HOLY COMMUNION Fifth Sunday in Lent Blessing of candidates for Easter baptism Exploring the promise of God for all Mary anoints Jesus for his burial Sunday, April 7, 2019 10:30 am Choral Eucharist Christ is a way through the wilderness, a river in the desert The Lord our God makes all things new. In the first reading God promises it. In the gospel Mary anticipates it, anointing Jesus feet with costly perfume in preparation for the day of his burial. In the second reading we recall the transformation of Saul, the persecutor, into Paul, the apostle. In baptism, God s new person (you!) rises daily from the deadly mire of trespasses and sins. The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week. GATHERING PRELUDE Variations on O Christ, Thou Lamb of God Max Gulbins, Karl Stiller 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. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presider begins. P Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who gathers us in our wilderness, redeems us, and renews us. P Trusting in the word of life given in baptism, let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. silence is kept for reflection P God at the margins, a We have wandered far from your home; again and again, we lose our way. We turn inward, afraid of the world around us. We give our hearts to others forgetting that it is you who saves us. Do not remember the deeds of our past, but turn our faces toward the future, where your forgiveness is sure, your welcome is clear, and your love overflows. Amen. P Like a hen who gathers her chicks, God embraces you in tender care. Like manna in the desert, God feeds you with surprising mercy. Like a loving parent, - 1 -
God runs to meet you again this day, forgiving your sin for the sake of + Christ, leading you from death into life. PROCESSIONAL HYMN (hymn) 324 In the Cross of Christ I Glory stanzas 2 & 3 in harmony 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. Creator God, you prepare a new way in the wilderness, and your grace waters our desert. Open our hearts to be transformed by the new thing you are doing, that our lives may proclaim the extravagance of your love given to all through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. The presider continues with words of welcome. God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. The prophet declares that long ago the Lord performed mighty deeds and delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage through the waters of the sea. Now, the Lord is about to do a new thing, bringing the exiles out of Babylon and through the wilderness in a new exodus. WORD CHILDREN S WORD Children are invited to come forward; parents are welcome to come with their children. READING Isaiah 43:16-21 The LORD gives water in the wilderness to the chosen people Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20 The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, 21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. a The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Writing to Christians in Philippi, Paul admits that his heritage and reputation could give him more reason than most people to place confidence in his spiritual pedigree. But the overwhelming grace of God in Jesus calls Paul to a new set of values. SECOND READING Philippians 3:4b-14 To know Christ and his resurrection, to share in his sufferings Paul writes to the church at Philippi: If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. - 2 -
7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. The word of the Lord. a Thanks be to God. MUSIC FOR RELFECTION Love Bade Me Welcome from Five Mystical Songs The assembly stands and welcomes the gospel: Ralph Vaughan Williams GOSPEL Mary anoints Jesus for his burial John 12:1-8 Judas willfully misinterprets as waste Mary s extravagant act of anointing Jesus feet with costly perfume. Jesus recognizes that her lavish gift is both an expression of love and an anticipation of his burial. The holy gospel according to Luke. a Glory to you, O Lord. Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor? 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. The gospel of the Lord. a Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON silence for reflection follows the sermon Lord, Thee I Love is one of the gems of Lutheran hymnody. The text, by Martin Schalling (1532-1608) closely resembles Luther s own translation of Psalm 18. Schalling, however, turns the text toward Christ through whom the prayer is made. J. S. Bach s use of the chorale at the end of his St. John Passion is a stroke of genius. By using this hymn sung at countless funerals during Bach s time Christ s death as one of us (Emmanuel) is brought home to his listeners. HYMN OF THE DAY (hymn) 750 Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart stanzas 1 (harmony) & 3 (unison) GIVING OF WORSHIP BOOK AND BLESSING OF CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM (Lent 5) Candidates for baptism in the Easter season or at the Easter Vigil on April 20, 2019 and their sponsors are introduced to the assembly: Paul Knoth, 8 th grade confirmation class, sponsors Alyssa Koester, 7 th grade confirmation class, sponsors Saibiha Weilijiang, Saimina Weilijiang, Rexanne Spicer, Varney Kiazolu, Karen Knox, sponsors - 3 -
Randy Miller, Krista Miller, sponsor Arriona Holmgren, Rosalinda Morales, sponsor Adrian Morales, Rosalinda Morales, sponsor I give my heart to : is an early understanding of the Latin version of the Apostles Creed. APOSTLES CREED (I give my heart) A Let us proclaim the faith that we share: a I GIVE MY HEART TO God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I GIVE MY HEART TO 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 GIVE MY HEART TO 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 Prayer requests may be recorded in the book of prayer concerns in the great room prayer niche Each petition concludes: Lord, in your mercy, a hear our prayer. MEAL God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. PEACE P In Jesus Christ God has made peace with us. 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. Antiphon from Five Mystical Songs Ralph Vaughan Williams Let all the world in every corner sing, My God and King. The heavens are not too high; his praise may thither fly; The earth is not to low, his praises there may grow. The Church with psalms must shout, no door can keep them out. But above all, the heart must bear the longest part. - 4 -
