Christ the King 25th Sunday after Pentecost November 26, 2017 Christus Victor Lutheran Church 9833 Harford Road Parkville, MD 21234 (410) 668-8089 Web Site: Christusvictoronline.org Email: office@christusvictoronline.org 1
In keeping with our Mission Statement of "Uniting in Christ, Growing in Faith, Serving in love, and Sharing the Good News, WE welcome you to Christus Victor and we are blessed that you are spending time with us in worship. Theme: On this final Sunday of the church year our gospel is Jesus great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet awaiting the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds. PARTICIPANTS LAY ASSISTANT: JoAnne Velten LAY READER: Kathi Peck ACOLYTE: USHERS: Todd Hieber, Phil Biedronski JR. USHER: ALTAR GUILD: Mathias Hieber JoAnn Velten, Andrea Zahirsky, Virginia McCurdy 2
Christ the King 25th Sunday after Pentecost November 26, 2017 ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE: Prelude in D major, J.K. Fischer GATHERING P. God call us to: Unite in Christ, Grow in Faith, Serve in Love, and Share the Good news. *CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. P. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. A. Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we 3
may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen. P. In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 4
*GATHERING SONG (ELW 430) 5
*GREETING P. 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. 6
*PRAYER OF THE DAY P. Let us pray. O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. WORD FIRST READING: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 A reading from Ezekiel. Since Israel s kings proved to be bad shepherds, Ezekiel declares that the Lord will assume the role of shepherd in Israel. The Lord will also set over them a shepherd-messiah, my servant David, who will feed and care for the people. 11 Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. 20 Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, 22 I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. 7
23 I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. PSALM: Psalm 95:1-7a We are the people of God s pasture and the sheep of God s hand. (Ps. 95:7) 1 Come, let us sing to the LORD; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before God s presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to the LORD with psalms. 3 For you, LORD, are a great God, and a great ruler a- bove all gods. 4 In your hand are the caverns of the earth; the heights of the hills are also yours. 5 The sea is yours, for you made it, and your hands have molded the dry land. 6 Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7a For the LORD is our God, and we are the people of God s pasture and the sheep of God s hand. SECOND READING: Ephesians 1:15-23 A reading from Ephesians. In this passage, God is praised for revealing ultimate divine power in raising Jesus from the dead. The resurrected, exalted Christ is Lord both of the church and the entire universe, now and in the age to come. 15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope 8
to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. *GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 188) *GOSPEL: Matthew 25:31-46 The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. 9
Jesus compares himself to a king who moves among his subjects to see how he is treated: what is done for the least of those who belong to his family is truly done for him. [Jesus said to the disciples:] 31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. 37 Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? 40 And the king will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me. 41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. 44 Then they also will answer, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you? 45 Then he will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. YOUNG PEOPLE'S MESSAGE SERMON 10
*HYMN OF THE DAY (ELW 666) 11
*CREED 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 INTERCESSION A. Welcoming God s reign of righteousness and mercy, let us pray with people of every time and place. A. Almighty God, your merciful rule encompasses all the world. As we gather for worship in safety, we pray for places where the church is persecuted. Watch over your people as they witness to your good news. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. A. Give bountiful pastures, safety, and health to herds, livestock, and all animals. May our care for all of your creation reflect your shepherding love for all that you have made. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 12
A. We pray for international organizations that shine your light in places of strife (especially). Lead relief and aid workers, leaders and volunteers to seek the lost and provide safety. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. A. Bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, abused, or ill (especially). Give wisdom to counselors, doctors, nurses, and all in professions that provide healing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. A. Shepherd your churches to welcome the stranger and immigrant in our midst. Call all your people to welcome, clothe, feed, and visit those in need just as you have provided for the lost and despairing throughout the ages. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. A. Give us the hope to which you call us, our glorious inheritance with all your saints. Enrich our lives with the faith and vision of those saints who have died (especially). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. P. Receive these prayers and the hopes and concerns of our hearts, O God, as we entrust into your loving care all for whom we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. MEAL OFFERING CHOIR ANTHEM: All Creatures of Our God and King, Audrey Snyder 13
*PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS *OFFERING PRAYER A. Let us pray. Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth. Day by day you shower us with blessings. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us glad and generous hearts, ready to praise you and to respond to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 14
*GREAT THANKSGIVING *DIALOGUE P. The Lord be with you. And also with you. P. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. *PREFACE It is indeed right, our duty and our joy we praise your name and join their unending hymn: *HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (ELW p. 190) 15
*THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. *LORD S PRAYER Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray. 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. *INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come to the banquet, for all is now ready. COMMUNION 16
