Worship for 3/21/2021

Worship for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

March 21, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we continue to worship physically apart and spiritually together through Zoom and livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube. Prepare for worship with a small bowl of water, bread, and wine.

Gathering

Welcome to Worship

We hear the Lenten Acclamation on the chimes as we prepare for worship.

Confession and Forgiveness

Have some water handy and dip your hand in the water as you make the sign of the cross, recalling that you are joined to Christ in baptism, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
the keeper of the covenant,
the source of steadfast love,
our rock and our redeemer.

Amen.

God hears us when we cry, and draws us close in Jesus Christ.
Let us return to the one who is full of compassion.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Fountain of living water,
pour out your mercy over us.
Our sin is heavy, and we long to be free.
Rebuild what we have ruined
and mend what we have torn.
Wash us in your cleansing flood.
Make us alive in the Spirit
to follow in the way of Jesus,
as healers and restorers of the world you so love.
Amen.

Beloved, God’s word never fails.
The promise rests on grace:
by the saving love of Jesus Christ,
the wisdom and power of God,
your sins are ☩ forgiven, and God remembers them no more.
Journey in the way of Jesus.
Amen.

Gathering Song – ACS 1075– “O God, We Call”

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

Silent prayer.

O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Jeremiah 31:31-34

A reading from Jeremiah.

31The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 51:1-12

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the

Create in me a clean heart, O God.

1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your | steadfast love;
 in your great compassion blot out | my offenses.
2Wash me through and through | from my wickedness,
and cleanse me | from my sin.
3For I know | my offenses,
 and my sin is ev- | er before me.
4Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil | in your sight;
so you are justified when you speak and right | in your judgment. ℟

5Indeed, I was born | steeped in wickedness,
 a sinner from my | mother’s womb.
6Indeed, you delight in truth | deep within me,
and would have me know wisdom | deep within.
7Remove my sins with hyssop, and I | shall be clean;
 wash me, and I shall be pur- | er than snow.
8Let me hear | joy and gladness;
that the body you have broken | may rejoice. ℟

9Hide your face | from my sins,
 and blot out | all my wickedness.
10Create in me a clean | heart, O God,
and renew a right spir- | it within me.
11Cast me not away | from your presence,
 and take not your Holy Spir- | it from me.
12Restore to me the joy of | your salvation
and sustain me with your boun- | tiful Spirit. ℟

Second Reading – Hebrews 5:5-10

A reading from Hebrews

5Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
 “You are my Son,
  today I have begotten you”;
6as he says also in another place,
 “You are a priest forever,
  according to the order of Melchizedek.”
7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Lenten Acclamation

We welcome the Gospel with the Lenten Accalmation

Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.

Gospel – John 12:20-33

The holy gospel according to St. John
Glory to you, O Lord.

20Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
27Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 506 – “The Word of God Is Source and Seed”

Creed

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 into hell.
          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 Intercession

All are invited to unmute your Zoom and join in the prayers. Please respond to each petition with “Your mercy is great.”

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Meal

Announcements

Offertory –ELW 186 – “Create in Me a Clean Heart”

Offering Prayer

Faithful God,
you walk beside us in desert places,
and you meet us in our hunger with bread from heaven.
Accompany us in this meal,
that we may pass over from death to life
with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

All are encouraged to turn off mute on Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You call your people to cleanse their hearts
and prepare with joy for the paschal feast,
that, renewed in the gift of baptism,
we may come to the fullness of your grace.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy God,
         our living Water and our merciful Guide,
         together with rivers and seas, wells and springs
         we bless and magnify you.
You led your people Israel through the desert,
         and provided them water from the rock.
We praise you for Christ, our Rock and our Water,
         who joined us in our desert,
         pouring out his life for the world.

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.
Remembering, therefore,
         his life, death, and resurrection,
         we await your salvation for all this thirsty world,
         as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit on this holy food
and on all the baptized gathered for this feast:
wash away our sin,
that we may be revived for our journey by the love of Christ.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.
Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Blessing at the Table

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

God of steadfast love,
at this table you gather your people
into one body for the sake of the world.
Send us in the power of your Spirit,
that our lives bear witness to the love that has made us new
in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 538
“The Lord Now Sends Us Forth”

Dismissal

Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.

We hear “When it seems the day will end” on the chimes as we depart, recalling God’s presence in our lives.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour and Storytime.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

Worship for 3/14/2021

Worship for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 14, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we continue to worship physically apart and spiritually together through Zoom and livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube. Prepare for worship with a small bowl of water, bread, and wine.

Gathering

Welcome to Worship

We hear the Lenten Acclamation on the chimes as we prepare for worship.

Confession and Forgiveness

Have some water handy and dip your hand in the water as you make the sign of the cross, recalling that you are joined to Christ in baptism, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
the keeper of the covenant,
the source of steadfast love,
our rock and our redeemer.

Amen.

God hears us when we cry, and draws us close in Jesus Christ.
Let us return to the one who is full of compassion.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Fountain of living water,
pour out your mercy over us.
Our sin is heavy, and we long to be free.
Rebuild what we have ruined
and mend what we have torn.
Wash us in your cleansing flood.
Make us alive in the Spirit
to follow in the way of Jesus,
as healers and restorers of the world you so love.
Amen.

Beloved, God’s word never fails.
The promise rests on grace:
by the saving love of Jesus Christ,
the wisdom and power of God,
your sins are ☩ forgiven, and God remembers them no more.
Journey in the way of Jesus.
Amen.

Gathering Song – ACS 1075– “O God, We Call”

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

Silent prayer.

O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Numbers 21:4-9

A reading from Numbers.

4From Mount Hor the Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” 6Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, 8And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” 9So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the

You deliver your people from their distress.

