ASENSION LUTHERAN HURH THE LUTHERAN HURH MISSOURI SYNOD LITTLETON, OLORADO February 26, 2017 8:00 am Reflecting on the experience of the transfiguration of Jesus, eter wrote in his Epistle, We were eyewitnesses of His majesty (2 eter 1:16). The three disciples on the mountaintop, eter, James, and John, were also earwitnesses as they heard the voice of God the Father say, This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him (Matthew 17:5). As we listen to the proclamation of the Gospel, we become earwitnesses as well. The working of the Holy Spirit that shapes our witness as we share it with others leads us to be those who make manifest the fruit of the Spirit, including gentleness and self-control, in our lives. THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
Divine Service Music for Meditation Behold a Host, Arrayed in White astoral Greeting Tolling of the Bell ongregation, please stand. John Ferguson ASTOR LARSON Hymn of Worship Behold a Host, Arrayed in White LSB 676 INVOATION and OENING SENTENES In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Do you not know that you are God s temple and that God s Spirit dwells in you? Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. ONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Let us go to our glorious Lord, seeking forgiveness and asking that He would restore us in gentleness. Silence for reflection on God s Word and for self-examination Heavenly Father, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have failed to live in gentleness, the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, in our thinking, speaking, and acting. We have not exhibited self-control in times of elation or stress. We need Your help to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness. Our Lord Jesus revealed His person and ministry through His words and actions. In Your great mercy, forgive, renew, and lead us so that we may be revealed as His faith-filled followers to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of hrist, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Kyrie
Hymn of raise This Is the Feast!
rayer of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus hrist, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. SERVIE OF THE WORD Old Testament: Exodus 24:8-18 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words." Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank. The LORD said to Moses, "ome up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their instruction." Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. He said to the elders, "Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them." When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. L The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
Epistle: 2 eter 1:16-21 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus hrist, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. L The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! ongregation, please stand. The Verse The Holy Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the seventeenth chapter. Glory to You, O Lord. After six days Jesus took with him eter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. eter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the
cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." The Gospel of the Lord. raise to You, O hrist. Hymn of the Day Beautiful Savior LSB 537 Sermon A Glorified Word ASTOR LARSON Text: Revelation 2:18-28 NIENE REED LSB (Inside back-cover) RAYER OF THE HURH Let us pray for God s people around the world and all who call out to Him in their various needs. Sovereign God, when people anywhere are in conflict, are driven by hate, or are living in countries with cruel taskmasters or brutal regimes, surround them with Your love. Use us to bring word of Your compassionate embrace so that they may endure until relief is realized. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your love. Lord Jesus, we pray for all who face this day in sadness or grief, are facing sudden crisis or long-term ill, or are mourning the loss of a loved one. [We remember especially...] Restore joy to them through those who care about them professionals, family, and friends all who know the joy of Your gracious presence. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your joy. O Holy Spirit, open doors of opportunity for people of peace so that nations will not raise up sword against one another, societies may be ordered for the good of all, and Your kingdom of grace may be extended without persecution. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your peace. Father in heaven, give patience to all who make, administer, and adjudicate the laws of the nations. Grant them willing ears and calm hearts to make decisions that will benefit the lives of all their citizens. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your patience.
Gracious Lord, whose kindness knows no end, bring to repentance all who have turned from Your way. Use people of faith to bring Your Word to them that they may hear anew the precious Gospel of Your Son. Grant to us the wisdom to know when to speak and what to say. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your kindness. Enlivening Spirit, Jesus revealed His person and ministry during His time on earth. Now shine Your goodness through us who worship here and those who gather around Your Word and Sacraments worldwide so that we may be seen as His adopted brothers and sisters. Strengthen us to carry on His work at home, at work, or in school to the glory of Your holy name. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your goodness. Lord over all, grant faithfulness in their calling to all who raise and distribute food, all who guard and protect their neighborhoods and nations, all who tend the sick and wounded, and all who build homes and manage businesses. May their efforts benefit the entire society in which they live. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your faith and faithfulness. Loving Lord, help us to act in gentleness toward the forgotten in society, the invisible poor, the forgotten in prison, those about to be born, and those nearing their end of days. Open our eyes to opportunities to serve their needs in Your name. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your gentleness. Triune God, guide the leaders of the hurch around the world so that they may exercise self-control over their momentary emotions and personal desires, keeping their eyes always fixed on You, the source of life and health and peace, and keeping their ears attentive to Your gracious Word. Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer and grant us Your self-control. These and any other things You would have us ask of You, heavenly Father, grant to us for the sake of Your Son, Jesus hrist, our Lord. Amen. Sharing of the eace The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. You may now greet one another in the name of the Lord using...eace be with you THE OFFERING Music for Meditation Largo (oncerto RV93) Antonio Vivaldi David Olsson, Guitar
Offertory rayer Let us pray, Heavenly Father, receive these gifts, symbols of the time, abilities, and resources we place at Your disposal in thanks for Your eternal grace, mercy, and peace. Receive them for the sake of Your Son, Jesus hrist our Lord. Amen. reface HOLY OMMUNION AT ASENSION The Lord, our Host, invites to his Supper those who are baptized into the hristian faith, confess him as Savior, have examined themselves, truly repent of sins, believe the Risen Lord is present in the sacrament with his true body and blood, and resolve to live faithfully and obediently. For those with an intolerance to alcohol, the center ring of the tray contains grape juice. Gluten free wafers are available to those with wheat allergies. hildren who have not been instructed, yet desire a blessing, are invited to come forward with arms crossed. ome, for the Supper is ready! When receiving the bread and wine, the communicant may respond with Amen!, a word of affirmation and belief. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus hrist, our Lord, who at His transfiguration revealed His glory to His disciples that they might be strengthened to proclaim His cross and resurrection and with all the faithful look forward to the glory of life everlasting. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing: Sanctus The Words of onsecration 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. For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. The Lord s rayer 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 Hymns during the Distribution Jesus on the Mountain eak LSB 415 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence LSB 621 Alleluia, Song of Gladness WOV 654 Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior LSB 619 ommunion Benediction The body and blood of our Lord Jesus hrist strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. ost ommunion rayer We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life; and we pray that in your mercy you would strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus hrist our Lord. Amen. Benediction 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.
Benediction Hymn hrist, Whose Glory Fills the Skies LSB 873 ongregational oncerns Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God! Organ Voluntary Toccata in D Minor J. S. Bach Serving in Worship OFFIIANT and ELEBRANT The Rev. John R. Larson, astor REAHER The Rev. Rick Langness ELDER Scott Luethy ORGANIST 8:00 Diana Gaide RAISE TEAM 10:30 Agape LETOR 8:00 Joyce Dowdy 10:30 Larry Westra AOLYTE 8:00 Tyrus ierce 10:30 Kayden Erling USHERS 8:00 Members of the ongregation 10:30 Members of the ongregation SERVER 10:30 Margo asha ALTAR GUILD Sally Atchison, Gloria Gaudreault, Dawn Munson, hyllis Mconnell LI License #1903595