Sunday, November 22, 2015 Christ the King Sunday Worship at 8:30 AM GATHERING Prelude Confession and Forgiveness Welcome to worship at Vinje Lutheran Church. We want you to know that you are very welcome here. We want this to be a safe place, where we can bring our best and our worst, our peace and our pain. This is a place of healing and reconciliation. And now let us stand as we are able, to confess our brokenness and to hear God s word of forgiveness. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, clothed in majesty ever since the world began, who loves us and frees us from our sins, who leads us with all the saints to everlasting life. Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God. Silence is kept for reflection. God our maker and redeemer, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We come for refuge to your infinite mercy. You have given your only Son to die for us; have mercy on us, and for his sake, forgive us all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, increase in us true knowledge of you and your will, and true obedience to your word, that by your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 1
Almighty God has had mercy on us, and God s only Son has been given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sin. Believing in Jesus name, you have received power to become the children of God; you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Gathering Hymn O Christ, What Can It Mean for Us Hymnal #431 1 O Christ, what can it mean for us to claim you as our king? What royal face have you revealed whose praise the church would sing? Aspiring not to glory's height, to power, wealth, and fame, you walked a diff'rent, lowly way, another's will your aim. 2 You came, the image of our God, to heal and to forgive, to shed your blood for sinners' sake that we might rise and live. To break the law of death you came, the law of love to bring: a diff'rent rule of righteousness, a diff'rent kind of king. 3 Though some would make their greatness felt and lord it over all, you said the first must be the last and service be our call. O Christ in workplace, church, and home, let none to power cling; for still, through us, you come to serve, a diff'rent kind of king. 4 You chose a humble human form and shunned the world's renown; you died for us upon a cross with thorns your only crown. But still, beyond the span of years, 2
our glad hosannas ring, for now at God's right hand you reign, a diff'rent kind of king! Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939 Text 2001, 2003 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted with permission OneLicense.Net A-704219 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 Almighty and ever-living God, you anointed your beloved Son to be priest and sovereign forever. Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united by the glorious and gentle rule of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Welcome and Announcements WORD First Lesson Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Bible, pg. 724 To the community for whom this passage was written, it seemed as though the oppression they were experiencing would never end. Daniel s message is: It shall end. The Ancient One who is judge will call all nations to account and will give dominion to one like a human being, the Messiah. 9 As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. 10 A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, 3
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. 13 As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. 14 To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. Word of God, Word of Life Thanks be to God Second Lesson Revelation 1:4b-8 Bible, pg. 994 The book of Revelation begins by celebrating the Almighty God, who spans all of time. Similarly, Jesus is celebrated as the firstborn from the dead who rules over the world s rulers. He is the one whose return we eagerly await. 4b Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. 7 Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. 8 I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Word of God, Word of Life Thanks be to God Please stand, as you are able 4
Acclamation Hymnal pg. 151 Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia. Holy Gospel John 18:33-37 Bible, pg. 881 In John s gospel, the story of Jesus and Pilate presents two different ways of exercising power: through force or with love. The Holy Gospel according to John, the 18 th chapter: Glory to you, O Lord 33 Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, Are you the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered, Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me? 35 Pilate replied, I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here. 37 Pilate asked him, So you are a king? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. The Gospel of our Lord Praise to you, O Christ Please be seated Message Worship Plus is an opportunity for young people (4 yrs old to 2 nd grade) to build friendships while experiencing the sermon topic in an age relevant, appropriate way. The assembly stands to proclaim the word of God in song 5
Hymn of the Day For the Healing of the Nations Peace Prayers MEAL Offering An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. Anthem during the offering Soon and Very Soon Andrae Crouch, arr. Jack Schrader Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We re going to see the King. No more dying there, we are going to see the King; Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We re going to see the King. Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; Hallelujah! Hallelujah! We re going to see the King. 6
Offertory Goodness is Stronger than Evil Hymnal #721 Goodness is stronger than evil; love is stronger than hate; light is stronger than darkness; life is stronger than death; vict'ry is ours, vict'ry is ours, through God who loves us. Vict'ry is ours, vict'ry is ours, through God who loves us. Text: From An African Prayer Book, 1995 Desmond Tutu, b. 1931, admin. Random House Inc. and Lynn C. Franklin Assocites, Ltd. Music: John L. Bell, b. 1949 1996 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Reproduced with permission OneLicense.Net A-704219 Offering Prayer Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Words of Institution 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. 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. 7
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. Goodness is stronger than evil. Life is stronger than death. Taste the goodness and life of God. Music during Communion Lamb of God Hymnal #154 Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace. Anthem E en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come Paul O. Manz Revelation 22 Hymn Shout to the Lord Hymnal #821 My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like you. All of my days I want to praise the wonders of your mighty love. My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength; let ev'ry breath, all that I am never cease to worship you. Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing power and majesty, praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of your name. 8
I sing for joy at the work of your hands; forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have in you. Text: Darlene Zschech, b. 1965 Text 1993 Darlene Zschech/Hillsong Publishing, admin. in the USA & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music (ASCAP) c/o Integrity Media, Inc., 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695. Reprinted with permission OneLicense.Net A-704219 Hymn As the Grains of Wheat Hymnal #465 Refrain As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill were gathered into one to become our bread; so may all your people from all the ends of earth be gathered into one in you. 1 As this cup of blessing is shared within our midst, may we share the presence of your love. Refrain 2 Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come when all creation shares this feast with you. Refrain Text: Didache, 2nd cent.; Marty Haugen, b. 1950 Text 1990 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. OneLicense.Net A-704219 Table Blessing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God s grace. Prayer after Communion O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 9
SENDING Benediction The love of God who created you, the mercy of Jesus Christ who died for you, and the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you, keep you at one with all the faithful, living and departed, and remain with you now and forever. Sending Song The Church of Christ in Every Age Hymnal #729 1 The church of Christ, in ev'ry age beset by change, but Spirit-led, must claim and test its heritage and keep on rising from the dead. 2 Across the world, across the street, the victims of injustice cry for shelter and for bread to eat, and never live before they die. 3 Then let the servant church arise, a caring church that longs to be a partner in Christ's sacrifice, and clothed in Christ's humanity. 4 For he alone, whose blood was shed, can cure the fever in our blood, and teach us how to share our bread and feed the starving multitude. 5 We have no mission but to serve in full obedience to our Lord; to care for all, without reserve, and spread his liberating word. Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000 Text 1971 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. OneLicense.Net A-704219 10
Dismissal God calls us as Vinje Lutheran Church to be... Reaching Out! Reaching In! Reaching Deeper! Thanks be to God! Postlude 11