Watch this week's worship service on TLC's YouTube Channel
Click on one of the dates below to open the corresponding Order of Service.
ORDER OF SERVICE
-
July 25, 2021
Service of Word and Prayer
No Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN & TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING SONG: ELW 412 (V. 1&2)
Shall We Gather at the River
Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. Refrain
Text: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
GREETING
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE: 2 KINGS 4:42-44
PSALM 145:10-18 (READ RESPONSIVELY)
SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 3:14-21
GOSPEL: JOHN 6:1-21
SERMON
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 484 (V. 1&4)
You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
Refrain
You satisfy the hungry heart
with gift of finest wheat.
Come give to us, O saving Lord,
the bread of life to eat.
As when the shepherd calls his sheep,
they know and heed his voice;
so when you call your fam'ly, Lord,
we follow and rejoice. Refrain
The myst'ry of your presence, Lord,
no mortal tongue can tell:
whom all the world cannot contain
comes in our hearts to dwell. Refrain
Text: Omer Westendorf, 1916-1997
Text © 1977 Archdiocese of Philadelphia
BREAD OF LIFE LITANY
INTERCESSIONS
SHARING THE PEACE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
SENDING SONG:
Shout to the Lord
My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like You.
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hand
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You
Tenderly you hold us,
warm in your loving embrace.
Fill us with joy, let us know peace.
Shelter us from dark despair
Your kindness, your mercy
Endlessly shower on us.
Bless-ed are we, let us rejoice
We have everlasting life
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hand
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You
CCLI # 1406918
-
July 18, 2021
Now the Feast & Celebration
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
BULLETIN & SERMON LINKS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING SONG: ELW 532
Gather Us In
Here in this place the new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
gather us in, the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a myst'ry,
we are the old who yearn for your face;
we have been sung throughout all of hist'ry,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,
gather us in, the proud and the strong;
give us a heart, so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.
Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away—
but here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
Text © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
GREETING
KYRIE (P. 3)
NOW THE FEAST (P. 4)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 23:1-6
PSALM 23 (TONE 11)
SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 2:11-22
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: MARK 6:30-34, 53-56
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY:
You Are My Shepherd
You are my shepherd, I shall never want;
You make me lie in pastoral fields;
You lead me, You steer me, beside the living waters still.
Though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no ill.
For You are with me eternally,
Your rod and staff comfort me still.
You are my shepherd, I shall never want;
You make me lie in pastoral fields;
You lead me, You steer me, beside the living waters still.
I sit at the table You prepare for me;
I eat with my friends and my foes.
With heavenly oil, You anoint my soul.
My cup is full, it overflows.
Surely, truly, just have You have promised me,
Goodness and mercy shall follow me, all of my days.
You are my shepherd, I shall never want;
You make me lie in pastoral fields;
You lead me, You steer me, beside the living waters still.
You lead me, You steer me…..
Beside…………….. the living waters still.
©2011 Gerry Parsons
APOSTLES’ CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER (SPOKEN)
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG: ELW 780
Shepherd Me, O God
Refrain
Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
beyond my fears, from death into life.
God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want,
I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters of peace. Refrain
Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul,
you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,
my spirit shall sing the music of your name. Refrain
Though I should wander the valley of death,
I fear no evil, for you are at my side,
your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope. Refrain
You have set me a banquet of love
in the face of hatred,
crowning me with love beyond my pow'r to hold. Refrain
Surely your kindness and mercy follow me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore. Refrain
Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950, based on Psalm 23
Text © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
BLESSING
SENDING SONG:
God of All Our Days
We came to You with our heart in pieces
And found the God with healing in His hands
We turned to You, put everything behind us
And found the God who makes all things new
We looked to You, drowning in our questions
And found the God who holds all wisdom
And we trusted You and stepped out on the ocean
You caught our hands among the waves
'Cause You're the God of all our days
Each step we take, You make a way
And we will give You all our praise
Our seasons change, You stay the same
You're the God of all our days
We ran from You, we wandered in the shadows
And found a God who relentlessly pursues
We hid from You, haunted by our failure
And found the God whose grace still covers us
We fell on You when we were at our weakest
And found the God, the lifter of our head
And we've worshiped You, and felt You right beside us
You're the reason that we sing
'Cause You're the God of all our days
Each step we take, You make a way
And we will give You all our praise
Our seasons change, You stay the same
You're the God of all our days
In our worry, God You are our stillness
In our searching, God You are our answers
In our blindness, God You are our vision
In our bondage, God You are our freedom
In our weakness, God You are our power
You're the reason that we sing
'Cause You're the God of all our days
Each step we take, You make a way
And we will give You all our praise
Our seasons change, You stay the same
You're the God of all our days
In our blindness, God You are our vision
In our bondage, God You are our freedom
All our days
CCLI # 7067569
SENDING
-
July 11, 2021
Setting 10
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING SONG:
Come, Now is the Time to Worship
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time you claim our hearts
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God. Come.
One day every tongue will confess You are God
One day every knee shall bow
Still the greatest treasure is love for those
Around the whole world now.
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time you
claim our hearts
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God. Come.
One day every tongue will confess
You are God
One day every knee shall bow
Still the greatest treasure is love for those
Around the whole world now.
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time you
claim our hearts
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God. Come.
One day every tongue will confess
You are God
One day every knee shall bow
Still the greatest treasure is love for those
Around the whole world now.
(repeat once)
Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time you
claim our hearts
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God.
Come. Come. Come.
CCLI Song # 2430948
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
SCRIPTURE READING: AMOS 7:7-13
PSALM 85:8-13 (Tone 11)
SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 1:3-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL READING: MARK 6:14-29
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 401
Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading
Refrain
Come, come, come, Holy Spirit, come.
Come, come, come, Holy Spirit, come.
Gracious Spirit, heed our pleading,
fashion us all anew.
It's your leading that we're needing,
help us to follow you. Refrain
Come to teach us, come to nourish
those who believe in Christ.
Bless the faithful, may they flourish,
strengthened by grace unpriced. Refrain
Guide our thinking and our speaking
done in your holy name.
Motivate all in their seeking,
freeing from guilt and shame. Refrain
Not mere knowledge, but discernment,
nor rootless liberty;
turn disquiet to contentment,
doubt into certainty. Refrain
Keep us fervent in our witness;
unswayed by earth's allure.
Ever grant us zealous fitness,
which you alone assure. Refrain
Text: Wilson Niwagila; tr. Howard S. Olson, b. 1922
English and Swahili text © Lutheran Theological College, Makumira, Tanzania, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
NEW ZEALAND CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERTORY
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER SUNG
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Save us from the time of trial,
deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are Yours,
now and forever.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth …….. as in heaven.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG: ELW 493
Taste and See
Refrain
Taste and see, taste and see
the goodness of the Lord.
Oh, taste and see, taste and see
the goodness of the Lord, of the Lord.
I will bless the Lord at all times.
Praise shall always be on my lips;
my soul shall glory in the Lord;
for God has been so good to me. Refrain
Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us all praise God's name.
I called the Lord, who answered me;
from all my troubles I was set free. Refrain
Worship the Lord, all you people.
You'll want for nothing if you ask.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
in God we need put all our trust. Refrain
Text: James E. Moore Jr., b. 1951, based on Ps. 34
Text © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 773
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
precious Lord, linger near,
when my life is almost gone,
hear my cry, hear my call,
hold my hand lest I fall.
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
When the darkness appears
and the night draws near,
and the day is past and gone,
at the river I stand,
guide my feet, hold my hand.
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
CCLI #74606
SENDING
-
July 04, 2021
Service of Word and Prayer
No Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO TRANSLATION & BULLETIN
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING SONG: ELW 525
You are Holy
You are holy, you are whole.
You are always ever more
than we ever understand.
You are always at hand.
Blessed are you coming near.
Blessed are you coming here
to your church in wine and bread,
raised from soil, raised from dead.
You are holy,
you are wholeness,
you are present.
Let the cosmos praise you, Lord!
Sing hosanna in the highest!
Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna to our God!
Text: Per Harling, b. 1945
Text © 1990 Ton Vis Produktion AB, admin. Augsburg Fortress in North America, South America, and Central America, including the Caribbean.
GREETING
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE: EZEKIEL 2:1-5
PSALM 123 (SPOKEN)
SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 12:2-10
GOSPEL: MARK 6:1-13
SERMON
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 546
To Be Your Presence
To be your presence
is our mission here,
to show compassion's face
and list'ning ear,
to be your heart of mercy
ever near,
alleluia!
To be your presence
is our mission bold,
to feed the poor
and shelter homeless cold,
to be your hands of justice,
right uphold,
alleluia!
To be your presence
is our mission blest,
to speak for all
the broken and oppressed,
to be your voice of hope,
your love expressed,
alleluia!
We are your heart,
O Christ, your hands and voice,
to serve your people
is our call and choice,
and in this mission we,
the church, rejoice,
alleluia!
Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939
Text © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
INTERCESSIONS
THE LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 538
The Lord Now Sends Us Forth
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live. Repeat
The angels are not sent
into our world of pain
to do what we were meant
to do in Jesus' name;
that falls to you and me
and all who are made free.
Help us, O Lord, we pray,
to do your will today. Repeat
Text: Anonymous, Central America; tr. Gerhard M. Cartford, b. 1923
English text © 1998 Augsburg Fortress.
-
June 27, 2021
Setting 6
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN & TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING SONG:
Come as You Are
Come out of sadness from wherever you've been
Come broken hearted let rescue begin
Come find your mercy
Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
So lay down your burdens,
Lay down your shame
All who are broken, Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home,
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt,
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
There's hope for the hopeless,
And all those who've strayed
Come sit at the table,
Come taste the grace
There's rest for the weary,
Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't cure
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't cure
So lay down your burdens,
Lay down your shame
All who are broken,
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home,
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt,
Lay down your heart
Come as you are,
Come as you are
Fall in God’s arms,
Come as you are
There's joy for the morning,
Oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
So lay down your burdens,
Lay down your shame
All who are broken,
Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home,
You're not too far
So lay down your hurt,
Lay down your heart
Come as you are,
Come as you are
Come as you are,
Come as you are
CCLI 7017790
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7-15
PSALM 30
SCRIPTURE: LAMENTATIONS 3:22-33
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: MARK 5:21-43
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 742
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
oh, what needless pain we bear—
all because we do not carry
ev'rything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged--
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness--
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there
Text: Joseph Scriven, 1820-1886
APOSTLES’ CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG
Rest in You
Who is Lord, but our Lord
Who is God, only God
You are the highest
You are most good
Matchless is Your love
Our praise will rise above
Your peace like a river
Floods over us
Our hearts are restless
Until they find rest in You
Our hearts are restless
Until they find rest in You
This is where my hope lies
This is where my soul sighs
I will always find my rest in You
So full of mercy
Beauty and mystery
You are most hidden
But always with us
You’re always moving
Always pursuing
Ever creating
Yet, You hold it all
Our hearts are restless
Until they find rest in You
Our hearts are restless
Until they find rest in You
This is where my hope lies
This is where my soul sighs
I will always find my rest in You
This is where my hope lies
This is where my soul sighs
I will always find my rest in
You You cannot change
Yet You change everything
CCLI #7062636
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 733
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter
and springtime harvest,
sun, moon, and stars
in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Text: Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-1960 Text © 1923, ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
SENDING
-
June 20, 2021
National Indigenous Day Service of Lament
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
LINK TO BULLETIN & TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GRADUATE RECOGNITION
GATHERING SONG:
10,000 Reasons
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
The sun comes up
It's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
You're rich in love and You're slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
10,000 years and then forever more
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name
CCLI Song No. 6016351
HOLY BAPTISM OF MATTEO
PROFESSION OF FAITH
THANKSGIVING AT THE FONT
BAPTISM
SUNG RESPONSE: ELW 215
Blessed Be God, Who Chose You
Blessed be God, who chose you in Christ. Live in love as Christ loves us. (repeat once)
WELCOME
SHARING THE PEACE
INDIGENOUS SERVICE OF LAMENT:
PRELUDE
(music: By All Your Saints ELW #421)
Smudging around the Sacred Fire
(music: Abide With Me ELW #629)
Lighting of 215 Memorial Candles
PROCESSION
(music: Healer of Every Ill ELW #612)
The Presider and Assistants will enter carrying the four sacred medicines: tobacco, sage, sweetgrass and cedar. Medicines will be placed on altar accordingly.
