TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD November 13, 2016 9:00 am GATHERING WELCOME CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism) Pastor: In the name of God the Father of glory; in the name of God the + Son, our Redeemer; in the name of God the holy and life-giving Spirit. Amen. People: Let us gather under the wings of God's mercy. (Silence is kept for reflection and self-examination) Pastor: ALL: Gracious God, we acknowledge that we are sinners and we confess our sins those known to us that burden our hearts, and those unknown to us but seen by you. We know that before you nothing remains hidden, and in you everything is revealed. Free us from the slavery of sin; liberate us from the bondage of guilt; and work in us that which is pleasing in your sight; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pastor: With a heart full of mercy and compassion, God saves us and + forgives us all our sins. By the death and resurrection of Christ, God claims us as his beloved children and gives us the inheritance that belongs to all the saints. People: Thanks be to God! Amen 1
PROCESSIONAL HYMN We Praise You, O God GREETING Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. People: And also with you. 2
HYMN OF PRAISE This is the feast... PRAYER OF THE DAY Pastor: All: Let us pray. O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without you nothing is strong, nothing is holy. Embrace us with your mercy, that with you as our ruler and guide, we may live through what is temporary without losing what is eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen 3
SERVICE OF THE WORD FIRST READING Malachi 4:1-2a 1 See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. PSALM 98 Pastor: Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous things, whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory. People: O LORD, you have made known your victory, you have revealed your righteousness in the sight of the nations. Pastor: You remember your steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. People: Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing. Pastor: Sing to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of song. People: With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy before the king, the LORD. Pastor: Let the sea roar, and all that fills it, the world and those who dwell therein. People: Let the rivers clap their hands, and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD, who comes to judge the earth. Pastor: The LORD will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. SECOND READING 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 6 Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, 8 and we did not eat anyone s bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. 9 This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. 11 For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13 Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right. ALLELUIA VERSE 4
HOLY GOSPEL Luke 21:5-19 Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 21 st chapter. People: Glory to you, O Lord. 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, [Jesus] said, 6 As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down. 7 They asked him, Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place? 8 And he said, Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, I am he! and, The time is near! Do not go after them. 9 When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately. 10 Then he said to them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, O Christ. CHILDREN S MESSAGE HYMN This Is My Father s World places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls. 5
SERMON The Music of the Spheres Pastor Mickey Dobbins APOSTLES CREED All: PRAYERS 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 (Response to each petition) Pastor: Lord, in your mercy, People: hear our prayer. RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS SHARING OF THE PEACE Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always. People: And also with you. OFFERING I Will Give My Heart to the Lord. (Jubilate Choir) OFFERTORY PRAYER Pastor: Let us pray. People: Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation. Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING Pastor: Holy God, you alone are holy, you alone are God. The universe declares your praise: beyond the stars; beneath the sea; within each cell; with every breath. People: We praise you, O God. Pastor: We give you thanks for your dear Son: at the heart of human life; near to those who suffer; beside the sinner; among the poor; with us now. People: We thank you, O God. 6