1Give thanks to the Lord, for the | Lord is good,
 for God’s mercy en- | dures forever.
2Let the redeemed of the | Lord proclaim
that God redeemed them from the hand | of the foe,
3gathering them in | from the lands;
 from the east and from the west, from the north and | from the south.
17Some were fools and took re- | bellious paths;
through their sins they | were afflicted.
18They loathed all man- | ner of food
 and drew near | to death’s door.
19Then in their trouble they cried | to the Lord
and you delivered them from | their distress. ℟

20You sent forth your | word and healed them
 and rescued them | from the grave.
21Let them give thanks to you, Lord, for your | steadfast love
and your wonderful works | for all people.
22Let them offer sacrifices | of thanksgiving
 and tell of your deeds with | shouts of joy. ℟

Second Reading – Ephesians 2:1-10

A reading from Ephesians

1You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. With Christ 6God raised us up and enthroned us in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus 7so that in the ages to come might be shown the immeasurable riches of God’s grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not you own doing; it is the gift of God—9not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Lenten Acclamation

We welcome the Gospel with the Lenten Accalmation

Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.

Gospel – John 3:14-21

The holy gospel according to St. John
Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said:] 14“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son-of-Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

16For God loved the world in this way, that God gave the Son, the only begotten one, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

17“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so their deeds may not be exposed. 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 323 – “God Loved the World”

Creed

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 into hell.
          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 Intercession

All are invited to unmute your Zoom and join in the prayers. Please respond to each petition with “Your mercy is great.”

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Meal

Announcements

Offertory –ELW 186 – “Create in Me a Clean Heart”

Offering Prayer

Faithful God,
you walk beside us in desert places,
and you meet us in our hunger with bread from heaven.
Accompany us in this meal,
that we may pass over from death to life
with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

All are encouraged to turn off mute on Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You call your people to cleanse their hearts
and prepare with joy for the paschal feast,
that, renewed in the gift of baptism,
we may come to the fullness of your grace.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy God,
         our living Water and our merciful Guide,
         together with rivers and seas, wells and springs
         we bless and magnify you.
You led your people Israel through the desert,
         and provided them water from the rock.
We praise you for Christ, our Rock and our Water,
         who joined us in our desert,
         pouring out his life for the world.

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.
Remembering, therefore,
         his life, death, and resurrection,
         we await your salvation for all this thirsty world,
         as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit on this holy food
and on all the baptized gathered for this feast:
wash away our sin,
that we may be revived for our journey by the love of Christ.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.
Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Blessing at the Table

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

God of steadfast love,
at this table you gather your people
into one body for the sake of the world.
Send us in the power of your Spirit,
that our lives bear witness to the love that has made us new
in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 593
“Drawn to the Light”

Dismissal

Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.

We hear “When it seems the day will end” on the chimes as we depart, recalling God’s presence in our lives.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour and Storytime.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

Worship for 3/7/2021

Worship for the Third Sunday in Lent

March 7, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we continue to worship physically apart and spiritually together through Zoom and livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube. Prepare for worship with a small bowl of water, bread, and wine.

Gathering

Welcome to Worship

We hear the Lenten Acclamation on the chimes as we prepare for worship.

Confession and Forgiveness

Have some water handy and dip your hand in the water as you make the sign of the cross, recalling that you are joined to Christ in baptism, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
the keeper of the covenant,
the source of steadfast love,
our rock and our redeemer.

Amen.

God hears us when we cry, and draws us close in Jesus Christ.
Let us return to the one who is full of compassion.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Fountain of living water,
pour out your mercy over us.
Our sin is heavy, and we long to be free.
Rebuild what we have ruined
and mend what we have torn.
Wash us in your cleansing flood.
Make us alive in the Spirit
to follow in the way of Jesus,
as healers and restorers of the world you so love.
Amen.

Beloved, God’s word never fails.
The promise rests on grace:
by the saving love of Jesus Christ,
the wisdom and power of God,
your sins are ☩ forgiven, and God remembers them no more.
Journey in the way of Jesus.
Amen.

Gathering Song – ACS 1075– “O God, We Call”

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

Silent prayer.

Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Exodus 20:1-17

A reading from Exodus.

1God spoke all these words: 2I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; 3you shall have no other gods before me.
4You shall not make for yourself and idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, 6but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses the divine name.
8Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work. 10But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock or the alien resident in your towns. 11For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
12Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
13You shall not murder.
14You shall not commit adultery.
15You shall not steal.
16You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 19

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the

The commandment of the Lord gives light to the eyes.

1The heavens declare the glo- | ry of God,
 and the sky proclaims its | maker’s handiwork.
2One day tells its tale | to another,
and one night imparts knowledge | to another.
3Although they have no | words or language,
 and their voices | are not heard,
4their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends | of the world,
where God has pitched a tent | for the sun.
5It comes forth like a bridegroom out | of his chamber;
 it rejoices like a champion to | run its course.
6It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of | it again;
 nothing is hidden from its | burning heat. ℟

7The teaching of the Lord is perfect and re- | vives the soul;
 the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to | the simple.
8The statutes of the Lord are just and re- | joice the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light | to the eyes.
9The fear of the Lord is clean and en- | dures forever;
 the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous | altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, more than | much fine gold,
sweeter far than honey, than honey | in the comb. ℟

11By them also is your ser- | vant enlightened,
 and in keeping them there is | great reward.
12Who can detect one’s | own offenses?
Cleanse me from my | secret faults.
13Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion | over me;
 then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a | great offense.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable | in your sight,
O Lord, my strength and | my redeemer. ℟

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

A reading from Corinthians

18The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written,
 “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
  and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Lenten Acclamation

We welcome the Gospel with the Lenten Accalmation

Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.

Gospel – John 2:13-22

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

13The Passover of the Jewish people was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18The Judeans then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Judeans then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But Jesus was speaking of the temple of his body. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 723 – “The Canticle of the Turning”

Creed

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 into hell.
          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 Intercession

All are invited to unmute your Zoom and join in the prayers. Please respond to each petition with “Your mercy is great.”

