second sunday after epiphany - alconnect.faith · old testament reading isaiah 62:1–5 the...

P = Pastor C = Congregation A = All R = Reader D = Please rise to sing - 1 -

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER

EPIPHANY January 20, 2019 ● 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. ● Ascension Lutheran Church ● El Paso, Texas

As We Gather We all have many cares and worries in life. Chances are you arrived to worship this morning carrying some of those concerns upon your shoulders, heart, and mind. If that’s true, know that today’s service is designed for you! As we witness Jesus’ first miracle at the Cana wedding feast, we also learn from the experience of His mother, Mary. Mary was worried about the host family—they ran out of wine! She wanted to help, but she knew only one thing to do. She committed the situation to Jesus, knowing He would take care of it. And that He did! Much more than helping provide refreshment for wedding guests, Jesus revealed His power and glory. “And His disciples believed in Him” (John 2:11). Today, may you do the same. Commit your concerns to the One who gave Himself for you and invites you to believe in Him.

T We Gather in the Lord’s Name T The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Prelude

Words of Welcome

Opening Sentences P We begin in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

P The Lord has taken me to the banquet hall,

C and His banner over me is love. (Song of Songs 2:4)

P Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

C Your faithfulness to the skies.

P Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

C Your justice like the great deep.

P How precious is Your steadfast love, O God!


C The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

(Psalm 36:5-6a, 7)

Opening Hymn “O Bless the Lord, My Soul” LSB #814

Please stand..

Confession and Forgiveness P Let us come before our holy God, seeking the

blessing of His peace through the purifying work

of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Take time for silent reflection upon

your need for Christ’s forgiveness.

P Holy God, merciful Father,

A we confess that we have not followed our Savior

as we ought. By what we have done, and by what

we have failed to do, we have not honored You in

lives of holiness. Purify our hearts, merciful

Father, through the presence of Jesus Christ, that

we be blessed with the forgiveness He freely offers

to us all. Amen.

P Jesus stands in your midst today and speaks into

your ears the words of life that bring healing to

your souls. As His called and ordained servant, I

announce His grace to all of you and, in His stead and by His command, I forgive

you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.


Sharing of the Peace

Please be seated..

Hymn of Praise “This Is the Feast”

Prayer of the Day P Lord God, source of every blessing, You showed forth Your glory and led many to

faith by the works of Your Son, who brought gladness and salvation to His people.

Transform us by the Spirit of His love, that we may find our life together in Him,

Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.


C Amen.

T We Listen to the Lord’s Word T

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 62:1–5

The people's return to Judah after the exile was marred by economic and political troubles. Nevertheless, the prophet declares Jerusalem and Judah will be restored. God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride; and the people are called to the celebration.

1For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. 2The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. 3You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 4No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married. 5As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

R This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God!

Epistle Reading 1 Corinthians 12:1–11

The congregation at Corinth experienced division as people were comparing one another's spiritual gifts, thinking some to be superior to others. Paul invites this fractured congregation to trust that God's Holy Spirit has gifted them all perfectly for their mission together.

1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.


R This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God!

Please stand in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ..

Alleluia Verse

Holy Gospel John 2:1–11

Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is described as the first of Jesus' signs. Through many such epiphanies, Jesus reveals that He bears God's creative power and joyful presence into the world.

P The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the second chapter. C

1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” 4“Dear woman, why do you involve Me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” 6Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8Then He told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” 9They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” 11This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.

P This is the Gospel of the Lord. C


Please be seated..

Children’s Message

Hymn of the Day “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” LSB #394

Message

Please stand..

T We Respond to the Lord’s Grace T


Profession of Faith Nicene Creed A I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all

things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen.

Please be seated..

Prayer of the Church P Father in heaven, we thank and praise You for Your great goodness in sending Jesus

Christ, Your Son, who revealed His glory by His presence and first miracle at Cana

in Galilee. Grant that we, who have been welcomed to feast at His Table this day,

receive and rejoice in His mercy.

C Jesus, we are blessed by Your presence.

P Lord Jesus, in Your earthly ministry You were often surrounded by family and

friends. We, too, are blessed with loved ones who give us opportunities to show our

love for You by loving them also. Bless all Christian families that in our worship to

You and our service to one another we rejoice in Your goodness all our days.


P Lord Jesus, Your work of healing caused Your fame to spread as people beheld Your

glory. Your healing ministry continues on earth even now through the gifts of

medicine, health professionals, and all who care for those in need. We lift before

You all those in our family of faith who need Your healing touch today, (especially . .

