ALL SAINTS SUNDAY ~ CONFIRMATION SUNDAY

Transcription

1 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY ~ CONFIRMATION SUNDAY WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD November 5, :00 am Today we celebrate the fellowship of all God s people in heaven and earth the communion of saints of which we are a living part! It is the custom of the church on All Saints Sunday to commemorate those who have joined the Church Triumphant in the past year. If you would like to have someone named in this commemoration, fill out a card and return it to the ushers during the hymn, For All the Saints. In addition, if you would like to light a candle in their memory and celebration of their life in Christ, take a candle in the entryway and bring it forward to light on the altar during the hymn, For All the Saints. Today is also a celebration of the Confirmation for four young people in our congregation who have been instructed in the Christian faith and desire to make public affirmation of their Baptism. We are glad you are here today to celebrate in this holy fellowship of faith! GATHERING WELCOME CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism) Blessed be the + holy Trinity, the one who fashions us, the one who heals us, the one who reforms us again and again. Amen. Let us confess our sin, calling for God s transforming power. Silence for reflection and self-examination. Source of all life, we confess that we have not allowed your grace to set us free. We fear that we are not good enough. We hear your word of love freely given to us, yet we expect others to earn it. We turn the church inward, rather than moving it outward. Forgive us. Stir us. Reform us to be a church powered by love, willing to speak for what is right, act for what is just, and seek the healing of your whole creation. Amen. 1

2 God hears our cry and sends the Spirit to change us and to empower our lives in the world. Our sins are forgiven, + God s love is unconditional, and we are raised up as God s people who will always be made new, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. PROCESSIONAL HYMN Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones 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. 2

3 PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the body of Christ our Lord: Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen SERVICE OF THE WORD FIRST READING Revelation 7: After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." 13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" SECOND READING 1 John 3:1 3 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what 14 I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal ;they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; 17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. ALLELUIA VERSE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12 Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the 5 th chapter. People: Glory to you, O Lord. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 3

4 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, O Christ. CHILDREN S MESSAGE HYMN For All the Saints 4. (women and girls) Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine, we feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one within your great design. Alleluia! Alleluia! 5. (men and boys) And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia! 6. But then there breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia! Alleluia! 4

5 SERMON PRAYERS (Response to each petition) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM HYMN Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest 1. Come, Ho - ly Ghost, Cre a - tor blest, And make 2. Teach us to know the Fa - ther, Son, And you our hearts your place of rest; Come with your grace and from both as Three in One. That we your name may our hearts your place of rest; Come with your grace and from both as Three in One. That we your name may heav n - ly aid, And fill the hearts which you have made. e - ver bless And in our lives the truth con fess. Elder: These young people have been instructed in the Christian faith and desire to make public affirmation of their Baptism. Kira Fallert Ethan Onken Logan Onken Aaron Smith Pastor: Brothers and sisters in Christ: In Holy Baptism our Lord Jesus Christ received you and made you members of his Church. In the community of God's people, you have learned from his Word God's loving purpose for you and all creation. You have been called to be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now therefore, I ask you to profess your faith in Jesus Christ, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church, the faith into which you were baptized. Pastor: Do you this day in the presence of God and of this congregation acknowledge the gifts that God gave you in Baptism? Confirmands: Yes, I do. Pastor: Do you renounce all the forces of evil, the devil and all his empty promises? Confirmands: I do renounce them. Pastor: Do you believe in God the Father? Confirmands: Yes, I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 5

6 Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? Confirmands: Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again, He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Pastor: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? Confirmands: Yes, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Pastor: Do you hold the Holy Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God and the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church to be faithful and true? Confirmands: Yes, I do. Pastor: Do you intend to hear the Word of God and receive the Lord s Supper faithfully? Confirmands: I do so intend by the grace of God. Pastor: Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Confirmands: I do so intend by the grace of God. Pastor: Do you intend to continue in this Christian faith and suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it? Confirmands: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. Let us pray: Gracious Lord, through water and the Spirit you have made Kira, Ethan, Logan and Aaron your own. You forgave them all their sins and brought them to newness of life. Continue to strengthen them with the Holy Spirit, and daily increase in them your gifts of grace: The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen BLESSING OF THE CONFIRMANDS PRAYERS (All those whom the confirmands have invited to participate in the blessing are asked to come forward.) (Response to each petition) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED On this day, we remember with thanksgiving those who have gone before us with the sign of faith. They were created by God to offer Him praise forever, redeemed by Jesus, God's Son, and filled with the Holy Spirit through Baptism, where God gave them new life. They have been nourished in the company of His people through the Lord's Supper and the Word, and in His mercy God has summoned them to His presence that they may continue in joyful service to Him forever. We especially remember this day: (here are named all those who have died in the past year) 6

