second sunday in lent february 24, 2013 worship with holy...
TRANSCRIPT
Second Sunday in Lent
February 24, 2013
9:30 A.M. Worship with Holy Communion
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Welcome!
We’re glad God has called you here today! We pray that you’ll encounter God in worship, and hope that you’ll be with us again soon! If you haven’t met our pastor, please be sure to say hello either before or after the service. We also hope you’ll stay after worship for coffee and fellowship in the Gathering Area.
We love having children in worship, even if they occasionally make a joyful noise! Most services include a children’s sermon and special children’s bulletins. There are also activity bags by the worship space entrance that your child can use. Children are welcome at the Table, and we don’t have a specific age for communing. If you’d like your child to commune, please let the pastor know. A professionally staffed nursery for infants and preschool-aged children is available during worship and the education hour for parents who need it.
If you have special needs, we will do our best to help meet them. Our sound system is compatible with many hearing assistance devices. Large-print worship bulletins with the full text of the service are available from the ushers. Print copies of the scriptures and of the sermon are also available. The sermon is also on our website: www.ctlelgin.org. If you have mobility issues, let an usher know, and communion can be brought to you. We can easily remove chairs anywhere in the worship space to provide extra room for wheelchairs and walkers.
Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday. We practice open communion, which means that all who believe Christ is truly present in this meal are welcome at the table, no questions asked. It is Christ’s table, and it is Christ himself who invites you. Come forward as the ushers direct. Throughout Lent, we will receive Communion kneeling at the altar rail. Fill in along the rail as you come forward, and kneel if you are able to. You may return to your seat as soon as you have communed.
You’ll be offered the bread, the body of Christ, which you should eat as soon as you receive it. (If you need gluten-free bread, simply ask the minister, who can offer you that.) You may then drink either from the common cup, which contains wine, or take an individual cup from the tray. The individual cups in the center of the tray contain non-alcoholic grape juice. Empty cups may be placed in the tray that follows the server. If you or your child would prefer a blessing instead of communion, please come forward with everyone else, and simply cross your arms over your chest to indicate this.
Do you have a prayer need? Individual prayer is available. Simply go to the chair at the side after you commune, and someone will be there to pray with you. You may also write prayer requests in the book outside the worship space entrance. If you’d like to have a number of people learn about a request quickly, you can send an e-mail to [email protected]. (Be aware that these emails are delivered immediately. Please use discretion in sharing details.) You can also send an e-mail to the pastor at [email protected].
For more information about the ministries we’re involved in here at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church (CTL), visit the Hospitality Table near the entrance to the building, or go to our website, www.ctlelgin.org.
We ask that everyone sign and pass to your neighbor the Get Acquainted Sheet that is in the black pad at the end of each row. When it reaches the other end of the row, pass it back the other direction, and look to see who your neighbors are…it’s a great way for us all to get to know one another! Please be aware that pictures may be taken during the service and at various church events. These photos may be used in a variety of written and electronic materials, including our website. If you do not want your picture used, please notify Linda Gagnon, Office Administrator, in writing.
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Gathering: The Holy Spirit assembles us as the People of God …
P: Presiding Minister A: Assembly L: Leader R: Reader C: Choir
Throught Lent, we will begin our worship in the Gathering Area outside the sanctuary. If you have mobility problems, you may go ahead and have a seat in the sanctuary.
Following the Confession and Forgiveness, in order to reinforce that we are on a journey, we will process into the worship space while singing “Take, O Take Me as I Am.”
When you arrive at your seat, you are invited to kneel or to sit and meditate as you center your heart in God.
Announcements and Welcome
Confession and Forgiveness
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked on our foreheads at baptism, as the Presiding Minister begins.
P Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who creates us and forms us, who redeems us and calls us, who unites us and sends us.
A Amen.
P Gathered in God’s presence, let us confess our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P Mighty and loving God, A we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves.
