LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 21, 2018
WELCOME! We are delighted to have you worshiping with us today. We pray that you find strength, security, and fellowship with God and with one another. If you are a first time visitor, we invite you to complete a CARE card found in the pew and place it in the offering plate. While you are here with us, please make yourself at home! If you have any questions about Nativity or its ministries, please contact the Church Office at 684-0352. TONIGHT BEGINNING AT 5:00PM Nativity is in a time of pastoral transition, which presents our congregation with the opportunity to prepare for the future. We are beginning to prepare for the call process, a journey of discernment that will lead to calling our eventual Senior Pastor. The first step in this process is an event called the Congregational Study. We will gather together in the Fellowship Hall for a simple meal and the opportunity to gather around tables and have conversations that will provide information needed for the call process. We will talk about our needs for ministry, our congregation's history, and our vision for the future. This process will be led by Bishop Tim Smith (NC Synod, ELCA). RSVP s accepted until 2PM today! Sign up at the Welcome Desk or call the Church Office at 684-0352.
PRELUDE Peace Piece - Bill Evans CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: Blessed be the Holy Trinity, the one who fashions us, the one who heals us, the one who reforms us again and again. C: Amen. P: Let us confess our sin, praying for God's transforming power. Silence for reflection and self-examination. P: Source of all life, C: we confess that we have not allowed your grace to set us free. We fear that we are not good enough, even when you make us welcome. We hear your word of love freely given to us, yet we expect others to earn it. We turn your church inward, rather than moving it outward. Forgive us. Stir us. Reform us to be a church powered by love, willing to speak for what is right, act for what is just, and seek the healing of your whole creation. Amen. P: God hears our cry and sends the Spirit to change us and to empower our lives in the world. By God s grace, our sins are forgiven, God s love is unconditional, and we are raised up as God s people who will always be made new, in the name of Jesus Christ. C: Amen ENTRANCE HYMN As Saints of Old ELW 695 1 As saints of old their firstfruits brought of orchard, flock, and field to God, the giver of all good, the source of bounteous yield; so we today firstfruits would bring, the wealth of this good land, of farm and market, shop and home, of mind and heart and hand. 3 In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today to serve your cause and share your love with all along life's way. O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ your Son, teach us to give ourselves each day until life's work is done. 2 A world in need now summons us to labor, love, and give; to make our life an offering to God, that all may live. The church of Christ is calling us to make the dream come true: a world redeemed by Christ-like love; all life in Christ made new.
APOSTOLIC GREETING P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you. KYRIE ELW 157 In peace, in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. For the reign of God, and for peace throughout the world, for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. For your people here who have come to give you praise, for the strength to live your word, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Help, save, and defend us, O God. Amen. HYMN OF PRAISE Now the Feast ELW 167 Refrain Now the feast and celebration, all of creation sings for joy to the God of life and love and freedom; praise and glory forevermore! 1 Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain, whose blood has freed and united us to be one great people of God. Refrain 2 Power and riches, wisdom and might, all honor and glory to Christ forever. Refrain 3 For God has come to dwell with us, to make us people of God; to make all things new. Refrain PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Let us pray Sovereign God, C: you turn your greatness into salvation for all people. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. CHILDREN S MESSAGE AND CHILDREN S WORD TIME
TEMPLE TALK Stewardship for All Seasons FIRST READING Isaiah 53:1-12 Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account. 4 Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 8 By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. 9 They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the LORD shall prosper. 11 Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. L: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. SECOND READING Hebrews 5:1-10 1 Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; 3 and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. 4 And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, You are my Son, today I have begotten you ; 6 as he says also in another place, You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. L: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION P: The Holy Gospel according to Mark the 10 th Chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord. GOSPEL Mark 10:32-45 They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; 34 they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again. 35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you. 36 And he said to them, What is it you want me to do for you? 37 And they said to him, Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory. 38 But Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 They replied, We are able. Then Jesus said to them, The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. 41 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42 So Jesus called them and said to them, You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Gregg Hoffman HYMN OF THE DAY Will You Let Me Be Your Servant ELW 659 1 Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too. 2 We are pilgrims on a journey, we are trav'lers on the road; we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. 