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Meal

Announcements

Offertory –ELW 186 – “Create in Me a Clean Heart”

Offering Prayer

Faithful God,
you walk beside us in desert places,
and you meet us in our hunger with bread from heaven.
Accompany us in this meal,
that we may pass over from death to life
with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

All are encouraged to turn off mute on Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You call your people to cleanse their hearts
and prepare with joy for the paschal feast,
that, renewed in the gift of baptism,
we may come to the fullness of your grace.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy God,
         our living Water and our merciful Guide,
         together with rivers and seas, wells and springs
         we bless and magnify you.
You led your people Israel through the desert,
         and provided them water from the rock.
We praise you for Christ, our Rock and our Water,
         who joined us in our desert,
         pouring out his life for the world.

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.
Remembering, therefore,
         his life, death, and resurrection,
         we await your salvation for all this thirsty world,
         as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit on this holy food
and on all the baptized gathered for this feast:
wash away our sin,
that we may be revived for our journey by the love of Christ.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.
Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Blessing at the Table

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

God of steadfast love,
at this table you gather your people
into one body for the sake of the world.
Send us in the power of your Spirit,
that our lives bear witness to the love that has made us new
in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 660
“Lift High The Cross”

Dismissal

Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.

We hear “When it seems the day will end” on the chimes as we depart, recalling God’s presence in our lives.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour and Storytime.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

Worship for 2/28/2021

Worship for the Second Sunday in Lent

February 28, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we continue to worship physically apart and spiritually together through Zoom and livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube. Prepare for worship with a small bowl of water, bread, and wine.

Gathering

Welcome to Worship

We hear the Lenten Acclamation on the chimes as we prepare for worship.

Confession and Forgiveness

Have some water handy and dip your hand in the water as you make the sign of the cross, recalling that you are joined to Christ in baptism, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
the keeper of the covenant,
the source of steadfast love,
our rock and our redeemer.

Amen.

God hears us when we cry, and draws us close in Jesus Christ.
Let us return to the one who is full of compassion.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Fountain of living water,
pour out your mercy over us.
Our sin is heavy, and we long to be free.
Rebuild what we have ruined
and mend what we have torn.
Wash us in your cleansing flood.
Make us alive in the Spirit
to follow in the way of Jesus,
as healers and restorers of the world you so love.
Amen.

Beloved, God’s word never fails.
The promise rests on grace:
by the saving love of Jesus Christ,
the wisdom and power of God,
your sins are ☩ forgiven, and God remembers them no more.
Journey in the way of Jesus.
Amen.

Gathering Song – ACS 1075– “O God, We Call”

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

Silent prayer.

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life. Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

A reading from Genesis.

1When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” 3Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4“As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 5No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.”
15God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 22:23-31

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the ℟

All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord.

23You who fear the Lord, give praise! All you of Jacob’s | line, give glory.
 Stand in awe of the Lord, all you off- | spring of Israel.
24For the Lord does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty; neither  is the Lord‘s face hid- | den from them;
but when they cry out, | the Lord hears them.
25From you comes my praise in the | great assembly;
 I will perform my vows in the sight of those who | fear the Lord.
26The poor shall eat | and be satisfied,
Let those who seek the Lord give praise! May your hearts | live forever! ℟

27All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn | to the Lord;
 all the families of nations shall bow | before God.
28For dominion belongs | to the Lord,
who rules o- | ver the nations.
29Indeed, all who sleep in the earth shall bow | down in worship;
 all who go down to the dust, though they be dead, shall kneel be- | fore the Lord.
30Their descendants shall | serve the Lord,
whom they shall proclaim to genera- | tions to come.
31They shall proclaim God’s deliverance to a people | yet unborn,
 saying to them, “The | Lord has acted!” ℟

Second Reading – Romans 4:13-25

A reading from Romans.

13For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.
16For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” 19He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, 24but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Lenten Acclamation

We welcome the Gospel with the Lenten Accalmation

Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.

Gospel – Mark 8:31-38

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

31Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 667 – “Take Up Your Cross the Savior Said”

Creed

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 into hell.
          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 Intercession

All are invited to unmute your Zoom and join in the prayers. Please respond to each petition with “Your mercy is great.”

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Meal

Announcements

Offertory –ELW 186 – “Create in Me a Clean Heart”

Offering Prayer

Faithful God,
you walk beside us in desert places,
and you meet us in our hunger with bread from heaven.
Accompany us in this meal,
that we may pass over from death to life
with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

All are encouraged to turn off mute on Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You call your people to cleanse their hearts
and prepare with joy for the paschal feast,
that, renewed in the gift of baptism,
we may come to the fullness of your grace.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy God,
         our living Water and our merciful Guide,
         together with rivers and seas, wells and springs
         we bless and magnify you.
You led your people Israel through the desert,
         and provided them water from the rock.
We praise you for Christ, our Rock and our Water,
         who joined us in our desert,
         pouring out his life for the world.

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.
Remembering, therefore,
         his life, death, and resurrection,
         we await your salvation for all this thirsty world,
         as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit on this holy food
and on all the baptized gathered for this feast:
wash away our sin,
that we may be revived for our journey by the love of Christ.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.
Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Blessing at the Table

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

God of steadfast love,
at this table you gather your people
into one body for the sake of the world.
Send us in the power of your Spirit,
that our lives bear witness to the love that has made us new
in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 802
“Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”

Dismissal

Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.

We hear “When it seems the day will end” on the chimes as we depart, recalling God’s presence in our lives.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour and Storytime.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

Worship for 2/21/2021

Worship for the First Sunday in Lent

February 21, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we continue to worship physically apart and spiritually together through Zoom and livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube. Prepare for worship with a small bowl of water, bread, and wine.

Gathering

Welcome to Worship

We hear the Lenten Acclamation on the chimes as we prepare for worship.

Confession and Forgiveness

Have some water handy and dip your hand in the water as you make the sign of the cross, recalling that you are joined to Christ in baptism, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
the keeper of the covenant,
the source of steadfast love,
our rock and our redeemer.

Amen.