.). Great Physician, we ask that You take great care of each of these for whom we

pray.



P Lord God, Your presence is known among us by the ongoing work of Your Holy Spirit. Enable all who are baptized to proudly bear Your name each day, that we use our various vocations to give You glory. Be especially with those whose work is difficult and dangerous, including all public servants and members of the military, that we dwell in safety and peace.


P (Other petitions may be offered.) These and all other prayers, which are upon our minds and hearts, we commit to You, dear Father, in the saving name of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

C Jesus, we are blessed by Your presence. Amen.

Choir Anthem (10:30) “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” Kathleen Thomerson

Offering

A SPECIAL NOTE: The mission and ministries of Ascension are supported by the love, generosity and

sacrificial giving of our members and friends. If you are a GUEST today, please do not feel obligated to

make a contribution, but know that any financial gift which you make will be used to help share Christ’s love

and salvation. Our offerings are an important part of our worship. Also, take a moment to fill out a

Friendship Card and place it in the offering plate. Thank you!

Please stand..

T We Feast at the Lord’s Table T

Preparation for Holy Communion

Holy Communion is celebrated at Ascension in the confession and glad confidence that, as

He says, our Lord gives into our mouths not only bread and wine, but His very Body and

Blood to eat and drink for the forgiveness of our sins and to strengthen our union with Him

and one another. Our Lord invites to His table those who are baptized and who trust His

words, repent of all sins, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and

loves us, that they may show forth His death until He comes again. The following questions

are helpful for those preparing to receive the Lord’s Supper: • Do I believe that I am sinful and without hope of eternal life without God’s mercy in

Christ Jesus?

• Do I believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and my personal Savior?

• Do I believe that He is personally and truly present in this meal with His Body and Blood? • Do I intend by the power of the Holy Spirit to live a godly life?

Preface

P The Lord be with you. C


P Lift up your hearts. C

P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C

P It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who blesses us in this hour because of the hour of His sacrificial death for us all. He alone makes us right with You through the forgiveness of sins and fills us with the presence of Your Holy Spirit. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing:

Sanctus

Words of Our Lord

P Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He

had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is

My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”


In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He

gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My

T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you

drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Lord's Prayer P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:

A 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.

Agnus Dei

Please be seated..

Distribution Hymns Choir Anthem (10:30) “Jesus, Come! For We Invite You!” (Harold Friedell)

LSB #618 “I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table”

LSB #808 “O Sing to the Lord”

LSB #821 “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”

Please stand..


Dismissal

P The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in body and

soul to life everlasting. Depart T in peace.

C Amen.

P Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

C His steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:1)

T We Depart with the Lord’s Blessing T

Benediction P Your God says to you, “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His

ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;

C you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” (Psalm 128:1-2)

P The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine on you and be

gracious to you. The LORD look upon you with favor and T give you peace.

C Amen.

Parting Hymn “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” LSB #643


Sending P Go in peace to love the Lord and with compassion serve your neighbor!

C Thanks be to God!

Postlude

T We Exit to Witness T

Acknowledgments Divine Service, Setting One from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted with

permission. Parts of this worship service are protected by copyright by Concordia Publishing House and C.C.L.

License # 541379. Unless otherwise indicated, scripture is from The Holy Bible, New International Version © 1978 by

New York International Bible Society. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia

Publishing House.


Ascension Reminders A staffed nursery is available across from the Kitchen during SS and 10:30 service.

Quiet Room available for parents to attend to the needs of their babies and toddlers.

Please remember to put your cell phones on vibrate or silent mode during worship services.

Preschool Registration Begins Soon!

The Board of Preschool is already looking ahead to the 2019-2020 school year! In-house registration will begin on January 22, and open registration will begin February 4. Cost of tuition will be increased by $25 a month, extended care prices will increase by $5 a month, while registration and curriculum fees will remain the same. Ascension Church members receive a 15% discount! For more information contact our Preschool Director, Marhel Cueva at 915-833-4849.

News & Notes

►Flower Chart: This is a lovely way to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and loved ones.

One set of flowers is $25 or both for $50. Please place your check in the offering plate or drop it off in the church office.

►Membership: Those interested in membership at Ascension can go through the New Member Class online at our website: www.ALConnect.faith. Click on “Media” then the “New Member Resources” link and follow the prompts.

►Opportunity Center: the Board of Christian Service is collecting donations of paper products for the Opportunity Center for the homeless—paper towels, paper plates, napkins and toilet paper are all helpful to the ministry. Thank you!