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Spirit of Creator be with you.
And also with you. Come let us worship the Creator with hearts open to all peoples, where pride and prejudice once dwelt;
Let us worship Creator with minds open to the wisdom of Indigenous people, Let us honour the one who freely gives by showing honour to those who were once and still remain oppressed. Let us worship the God of diversity, who made the world in colour, in seasons and endless variety, who created the diversity of the earth’s peoples in Creator’s image.
We were created to honour one another and in so doing we honour the Creator, let us honour the Creator today, by reflecting in our worship and in life, the Creator’s image: love. All my relations.
SMUDGING CEREMONY
(music: You are Holy ELW #525)
The smudging ceremony is like a prayer of confession as we purify our minds and hearts. Reach out for the smoke and draw it into your heart.
PRAYERS TO THE FOUR DIRECTIONS
(For the Healing of the Land, Rupert’s Land Indigenous Council 2003 16 12 Huron LAIC, for National Aboriginal Day of Prayer 2001)
Creator, we offer the burning of sweetgrass, tobacco, sage and cedar as a prayer for purification and as a reminder for those gathered here to cleanse our thoughts and hearts that we may hear and be guided by your word and direction. We thank you for all our relations: the four legged, the winged, the star people of the heavens and all living things you have blessed us with to sustain this life. Empower each of us through the bringer of Peace, your Son Jesus, to see and change for better the common life of all people and creation. Hear our prayers this day and every day. Accept our thanks for all the blessings you have given us, and for the opportunities to use these blessings for your honour and glory in service to others. Miigwech.
Come Great Spirit, as we gather in your name. We face East: here are gifts from each of the peoples in the four directions of the world. The winds of the different directions remind us of these gifts. Let us turn now to the East.
To your symbol colour – Yellow for the morning star. To your animal sign – the Eagle which can soar ever upward in praise of God and calls us to do the same. To your lessons calling us to balance of Mind in the Spirit of Humility. To invoke your Spirit of Illumination and far-sighted vision. Help us love you and one another with our whole heart, our whole mind, and our whole soul, we pray. The east represents the yellow-skinned peoples of the world. This direction symbolizes new life on the earth and reminds us of our connection to creation. The sun rises in the east; each day is a gift; life itself is a gift. Help us to be mindful of the new life offered in your Son, we pray. Holy God, God of many names. We honour you through the Grandfathers and Grandmothers of the east; the spirits of all people of the east who have gone before us, the spirits of those who are yet to come. We pray for all people who now live to the east of us. (Particular intentions may be named.)
We thank you for the colour yellow, the sacred colour of the east, the colour of the rising sun. When the sun rises we offer our prayers to you, thanking you for the new day, for new opportunities, for new beginnings, for hope. Each new day reminds us of your faithfulness to us, your people. We thank you for the medicine of the east, tobacco. When we offer the tobacco, we thank you for our children, those who carry the future of our people in their lives. Tobacco, like children, needs protection, nurture and cultivation in order to grow. Help us, Creator God, to care properly for the lives of the children which you have entrusted to us; to honour and respect them, to protect them, and to learn from them. We thank you for Jesus, your son, whom we honour at the beginning of each new day. We thank you that he lived among us as a baby, a child, a youth and a young man.
Awaken in us new dreams and hope
Come, Great Spirit, come.
Come Great Spirit, come. We turn to face South (turn) To your symbol colour –Red, the hue of revelation. To your animal symbol – the Buffalo, strong and nurturing. To your lessons calling us to the balance of our Spirit in Harmony with brothers and sisters. To invoke your wisdom and grace and the goodness of the ages, we pray: Come Great Spirit, come. We turn to face South. South represents warmth and growth. This direction represents women, the doorway to life. The colour of the south is red, representing the aboriginal peoples of the world. May we be encouraged to walk through the doorway to life and light. Give us your strength and courage to endure, we pray. Holy God, Creator of all.
We honour you through the Grandfathers and Grandmothers of the south; the spirits of all those to the south of us who have gone before us, the spirits of those who are yet to come. We pray for all the people who now live to the south of us. (Particular intentions may be named) We thank you for the colour red, the sacred colour of the south, the colour of warmth and love. We thank you for all the emotions you have placed in our hearts; emotions which you share with us and ask us to share with each other. We thank you for the medicine of the south, cedar. When we offer the cedar, we thank you for all who nurture the youth among us. We remember these people when we see the green boughs of the cedar throughout the seasons of the year. We thank you for Jesus, your son; for Mary his mother, and for Ann his grandmother. We thank you that he befriended and ministered lovingly to women during his life, and that he first appeared to women at his resurrection.
Come, Great Spirit, come.
Come Great Spirit, come. We turn to face West: To your symbol colour – Black, still and quiet. To your animal symbol – the Bear. To your symbol, the Thunder mighty and purposeful. To your lessons calling us to balance our Emotions in the Spirit of Gentleness and Honesty. To invoke your Spirit of Introspection – seeing within.
Give us your strength and the courage to endure, we pray: West, symbolized by the colour black, represents the gift of rest, the passing of time and of those who have gone before. The black skinned peoples of the earth are symbolized in this direction. Give us the wisdom and grace to use your gifts of time and leisure well, we pray. Holy God, God of darkness and of light. We honour you through the Grandfathers and Grandmothers of the west; the spirits of all those to the west of us who have gone before us, the spirits of those yet to come. We pray for all people who now live to the west of us.
We thank you for the colour black, the sacred colour of the west, the colour of wisdom and knowledge. As the sun sets in the west and the darkness of night comes upon us, we thank you for all we have learned during the day, all the insight we have received from you so that we might share it with others when daylight returns. We thank you for the medicine of the west, sage. When we offer the sage, we thank you for our elders who carry within them the experience gained through life. Help us, Creator God, to respect our elders, to seek out their knowledge and to make use of it for the good of our people. Help us to care for our old people and to include them in the lives of their families and communities. We thank you for Jesus, your son, who as a young man carried within himself the wisdom and knowledge given by you, God for all times and ages. We also thank you that Jesus will meet us at the darkness at the end of our earthly life and lead us to the brightness of the eternal life.
Come, Great Spirit, come
Come Great Spirit, come. We turn to face North: To your symbol colour – White of clarity and brightness. To your animal symbol – the Quetzal which brings us in touch with earthiness and growing things. To your lessons calling us to balance of our Body in the Spirit of a good sense of humour.
To invoke your Spirit of Innocence, Trust and Love. Help us to open our eyes to the sacredness of every living thing, we pray: North is symbolized by the colour white, and represents coolness and the white-skinned of the world. A gift of this direction is clarity of vision and a sense of the strength we need to live each day. Help us to see more clearly your role for us, especially in the Stewardship and healing of Mother Earth, we pray. Prayers for the North Holy God, Mysterious One. We honour you through the Grandfathers and Grandmothers of the north; the spirits of all people to the north who have gone before us, the spirits of those who are yet to come. We pray for all people who now live to the north of us. (Particular intentions may be named)
We thank you for the colour white, the sacred colour of the north, the colour of the blanket of snow which covers mother earth while she sleeps. We are reminded of the purity of the white snow, the purity you expect in the lives of your people, the purity which comes when you forgive our mistakes. We thank you for the medicine of the north, sweetgrass. As we offer the sweetgrass we thank you for our spiritual elders who teach us of your forgiveness. We thank you that as we burn the sweetgrass we are purified from uncleanness and are then able to find your presence in our lives.
Help us, Creator God, to respect our spiritual leaders and to assist them in their journey among us. Help those of us who are spiritual leaders to be conscious of the responsibility given to us by you and by our people. Help all your people to turn to you for forgiveness and purity of life. We thank you for Jesus, your son, by whose blood we are washed clean of our sins and made as white as the snow.
Teach us to use with care your gifts;
Come, Great Spirit, come.
We turn to complete the circle and to look: To God who cleanses our Earth With snow, wind and rain. To Jesus Christ who fills us with the wideness of mercy and Lovingly embraces us all, And to the Great Spirit who inspires us. Come, Great Spirit, come.
Creator, you bent the earth like a bow until it was one, round, shining planet. At your word the land was drawn into mountains and deserts, forests and plains; The waters were gathered together into rivers, lake sand seas. Many times the circle of your creation by their greed and violence and they shattered the lives of others Creator renew the circle of the earth, and turn the hearts of all people to one another.
That they and all the earth may love and be drawn toward you. Through the power of your Son who lives with you and the Holy Spirit. In the circle of the Trinity forever more
All my relations.
GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, to you we give thanks in all you bring and ask for your guidance as prepare to open our hearts and minds. Within this sacred circle, Jesus Christ, is our center. In all we do. Help us to speak with honor and respect to all people and be open to the teachings we are given. As we walk this sacred journey together with our relations, open our eyes to understanding and the strength to truly see the way to live with compassion, love and grace, for with your spirit can we fave the winds together. All my relations.
HYMN
Amazing Grace
Text by John Newton
With translations into Ojibway by Carolyn Klaassen
THE WORD IS SPOKEN
Isaiah 40:25-31
25 To whom then will you compare me,
or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:
Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
mighty in power,
. not one is missing.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD,
. and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
30 Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
31 but 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.
Matthew 26:36-41 36
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
STORYTELLING
Carolyn Klaassen
BLESSING OF WATER FOR SPRINKLING
(music: When Peace Like a River ELW #785)
The Great Spirit be with you
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Great Spirit
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We thank you, our great Creator, for the gift of water. Over the water the Great Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through water you led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from sin into everlasting life. We give you thanks for the gifts of your creation, for the waters that cleanse and nourish our bodies. We give you thanks for the waters of baptism that free us from the bondage of sin and death.
