Affirmation of Baptism

Bethany Lutheran Church October 8, 2017

Affirmation of Baptism

Pentecost 18 | October 8, 2017 | 8:15 & 10:15 a.m.

PRELUDE Batalla Anonymous

WELCOME

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, as the presiding

minister begins.

In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God’s mercy and

forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Silence is kept for reflection.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the

waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which

you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and

his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into

freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the

Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all. We praise you for the

gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new

life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with

your forgiveness, grace and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the

Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

PROCESSIONAL (10:15 a.m.) Highland Cathedral arr. John Kuzma

GATHERING HYMN How Firm a Foundation Hymn #796

ANTHEM (8:15 a.m.) Happy All the Time Traditional

GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the

Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

HYMN OF PRAISE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration

of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance,

help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

LESSON Philippians 3:4b-14 Holy Bible pg. 211 (NT)

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL Matthew 21:33-46 Holy Bible pg. 24 (NT)

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

ANTHEM (8:15 a.m.) All Night, All Day arr. Aaron David Miller

APOSTLES’ CREED (8:15 a.m.)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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, he is seated at the right hand of the father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

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. Amen.

HYMN OF THE DAY (10:15 a.m.) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Hymn # 803

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM (10:15 a.m.)

PRESENTATION

The following desire to make public affirmation of their baptism.

(The candidates come forward as their names are read.)

Let us pray.

Merciful God, we thank you for these sisters and brothers, whom you have

made your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called them to

yourself, enlightened them with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished them in

the community of faith. Uphold your servants in the gifts and promises of

baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We

ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.

The congregation is invited to stand.

PROFESSION OF FAITH

I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of

the church.

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?

I renounce them.

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?

I renounce them.

Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?

I renounce them.

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, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's 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,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God 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. Amen.

The congregation may be seated.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the

covenant God made with you in holy baptism:

to live among God's faithful people,

to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,

to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,

to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,

and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?

Confirmands: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

People of God, do you promise to support these sisters and brothers and pray for

them in their life in Christ?

Congregation: We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.

Let us pray.

We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you

give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Amen.

(Spoken individually over each Confirmand.)

Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake,

stir up in (name) the gift of your Holy Spirit;

confirm her/his faith,

guide her/his life,

empower her/his in her/his serving,

give her/him patience in suffering,

and bring her/him to everlasting life.

Amen.

Let us rejoice with these sisters and brothers in Christ.

Congregation: We rejoice with you in the life of baptism.

Together we will give thanks and praise to God

and proclaim the good news to all the world.

THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES October 15: Food, Quilts, Candles

OFFERING Highland Cathedral (8:15 a.m.) arr. John Kuzma

I Will Trust the Lord (10:15 a.m.) Undine Smith Moore

WELCOME TO THE LORD’S TABLE

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

PREFACE

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy... ...we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the

kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

LAMB OF GOD

WELCOME TO THE LORD’S TABLE

Bethany welcomes all to receive the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion. An

usher will direct you forward for communion. There are several stations across the front

of the seating sections. Groups are welcome to visit a communion station together. You

will receive a piece of bread in your hand, please dip the bread into the cup of wine.

Those who are not receiving communion are invited to receive a blessing. Note that the

communion station at the center has gluten-free bread and alcohol-free wine.

COMMUNION MUSIC Interlude on “Pleading Savior” (8:15 a.m.) C. Callahan

On God Alone My Hope I Build (10:15 a.m.) F. Mendelssohn

COMMUNION HYMN Borning Cry Hymn #732

BLESSING

BENEDICTION

SENDING HYMN Now Thank We All Our God Hymn #840

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE Now Thank We All Our God Michael Burkhardt

Liturgical Text and Worship Notes: From Sundays and Seasons.com © 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS00681.

WORSHIP LEADERS

Pastors Pastor Gary Sandberg, Pastor Russ Britton,

Pastor Brigette Weier

Assisting Minister Vicky Daub

Organist Rick Seaton

Bagpiper Rob Kelly

Sacristan Laura Weber-Meyers (8:15 a.m.)

(Coordinator: Dave Malucky) Michelle Stone Kraus (10:15 a.m.)

Lectors Michelle Stone Kraus (8:15 a.m.)

(Coordinator: Ron Gusé) Koren Holden (10:15 a.m.)

Musicians Cherub Choir, Zach Rodasti, Director;

Jubilation & Celebration, Juli Dowell, Director (8:15 a.m.)

