Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)

Transcription

1 7 th Sunday after the Epiphany Order of Worship February 24, :00 am Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) 3014 McKinley St NE, Minneapolis, MN

2 Welcome to God s House today!!! A special welcome to visitors and guests; we are pleased that you have joined us today! If you have no church family, and if we can be of any help to you, please speak with the pastor after the service. We invite all guests to sign the Guest Register. We pray you will feel God s love for you and be empowered to live as God s child this week. Today s Focus - God Manifests His Perfect Holiness in Love It s not fair is an expression used by all age groups from toddlers to seniors. Life is hard and sometimes it seems that other people, indeed the wrong people, get off lightly while those, seeking to do right before God and others come off second best. The Psalmist encourages us to seek God s perspective Joseph needed the same in dealing with his brothers. Paul does so in instruction the Greeks. Jesus teaches this in how we deal with others in our relationships. The way of faith is to do what is right and leave the outcome to God. Children are welcome in worship! If childcare is needed, an unattended nursery is open during worship services. It is located across from the restrooms next to the Church Offices. Is there something you d like us to pray for today? Prayer Request cards are in each pew. Please hand your request to an usher before the service or during the offering. They will give them to the pastor to include in the prayers for today. The Lord s Supper is celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. We joyfully share our conviction that this is The Lord's Table. We receive the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, together with the bread and wine in a manner our human reason cannot understand. (Real Presence) By communing together with our Lord: - we express the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and Son of Man; - that Jesus is our Savior and only way for salvation; - that Jesus offers us His Body and Blood in a mysterious yet real way; - that Christ's sacrificial death grants the forgiveness of our sins; - and that God is strengthening us in this Sacrament to live a more godly; life and to amend with the help of the Holy Spirit, those areas not in conformity with God s will. We declare these statements because it is our concern for people to not be hypocritical between their faith and celebrate the blessings of God's Table at the Altar. Persons unable to approach the Altar may be communed in the pew, please notify the Pastor or Elder if you wish this service. The white wine is denatured (alcohol removed) 2

3 7th SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY AS WE GATHER On the surface things so often things just do not add up. Today s readings instruct us to put God first and you will not be disappointed. Put God center stage, find your peace in God s presence and you will find balm for your soul. Continue to make correct choices be patient not angry; don t work yourself into a lather or you will overreact. Take the long view of life. The Psalmist reaffirms that salvation and strength comes from the Lord. So then our help and deliverance will be found in God alone. Choose sides carefully. WE ENTER TO WORSHIP and BE BLESSED PRESERVICE MUSIC WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP God Himself is Present LSB 907 INVOCATION John 13:34 CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION ASSURANCE OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS Psalms 103:11-14 ENTRANCE EXHORTATION TO PATIENCE & TRUST Psalm 37 SONG OF PRAISE Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ Edelweiss PRAYER OF THE DAY OUR LORD COMES TO US IN HIS WORD OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 45:3-15 ESV EPISTLE READING 1 Corinthians 15:33-38, NLT GOSPEL ANTHEM All I Once Held Dear Graham Kendrick HOLY GOSPEL LESSON Luke 6:27-38 ESV THE APOSTLES' CREED HYMN OF THE DAY Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive LSB 843 SERMON Know Who You Are Luke 6:27-38 WE RESPOND TO GOD S WORD OFFERTORY RESPONSE Create in Me UNKNOWN OFFERINGS OF THE CONGREGATION THE OFFERING PRAYER PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH THE LORD'S PRAYER THE BENEDICTION CLOSING HYMN "Savior, Again to Your Dear Name" LSB Silent Prayer + ANNOUNCEMENTS/POSTLUDE WE DEPART TO SERVE 3