We give you thanks for the living waters that cleanse and heal our wounds, and feed our thirst for justice. Now sanctify this water by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we who are touched by your love might be healers in the desert places of your world, and bring water to the thirsty of the land, continuing in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Saviour. To him, to you and to the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, now and forever,
All my relations.
ACT OF COMMITMENT
The Covenant invites indigenous and non-indigenous communities into a new partnership in faith, hope and love, under the guidance of God’s Spirit. Will you commit to support self-determination of indigenous people in all aspects of their lives, to walk in true partnership on the path of God’s healing? We will, with Creator’s help.
When one group uses power to control, hurt and dominate others, the circle of right relationship is broken, and evil is given room to grow. Will you resist the powers of evil that weaken, distort and destroy just relationship with First Nations people; will you turn in repentance and keep the circle strong?
We will, with Creator’s help.
The gift of Jesus Christ reconciles us with God, and draws us into a circle of love with the power to transform the world. This is good news for all people, indigenous and non-indigenous. Will you proclaim by word and deed the good news in Christ that you have witnessed here?
We will, with Creator’s help.
Where racism and oppression are at work in society, all are affected, the privileged and the injured. We are all in need of healing. As you live out this good news of salvation, will you work to recognize your own needs for healing; will you seek out and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself?
We will, with Creator’s help.
In Christ the captive is freed, the blind made to see, the suffering healing, and the poor receive good news. The whole creation yearns for us, the children of God, to be revealed in our care for each other and for all of creation. Will you join the struggle against the social, racial, economic and land injustices that affect the lives of indigenous people and harm the earth?
We will, with Creator’s help.
God our Creator, you have given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, freeing us to be one in Christ, that the world may believe. Guide us through these cleansing and healing waters and walk with us from this place; keep us strong, faithful, loving and wise in our commitments and friendships. All my relations.
COMMISSIONING
For you shall go out in joy, And be led back in peace, and the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Go in peace and spread the love and good news of Creator
CLOSING SONG
We Are One in the Spirit
written by Peter Scholtes
“Prayers To The Four Directions” from For the Healing of the Land, Rupert’s Land Indigenous Council 2003 16 12 Huron LAIC, for National Aboriginal Day of Prayer 2001
Scripture passages are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), 1989
Special thanks to Carolyn Klaassen for planning and leading the service; Rev. Dorothy Chu, Rev. Vida Jaugelis, and Rev. Aneeta Saroop for participating in the prayers, readings, and drumming; the people of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, North Vancouver for the use of the space; Justin Jay of Grace Lutheran Church for the piano music; and Rev. Nathan Fong for recording and editing the video.
-
June 13, 2021
Setting 10
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING SONG: ELW 731
Earth and All Stars!
Earth and all stars! Loud rushing planets!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Hail, wind, and rain! Loud blowing snowstorm!
Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain
Refrain
God has done marvelous things.
I too sing praises with a new song!
Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos!
Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain
Engines and steel! Loud pounding hammers!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Limestone and beams! Loud building workers!
Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain
Classrooms and labs! Loud boiling test tubes!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Athlete and band! Loud cheering people!
Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain
Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Daughter and son! Loud praying members!
Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain
Text: Herbert F. Brokering, b. 1926
Text © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
PSALM 20 (TONE 2)
READING: II CORINTHIANS 5:6-10, 14-17
READING: EZEKIEL 17:22-24
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: MARK 4:26-34
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY
Blessed Be Your Name
Blessed Be Your Name,
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name,
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out,
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name,
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name,
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in,
Lord Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away,
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say,
Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be Your glorious name
CCLI # 3798438 Beth Redman | Matt Redman
© 2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 3186444
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERTORY PRAYER
OFFERTORY
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER SUNG
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Save us from the time of trial,
deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are Yours,
now and forever.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth …….. as in heaven.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG
Breathe
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your Holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
And I, I'm desperate for you
And I, I'm lost without you
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your Holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
And I, I'm desperate for you
And I, I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost …. without you
This is the air I breathe
This is the air ….. I breathe
CCLI #1874117
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 787
On Eagles’ Wings
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in this shadow for life,
say to the Lord: "My refuge,
my rock in whom I trust!"
Refrain
And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear;
under God's wings your refuge,
with faithfulness your shield. Refrain
You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day;
though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come. Refrain
For to the angels God's given a command
to guard you in all of your ways;
upon their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Final refrain
And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand;
and hold you, hold you in the palm of his hand.
Text: Michael Joncas, b. 1957
Text © 1979 OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
SENDING
-
June 06, 2021
Setting 8
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN & TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING SONG:
Draw Me Into Your Presence
Draw me into Your presence
Draw me into Your presence
Draw me into Your presence
I want to know You.
For there's life in Your presence
There is life in Your presence
There is life in Your presence
I want to know You.
Where else can I go?
Where else can I hide?
For only in Your presence, Lord,
Can I find peace of mind.
Draw me into Your presence
Draw me into Your presence
Draw me into Your presence
I want to know You.
I want to know You.
I want to know You.
CCLI #795266
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
KYRIE ELESION (P 184)
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
READING: GENESIS 3:8-15
PSALM 138 (Tone 1)
READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:13-5:11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (P 188)
GOSPEL: MARK 3:31-35
KIDS’ MESSAGE
KIDS’ SONG:
We Won’t Forget You
(YouTube Video)
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY:
Mighty to Save
Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing, let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour, the hope of nations
Chorus:
Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave
Take me as You find me
All my fears and failures, fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in, and now I surrender
Chorus 2x
Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King
Chorus 2x
CCLI #4591782
APOSTLES’ CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER (TRADITIONAL)
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG: ELW 439
Soon and Very Soon
Soon and very soon
we are going to see the King,
soon and very soon
we are going to see the King,
soon and very soon
we are going to see the King.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
We're going to see the King!
No more crying there,
we are going to see the King,
no more crying there,
we are going to see the King,
no more crying there,
we are going to see the King.
No more dying there,
we are going to see the King,
no more dying there,
we are going to see the King,
no more dying there,
we are going to see the King.
Soon and very soon
we are going to see the King,
soon and very soon
we are going to see the King,
soon and very soon
we are going to see the King.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
hallelujah, hallelujah.
CCLI Song # 11249
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 689
Praise and Thanksgiving
Praise and thanksgiving, God, we would offer
for all things living, you have made good:
harvest of sown fields, fruits of the orchard,
hay from the mown fields, blossom and wood.
God, bless the labor we bring to serve you,
that with our neighbor we may be fed.
Sowing or tilling, we would work with you,
harvesting, milling for daily bread.
Father, providing food for your children,
by Wisdom's guiding teach us to share
one with another, so that, rejoicing
with us, all others may know your care.
Then will your blessing reach ev'ry people,
freely confessing your gracious hand.
Where you are reigning, no one will hunger;
your love sustaining showers the land.
Text: Albert F. Bayly, 1901-1984, alt.
Text © Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
SENDING
-
May 30, 2021
Setting 6
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN & TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG
The New Kum Ba Yah
REFRAIN: Kum ba yah, kum ba yah,
Kum ba yah, kum bah yah,
Kum ba yah, kum ba yah,
Kum ba yah, kum bah yah.
VERSE 1: Somebody’s cryin’ Lord, Kumbayah, whoa (x3)
Singin’ rain, storm, fire, wind, kum ba yah. REFRAIN
VERSE 2: Somebody’s prayin’ Lord, Kumbayah, whoa(x3)
Singin’ rain, storm, fire, wind, kum ba yah. REFRAIN
VERSE 3: Somebody’s singin’ Lord, Kumbayah, whoa(x3)
Singin’ rain, storm, fire, wind, kum ba yah. REFRAIN
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
SCRIPTURE READING: ACTS 8:26-39
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL READING: LUKE 24:44-47
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
KIDS’ MESSAGE
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY
Ancient Words
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world;
They resound with God's own heart,
O, let the ancient words impart;
Words of life, words of hope,
Give us strength, help us cope;
In this world where'er we roam,
Ancient words will guide us home.
Ancient words, ever true,
Changing me, changing you;
We have come with open hearts,
O let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Ancient words, ever true,
Changing me, changing you;
We have come with open hearts,
O let the ancient words impart.
Ancient words, ever true,
Changing me, changing you;
We have come with open hearts,
O let the ancient words impart.
CCLI #2986399
NEW ZEALAND CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION HYMN: ELW 496
One Bread, One Body
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many
throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.
Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man….… no more.
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many
throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.
Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord…….. of all.
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many
throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.
Grain for the fields,
scattered and grown,
gathered to one…….. for all.
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many
throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.
Text: John Foley, SJ, b. 1939
Text © 1978 John B. Foley, SJ and OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 543
Go My Children, with My Blessing
“Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you,
you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river
I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing,
you are my own.”
“Go, my children, sins forgiven,
at peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure.
Here you heard my dear Son’s story,
here you touched him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven,
at peace and pure.”
“Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me.
Grow in love and love by serving,
joyful and free.
Here my Spirit’s power filled you,
here my tender comfort stilled you.
Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.”
Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, b. 1919, alt.
Text © 1983 Concordia Publishing House
SENDING
-
May 23, 2021
Now the Feast
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN AND TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG: ELW 396 (V 1&4)
Spirit of Gentleness
Refrain
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,
blow through the wilderness calling and free;
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing:
"Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings." Refrain
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow all the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise. Refrain
Text: James K. Manley, b. 1940
Text © 1978 James K. Manley, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
GREETING
KYRIE (P 3)
NOW THE FEAST (P 4)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
SCRIPTURE: ACTS 2:1—4
SCRIPTURE: GALATIANS 4:1-7, 5:16-26
KIDS’ MESSAGE
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: LUKE 11:11-13
Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask!”
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 800
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
stoop to my weakness, strength to me impart,
and make me love you as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
no angel visitant, no op'ning skies;
but take the dimness of my soul away.
Have you not bid me love you, God and King;
all, all your own, soul, heart, and strength, and mind?
I see your cross; there teach my heart to cling.
Oh, let me seek you and, oh, let me find!
Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the baptism of the heav'n-descended dove,
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.
Text: George Croly, 1780-1860
FAREWELL & GODSPEED FOR MAGNAR AND QIN
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG: ELW 472
Eat This Bread
"Eat this bread, drink this cup,
come to me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread, drink this cup,
trust in me and you will not thirst."
