St. Paul s Lutheran Church Crossroads (ELCA) PO Box 394, Batesville, IN 47006 Office Phone: 812.934.3970 Pastor Creighton s Cell: 812.655.4616 E-mail: stpauls.crossroads@gmail.com Pastor Creighton s e-mail: creighton.leptakjr@gmail.com Sunday, January 6, 2019 Epiphany of Our Lord Holy Communion Epiphany means manifestation. On this day we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles that is, to all nations. Some Christian traditions celebrate three great epiphanies on this day: the magi s adoration of the Christ child, Jesus baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle, in which he changes water into wine. The word and sacraments are for us the great epiphany of God s grace and mercy. We go forth to witness to the light that shines brightly in our midst.
Let your guard down, Let God in, Be among friends WELCOME... We are privileged to have you as our guest in the Lord s house this morning. We pray that the time you share with us will be meaningful for you and that God will bless you through it. If you have a question that is not answered here, please don t hesitate to ask someone around you. Registry: Please take time to complete the registry/attendance sheet found in the pew in the black folder at the center aisle. It is important to us that we know who is worshipping with us today. Thank you. Worship: This booklet is our order of worship for today. Hymns are found in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnals located in the racks on the back of the pew in front of you. Everything else is printed in this booklet. Our worship includes Holy Communion. As Christians in the Lutheran heritage, we believe that our Lord Jesus is physically present in, with, and under the bread and wine we receive. However, if you believe that Jesus body and blood were given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins, you are welcome to commune with us, regardless of your faith background. A white grape juice is available at the center of the tray for those who do not wish to receive wine. Gluten-free wafers are available for those with gluten sensitivity. If you desire to receive communion but are unable to come forward to the communion rail, inform the usher of such and communion will be brought to you.... WE RE GLAD YOU RE HERE! 2
Ministers: The people of St. Paul s Lutheran Church - Crossroads Pastor: Pastor Creighton Greeters: Tim and Debbie Mack Accompanist: Sheryl Harmeyer Acolytes: Lexi Allison and Madelyn Bohman Assisting Minister: Laura Nicholson Reader: Adam Mack Communion Assistant: Gene Krieger Sound System: Gena Mack Offering Counters: Gene Krieger and Larry Siebert Altar Committee: Alvin and Sheryl Harmeyer PRELUDE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who shines in glory, clothes us in compassion, and bears gifts of mercy for all. Amen. Let us confess our sins with confidence in God s promise of forgiveness. Silence is kept for reflection. God, wonderful counselor, we confess that we have turned from your gifts and chosen our own way. We have not made room for you in our hearts or in our world. We have lived in fear; we have not welcomed the stranger; we desire gifts that will not endure. Forgive us our sins, known and unknown, and open us to receive the peace of Jesus dwelling in and among us. Amen. 3
God s lovingkindness has appeared to us in Christ our Savior. We are saved, not by anything we have done, but by God s mercy poured out on us richly. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Through the Spirit living in you, God give you faith to trust Jesus, who is Love born for you, now and always. Amen. GATHERING SONG: As with Gladness Men of Old ELW 302 GREETING The presiding minister and assembly greet one another. God who sent the Light into our world, God who shone in the Bethlehem manger, God who spreads the Spirit s rays, be with you all. And also with you. EPIPHANY DIALOGUE (led by Assisting Minister) We give thanks on this holy day, adorned with epiphanies: for the star that led the magi to the manger, that the nations may see the light of Christ; for the water turned to wine at Cana s wedding, that the people taste the goodness of the Lord; for the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan, that the Christ would save us all. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia. 4
CANTICLE OF PRAISE ELW pp. 176-7 PRAYER OF THE DAY: The presiding minister leads the prayer of the day. Let us pray. O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 5
The assembly is seated. FIRST READING: Isaiah 60:1-6 Jerusalem is assured that nations will make a pilgrimage to her, because the light of God s presence is in her midst. The bountiful food of the sea and the profits of international trade will come streaming to Jerusalem and thereby declare God s praise. A reading from the sixtieth chapter of Isaiah. 1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 6