4 OUR WEEKLY CALENDAR 2/24 Sun Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany 8:45 am Education Hour 10:00 am Worship 6:00 pm NA 2/25 Mon 6:30 pm AlAnon 1 8:00 pm AA/AlAnon 2 2/27 Wed 10:00 am Bible Study 6:30 pm TLWCC Bible Class 3/01 Fri 5:00 pm TLWCC Music Practice 8:00 pm AA/AlAnon 3/02 Sat 10:00 am TLWCC Worship 6:00 pm TLWCC Worship & Fellowship 3/03 Sun The Transfiguration of Our Lord 8:45 am Education Hour 10:00 am Worship w/hc 6:00 pm NA SERVING TODAY Elder: Karmon Christopherson Ushers: Lyrenmanns Counters: Al, Pam and Aaron Morelli Altar Care: Shirley Holzinger Attendance: 2/17/2019: 28 Offerings Regular $1,619; Loose Plate $10; Candles $6; Rent $125 Total $1,760 Needed each week for 2019: $3, PRE CALL & TRANSITION COMMITTEE MEETING Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to the meeting on Saturday. This important initiative will help shape the future of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. ANNUAL SPRING KITCHEN/FELLOWSHIP HALL CLEANING Our kitchen and our tables and chairs need their yearly cleaning. Tuesday, March 12 th at 9 a.m. is the day for both men and women to put on your scrubbing clothes and help with this project. The more hands, the faster the project will go. Please bring your own rubber gloves, rags and buckets; we ll purchase the cleaning supplies. We ll also keep a coffee pot on. Let s make it a party!! WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP!! 4

5 TODAY S LUTHERAN HOUR February 24 "Not by Bread Alone" (John 6:1-29) Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler There is a spiritual hunger beyond food that is expressed in food. Jesus provides for both. NEXT WEEK ON THE LUTHERAN HOUR March 3 "Is God Everybody's Father?" (John 8) Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler A Christian can say, "I am not Jesus, but we have the same Father" On Sunday mornings, listen on 830 AM WCCO AM at 6:05 am, or 1110 AM, Omaha, at 6:30 am, or XM 170 Satellite Radio on Sundays at noon or listen anytime at STEWARDSHIP: Feb. 24 (The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany) Luke 6:30-31 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Is it really possible to live like this? Would it really work to be so open-handed and generous? Our conscience often reminds us of our failures, and the Lord knows our frailty, that s for sure! But a life of faith is a life lived in imitation of Jesus. And every follower of Jesus knows that yes, indeed, it is better to give than to receive. LUTHERANS FOR LIFE: February 24 And what about those mothers who acted on their fears and aborted their child? We need to be there for them as well, assuring them of a loving, merciful, forgiving God reminding them that there is no sin that Jesus did not pay for on the cross (For those who have made an abortion decision, there is a Word of Hope, Lutherans For Life s post-abortion healing ministry. Call or info@word-of-hope.org.) Duane Matz, March 10 th Fellowship Sunday Host/Hosting for this event is still needed! 5

6 BIRTHDAYS: 28 th Brian Morelli ANNIVERSARIES: None ETERNAL CANDLE: None FLOWERS: None PRAYER CONCERNS KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS Jean Brede, Granice Cloutier, Millie Demcho, Millie Eckhardt, Deb Forsberg, Angela Huizel, Robert & Delores Kluwe, Kevin Morelli, Lorriane Niemela, Nanc Rixe, Ada Samson, Bev Svac, Bill Woll IN OUR EXTENDED PRAYERS Julie (Tom Lyrenmann s sister) Fall w/serious injuries now in ICU Lewis & Vera Gade (Pastor s parents) COPD/dementia Lily Gilbert (Daughter of John/Sandra Gilbert) - Emotional Issues Dick Gillund (Patty & Meridel s brother) medical issues John Gillund (P & M s brother) waiting for kidney transplant Elaine Gillund (P & M s sister n-law) hip surgery recovery Roxie Johnson (Morelli s niece) heart issues Sarah Johnson (Lori Sharbono s daughter-in-law) Surgery Jan 30 Steve Kaiser (friend of Patty Lyrenmann s brother) COPD Dr. Lori Ongeri (Deb Forsberg s niece) Pregnancy concerns Mary Phillips and Dan Crocker Chronic Illness Doris Rixe (Nanc s mother) heart valve issues Jimmy Royal & Dave (friends of Dick Gillund) LaDonna Sund (Lori Sharbono s Mom) Successful recovery NOTE: Those listed under Keep in your prayers are removed from the list after 8 weeks. If there is someone you would like to keep on the list for another 8 weeks, please contact the church office. THOSE BATTLING CANCER Dale (friend of Patty s brother, Dick) Stage 4 kidney/lung cancer Lynn & Edith Engel (friends of Sandy & Bob Bauer) Radiation Amy Price (Morelli s niece) treatments for stage 4 cancer Marvin & Norma Thor poor health/stomach cancer Nancy Tousant (Krystal Kruse s co-worker) Cancer THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY IN DANGEROUS AREAS Brian Morelli now serving in Kuwait IN OUR PRAYERS AND REQUESTED PRAYERS If you have family members or friends who require our prayers, please use the prayer request cards found in the pews or at the Ushers counter and give to the office. They will be added to the Prayer list. Any updates to the current list? 6