Text: Taizé Community
Text © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications Inc., agent. 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
BLESSING
SONG OF THE DAY
10,000 Reasons
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
The sun comes up
It's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
You're rich in love and You're slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
10,000 years and then forever more
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Bless the Lord O my soul
O my soul
Worship your holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name
CCLI Song No. 6016351
SENDING
-
May 16, 2021
Setting 10
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN AND TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG: ELW 641
All Are Welcome
Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
Refrain
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God's children dare to seek
to dream God's reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God's grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus: Refrain
Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground
where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us: Refrain
Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they've known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God's face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger: Refrain
Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter: Refrain
Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
Text © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
READING: GALATIANS 3:1-9, 23-29
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: LUKE 1:68-79
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY:
Lord, Reign in Me
Over all the earth, You reign on high
Every mountain stream, every sunset sky
But my one request, Lord my only aim
Is that You’d reign in me again
Lord reign in me, reign in Your power
Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour
You are the Lord of all I am
So won’t You reign in me again
Over every thought, over every word
May my life reflect the beauty of my Lord
Cause You mean more to me than any earthly thing
So won’t You reign in me again
Lord reign in me, reign in Your power
Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour
You are the Lord of all I am
So won’t You reign in me again
Over all the earth, You reign on high
Every mountain stream, every sunset sky
But my one request, Lord my only aim
Is that You’d reign in me again
Lord reign in me, reign in Your power
Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour
You are the Lord of all I am
So won’t You reign in me again
Lord reign in me, reign in Your power
Over all my dreams, in my darkest hour
You are the Lord of all I am
So won’t You reign in me again
So won’t You reign in me again
So won’t You reign in me again
CCLI Song # 2490706 Brenton Brown
© 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire) (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
APOSTLES’ CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER (TRADITIONAL)
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG: ELW 588 (V 1&4)
There is a Wideness in God’s Mercy
There's a wideness in God's mercy,
like the wideness of the sea;
there's a kindness in God's justice
which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth's sorrows
are more felt than up in heav'n.
There is no place where earth's failings
have such kindly judgment giv'n.
'Tis not all we owe to Jesus;
it is something more than all:
greater good because of evil,
larger mercy through the fall.
Make our love, O God, more faithful;
let us take You at Your word,
and our lives will be thanksgiving
for the goodness of the Lord.
Text: Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863, alt.
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 656
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the unity of heart and mind
is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
From sorrow, toil, and pain,
and sin we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
Text: John Fawcett, 1740-1817, alt.
SENDING
-
May 09, 2021
Setting 8
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN & TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG: ELW 638
Blessed Assurance
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior, all the day long:
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain
Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love. Refrain
Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
KYRIE ELESION (P 184)
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
SCRIPTURE: GALATIANS 1:13-17; 2:11-21
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (P 188)
GOSPEL: LUKE 18:9-14
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 631
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter ev'ry trembling heart.
Breathe, oh, breathe thy loving Spirit
into ev'ry troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit;
let us find thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty, to deliver;
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
Finish then thy new creation,
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee!
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav'n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise!
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
NEW ZEALAND CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG: ELW 639 (v. 1-3)
When we are living it is in Christ Jesus
And when we're dying it is in the Lord
Both in our living and in our dying
We belong to God we belong to God
Through all our living we our fruits must give
Good works of service are for offering
When we are giving or when receiving
We belong to God we belong to God
'Mid times of sorrow and in times of pain
When sensing beauty or in love's embrace
Whether we suffer or sing rejoicing
We belong to God we belong to God
CCLI Song # 4968810 Elise S. Eslinger | George Lockwood | Hal H. Hopson | Roberto Escamilla © Words: 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Music: 1998 Hope Publishing Company
For use solely with the SongSelect®. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 3186444
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 629 (V 1, 2, 5)
Abide With Me
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heav'n's morning breaks,
and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847
SENDING
-
May 02, 2021
Setting 6
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN AND TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG: ELW 532
Gather Us In
Here in this place the new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
gather us in, the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a myst'ry,
we are the old who yearn for your face;
we have been sung throughout all of hist'ry,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,
gather us in, the proud and the strong;
give us a heart, so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.
Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away—
but here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
Text © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: LUKE 2:29-32
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
PICS OF OLD CHURCH
SCRIPTURE READING
SERMON
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 597
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
no merit of my own I claim,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in ev'ry high and stormy gale
my anchor holds within the veil. Refrain
His oath, his covenant, his blood
sustain me in the raging flood;
when all supports are washed away,
he then is all my hope and stay. Refrain
When he shall come with trumpet sound,
oh, may I then in him be found,
clothed in his righteousness alone,
redeemed to stand before the throne! Refrain
Text: Edward Mote, 1797-1874, alt.
COUNCIL INSTALLATION
APOSTLES’ CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER (TRADITIONAL)
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG:
Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Chorus:
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
Chorus [2x]
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright Shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun
Than when we've first begun
Than when we've first begun
CCLI Song No. 4768151
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 646
The Peace of the Lord
ENGLISH
The peace of the Lord, the peace of the Lord
the peace of the risen Lord Jesus:
the peace of the Lord is for you and for me,
and also for all of God's children.
The peace of the Lord is for you and for me,
and also for all of God's children.
The peace of the Lord, the peace of the Lord,
the peace of the risen Lord Jesus:
the peace of the Lord is among us right now,
so open yourselves to receive it.
The peace of the Lord is among us right now,
so open yourselves to receive it.
The peace of the Lord, the peace of the Lord,
the peace of the risen Lord Jesus:
the peace of the Lord kept within cannot live,
so open yourselves now to share it.
The peace of the Lord kept within cannot live,
so open yourselves now to share it.
SPANISH
La paz del Señor, la paz del Señor,
la paz del Resucitado:
la paz del Señor a ti y a mí,
a todos alcanzará;
la paz del Señor a ti y a mí,
a todos alcanzará.
La paz del Señor, la paz del Señor,
la paz del Resucitado:
se hace presente ahora y aquí
apréstate a recibirla;
se hace presente ahora y aquí
apréstate a recibirla.
La paz del Señor, la paz del Señor,
la paz del Resucitado:
no puede vivir encerrada en sí,
apréstate a compartirla;
no puede vivir encerrada en sí,
apréstate a compartirla.
Text: Anders Ruuth; tr. Gerhard M. Cartford, b. 1923
Spanish text and tune © Anders Ruuth, admin. Augsburg Fortress. English text © Lutheran World Federation.
SENDING
-
Worship Plan for Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 25, 2021
Gathering
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the ELCIC as we often refer to it, today has been set aside to consider our vocational callings in Christ. The word "vocation" is rooted in the Latin word, voccacio meaning call or summons. A vocation is a calling: to serve God, to an occupation or profession, and/or an inclination to a particular activity. Individuals and congregations play a vital role in leadership formation. In faithful, prayerful community, we help each other to hear God's call and encourage each other to exercise gifts for ministry. Let us begin by
giving thanks.Thanksgiving for Baptism
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Refreshed by the resurrection life we share in Christ,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
We thank you, risen Christ,
for these waters where you make us new,
leading us from death to life, from tears to joy.
We bless you, risen Christ, that your Spirit comes to us
in the grace-filled waters of rebirth,
like rains to our thirsting earth,
like streams that revive our souls,
like cups of cool water shared with strangers.
Breathe your peace on your church when we hide in fear.
Clothe us with your mercy and forgiveness.
Send us companions on our journey as we share your life.
Make us one, risen Christ.
Cleanse our hearts.
Shower us with life.
To you be given all praise,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God,
now and forever. Amen.
Gathering Song
I Know that My Redeemer Lives! (ELW 619)
1. I know that my Redeemer lives!
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
he lives, my ever-living head!
2. He lives triumphant from the grave;
he lives eternally to save;
he lives exalted, throned above;
he lives to rule his church in love.
3. He lives to grant me rich supply;
he lives to guide me with his eye;
he lives to comfort me when faint;
he lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
4. He lives to silence all my fears;
he lives to wipe away my tears;
he lives to calm my troubled heart;
he lives all blessings to impart.
5. He lives to bless me with his love;
he lives to plead for me above;
he lives my hungrysoul to feed;
he lives to help in time of need.
6. He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend;
he lives and loves me to the end;
he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
he lives, my prophet, priest, and king!
7. He lives and grants me daily breath;
he lives, and I shall conquer death;
he lives my mansion to prepare;
he lives to bring me safely there.
8. He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Saviour, still the same;
what joy this blest assurance gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives!
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 brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Holy God, we pray for our church as we continue to engage in renewal: that the Spirit would guide us and enlighten us, and that in living into a renewed vision of the church we may all be strengthened for ministry in and for our church, and in and for our world. We give you thanks for the gift of being called through baptism. Bless the church with faithful pastors and diaconal ministers. Inspire us all to pattern our lives on our Lord Jesus Christ, in gratitude to you and in service to others. Grant us courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to others.
Amen.
Word
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
First Reading: Psalm 23
You are my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
You make me lie down in green pastures and lead me beside still waters.
You restore my soul and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of your enemies.
You anoint my head with oil and my cup is running over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in your house forever.
Second Reading: 1 John 3:16-24
Jesus’ death on our behalf is the clearest demonstration of divine love. This is the very love we share with others, not just through our words but especially through our deeds. In sharing such love we fulfill God’s commandments.
16We know love by this, that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before God 20whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and God knows everything. 21Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22and we receive from God whatever we ask, because we obey the commandments and do what pleases God.
23And this is God’s commandment, that we should believe in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and love one another, just as Jesus has commanded us. 24All who obey God’s commandments abide in God, and God abides in them. And by this we know that God abides in us, by the Spirit that God has given us.Word of God, word of life…Thanks be to God.
Gospel: John 10:11-18
In language that recalls the twenty-third psalm, Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who cares for his sheep. He is willing to die for them, and he is able to overcome death for them.
[Jesus said:] 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
The gospel of the Lord…Thanks be to God.
Sermon – Rev. Nathan Fong – Grace Lutheran Church, Burnaby, BC
This morning Pastor Nathan is preaching coast to coast to coast across the ELCIC!
Have you ever felt like you just didn’t belong? I know I have. See, way back when dial-up internet still roamed the earth, I was in high school just being all teenager-like. I was still finding out who I was, defining my personality, and figuring out how I fit in my family, among my friends, and in the world. And if the “pork chapsh and apple shawsch” episode of The Brady Bunch taught me anything, it’s that I’m not the only one who went through this type of existential crisis.
I think the school administration figured that I wouldn’t be the only one, so to aid in the process they had all the students in grades 10 and 11 I think it was, take these career aptitude tests. Perhaps you know what I’m talking about. Basically they are an extensive list of very personal questions that we answer as honestly as possible and they’re supposed to help you discover your perfect career. It’s sort of like a paper form of Tinder, but for jobs.
Anyway, I think I did at least a half dozen of these tests throughout those years, just because each one had a different slant to them and perhaps would give you more ideas. I don’t know. But strangely enough for me, while my friends kept getting all these cool jobs like doctor, lawyer, and race car driver, I seemed to always get basically the same answers. In first place without fail, I’d get religious leader/Rabbi/priest. But in second place, I’d get plumber and once I got sanitation worker. Nothing against plumbers or sanitation workers, but really?
And of course, all my friends scoffed at my first place answer, not because they were against religion or anything like that, but more because…well…I’m not really religious leader/Rabbi/priest material. First of all, I’m not Jewish so that can be scratched right off the list. But while I was raised in the church and actually kind of enjoyed being in the church, I wasn’t your typical religious kid. I didn’t fit the stereotype that most people have in their heads. Even members of my own family even once said that they don’t think that I’m cut out for it because I didn’t have the demeanour or intellect of a pastor, also they warned me that my paycheque as a pastor wouldn’t allow me to afford all the stuff that I’d want. Basically, I was too goofy, too dumb, and too materialistic to make it in this field.