Chancel Choir, James Kim, Director (10:15 a.m.)

Acolytes Britta Birznieks, Abbie Stensland (8:15 a.m.)

Nora Engel, Sophie Fowler (10:15 a.m.)

Ushers Steve Barrett, Terry Biever, James A. Flemming,

(Coordinators: Dave Okes, Kevin McAuliffe, Marilyn McConnell, Rich Waldmeier,

8:30 a.m.; Andy Gift, 10:00 a.m.) Abigail Wiggans, Scott Wiggans (8:15 a.m.)

Rebecca Collins, Lee Gray, David Hillman,

Ronald Kaminen, Pat Rethman, Bob Struthers,

James Wahe (10:15 a.m.)

Communion Assistants Jeanette Arps Manos, Larry Daub, Sandy Galyath,

(Coordinators: Karen Tennien, Karen Tennien, Bev Van Kirk (8:15 a.m.)

8:15 a.m., Alison Betts, 10:15 a.m.) Larry Daub, Gretchen Hack,

Morris Hack (10:15 a.m.)

Sound Technicians David Lawal, Richard Romig

(Coordinators: Forrest Guittar, Laura Romig)

Altar Guild Joyce Beabout, Twilla Helland,

(Coordinator: Linda Sather) Jean Lindsey, Gail Mullin

Nursery Attendants Lori Braden, Kathy Shearer

New worshippers may pick up a copy of the monthly Beacon and a Life at Bethany

booklet at the Welcome Center. Worship bags are available for young children to use

during worship. Hearing devices are available. Please see your usher. Once the service

begins, please enter the Sanctuary by the side aisles.

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2017 CONFIRMANDS

Emma Ackerman

Clayton Aldrich

Alyssa Alles

Kelsey Baer

Samantha Baker

Grayson Bellas

Henry Bergman

Tyler Bergman

Avery Bergschneider

Emily Blair

William Callahan

Nathanel Cho

Caroline Clouatre

Sydney Collins

Brianne Engel

Jameson Good

Martha Gray

Aidan Gregoire

Taylor Howard

Mallory Kuzminski

Piper Landon

Sara Lusk

Hanna Newman

Hunter Resley

Morgan Rewerts

Benjamin Stroeher

Kiera Toney

Faith Formation is an intentional life-long process of equipping, empowering and

unleashing people for an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus Christ through worship,

learning, service, prayer, community and life experience in order to live out one’s

Baptismal calling.

WORSHIP NOTES

Borning Cry: Today we sing one of Bethany’s all-time favorite hymns in connection

with Affirmation of Baptism, as has been our custom since the advent of the ELW. Paul

Westermeyer, in the Hymnal Companion to the ELW, has written the following:

“John Ylvisaker wrote both the text and the music for this hymn. In 1985 he

began working on a video series called “Reflections,” and began a song with a

“dance-like beat and fast rhythm” before he saw any footage of the video. When

he saw the “gentle scenes depicted on the screen,” he realized “the lyrics were on

target, but not the music.” He left the studio that day and says, “Thus began the

most arduous task any composer can face: Changing a completed work into

something else. However, the original ‘false labor’ later gave way to the birth of

‘Borning Cry,’ which is now included in songbooks and hymnals around the

world.”

Affirmation of Baptism: Today we celebrate the rite of ‘Affirmation of Baptism’ with

27 youth who are professing their faith and intention to live as followers of Christ. Years

ago Lutherans referred to this rite as ‘Confirmation.’ At baptism parents make the

promise to follow practices that teach their children the faith “so that your children may

learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world

God made, and work for justice and peace.”

In their affirmation of baptism, confirmands are asked to make this promise for

themselves and to “serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for

justice and peace in all the earth.” In some cultures Affirmation of Baptism functions as

an important step into adulthood as youth gain independence and begin to take more

responsibility for their lives of faith. The process of preparing people to affirm these

promises begins in the home as soon as a child is baptized. The congregation plays an

important role too, as its members are role models and mentors to what the life of faith

looks like. The years spent in confirmation classes are intended to continue through

adulthood as we mature in our faith and practices in the hope and trust that God will

continue to lead and guide us in all aspects of our lives.

Please see the ushers for a large print bulletin.

Bethany Lutheran Church

4500 East Hampden Avenue

Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

303-758-2820

www.bethany-denver.org