Helping others receive grace, purpose and direction by proclaiming Christ s love.

Transcription

1 Helping others receive grace, purpose and direction by proclaiming Christ s love. 17 East 27 th Street Scottsbluff, NE (308) Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 am April 7th, 2019

2 Fifth Sunday in Lent Prayer Before Worship: God, your steadfast love endures forever. Shine your light upon your Word and into our hearts that we may be enlightened with fresh understanding and then send your Holy Spirit that we might be doers of your Word and not just hearers only. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. (In preparation for our worship, you are invited to take a moment of silence to offer your own prayers of worship and praise) *INDICATES PLEASE STAND IF ABLE. Congregational responses are printed in BOLD type A Warm Welcome to all as we gather as God s people to worship our Lord. We pray our worship together would strengthen your faith and desire to know and serve the One who loves us with an everlasting love as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Visitors, we are especially glad to have you worshiping with us today. Please join us in the reception area after worship for coffee and fellowship. Worship/Prayer Request Cards: Everyone is invited to fill out a Worship/Prayer Request card as you enter so that we know you are here, will be communing today or if you have a prayer request you would like us to include during worship today. Once you have filled out the card, please pass them to the inside aisle for the ushers to pick up. Thanks! Prelude Music Welcome and Announcements WE PREPARE OUR HEARTS Hymn Gather Us In ELW #532 *Confession of Sins/Assurance of God s Forgiveness (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as we begin) We are the baptized people of God gathered in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 2

3 Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Silence for reflection and self-examination) Faithful Lord, You were obedient in every way, even when that obedience led to death. As we walk this penitent season with you, fill us with remorse at all the ways we have fallen short of being faithful, loving servants. Forgive us our shortsightedness and our neglect of the invitation which you have offered us. We long for your grace and rely on your steadfast love and compassion. Amen. In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Kyrie ELW #157 *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. God of justice, you have shown yourself in this world in the poor, the hungry, and the needy. Make us willing participants of your grace and generosity making us more like you with each day. Move our hearts in love wherever we encounter need so that we might see you in each person we meet. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 3

4 GOD S WORD SPEAKS TO US First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16a Pew Bible p. 803 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God Psalm 95:1-7 (Read responsively) 1 O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would listen to his voice! Second Reading: Matthew 25:1-13 Pew Bible p. 28 of the New Testament The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God *Lenten Verse Page 142 Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love. *Gospel: Matthew 25:31-45 Pew Bible p. 29 of the New Testament Response after the announcement of the gospel: Glory to you, O Lord. Response after the gospel reading: Praise to you, O Christ. 4

5 Kids Sermon Sermon Angie Hinze Pastor Sheryl (Silence for Reflection and Meditation) WE RESPOND TO GOD S WORD Hymn I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry ELW #73 Service of Baptism & Affirmation of Baptism Dear friends, we give thanks to God for the gift of baptism and for these confirmands, one with us in the body of Christ, who are making public affirmation of their baptism. Council President: I present: Alec Sibal to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and Trea Hess, Kinsey Kleensang, Hunter Miller, Kiera Miller, Bailey Nikont, Max Schlothauer, who desire to make public affirmation of their baptism. Pastor: Let us pray. Merciful God, we thank you for these sisters and brothers whom you have made your own and will make your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called them to yourself, enlightened them with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished them in the community of faith. Uphold your servants in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen. Renunciation of Evil As you make public affirmation of your baptism, I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church. Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? Confirmands: I renounce them. Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? Confirmands: I renounce them. Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? Confirmands: I renounce them. 5

6 *Profession of Faith Do you turn to Christ as your Lord and Savior? Confirmands: In faith, I turn to Christ. With the whole church, let us profess our faith. 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 power of 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. With the youth affirming their baptisms this day, Alec Sibal, in the tradition of the early church has been preparing himself for baptism. I therefore ask Alec to stand before the baptismal font. Prayer of Thanksgiving Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took 6

7 delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family and through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By the baptism of Jesus death and resurrection you set us free from the power of sin and death and raise us up to live in you. Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Baptism Alec, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Signing with the Cross Alec, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Amen. Presentation of a Candle Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Commitment by Confirmands (all Confirmands are now invited to come forward) You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism: to live among God s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth? Each confirmand responds: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. Recitation of Confirmation Verses 7

8 People of God, do you promise to support these sisters and brothers and pray for them in their life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us. Prayer of Blessing Will the parents and guardians of our Confirmands, please come forward at this time. We give you thanks, O God that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Father in heaven, for Jesus sake, stir up in the gift of your Holy Spirit; confirm her/his faith, guide her/his life, empower her/him in her/his serving, give her/him patience in suffering, and bring her/him to everlasting life. Response: Amen. Parental Blessing In Christian love you presented your children for Holy Baptism. In their Baptisms, sacred promises were made. As parents of these young men and women, it was part of your calling to see that those sacred promises were kept: to faithfully bring them to the services of God's house, to teach them the Lord's Prayer, the Creed and the Ten Commandments. to place in their hands the Holy Scriptures and to provide for their instruction in the Christian faith." You have fulfilled those promises. We now ask you to renew the covenants you made for the ongoing support of these young people's faith journeys. Do you intend to continue to worship, study and pray regularly with your youth? If so, answer: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me." Now parents and sponsors, I ask you to place your hand on your youth s head or shoulder and bless them: May our blessing rest upon you as you enter a new stage in your walk of faith. God s blessing be upon you. May our Risen Lord sustain you, encourage you and guide you throughout your lives. May you always know the joy and strength that comes from being a child of God. Amen. 8

9 Acclamation Let us rejoice with these sisters and brothers in Christ. We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world. Presentation of Gifts and Slide Show *Prayers of the Church: Each prayer petition ends with: Compassionate God hear our prayer. The prayers conclude with:..through Jesus our Savior. Amen. *Sharing of the Peace The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. (You are invited to share the peace of Christ with one another) Offering Offertory There s A Crown Awaiting Adult Choir *Offering Prayer Let us pray. God, you have forgiven us a world of transgressions. In gratefulness, we bring these gifts to you for a world in need. Receive them and bless them that they might enable others to experience your grace and mercy as we have; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen. HOLY COMMUNION *The Great Thanksgiving Page

10 *Holy, Holy, Holy.. Page 144 Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow'r and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. *Words of Institution *The Lord s Prayer p. 191 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, and ever. Amen. *Invitation to Communion God s table is big enough for all to join the feast and be satisfied. Come now to God s table of grace! Lamb of God (sung) p. 146 Distribution Music Rhonda Boettcher Distribution of Communion: Christ is truly present in the Lord s Supper with gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. All are invited to participate in the Lord s meal. (Communion will be served continuously at two stations in the front of the church. WHITE GRAPE JUICE and GLUTEN FREE wafers are available. Just ask the server. Children who are not yet communicants are invited to come forward for a blessing.) *Post-Communion Blessing 10

11 *Post-Communion Prayer Tender and merciful one, at your feast, you fed us who brought nothing, turning our emptiness into joy. Filled with your abundant grace, send us now to be ministers of reconciliation, mending broken hearts, working for justice, and striving for peace among all people, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. WE DEPART TO SERVE *Benediction *Hymn Go, My Children, With My Blessing ELW #543 *Dismissal Go in peace. Remember the poor. Thanks be to God. Postlude Copyright Permissions: Liturgy: From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS Hymns: Gather Us In: Text: Marty Haugen, b Text 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-# Borning Cry: Text: John C. Ylvisaker, b Text 1985 John C. Ylvisaker. OneLicense.net A-# Go, My Children, With My Blessing: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, b. 1919, alt. Text 1983 Concordia Publishing House. OneLicense.net A- # FIND US ONLINE Newsletters, Worship Bulletins, God s Story. Our Story inserts, and Podcasts of Sunday s Sermons are all available on our website at MANAGE YOUR GIVING ONLINE Scan the QR code to the right, go to our website: and click on the Give Online button OR download the Give+Church App on your smartphone. It s safe and secure. APRIL FOOD DONATIONS REQUESTED FOOD PANTRY: Pancake Mix BACKPACKS: Mac and Cheese Bowls Containers are located outside Fellowship Hall. Thanks!!! 11

12 SULLIVAN HILLS CAMP Every session of camp at Sullivan Hills, our Lutheran Bible Camp near Lodgepole is FREE this year! You will need to pay a $50 deposit but your deposit will be returned to you after your child attends camp this summer. Go online at WOMEN OF THE ELCA APRIL MISSION PROJECT This month we are having a Bakeless Bake Sale. Please use the envelopes included in your April Tidings to donate the cost of what it would take you to bake something or to buy a sale item. See the Tidings for details. LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT LENTEN SERVICE Join us for dinner at 5:30 p.m. on April 10 th followed by Worship at 6:30 p.m. reflecting on the theme: Busy Reconnecting with an Unhurried God JAM, Chime Choir and Adult Choir will meet at approximately 7:00 p.m. after worship. POWERPOINT OPERATORS NEEDED! We are in need of some additional people willing to operate the PowerPoint on Sunday mornings. It s fun! It s easy! and you will be doing a great service for the congregation! See Pastor Sheryl or Pastor Chris to sign up! When a child is baptized, we, as the people of God, promise to support and pray for them in their new life in Christ. Your presence on this special day is one way you can fulfill the promise we as a church made to God. We rejoice that the following young people will be affirming the Baptismal promises made for them at their baptisms. Trea Hess Kinsey Kleensang Hunter Miller Kierra Miller Bailey Nikont Max Schlothauer Alec Sibal RIVERSONG CHANCEL SINGERS CONCERT Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. the Riversong Chancel singers will perform their annual concert at First Baptist Church under the direction of Dr. Patrick Newell, Director of Choral Activities at Western Nebraska Community College. First Baptist Church is located at 3009 Avenue I in Scottsbluff. Admission is free but a goodwill offering will be taken. Several members of Calvary are members of the choir and would love to see you there. 12