Pastor: All sing: 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. Remembering his love for us, we proclaim the mystery of our faith: Pastor: All sing: We pray for the gift of your Spirit: in our gathering; within this meal; among your people; throughout the world. Blessing, praise, and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your Spirit, in your church, without end. LORD S PRAYER All: 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 ) 7
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. HYMNS DURING COMMUNION Blessed Assurance 8
When Peace, Like a River 9
SENDING DISMISSAL Pastor: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace. People: Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Pastor: Holy and compassionate God, 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 to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer. People: Amen BLESSING Pastor: 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. People: Amen Pastor: Go in peace. Christ lives in you. People: Thanks be to God. CLOSING HYMN Let All Things Now Living (on next page) SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader Jon Marxhausen Preacher Mickey Dobbins Elder Paul Hartleben Piano Jill Olofson Lector Tom Schoenberg Ushers Darrel & Noel Smith Acolyte/Crucifer Jake Richter Greeter Roger & Nancy Prigge 10
CLOSING HYMN Let All Things Now Living 11
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. CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE OUR RESPONSE TO GOD S GRACE November 6, 2016 Attendance... 120 General Fund Offering... $10,780.00 Weekly Budget needs... $5453.00 Year-to-date Offerings... $217,973.41 Year-to-date Budget... $245,385.00 Nov. 16-19 Nov. 23-26 Nov. 30 Dec. 3 TEAM 5 Randy & Janice Henderson/Bruce & Audrey Gilman/Janice Roth TEAM 6 Paul & Cami Hartleben/Tom& Karen Schoenberg TEAM 7 Byron and Marilynn Epland/Onken Family SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 11/13/16 Paul Hartleben Jake Richter Tom Schoenberg Darrel & Noel Smith Roger & Nancy Prigge 11/20/16 Allen Warren George Zetterwall Jeff Olofson Randy Henderon / Tom Schoenberg Jenny Hanson 11/23/16 Thanksgiving Eve Errol Bartz Ethan Onken Allen Warren Lori Ruppel / Brenda Miller Jim & Jan Roth 11/27/16 Errol Bartz Aaron Smith Franklin Hotzel Errol Bartz / Kathy Rehbein Bob & Lori Koeritzer 11/30/16 Kira Fallert Marilyn Epland Becky Vigstol Jenny Hanson Barb Fallert/ Jenny Hanson 12/4/16 Tom Schoenberg Logan Onken Dan Evenson Allen & Sally Warren Marlene Zuch 12
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS We welcome Brenda Miller to our church family! Brenda Miller (and Todd Onell) 6845 8th St N Oakdale, MN 55128 952-217-6272 miller.brenda@comcast.net From Brenda: I am engaged to Todd and have a wonderful dog named Champ. We live in Oakdale and bought a house 2 years ago. I moved from Marshall, Minnesota where I attended SMSU. I have worked for Comcast for the past 5 years as a billing agent. I enjoy watching football (Go Packers!), playing board games and painting when I have the time. I also love training my dog and just hanging out with family and friends. I was born in Houston, Minnesota and attended Looney Valley Lutheran in Houston all my life. When I went to college I never went to church until I found Grace of God. I am so blessed to have a great group of folks that took me in with open arms at Grace of God. I am involved in the choir and Grace Group. Welcome to Grace of God, Shirley Muelken Shirley A Muelken 427 Hickory Lane Oakdale, Minnesota 55128 651-335-9169 smhickorynut@gmail.com From Shirley: I have a son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren who live in St. Michael Minnesota. My granddaughter is a senior in college at Winona State University in the nursing program and my grandson, Zach, is a senior in high school in St. Michael. He was part of the school football team that won the state championship in 5A football last year. He is planning on going to college in Alexandria in the peace officer program. I have lived in Oakdale for 6 years, but in the east metro since 1993. I grew up in Frogtown in St. Paul. I am definitely a St. Paul girl at heart. I retired in 2012. My last position was as a union representative for grocery stores and nursing homes. I love advocating for the underdog and giving employees in the workplace a voice. Prior to that, I worked full time for Rainbow foods in Maplewood. I now work three days a week at Cub in Tamarack and just love it! One of my favorite things to do is read and have been in a book club for 15 years. I love the outdoors and love to bike ride, hike and go for long walks. Summer is my favorite season and I would spend all my time outside if I could. I also like to travel and explore new places. I'm always up for a new adventure. I was raised Catholic and attended 12 years of parochial school at St. Agnes in St. Paul. I was a confirmation facilitator and attended my son s confirmation retreat at a retreat house up north. I enjoyed that tremendously. I