God hears us when we cry, and draws us close in Jesus Christ.
Let us return to the one who is full of compassion.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Fountain of living water,
pour out your mercy over us.
Our sin is heavy, and we long to be free.
Rebuild what we have ruined
and mend what we have torn.
Wash us in your cleansing flood.
Make us alive in the Spirit
to follow in the way of Jesus,
as healers and restorers of the world you so love.
Amen.

Beloved, God’s word never fails.
The promise rests on grace:
by the saving love of Jesus Christ,
the wisdom and power of God,
your sins are ☩ forgiven, and God remembers them no more.
Journey in the way of Jesus.
Amen.

Gathering Song – ACS 1075– “O God, We Call”

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

Silent prayer.

Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Genesis 9:8-17

A reading from Genesis.

8God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9“As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 25:1-10

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the

Your paths, O Lord, are steadfast love and faithfulness.

1To | you, O Lord,
 I lift | up my soul.
2My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be | put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph | over me.
3Let none who look to you be | put to shame;
 rather let those be put to shame | who are treacherous.
4Show me your | ways, O Lord,
and teach | me your paths. ℟

5Lead me in your | truth and teach me,
 for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all | the day long.
6Remember, O Lord, your compas- | sion and love,
for they are from | everlasting.
7Remember not the sins of my youth and | my transgressions;
 remember me according to your steadfast love
 and for the sake of your good- | ness, O Lord.
8You are gracious and up- | right, O Lord;
therefore you teach sinners | in your way. ℟

9You lead the low- | ly in justice
 and teach the low- | ly your way.
10All your paths, O Lord, are steadfast | love and faithfulness
 to those who keep your covenant and your
| testimonies. ℟

Second Reading – 1 Peter 3:18-22

A reading from 1 Peter

3Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Lenten Acclamation

We welcome the Gospel with the Lenten Accalmation

Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.

Gospel – Mark 1:9-15

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

12And the Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the dominion of God has come near, repent, and believe in the good news.”

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 331 – “As the Deer Runs to the River”

Creed

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 into hell.
          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.

Blessing of Hymnals and Presentation of Gifts

Prayers of Intercession

All are invited to unmute your Zoom and join in the prayers. Please respond to each petition with “Your mercy is great.”

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Meal

Announcements

Offertory –ELW 186 – “Create in Me a Clean Heart”

Offering Prayer

Faithful God,
you walk beside us in desert places,
and you meet us in our hunger with bread from heaven.
Accompany us in this meal,
that we may pass over from death to life
with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

All are encouraged to turn off mute on Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You call your people to cleanse their hearts
and prepare with joy for the paschal feast,
that, renewed in the gift of baptism,
we may come to the fullness of your grace.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy God,
         our living Water and our merciful Guide,
         together with rivers and seas, wells and springs
         we bless and magnify you.
You led your people Israel through the desert,
         and provided them water from the rock.
We praise you for Christ, our Rock and our Water,
         who joined us in our desert,
         pouring out his life for the world.

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.
Remembering, therefore,
         his life, death, and resurrection,
         we await your salvation for all this thirsty world,
         as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit on this holy food
and on all the baptized gathered for this feast:
wash away our sin,
that we may be revived for our journey by the love of Christ.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.
Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Blessing at the Table

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

God of steadfast love,
at this table you gather your people
into one body for the sake of the world.
Send us in the power of your Spirit,
that our lives bear witness to the love that has made us new
in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 326
“Bless Now, O God, the Journey”

Dismissal

Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.

We hear “When it seems the day will end” on the chimes as we depart, recalling God’s presence in our lives always.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour and Storytime.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

Worship for Ash Wednesday

Worship for Ash Wednesday

February 17, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we continue to worship physically apart and spiritually together through Zoom and livestreaming on Facebook and YouTube. Prepare for worship with a small bowl of water, a little bit of oil or perfume (olive oil works great), bread, and wine. Rather than attempting to use ashes this year, we remember our mortality and remember God’s promise to be with us with anointing with oil when we normally would have the Imposition of Ashes.

Gather

We gather in silence.

Psalm 51:1-17

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the ℟

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love.

1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your | steadfast love;
  in your great compassion blot out | my offenses.
2Wash me through and through | from my wickedness,
  and cleanse me | from my sin.
3For I know | my offenses,
  and my sin is ev- | er before me.
4Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil | in your sight;
  so you are justified when you speak and right | in your judgment. ℟

5Indeed, I was born | steeped in wickedness,
  a sinner from my | mother’s womb.
6Indeed, you delight in truth | deep within me,
  and would have me know wisdom | deep within.
7Remove my sins with hyssop, and I | shall be clean;
  wash me, and I shall be pur- | er than snow.
8Let me hear | joy and gladness;
  that the body you have broken | may rejoice. ℟

9Hide your face | from my sins,
  and blot out | all my wickedness.
10Create in me a clean | heart, O God,
  and renew a right spir- | it within me.
11Cast me not away | from your presence,
  and take not your Holy Spir- | it from me.
12Restore to me the joy of | your salvation
  and sustain me with your boun- | tiful Spirit. ℟

13Let me teach your ways | to offenders,
  and sinners shall be re- | stored to you.
14Rescue me from bloodshed, O God of | my salvation,
and my tongue shall sing | of your righteousness.
15O Lord, o- | pen my lips,
  and my mouth shall pro- | claim your praise.
16For you take no delight in sacrifice, or | I would give it.
  You are not pleased | with burnt offering.
17The sacrifice of God is a | troubled spirit;
  a troubled and broken heart, O God, you will | not despise. ℟

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for reflection.

Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

A reading from Joel.

1Blow the trumpet in Zion;
  sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
 Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
  for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—
2a day of darkness and gloom,
  a day of clouds and thick darkness!
 Like blackness spread upon the mountains
  a great and powerful army comes;
 their like has never been from of old,
  nor will be again after them
  in ages to come.

12Yet even now, says the Lord,
  return to me with all your heart,
 with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
  13rend your hearts and not your clothing.
 Return to the Lord, your God,
  for the Lord is gracious and merciful,
 slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
  and relents from punishing.
14Who knows whether the Lord will not turn and relent,
  and leave behind a blessing,
 a grain offering and a drink offering
  for the Lord, your God?

