East St. Olaf Lutheran Church 6200 County Road 3 SW - Byron, MN Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost Holy Communion Sunday, November 18,, 2018 Pastor Paul Thompson Organist: Kim Jacobson INTRODUCTION November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ s coming again. So the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love. ANNOUNCEMENTS CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS (ELW p. 94) Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. GATHERING SONG Canticle of the Turning (ELW 723) 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. KYRIE (ELW p. 184) CANTICLE OF PRAISE (ELW p. 185) PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 1 2
FIRST READING: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 A reading from 1 Samuel. This story introduces us to Elkanah, a devout Israelite, and his wife, Hannah, who is barren. God grants Hannah s prayer and she bears a son, Samuel, who will be an important figure in Israel s history. Samuel, the last of Israel s judges, anoints the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. 4On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. 6 Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. 7So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons? 9After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the LORD. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD, and wept bitterly. 11She made this vow: O LORD of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head. 12As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine. 15 But Hannah answered, No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time. 17 Then Eli answered, Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him. 18 And she said, Let your servant find favor in your sight. Then the woman went to her 3 quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer. 19They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. 20 In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, I have asked him of the LORD. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. PSALM: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 1My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. 2There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 3Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by the LORD actions are weighed. 4The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. 5Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. 6The LORD kills and brings to life; the LORD brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7The LORD makes poor and makes rich; brings low, and also exalts. 8The LORD raises up the poor from the dust; lifting the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD s, and on them God has set the world. 9You, LORD, will guard the feet of your faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. 10The LORD s adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. O LORD, you will judge the ends of the earth; you will give strength to your king, and exalt the power of your anointed. 4
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25 A reading from Hebrews. Images of worship and sacrifice are used throughout Hebrews to highlight what Christ has uniquely accomplished through his death. Because we have received forgiveness through Christ s death, we live with sincere hearts by trusting in God s promises and encouraging love and good works from each other. 11Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since then has been waiting until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet. 14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 188) GOSPEL: Mark 13:1-8 The holy gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. In the last week of his life, Jesus warned his disciples concerning trials that were to come upon them and upon the world. He exhorts the listener: Do not be alarmed. 1As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings! 5 2Then Jesus asked him, Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down. 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished? 5 Then Jesus began to say to them, Beware that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, I am he! and they will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY Jesus, Still Lead On (ELW 624) CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 6
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son,* who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. *Or, who proceeds from the Father. The phrase and the Son is a later addition to the creed. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each petition of the prayer will end: Lord in your mercy, Please respond with: Hear our prayer. [At ending: ] PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING OFFERTORY Let the Vineyards be Fruitful (ELW p. 184) OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in blessing. Fill us with good things at your table, that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord. DIALOGUE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. PREFACE HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (ELW p. 190) THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE LORD S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. 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. INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come to the banquet, for all is now ready. COMMUNION SONG (ELW p. 191) DISTRIBUTION HYMNS Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me (ELW 623) Abide with Me (ELW 629) PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray. O God, our life, our strength, our food, we give you thanks for sustaining us with the body and blood of your Son. By your Holy Spirit, enliven us to be his body in the world, that more and more we will give you praise and serve your earth and its many peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. BLESSING Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. SENDING SONG Lead On, O King Eternal! (ELW 805) DISMISSAL Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS019935. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 7 8