►Refreshments: sign up today to share refreshments between services! Sign-up sheets are

in Fellowship Hall by the kitchen.

►Audio Visual Volunteers Needed! Please call the Church Office to sign up for the next training session! Please see John Witty for more information on this meaningful and simple way to serve our Lord!


Adult Bible Class 9:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall

Pastor Bestian will continue the study on the Book of Acts during Family Bible Hour @ 9:15 a.m. All members & friends of Ascension are encouraged to attend.

Sunday School Lesson Summary

“The Visit of the Wise Men,” as told in Matthew 2, is the Bible story in Sunday School today. This Bible story teaches us that the Savior came into the world for the salvation of all people. Just as the Wise Men came to Bethlehem to see the Savior and honor Him, so we come to church to see the Savior in His Word and Sacraments. With these gifts, He both honors and blesses us. Consider discussing, “How are we sometimes like Herod? How are we like the Wise Men?”

Sunday School Head Coordinator: Mrs. Wanda Melendez

Preschool/PreK/Kindergarten: Debbie Epperson, Jan Schlak, Dava Tilley

Grades 1-3: Linda Canada, Jean DeWitt

Grades 4-6: Lauren Hannemann, Kirsten Moravec

Children’s Sunday School meets in the Children’s Christian Education Wing of the building.

Youth News

Our Bible study delves further into Scripture and science, where our youth will encounter the mind-stretching discoveries from cosmology, cellular biology, DNA research, astronomy, physics, and human consciousness presented as astonishing evidence in Lee Strobel’s The Case for a Creator. Meet in the Youth Room downstairs at 9:15 a.m. for the Bible study! Registration forms are available for the TX-NM Winter Retreat. The forms are due next Sunday, 1/27 along with the $30 fee.

Raise the Roof Project Updates


Total donations as of January 6, 2019: $133,739

Raise the Roof Total as of September 30, 2018: $109,945

Raise the Roof Goal Oct-Dec 2018: $25,000

Raise the Roof Total Donations Oct-Dec: $15,047 (64% of Goal) as of January 2, 2019

—October Raise the Roof Donations: $3,163 —November Raise the Roof Donations: $4,960 —December Raise the Roof Donation Total: $6,924

Sunday School Teachers/Bible Study Leaders

At Ascension, there are several opportunities to grow deeper in God’s Word! We thank those teachers and substitute teachers who give of their time to teach, lead, and facilitate the study of Scripture!

Sunday School Head Coordinator Wanda Melendez Cradle Roll Coordinator Keri Howell Junior/Senior Youth Bible Study Luz Soto Adult Bible Class Pastor Brian Bestian

Weekday Bible Study Leaders

Tuesday Women’s Bible Study Anita Werner Tuesday Men’s Bible Study Ryden Richardson Leo Melendez

Woman-to-Woman Bible Study Kim Bestian Thursday Women’s Bible Study Gretchen Schmalz Saturday Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study John Witty

Prayer Ministry Philippians 4:6-7

As you can see, there was increased giving in

December compared to the other months. We

were short of the goal, but Praise the Lord for

the donations & prayers!


If you have a prayer request for the prayer chain, please call Olga Sullivan, Prayer Chain Coordinator, at 581-1450 or e-

mail Jan Schlak at [email protected].

Please call the church office @ 833-1009 to include a prayer

request for the bulletin.

† Grieving: We pray for the family of Lourdes Carabotta (wife of Pastor Carabotta at Mission Lutheran) as they mourn her death.

† Missions: Orphan Grain Train & Lutheran Bible Translators. Please pray for all missionaries around the world.

† Immediate Concerns: James Goldsmith, Sandra Lasher, Dave Bardouche, June McClanahan (Pastor’s aunt – pancreatic cancer), Brent Behrens, Roselie Ross (Gisela Lichon’s

sister – chemotherapy), Christy Chavez (Olga Sullivan’s niece – recovery from surgery), Rich Overton (pneumonia), Katherine Corona (recovery from fall), Olga Sullivan (Parkinson’s), Arlen Levenhagen (heart surgery), Pauline Sudnahufski (family of Schwitters’ - hospice care), Suzette Barber (thyroid & bladder issues), James McClain Green (recovery from accident), Mike Arredondo (stroke), Iris Arredondfo (effective treatment of cancer), Helen Warke (cancer

treatment), Sylvia Lange (Jan Schlak’s sister – healing from vertigo), Kim Bestian (continued