15Blow the trumpet in Zion;
  sanctify a fast;
 call a solemn assembly;
  16gather the people.
 Sanctify the congregation;
  assemble the aged;
 gather the children,
  even infants at the breast.
 Let the bridegroom leave his room,
  and the bride her canopy.

17Between the vestibule and the altar
  let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.
 Let them say, “Spare your people, O Lord,
  and do not make your heritage a mockery,
  a byword among the nations.
 Why should it be said among the peoples,
  ‘Where is their God?’ ”

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

ACS 1075– “O God, We Call”

Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10

A reading from 2 Corinthians

20bWe entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake God made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
6:1As we work together with God, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For God says,
 “At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
  and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 3We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Lenten Acclamation

Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.

Gospel – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

The holy gospel according to St. Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said:] 1“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2“So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

 16“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ACS 922– “When We Are Tested”

Invitation to Lent

Friends in Christ, today with the whole church we enter the time of remembering Jesus’ passover from death to life, and our life in Christ is renewed.

We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance and for God’s mercy. We are created to experience joy in communion with God, to love one another, and to live in harmony with creation. But our sinful rebellion separates us from God, our neighbors, and creation, so that we do not enjoy the life our creator intended.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a discipline that contends against evil and resists whatever leads us away from love of God and neighbor. I invite you, therefore, to the discipline of Lent—self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love—strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament.

Let us continue our journey through these forty days to the great Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Confession of Sin

Most holy and merciful God,
we confess to you and to one another,
and before the whole company of heaven,
that we have sinned by our fault,
by our own fault,
by our own most grievous fault,
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and strength.
We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We have not forgiven others as we have been forgiven.
Have mercy on us, O God.

We have shut our ears to your call to serve as Christ served us.
We have not been true to the mind of Christ.
We have grieved your Holy Spirit.
Have mercy on us, O God.

Our past unfaithfulness, the pride, envy, hypocrisy,
and apathy that have infected our lives,
we confess to you.
Have mercy on us, O God.

Our self-indulgent appetites and ways,
and our exploitation of other people,
we confess to you.
Have mercy on us, O God.

Our negligence in prayer and worship,
and our failure to share the faith that is in us,
we confess to you.
Have mercy on us, O God.

Our neglect of human need and suffering,
and our indifference to injustice and cruelty,
we confess to you.
Have mercy on us, O God.

Our false judgments,
our uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors,
and our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us,
we confess to you.
Have mercy on us, O God.

Our waste and pollution of your creation,
and our lack of concern for those who come after us,
we confess to you.
Have mercy on us, O God.

Restore us, O God,
and let your anger depart from us.
Hear us, O God, for your mercy is great.

ACS 1075 – O God, We Call

Remembrance of Baptism and Anointing

Oil, especially perfumed oils, mark God’s favor and God’s presence, in baptism and at the time of death. This year, rather than marking our brows with ashes, we mark our brows with oil, remembering our baptism.

When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into his death.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Let us pray,

Almighty God, in our baptism you joined us to yourself
and marked us with your cross forever.
May this oil be a sign for us of your promise, reminding us
that only by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ are we given eternal life;
through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

If you are with us on Zoom, please unmute to join in the anointing. We will go around the video, marking the sign of the cross on the forehead of each person. Lowell will remotely mark the first person, who will then remotely mark the next, and so on. Persons gathered with multiple people present are encouraged for mark the person sitting with them. These words, echoing the words of anointing at baptism, are used:

___ child of God, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.

After all receive the sign of the cross, we continue

Accomplish in us, O God, the work of your salvation,
that we may show forth your glory in the world.

By the cross and passion of your Son, our Savior,
bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.

Almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen us in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.

Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

If you are with us on Zoom, please unmute for the prayers. We pray for the church, the world, and all in need. Please respond to each petition with Have mercy, O God.

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Meal

Offertory – ELW 186 – Create in Me a Clean Heart O God.

Offering Prayer

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.
Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You call your people to cleanse their hearts
and prepare with joy for the paschal feast,
that, renewed in the gift of baptism,
we may come to the fullness of your grace.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy God,
          our living Water and our merciful Guide
          together with rivers and seas, wells and spring
          we bless and magnify you.

You led your people Israel through the desert,
          and provided them water from the rock.

We praise you for Christ, our Rock and our Water,
          who joined us in our desert,
          pouring out his life for the world.

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.

Remembering, therefore,
          his life, death, and resurrection,
          we await your salvation for all this thirsty world,
          as we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Pour out your Spirit on this holy food
and on all the baptized gathered for this feast,
wash away our sin,
that we may be revived for our journey by the love of Christ.

Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Blessing at the Table

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

Merciful God,
accompany our journey through these forty days.
Renew us in the gift of baptism,
that we may provide for those who are poor,
pray for those in need,
fast from self-indulgence,
and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.

Amen

Sending

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ACS 1034 – “When it Seems the Day Will End”

1880.WhenItSeems.p.musx (elca.org)

Dismissal

Go forth into the world to serve God with gladness;
be of good courage;
hold fast to that which is good;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak;
help the afflicted; honor all people;
love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks be to God.

We hear “When it seems the day will end” again on the chimes, reflecting on the refrain:
New life rising (new life rising),
ashes falling (ashes falling),
joy and weeping (joy and weeping),
in our calling (in our calling).

Join us on Zoom for a brief time of fellowship.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196. “When it seems the day will end” is by Justin Rimbo, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress.

Worship for the Transfiguration of Our Lord

Worship for The Transfiguration of Our Loed

February 14, 2021

Prepare for worship with a bowl of water, candles, bread, and wine. Join us on Zoom at 9 am on Sundays for worship.