WELCOME TO THOSE VISITING If you re visiting, we re glad you chose to worship with us. Please sign our guestbook in the narthex. Times for services rotate monthly between East & West churches. NOVEMBER WORSHIP SCHEDULE WEST: has early service at 9:00 am BOTH: 10:00 am West JAM / East SS & TLC EAST: has late service at 11:00 am THANK YOU TO THOSE SERVING US Altar Guild: Anyone interested may join Altar Guild November: Rita Distad December: Sonya Mansfield & Darlene Myhre WEATHER-RELATED CANCELATIONS To verify if there is a cancelation for a church service or church activity, please check: KTTC TV (channel 10), or online at www.kttc.com and click on the tab for WEATHER-then click on Closings and Delays or the parsonage answering machine 365-8222. Decisions are made by church council presidents with the pastor. TODAY S HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS Beautifying Our Sanctuary for Advent & Christmas Everyone loves to see our church beautified with many Poinsettias during Advent and Christmas! If you d like to donate a plant, we will recognize it in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Please inform one of the following people by December 12 (also specify if given in-memory-of a lost loved one OR in-honor-of someone special in your life right now): EAST: Peggy Andreason (365-8201) WEST: Sandy Iverson (365-8862) or Cindy Senjem (365-8925) OR Gina at the church office (365-8222). You may also email Gina at east.west@kmtel.com and certainty@kmtel.com 9 Next Week s Readings: Nov. 25: 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Psalm 132:1-12 [13-18], Revelation 1:4b-8, and John 18:33-37 10 HAPPENING TODAY & THIS WEEK 11/18 9:00 am West worship 10:00 am BOTH: JAM/East Sunday school & TLC East coffee hour (College Fund) 10:30 am West members have luncheon to honor Gloria Pew s retirement join us! 11:00 am East worship & communion East supplies cookies to Season s Hospice Mon. 9:00-noon Pastor Paul at office Tue. NO quilting at East Wed. NO class for confirmation Thu. OFFICE CLOSED Happy Thanksgiving Fri. 9:00 am West decorates chapel for the holidays 11/25 9:00 am West worship & communion then during coffee hour West WELCA board meets to distribute funds 10:00 am BOTH: JAM/East Sunday school & TLC East coffee hour (Circle 4) 11:00 am East worship & Baptism of Leonardo Bellrichard COMING UP AT EAST & WEST NOVEMBER: Nov. 27 (Tue.): 10:00 am East quilting/sack lunch Nov. 28 (Wed.): 7:00 pm BOTH - Confirmation class at West Nov. 29 (Thur.): NEWSLETTER VOLUNTEER DAY at office (9:10- print, 9:30-fold, 10:00 collate) DECEMBER: East-9am, Both SS-10am, West-11:00am >>>Gina will be off-work from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 st so please email all info for the January newsletter by Mon., Dec 17 th Dec. 2 (Sun.): BOTH churches celebrate Holy First Communion East Sarah Circle Christmas Brunch please verify No coffee hour at West (chapel will be setup for Advent event)
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT at West in evening Dec. 4 (Tue.): 10:00 am East quilting/sack lunch JOINT Council meeting at EAST with 6:00 pm meeting for each council, then 7:00 pm joint meeting begins Dec. 5 (Wed.): 7:00 pm Advent service at East all confirmation students should attend Dec. 6 (Thur.): 2:00 pm Pastor Paul: worship-prairie Meadows Dec. 8 (Sat.): 10:30 am West WELCA Christmas Luncheon men are welcome too! Dec. 11 (Tue.): 10:00 am East quilting/sack lunch Dec. 12 (Wed.): 7:00 pm Advent service at East all confirmation students should attend Dec. 13 (Thur.): 10:00 am Pastor Paul at K-M pastor s meeting Dec. 15 (Sat.): DEADLINE to submit newsletter info/reports Dec. 16 (Sun.): BOTH HAVE CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS!!! East supplies cookies to Season s Hospice No communion at East (due to program) 9:00 am East Christmas program followed by brunch 11:00 am West Christmas program LIST OF LOCAL & SYNOD EVENTS **See bulletin boards for any posters about these events** Christmas Alive : A Spiritual Walk through the Birth of Christ Nov. 30 (Fri.) 6-8:00 pm at Jim Checkel farm Dec. 1 (Sat.) 6-8:30 pm at Jim Checkel farm Dec. 2 (Sun.): Norwegian Lutefisk & Meatball Buffet at Christ Lutheran Church of Preston, MN. West Prayers: Ardean Bjornson, Boyd Pew, Vicki Lawrence, Bill Tietje (brother of Carma Bjornson), Joanne Larsen (mother of Dan Larsen), Joann Tiegen, Gene Hyland, Robert Beaver, Danny Linbo, Veronica Riniker (mother of Donna Larsen), Philip Senjem, and Matt Miller (nephew of Carma Bjornson and Julie Boyum). CHURCH CONTACT INFORMATION PASTOR Paul Thompson: (Please call before driving to the office.) Cell Phone: 507-273-8504 Email: pthomp821@gmail.com Office hours: Monday and Thursday 9:00 am Noon OR by appointment (Day off-work is Friday) SECRETARY Gina Moser: (Please call before driving to the office.) Office Phone: 507-365-8222 Cell Phone: 507-951-4964 Emails: eastwest@kmtel.com AND certainty@kmtel.com Please send all emails for Gina to both of her email addresses. Office Hours: Tues. & Thursdays 10:00 am-noon OUR WEBSITES: eaststolaf.org OR weststolaf.org OUR JANITORIAL SERVICE: Becky Wilbourne 507-923-5845 COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION: President: Mike Senjem - Home: 365-8166, Cell: 272-6012. Gary Kearns - Home: 206-3158, Cell: 254-5285 Bryan DeCook - Cell: 208-1590 VISITS FOR OUR MEMBERS If you know of anyone who may like a call or visit from the pastor or another member, please contact an East deacon: Rhonda Leighty: 365-8047, Sonya Mansfield: 365-8663 or Glenda Mueller: 696-5753. TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER East Prayers: Emily Nagel (girlfriend of Shultz s grandson), Braxton Raymond (nephew of Shannon Meier), Brenda Exe, Maryann Schultz, Les Severson (son of Carol Severson), Vicki Lawrence, Viola Olson, Steve Jensen, Julie Andreason, Kelly Anderson (friend of Peterson s daughter), Heidi Guenius (cousin of Becky Brakke), Sharon Boelter, Dale Boelter, Bill Fritts, David Distad, Patricia Lee, Sally Iverson, Roland Rivera, Carol Severson, and John Heydt (Pat Nelson s brother). 11 12