THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD February 25, 2018 9:00 am GATHERING WELCOME CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Introduction: (Silent confession over chords) I confess to you, O Lord, that I have sinned. I confess to you, O Lord, all my sin within. I have failed to live for you In the things I say and do, And have fallen short of living in your love. I confess to you, O Lord, that I have sinned. I confess to you, O Lord, all my sin within. I have placed myself above, And have hurt the ones I love, And I know that only you can set me free. (Chorus 1) Lord, have mercy on me. Lord, have mercy, set me free. O forgive me, Lord, I pray And take my sin away, By the cross and empty grave for my soul Take us back to the water. Wash away our sins. Welcome us, O Father, Back to Your home again. Bless Your sons and daughters, And let the feast begin, Let it begin! (Chorus 1)
Absolution: (Spoken over chorus chords.) The Lord has had mercy on us and has sent his Son Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. By his word and promise I declare to you the forgiveness of all of your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. You are forgiven. You are set free. You take us back to the water. You wash away our sins. You welcome us, O Father, Back to Your home again. You bless Your sons and daughters. Now let the feast begin, Let it begin! (Chorus 2) Lord, Your mercy covers me. Lord, Your mercy has set me free. You ve forgiven me today, And my sins are washed away By the cross and empty grave for my soul. 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 All sing Assembly parts
3
PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life. Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen SERVICE OF THE WORD FIRST READING Genesis 17:1 7, 15 16 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." 3 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4 "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 15 God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." 4
SECOND READING Romans 4:13 25 13For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. 16 For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations") in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become "the father of many nations," according to what was said, "So numerous shall your descendants be." 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20 No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 Therefore his faith "was reckoned to him as righteousness." 23 Now the words, "it was reckoned to him," were written not for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. GOSPEL VERSE (Leader sings first time; all sing second time) HOLY GOSPEL Mark 8:31 38 The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 8 th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. 31 Then (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." 5
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. CHILDREN S MESSAGE HYMN OF THE DAY In Christ Alone Here in the death of Christ I live. 3. There in the ground his body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave he rose again And as He stands in victory Sin s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ. 4. No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Til he returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I ll stand. SERMON 6
APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 PRAYER (Response to each petition) Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. SHARING OF THE PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING OFFERORY Stir Us Up, O God Let the widow s humble heart be the witness. That the sum of what you give is more than mites. It is not the way the world defines abundance But when you give your heart away you find your life. Bridge Stir us up, oh God So that all I am and have Is a living sacrifice offered to a world in need Let your heart be a seed in search of good soil You re the single grain of wheat who feeds the world You re a miracle wherever you are planted And you re nurtured in the water and the word OFFERTORY PRAYER Chorus Let my life be a beautiful refrain The shelter from the rain -- Healing for the broken. Let me live life as a generous response A treasure in a box A heart that s fully open to your grace, the fullness of your grace, the fullness of your grace Let us pray. God, our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen 7
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING God says: I will establish my covenant between me and you, It will be an everlasting covenant of love! We give thanks to you O, God, for the salvation you have accomplished for us through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who overcame the assaults of the devil and gave His life as a ransom for many that with new and clean hearts we might be prepared to receive him as he comes to us now in his body and blood. With angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: SANCTUS ( Holy, holy, holy } ) 8
WORDS OF INSTITUTION 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 AGNUS DEI ( Lamb of God ) 9
