October 18, 2026 - Dementia Awareness Sunday
Prelude: Songs of Formation
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Isaiah 43:1, Luke 1]
Thus says the LORD, who created you: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;”
"I have called you by name; you are mine."
Even when our memories fade and words are hard to find, God remembers us.
God’s love never forgets us, and His grace holds us safe.
God lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things.
Our spirits rejoice in our Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servants.
Let us worship the LORD!
Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven (Hymn 479)
Lyte
Praise, my soul, the God of heaven, glad of heart your carols raise;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who, like me, should sing God’s praise?
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the Maker all your days!
Praise God for the grace and favor show our forebears in distress;
God is still the same forever, slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Sing our Maker’s faithfulness!
Like a loving parent caring, God knows well our feeble frame;
Gladly all our burdens bearing, still to countless years the same.
Alleluia! Alleluia! All within me, praise God’s name!
Confession
God who shows up in humble places and within humble people, we confess that we often want to run from our humanity in all its messiness and fragility. We seek security in power and knowledge, but we cannot make ourselves invulnerable. Sooner or later, we lose the control we have to accidents, illness, aging, and many other circumstances. Forgive us when we bring you only a sanitized version of ourselves. Forgive us when we struggle to welcome vulnerability from others. Holy Spirit who prays within us, meet us in our groaning and in our desire for wholeness. Amen.
Silence
A Shield About Me
Thomas/Williams
Thou, O Lord are a shield about me.
You’re my glory, You’re the lifter of my head. (repeat)
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,
You’re the lifter of my head.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,
You’re the lifter of my head.
[Psalm 3:3]
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology (Hymn 592)
Ken/Genevan Psalter
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Moment for Mission
Sean Jonz, Program Manager, Alzheimer's Association
Solo: The Me That Remains
Grant
Lisa Phillips
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Steve Blewett
Old Testament: Genesis 25:19-28
New Testament: Luke 1:39-55
Sermon: Deep Groaning
Scott Starbuck
Focus: “We don’t have to please God in any other way than to be brutally honest.”—Bono
Response: When Memory Fades
Bringle/Sibelius
When memory fades and recognition falters,
When eyes we love grow dim, and minds, confused,
Speak to our souls of love that never alters;
Speak to our hearts by pain and fear abused.
O God of life and healing peace, empower us
With patient courage, by your grace infused.
As frailness grows and youthful strengths diminish
In weary arms that worked their earnest fill,
Your aging servants labor now to finish
Their earthly tasks, as fits your mystery’s will.
We grieve their waning, yet rejoice, believing
Your arms, unwearied, shall uphold us still.
Within your Spirit, goodness lives unfading.
The past and future mingle into one.
All joys remain, unshadowed light pervading.
No valued deed will ever be undone.
Your mind enfolds all finite acts and offerings.
Held in your heart, our deathless life is won!
Pastoral Prayer & 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, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Set apart a tithe of all the yield of your seed that is brought in yearly from the field. -Deuteronomy 14:22
Sending: O for a World
Winter/Gläser
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved,
Where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.
We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice
That opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.
The poor are rich; the weak are strong; the foolish ones are wise.
Tell all who mourn: outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
Where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Magnificat
d’Andrieu
OneLicense# A-727502
CCLI# 283345
