500th Anniversary of the Reformation Commemoration Service Western Iowa and Nebraska Synods 24 October 29, 2017 St. John s Catholic Church, Omaha
*Please stand as you are able GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. PRELUDE Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne Prelude on "A Mighty Fortress" Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice Now Thank We All Our God *THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM Dietrich Buxtehude Jay Hilfiger J. S. Bach Vaclav Nelhybel In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Special thanks to: The Archdiocese of Omaha for use of this beautiful space for today s commemoration. Immanuel for providing the funding for today s event. Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism. We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all. We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. *GATHERING SONG: A Mighty Fortress is Our God Please join us immediately following the service for a time of fellowship in the hall located in the basement of St. John s Church. An elevator is available through the exit in the Northwest (front left) corner of the sanctuary. Ushers will direct you to both interior and exterior stairways to the basement. All Low Voices High Voices All 2 23
Assisting in Worship Organist/Pianist: Mark Kurtz Brass: Lord of Love Lutheran Church Children s Choir Director: Jodie Hankins Children s Choir Accompanist: Robin High Adult Choir Director: Marty Wheeler Burnett Master of Ceremonies: Rev. Ashley Hall Readers: Rev. Sergio Amaya, Patricia Minchin, Mercy Ndosi Shoo Assisting Minister/Cantor: Rev. Paula Lawhead Ecumenical partners: Canon Tim Anderson, ecumenical officer, Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska The Rev Robert Keefer, stated clerk, Missouri Valley Presbytery (PCUSA) The Rev Scott Jones, Sr Minister, First Central Congregational Church (UCC) The Rev Ryan Lewis, Archdiocese of Omaha Preacher: Bishop Rodger Prois, Western Iowa Synod Presider: Bishop Brian Maas, Nebraska Synod Thank you to the Greeters, Ushers, Communion Assistants, Crucifer, Acolytes, Banner Bearer, Gift Presenters and Sound/light technicians who assisted with this service. 22 Used with permission. All rights reserved, OneLicense A-723746. 3
*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 2 3 4 Used with permission. All rights reserved. OneLicense A-723746 *DISMISSAL Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE All Creatures of Our God and King Vaclav Nelhybel Liturgical text and music reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS027327. All other music reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-723746. All readings are from the 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. 4 21
*TABLE BLESSING May this meal nourish us and refresh us, may it strengthen us and renew us, may it unite us and keep us in God s gracious love, now and forever. Amen *PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray. 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 and justice to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer. Amen. *BLESSING SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. God, creator of all things, speaking reformation into being; Jesus Christ, savior of the world, raising the dead; Holy Spirit, living voice, calling and enlightening the church: Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. *CANTICLE OF PRAISE *SENDING SONG: We Are Marching in the Light: Siyahamba 1 20 5
COMMUNION HYMN: The Church's One Foundation *PRAYER OF THE DAY Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. CHILDREN S CHOIR Amani Utupe (Grant Us Peace, Give Us Courage) Patsy Ford Simms 6 Public Domain 19
COMMUNION HYMN: Thy Holy Wings WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. FIRST READING: Jeremiah 31:31-34 The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. SECOND READING: Romans 3:19-28 Paul s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ. Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For no human being will be justified in his sight by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. Used with permission. All rights reserved. OneLicense A-723746 18 21 But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to prove at the present time that he 7
himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. COMMUNION HYMN: Beautiful Savior Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. One of the seven total volumes of the Heritage Edition of the Saint John s Bible is being used for today s Service. The Heritage Edition is a unique, full-size reproduction of the Saint John s Bible a monumental work of sacred art commissioned by Saint John s Abbey and University of Collegeville, Minnesota in 1998. Completed in 2011, this beautiful, handwritten, hand-illuminated Bible was created by renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson and a team of scribes, artists, theologians, and scholars. This Heritage Edition of the Saint John s Bible is currently on loan to Creighton University from Michael McCarthy, chair of the Creighton Board of Trustees, and his wife, Nancy. You are welcome to view the Bible after the Service, along with representatives from the Creighton University Archives who will be available to answer questions. *GOSPEL ACCLAMATION *GOSPEL: John 8:31-36 The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin. Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. 33 They answered him, We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, You will be made 8 Public Domain 17
*INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come to the banquet, for all is now ready. DISTRIBUTION Please come forward as you are directed by the ushers. If you prefer grape juice or a gluten free wafer those are available at the stations positioned at the farthest left and farthest right in the front of the sanctuary. Worship leaders and clergy will be served at the two stations positioned behind the altar. If you have any questions please ask an usher for directions. If you are unable to come forward for communion please let an usher know and communion will be brought to you. free? 34 Jesus answered them, Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON *HYMN OF THE DAY: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word COMMUNION HYMN: Lamb of God COMBINED CHOIR I Build on God s Strong Word (Allein auf Gottes Wort) Johann Walther Public Domain 16 9
*NICENE 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. 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. Amen. *PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Lord of hosts, in Jesus Christ you enter our midst even now so that we might know and trust that your church shall not be shaken. In this tumultuous time of change for our church, we ask your blessing upon the Nebraska and Western Iowa 10 Remembering his death, we cry out Amen. Amen. Celebrating his resurrection, we shout Amen. Amen. Trusting his presence in every time and place, we plead Amen. Amen. Come, Holy Spirit, and make here the body of Christ. Breathe onto this food, that it bring us your life. Empower your Reformation people throughout the world to preach and teach, baptize and feed, pray and sing, comfort and heal. By your Spirit, preserve what is faithful; reform what we treasure; create in us what is vital and new. We honor you, now and forever. We honor you, now and forever. O God before time, O God at the end, Father, Son, and Spirit, we laud you, Covenant Lord, our Redeemer, the Strength of truth. Glory and praise, blessing and worship, honor and power and might be to you, our God, forever and ever. Amen. *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. Amen. 15
*EUCHARISTIC PRAYER O God before time, O God at the end, we delight in the splendor of your universe. Daily we laud your continuing creation, and we give thanks for all the homelands of your Reformation people. We glorify you, now and forever. We glorify you, now and forever. O God of the covenant, O God of the church, we hear you speaking to centuries of your people. We come as your children to this table, and we give thanks for your presence among Lutheran congregations around the world. We praise you, now and forever. We praise you, now and forever. You gave us Mary and Magdalene, Peter and Paul, Luther and Melanchthon and countless other servants of the Reformation. And all generations among all people, you have sent witnesses to the reforming power of your Spirit We bless you, now and forever. We bless you, now and forever. You came as Jesus, our wisdom, our guide, embodying forgiveness, granting us grace, setting us free, dying for sin, and alive for the life of the world. We worship you, now and forever. We worship you, now and forever. 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. 14 Synods to equip congregations, rostered ministers, and lay leaders with gifts and tools to adapt to these changes. Give us faith, hope, and courage as we work together to continue in your word and follow as your disciples. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Most High God, the earth exalts you! We marvel at the wonders of your works throughout all creation. Help us in the midst of our busy lives to be still and know that you are God. Inspire us to work toward better stewardship of all that you have made. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. God of glory, we confess that all of us have sinned and fallen short. As we celebrate the gifts of our Reformation history, we also confess those things that keep us divided. We thank you that through your Son Jesus Christ, you set us free from sin to live in your household forever. Especially we thank you for our ecumenical partners. Unite us in faith through your son, and continue to work through us for greater unity in your Church. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Lord God, you write on our hearts a new covenant so that we all might know you, from the least to the greatest of us. Forgive us when we neglect the needs of those most vulnerable, and move us toward greater love for the least among us. We pray for the many social services ministries and agencies of our church. In particular, we pray for Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Lutheran Services of Iowa, and Catholic Charities of Omaha. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. God, our refuge and strength, we pray for peace in our world. Comfort those who are suffering, give courage to those who work for justice, and raise up wise leaders who work for the common good. We lift in prayer those people, situations, and places that are on our hearts at this time, whether spoken aloud or in silence (names may be spoken at this time). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Heavenly Father, thank you for making us your children through the gift of baptism. We thank you for the witness of Martin Luther and other reformers who inspire us to trust in your baptismal promises. We look forward with assurance to living with all your saints in your household forever. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your presence with us always, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. *PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. 11
MEAL God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. *THE GREAT THANKSGIVING OFFERING (Recipients: Catholic Charities of Omaha, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and Lutheran Services in Iowa.) Please make checks payable to the Nebraska Synod with Reformation in the memo line. OFFERTORY Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Dale Wood Combined Choir *OFFERING SONG: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful It is Indeed right our duty and our joy *HOLY, HOLY, HOLY *OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen. 12 13