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION Scripture says, Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther s Small Catechism says, Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink. All baptized Christians who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord s Table today. Children who have not received their first communion are invited to come to the table and receive a blessing. As you approach the table down the aisles, receive an empty cup from the cart. Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar. After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace. As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables to your left or right. Non-alcoholic wine is offered in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack. Gluten-free (and dairy-free and nut-free) wafers are offered in the small white bowl on the communion cart for those who prefer this option. DISTRIBUTION SONGS Never Underestimate My Jesus Am I at the point of no improvement What of the death I still dwell in I try to excel But I feel no movement Can I be free of this unreleasable sin? Never underestimate my Jesus Your telling me that there's no hope I'm telling you your wrong Never under estimate my Jesus Cause when the world around you crumbles He will be strong He will be strong I throw up my hands Oh the impossibilities frustrated and tired where do I go from here Now I'm searching for the confidence I've lost so willingly Overcoming these obstacles Is overcoming my fears 10
Hungry (Falling on My Knees) SENDING DISMISSAL The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Merciful God, accompany our journey through these forty days. Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen Go in peace. Christ lives in you. Thanks be to God. 11
CLOSING HYMN Mighty to Save Everyone needs compassion Love that's never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a savior The hope of nations Chorus: My Savior He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave So take me as you find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender. Chorus SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader Jon Marxhausen Elder Tom Schoenberg Piano Hannah Marxhausen Jill Olofson Guitar Caleb Marxhausen Violin Leah Marxhausen Lector Allen Warren Ushers Dan & Jason Evenson Acolyte/Crucifer George Zetterwall Greeters Paul & Cami Hartleben DON T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY The 3-minute ministry is our way of intentionally caring for one another after worship on Sunday mornings. This time of fellowship takes place immediately after the announcements and lasts for 3 minutes. (or longer!) 12
WELCOME TO GRACE OF GOD Thank you for worshipping with us today. Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway. Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God. You are always welcome at Grace of God. GRACE OF GOD MISSION STATEMENT Grace of God is a Christ-centered community gathered around Word and Sacrament, preaching Christ crucified, serving our neighbor and discovering what it means to live under the grace of God. SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD Busy bags for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors. That room X also has a speaker to hear the worship service. February 25 March 4, 2018 Sunday, February 25 9:00 am WORSHIP LENT 2 Fellowship time after worship 10:15 am Sunday School and Adult Bible Study 1:00 pm Youth Ice Fishing Activity Monday, February 26 3:30 5:30 FARE FOR ALL 7:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday, February 27 9:30 am Women s Bible Study 7:30 pm Cantate Choir Wednesday, February 28 6:15 pm Handchime Choir 7:00 pm LENT EVENING PRAYER WORSHIP Sunday, March 4 9:00 am WORSHIP LENT 3 Fellowship time after worship 10:15 am Sunday School YOUTH ICE FISHING EVENT TODAY! Meet at church at 1 pm 13
THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 at 7:00 pm SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 2/25/18 2/28/18 Evening Prayer Tom Schoenberg George Zetterwall Allen Warren Dan & Jason Evenson Paul & Cami Hartleben Allen Warren Cherish Frelix Franklin Hotzel Jerry Corson/ Bruce Gilman Evelyn Marxhausen 3/4/18 Allen Warren Ella Fahey Marilynn Epland Jenny Hanson/ Derek Nutzman Roger & Nancy Prigge 3/7/18 Evening Prayer Allen Warren Kiernan Benson Dan Evenson Matt Onken / Byron Epland Jim & Jan Roth 3/11/18 Allen Warren TJ Richter Jill Olofson Darrel & Noel Smith Bob & Lori Koeritzer March 1-3 March 8-10 March 15-17 CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE TEAM 2 Lori Ruppel/Doreen Rubbert/Pat Randall/Becky Vigstol TEAM 3 Cami Hartleben/Shirley Muelken TEAM 4 Roxanne Cleary/Jeff & Jill Olofson Allen & Sally Warren 14
LENT SERVICE PROJECT During Lent we ll be collecting coins and cash to provide Bega Kwa Bega secondary student scholarships. Our collection goal during Lent is $1,300! Each scholarship costs about $400. Currently, Grace of God supports 3 student scholarships. Unlike here in the United States, Tanzania students attend school January-December. During the 2017 Tanzania school year Grace of God provided funding for: Christian Ngubi Level Form II, Elinathna Msovela Level Form IV, and Mariamu Mgaya Level Form I. We recently received the names the students we are sponsoring during 2018: Christian Ngubi Level Form III Marianmu Mgaya Level Form II Methsela Msovela Level Form II If you have any questions please contact Audrey Gilman. 651-352-2888 or aggilman@comcast.net. Wondering if any Grace of God adults are interested in a mission trip? If you are, please contact Audrey Gilman. 651-352-2888 or aggilman@comcast.net. Tomorrow afternoon, February 26 3:30 5:30 pm Come at 2:30 to volunteer! NIGHT TUESDAY, March 13 5-7 pm GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota 55128 651.730.4900 www.graceofgodlutheran.com Jon Marxhausen, pastor 15