THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD February 18, 2018 9:00 am GATHERING WELCOME CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. God of heaven and earth, you come in close and make us yours. Equip us by your Spirit to confess our sin, embrace your forgiveness, and seek the way you set before us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. With honesty of heart, let us confess our sin. (silence for reflection and self-examination) Merciful God, Forgive us. Our will is in bondage to sin, and we cannot break free. We have spoken when we should have kept quiet. We were silent when we should have said something. We acted when we knew better. We were still when we know we should have moved. For the wrong we have done, for the good we have failed to do, have mercy on us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. People of God, look to the Son, given to heal you and set you free because God loved the world so much. Take hold of eternal life! Amen. 1
PROCESSIONAL HYMN O Lord Throughout These Forty Days 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. PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 2
SERVICE OF THE WORD FIRST READING Genesis 9:8 17 8Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." 12 God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the clouds, and it SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:18 22 18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." 17 God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth." through water. 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. GOSPEL VERSE (Leader sings first time; all sing second time) 3
HOLY GOSPEL Mark 1:9-15 The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 1 st chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." 12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near, repent, and believe in the good news." CHILDREN S MESSAGE HYMN OF THE DAY God of the Sparrow SERMON 4
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 Let the vineyards... 5
OFFERTORY PRAYER 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 SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING One does not live by bread alone, People: but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 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 WORDS OF INSTITUTION 6
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 ) 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. 7
DISTRIBUTION SONGS Now We Remain 8
Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters 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. 9
CLOSING HYMN O Christ, You Walked the Road SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader Jon Marxhausen Elder Tom Schoenberg Piano Mary Dinesen Lector Sue Hotzel Ushers Franklin & Sue Hotzel Acolyte/Crucifer John Frelix Greeter Wendy Bartz 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!) Jesus was ministered to by angels when he was in the wilderness. You can be a ministering angel to those in worship with you by your kind words, your attention, your concern, your hospitality and your love. 10
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. Sunday, February 18 February 18-25, 2018 9:00 am WORSHIP LENT 1 Fellowship time after worship 10:15 am Sunday School (No Adult Bible Study today) Tuesday, February 20 9:30 am Women s Bible Study 7:30 pm Cantate Choir Wednesday, February 21 6:15 pm Handchime Choir 7:00 pm ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Sunday, February 25 9:00 am WORSHIP LENT 2 Fellowship time after worship 10:15 am Sunday School and Adult Bible Study CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE February 22-24 March 1-3 March 8-10 TEAM 1 Maxhausens/Kaufenbergs TEAM 2 Lori Ruppel/Doreen Rubbert/Pat Randall/Becky Vigstol TEAM 3 Cami 11 Hartleben/Shirley Muelken
THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 at 7:00 pm LENT FELLOWSHIP We will enjoy a time of fellowship after worship on Wednesday evenings in Lent. Please sign up to serve a snack or desert after worship on Wednesday evenings. COINS FOR TANZANIA Grace of God supports three students in Tanzania with high school scholarships. Our goal for this year is $1300. We will collect our alms (loose change) during worship on Wednesday evenings in LENT. Alms bowls are available. Check out display in entryway to see how our gifts are impacting these students! SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 2/18/18 2/21/18 Evening Prayer 2/25/18 2/28/18 Evening Prayer Tom Schoenberg Paul Hartleben Paul Hartleben John Frelix Tom Schoenberg Franklin & Sue Hotzel Wendy Bartz Jake Richter Sally Warren Lori Ruppel / Brenda Miller Brenda Miller George Zetterwall Brenda Miller Errol Bartz / Kathy Rehbein Shirley Muelken 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 GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota 55128 651.730.4900 www.graceofgodlutheran.com Jon Marxhausen, pastor 12