7 Blessed are they that die in the Lord from now on, for they will rest from their labors, and their deeds will follow them. Revelation 14:13 Let us pray: In joyful expectation for the resurrection of the body to life, we remember before you, O Lord, all those who have gone before us in faith. We offer thanksgiving for the gift of faith and we hold fast to the certainty of your promises. May their memory among us be blessed, and may we follow their footsteps of faith to your eternal presence in the heavenly kingdom. Amen. SHARING OF THE PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING OFFERTORY PRAYER Let us pray. Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation. Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING Blessed are you, for ours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for we will be filled. Thanks and praise to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. By him we are blessed and in him we rejoice because he fills us with every good thing. In this bread and wine we taste and see his goodness as we receive his body and blood. Therefore, with saints and angels and with the whole Christian church in heaven and on earth, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: SANCTUS ( Holy, holy, holy ) 7

8 WORDS OF INSTITUTION LORD S PRAYER All: 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 AGNUS DEI ( Lamb of God ) COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION Scripture says, Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther s Small Catechism says, Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink. All baptized Christians who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord s Table today. Children who have not received their first communion are invited to come to the table and receive a blessing. As you approach the table down the aisles, receive an empty cup from the cart. Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar. After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace. As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables to your left or right. Non-alcoholic wine is offered in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack. Gluten-free (and dairy-free and nut-free) wafers are offered in the small white bowl on the communion cart for those who prefer this option. 8

9 HYMNS DURING COMMUNION Blest Are They Eat This Bread 9

10 One Bread, One Body SENDING DISMISSAL The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Holy and compassionate God, in bread and wine you give us gifts that form us to be humble and courageous. May your words come to life in our serving and in our witness, that we might speak a living voice of healing to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer. Amen CHOIR The Lord Bless You and Keep You Go in peace. Christ lives in you. Thanks be to God. 10

11 CLOSING HYMN Give Thanks for Saints SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader and preacher Jon Marxhausen Elder Paul Hartleben Piano and Choir Director Mary Dinesen Lector Sue Hotzel Ushers Matt Onken / Byron Epland Acolyte/Crucifer John Frelix Greeter Evelyn Marxhausen DON T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY 11

12 Con+firmation Class KIRA ANNE FALLERT Baptized as a child of God on May 4, 2003 Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Kira: I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15 ETHAN BENJAMIN ONKEN Baptized as a child of God on December 1, Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Ethan: Kira s Faith Statement: v Christianity has been a big part of me for my whole life. As I have grown up, God has been shaping me into the person of faith that I am today. However, I think that my faith has never been stronger than it is today. Now that I am older, I understand the magnitude of all the amazing things God has done for me. My journey in faith began at a time that I don t even remember: my baptism. The day I was baptized was one of the most important in my life. My baptism was when I was officially gathered into the family of God. As I was washed in the water and the word I became God s child. I received the gifts of life and forgiveness, even though I don t deserve them. My first communion in fifth grade was another moment that will be part of me always. Receiving the body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine, and hearing the words, Given and shed for you for the first time was an experience that really strengthened my faith. I got to feel God s forgiveness, love, and grace in a way that I can see and touch, and having communion every week continuously reminds me of these gifts. God has given us so many blessings, more than we can even know, all through his death on the cross. This is pretty amazing on its own, but what makes all the difference are the words for you that God says within every blessing. To me, these are two of the most important words there are. They let me know that everything God has done and will do is truly for me. His death was for me. His forgiveness is for me. His grace is for me. All the blessings I have were given for me. Those words are proof that God really does love me, and that is the only thing I need. Those who hope in the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 Ethan s Faith Statement: My relationship with Jesus has changed a lot since I was little. Back then, I didn t even realize all that Jesus did for me and all other people on Earth. But since then I have learned many things about Jesus and the divine works he does. When I was baptized I didn t even know I had become one of the children of God, and now I am able to confirm this. Being a Christian has taught me to forgive other people, just as God forgives all sins from everybody. It has also taught me to be a part of the community and support others that are less fortunate than me. I have experienced God s love through the word, baptism, and communion. I read about his love for all people in the bible, he welcomed me into his family through baptism, and sacrificed his only son for all people in communion, he did all of this for me. He even forgives all my sins. But I still sometimes question why he did this. He doesn t have to do these things for all people, but he does anyway. I have come to a conclusion on why he does these things, and it is because he loves us. 12

