WORSHIP BOOKLET ST. JOHN S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 470 South Gebhart Church Road Miamisburg, Ohio (937) 866-3780 www.stjohnsmiamisburg.org secretary@stjohnsmiamisburg.org Christina L. S. Scheuller, Pastor Holy Communion Worship Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany February 5, 2017 We are Christian disciples, serving the world, while receiving, rejoicing, and relaying God s grace. (St. John s Mission Statement)
New to St. John s? Welcome! WELCOME! We are happy to have you worshipping with us today! We pray that God will bless you with his love, joy, and strength as you hear from the Bible, sing, and pray. WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? We are evangelical Lutheran Christians. This means we believe Baptism in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit confers God s promises to forgive our sins and to take us to heaven when we die. (=Christian) Jesus died to take on the punishment for our sins. Now God sees us as sinless because of that--not because of how we live. We only have to believe it. (=Lutheran) We try to live by Jesus teachings, show his love to others through words and actions, and teach others about God s love. (=Evangelical) For more information about baptism, joining St. John s, or other faith questions, please talk to Pastor Tina. CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP St. John s enthusiastically welcomes children in worship. However, should you or your child be more comfortable stepping out, we have a cry room, located at the back of the worship area, as well as a nursery. The nursery is down the hallway, through the door to the right of the elevator, in the second doorway on the left. HOLY COMMUNION All who are baptized and believe Jesus is present in the bread and the wine are welcome to take communion, including children who have taken communion instruction or who previously communed elsewhere. Others may come forward with folded hands to receive a blessing from the pastor, if desired. Gluten-free and non-alcoholic options are both available by request as you come forward for communion. RESTROOMS Restrooms are located near the worship area. The men s room is next to the coat room. The women s room, with a diaper changing table, is down the hallway, by the water fountain. All parents are also welcome to use the cry room or nursery as a changing area. LET US KNOW YOU WERE HERE Please fill out a Member & Visitor Worship Card slip, found in the bulletin, and/or sign our guest book in the entryway. We d love to know how to reach you to thank you for worshipping with us! Join Us Again! SUNDAY SCHOOL For adults and children (Sept. through May; see website calendar) 9:00 a.m. SUNDAY WORSHIP With weekly communion 10:00 a.m. 1 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
Introduction of the Day Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ. Gathering for Worship * = Please stand, as you are able. Words and music for the service are projected on the southeast wall. Some songs are also found in the red songbooks, noted as ELW #. PRE-SERVICE MUSIC (9:50) RINGING OF THE BELLS (10:00) CALL TO WORSHIP All sing while sitting. Jesus, Name Above All Names, (on screen) WELCOME *CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. P: Blessed be the holy Trinity breath to us all. C: Amen. Silence for reflection and self-examination. P: Loving God, C: we confess that we have turned from your way to follow our own ways. Forgive us for the times we have spoken or acted too quickly; we have not spoken or acted at all; we have hurt those closest to us; we have hurt those we have yet to know; 2 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
we have thought more about ourselves than others; we have thought less of ourselves than we ought. Turn us around, and give us a fresh start, so that we can live again as your children. Amen. P: Even when we have done wrong Jesus Christ our Savior. C: Amen. *PROCESSIONAL SONG My Faith Looks Up to Thee, ELW #759 We stand, out of respect for the cross, which is carried in first in the procession, to remind us to always follow Jesus and put him front and center in our lives. Please bow your head in reverence as the cross passes by you. *GREETING The pastor uses the greeting St. Paul used in almost all of his letters. P: The boundless be with you all. C: And also with you. *HYMN OF PRAISE *PRAISE HYMN Glory to God, (on screen) Speak O Lord, (on screen) *OPENING PRAYER The pastor prays, with a focus on the theme of the day. P: Let us pray... our Savior and Lord. C: Amen. CHANCEL CHOIR Hearing and Responding to God s Word CHILDREN S SERMON We sing the song as the children come up Oh, How I Love Jesus (on screen) 3 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
FIRST READING Isaiah 58:1-12 The lay assistant announces the reading: A: A reading from Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God. 3 Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice? Look, you serve your own interest on your fast-day, and oppress all your workers. 4 Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. 5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, 10 if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. 12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. After we hear from scripture, we give thanks to God for it: A: Word of God, Word of Life! C: Thanks be to God! 4 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
PSALM/ PSALM HYMN Psalm 112:1-10 Psalms, aka the hymn book of the Bible, were written to be sung by a congregation of believers, although the ancient directions for doing so are lost to time. In modern Christian practice, psalms are normally chanted or replaced by a song based upon the psalm. They may also be recited in alternation with the worship leader, as we most often do here. 1 Hallelujah! Happy are they who fear the LORD and have great delight in God s commandments! 2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, and their righteousness will last forever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; the righteous are merciful and full of compassion. 5 It is good for them to be generous in lending and to manage their affairs with justice. 6 For they will never be shaken; the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance. 7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; their heart is right; they put their trust in the Lord. 8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, until they see their desire upon their enemies. 9 They have given freely to the poor, and their righteousness stands fast forever; they will hold up their head with honor. 10 The wicked will see it and be angry; they will gnash their teeth and pine away; the desires of the wicked will perish. SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16] The lay assistant announces the reading: A: A reading from When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. 