november 1,2026

Oct 26

3 min read

Preacher: Rev. Boon Lin Ngeo

Please use this Order of Service to easily follow the service online.

CLICK HERE FOR HYMNS (or scroll to the bottom)

Prelude: Debbie Deane

Chalice Lighting:

In an age where words are easy to generate and harder to mean, we pause to light this flame not to perfect our message, but to offer something true. We light this chalice for the quiet courage it takes, to speak plainly of what moves us. May this light remind us: connection begins not with the flawless gesture, but with the honest one. And even the smallest act of bravery can be the start of a shared path.

Opening Hymn: Every Time I Feel the Spirit SLT 208

Welcome & Announcements

Call to Worship:

Come, let us worship and bow down before the Lord our Maker. Let us come before God with thanksgiving and praise, for God is our God and we are God’s people.

Prayer of Invocation:

First Sacred Reading Psalm 86:11-17

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me— they have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Passing of the Peace

Sharing of Our Joys & Concerns

Prayers of the People/Pastoral Prayer

Offering & Doxology:

Second Sacred Reading: Song of the Soul (Saint John of the Cross)

I know well the fountain that flows and runs even though it is night.

That eternal fountain is hidden, which I know well where it has its home, even though it is night.

I do not know its origin, for it has none, but I know that all origins come from it, even though it is night.

I know that it cannot be such a beautiful thing, and that heaven and earth drink from it, even though it is night.

I know full well that there is no land in it, and that no one can wade across it, even though it is night.

Its clarity is never obscured, and I know that all its light comes from it, even though it is night.

I know that its currents are so abundant, that they water hells, heavens, and people, even though it is night.

I know very well that the current that comes from this source is so capable and so powerful, even though it is night.

The current that comes from these two, I know that neither of them precedes it, even though it is night.

This eternal fountain is hidden in this living bread to give us life, even though it is night.

Here the creatures are being called so that they may drink their fill of this water, even though it is dark, because it is night.

This living fountain that I desire in this bread of life I see it, even though it is night.

Hymn of Reflection: O Lord, Hear My Prayer

Sermon: Why Do We Pray?

Service of Communion:

God is with you And also with you

Let us open our hearts Let us open them to God

Let us give God thanks and praise It is a good and joyful thing to do

Closing Hymn: Shabbat Shalom SLT 214

Benediction: Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo

Postlude: Debbie Deane

All Souls Bethlehem Church

An Open and Affirming Congregation

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo

Ministers: All Members of ASBC

Minister Emeritus: Rev. Bill Nye

First Time Visitor?

Please sign our red Guest Book (located near the entrance)

and be our guest at the gathering following the service!

Interested in “Official” Church Membership?

Please speak with Council President Raquel Irizarry about our next New Member gathering!

An All-inclusive, Welcoming Community of Faith

born from the traditions of the:

Disciples of Christ - www.Disciples.org

United Church of Christ - www.UCC.org

Unitarian Universalist Association - www.UUA.org

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