We seek our own way. We divide the body of Christ. In your mercy, cleanse us and heal us. Let the words of our mouths, the thoughts of our hearts, and everything that we do be filled with faith, hope, and love. AMEN
Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek the face of the Lord again. Lent provides another occasion
to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”
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P Hear the voice of Jesus: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to proclaim release to the captives.” In the name of + Jesus Christ, I proclaim to you that your sins are forgiven and you are released. The joy of the Lord is your strength, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are yours forever.
A Amen.
Processional Song “Take, Oh, Take Me As I Am” Hymnal 814
We will sing this simple song repeatedly as we process into the worship space. When you get to your seat, you may kneel or sit as you center you heart in worship.
Silence to Prepare for Worship
The Assembly stands when the bell rings a second time.
Greeting
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
A And also with you.
Kyrie
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Prayer of the Day
P God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
A Amen.
The Assembly is seated.
Word: God speaks to us in scripture, preaching, and song …
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18
R A reading from Genesis.
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4But the word of the LORD came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.
7Then he said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” 8But he said, “O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.
12As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. 17When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.
At the end of the reading:
R Word of God, word of life. A Thanks be to God!
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Psalm 27 “The Lord Is My Light” D. Hass
The Assembly sings the refrain when directed by the choir leader.
Reading from the New Testament Philippians 3:17—4:1
R A reading from Philippians. 17Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
At the end of the reading:
R Word of God, word of life. A Thanks be to God!
The Assembly stands.
Gospel Acclamation
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Gospel Luke 13:31–35
P This is the Good News of Jesus Christ according to St. Luke. A Glory to you, O Lord!
31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’“
At the end of the reading:
P The gospel of the Lord. A Praise to you, O Christ!
The Gospel Acclamation is sung once again. The Assembly is then seated. The children are then invited forward for the Children’s Sermon.
Children’s Sermon
Response “As the Deer”
Sermon
Silence for reflection follows the sermon. The Assembly then stands.
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Hymn of the Day “The God of Abraham Praise” vv. 1, 3, 4, 6 Hymnal 831
Creed
L Let us profess what we believe. A 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.
Prayers of the People
L Returning to the Lord with all our heart, let us pray for the whole people of God, the earth, and all who cry out for healing.
A brief silence during which you can center your heart in prayer.
L Give to your church rest and renewal, even as we listen to the word of the prophets and pray for those persecuted for their faith. Continue the transformation of your church so that we may share your love with the world. We pray for those you have called to lead your church in this place, that they may faithfully proclaim to us your everlasting covenant: our bishops Mark and Wayne, Pastor Keith, Deaconess Andrea, Henrietta, our Council, Steve, Jim, and Linda. Hear us, O God.
A Your mercy is great.
L Grant peace to the city of Jerusalem, and lead all nations to care for their land and employ its resources wisely. Hear us, O God.
A Your mercy is great.
L Bring relief to polluted or burdened cities, and teach us to treasure sky and sun, stars and moon, lands and rivers. Hear us, O God.
A Your mercy is great.
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L Enfold with compassion all who cry out for nourishment, peace of mind, or healing, especially Bob Blake, Norma Brinkley, Caitlin Delaney, Ursula Hebein, Jamie Jamieson, Tom Jensen, Bob Lawrence, Cyndi Littledale, Larry & Joyce Matson, Xander Riebock, Chris Robinson, Jeremy Tindle, and those we name now [. . .], that you might enfold them in the holy wings of your presence. Hear us, O God.
A Your mercy is great.
L Form us in these Lenten days to be a people marked by gratitude and generosity. We pray especially for those in our ongoing Circle of Care: Brandon Zange, Jeneane & Dale Zeimen, Amy & Richard Zeman, Sharon & David Ziesemer. Hear us, O God.
A Your mercy is great.
L As a hen gathers her brood under her wings, draw us, with all the saints, to your tender and merciful embrace, remembering especially today Elizabeth Fedde, George Herbert, and John Wesley. Hear us, O God.
A Your mercy is great.
L Give us wisdom and vision today as we consider what you are calling us to in the coming year, and as we look at the resources that we return to you for the mission that we share. Give us hearts filled with radical hospitality, passion for your worship, and with the extravagant generosity that flows from your bounty. Hear us, O God.
