Then will your blessing reach every people, 
freely confessing your gracious hand.
Where you are reigning, no one will hunger,
your love sustaining showers the land.

Words: Albert F. Bayly, 1970, alt.
© 1988 Oxford University Press
Music: Gaelic traditional melody

Give Thanks

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because God’s given Jesus Christ, the Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because God’s given Jesus Christ, the Son.

And now let the weak say, “I am strong,” 
let the poor say, “I am rich
because of what the Lord has done for us.”
And now let the weak say, “I am strong,”
let the poor say, “I am rich
because of what the Lord has done for us.”

Give thanks, give thanks.

Words and Music: Henry Smith
© 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/Integrity Music, Inc. 

As We Seek Your Face

As we seek your face, may we know your heart,
feel your presence, acceptance, as we seek your face.

At your feet we fall, Sovereign Lord. 
We cry holy, holy; at your feet we fall.

As we seek your face, may we know your heart,
feel your presence, acceptance, as we seek your face.

Words and Music: Dave Bilbrough
© 1990 Dave Bilbrough Songs/Thankyou Music/worshiptogether.com

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Great is thy faithfulness, God, my Creator, 

there is no shadow of turning with thee;

thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not; 

as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

**Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! 

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed thy hand hath provided. 

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness, God, unto me!



Words: Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923
Music: William M. Runyan, 1923

**Prayer of Thanksgiving 

**Recessional Hymn:

Lead On, Eternal Sovereign

Lead on eternal Sov’reign, we follow in your way;
loud rings your cry for justice, your call for peace this day:
Thru prayerful preparation, your grace will make us strong,
to carry on the struggle to triumph over wrong.

Lead on eternal Sov’reign, we follow not with fear,
for in each human conflict your words of strength we hear:
That when we serve with gladness, you will not let us fall,
our trust is in your promise that love will conquer all.

Lead on eternal Sov’reign, till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and all your saints together will sing a hymn of peace;
Then all in your dominion will live with hearts set free,
to love and serve each other for all eternity.

Words: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1887; alt.
Music: Henry T. Smart, 1836

**Benediction         

Postlude for Dismissal

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The flowers on the chancel were given by Joe and Sherrie Carbajal in honor of all the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time to fighting food insecurity, this dedication is for you.

“Just as a sunflower turns its face toward the sun, your kindness shines a light into the lives of those in need. You are a source of warmth and hope in a world that can often feel cold and uncertain. Each vibrant yellow petal represents the boundless energy and passion you bring to your work. Each volunteer is a petal, and together, you create a beautiful, powerful blossom that nourishes and strengthens our community. Your presence, like a field of sunflowers, is a beacon of positivity and a testament to the good in humanity.

Thank you for being the steadfast stems that hold up our mission, the strong roots that support those who are struggling, and the bright, smiling flowers that fill so many with hope. We could not do this without you. Your generosity, compassion, and hard work are appreciated more than words can say”.