4 I will weep when you are weeping; when you laugh I'll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through. 5 Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you? Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too. 3 I will hold the Christ-light for you in the nighttime of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear. APOSTLES CREED A: Together with sisters and brothers across the world, we profess the faith we share: C: 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 A: Freed by God in Christ to live and love and serve, we pray for the church, those in need, and all of God s beloved creation. Each petition concludes with: A: Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer. The prayers conclude: P: Into your wide embrace, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your boundless mercy through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. C: Amen. PEACE P: The peace of Christ be with you always. C: And also with you. OFFERING MUSIC 8:30 Prelude in D - Frederic Chopin 11:00 When the Poor Ones - Miguel Manzano Nativity Choir OFFERTORY As the Grains of Wheat ELW 465 Refrain As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill were gathered into one to become our bread; so may all your people from all the ends of earth be gathered into one in you. 1 As this cup of blessing is shared within our midst, may we share the presence of your love. Refrain OFFERTORY PRAYER 2 Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come when all creation shares this feast with you. Refrain A: Let us pray Merciful God, C: everything in heaven and earth belongs to you. We joyfully release what you have entrusted to us. May these gifts be signs of our whole lives returned to you, dedicated to the healing and unity of all creation, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING PREFACE P: It is our duty and delight that we should everywhere and always offer thanks and praise to you, O God, through Jesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, and so with the church on earth, all creation and the hosts of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: SANCTUS ELW 191 Holy, holy, holy are you, God of power and might; heaven and earth are filled with your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in your name. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER P: You are indeed holy, gracious and merciful God; everything is filled with your glory. We give you thanks for your promise and presence which have sustained the faithful in this and every generation. Above all, we give you thanks for Jesus, born of Mary, who in word and deed announced your unending rule of justice, reconciliation and peace. [The Words of Institution are spoken here] P: For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes in glory. C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. P: Remembering his command to love one another, his life and death, his resurrection and ascension, we pray for his coming again into the world. C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. P: Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit, that all of your promises may come to us and flow forth to your whole creation. C: Amen. Come, Holy Spirit. P: Gather our prayers with those of the apostles, prophets, martyrs, and all the faithful who have gone before us, and unite them with the unceasing prayer of the One who lives in us and in whom we have eternal life, Jesus, the Christ. Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, now and forever. C: Amen. LORD S PRAYER P: Make us bold, O merciful God, to address you as our Father as we pray: C: 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 PRAYER P: Renew our lives in the breaking of this bread, O Lord, and make us one with you at this table where all are welcome. C: Amen. HOLY COMMUNION All are welcome to receive Communion. Those unable to partake of wine or wheaten bread are assured that the Church affirms our Lord s full presence in, with, and under each element alone. To receive the bread and the wine, simply hold out your hands. If you prefer gluten-free wafer or grape juice, please hold out one finger to indicate your preference to the minister, then hold out your hand to receive. If you choose not to commune, but desire to receive a spoken blessing instead, cross your arms over your chest.
LAMB OF GOD COMMUNION HYMNS Jesus Calls Us; o'er the Tumult ELW 696 1 Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea, day by day his clear voice sounding, saying, "Christian, follow me": 2 As of old Saint Andrew heard it by the Galilean lake, turned from home and toil and kindred, leaving all for Jesus' sake. 4 In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease, still he calls, in cares and pleasures, "Christian, love me more than these." 5 Jesus calls us! By your mercy, Savior, may we hear your call, give our hearts to your obedience, serve and love you best of all. 3 Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world's golden store, from each idol that would keep us, saying, "Christian, love me more."
Strengthen for Service, Lord ELW 497 1 Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands that holy things have taken; and let the ears that heard your word to falsehood never waken. 2 The tongues that sang your holy name now purge of all deception; keep bright the eyes that saw your love and sharpen their perception. 3 And may the feet that walked your courts be never lured to wander; but lead the faithful nourished here to journey on in splendor. POST-COMMUNION BLESSING P: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gifts of his body and blood strengthen, keep and unite us, now and forever. C: Amen. POST-COMMUNION CANTICLE Praise to You O God of Mercy ELW 208 1 Praise to you, O God of mercy: thanks be to you forever! Raising high the weak and lowly: thanks be to you forever! 2 From of old you loved and sought us: thanks be to you forever! Truth and justice you have taught us: thanks be to you forever! Strong is your faithfulness, strong is your love, rememb'ring your covenant of life with us. 3 Praise to you, O God of mercy: thanks be to you forever! Raising high the weak and lowly: thanks be to you forever! Thanks be to you forever!
