Dear friends,
Our Old Testament lesson is Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24, “the Lord will seek them out”. In this passage, God directly intervenes for Israel’s failed shepherds (kings or rulers), and takes on the role of the shepherd himself. The promises of God as Israel’s shepherd in the Old Testament, seeking, rescuing, bringing them out of harm’s way, and defending them, ultimately find fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus testifies to this himself, declaring, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10: 11a). Thanks be to God our merciful and tender Good Shepherd who we can always rely on, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” (2 Corinthians 1: 20).
Order of Service
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn 477: “Your hand, O God, has guided”
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 115: “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”
Responsive Reading: Psalm 95: 1-7a
Gloria Patri
Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
Ephesians 1: 15-23
Matthew 25: 31-46
Sermon: “In the heart of God the father”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 474: “The love of God comes close”
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 274: “Crown him with many crowns” (vs 3&4 en français)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude