Grace Lutheran Church September 13, :30 a.m.

Transcription

1 The Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:4b-25 September 13, 2015

2 Grace Lutheran Church September 13, :30 a.m. Welcome to worship at Grace! May this time of gathering in Christian community bless you and enable you to be a blessing to others. Special welcome to newcomers in the name of Christ! We pray that our time of worship would give you the chance to offer your prayer and praise, hear anew the Word of God, and receive our Lord s presence in Holy Communion. Enlarged print bulletins and personal assist hearing devices are available. Please see an usher for assistance. Children s bulletins and activity bags are also available. The order of worship, and many of the prayers, can be found in the worship bulletin. Hymns and worship music can be found in the red worship books. Hymns are in the back of the worship book, with the large numbers at the top of the page. Service music is in the front of the worship book, with the small numbers on the bottom of the page. Every Sunday we share Holy Communion. All are welcome to the Lord s Table. When invited by the ushers, please come forward using the center aisle. To receive the bread, hold out your hand, palm up. The minister will place the bread in your hand along with the words "The Body of Christ, given for you." You may respond, "Amen," or "Thanks be to God." Standing at the cup, dip the bread into the wine or juice. The Communion Server will say, "The blood of Christ, shed for you." You may respond "Amen," or "Thanks be to God," before consuming the wine/juice-soaked bread. Then, return to your seat by way of the side aisles. Note: Grape juice (lighter in color) is available as well as wine (darker in color). Gluten-free wafers are available on the table between the servers---after receiving the words of promise, simply take a wafer, dip it into the wine/juice also provided on the table, eat both and return to your seat by way of the side aisles." *Please stand as you are able. 2

3 Prelude Gathering Hymn #861 God Himself is Present Michel When Long Before Time P: On this Sabbath day, we come back to the garden. Be welcome in this sacred space. C: We have been placed in the garden, and given breath, by the same one who made earth and sky. Let us open our eyes and ears to the beauty of creation. Amen. Confession and Forgiveness P: From our very beginnings, when left to our own devices, humans are prone to con founding choices. We confess our sins before God and one another. Pause for silence and reflection. P: Great Creator of us all, C: We have heard what you asked of us. Live in this place. Care for it. Eat your fill. Do not be alone. And yet, we choose our own way, close our eyes to the gifts around us, and cut ourselves off from our neighbors. We take giant steps away from you, and baby steps toward grace, when it should be the other way around. Forgive us, Lord. Amen. P: God provides for us with a generous hand. The seeds of grace exist even before we make our turn back toward God. Christ says to us: you have always been loved, and you are even now forgiven. Amen. Hymn of Praise p. 167 Glory to God Prayer of the Day L: Let us pray: C: Creating One, you placed us amid such glory and diversity. Teach us to look and listen and choose well. Teach us to delight in the naming of things. Amen. 3

4 Welcome and Announcements Children s Message Anthem O God, Our Help in Ages Past, by John Helgen Scripture Reading Genesis 2:4b-25 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches. The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die. Then the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner. So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, or out of Man this one was taken. Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed 4

5 L: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks Be to God. Sermon Hymn of the Day #739 Touch the Earth Lightly *Statement of Faith: The Apostles Creed L: Let us confess our faith, using the words of the Apostles Creed. C: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen *Prayers of the Church The leader will offer petitions of prayer for the congregation, our church and our world. Each petition ends with: L: Lord of mercy, C: You hear our prayer. The prayers end with: L: : You are the Creator. This garden is yours; this church is yours. All things belong to you. In Christ s name we pray. C: Amen 5

6 Offering & Offeratory All Things Bright and Beatiful Offering Hymn #679 For the Fruit of All Creation, vs. 1 *Offering Prayer L: Let us pray. C: God gives all good gifts, and God calls forth our best gifts not just tokens, but our substance, our creativity, our whole selves. Our gifts are a reflection of the bounty with which we are surrounded. Receive the gifts we bring. Offering Hymn #679 For the Fruit of All Creation, vs. 2 Communion Liturgy The Lords s Prayer 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 pow'r, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Lamb of God (inside back cover) Distribution Hymn #785 When Peace Like a River Post-Communion Blessing and Prayer No holier, more grace-filled words can invite us to this table than those of you welcome. We hear the stories of invitation a fruitful tree, holy manna, the loaves and the fishes, the heavily-laden vine, the bread and the cup. There is enough, and more than enough, at Christ s table. Bless us so that we may be a blessing. Amen. 6