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER A: Let us pray Holy and compassionate God, C: 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 redeemer. Amen. BLESSING P: May God who has brought us from death to life fill you with great joy. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C: Amen. DISMISSAL A: Go in peace. Proclaim this good news to the world! C: Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE All liturgical selections taken from Now the Feast and Celebration by Marty Haugen 1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. G-3488A. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Duplication in any form is prohibited without permission or a valid license from the copyright administrator. Other licenses exclusive to Lutheran Church of the Nativity: Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS004229, ONE LICENSE A-701802, and CCLI 11156504. Scriptural translation is 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. As Saints of Old. Text: Frank von Christierson, 1900-1996, alt. Text 1961, ren. 1989 The Hymn Society, admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Jesus Calls Us; o'er the Tumult. Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818-1895. Public Domain. Strengthen for Service, Lord. Text: Syriac Liturgy of Malabar; tr. Composite. Will You Let Me Be Your Servant Text: Richard Gillard, b. 1953.Text 1977 Scripture In Song (c/o Integrity's Hosanna Music) /ASCAP, c/o Integrity Media, Inc., 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695. + worship TODAY S WORSHIP ASSISTANTS 8:30 Service 11:00 Service Presiding Minister The Rev. Rachel Hoffman The Rev. Rachel Hoffman Assisting Minister Debbie McGinnis Debbie McGinnis Communion Assistant Misty Turbeville Kent Oehm Children's Word Time Pastor Rachel Pastor Rachel Acolyte Ben Nus Laura Teall Crucifer Jonah Nus Julia Teall Reader Terry Van Ostenbridge Don Poole Eucharist Presenter Ken and Paula Meek Jean Zabel and Stacey Zabel Ushers McCall family Tim and Corinne Feid, Ptaszek family Greeters Trull family Sue Jacklin and Liz Bond Nursery Attendant Staff Staff Altar Guild Sandy Vlahos, Paula Meek Linda Blake, Susan Montella
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY On Sunday, November 4, 2018 we will commemorate our members who have united with the Church Triumphant over the past year. During the prayers we will name other loved ones who have died since last All Saints Sunday (November 5, 2017). To add a name you wish to be lifted up in prayer on All Saints Sunday, please write it on the back of a Care Card and place in the offering plate or contact the Church Office at 684-0352. ALTAR FLOWERS Several opportunities are available to provide altar flowers in the next few months. They may be given in honor or memory of loved ones, or in celebration of birthdays and anniversaries. The sign up form is on the bulletin board at the north entrance of the Fellowship Hall. THE SANCTUARY CANDLE FOR OCTOBER is given by Linda Blake in memory of her mother, Olif Staley, and in honor of her daughter-in-law, Laura Blake. CALLING ALL SAINTS of the Altar Guild and of Nativity! Save the Date: Saturday, October 27 at 9AM for an incredible meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Our theme is "Built on the Rock, Ye Saints of the Lord" and this meeting is open to anyone who would like to know more about the Altar Guild and meet some of the people who serve in it. Families are welcome to serve together in this ministry. Bring a breakfast dish to share and please RSVP to Linda Blake 828-275-3989, lsblake214@aol.com or Nadine Lloyd 828-687-3655, bestgran61@gmail.com. WE WELCOME TAYLOR PIERSON as our guest musician for this week! Two years ago Taylor moved to Asheville to be with his now-fiancee and pursue a career in music. Currently, Taylor plays jazz in local venues and teaches piano with Asheville Piano Lab. He also writes and records music for film and television. We are grateful to have his gifts with us this week while Irem is away on vacation! + learn FAITH FORMATION We hope you'll join us on Sunday mornings between worship services, from 9:40 to 10:40, to learn and grow in faith. This year, we have 7 classes: 4K & Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade, 3rd & 4th Grade, 5th & 6th Grade, 7th-8th-9th Grade, Confirmed Youth, and Adults. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK beginning October 21. Sunday Mark 10:35-45 Monday Isaiah 53:4-12 Tuesday Hebrews 5:1-10 Wednesday Numbers 12:1-9 Thursday Galatians 5:13-15 Friday 1 Peter 4:7-11 Saturday Psalm 91:9-16 Sunday Mark 10:46-52 TAKING FAITH HOME This weekly devotional handout is available on the Welcome Desk. "Taking Faith Home" is a production of Milestones Ministry, LLC, and is created by a team led by an ELCA Pastor.