COMMUNION SONG (ELW p. 191) 17
COMMUNION HYMN (ELW 592) 18
*P. The body and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in His Grace. Amen. *PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION A. Let us pray. A. Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son s resurrection, that we may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. SENDING *BLESSING Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. 19
SENDING SONG (ELW 434) 20
*DISMISSAL Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God. A. God calls us to: Unite in Christ, Grow in Faith, Serve in Love, and Share the Good News! POSTLUDE: Trumpet Tune, Henry Purcell From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Care & Concern List John Bakie Alfred Ebrado Narciso Gabriel Sheila Hartzell Samantha Kimbler Tom & Marti Mabry* Lt. Jordan Miller Elaine Myers John Ruby* Mildred Taylor* Kathy Ternent Rev. Jack Trautwein Laura Young *member of CVLC Names remain on the prayer list for 4 weeks. Please contact the Church Office 410.668.8089, or office@christusvictoronline.org to request a longer listing. Homebound Members: Kay Diggs Jean Doty Gloria Forrester Betty & Frank Hines Mabel Meinhardt Elizabeth Raines Linda Walck George Warren Ruby Wilt Attendance: 11/917: 8:30 39; 11:00-37 Count Our Blessings: 11/19/17 - $3,610.00 Thank you for your generous support! Christ Flowers: In Loving Memory of my Dad, DeLeon Sheppard, given by Irene Ruby In Loving Memory of my best friend, Harvey Cook, given by Irene Ruby 21
Chancel Flowers: None This Week The 2017 Flower Book is available in the Narthex. In order to defray the cost of flowers, we are increasing the price to $20.00. Once again, we will offer Chancel flowers for $20.00. Please remember Christus Victor Lutheran Church in your will. Congregation Council meeting minutes for October are available in the Narthex & on the Council bulletin board in the fellowship hall. Pastor's Schedule: Monday: Planning/Office hours Tuesday: Pastor Visitations Wednesday: Teleconference Thursday: Office hours Friday: Pastor's Day Off Office Hours: This is intentional time set aside for Pastoral Care type meetings, other meetings that may need to occur i.e. Worship and Music, Stewardship Cmte, Finance Cmte, etc. There will be meetings of various committees and planned leadership meetings that will occur in the evenings. Also, pastoral care meetings can be scheduled in the evenings to accommodate work schedules. Emergencies will also be priority. On the third Wednesday of every month, the LMS comes to Christus Victor to pick up any donations from the congregation. Please leave any donations in the fellowship hall behind the coat rack and label your items LMS. The next pickup date is Dec. 20th. 22
Have ideas to help show God s love? Please E-mail them to victorsstew@gmail.com. NOVEMBER FOOD DRIVE FOR VICTOR VITTLES Challenge for Christus Victor Sunday School Each week bring in items for the Victor Vittles Food Drive to your classroom. When we reach 200 items together, Win a Donut Breakfast for Sunday, December 3rd!! Each week we will update the status on our bulletin board to let you know how we are doing! I know we can work together to meet or exceed our goal and help the people at Victor Vittles. Teachers, each week, will count the items then have the children take to the Fellowship Hall to put in the bins. Advise Sandy of the amount of items each week. Thank you. MARK YOUR CALENDAR Nov. 28 - Christus Comforters 9:30 AM Nov. 28 Cottage Meeting 7:00 PM Nov. 28 PCRC 7:00 PM Dec. 3 Advent Social Dec. 11 WELCA 10:00 AM Dec. 11 Church Council 7:00 PM Dec. 19 PCRC 7:00 PM Dec. 20 LMS Pickup Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 9:00 PM VICTOR S VITTLES: December 2 Carol Stansbury, Howard Stansbury Sandy Petrovich (C) Driver Pick-up December 1 Tom & Ginny McCurdy Happy Birthday Wishes: November 26 Merle Vogel; November 28 Nicole Bruneau, Mallory Duncan; November 30 Mathias Hieber Happy Anniversary Wishes: None this Week 23
For Victor s Vittles Food Pantry Christus Victor Lutheran Church 9833 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21234 410-668-8089 Serving zip code areas 21234, 21236, 21286 November 1-30 Please bring donations to Victor s Vittles on Saturdays 9-11:30 am. or to Church Mon-Fri 9-1pm. when I have food, help me to remember the hungry 24
FOR THE HOLIDAYS CARD MAKING EVENT and POT LUCK LUNCH Sunday, December 3rd following the 11AM service Please join us for a quick pot luck lunch. Bring soup, sandwiches or salad to share. Then the MAGIC will begin as together we design Christmas Cards and Greetings. Together we can give the gift of hope. Thousands of women, children, and men in the United States are among the sixty-five million refugees and migrants in the world who have been forced from their homes by war and other atrocities. Many are isolated and lonely in far-flung detention centers. Many others are in our community, perhaps in our neighborhood. Also, we will make cards for our own sick and homebound members. Depending on participation and time we could also make cards for our Veterans and Service men and women. This is a great opportunity for members of any age to work together, side by side. We have supplies for the cards, but you are welcome to bring your own. THERE WILL BE A SIGN-UP SHEET IN THE NARTHEX. PLEASE SIGN UP ASAP! 25
Congregation Council Sharon Simpkins, President 410.661.7568 Michael Schumann, VP/Finance 410.665.0702 Linda Meyer, Secretary 410.215.0356 Helen Tennant, Treasurer/Property 410.661.0686 Kathy Krause, Evangelism 410.529.7083 Adam Wilson, BOLD Stewardship 240.520.0085 Todd Hieber, Administration 410.591.0986 Pat Eichner, Worship & Music 410.668.5345, Mutual Ministry Cheryl Fidler, Christian Education 410.879.1568 Diane Frederick, Social Ministry 410.882.1402 Church Contacts Pastor: Pastor Christopher Litton 443.517.9890 pastorlitton@gmail.com Dir.of Music/ Taylor Armstrong 410.340.6595 Children s Choir: Parish Admin.: tsarmstrong@gmail.com Sharon Ibex office@christusvictoronline.org Office Phone: 410.668.8089 Council President Sharon Simpkins 410.661.7568 sherrylsimpkins@gmail.com Sunday School Superintendent: Sandy Petrovich 410.444.7947 Oakleaf Editor: Kathie Nichols 410.592.7942 knbnichols@yahoo.com Victor s Vittles: Pat Eichner 410.668.5345 Financial Sec.: Diane Earnest 410.760.8406 Asset Acc t. Mgr. Chad Roeder 443.690.0888 WELCA: Virginia McCurdy 410.665.9499 JoAnn Velten 410.254.2814 Altar Guild: JoAnn Velten 410.254.2814 Ushers: Chad Roeder 443.690.0888 Youth Group: Gordon Krause 410.529.7083 26