Christ The bread of life

Transcription

1 Christ The bread of life - 1 -

2 WELCOME TO CENTRAL Everyone is welcome. As a community of the people of God, the members of Central Lutheran Church are called to welcome all people regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orientation. We affirm that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female (Galatians 3:28). Christ has made us one. Guests are welcome. We are pleased you are worshiping with us today. We invite guests to complete the Welcome to Central card found in the pew racks and leave it with an usher or place it in the offering plate. If you would like more information about Central, please contact us at , or info@centralmpls.org. Children are welcome at all services. Worship bulletins for children and activity bags are available at Sanctuary entrances. Welcome to the Lord s Table. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome at Holy Communion. Please follow the guidance of the ushers and instructions in the order of service. During communion, ministers will bring bread and wine to persons in designated access seating areas. Communion may be received in one kind (only bread or only wine) from any station if wheat bread or alcohol presents a health concern. Gluten-free breads and alcohol-free wine are available by request at most liturgies from most communion stations. Welcome to the Holy Baptism. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome to receive Holy Baptism. Please visit with any worship leader, staff member, hospitality volunteer, contact the church office, or complete an information card, indicating that you wish to be baptized. A pastor will contact you. Friends of Central Stay connected Across the country and beyond there are many people who have a soft spot in their heart for Central Lutheran Church people who feel a connection both to the history and the ongoing mission of this congregation. If you re one of them, we invite you to join a new network of Friends of Central. Pick up a brochure or visit our website for more information or to join. Electronic Giving Opportunities: Online at click on Give Today; or text 73256, enter code word centralmpls (lower case), and a numerical amount. Press send and fill in the details. All contributions from members and guests will appear in a contribution statement. Wi-Fi is available as Central Lutheran (password guestclc). If you give electronically, use the green pew card to drop in the offering plate instead of an envelope. Central Lutheran is supported by givers like you. Questions? Contact the church office at CHRIST THE BREAD OF LIFE - 2 -

3 HOLY COMMUNION All Congregation Picnic Exploring the promise of God for all The bread of eternal life Sunday, August 26, :30 am Sung Eucharist The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week. Do not take, but receive the bread of Christ with open hands In today s gospel many people take offense at Jesus invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John s gospel for Peter s confession of faith. To whom can we go? asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. You have the words of eternal life. In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel. GATHERING PRELUDE Aria Emma Lou Diemer The carillon calls the assembly to worship. At the sound of the bell the assembly stands to face the worship leaders at the baptism font. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P In the name of the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit. Hear the teaching of Christ: I am the bread that came down from heaven. a Spirit of God, give us this bread always. P God has promised forgiveness to all. Let us confess our sin. silence for reflection P Merciful God, a Your love compels us to come in though our hands are unclean and our hearts unprepared. We are not fit even to eat the crumbs from under your table. But you, Lord, are the God of our salvation, and share your bread with sinners. Cleanse and feed us with your word and holy supper. Wash away our sin that Christ may live in us and we in Christ, and that we may sit and eat in your kingdom. Amen. P Through the cross of Christ, God has mercy on you, pardons you, and sets you free. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. God strengthens you in all goodness and keeps you in life eternal. a Amen

4 PROCESSIONAL HYMN Brethren, We Have Met GREETING AND PRAYER OF THE DAY P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. a And also with you. P Let us pray. Holy God, your word feeds your people with life that is eternal. Direct our choices and preserve us in your truth, that, renouncing what is false and evil, we may live in you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. a Amen. The presider continues with words of welcome. God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. WORD CHILDREN S WORD Children are invited to come forward; parents are welcome to come with their children

5 In the Near East, covenant means agreement or alliance. It describes relationships and is the primary word used to characterize the relationship between God and Israel. By delivering Israel, God has already begun the relationship. Joshua calls upon the people to respond. The assembly joins the reader in saying: Like a general giving a rousing speech to troops before battle, this letter closes by calling on Christians to be equipped for spiritual warfare against evil. The full armor of God includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the gift of salvation, and the word of God inspired by the Spirit. FIRST READING Serve the Lord Joshua 24:1 2a, a a Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, 14 Now therefore revere the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. 16 Then the people answered, Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; 17 for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; 18 and the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God. Word of God, bread of life. Thanks be to God. SECOND READING Put on the armor of God Ephesians 6:10 20 Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. Word of God, bread of life. a Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION The assembly sands and welcomes the gospel, singing: - 5 -