But that started something in me. Actually, it just continued something that was already in me since I was in grade 6, but that’s for a different sermon. But in spite of the naysayers I continued on this path toward vocational congregational ministry and here I am.
Well who’s laughing now?
….nobody. Nobody’s laughing now.
But you can see how I felt like I didn’t belong. I felt it with my friends who thought it was weird that this kid that grew up with them doing all the urban kid stuff with them would become a pastor. I felt it with my family who thought I wasn’t cut from the right kind of cloth and wanted “better” for me. And then I started to feel it within myself as all the things they said continued to ring in my mind, causing doubt, suspicion, and fear.
“I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus says in today’s gospel lesson, “I know my own and my own know me.”
That sounds real pretty, Jesus, but if you know me so well, why did you put me in this position where I feel this way? Why did you burn this passion within me for the gospel and its proclamation? Why did you call me, of all people, to serve you in this way?
Because clearly, I don’t belong. Clearly, I don’t fit in. Clearly, I don’t have what it takes if I have doubt within myself of myself, my abilities and talents or lack thereof, and how long I can last without trying to make an inappropriate joke.
And so I wonder how many of us might feel the same way. Maybe we feel like we don’t belong as well, maybe we feel like we can’t do much to help further the kingdom of God because we aren’t talented enough or knowledgeable enough or whatever enough to make it. Maybe we have felt the call into ministry but brushed it off because if Jesus really knew us, there’s no way he’d even consider us for anything remotely close to that. Maybe we’ve thought that.
But Jesus’ words here don’t sound facetious at all, do they? I don’t think Jesus isn’t lying about knowing us here. He probably isn’t pulling a prank and just waiting for us to fall on our faces and be all like, “Just kidding! Got ya!” Which is kind of a pity as that would be kind of hilarious and quite honestly something that I would do. Maybe not to any of you, mind you, but to my kids for sure.
No, Jesus words here are to encourage us. Reassure us. Empower us and lift us up and remind us that even when the world tells us that we aren’t good enough or don’t belong, God continues to call by name and invites us and welcomes us into Jesus’ one flock where he is the shepherd and we are known, blessed, and dearly loved. His words here are a promise that have not, are not, and cannot ever be broken.
What always strikes me in this passage is how Jesus talks about these “other sheep” that don’t belong to this fold, and yet they are also just as included and welcome. As we all might have had that experience of not belonging, perhaps we’ve also felt that there are these “others” that don’t belong. Whatever the case may be, I see Jesus here talking to us about them. Reminding us that they do, in fact, belong. And at the same time, I see Jesus here talking to them about us. Telling them that we too, in fact, belong. Revealing to us all that, in whatever demographic we find ourselves in or identify with, on whatever margins we feel like we’re residing just outside of, within whatever label that we associate ourselves with or has been unwillingly affixed to us, we belong.
Not because we fit any kind of divinely predetermined mold that people expect of us. Not because we’ve earned enough points to get us in that higher tier of life and God’s grace. Not because we’re the sheepest sheep that ever sheeped in the flock. But because Jesus knows us, through and through, and has decided to love us anyway. And not just to love us, but to equip us and empower us to be God’s children in the world: flawed but cherished, broken but healed, sinners but regarded as saints.
See, regardless of how we might feel about who we are, God has declared us as enough to be God’s beloved. Regardless of how we might think we fit in or don’t, God has welcomed us into God’s flock with Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Regardless of how we see ourselves compared to our peers, our colleagues, or even our enemies and frenemies, we completely, wholly, and unequivocally belong.
Today, aside from it being the 4th Sunday of Easter, it is also Good Shepherd Sunday as well as our church’s Vocational Sunday. And so I encourage every single one of you that if you’ve ever even had a whiff of a call to serve in ministry, talk to your pastor or deacon about it. If you don’t have a pastor or deacon, then talk to a trusted friend or loved one about it. If you don’t have a trusted friend or loved one, then ok, you can contact me and we talk about it. But let me assure you, if a dumb, goofy, materialistic teenager like me can find a way to belong in the church as a pastor, then I am certain that you can too.
And so as we continue in this season of Easter, as we continue to look at the empty cross and be reminded of a resurrected Christ, may we take the call that Jesus has for our lives to be part of his flock, that we might follow the leading, guiding, and caring of our good and gracious Shepherd that knows us and loves us. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Hymn of the Day
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song (ELW 808)
1. Lord Jesus, you shall be my song as I journey;
I’ll tell ev’rybody about you wherever I go:
you alone are our life and our peace and our love.
Lord Jesus, you shall be my song as I journey.
2. Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.
May all of my joy be a faithful reflection of you.
May the earth and the sea and the sky join my song.
Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.
3. As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant,
to carry your cross and to share all your burdens and tears.
For you saved me by giving your body and blood.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant.
4. I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey;
but courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side.
And with all of the fam’ly you saved by your love,
we’ll sing to your dawn at the end of our journey.
Affirmation of Baptism
Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism as we come before God to make public affirmation of baptism into Christ.
Let us pray.
Merciful God, we thank you that you have made us your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called us to yourself, enlightened us with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished us in the community of faith. Uphold us and all your servants in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
Profession of Faith
I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.
Do you renounce evil and all the forces that defy God,
the powers of this world that rebel against God,
and the ways of sin that draw you from God?
Response: I renounce them.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.*
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Prayers of Intercession
Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love.
A brief silence.
Loving Shepherd, you know your own and your own know you. Your voice calls us to your loving embrace. Strengthen your church throughout the world that we bear witness to your expansive love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Gracious Shepherd, you are generous with the gifts of goodness and mercy. Restore your creation to wholeness so that cities and towns, countryside and wilderness, may abound with life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Hope-giving Shepherd, the nations and peoples are your heritage. Place into the hearts of all leaders and rulers the passion to serve. Crucify any desire to overpower others and give leaders joy in lifting up the lowly. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Abiding Shepherd, your love flows as we reach out to those around us. Move us with your Spirit, so that we lay down our lives for those in need. Help us love one another in truth and action. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Saving Shepherd, you restore us to wholeness. Help our community in our life together and give us vigor as a people of faith. In the midst of challenges and opportunities, fill us anew with you Holy Spirit. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Eternal Shepherd, you hold us securely in your loving hands. In the assurance of resurrection hope, we remember our loved ones who have died in you. Bring us, with them, to dwell in your house forever. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Lord, remember us in your kin-dom and teach us to pray.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Offering
At this point in our worship services we usually receive the Offering. In the Offering, we not only offer our financial gifts for the ministry of the church, but we also make a re-commitment, an offering, of ourselves for Christ’s ministry in the world.
Thank you for your faithful support through your financial gifts to the ministry of your local congregation and, through the congregation, to ministry in our synod, across the ELCIC, and out in the global world beyond these borders.
OFFERING PRAYER
Blessed are you, O God,
Maker of all things.
Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts:
our selves, our time, and our possessions.
Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love,
through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ,
our Saviour and Lord.
Amen.
AFFIRMATION OF CHRISTIAN VOCATION
Siblings in Christ, both your work and your rest are in God. Will you endeavor to pattern your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, in gratitude to God and in service to others, at morning and evening, at work and at play, all the days of your life?
Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.
Almighty God, by the power of the Spirit you have knit these your servants into the one body of your Son, Jesus Christ. Look with favor upon them in their commitment to serve in Christ’s name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Sending
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
Blessing
The God of steadfastness and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another,
in accordance with Christ Jesus. Amen.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The God of all grace ☩ bless you now and forever. Amen.
Sending Song
Will You Come and Follow Me: The Summons (ELW 798)
1. Will you come and follow me
if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know
and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown,
will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown
in you and you in me?
2. Will you leave yourself behind
if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind
and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare,
should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer pray'r
in you and you in me?
3. Will you let the blinded see
if I but call your name?
Will you set the pris'ners free
and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean,
and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean
in you and you in me?
4. Will you love the you you hide
if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside
and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found
to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound
in you and you in me?
5. Lord, your summons echoes true
when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you
and never be the same.
In your company I'll go
where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow
in you and you in me.
Dismissal
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
-
April 18, 2021
Now the Feast
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN AND TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG: ELW 641
All Are Welcome
Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
Refrain
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God's children dare to seek
to dream God's reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God's grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus: Refrain
Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground
where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us: Refrain
Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they've known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God's face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger: Refrain
Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter: Refrain
Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
Text © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
GREETING
KYRIE (P 3)
NOW THE FEAST (P 4)
SCRIPTURE READING: ACTS 6:1—7:2a
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: LUKE 23:33-34a,36
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 768
Lead Me, Guide Me
Lead me, guide me, along the way;
for if you lead me, I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
I am weak and I need thy strength and pow’r
to help me over my weakest hour.
Help me through the darkness thy face to see.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Lead me, guide me, along the way;
for if you lead me, I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Help me tread in the paths of righteousness,
be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Lead me, guide me, along the way;
for if you lead me, I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
I am lost if you take your hand from me,
I am blind without thy light to see.
Lord, just always let me thy servant be.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Lead me, guide me, along the way;
for if you lead me, I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Text and music © 1953 Doris Akers. All rights administered by Unichappell Music, Inc. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.
NEW ZEALAND CREED
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG: ELW 471
Let Us Break Bread Together
Let us break bread together on our knees;
let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain
When I fall on my knees,
with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees;
let us drink wine together on our knees. Refrain
Let us praise God together on our knees;
let us praise God together on our knees. Refrain
Text: African American spiritual
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 422 (V 1&3)
For All the Saints
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Text: William W. How, 1823-1897
SENDING
-
April 11, 2021
Setting 10
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
INFO ON BULLETIN AND SERMON TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG:
Trading My Sorrows
I’m trading my sorrows,
I’m trading my shame,
I’m laying them down For the joy of the Lord.
I’m trading my burdens,
I’m trading my pain,
I’m laying them down For the joy of the Lord.
I am pressed but not crushed,
Persecuted, not abandoned,
Struck down, but not destroyed;
I am blessed beyond belief
For His promise will endure,
That His joy’s gonna be my strength.
Though the sorrow may last for the night,
His joy comes with the morning.
I’m trading my sorrows,
I’m trading my shame,
I’m laying them down For the joy of the Lord.
I’m trading my burdens,
I’m trading my pain,
I’m laying them down For the joy of the Lord.
CCLI #2574653
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL Luke 24:13-35
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 561
Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory
Joyous light of heav'nly glory,
loving glow of God's own face,
you who sing creation's story,
shine on ev'ry land and race.
Now as evening falls around us,
we shall raise our songs to you.
God of daybreak, God of shadows,
come and light our hearts anew.
In the stars that grace the darkness,
in the blazing sun of dawn,
in the light of peace and wisdom,
we can hear your quiet song.
Love that fills the night with wonder,
love that warms the weary soul,
love that bursts all chains asunder,
set us free and make us whole.
You who made the heaven's splendor,
ev'ry dancing star of night,
make us shine with gentle justice,
let us each reflect your light.