also taught Vacation Bible School at Transfiguration Church in Oakdale for 3 years. Both of my grandchildren stayed with me for the week to attend VBS as well. What a wonderful experience to share with my grandchildren! I have been "churchless" for the last four years. Although I didn't have a church-home, my faith continued to grow, but I felt something was missing. When I came to Grace of God to volunteer for Fare for All, I suddenly felt I was in the right place. Pastor Jon was so welcoming when I shared with him that I had been "church" shopping. I believe finding my way to Grace of God church was definitely a God thing. I was open to a new church home but wanted one close to my home and aligned with my values. My new church is so close to my home that one of my favorite things to do is to walk (or ride my bike) to church. I also immediately felt the warm caring aura of the church and its members. Thank you to all for such a wonderful welcome! I look forward to being part of the Grace of God church family for years to come! 13
THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP Wednesday, November 23 at 7:00 pm Bring items to support THE HELPING PLACE in St. Paul (see details below) Shopping lists available today. Pie fellowship after worship THANKSGIVING SERVICE PROJECT Generous Hearts are a Powerful Thing! We have reached out to our friends, Pam and Kevin Bonine for our annual Thanksgiving Eve food collection. Due to some changes, The Helping Place at Our Saviour s Lutheran Church needs our help in a new way! The Helping Place s vision is to provide food assistance only as a gap fill at the end of the month until new food assistance cards are issued. Because of these changes, Pam has asked for very specific things to help in fulfilling their vision. Here is where Grace of God can help make a difference: In our gathering space, you will find 10 categories of specific meals and household needs. Shopping lists are available for specific meal items and household needs. And, gift cards are always a good option. The volunteers use these cards to shop for items needed at The Helping Place. Please take the cards that touch your heart and as many as you can, shop for those items on your lists, tuck your shopping list cards in with your bag of groceries and bring to church on or before Sunday, November 20 th. On Thanksgiving Eve, along with pie fellowship, we will assemble Meals in a Bag and Necessities in a Bag to be delivered to The Helping Place on Friday, November 25 th. Our goal is to be able to provide 200 (OR MORE!) meals and 100 (OR MORE!) necessity bags. Wouldn t it be amazing if we could do even more! These bags will enable families to stretch through the end of the month until their new monthly benefits are available. THANK YOU for the very kind Pastor Appreciation expression of love given to us on Reformation Sunday. We are both so honored to serve this congregation and we are so very grateful for the grace you extend to us and the support you offer us throughout the year! Pastor Jon and Dawn 14
November 13-20, 2016 Sunday, November 13 9:00 am WORSHIP New Member Sunday 10:15 am Fellowship Sunday School/Adult Bible study Monday, November 14 7:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday, November 15 9:30 am Ladies Bible Study 7:30 pm Cantate Choir Wednesday, November 16 6:00 pm Light supper served Bible Blazers (grades 1-5) Pre-Confirmation (grade 6) Confirmation (grades 7-8) Youth Bible Study (grades 9-12) 7:15 pm Jubilate Choir (grades 1-6) Youth HANDCHIMES (grades 7-12) Sunday, November 20 9:00 am WORSHIP 10:15 am Fellowship Sunday School/Adult Bible study 3:00 pm Luther Exhibit at MIA. Membership Directory! Would you believe our last member directory (not the pictorial directory) was published in December 2014? We will be printing an updated directory in November. Please provide any updates to your information to Sally Warren by Sunday, November 6 th. Below are the pieces of information we publish Household Name Address Anniversary Home Phone City State Zip Name Birth date Email Cell Phone 15
ADVENT EVENING PRAYER Wednesday, November 30 Wednesday, December 7 Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00 pm Supper served at 6:00 pm LUTHER EXHIBIT at MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS TWO DATES: NEXT Sunday, November 20 at 3 pm Sunday, December 18 at 3 pm Experience includes a docent-led tour of the exhibit AND a German buffet dinner at the Black Forest Inn in Minneapolis! ALL OF THIS for a donation of $25 to The Helping Place in St. Paul If you signed up last Sunday, names are placed in the order of sign up. First for November 20, then for December 18. Changes can be made... Sponsored by Kevin Bonine and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota 55128 651.730.4900 www.graceofgodlutheran.com Jon Marxhausen, pastor 16