13 EASTER LILIES You are invited to bring an Easter Lily to decorate the sanctuary for Easter Sunday. If you would like to dedicate your plant in honor of or in memory of a loved one, fill out the form located outside the church office and return it to the office so that we can print these remembrances in the Easter bulletins. Please bring your lily to church by Friday, April 19 th and then feel free to take it with you after the Easter Sunday services to enjoy at home. Holy Week Schedule Maundy Thursday, April 18 th 6:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 19 th Watch the Lamb Tenebrae 7:30 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20 th Easter Vigil 5:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21 st Easter 8:30-9:30 a.m. Easter Egg 9:30 a.m. Easter Worship 10:00 a.m. In Our Thoughts and Prayers Prayers for Healing: Nancy Steele (broken wrist), Blake Brunner (Deb Brown s grandsonsurgery and severe headaches),kevin Feil (Melissa Guerrero s father-chemotherapy), Rhonda Boettcher (knee surgery), Judy Luenenborg (Deanna Zweifel s sister-in-law), Ken Shriver, Michael Begley, Bonnie Noble (Leah Nikont s mother), Katharine Nelson (Barb Jensen s mother), Charlie Anderson (Nancy Steele s Brother), Alice Shriver (broken ankle). Victims of flooding in the Midwest and Cyclone Idai in Southern Africa. Prayers for Comfort and Peace for the family and friends of: Mark Belgum (Mike Belgum s brother) and Rex Smith (Pat Smith s and Angie Hinze s grandfather). 13

14 WORSHIP LEADERS Pastors Chris and Sheryl Kester Beyer This Sunday April 7 USHERS: Bill and Becky Michael LAY READER: Confirmands COMMUNION ASSTS: Bill Huelle, Jean Stormoe, Marlene Downer POWERPOINT: Sydney Hinze ACOLYTES: Ben Moravec, Josh Miller ALTAR GUILD: Deb Brown, Vicki Howell, Tracy Steele, Julie Aschenbrenner PIANIST: Rhonda Boettcher COFFEE SET UP: Volunteer Today!! HOSPITALITY: Confirmation Next Sunday April 14 USHERS: Dennis and Barb Gorr LAY READER: Pat Smith COMMUNION ASSTS: Dennis Gorr, Vicki Howell, LuVerne Knoedler POWERPOINT: Rayce Walsh ACOLYTES: Ella Foote, Trea Hess ALTAR GUILD: Shelly Koehler, Jessica Laughlin, Carmen Kleager PIANIST: Dee Brady COFFEE SET UP: Volunteer Today!! HOSPITALITY: Jo Heidingsfelder CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, April 7 9:00 a.m. Confirmation Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Worship/Confirmation Sunday Monday, April 8 6:00 p.m. Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Hannah Circle Tuesday, April 9 8:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study 9:00 a.m. Esther Circle 12:00 p.m. Lenten St. Francis Episcopal 12:00 p.m. Women s Study 1:00 p.m. Quilting Wednesday, April 10 5:30 p.m. Lenten Meal 6:30 p.m. Lenten Worship 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. JAM/Chime Choir 7:00 p.m. Parish Ed Meeting Thursday, April 11 6:45 p.m. Bible Study Saturday, April 13 5:30 p.m. Worship Sunday, April 14 PALM SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Adult Study on Beatitudes 10:00 a.m. Worship 11:15 a.m. Sunday School 14

15 Confirmation Verses (Trea) Doran Lee Hess III: Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Kinsey Jo Kleensang: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Lawrence Hunter Miller: Genesis 1:14a And God said, Let there be lights in the dome of the sky. Kierra Justice Miller: It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Bailey Elizabeth Nikont: Jeremiah 29:11 He wants to prosper you and not harm you, to give you hope and a future. Maxwell George Schlothauer John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me. Alec Christian Sibal: Philippians 1:20 For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. 15

16 The Ways of God s Kingdom: A God of Surprises April 6-7, 2019 When we serve others, we serve Jesus himself. Jesus told the disciples that how they serve and treat those in need is how they serve and treat him. We, too, are called to serve those most in need, and when we do so, we serve Jesus himself. Daily Bible Home Sunday Read Matthew 25:31-46 When Jesus returns, he will divide all the nations into the sheep and the goats. Say a prayer for someone you know who is going through a difficult time. Monday Read Matthew 24:1-14 Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple. How would you feel if your house of worship was destroyed? Pray for all those without a home to worship. Tuesday Read Matthew 24:15-29 Jesus speaks about the end times. Where do you find hope in this passage? Wednesday Read Isaiah 13:6-10 The prophet Isaiah proclaims that the day of the Lord is near. What words or images stand out when you read this passage? Reflect on those. Thursday Read Matthew 24:30-35 Jesus predicts the second coming. What do you think the second coming of Jesus will be like? Describe it by writing a poem or drawing a picture. Friday Read Matthew 24:36-44 We are called to watch for Jesus return. How can you be more observant or watchful? Spend today taking in your surroundings, trying to pay attention to all the details. Saturday Read Matthew 24:45-51 Jesus speaks of a faithful slave who is at work on behalf of his master. What do you think is the meaning of this story? 16