A Your mercy is great.
P Hear us according to your steadfast love, O God, and in your great compassion bring us to resurrection and rebirth in Jesus Christ our Lord.
A Amen.
Peace
P The peace of Christ be with you always. A And also with you.
The people of the Assembly greet each other in the peace of Christ, saying “Peace be with you,” “The peace of the Lord,” or similar words. If you prefer not to shake hands, you might raise your hand in a gesture of blessing
as you speak peace to your neighbors. After the Peace, all return to their seats.
Meal: Christ comes among us in bread and wine…
Offering An offering is gathered for doing God’s mission, including the care of those in need.
If you’ve not already done so, fill in the Get Acquainted Pad and pass it along.
Offertory Music “Be Thou My Vision” arr. A.L. Page Bells Sarah Cowley – Solo Violin
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The Assembly stands.
Presentation of the Gifts
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Offering Prayer
L Let us pray. God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A Amen.
Dialogue
P The Lord be with you. A And also with you. P Lift up your hearts. A We lift them to the Lord. P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. A It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Preface
P It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God, for you gather us safely under your wings and we have nothing to fear. You created the earth and sky as a home where we can worship you and enjoy your beauty. You made a lasting covenant with Abraham and with all who trust your promises.
Your child, Jesus Christ, wept over the sins of your people and their failure to put their trust in you, and even when his enemies were breathing violence, he continued to cast out demons and heal the sick. Like many faithful prophets before him, he was killed in Jerusalem, but you raised him to resurrection life. Now he makes us citizens of heaven, and we eagerly await his coming as Savior and Lord, for then he will conform our bodies to his own glory and fulfil all things under his rule.
Therefore, with hearts full of gratitude, we sing joyfully, giving thanks to you, our Father, at all times and for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We join our voices with Elizabeth Fedde, George Herbert, John Wesley, and with all your holy ones of all times and places. With earth and all its creatures, with sun, moon, and stars, with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your Name, and join their unending hymn:
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Holy, Holy, Holy
P Blessed are you, O God of the universe. Your mercy is everlasting and your faithfulness endures from age to age. Praise to you for creating the heavens and the earth. Praise to you for saving the earth from the waters of the flood. Praise to you for bringing the Israelites safely through the sea. Praise to you for leading your people through the wilderness to the land of milk and honey. Praise to you for the words and deeds of Jesus, your anointed one. Praise to you for the death and resurrection of Christ. Praise to you for your Spirit poured out on all nations. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
P With this bread and cup we remember our Lord’s passover from death to life as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
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P O God of resurrection and new life: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Bless this feast. Grace our table with your presence.
A Come, Holy Spirit.
P Reveal yourself to us in the breaking of the bread. Raise us up as the body of Christ for the world. Breathe new life into us. Send us forth, burning with justice, peace, and love.
A Come, Holy Spirit.
P To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever.
The Lord’s Prayer
The Assembly joins in the prayer that Jesus taught us. You may use these words or a version more familiar to you.
P Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray. A Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. AMEN.
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Invitation to Communion
P All who thirst, all who hunger, come and be filled with the goodness of God. A Thanks be to God!
Distribution of Holy Communion
The Assembly is seated. Please come forward as the ushers direct, and kneel at the rail. Please see the inside front cover for instructions concerning Holy Communion.
Lamb of God
Communion Song “Blessed Be the God of Israel” Hymnal 250
The Assembly stands when the Presiding Minister directs.
Blessing after Communion
P The body and blood of our + Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. A Amen.
Prayer after Communion
L Let us pray. Compassionate God, you have fed us with the bread of heaven. Sustain us in our Lenten pilgrimage: may our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; and our prayer, the song of grateful hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
A Amen.
Sending of Communion
P As you sent the angel to feed Elijah with heavenly bread, assist those who set forth to share your word and sacrament with those who are sick or homebound. In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those who will receive this sacrament, and give us all the comfort of your abiding presence through the body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
A Amen.