6 GOSPEL The bread of eternal life John 6:56 69 The holy gospel according to John. a Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus says, Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever. 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. The hard saying that offends Jesus disciples is his claim that his followers must eat his flesh and drink his blood. The followers who return to their old lives know something about how odd this sounds. Simon Peter, on the other hand, knows something about the scarcity of living, gracious words. He asks the most important question: To whom shall we go? 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, This teaching is difficult; who can accept it? 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father. 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, Do you also wish to go away? 68 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. The gospel of the Lord. a Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON silence for reflection follows the sermon HYMN OF THE DAY (hymn) 658 O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts stanzas 2 & 3 in harmony APOSTLES CREED A We have been gathered into one by the Holy Spirit. Let us proclaim the faith that we share. a 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

7 PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION each petition concludes: God of grace, a hear our prayer. MEAL PEACE P The peace of Christ be with you always. a And also with you. The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another. GATHERING OF GIFTS The offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time, the table is set. After the offering is gathered, bread, wine, money, and other gifts are brought forward. The assembly stands as the procession reaches the chancel. God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. Cantabile from the Sonata for Flute Offertory Prayer A Let us pray together. a God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. The assisting minister pours out the wine. GREAT THANKSGIVING P The Lord be with you. a And also with you. P Lift up your hearts. a We lift them to the Lord. P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. a It is right to give our thanks and praise. P we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Francis Poulenc - 7 -

8 The presider continues with the Great Thanksgiving, concluding: Lord s Prayer (1975) a 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. All who come seeking Jesus are invited to receive these gifts of God. Communion at this service is served standing. Please follow the directions of the ushers to a communion station. Grape juice and gluten-free bread are available upon request. The benefits of the sacrament are fully present in either the bread or the wine, should health reasons prevent you from receiving one of them. Breaking of the Bread and Invitation to Communion Communion Lamb of God Children are welcome to receive communion or a blessing. Prayer at the chancel kneelers during communion is always welcomed. Andante un poco adagio Op. 120 No. 1 silence for reflection concludes the Communion Prayer after Communion A Let us pray. O God, we thank you for the living bread that rains down from heaven. From this feast of love may we carry your eternal life as daily food for the well-being of the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. a Amen. Johannes Brahms - 8 -

9 God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. SENDING CONGREGATION PICNIC TABLE BLESSING a Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. Let these gifts to us be blessed. Blessed be God who is our bread. May all the world be clothed and fed. Amen. BLESSING P Christ, the Bread of Life, sends out all who love, renewed by word and sacrament. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit., be among you now and remain with you forever. a Amen. SENDING HYMN Bread of the World Rendez a Dieu Following worship coffee is served. Your assistance in helping to prepare the sanctuary for our weekday ministries is welcomed. Please meet a staff member near the front of the sanctuary following the postlude to assist in clearing the pew chairs. DISMISSAL The assembly faces the processional cross for the dismissal. A Go in peace. Feed the hungry. a Thanks be to God. The carillon sends the assembly into mission. POSTLUDE Postlude from Suite for Organ Denis Bédard Portions of the liturgy are from Sundays and Seasons.com 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress liturgies license # This service is being streamed live on the internet at

10 SERVING TODAY Pastor D. Foy Christopherson Pastor Peter Nycklemoe Sara Masters Deacon Mark Sedio Jane Lien Polly Henderson Ryan Teynor Barb Hoernemann, Julia Stensaas, Chris Stensaas Shirley Dahl Pastor Stephanie Friesen Pastor Melissa Pohlman Mark Kieffer, Marc Wilson Tom & Sue Jorgensen Sharon Williams Eunice & Franklin Dietrich, Patti Brestrup, Sophia White, Kamaria Woyee, Heather Wells, Congregation Picnic Team Megan & Matt Bowman, Mark Erickson, Rexanne Spicer presiding preaching assisting minister cantor/organist associate cantor flute viola readers crucifer VBS director/children s word communion minister sound operators lead ushers for August bread baker hosts & greeters seasonal planning team Chancel flowers this weekend are given by the Sorensen family in celebration of Angeline Sorenson s 90 th birthday on August 28. If you wish to donate flowers, contact Judy Korogi 10 days in advance at ALL CONGREGATION PICNIC ON THE PLAZA All beef hot dogs, potato chips, watermelon Large print service folders, assisted listening devices, and access seating are available to aid your participation in worship. Please inquire with an usher