6 Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this 5 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. 7 But we speak God s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God s except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. [ 13 And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. 14 Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else s scrutiny. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.] After we hear from scripture, we give thanks to God for it: A: Word of God, Word of Life! C: Thanks be to God! *GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Halle, Halle, Hallelujah, ELW #172 The alleluia verse reflects our joy as we anticipate hearing about and from Jesus the Christ, whose words and actions are recorded in the gospels. We stand out of respect for our Lord. *GOSPEL READING Matthew 5: 13-20 Before the reading, the pastor announces the gospel and we praise our Lord, Jesus Christ: P: The holy gospel, according to St., the chapter. 6 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
13 You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The pastor reminds us of what we just heard, and we praise Jesus again: P: The gospel of the Lord! SERMON SERMON HYMN On Eagles Wings (on screen) INSTALLATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS *APOSTLES CREED As a sign that we are united in our faith with Christians throughout the centuries, we recite this ancient summary of the principles of the Christian faith. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH The assistant prays, and we respond: P: Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. 7 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
Holy Communion *SHARING OF GOD S PEACE P: May the peace of the Lord be with you always! C: And also with you. We share a brief blessing of peace with one another, typically with a handshake or hug. (If you are concerned about transmission of germs, feel free to invent your own way of greeting others.) Most use these or similar words: God s peace be with you. We share the peace of Christ before Holy Communion, as Jesus blessed his disciples before his Last Supper with them: My peace I leave with you. (John 14:27) OFFERING/MUSIC DURING THE OFFERING We practice stewardship of God s financial blessings, to be used for God s mission through St. John s and beyond. This Little Light of Mine, ELW #677 *OFFERING PRAYER We pray that the offering would be used to further God s mission in the world. P: Let us pray. C: Merciful God, receive the gifts we bring, our selves, our time, and our possessions. Through this meal unite us as your body, shining with the light of your justice and mercy; for the sake of him who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *COMMUNION PRAYERS The pastor prays over the bread and wine, repeating Jesus words at the Last Supper, and often also naming and thanking God for the many things God has done and will do for us, and asking the Holy Spirit to be present. 8 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING *LORD S PRAYER We join hands to pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. C: 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. 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. *INVITATION TO COMMUNION The pastor invites the assembly to the Lord s holy meal, on behalf of Jesus, and we accept the invitation. (Please wait for our young people who will be receiving communion for the first time to come forward with their families before the rest of the congregation comes forward.) P: We who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. C: Come. Be filled with light and life. COMMUNION/COMMUNION SONGS If you prefer wine, indicate your choice by eating the bread as soon as it is offered. If you prefer apple juice, hold the bread in your open hand until the server comes to you. Gluten-free wafers are available. Simply request this from the pastor when you come forward for communion. If you are unable to come forward, notify an usher and we will bring communion to you. Children or adults who wish to simply receive a blessing from the pastor, please approach with folded hands. Lamb of God, (on screen) Recorded Music O Master, Let Me Walk with You, ELW #818 *POST-COMMUNION BLESSING P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. C: Amen. 9 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION The assistant prays that participating in Holy Communion would give us love for God and others, and spiritual strength, and we respond: A: O Morning Star, fair and bright now and forever. C: Amen. *BLESSING *THREE FOLD AMEN Being Sent Out for God s Mission *SENDING SONG On Our Way Rejoicing, ELW #537 The pastor, assistant, and choir follow the cross out, to remind us always to follow Jesus as we leave this place. Please turn toward the cross and bow your head in reverence as the cross passes by. *ANNOUNCEMENTS Please also refer to the info booklet for this week s news and calendar. Please write prayer concerns on the Member & Visitor Worship Card, as well as new/changed contact information. Visitors, we d love to have your address so we can thank you for visiting! *DISMISSAL We remind ourselves of the congregation s mission: P: What is the mission of the people of God at St. John s? C: To be Christian disciples, serving the world, while receiving, rejoicing and relaying God s grace. Amen! MUSIC AFTER WORSHIP Please join us upstairs in the Fellowship Hall (by the elevator) for coffee, snacks, and fellowship! 10 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7
Stewardship during Worship Today Thank You! Pastor Rev. Christina L. S. Scheuller Organist/Pianist Doug McCabe Choir Director Nancy McCabe Lay Assistant Gary Petticrew Ushers Gary Johnson Richard Petticrew Greeter Renee Lamb Altar Guild Pat McGraw and Donna Teuscher Nursery Attendant Brook Ñauta Acolytes Melanie Ñauta Kendall Brown Crucifer Luke Helter Prayer Chain Coord. Nancy McCabe: Home 937-866-8669 Cell 937-654-4972 We also thank the many others who serve during worship but aren t always known to us in time to list them in the bulletin, such as: the choir and praise singers, those who run the projector clicker each week, those who set up and lock up the sanctuary, and our coffee fellowship crew. Thank you! To sign up to help with any of these parts of Sunday morning ministry, please contact us through the office: secretary@stjohnsmiamisburg.org or 866-3780. Copyright Permissions From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #44310 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. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 11 W o r s h i p B o o k l e t, F e b r u a r y 5, 2 0 1 7