Mighty God of all creation,
gentle Christ who lights our way,
loving Spirit of salvation,
lead us on to endless day.
Text: Greek hymn, 3rd cent., para. Marty Haugen, b. 1950
Text © 1987 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER SUNG
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Our Mother in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Save us from the time of trial,
deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are Yours,
now and forever.
Our Father, our Mother,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth …….. as in heaven.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG:
Breathe
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your Holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
And I, I'm desperate for you
And I, I'm lost without you
This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your Holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
And I, I'm desperate for you
And I, I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost without you
I'm lost …. without you
This is the air I breathe
This is the air ….. I breathe
CCLI #1874117
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 374
Day of Arising
Day of arising,
Christ on the roadway,
unknown companion walks with his own.
When they invite him,
as fades the first day,
and bread is broken, Christ is made known.
When we are walking,
doubtful and dreading,
blinded by sadness, slowness of heart,
yet Christ walks with us,
ever awaiting
our invitation: Stay, do not part.
Lo, I am with you,
Jesus has spoken.
This is Christ's promise, this is Christ's sign:
when the church gathers,
when bread is broken,
there Christ is with us in bread and wine.
Christ, our companion,
hope for the journey,
bread of compassion, open our eyes.
Grant us your vision,
set all hearts burning
that all creation with you may rise.
Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953
Text © 1996 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
SENDING
-
April 04, 2021
Setting 8
Holy Communion
WELCOME
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LINKS TO BULLETIN & SERMON TRANSLATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
GATHERING SONG: ELW 369
Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris'n today; Alleluia!
Christians, hasten on your way; Alleluia!
offer praise with love replete, Alleluia!
at the paschal victim's feet. Alleluia!
For the sheep the Lamb has bled, Alleluia!
sinless in the sinner's stead. Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris'n on high; Alleluia!
now he lives, no more to die. Alleluia!
Christ, the victim undefiled, Alleluia!
God and sinners reconciled, Alleluia!
when contending death and life, Alleluia!
met in strange and awesome strife. Alleluia!
Christians, on this holy day, Alleluia!
all your grateful homage pay; Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris'n on high; Alleluia!
now he lives, no more to die. Alleluia!
Text: attr. Wipo of Burgundy, d. c. 1050; tr. Jane E. Leeson, 1807-1882, alt.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
KYRIE ELESION (P 184)
GREETING
PRAYER OF THE DAY
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (P 188)
GOSPEL: LUKE 24:1-12
KIDS’ MESSAGE
MESSAGE
SONG OF THE DAY: ELW 392 (V. 1-2)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of ev'ry nation
has redeemed us by his blood."
Alleluia! Not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! he is near us;
faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received him
when the forty days were o'er,
shall our hearts forget his promise:
"I am with you evermore"?
Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898, alt.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
WE PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH
THE LORD’S PRAYER SUNG
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Our Mother in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Save us from the time of trial,
deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are Yours,
now and forever.
Our Father, our Mother,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth …….. as in heaven.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG:
Come as You Are
Come out of sadness, from wherever you've been
Come broken hearted Let rescue begin
Come find your mercy Oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
So lay down your burdens, Lay down your shame
All who are broken, Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home, You're not too far
So lay down your hurt, Lay down your heart
Come as you are
There's hope for the hopeless, & all those who've strayed
Come sit at the table, Come taste the grace
There's rest for the weary, Rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't cure
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't cure
So lay down your burdens, Lay down your shame
All who are broken, Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home, You're not too far
So lay down your hurt, Lay down your heart
Come as you are, Come as you are
Fall in his arms, Come as you are
There's joy for the morning, Oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
So lay down your burdens, Lay down your shame
All who are broken, Lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home, You're not too far
So lay down your hurt, Lay down your heart
Come as you are, Come as you are,
Come as you are, Come as you are.
CCLI 7017790
BLESSING
SENDING SONG: ELW 367
Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds
Now all the vault of heav'n resounds
in praise of love that still abounds:
"Christ has triumphed! He is living!"
Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear!
Repeat their song of glory here:
"Christ has triumphed! He is living!"
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Eternal is the gift he brings,
therefore our heart with rapture sings:
"Christ has triumphed! He is living!"
Now still he comes to give us life
and by his presence stills all strife.
"Christ has triumphed! He is living!"
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Oh, fill us, Lord, with dauntless love;
set heart and will on things above
that we conquer through your triumph;
grant grace sufficient for life's day
that by our lives we truly say:
"Christ has triumphed! He is living!"
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Adoring praises now we bring
and with the heav'nly blessed sing:
"Christ has triumphed! Alleluia!"
Be to the Father, and our Lord,
to Spirit blest, most holy God,
all the glory, never ending!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876-1947, alt.
Text © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
SENDING
-
Preacher/Jesus: Pastor Jennifer Wilson and Pastor Eric Krushel
Narrator 1 (N1): Rosa Maria Funderburk-Razo
Narrator 2 (N2): Maureen Jones
We gather on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tsawwassen and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations. We live in partnership; seeking reconciliation between settler and indigenous communities, healing of intergenerational trauma, and walking together in new ways.
On Good Friday to reflect on the death of Christ and what it means for our living now. Tonight, with the lighting and extinguishing of candles, we walk to the cross through a Tenebrae Service. Tenebrae (Latin word for 'darkness') was the name given to the medieval predawn morning prayer celebrated by monks during the last three days in Holy Week. As the light began to dawn, the candles used for reading were gradually extinguished, so that at the end of the service, the rising sun provided the necessary light for reading and singing. And pointed to the resurrection. Together, we reflect on the One who, lifted up from the earth, draws all people to himself.
Were You There (ELW #353 vs. 1)
After the hymn ends and after a few seconds the Narrators begin.
N1: Crucifixion wasn’t used by the Jewish people as a means of execution. In the time of Jesus, it was used by the Romans to punish criminals of the lower classes convicted of crimes against the state, such as insurrection.
N2: Crucifixion normally took place outside the city walls. This was for practical reasons: it would be easier to dispose of the body afterward. It also served to further terrorize the condemned, for they would be completely unprotected from wild beasts or marauders.
N1:It was a little before 9 in the morning when the officials led Jesus to be crucified at Golgotha. He hung on a cross outside the walls of Jerusalem, the holy city. He hung between two convicted criminals. People had come to watch, perhaps out of love or sorrow, or perhaps to deride and scorn him and the others who were being executed.
N2: What would you expect a condemned and dying man to say from a cross – especially one whose execution was unjust? What would you expect Jesus to say….one could imagine that it would be very hard to speak at all. And yet, we know that Jesus did speak from the cross.
N1: When all the gospels are considered together, we find Jesus speaking seven times.
N2: This was Jesus’ First Word:
Pastor Jennifer: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34)
**cymbal rolls after at least 5 seconds
Short reflection
Pastor Jennifer: These words tell us about the people who participated in the crucifixion of Jesus. They were caught up by forces they weren’t even aware of. Compelled by motives they didn’t really understand themselves.
But you know, we aren’t so different from them. As a culture, we tend to deny death. But in the midst of a global pandemic, COVID19 has exposed our vulnerability. Even as vaccines are distributed, we continue to hear of young and old dying. As we listen to Jesus face death, we may think ‘we weren’t there’ and be tempted to shift responsibility for Jesus’ death to the other characters in the drama. Could it be, we are just like them in attitude, in worldview. We too are broken in body, mind and spirit. WE WERE THERE.
And yet we tend to redirect the blame to the Pharisees and other religious leaders. They were so “right” in their liturgies and rules that they lost sight of human compassion and the God’s dreams for the human family. We may think, the crucifixion was their fault. And yet, we all stand in need of God’s mercy.
Or we tend to blame Pilate. He had the power to change the outcome, but he wouldn’t follow his personal conviction. He caved into the pressure of special interests and to his own ambition. Though he washed his hands of any responsibility, we may think the crucifixion was his fault.
We tend to blame the Roman soldiers. They’re the ones who beat Jesus and mocked him and they’re the ones who lost their ability to feel the suffering that Jesus and the other condemned men experienced. We may assume the crucifixion was their fault.
But like the Pharisees, we try to justify ourselves and miss the way of God. We don’t like it when Jesus welcomes sinners and those different from us, asking us to expand our circles of acceptance. This humbles us; we have no alternative but to confess that we are sinners too. We prejudge others without knowing their story. We lie to ourselves. Deceive ourselves. But the truth is every time we fall into these patterns, we are there, yelling Crucify! Crucify!
Like Pilate we are often silent in the struggle against oppression. We overlook the pain of those who live without hope. We are prone to loving others, just enough, to protect our own consciences. We try to wash our hands of it all. But we were there. We are there, at the foot of the cross tonight.
And we’re the soldiers, too. We also choose violence over peace. We may allow others to do it for us, or we may engage in subtler but no less vicious forms of gossiping and retaliation. After a year of social distancing, tension has grown in many homes, tempers are short and mental health is languishing. We hold onto grudges, bitterness and resentment, turning in upon ourselves. Our hearts too, are vengeful and vindictive toward others, toward ourselves. We were there. We are there, now, crucified with Christ.
To all of this, Jesus says, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus knows who we are. Jesus knows me. Jesus knows each and every one of you. He knows our helplessness in the face of sin. He knows how our fear and anxiety has been exposed, we are all helpless as we face the reality of death. Even before we become aware of our sin sick soul, Christ Jesus prays for us. We are dependent upon God for life and breath, for mercy and grace to heal our sin-sick soul.
Forgiveness is a gift. We don’t earn it. Nothing we do or fail to do can disqualify us. God gives out of sheer love for us, expressed so graciously by Jesus as he forgives even his executioners. We were there. We are there, now, crucified with Christ; therefore we no longer live, but Christ lives in us.
Taize hymn: Ubi Caritas ELW 642
Ubi caritas et amor,
(Where true charity and love abide)
Ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.
(God is dwelling there; God is dwelling there)
(first candle is extinguished, 3 chimes on mini cymbals)
N2: Even while dying, Jesus continued in his mission that God had called him to: to minister to those in need. He ministered to the two men who were crucified together with him.
N1: One of the criminals joined in with the mockers and derided Jesus. He taunted Jesus with his claims of being the messiah. Surely, if he could save others, he could and should now save himself and them.
N2: But the criminal on the other side of Jesus rebuked the first one, saying that while they may have deserved their death, Jesus had done nothing wrong. Then he turned to Jesus and asked,
N1: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your realm.”
N2: Jesus responded with his Second Word:
Jesus: Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)
**cymbal rolls after at least 5 seconds
Pastor Eric:
Today you will be with me. In paradise. It must have been sweet music in this criminal’s ear. After a life on the run. Always looking over his shoulder. Trusting no one. And now paying the ultimate price of Roman justice.
Even here. On this hill. On this cross. Even now there was hope. There was a future. There was the promise of a place in God’s love. Of a home beyond this vale of tears. Of a presence that would never leave him.
Yes he would be with Christ in Paradise. But even here. Even now. Today. On his cross he was not alone. Even as he could not feel the arms of Christ embrace him, he still was held in a mercy higher than the mountains and a grace deeper than the seas. In a love that would not let him go.