7 Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast TODAY, February 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 132 will hold its 20th annual pancake breakfast and silent auction at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 St. Anthony Parkway. Tickets are $8 adults; $4 children 8 and younger. Nutritious Lunch Monday - Friday, 11:30am-12:00pm Join friends for a warm, nutritious meal in our bright, welcoming community room, hosted by Volunteers of America. For older adults 60+, the suggested donation per meal is $4.00. Please make your reservation three days in advance by calling Dawn at Valley View Collecting Donated Shoes The Valley View Elementary Parent Teacher Organization in Columbia Heights is collecting new and used shoes in wearable condition through March 8. Donated shoes are repurposed through micro-enterprises in developing countries, and each pair of shoes earns funds for Valley View Elementary School. All sizes and types of shoes are welcome. Donations can be dropped off at Valley View Elementary School, Highland Elementary School, North Park Elementary School, Columbia Heights Public Library, Murzyn Hall Community Grounds, and. Info: valleyviewmnpto@gmail.com. Concordia University Faculty Artist Series Buetow Music Center Auditorium, 300 Hamlin Ave North, St. Paul Jeana Ogren, Piano & Shari Speer, Soprano Friday, March 1, 3:20 pm Columbia Heights Fix-It Clinic Have items that need fixing? Want to avoid throwing stuff away? Interested in learning HOW to fix your stuff? Then come to this free fix-it clinic. Saturday, March 2, 10 am-1 pm. The clinic will be held at Community United Methodist Church behind the Heights Theater, 940 Gould Ave. NE, Columbia Heights. Main Street Living TV Program Main Street Living airs each Sunday at 10 a.m. on WFTC Channel 29/9-2. Next week s This is the Life episode Man Adrift will consider how believers are saved by faith, not works. The worship service will begin at 10:30 am with Rev. Patrick Simmons of St. Michael s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. His message, Out of the Fog, will be based on Luke 9:28. For more information or to watch the program, go to mainstreetliving.com. 7

8 Columbia Heights Library Events 3939 Central Ave NE Finding Loren: Wednesday, Feb. 27, 6 pm, free presentation, Finding Loren: The Life, Death, and Discovery of a P-47 Fighter Pilot. First Lieutenant Loren Hintz was an Iowa farm boy and American P-47 fighter pilot, shot down in action over northern Italy during World War II. Loren s death remained clouded in mystery for more than 70 years until his family, along with a dedicated group of Italian aviation enthusiasts and archaeologists, located the crash site. What they discovered in Italy will amaze you. Presenter Gretchen Hintz Wronka, Loren s daughter, will display selected artifacts. This program is free. No registration required. Senior Surf Internet Class: Wednesdays, March 6 and April 3, 9:30-11:30 am. Senior Surf is a computer basics class for seniors, age 55+. Learn how to navigate and search the Internet, how to access websites of interest, and online safety precautions. This class is held the first Wednesday of every month at the Columbia Heights Public Library. Senior Surf is presented in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and Senior Linkage Line. Registration is required. Register online at AnokaCountyLibrary.org or call the library NOMINATION RESULTS - 2/17 Special Voter s Meeting Highest 2 for each position nominated Synodical President _12_ Rev. Dr. David Maier _11_ Rev. Tim Klinkenberg 4_ Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (incumbent) 2_ Rev. Dr. Lawerence Rast 1 st Vice President _7_ Rev. Jacob A. O. Preus *_6_ Rev. Scott C. Sailer *selected by coin toss _6_ Rev. Dr. Paul A. Linnemann _3_ Rev. Derek G. Lecakes _2_ Rev. Dr. John C. Wille _1_ Rev Dr. Peter K. Lange _1_ Rev. Dr. John R. Denninger Great Plains Region Vice President _14_ Rev. Dr. Dean W. Nasdasdy 9_ Rev. Dr. William Utech 4_ Rev. Nabil S. Nour 8