7 Benediction P: Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C: Amen. Sending Hymn #876 Let the Whole Creation Cry *Dismissal L: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C: Thanks be to God! Postlude Let the Whole Creation Cry Johnson Today s Worship Leaders Presiding: Liturgist: Lay Reader: Organist: Anthem Acolyte: Communion: Greeters: Ushers: Money Counters: Grace Geek Squad: Pastor Karen Williams Ron House Linda Sackreiter Kathleen Hollar Sanctuary Choir Ethan Taylor Thomas & Violet Rose Larry and Sue Atneosen Team D: Ed Holtan-Captain & Head Usher, Jim Geister, Larry Atneosen, Randy Nikula, Jonathan Williams, Joshua Williams Team B: Colleen Gillis-Captain, Julie & Rick Major Linda Sackreiter We lift our prayers to God in times of thanksgiving and times of need, in times of joy and times of sorrow, we pray for Marlys Sackreiter and family of Justin Dike, whose funeral was held at Grace yesterday. Please keep Jim, Julie and Jared in your prayers. The Eternal Light for September is given by Gen Wrobel in memory of Paul Wrobel. JOYOUS JUNIORS REHEARSAL CHANGE This year the Joyous Juniors will rehearse on Sunday mornings from 10:45-11:00. This is for the convenience of students who have other activities on Wednesdays and will be the only weekly rehearsal. All interested students in grades 1-6 are welcome to join our rehearsals instead of going to the S.S. opening. We will rehearse each week and sing at the worship service the second Sunday of each month. Hope to see you September 21st. 7

8 Next Sunday, children are welcome to bring their backpacks to church. We will bless them as well as our teachers, staff and families as the new school year begins. New Member Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, October 18th. If you or someone you know would like to join our congregation, please speak with Pastor Karen. Please be sure to mark your calendars for Sunday, October 4th at 5 :00 p.m. (doors will open at 4:00 p.m.) for the annual Decorating Task Force Dinner. This year the theme will be CELEBRATE THE SEASONS. Dinner will be prepared by Magnolia s Restaurant and will include 2 pieces of chicken, pot roast, garlic whipped potatoes, salad, rolls and candied carrots. Dessert and beverage will also be included for the price of $20.00 per person. The evening will also include a silent auction for wonderful baskets with something for everyone. Think hostess gifts, birthdays as well as for your own enjoyment. Also, with your donation of $5.00 or 5/$20.00, you will be entered into a drawing where the first prize will be a 32 flat screen TV and second prize a beautiful handmade quilt (generously donated by Lois Graff and the quilters of Grace). CELEBRATE THE SEASONS the upcoming October 4th fundraising dinner is looking for additional baskets, gift certificates or new items that you would like to re-gift to add to our already prepared 45 baskets. Perhaps you have a favorite restaurant, beauty salon, grocery store etc. that would be willing to make a donation to Grace. We would welcome any and all support. This is the largest single fund-raising effort that benefits ALL the members of Grace as well beautifies God s house for all who enter our door. Any questions, please contact Florence Tjornhom, Connie Smeby, Shirley Walby, Sandy Jackson or Sue Atneosen. Thank you for your support. Registrations are due this Wednesday, September 16, for the Introduction to Gather magazine series of studies to be held, Saturday, September 19, 8:30-1:00pm(note new ending time as opposed to 2:30pm as previously advertised) at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 910 W. County Road D, at Victoria, Roseville MN. Forms available on library shelf. 8