And we too at times lift our eyes in longing perhaps for that home in Paradise promised us in our baptism. But even here. Even now. In the loneliness of pandemic losses, heightened fears and anxieties about the future, questions and doubts, and in those moments when we can’t feel God close, we too are held in a love no darkness can overcome. We too are met in the depths of life by a Lord who entered the depths to love us beyond words. Today you will be with me, he says. Today you are with me.
Taize hymn: Jesus, Remember Me (ELW 616)
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
(second candle is extinguished, 3 chimes on mini cymbals)
N1: Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there at the cross that day. What would happen to her now that her son was being taken from her? We don’t hear what had happened to Mary’s husband Joseph during Jesus’ adult life. Perhaps he had died. A widow would have been at a terrible disadvantage in those days. She would have had nowhere to turn.
N2: But maybe she remembered that day a while ago when she and his brothers came to see him and he had spoken those cryptic words: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Was he trying to say that family is bigger than just our blood relations? That all who belong to God are family?
N1: Mary’s agonies were deep, for sure, as she watched her son die. She loved him as only a mother could. But maybe she was beginning to see a new family form around her. A family formed through the sacrifice Jesus was now making. A family of mutual love and care inspired by his love and care for all.
N2: In his dying hours, Jesus remembered his mother. He saw her standing there beside the disciple whom he loved. Jesus knew that he could count on him. Therefore, he spoke to them both.
N1: He said to them his Third Word:
Jesus: ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘here is your mother.’ (John 19:26b-27a)
**cymbal rolls after at least 5 seconds
Pastor Jennifer: In his teaching, Jesus questions our loyalty to family over our faithfulness to God. Jesus distanced himself from his own family when they wanted to pull him away from doing God’s will. Who are my mother and brothers? Those who do the will of God, Jesus said.
Jesus promised that his followers would find a new family among those who trusted God and loved their neighbours: doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. He had come to show us that people, alive in the Spirit, would now be free to respond to God’s grace and not be compelled by the demands of kin and clan.
Jesus opens our eyes to God as the One who heals our brokenness, the One in whom all things hold together, in heaven and on earth. God is our true parent in whom we trust and rely.
Taize hymn: Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying (ELW 752)
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace.
(third candle is extinguished, 3 chimes on mini cymbals)
N2: It was almost noon. All morning, the weather had been strange. Suddenly the sky became unnaturally and ominously dark. It stayed this way until 3:00 that afternoon. The darkness was so strange that people became uneasy.
N1: Suddenly, a cry from the middle cross between the two thieves pierced the darkness.
N2: This was Jesus’ Fourth Word:
Jesus: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Mark 15:34)
**cymbal rolls after at least 5 seconds
Pastor Eric: Jesus’ cry is our cry. A year of pandemic has left none of us unscathed. Some of us have lost loved ones. Some of us have lost health. Some have lost livelihoods. Some have lost hope. The pillars of predictability and stability on which we have built our lives have been shaken. And in a way we have all lost our naiveté that the world is a basically fair and just place. What we have learned about the ravages of racism and hate cannot be unlearned. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why have you forsaken us?”
Maybe Jesus’ cry is not one we dare speak out loud very often. But it may lurk, if we’re honest, in the shadows of our hearts. Whispering in our ears on those nights when sleep evades us.
But lest we forget, Jesus’ cry isn’t one uttered into thin air. And it isn’t a cry of unbelief. It's a cry addressed to the one he trusts is listening. And as we listen to him we hear the voice of one who knows what lurks in our hearts: the doubt, the fear, the anguish. One who took on our flesh to experience all we experience.
And yet one who knew his cry would always be heard. His prayer always received and held in God’s endless compassion. That we might know our cry never falls on deaf ears.
Taize hymn: O Lord, Hear My Prayer (ELW 751)
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer:
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer:
Come and listen to me.
(fourth candle is extinguished, 3 chimes on mini cymbals)
N1: Jesus had been on the cross for several hours now. Among his pains was the pain of extreme thirst. Although Jesus had earlier refused a drink of wine mixed with a pain-killing drug, he now cried out his Fifth Word:
Jesus: I am thirsty (John 19:28)
**cymbal rolls after at least 5 seconds
Pastor Jennifer: The drink Jesus received was sour wine, the drink of soldiers and common labourers. But it was also a drink that sometimes is offered to prisoners-of-war, as a way of mocking them. The sour wine did not quench his thirst.
Jesus, who had suffered unjustly, called out to God to bring justice and ultimate victory. We too thirst for things to be made right where all are given dignity and value. This is the way to bring peace in our world.
O Lord and Saviour, you carried the injustice of the world on your shoulders, pouring out love in the face of hatred, fear and rejection. Come and fill our hearts with your peace.
Taize hymn: Come and Fill Our Hearts (ELW 528)
Come and fill our hearts with your peace.
You alone, O Lord, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your peace.
Alleluia!
(fifth candle is extinguished, 3 chimes on mini cymbals)
N2: As the day dragged on, people went ahead and did what they usually did. Probably many of the people had already left Golgotha and either gone home or off to take care of their personal affairs. The soldiers also seemed to treat this as a regular day. They had gambled for Jesus’ clothing for fun; one of the privileges of being the executioner for that day.
N1: To them, Jesus was just another criminal who had been convicted and was condemned to die. Even as the Saviour of the world was dying, life simply went on.
N2: Thus Jesus cried out his Sixth Word:
Jesus: It is finished! (John 19:30)
**cymbal rolls after at least 5 seconds
Pastor Eric: Indeed, it was finished. A life was finished. And a mission was completed.
It had started so quietly, in a manger on a starlit night in Bethlehem. But it wasn’t long before it attracted attention. Even as he was a young boy in the temple impressing the religion scholars. Then came the miracles, the healings, the sermons no one could forget.
But this was no mission to conquer the world, to initiate yet another empire, to establish a kingdom of domination. This was a mission to restore a world of just and loving relationships among all created things. And that could only be accomplished through love. A love willing to humble itself to the point of death. Even death on a cross.
It staggers the imagination really: God so loves the world that God enters fully and completely into our world, lives, and dies the death of a condemned criminal. And in that love we are freed. Freed from our sin-corrupted lives and freed for our mission to love and bless the world.
Could there be a love more trustworthy, more powerful, more true?
Taize Hymn: Wait for the Lord (ELW #262)
Wait for the Lord,
Whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord:
Be strong, take heart!
(sixth candle is extinguished, 3 chimes on mini cymbals)
N1: And at the last, Jesus cries out his Seventh and final Word:
Jesus: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46)
**cymbal rolls after at least 5 seconds
Pastor Jennifer: Jesus yielded his life-giving breath into God’s hands. With the virus variants still on the move, we are all aware of the need for each life-giving breath, of our vulnerability unto death. Jesus leaned into yielding his breath. To yield, to submit, to let go is the beginning of relationship with God. Like floating in 70,000 fathoms of water, we lean back and trust the God revealed on the cross will keep us.
Hymn: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (ELW #351 v. 1 and 4 )
N2: Immediately after Jesus spoke this final word, be bowed his head and died.
***cymbal crashes loudly
(all candles are extinguished, 3 chimes on mini cymbals)
Preacher: None of us lives as our own. None of us dies as our own. In both our living and our dying we belong to God.
(Christ candle is taken out of sanctuary. A loud strepitus is heard….)
All leave in silence.
-
Introduction
This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation: Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.
GATHERING AND WELCOME
Welcome and thank you for joining us for our Palm / Passion Sunday worship. I am Pastor Kathy Martin and I serve as the Assistant to the Bishop of our BC Synod for Missional Renewal and Congregational Care. Here with me also is Bishop Greg Mohr, our preacher for today’s service.
We are grateful for the use of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, New Westminster, where we are recording our portions of the worship service. We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional, ancestral, un-ceded territories of the Qayqayt First Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. We invite you to take a moment to offer your own acknowledgement of the land where you worship, live, work and play.
We also are grateful for the musical gifts shared with us today. The names of those playing and singing are listed in the worship folder and at the end of this recording.
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. This morning we hear this welcome cry of “Hosanna!” around our BC Synod.
Acclamation
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Processional Gospel: Mark 11:1-11
The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Blessing of Palms
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept.
We praise you, O God,
for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus Christ.
Today he entered the holy city in triumph
and was proclaimed messiah and king
by those who spread garments and branches along his way.
Bless these branches and those who carry them.
Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross,
so that, joined to his death and resurrection,
we enter into life with you;
through the same Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Let us go forth in peace,
in the name of Christ. Amen.
.
Palm Procession
All Glory, Laud, and Honor # 344
Refrain
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.You are the king of Israel
and David's royal Son
now in the Lord's name coming
our King and Blessed One.Refrain
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.The company of angels
Are praising you on high;
creation and all mortals
in chorus make reply.Refrain
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ringThe multitude of pilgrims
with palms before you went.
Our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we presentRefrain
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ringTo you, before your passion,
they sang their hymns of praise.
To you, now high exalted
our melody we raiseRefrain
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ringTheir praises you accepted;
accept the prayers we bring,
great author of all goodness,
O good and gracious king.Refrain
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ringPrayer of the Day
As we now enter into the contemplation of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and meditate on the salvation of the world through his sufferings, death, burial, and resurrection, let us pray.
Silence is kept.
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Word
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
The image of the servant of God is one of the notable motifs in the book of Isaiah. Today’s reading describes the mission of the servant, whom early Christians associated with Jesus. Like Jesus, the servant does not strike back at his detractors but trusts in God’s steadfast love.
4The Lord God has given me
the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
Morning by morning the Lord God wakens—
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
5The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.
6I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.
7The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
8he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
9aIt is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Christ did not act to attain status and glory but was obedient to God even to the point of death. Following Christ’s example, we do not seek personal status or glory but care for others as God cared for us in Christ’s death.
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, although being in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7but relinquished it all,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,
8he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God, the Father.Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel: [Mark 14:1—15:1] Mark 15:1:47
The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.
You are invited to read the entire gospel during your devotions. We begin at the 15th chapter of Mark’s Gospel in our worship today.
[ 1It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; 2for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”
3While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. 8She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
12On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, 14and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
17When it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” 20He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. 21For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”
22While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
26When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,
‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.’
28But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” 30Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.
32They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” 37He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. 41He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
43Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. 47But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? 49Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” 50All of them deserted him and fled.
51A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, 52but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.
53They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. 56For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ 59But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62Jesus said, “I am; and
‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’ ”
63Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.
66While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. 67When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” 68But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. 69And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” 71But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” 72At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.]
15:1As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.
6Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. 12Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13They shouted back, “Crucify him!” 14Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” 15So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
16Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. 17And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. 18And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. 20After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
21They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. 22Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). 23And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.
25It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. 26The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. 29Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.
33When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” 36And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
40There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.
42When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. 45When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. 46Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon - Bishop Greg Mohr
It is difficult for us as pastors to go and stand behind the pulpit on Palm Sunday or on Good Friday and preach. Because when we as pastors stand here on those two days, we must talk about Jesus' death. And it is hard to know what all to say about that and what it means. It is hard talking about death. For when we talk about Jesus' death, at some point, we also must talk about, or at least acknowledge, our own death as well.