Offertory Prayer A Let us pray together. a God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with the words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The assisting minister pours out the wine. GREAT THANKSGIVING 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 kneeling or standing at the communion rail, as you desire. Please follow the directions of the ushers. 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. Communion Lamb of God (ELW #196) Prayer at the chancel kneelers during communion is always welcomed. I Got Me Flowers Ralph Vaughan Williams I got me flowers to strew thy way; I got me boughs off many a tree: But thou wast up by break of day, and brought st thy sweets along with thee. The Sun arising in the East, though he give light and the East perfume; If they should offer to contest with thy arising, they presume. Can there be any day but this, though many suns to shine endeavor? We count three hundred, but we miss: There is but one, and that one ever. The Call Ralph Vaughan Williams The text of the solo can be found in the pew worship books, hymn # 816. silence for reflection concludes the Communion Prayer after Communion A Let us pray. Tender and merciful one, at your feast, you fed us who brought nothing, turning our emptiness into joy. Filled with your abundant grace, send us now to be ministers of reconciliation, mending broken hearts, working for justice, and striving for peace among all people; through Christ our Lord. POTLUCK TABLE GRACE - 6 -
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. SENDING BLESSING P God, who fills the creation with abundance; Christ, who spreads his arms in forgiveness; Holy Spirit, who draws ever near to us; + bless you and bring you to life everlasting. RECESSIONAL HYMN (hymn) 748 O God in Heaven Following worship coffee or lunch is served in the great room. Brief sanctuary tours will be offered after this service. Meet a docent at the pulpit. DISMISSAL Please face the processional cross for the dismissal. A Go in peace. Christ is with you. a Thanks be to God. The carillon sends the assembly into mission. POSTLUDE Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart Johann Gottfried Walther We welcome back Harrison Hintzsche who served as our baritone section leader last year. Harrison is currently continuing his musical studies at Yale University. WEDNESDAYS IN LENT 12:15 pm Service of Word and Prayer around the Font with member faith story 12:45 pm Lenten soup luncheon 1:00 pm God s Word in our Midst Lectionary Bible Study with the weekend preacher 6:00 pm Creed class 7:00 pm ELW Evening Prayer (Vespers) Portions of the liturgy are from Sundays and Seasons.com 2019 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress liturgies license #26515. - 7 - SERVING TODAY Pastor Peter Nycklemoe The Rev. David Wangaard Zylpha Gregerson Deacon Mark Sedio Jane Lien Harrison Hintzsche Central Choir Sara Masters Rick Johnston Pastor Melissa Pohlman, Pastor Stephanie Friesen Mark Kieffer, Marc Wilson Sabiha Welijan, Samina Welijan, Varney Kiazolu Pastor D. Foy Christopherson Judith Hedman Joan Van Wirt, Restoration Center Volunteers presiding preaching assisting minister cantor/organist associate cantor soloist choir reader crucifer communion ministers sound operators lead ushers for April liturgy director docent hosts & greeters This service is being streamed live on the internet at www.centralmpls.org. Large print service folders, assisted listening devices, and access seating are available to aid your participation in worship. Please inquire with an usher.
Notes on today s music Throughout today s service we hear selections from Five Mystical Songs written by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams between the years 1906 and 1911 on texts by poet George Herbert (1593-1633). Our soloist is Harrison Hintzsche who served as our baritone section leader last year. Harrison, a St. Olaf alumnus continuing his studies at Yale University, has recently sung at Carnegie Hall and, just last evening here in Minneapolis, presented a recital with our current soprano soloist Froya Olson both winners of last year s Grieg Society competition. WELCOME TO CENTRAL You are welcome. No exceptions. Central Lutheran Church experiences God s expansive love and strives to share it abundantly. We affirm all people without regard to age, race, biological sex, housing status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, immigration, refugee or migration status, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, and physical or mental health or ability. All are a part of God s family, created in God s image. We strive to practice radical hospitality with all people. Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in the life of this community of faith as we explore the promise of God for all. Central Lutheran is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. 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. The nursery may be found near the welcome desk. Nursery staff are provided on Sunday mornings. Welcome to the Lord s Table. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome at the Lord s Table. 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. If you are not in a designated access seating area and desire to commune where you are seated, please notify an usher who will direct communion ministers to come and serve you. 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 our 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. WIFI 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. The ministries and mission of Central Lutheran are supported by givers like you. Questions? Contact the church office at 612-870-4416. - 8 -