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 The psalm is read responsively by verse. 1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the king s son; 2 that he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice; 3 that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. 4 Let him defend the needy among the people, rescue the poor, and crush the oppressor. 5 May he live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another. 6 Let him come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth. 7 In his time may the righteous flourish; and let there be an abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. 10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles pay tribute, and the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. 11 May all kings bow down before him, and all the nations do him service. 12 For the king delivers the poor who cry out in distress, the oppressed, and those who have no helper. 13 He has compassion on the lowly and poor, and preserves the lives of the needy. 14 From oppression and violence he redeems their lives, and precious is their blood in his sight. SECOND READING: Ephesians 3:1-12 What had been hidden from previous generations is now made known through the gospel ministry of Paul and others. In Christ both Jews and Gentiles participate in the richness of God s promised salvation. A reading from the third chapter of Ephesians. 7
1 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The assembly stands to acclaim the gospel. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ELW p. 124 8
GOSPEL: Matthew 2:1-12 God s promise shines bright in the night as magi follow a star to honor a new king. Strangers from a faraway land, they welcome the long-awaited messiah of Israel. The holy gospel according to St. Matthew, the second verse. Glory to you, O Lord. 1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON The assembly stands to proclaim the word of God in song. 9
HYMN OF THE DAY: The First Noel ELW 300 APOSTLES 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 The assisting minister leads the assembly in prayer. Dwelling in the presence of God with us, let us boldly pray for the church, the world, and all in any need. A brief silence Drawn into the light of God, we pray for the proclamation of the grace of Jesus Christ. Give us courage and boldness to go forth into the world to tell the good news of what God has done. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. 10
Drawn into the glory of creation, we pray for the earth. Sustain every living thing with abundant resources, clean water, and sustainable harvests. Help us to steward all that you have provided. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Drawn into the brightness of God s presence, we pray for the nations of the world. Reveal your compassion and peace for the sake of all who live in the shadow of oppression, violence, and fear. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Drawn into the light of healing mercy, we pray for all who wait for healing and relief of suffering, especially those listed in the bulletin and prayer book, and those we name aloud or in our hearts at this time. Give us hope in the promise of new life where pain and suffering will be no more. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Drawn into the dawn of a new day, we pray for the ongoing reconciliation between people. Make us bold to name sin in our lives and unite us in the promise of forgiveness and mercy. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Drawn into the promise of everlasting light, we pray for those who mourn and give thanks for all the saints who now rest in the brightness of God s presence. Make us confident in our worship as we reflect the light of God with eternal praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray and all for whom we have forgotten or neglected to pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. PEACE The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may say, "Peace be with you," or similar words. 11
The assembly is seated. OFFERING An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. After the offering is gathered, the assembly stands as the gifts are brought forward. OFFERING SONG: This Little Light of Mine ELW 677 OFFERING PRAYER After the table is set, the assisting minister leads a prayer. Let us pray together. Holy God, your beauty shines forth from the manger and your love flows from the cross. As you gather us around these signs of your love come among us, warm us to extend your care among the hungry and all in need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. DIALOGUE ELW p. 144 12
PREFACE It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY ELW p. 130 13
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER The presiding minister continues. You are indeed holy, Almighty and merciful God. You are most holy, And great is the majesty of your glory. 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. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. LORD'S PRAYER 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. 14
INVITATION TO COMMUNION The presiding minister addresses the assembly in invitation. The assembly is seated. All are welcome at Christ s table! If you are a visitor and receive communion at your home church, you are invited to do so here. Everyone is invited to receive communion or a blessing. COMMUNION SONG ELW p. 135 COMMUNION When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. and each person may respond Amen. 15
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION After Holy Communion has been distributed, the assembly stands and the presiding minister may say: The body and blood of our risen Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. SONG AFTER COMMUNION: ELW 814 PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION: The assisting minister leads the assembly in prayer after communion. Let us pray. God of wonder, in Jesus we behold the light of the world come near. As you have come among us now, send us out in joy, hastening to share the good news of your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit dwelling among us now and forever. Amen. 16