Gathering

Thanksgiving for Baptism[1]

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Holy God, fountain of living water,
source of mercy, tender and mighty,
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
satisfying the thirst of all living things,
sustaining life in this community,
nourishing and delighting us.
We bless you for these gifts of water:
Penn’s Creek and the Susquehanna River.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
a sign of your saving power:
Noah and the animals survive the flood,
Hagar discovers your well.
The Israelites escape through the sea,
and they drink from your gushing rock.
Naaman washes his leprosy away,
and the Samaritan woman will never be thirsty again.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through the water of baptism
joined to your life-giving Word:
your well of mercy and cleansing flood,
your sea of deliverance from death into life,
your healing river washing sin away,
your living water springing up to eternal life.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Shower us with your Holy Spirit.
Fill us with your love.
Clothe us and all your people with grace.
Embolden us to do justice.
Bless us to love mercy.
Guide us to walk humbly with you,
whom we thank and praise, through Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen


Gathering Song – ACS 978 – “God Welcomes All”

Nate and Kate Williard

Greeting

Lowell

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for reflection.

Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – 2 Kings 2:1-12

Amy

A reading from Second Kings.

1Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”
4Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” 6Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
9When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” 10He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” 11As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. 12Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its drivers!” But when Elisha could no longer see Elijah, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.


Psalm – 50:1-6

Nate and Kate Williard

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the
Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth in glory.

1The mighty one, God the | Lord, has spoken;
  calling the earth from the rising of the sun | to its setting.
2Out of Zion, perfect | in its beauty,
  God shines | forth in glory. ℟
3Our God will come and will | not keep silence;
  with a consuming flame before, and round about a | raging storm.
4God calls the heavens and the earth | from above
  to witness the judgment | of the people.
5“Gather before me my | loyal followers,
  those who have made a covenant with me and sealed | it with sacrifice.”
6The heavens declare the rightness | of God’s cause,
  for it is God | who is judge. ℟

Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Amy

A reading from 2 Corinthians:

3Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel – Mark 9:2-9

Lowell

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

2Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day – ACS 917 – “Dazzling Presence on the Mountain”

Gaye Wetzel

Prayers of Intercession

Lowell

All are invited to unmute on Zoom and join in the prayers, responding to each petition with “Have mercy, O God.”

Peace

Lowell

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

All share the peace of Christ with one another.

Meal

Announcements

Lowell

Offertory – ELW 593, Refrain – “Drawn to the Light”

Nate and Kate Williard

Offering Prayer

Brittany

O God,
receive these gifts as you receive us:
like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.
Nourish us anew in your tender care,
and empower us in faithful service
to tend to others with this same love,
through Jesus Christ, our saving grace.
Amen.


Great Thanksgiving

Lowell

All are encouraged to unmute and join in the responses in bold.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who, sharing our life, lived among us to reveal your glory and love,
that our darkness should give way to your own brilliant light.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed are you, O holy God:
          you are the Life and Light of all.
By your powerful word you created all things.
Through the prophets you called your people to be a light to the nations.
Blessed are you for Jesus, your Son.
He is your Light, shining in our darkness
          and revealing to us your mercy and might.

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.

Remembering, therefore,
          his preaching and healing,
          his dying and rising,
          and his promise to come again,
          we await that day when all the universe
          will rejoice in your holy and life-giving light
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

By your Spirit bless us and this meal,
          that, refreshed with this heavenly food,
          we may be light for the world,
          revealing the brilliance of your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

After communing Brittany distributes to Lowell

Blessing at the Table

Lowell

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

Brittany

Christ Jesus,
at this table we have feasted on your very life
and are strengthened for our journey.
Send us forth from this banquet
nourished in body and in spirit
to proclaim your good news
and serve others in your name.
Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Lowell

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 671 – “Shine, Jesus, Shine”

Jillian and Hannah

Dismissal

Brittany

Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour.

Storytime for the Smaller Children of God will be on Zoom at the beginning of Coffee Hour.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.


[1] All Creation Sings – Form E © 2020 Augsburg Fortress.

Worship for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Worship for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 7, 2021

Prepare for worship with a bowl of water, candles, bread, and wine. Join us on Zoom at 9 am on Sundays for worship.

Gathering

Thanksgiving for Baptism[1]

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Holy God, fountain of living water,
source of mercy, tender and mighty,
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
satisfying the thirst of all living things,
sustaining life in this community,
nourishing and delighting us.
We bless you for these gifts of water:
Penn’s Creek and the Susquehanna River.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
a sign of your saving power:
Noah and the animals survive the flood,
Hagar discovers your well.
The Israelites escape through the sea,
and they drink from your gushing rock.
Naaman washes his leprosy away,
and the Samaritan woman will never be thirsty again.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through the water of baptism
joined to your life-giving Word:
your well of mercy and cleansing flood,
your sea of deliverance from death into life,
your healing river washing sin away,
your living water springing up to eternal life.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Shower us with your Holy Spirit.
Fill us with your love.
Clothe us and all your people with grace.
Embolden us to do justice.
Bless us to love mercy.
Guide us to walk humbly with you,
whom we thank and praise, through Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen

Gathering Song – ACS 978 – “God Welcomes All”

CarolAnn and Craig

Greeting

Lowell

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for reflection.

Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Isaiah 40:21-31

Brian

A reading from Isaiah.

21Have you not known? Have you not heard?
  Has it not been told you from the beginning?
  Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22It is God who sits above the circle of the earth,
  and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
 who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
  and spreads them like a tent to live in;
23who brings the great to naught,
  and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.

24Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
  scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,
 when God blows upon them, and they wither,
  and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

25To whom then will you compare me,
  or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
26Lift up your eyes on high and see:
  Who created these?
 The one who brings out their host and numbers them,
  calling them all by name;
 because God is great in strength,
  mighty in power,
  not one is missing.

27Why do you say, O Jacob,
  and speak, O  Israel,
 “My way is hidden from the Lord,
  and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28Have you not known? Have you not heard?
 The Lord is the everlasting God,
  the Creator of the ends of the earth.
 The Lord does not faint or grow weary;
  the understanding of God is unsearchable.
29The Lord gives power to the faint,
  and strengthens the powerless.
30Even youths will faint and be weary,
  and the young will fall exhausted;
31but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
  they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
 they shall run and not be weary,
  they shall walk and not faint.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – 147:1-11, 20c

CarolAnn and Craig

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the
The Lord heals the brokenhearted.

1Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises | to our God!
  How pleasant it is to honor | God with praise!
2The Lord re- | builds Jerusalem,
  and gathers the ex- | iles of Israel.
3The Lord heals the | brokenhearted
  and binds | up their wounds.
4The Lord counts the number | of the stars
  and calls them all | by their names. 

5Great is our Lord and might- | y in power;
  there is no limit | to God’s wisdom.
6The Lord lifts | up the lowly,
  but casts the wicked | to the ground.
7Sing to the Lord| with thanksgiving;
  make music upon the harp | to our God,
8who covers the heav- | ens with clouds
  and prepares rain for the earth,
  making grass to grow up- | on the mountains. 

9God provides food | for the cattle
  and for the young ravens | when they cry.
10God is not impressed by the might | of a horse,
and has no pleasure in the speed | of a runner,
11but finds pleasure in those who | fear the Lord,
  in those who await God’s steadfast love. 20c| Hallelujah! 

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

Brian

A reading from 1 Corinthians:

16If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! 17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. 18What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.

19For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. 20To the Jewish people I became as a Jew, in order to win the Jewish people. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. 22To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel – Mark 1:29-39

Lowell

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

29As soon as Jesus and the disciples left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31Jesus came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32That evening, at sundown, they brought to Jesus all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38Jesus answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day – ELW 507 – “O God of Light”

Amy

Prayers of Intercession

Lowell

All are invited to unmute on Zoom and join in the prayers, responding to each petition with “Have mercy, O God.”

Peace

Lowell

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

All share the peace of Christ with one another.

Meal

Announcements

Lowell

Offertory – ELW 593, Refrain – “Drawn to the Light”

CarolAnn and Craig

Offering Prayer

Hannah

O God,
receive these gifts as you receive us:
like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.
Nourish us anew in your tender care,
and empower us in faithful service
to tend to others with this same love,
through Jesus Christ, our saving grace.
Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

Lowell

All are encouraged to unmute and join in the responses in bold.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed are you, O holy God:
          you are the Life and Light of all.
By your powerful word you created all things.
Through the prophets you called your people to be a light to the nations.
Blessed are you for Jesus, your Son.
He is your Light, shining in our darkness
          and revealing to us your mercy and might.

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.

Remembering, therefore,
          his preaching and healing,
          his dying and rising,
          and his promise to come again,
          we await that day when all the universe
          will rejoice in your holy and life-giving light
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

By your Spirit bless us and this meal,
          that, refreshed with this heavenly food,
          we may be light for the world,
          revealing the brilliance of your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

After communing Hannah distributes to Lowell

Blessing at the Table

Lowell

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

Hannah

Christ Jesus,
at this table we have feasted on your very life
and are strengthened for our journey.
Send us forth from this banquet
nourished in body and in spirit
to proclaim your good news
and serve others in your name.
Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Lowell

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ACS 1016 – “Cast Out, O Christ”

JR

Dismissal

Hannah

Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.


[1] All Creation Sings – Form E © 2020 Augsburg Fortress.

Worship for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – January 31, 2021

Worship for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

January 31, 2021

Prepare for worship with a bowl of water, candles, bread, and wine. Join us on Zoom at 9 am on Sundays for worship.

Gathering

Thanksgiving for Baptism[1]

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Holy God, fountain of living water,
source of mercy, tender and mighty,
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
satisfying the thirst of all living things,
sustaining life in this community,
nourishing and delighting us.
We bless you for these gifts of water:
Penn’s Creek and the Susquehanna River.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
a sign of your saving power:
Noah and the animals survive the flood,
Hagar discovers your well.
The Israelites escape through the sea,
and they drink from your gushing rock.
Naaman washes his leprosy away,
and the Samaritan woman will never be thirsty again.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through the water of baptism
joined to your life-giving Word:
your well of mercy and cleansing flood,
your sea of deliverance from death into life,
your healing river washing sin away,
your living water springing up to eternal life.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Shower us with your Holy Spirit.
Fill us with your love.
Clothe us and all your people with grace.
Embolden us to do justice.
Bless us to love mercy.
Guide us to walk humbly with you,
whom we thank and praise, through Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen

Gathering Song – ACS 978 – “God Welcomes All”

Tom and Miriam

Greeting

Lowell

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for reflection.

Compassionate God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring wholeness to all that is broken and speak truth to us in our confusion, that all creation will see and know your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Tom

A reading from Deuteronomy.

[Moses said] 15The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. 16This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” 17Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. 18I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. 19Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. 20But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – Psalm 65:5-12

Frances and Ronald

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

1Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with | my whole heart,
 in the assembly of the upright, in the | congregation.
2Great are your | works, O Lord,
pondered by all who de- | light in them.
3Majesty and splendor | mark your deeds,
 and your righteousness en- | dures forever.
4You cause your wonders to | be remembered;
you are gracious and full | of compassion. 

5You give food to | those who fear you,
 remembering forev- | er your covenant.
6You have shown your people the power | of your works
in giving them the lands | of the nations.
7The works of your hands are faithful- | ness and justice;
 all of your pre- | cepts are sure.
8They stand fast forev- | er and ever,
because they are done in | truth and equity.

9You sent redemption to your people
and commanded your  cove- | nant forever;
 holy and awesome | is your name.
10The fear of the Lord is the begin- | ning of wisdom;
all who practice this have a good understanding.
God’s praise en- | dures forever.

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Tom

A reading from 1 Corinthians:

1Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; 3but anyone who loves God is known by God.
4Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5Indeed, even though there may be so-called deities in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many deities and many lords—6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8“Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? 11So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. 12But when you thus sin against brothers and sisters in your community, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel – Mark 1:21-28

Lowell

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

21Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25But Jesus rebuked the spirit, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of the man. 27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ 28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 518 – “We Eat the Bread of Teaching”

Nate and Kate

Prayers of Intercession

Lowell

All are invited to unmute on Zoom and join in the prayers, responding to each petition with “Have mercy, O God.”