13 LOGAN RAE ONKEN Baptized as a child of God on November 28, 2004 Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Logan: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 Logan s Faith Statement: When I think about my faith I think about how being in the church community has impacted my life. It allows me to always feel like I have a safe place to go to that will be there for me. Along with just having a safe structure I have a group of people who I feel will always support me no matter what. The church community, in my mind, is just a group of friends and neighbors who have all bonded over believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross, for us, and I find it amazing how close a simple similarity can bring so many people together. That is what I think is so wonderful about God, he brings people together and spreads love and peace. When I imagine God, I imagine him as a loving father figure to help guide us through life, not as a feared and intimidating figure, and I love that God can provide so much comfort for people who have gone through a tragedy, such as the recent hurricanes. Even though the storm wasn t prevented, for some people praying gives them hope and a sense of safety. My faith has helped me find who I am, and it provides me with the daily reminder that I am and forever will be loved. AARON MICHAEL SMITH Baptized as a child of God on April 19, Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Aaron: We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Aaron s Faith Statement: I believe God does great things in many people lives, not just because the scripture says he does, but also because he has done something great in my life. Once not too long ago I hated God s crowning achievement of creation, humans. And hating most people wasn t a good thing in my life; it alienated me from people I used to be close friends with, and stopped me from making new ones. Now God knew this was bad for me, and did something to change that. He sent someone; someone who wasn t just my friend to use me or someone who didn t belittle me for being me, like others before. He spent time with me to be with me; he never pointed out my mistakes and belittled me because of them. God sending me this person tells me I have a God who cares, like Matthew 10:29 31 says God cares for all of his creation, including something as small as a sparrow. And honestly that is just a beautiful thing that compels me to believe, having a God who loves me enough and cares about me enough to worry about my problems and to help me through them. 13

14 WELCOME TO GRACE OF GOD Thank you for worshipping with us today. Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway. Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God. You are always welcome at Grace of God. GRACE OF GOD MISSION STATEMENT Grace of God is a Christ-centered community gathered around Word and Sacrament, preaching Christ crucified, serving our neighbor and discovering what it means to live under the grace of God. SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD Busy bags for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors. That room X also has a speaker to hear the worship service. Fall 2017 Bible Study Series The Great Commissions Six Biblical Calls to Make Known the Gospel (from Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Paul) Study led by Pastor Steven King STARTING TODAY 10:15-11:15 am SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 11/05/17 11/12/17 11/19/17 11/22/17 Thanksgiving Eve 11/26/17 Paul Hartleben Paul Hartleben Paul Hartleben Paul Hartleben Tom Schoenberg John Frelix Sue Hotzel Matt Onken / Byron Epland Evelyn Marxhausen Jake Richter George Zetterwall Tom Schoenberg Jeff Olofson 14 Darrel & Noel Smith Jerry Corson / Tom Schoenberg Roger & Nancy Prigge Jim & Jan Roth Cherish Frelix Allen Warren Lori Ruppel / Brenda Miller Bob & Lori Koeritzer Ella Fahey Franklin Hotzel Errol Bartz / Kathy Rehbein Barb Fallert

15 November 5-12, 2017 Sunday, November 5 9:00 am ALL SAINTS/CONFIRMATION SUNDAY 10:15 am Fellowship Sunday School and Adult Bible Study Tuesday, November 7 9:30 am Ladies Bible Study 7:30 pm Cantate Choir Wednesday, November 8 6:00 pm Light Supper Bible Blazers, Confirmation, Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm Handchime Practice Sunday, November 12 9:00 am PENTECOST 23 10:15 am Fellowship Sunday School and Adult Bible Study Upcoming opportunities to serve others in our community! During Advent we ll be sponsoring 5 families through Community Thread s Holiday Hope program. Beginning Sunday, November 26 you ll see in the fellowship area, a decorated Christmas tree with the gift options the families we sponsor have requested. Please consider purchasing one or more gifts for the families. The families always appreciate the gifts they receive! The 2018 dates we ll be serving at Hope for the Journey Home Family Shelter have been established. Please consider reserving time on your calendar now to help at the shelter. We ll be serving the weeks of January 14-January 20 and June 17-June 23. Watch for announcements regarding required safe environment training and background checks. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 Nov. 9 - Nov. 11 Nov Nov. 18 Nov CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE TEAM 6 Paul & Cami Hartleben/ Tom & Karen Schoenberg TEAM 7 Byron and Marilynn Epland/ Onken Family TEAM 8 Evenson Family/Dinesen Family 15

16 YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL REPORT Member Giving $213,774 Other Income $6,716 Total Income $220,490 YTD Expenses $221,319 YTD Budget $238,216 THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 pm Bring items to support THE HELPING PLACE in St. Paul (see details below) Shopping lists available today. Pie fellowship after worship THANKSGIVING SERVICE PROJECT Thanksgiving Eve we will collect food for The Helping Place at Our Saviours Lutheran Church. Our friends, Kevin and Pam Bonine, have shared with us that their food shelf serves families once a month who struggle to feed their families at the end of the month. Along with the staples you will find on our shopping list this year, The Helping Place adds frozen meats purchased through Fare For All and by shopping the ads using gift cards they receive. Your gifts make a huge difference! You all have been so generous and thoughtful in your giving that people are very happy with whatever we can share with them to help them get to the beginning of the next month! Staples are the BEST God s blessings to you and everyone else at Grace of God! You are truly angels in disguise Love, Pam Shopping lists are available in the gathering area! Please let the Warren Grace Group know if you have any questions! Errol & Cindy Bartz, Steve & Becky King, Chris & Deb Kuhns, Vic & Sandy Pruesser, Kathy Rehbein and Allen & Sally Warren GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota Jon Marxhausen, pastor 16