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Sending: God’s Spirit blesses us and sends us out into the world…
Farewell and Godspeed for Brandt Johnson
Blessing
P Go now, trusting in God’s promises. Seek the presence of the Lord and abandon yourself to prayer. Follow those who are faithful to God, stand firm against evil and seek healing for all.
And may God be your saving light and fortress; May + Christ Jesus gather you into the safe wings of mercy; And may the Holy Spirit make you citizens of heaven.
A Amen.
Sending Song “Guide My Feet”
Dismissal
L Go in peace. Remember the poor! A Thanks be to God!
CREDITS: Liturgy texts and music from SundaysandSeasons.com. Copyright 2012 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #23714. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Preface and Benediction adapted from laughingbird.net.
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Worship Leaders
Pr. Keith Fry ................................................................................... Presiding Minister Pam Willey .................................................................................... Assisting Minister Steve Williams ................................................................................ Director of Music Quinn Jackson ................................................................................................ Acolyte Steven Tousey ............................................................................. First Lesson Reader Bill Blohm ............................................................................... Second Lesson Reader Janet Engelking (Cup), Grace Deibert (Gifts) ........................................................ Cup Jeanne Tolzmann ................................................................................................ Tray Carri Nikula, Quinn Jackson ........................................................................... Pick up Carol Blohm............................................................................................ Prayer Chair Grace Deibert ................................................................................................ Greeter Susan & Steven Tousey ................................................................................... Ushers Sharon Holliday, John Mullins ..................................................................... Counters Dennis Peotter ............................................................................................ Sacristan Carol Blohm..................................................................................... Hospitality Table TBD ...................................................................................................... Coffee Service Carol Earsley .......................................................... Altar Guild & Communion Bread Jim Littledale ......................................................................................... Sound Board Anneliese Jackson .......................................................................... Nursery Assistant
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Commemorations for the Week
Monday, February 25, 2013 Elizabeth Fedde, deaconess, died 1921 Born in Norway and trained there as a deaconess, Fedde was asked to come and minister to the poor and to seamen in New York City. She established the Deaconess House in Brooklyn as well as Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis.
Friday, March 1 George Herbert, hymnwriter, died 1633 An excellent scholar, Herbert served briefly in the English parliament, then became a parish priest. He was known for devoted care of his parishioners, as well as for writing poetry and hymns, including “Come, my way, my truth, my life.” He died at age 40.
Saturday, March 2 John Wesley, died 1791; Charles Wesley, died 1788; renewers of the church These brothers led a revival originally intended to remain within the Church of England, one that involved frequent communion and advocacy for the poor. Except for a brief time in America, they worked in England. Charles was also a prolific hymn writer. After their deaths, their work led to the formation of the Methodist Church.
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Stoning the Prophets
This gospel is one of those that might tempt us to feel superior. We’re not like that wicked Jerusalem, are we? We don’t stone the prophets and others who are sent to us. We are a civilized people.
But think of how many ways there are to kill the messengers of God. Let’s start with our individual Bibles. Do you know where yours is? Have you touched it this week? This month? This year?
After all, one of the ways God speaks to us today is through scripture. And if we don’t read our Bibles, we lose out on a major avenue of communication with God. It’s far too easy to be seduced by the flood of messages we receive through TV, email, social media, and radio, thus metaphorically stoning the prophets. A daily diet of scripture study can help us remember God’s claim on us and our purpose in the world.
We also may stone the prophets that God sends to us by refusing to pay attention. Look at your life. To whom or what do you pay highest allegiance? God? Your boss? Your nation? Your family? Your possessions? What splits your loyalties? How can you find your way back to God?
God tries to get our attention in all sorts of ways. We’re quick to believe everything that our culture tells us about who we should be. In our increasingly noisy society, it’s hard to listen for God’s message.
In this time of Lent, we can repent for all the times we’ve metaphorically stoned the prophets. We can turn our attention to God and, once again, try to be more faithful. God longs to gather us as a mother hen gathers her chicks. Come be part of the brood!
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Christ the Lord Lutheran Church “We are centered in Christ, and reach out to care”
12N462 Tina Trail, Elgin, Illinois 60124-4876
Telephone: 847-741-8141
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ctlelgin.org