Peace

Lowell

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

All share the peace of Christ with one another.

Meal

Announcements

Lowell

Offertory – ELW 593, Refrain – “Drawn to the Light”

Frances and Ronald

Offering Prayer

Miriam

O God,
receive these gifts as you receive us:
like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.
Nourish us anew in your tender care,
and empower us in faithful service
to tend to others with this same love,
through Jesus Christ, our saving grace.
Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

Lowell

All are encouraged to unmute and join in the responses in bold.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed are you, O holy God:
          you are the Life and Light of all.
By your powerful word you created all things.
Through the prophets you called your people to be a light to the nations.
Blessed are you for Jesus, your Son.
He is your Light, shining in our darkness
          and revealing to us your mercy and might.

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.

Remembering, therefore,
          his preaching and healing,
          his dying and rising,
          and his promise to come again,
          we await that day when all the universe
          will rejoice in your holy and life-giving light
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

By your Spirit bless us and this meal,
          that, refreshed with this heavenly food,
          we may be light for the world,
          revealing the brilliance of your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

After communing Miriam distributes to Lowell

Blessing at the Table

Lowell

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

Miriam

Christ Jesus,
at this table we have feasted on your very life
and are strengthened for our journey.
Send us forth from this banquet
nourished in body and in spirit
to proclaim your good news
and serve others in your name.
Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Lowell

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 655 – “Son of God, Eternal Savior”

Nate and Kate

Dismissal

Miriam

Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.


[1] All Creation Sings – Form E © 2020 Augsburg Fortress.

Worship for Sunday, January 24, 2021

Worship for Sunday, January 24, 2021

Worship for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Prepare for worship with a bowl of water, candles, bread, and wine. Join us on Zoom at 9 am on Sundays for worship.

Gathering

Welcome to Worship

Lowell

Prelude Music

Thanksgiving for Baptism[1]

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Holy God, fountain of living water,
source of mercy, tender and mighty,
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
satisfying the thirst of all living things,
sustaining life in this community,
nourishing and delighting us.
We bless you for these gifts of water:
Penn’s Creek and the Susquehanna River.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
a sign of your saving power:
Noah and the animals survive the flood,
Hagar discovers your well.
The Israelites escape through the sea,
and they drink from your gushing rock.
Naaman washes his leprosy away,
and the Samaritan woman will never be thirsty again.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through the water of baptism
joined to your life-giving Word:
your well of mercy and cleansing flood,
your sea of deliverance from death into life,
your healing river washing sin away,
your living water springing up to eternal life.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Shower us with your Holy Spirit.
Fill us with your love.
Clothe us and all your people with grace.
Embolden us to do justice.
Bless us to love mercy.
Guide us to walk humbly with you,
whom we thank and praise, through Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen

Gathering Song – ACS 978 – “God Welcomes All”

Tom and Miriam

Greeting

Lowell

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for reflection.

Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen

Word

First Reading – Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Miriam

A reading from Jonah.

1The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2“Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” 3So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
10When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God had second thoughts about the calamity that God had said would be done to them; and God did not do it.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – Psalm 65:5-12

Tom and Miriam

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the
God alone is my rock and my salvation.

5For God alone I | wait in silence;
 truly, my hope | is in God.
6God alone is my rock and | my salvation,
my stronghold, so that I shall nev- | er be shaken.
7In God is my deliverance | and my honor;
 God is my strong rock | and my refuge.
8Put our trust in God al- | ways, O people,
pour out your hearts before the one who | is our refuge. 
9Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath; those of low estate can- | not be trusted.
  Placed on the scales together they weigh even less | than a breath.
10Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no | empty pride;
though wealth increase, set not your | heart upon it.
11God has spoken once, twice | have I heard it,
  that power be- | longs to God.
12Steadfast love belongs to | you, O Lord,
for you repay all according | to their deeds.

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Miriam

A reading from 1 Corinthians:

29Brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who are married be as though they were not, 30and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, 31and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel – Mark 1:14-20

Lowell

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.

14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the dominion of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for human beings.” 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As Jesus went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately Jesus called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

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

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 817 – “You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore”

Jillian and Hannah

Prayers of Intercession

Lowell

All are invited to unmute on Zoom and join in the prayers, responding to each petition with “Have mercy, O God.”

Peace

Lowell

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

All share the peace of Christ with one another.

Meal

Announcements

Lowell

Offertory – ELW 593, Refrain – “Drawn to the Light”

Tom and Miriam

Offering Prayer

Tom

O God,
receive these gifts as you receive us:
like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.
Nourish us anew in your tender care,
and empower us in faithful service
to tend to others with this same love,
through Jesus Christ, our saving grace.
Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

Lowell

All are encouraged to unmute and join in the responses in bold.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed are you, O holy God:
          you are the Life and Light of all.
By your powerful word you created all things.
Through the prophets you called your people to be a light to the nations.
Blessed are you for Jesus, your Son.
He is your Light, shining in our darkness
          and revealing to us your mercy and might.

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.

Remembering, therefore,
          his preaching and healing,
          his dying and rising,
          and his promise to come again,
          we await that day when all the universe
          will rejoice in your holy and life-giving light
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

By your Spirit bless us and this meal,
          that, refreshed with this heavenly food,
          we may be light for the world,
          revealing the brilliance of your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

After communing Tom distributes to Lowell

Blessing at the Table

Lowell

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

Tom

Christ Jesus,
at this table we have feasted on your very life
and are strengthened for our journey.
Send us forth from this banquet
nourished in body and in spirit
to proclaim your good news
and serve others in your name.
Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Lowell

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 866 – “We Are Marching in the Light of God”

Jillian and Hannah

Dismissal

Tom

Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Join us on Zoom for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.


[1] All Creation Sings – Form E © 2020 Augsburg Fortress.