9 Catechesis Note for the Week The Table of Duties: Faith Active in Love In Luther Small Catechism we find The Table of Duties These teach the baptized how to live where God has called them in the freedom of the forgiveness of sins, with faith in Christ and love to the neighbor. The Table of Duties answers the questions: Where do I live out my faith in Christ? How do I live my faith in Christ as a Christian in this world? The Table of Duties addresses itself to these questions and the subject of office or vocation. An office is authority extended to a person from God to function in this world in a particular way and for a particular purpose. Through this office he or she reflects Christ the image of God and His love to their neighbor. A Christian s vocation is the place or office to which God has called him to live out his faith in Christ. A Christian lives in his vocation or office by grace alone, and not by his own strength. His vocation is the calling to joyfully serve his neighbor in love, even as Christ laid down his life for him upon the cross. The strength to live faithfully in our vocations comes from the Gospel and sacraments of Christ, through which our faith in the forgiveness of sins is strengthened and the fruit of loving service toward others is born. (Excerpted from Lutheran Catechesis, p. 9) Faith created by the means of grace is always active in love. After a person has been justified by faith, a true living faith becomes active through love (Gal. 5:6). Thus good works always follow justifying faith and are certainly to be found with it, since such faith is never alone but is always accompanied by love and hope (Formula of Concord, III, 11). The Formula of Concord also cites Luther in his intro to Romans: Faith kills the Old Adam, makes us entirely different people in heart, spirit, mind, and all our powers, and brings the Holy Spirit with it. Oh, faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, so that it is impossible for it not to be constantly doing what is good. Likewise, faith does not ask if good works are to be done, but before one can ask, faith has already done them and is constantly active. (FC SD, IV, 10 11) 9

10 Today s Scripture Readings Genesis 45:3-15 Anyone who wants to understand this part of Joseph s story must consider his whole story told in Genesis 37 and Genesis The effect of Joseph revealing who he is to his brothers fill them with apprehension. Not only did his present greatness overawe them, but the recollection of their former crimes against him filled them with alarm. 1 Corinthians 15:33-38, Corinth was a Greek city, heavily influenced by Platonic dualism. Dualism divides things into two parts, such as good and evil or matter and non-matter. Many dualists considered matter (such as our bodies) as unimportant and/or evil and non-matter (such as our souls) as good. Greeks (including these Corinthian Christians), raised in a dualistic environment, found it difficult to believe in the resurrection of the body. For them, the body was something to gladly leave behind. Their focus was only the preservation of the soul. Judaism, however, emphasized the wholeness of the person, body and soul. Paul wanted the Corinthian Christians to know that emphasis, that belief in the resurrection, both Christ s resurrection and the general resurrection of believers in the last days, is foundational to the Christian faith. Luke 6:27-38 Jesus follows the Beatitudes and Woes in His sermon on the Plain with the heart of His teaching perfect love. Here Jesus not only forbids treating others spitefully but commands that we love everyone, even our enemies. With four illustrations of perfect love, v29-30; and three examples of imperfect love, v32-34; Jesus directs that God s perfection should be our example and goal. Next Week s Readings Transfiguration Sunday Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 99; Hebrews 3:1-6; Luke 9: