HOLY COMMUNION Sabbath to End Homelessness Blessing of court, legal & justice professionals Exploring the promise of God for all Warnings to those who obstruct faith Sunday, September 30, 2018 10:30 am Choral Eucharist The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week. In Christ, God s open arms welcome all people Someone is casting out demons in Jesus name who isn t part of Jesus own circle, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn t do it, by people we can t keep tabs on. GATHERING PRELUDE Voluntary in A minor William Wallond The carillon calls the assembly to worship. At the sound of the bell the assembly stands to face the worship leaders at the back of the church. PROCESSIONAL HYMN (hymn) 641 All Are Welcome verse 1 all; 2 higher voices (all on refrain); 3 all; 4 lower voices (all on refrain); 5 - all 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. Generous God, your Son gave his life that we might come to peace with you. Give us a share of your Spirit, and in all we do empower us to bear the name of 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. - 1 -
FIRST READING Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 The LORD S spirit comes upon seventy elders What constitutes legitimate need and legitimate leadership is the focus of this reading. God provides manna in the wilderness, yet the people crave meat. What is truly needful? God bestows the spirit on seventy elders, yet two men not designated as leaders prophesy in the power of God s spirit. What constitutes real leadership? The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at. 10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the LORD became very angry, and Moses was displeased. 11 So Moses said to the LORD, Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a sucking child, to the land that you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, Give us meat to eat! 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me. 15 If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once if I have found favor in your sight--and do not let me see my misery. 16 So the LORD said to Moses, Gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them take their place there with you. 24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again. 26 Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp. 28 And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, My lord Moses, stop them! 29 But Moses said to him, Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit on them! a The promise of God for all. Thanks be to God. MUSICAL REFLECTION If I Knew You Mary Lynn Lightfoot If I knew you and you knew me, if both of us could clearly see: And with an inner sight divine the meaning of your heart and mine, I m sure that we would differ less and we would clasp our hands in friendliness; Our thoughts would pleasantly agree if I knew you and you knew me. We could look each other in the face and would see therein a truer grace. The why of things our hearts would see if I knew you and you knew me. Nixon Waterman (text) SECOND READING Prayer and anointing in the community James 5:13-20 Marks of the Christian community include praying for those who are sick and in need, celebrating with those in good health, restoring those who have strayed, confessing sins to one another, and offering forgiveness to each other. Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. - 2 -
17 Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest. 19 My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, 20 you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. text The promise of God for all. a Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 17:7 The assembly stands and welcomes the gospel, singing: GOSPEL Warnings to those who obstruct faith Mark 9:38-50 On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus teaches his disciples about ministry that involves service and sacrifice. His disciples are slow to realize that these words apply to them as well as to others. a The holy gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. John said to Jesus, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us. 39 But Jesus said, Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. 42 If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. The gospel of the Lord. a Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON silence for reflection follows the sermon HYMN OF THE DAY (hymn) 719 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life stanza 1 all (unison); 2 higher voices; 3 & 4 in harmony; 5 lower voices; 6 all (unison) APOSTLES CREED A Let us proclaim the faith we share with others around the world. - 3 -
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. BLESSING OF COURT, LEGAL AND JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION The prayers conclude with confession through the summer. Each petition concludes: Lord, in your mercy, 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. Roll Down, Justice Mark Miller 1. There s a voice strong and clear, ringing out far and near, Let justice roll down, let justice roll down! Like the rush of a stream, comes a powerful dream, Let justice roll down justice rolls down! Roll down! Roll down jus-tice! Roll like an ever-flowing stream God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. 2. Let the earth be restored, every soul be reformed; Let the healing renew, creation reborn. Here in this sacred space with the strength of God s grace, Let justice roll down, justice rolls down! 3. On this glorious day, give us courage, we pray, That justice rolls down, let justice roll down! Let the vision take flight and God will delight As waters flow down, justice abounds! - 4 -
Offertory Prayer A Let us pray together. a God of life, you give us these gifts of the earth, these resources of our life and labor. Take them, offered in great thanksgiving, and use them to set a table that will heal the whole creation; through Christ, our Savior. 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: 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. - 5 -
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. Breaking of the Bread and Invitation to Communion 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. Children are welcome to receive communion or a blessing. Prayer at the chancel kneelers during communion is always welcomed. Communion Lamb of God The compositions of Twin Cities based composer David Evan Thomas have been performed all over the world. David wrote this composition for StreetSong and sings with the ensemble. If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking David Evan Thomas If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live, I shall not live, I shall not live in vain. If I can keep the river flowing, I shall not live in vain; If I can plant a tree (or two or three) and bring the rain Or sow the seeds that hands will harvest as autumn grain I shall not live, I shall not live, I shall not live in vain. If I can care for those who need me and listen when they call; If I can lend a hand to others, help them stand tall, And lift a voice for justice and peace for all, We ll build a bridge, a human bridge, and so take down a wall. silence for reflection concludes the Communion Prayer after Communion A Let us pray. Holy and compassionate God, in the 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 and justice to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer. a Amen. - 6 -
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. Following worship coffee is served. Brief sanctuary tours will be offered after this service. Meet a docent at the pulpit. 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. SENDING BLESSING P God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, grant you the gifts of faith and hope. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. a Amen. SENDING HYMN (hymn) 712 Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service DISMISSAL Please face the processional cross for the dismissal. A Go in peace to love and serve your neighbor. a Thanks be to God. The carillon sends the assembly into mission. POSTLUDE Rondo John Bull Musical setting from Unfailing Light 2004 GIA; used with permission. Portions of the liturgy are from Sundays and Seasons.com 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress liturgies license #26515. Chancel flowers this weekend are given are given in loving memory of Carrie Leaney by her son Jack, her husband John and her mother Ardis Jacobson. If you wish to donate flowers, contact Judy Korogi 10 days in advance at 612-788-1288. This service is being streamed live on the internet at www.centralmpls.org. SERVING TODAY Pastor Stephanie Friesen Pastor Melissa Pohlman Kathy Kvammen-McKinley Jean Christie, Tyra Thomas Deacon Mark Sedio Jane Lien StreetSong Minnesota William Mathis, Teri Larson Lois Wolff, Karl Starr, Christopher Haug, Barb Hoernemann Carney Bergeson-Meekins Pastor Peter Nycklemoe Mark Kieffer, Marc Wilson Varney Kiazolu Pastor D. Foy Christopherson Pat Forse Patti Brestrup, Jeff Ingvall presiding preaching assisting minister intercessors, Heading Home Central team cantor/organist associate cantor choir conductors readers crucifer communion minister sound operators lead usher for September liturgy director docent hosts & greeters Large print service folders, assisted listening devices, and access seating are available to aid your participation in worship. Please inquire with an usher. - 7 -
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 612-870-4416, or email 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 www.centralmpls.org 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 612-870-4416. - 8 -