11 WORSHIPLIFE September: We serve this world under the sign of the cross September 1-2 Labor Day weekend We will ask for God s blessing and give thanks for the gift of meaningful work and labor. September 8-9: Centering weekend As we gather for worship in autumn, our services are all about gathering - centering together around the foot of the cross to begin a new program year, a new academic year, and before long, gathering in a renewed building with ministry all-together again. Centering Sunday is what we re calling our program year kick off this year a time for coming together under the cross for renewed ministry, renewed commitment, renewed excitement. Our language for worship will be simple, with themes of gratitude and harvest that can easily expand for the needs of each weekend. This autumn we ll sing the liturgy from a setting called Unfailing Light. Preludes and entrance hymns will be intentionally connected. Confession will be included later in the intercessions. Assembly responses will be familiar. We ll ask for God s blessing upon the new school year this weekend, and for persons with careers in the education profession. Prayer and anointing for healing are offered this weekend in our monthly pattern. The gospel reading of Christ healing suggests this is a good weekend in September to invite those in need of healing to come for prayer. September 15-16: It s time to start Sunday School Sunday School resumes this Sunday. We ll pray for all our education and faith formation ministries during worship. Our 3-year-olds will celebrate a baptismal milestone and be presented with their first Bibles as they begin Sunday School. September 29-30: It s time to pray for those in justice professions The first Monday in October marks the annual opening of the Supreme Court year and suggests this weekend to bless all those who serve in justice, courthouse, and legal professions. This weekend we observe our annual Sabbath to End Homelessness. Central works toward this goal daily through our partnership with the Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness and our ministry in the Restoration Center. September 30 6 pm: Blessing of the animals Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, 1226 Our ministry partner Tree of Life Lutheran has developed a wonderful celebration of blessing of animals. We are invited to join them and bring our pets (or other animals) to the park: Near 1 N. Plymouth Ave. Parking is next to the Mississippi River picnic area off West River Parkway. A light dinner will be provided. Led by Pastor Marissa Sotos. Looking ahead to October and November The three biggest celebrations this Autumn will be the Building Dedication weekend, Reformation, and All Saints. Also, we ll begin our 100 th Anniversary celebrations with the first of our guest preachers in November

12 WORSHIP AT CENTRAL September 2018 September 1-2 Authentic religion September 8-9 Christ heals a little girl and a deaf man September Peter s confession of faith September Prediction of the passion September Warnings to those who obstruct faith Saturday 5:00 p.m. Timothy Short, piano Talia Mailman, harp Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Talia Mailman, harp Labor Day weekend No Monday worship Saturday 5:00 p.m. Timothy Short, piano Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Central Choir at 10:30 Prayer and Anointing for Healing at all services Blessing of the school year Centering Weekend Central Choir returns at 10:30 Saturday 5:00 p.m. Jane Lien, piano Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Central Choir at 10:30 Blessing of Parish Education leaders & Sunday School students Bible Milestone for 3-yearolds Saturday 5:00 p.m. Deacon Mark Sedio, piano Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Central Choir at 10:30 Saturday 5:00 p.m. Jane Lien, piano Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Central Choir at 10:30 Blessing for court, legal, justice professionals Sabbath to End Homelessness 6 PM Blessing of the Animals (at Tree of Life) Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15; James 1:17-26; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146 James 2:1-17 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a Ps 98 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 Mark 8:27-38 Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 54 James 3:13 4:3,7-8a Mark 9:30-37 Readings: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, Psalm 19:7-14 James 5:13-20 Mark 9:38-50 September 30 6 pm: Blessing of the animals Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, 1226 Our ministry partner Tree of Life Lutheran has developed a wonderful celebration of blessing of animals. We are invited to join them and bring our pets (or other animals) to the park: Near 1 N. Plymouth Ave. Parking is next to the Mississippi River picnic area off West River Parkway. A light dinner will be provided. Led by Pastor Marissa Sotos.