recovery), Kurt Stefans (recovery from surgery), Jan Larson (heart & gall stone issues), Jerad Knight (successful treatments), Cardinalli Family (loss of home in fire), Natalie Knight, Gloria Garcia (friend of Weyers - heart attack), Tony Evans (ALS diagnosis), Richard Cummings (relief of

pain), Dick DeJabet (Dawn Yturralde’s father - cancer), Erin Naylor Leach (friend of Hite family -

swelling of brain), Herb Harper (effective treatment), Bob Gallagher, Sasha Kecman (hospitalized,

multiple surgeries), Paula Gonzales (recovery from surgery), Lorie Nadelborg (inoperable brain

tumor), Debi Maki (successful treatment).

† Ongoing Prayers: Kay McLeod, Annabelle Leupp, Dianne Wolfenbarger, Todd Maki, Jerry Aguilera, Helen Allen, Sue Anderson, Arelis Baez, Rick Barber, Eric Bell, Lourdes Carabotta, Juan Chacon, Peter Chisholm, Harry Clark, Ron Cleavenger, Micah Cohen, Josephine DeMartelaere, Jessica Deo, Julie DeRusha, Travis Dickson, Humberto Garcia, Angelika Grossnick, Tina Guerrero, Karla Herbert, Wayne Kendrick, Taylor Martinez, Ingrid Meraz, Marilyn Patten, William Peevey, Lenae Rasmussen, Cheryl Rassette, Eloisa Regalado, Gideon Rhodes, Alicia Rich, Paul Robinson, Julio Rodriguez, Gabriella Rubio, Jim Schwab, Garry Simmons, Bill Strickland, Louise Strickland, Anthony Sullivan, Tony Sullivan, Fred Svarney, Jim Swegarden, Bud Thanepohn, Doug Thanepohn, Jim VanEtten, Greg Vaughan, Jenny Vicencio, Carol Watson, Joan Watson, Grace Wells, Jim Werner, Marge Jordan

† Home Bound: Sandra Eckland, Ralph Matarrazo

† Deployed Troops: Please pray for all deployed troops and their families as they serve our country around the world.

Stewardship Corner

mailto:[email protected]


A new year offers a new start for many of us. Like Paul, we “[forget] what is behind and [strain] toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13). Through Christ, Who has paid the penalty for our sins, the slate is clean; we can forget about the past. We are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), ready to go forward in His strength to serve Him with the gifts He has given us.

New Member Class Online!

Those interested in membership at Ascension are able to go through the New Member Class online at our website: www.ALConnect.faith. Click on “Media” then the New Member Resources link and follow the prompts.

GodConnects is a video-based adult confirmation course developed by Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM). It has been doctrinally reviewed by the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS) and covers Christian doctrine in 12 topics. Each topic begins with a short video and is supported with a downloadable discussion guide and PowerPoint presentation.

When you have completed all 12 lessons, please notify the Church Office at (915) 833-1009. A New Member Orientation meeting will be held to complete the process of your membership. During this orientation session, you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions or to seek further clarification on the GodConnects course. We will also give you a quick overview of our congregation’s history and our mission, vision and goals. For those without internet, we have the DVD and discussion book for your use.

Update Your Contact Information with the Church Office

Does the church office have your most updated contact information? Please make any updates or changes on a blue friendship card or e-mail the church office at [email protected].

This Week @ Ascension


Sun, 1/20: 8:00 a.m. Worship with Communion 9:15 a.m. Family Bible Hour 10:00 a.m. Worship with Communion

Mon, 1/21: Church Office Closed

Tue, 1/22: 10:30 a.m. Woman-to-Woman Bible Study – church 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study – Wade home 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study 6:45 p.m. Boy Scouts

Wed, 1/23: 8:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel 10:00 a.m. Weight Watchers 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Thu, 1/24 9:45 a.m. Women’s Bible Study – Schlak home

Sat, 1/26 8:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast – church

Hygiene Drive for the Rescue Mission


The Board of Christian Service would like to do a hygiene drive for the Rescue Mission of El Paso as these types of items are most needed currently.

Please look for a box in the Fellowship Hall and donate through February 10. Thank you so much for your help!

Sermon Notes

Items Needed:

• Deodorant • Combs • Brushes • Soap • Toothbrushes

• Shampoo • Razors • Shave cream • Sanitary products for women • Lotion

second sunday after epiphany - alconnect.faith · old testament reading isaiah 62:1–5 the...

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