9 Cost $15.00 which includes registration, speaker, lunch. Cost $8.00 if program only, no lunch. Nursery available. You are encouraged to attend this valuable, helpful event. Monthly lessons found Gather magazine. Subcribe: Online, Call, Write, Gather Subscription Order Center, Box 1553, Minneapolis MN issues $15.00 A Blessing of the Animals service will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 10 a.m. Bring your pets for a special blessing. Treats and fellowship will follow. The Sheridan Story-We have an opportunity to help school children right here on the East Side through The Sheridan Story. Over 200,000 children in the state of Minnesota live in food insecurity and do not always know if they will receive their next meal. The Sheridan Story s purpose is to respond to this need by closing the weekend food gap between Friday and Monday, when children are not able to participate in the free or reduced meal programs at school. We have been asked to partner with First Lutheran Church to provide food for the children at Dayton s Bluff Elementary School where 93.3% og yhr 474 students are on free or reduced lunch. Our church now has a link. Go to The Sheridan Story/sponsors to find it or write a check to Grace with the Sheridan Story in the memo line. 1.2 per month or $30 per the school year will provide one child with weekend food bags throughout the school year. Committee of the Month for September is Stewardship Committee. They have the challenging task of encouraging the congregation to faithfully support our church with your Time, Talents, and Treasures (financial!) We've heard for years about the needs of maintaining our building and the cost of ministry and mission, which we have been Biblically charged to do. However, we have also tried to remind everyone through our communications that God requires us to give back to Him, but in return He will take care of us. It's Biblical truth! Where is our level of trust concerning that? The Stewardship Committee oversees the giving envelopes and Stewardship communiqués, including the In Touch articles. We plan and implement any financial campaign, including the annual pledge and Time & Talents commitments. We review the General budget expenses vs. income each month. Our budget is very small and we try to spend less than that - therefore our program initiatives are 'homegrown' rather than professionally published! Please prayerfully consider what you can give to support our church as well as the Kingdom. And please surround our church in daily prayer. With our gratitude, Florence Tjornhom, Rich Castle, Connie Smeby, Chair, Dick Gunderson, Liaison, and Pastor Karen Williams, Advisor. 9

10 SEPTEMBER NEW BOOKS FOR LIBRARY The Uninvited Guests Sadie Jones The Glory Of It All Sean Wilsey These High Green Hills Jan Karon Out To Canaan Jan Karon The Hour I First Believed Wally Lamb The Shadow Girls Henning Mankell Musical Notes There are many images of Jesus throughout the New Testament, for example the Good Shepherd of the Word made flesh, The Light. In our opening hymn #861 The Singer and the Song, God is the Singer. God sings the song of creation, with Christ being the Song Incarnate. We are invited to join in song: So let us all sing with one heart and one voice the Song and the Singer in whom we rejoice. BLOOD DRIVE THANKS; Thank you to all the volunteers that helped with the Blood Drive. We collected 35 units. Those 35 units will impact 105 lives! Thanks to all who helped in any way. Shirley Walby & Carolyn Hesterberg September s Mission of the Month is Feed My Starving Children. FMSC is a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God s children hungry in body and spirit. The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children and they are shipped to distribution partners in nearly 70 countries around the world. FMSC has been awarded the highest 4 star rating for the 10th straight year by Charity Navigator. 92% of total donations goes directly to the food program. A single meal costs only 22 cents. Just imagine for a gift of $11.00 you can provide 50 meals, a gift of $22.00 will provide 100 meals-and so on. Please prayerfully consider making a gift to this worthwhile cause. Please use your blue multi-purpose envelope and mark mission of the month. Checks should be made payable to Grace. 10

11 Sunday, September 13-Sunday September 20 Today 9:30 a.m. Worship/Rally Day 10:30 a.m. Church Picnic 3:00 p.m. ELCA Day of Service Monday 9:30 a.m. Mission Commitee 1:00 p.m. Ruth Circle Tuesday 9:30 a.m. Martha Circle 12:00 p.m. Customized Options 6:30 p.m. Prioperty Management 7:00 p.m. Congregational Life 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Coffee & Conversation 5:30 p.m. Bells of Grace 6:30 p.m. Confirmation Oriientation 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Saturday 8:00 a.m. Men s Bible Study 12p to 6p Jonathan Rose meeting Next Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour 10:30 a.m. Craft Group 10:45 a.m. Joyous Jr.s/Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Executive Committee Week of September 6 Attendance: 86 Offering: $10,

12 Pastor Karen Williams Rhynda Landt, Administrative Associate 1730 Old Hudson Road Saint Paul, Minnesota