In our work as pastors, we see enough death and sorrow. We see people in hospital rooms as they slowly draw their last breaths. We see death in the faces of those left behind as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. We see death take away relationships, friends, family, future. I doubt that I am alone in this sentiment about the challenge of preaching on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. I am guessing that a lot of us pastors would much rather begin a sermon with a very different story. After all, the last time the church gathered for a vital time of celebration and reflection, a dramatically different Biblical story was read that night: "And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night . . . And the angel said to them, 'Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy.…" (Lk 2)
Now that's a story I can preach about!
My guess is that it is probably much easier for you to attend church at Christmas, too, isn't it? I'm sure you find it much harder to attend to church - even on-line - on a day like today, or to log-in once again on Good Friday. There are no presents to look forward to on a day like today. There is no tree to decorate. No lights to put up. No cards to send. There is just . . . a story about death.
For generation after generation, the church has proclaimed: "Christ died for you." What do you say in response to someone who has died for you? What do you do in response to this self-giving love? We hear about such things during times of war, where someone jumps on a grenade and sacrifices their life to save others. We hear stories of people caught in freezing water, and where someone hands the helicopter's life-saving rope to another person, and by the time the helicopter returns, that person is nowhere to be seen. We hear stories like that.
The church proclaims that twenty centuries ago someone died for us; someone laid down their life for us with a self-giving love; for us, yes, but not just for us - for this world, for all of creation.
We tend to focus on the words "for us." We tend to think of how wonderfully superior we human beings are; how special we are. We are so very anthropocentric - thinking that it's all about us! But what do we read in John 3:16? "For God so loved the world …" The world. All of it - not just humans. The cosmos. And we see that this self-giving love is not just "for us" but is for the world. God so loved the world. Jesus gave his life for the world.
As Paul notes in Romans 8: We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves …" (Romans 8:22-23a) Note how Paul speaks of creation first, and then about us. Jesus' love, his care, his justice, his resurrection, is for this world that God loves, that God created, that God cares for, that God gifts.
Jesus' self-giving love for the world shatters all that binds us, all that destroys us. His life and death challenge us to a different life, a different way - a way of self-sacrifice, a way of loving, of being, a justice-seeking way, a journey of reconciliation in all our relations, with one another and with creation. "God in flesh," we say; God coming to us; loving us, to overthrow all that binds us, controls us, that breaks us, that shatters our lives.
Jesus, the great liberator, so loves the world - even in all of its brokenness, its racism, its pride and the prejudice and privilege, the environmental degradation, the sexism and homophobia, the judgmentalism and selfishness, the powers and principalities that need to be overturned. God comes to us and to our world and loves us to death.
A moment ago I made reference to Christmas. But think about that story for a moment; think of the story where the angel declares to Mary that she is going to give birth to Jesus. What does Mary do? She sings. But she doesn't just sing any old song. She sings a song of protest; of justice-seeking. She sings a song that prophesies what this baby will do and be and usher in.
Mary sings a song for a world in need of healing. She sings a song of defiance. She sings a song of justice. And Mary said, 'My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you, my Saviour. For you have looked with favour upon your lowly servant… You have shown strength with your arm; you have scattered the proud in their conceit; you have deposed the mighty from their thrones, and raised the lowly to high places. You have filled the hungry with good things, while you have sent the rich away empty…' (Luke 1:46-48a, 51-53) That kind of loving, that kind of justice-seeking, earth-shattering love, turns our world upside down.
On the night before he was crucified, Jesus tells his disciples, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you." God loves us passionately and invites our passionate response. We are to love with that kind of love. We are to live with that kind of love. Our immediate response to this might be to say, "No, thank you. This is too hard. This is a path for which I am unprepared." Perhaps we would rather stay where we are then to have to find ourselves on a road that leads to Calvary. No wonder we resist the cross and what it means. No wonder we try to tame it and make the cross all shiny and beautiful. We turn it into jewelry. We carve beautiful crosses, sanded smooth and varnished. Yet we continue to be fascinated by the love revealed there. We are drawn to it even as we are repelled by it.
God is at the heart of this passion and pain, and where God is, there is life in all its fullness. In Jesus, we see a God who enters fully and completely into our existence. In Jesus, we see a God who stops at nothing to save the lost, the last, and the least. And Jesus calls us to follow him, to follow him on that path. It was a path that took him to those on the outside, those shunned by society, those wounded and hurting from a hurtful world. It was a path that took him to those broken in spirit and broken in body: a blind man, a leper, a woman not allowed to be touched by anyone due to a flow of blood. It was a path he took that often put him at odds with the rulers of the day, with the powerful, with the self-righteous. But wherever he went, he reached out. He cared for the person behind the illness. He saw the humanity inside each and everyone. And he challenged the authorities when the authorities sought to diminish people or sought to hold power unto itself. Instead, Jesus gave power away; He taught us to turn the other cheek, to love the unlovable, to love even one's enemies.
And then it was, on the night in which he was betrayed, that he took . . . a towel. You thought I was going to say something else, didn't you? You thought I was going to say, "On the night in which he was betrayer, Jesus took bread . . . and wine." But if we look just at John's gospel, we have a very different story. We have a new image of what this kin-dom is to be that Jesus ushers in. "On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took a towel and a basin of water … images of diakonia, of servant hood.
It is a story, a calling, of towel and water; a story of service, of humble service, and the writer of the Gospel of John wanted us to know that story as well as the story of Holy Communion. What does this towel-taking action - what does this vocation - mean for us? That we stand in solidarity with those underfoot, those on the edge, those on the margins of our society, those tossed out, looked down upon, judged, thought less of, because that is where Jesus is standing, over there, in the midst of them.
What does this towel-taking action mean for us? To stand in solidarity, yes, to seek justice, yes, to challenge systemic structures of racism, sexism and more, yes. But also . . . to speak for the grandeur of old growth forests who need our voices to echo in the chambers of power, but also to call out for the air we breathe, knowing that our carbon output is not loving our neighbour, knowing that the effects of our carbon footprints mean that someone's land will disappear from rising seas, that someone's home will get flooded, that droughts will leave millions starving, that fires will ravage vast swaths of lands and cities.
This towel-taking commitment also means that we sing for the seas, whose ice diminishes exponentially, where polar bears have fewer than 100 years to live, where the acidification of the oceans is rapidly escalating, resulting in dying waters. All creation groans . . . All my relations . . . We are all inter-connected.
These are hard texts for us to hear this Holy Week. For after Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, and after Jesus had put his robe back on, he joins them at table and says, "Do you know what I have done to you?" It is more than foot-washing; it is more than Jesus doing what a servant would normally have done. It is more than all of that. It is a calling forth of vocation. "As I have washed your feet, so you ought to wash one another's feet." Take up my cross and follow me.
Sometimes our following of Christ shows itself in a natural outpouring of love and compassion. Sometimes it is something that is brutally hard to do. But many times, it is simply that which needs to be learned and practiced over a lifetime of following Christ, of trying to be Christ-like. We need to grow daily in God's way, to love in God's way, to serve in God's way. We need help practicing this so that we become what we practice, and so that is why we gather in church, in community, whether in-person or on-line, to be surrounded by others who are also on this road with us.
As we encounter the suffering in our own lives, and as we encounter the suffering in other people's lives, we seek to be like Christ to them. These scripture readings for Holy Week remind us that we are not alone in this suffering. God is with us: dying, suffering, hurting, starving, weeping throughout the world, and for the world.
The presence of God is there, in those moments, in our lives. To suffer and die is Jesus' life-giving ministry to us, to the world. As one writer states: "In the cross, God is seen for who God is." (John Westerhoff)
In the death of Christ we find the greatest expression of God's self-giving love for us… and for the world. AMEN.
Hymn of the Day
Light Dawns on a Weary World (ELW 726)
Light dawns on a weary world
when eyes begin to see all people’s dignity.
Light dawns on a weary world:
the promised day to justice comes.
Refrain:
The trees shall clap their hands;
the dry lands, gush with spring;
the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out with joy,
and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
Love grows in a weary world
When hungry hearts find bread
And children’s dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world;
The promised feast of plenty comes.
Refrain:
The trees shall clap their hands;
the dry lands, gush with spring;
the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out with joy,
and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
Hope blooms in a weary world
when creatures, once forlorn, find wilderness reborn.
Hope blooms in a weary world:
the promised green of Eden comes.
Refrain:
The trees shall clap their hands;
the dry lands, gush with spring;
the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out with joy,
and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
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 to the dead.*
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Relying on the promises of God, we pray boldly for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
In Jesus you came among us as a suffering servant. Give your church humility. Redeem your people from pride and the certainty that we always know your will. Heal us and empower us to confess Christ crucified. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
In creation, life springs from death. Redeem your creation awaiting resurrection: restore lost habitats and endangered species. Create new possibilities for areas affected by climate change, grant relief from natural disasters, and nurture new growth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Jesus was handed over to the powers of this world. In all nations, instruct the powerful, that they would not exploit their power but maintain justice. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
On the cross Jesus joined all who feel forsaken. Abide with those who are condemned to death. Defend those who are falsely accused. Console and strengthen those who are mocked or bullied. Accompany all who suffer; grant respite and renewal. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You called followers to tend Jesus’ body in death. Sustain hospice workers and funeral directors. Bless this congregation’s ministries at times of death: those who plan and lead funerals, those who prepare meals, all who offer support in grief. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You inspired the centurion to confess Jesus as your Son. We praise you for the faith you have given to people of all places and times. Give us also such faith to trust the promises of baptism and, with them, to look for the resurrection of the dead. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We entrust ourselves and all our prayers to you, O faithful God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Peace.
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Offering
At this point in our worship services we usually receive the Offering. In the Offering, we not only offer our financial gifts for the ministry of the church, but we also make a re-commitment, an offering, of ourselves for Christ’s ministry in the world.
Thank you for your faithful support through your financial gifts to the ministry of your local congregation and, through the congregation, to ministry in the synod, across the ELCIC, and out in the global world beyond these borders.
OFFERING PRAYER
Blessed are you, O God,
Maker of all things.
Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts:
our selves, our time, and our possessions.
Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love,
through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ,
our Saviour and Lord.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
Sending: God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
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
Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery (ELW 334)
Tree of Life and awesome mystery,
in your death we are reborn;
though you die in all of history,
still you rise with every morn,
still you rise with every morn.
We remember truth once spoken,
love passed on through act and word;
every person lost and broken
wears the body of our Lord,
wears the body of our Lord.
Christ, you lead and we shall follow,
stumbling though our steps may be;
one with you in joy and sorrow,
we the river, you the sea,
we the river, you the sea.
Dismissal
The road that we are going to travel this week is strewn with human stories of betrayal, fear, confusion, love and loss. In it, we will hear echoes of the realities of our own lives and the life of the world God loves. As the palms fronds lie discarded on the ground we enter this strange, reflective silence of Holy Week where again we will hear the story of God’s extravagant love, for every person and for all of creation.
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.