+ care IN OUR PRAYERS TODAY WE NAME: Nativity members who are in need of healing: Linda Adelsberg, Wanda Bond, Bob Burkhardt, Wanda Burkhardt, Corinne Feid, Tim Feid, Patricia Hahn, Max Hall, Bill Hamilton, Don Knapp, Fay Kohn, Dana Kropf, Nick Kropf, JC Nesbitt, Peggy Oehm, Evelyn Ridenhour, Chris Scronce, Ruth Tracy, Duane Tuttle, Brian Warnicke. Nativity members in care facilities: Dot Carpenter, Ann Colijn, Edna Franklin, Norma Grafing, Dick Horner, Joyce Horner, Marydine Lamb, Lee Lindeman-Stuenkel, Margaret Patterson. For the family and friends of Henk Colijn, especially his wife Ann. LADIES LUNCH BUNCH will meet on Thursday, October 25 at the Olive Garden Restaurant on Airport Road at 1PM. Peggy Mann is our hostess so please let her know if you are coming so she can reserve a seat for you. Call her at 684-3617 or email pegmn@bellsouth.net. NATIVITY BOOK GROUP The next meeting of the will be on Thursday, November 15 at 2:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. November s book is From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon. All are welcome to this lively discussion. + give THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! October's Noisy Offering raised $475.06 for a Youth Service Project for the Foster Care System. Yesterday, our Youth spent part of their Fall Fun Day shopping for diapers and wipes to donate to the Buncombe County Department of Social Services. Buncombe County DSS keeps a closet full of these supplies to send with babies and toddlers going to new placements, as well as to give to current foster families to help ease some of the financial responsibility of caring for a child in need. Several Nativity families have been or are currently foster families, and we are blessed by the presence of these beloved children of God in our congregation. Our Youth learned more about foster care as part of this project. Thank you giving to Make Christ Known in this way! LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY 2425 HENDERSONVILLE RD P.O. BOX 208 ARDEN, NORTH CAROLINA 28704 WWW.NATIVITYARDEN.ORG 828.684.0352
+ this week at nativity (FH = Fellowship Hall; PSB = Preschool Big Room; M = Modular) SUNDAY (10/21) 8:30AM Holy Communion 9:40AM Faith Formation 11:00AM Holy Communion 2:00PM Prayer Shawl Ministry 5:00PM Congregational Study (FH) MONDAY (10/22) 6:30PM Wondering Women 6:30PM ESL (M) THURSDAY (10/25) 1:00PM Ladies Lunch Bunch 7:00PM Eagle Board Review (M) 7:00PM Boy Scout Troop 8 FRIDAY (10/26) Church Office Closed SATURDAY (10/27) 9:00AM Altar Guild Brunch TUESDAY (10/23) 7:00PM Troop 8 Committee Meeting WEDNESDAY (10/24) 10:00AM Bible Study 1:30PM Nativity Quilters 7:00PM Nativity Choir Rehearsal 7:00PM AA Meeting SUNDAY (10/28) REFORMATION 8:30AM Holy Communion 9:40AM Faith Formation 11:00AM Holy Communion 4:00PM Young Youth Trick-or Treating at Trinity View 4:30PM Youth Choir 5:00PM ABCCM Veterans Quarters Meal 5:30PM Youth Dinner The Landolfi family 6:05PM Youth Group + church staff The Rev. Gregg Hoffman The Rev. Rachel Hoffman Irem Ozay Michele Grush Carrie Dahlberg Gene Hoemann Max Hall Mike Natarella Pastor Pastor Musician-in-Residence Parish Administrator Financial Secretary Bookkeeper Sexton Preschool and Kindergarten Director