BLESSING The presiding minister proclaims God s blessings. God the Creator who delights in you, Jesus the Savior who is born for you, and the lifegiving Spirit who shines on you, bless you and keep you in hope and peace. Amen. SENDING SONG: Brightest and Best of the Stars ELW 303 DISMISSAL The assisting minister sends the assembly into mission. Go in peace. Share the joy of Christ. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE We remember in Prayer: Chris Meyer Aaron Nicholson Art and Karen Salvitti Leon Siebert Todd Siebert Marlin and Julia Siebert Nicole Christie (Receptionist at BMS) Cheryl Strouse (BMS Principal's wife) Ryan Westerfeld (Dennis and Andrea s nephew) Patsy Holdsworth (Friend of Dennis and Andrea) Michael Gibson (Marilyn Gausman s son) Melody Briner (Marilyn Gausman s daughter) Kasey Hester (friend of Marilyn Gausman s son Michael) Ruth Booster (wife of former pastor) Lois Bastien Brown (Tim Salvitti s grandmother-in-law) Marie Dierckman (Ginny Low s mother) 17
Steve Gookins (Friend of Les & Martha Kessens and Dennis & Andrea Westerfeld) Leonard (husband of Lisa Gausman s friend) George Lerose (Art Salvitti's brother-in-law) Stella Long (Marilyn Gausman s sister-in-law) Tessa Mayer (wife of Wanda Siebert s principal) Nate McClintic (Spouse of Debbie Mack s co-worker) Bekah Netherton (daughter of Debbie Mack s friend) Erin Newcomb (Hauser HS student) Ronnie Nicholson (Darrell's brother) Barry Norman (Lisa Gausman s former principal) Carol Rayve (Karen Salvitti's mother) Ted Rayve (Karen Salvitti s brother) Beverly Richardson (Laura Nicholson s mother) Kristina Salvitti (Art s daughter) Gary Schopmeyer (friend of Anita and Bob Krieger) Charlie Seibert (friend of Anita and Bob Krieger) John Ward (Eunice Sisson s brother-in-law) Jasmine Westerfeld (Sharon Brown s great-granddaughter) Melinda Wilson (wife of Ben Wilson) anyone affected by natural disasters, warfare and violence all who serve in the military Honored Members: Allen and Mary Lou Narwold Bill Westerfeld Our members at St. Andrew's: Julia Siebert Ruth Thackery Our Partner Churches: Taiwan Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Milan Today: Happy New Year! And a blessed Epiphany Sunday and season! We have come to worship the King, just as the wise men did so long ago. Welcome. Plan to stay after worship for the Unhanging of the Greens. Many hands make light work! Devotionals for the winter quarter are available in the narthex. There are large print and youth/family ones as well as regular print. 18
This Week: Office Hours Monday Pr. Creighton s office hours Monday Thursday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Monday Leisure Ladies 1:00 PM Church Council meeting 6:30 PM Tuesday SEIC Clergy meeting 10:00 AM Wednesday M rita Moms 6:15 PM 1 st Year Confirmation 6:30 8:00 PM Friday Sunday Youth Quake in Cincinnati Sunday - Sunday School 9:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM Upcoming Events / Announcements: We need volunteers to serve on the Altar Committee for several months. You may sign up for a few Sundays or an entire month. The time needed is minimal and can be done as a family service project. Please consider assisting with this church ministry. February is Crossroads month to assist at the Food Pantry. We are asking for 6 people to help each week. Please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Need a good home One of the stoves from the basement for a donation. Please see Susan Narwold or Carol Siebert if you are interested. 19
A generous benefactor has issued a challenge to the St. Paul s-crossroads community for matching funds. As you are all aware, this month we will begin renovating the church kitchen. It has become clear that many pieces of cookware, cooking utensils, serving ware, linens, and other essential tools are in desperate of replacement. In light of this need, a gracious member of the congregation has stepped forward with a matching gift challenge to raise the needed funds to help make the new kitchen more functional. The benefactor will match dollar for dollar up to $2000 the monies required to acquire these new items. In prayerful discernment, let us not allow this generosity to go unappreciated and unused. Funds for this matching challenge will be collected throughout January. Please place Kitchen Challenge on the memo line of your check or the outside of an envelope if giving cash. Once again, each dollar given will be matched up to $2000! Attention all soup cookers & eaters!! The DLYO is again sponsoring Souper Bowl of Caring this year on February 3rd with their annual soup cookoff. Enter to win a one-of-a-kind trophy and bragging rights for the most delicious restaurant-worthy soup. If cooking isn't your thing, then tasting must be! Come join us at 11 am on Sunday, February 3rd to cast your vote on your favorite bowl of hot goodness. DLYO will also be collecting cans of soup and monetary donations now until the end of February. Help us reach our goals of $500 and 250lbs of soup! From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS002444. 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. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Take, Oh, Take Me As I Am is reprinted with permission under One License A-725344. All rights reserved. 20