THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT March 6, 2016 9:00 am WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD Lent is a time of repentance turning back to our loving Father and coming home. Today s readings provide images of homecoming Israel s entry into the land of promise and a prodigal son who returned to his waiting Father. Welcome to worship at Grace of God today... and welcome home! Small children are welcome in worship Busy bags for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors. That room also has a speaker to hear the worship service. GATHERING Welcome Confession and Forgiveness Stand and face the processional cross. All may make the sign of the cross in remembrance of Baptism. Pastor: All: All sing In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen 1
Pastor: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence is kept for reflection. Pastor: For self-centered living, and for failing to walk with humility and gentleness: All: have mercy on us. Pastor: For longing to have what is not ours, and for hearts that are not at rest with ourselves: All: have mercy on us. Pastor: For misuse of human relationships, and for unwillingness to see the image of God in others: All: have mercy on us. Pastor: For jealousies that divide families and nations, and for rivalries that create strife and warfare: All: have mercy on us. Pastor: For reluctance in sharing the gifts of God, and for carelessness with the fruits of creation: All: have mercy on us. Pastor: For hurtful words that condemn, and for angry deeds that harm: All: have mercy on us. Pastor: For idleness in witnessing to Jesus Christ, and for squandering the gifts of love and grace: All: have mercy on us. All sing Pastor: All: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. Through the Holy Spirit God cleanses us and gives us the power to proclaim the mighty acts of the one who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 2
Processional Hymn God Loved the World 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. Prayer of the Day Pastor: Let us pray. People: God of compassion, you welcome the wayward, and you embrace us all with your mercy. By our baptism clothe us with garments of your grace, and feed us at the table of your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen 3
SERVICE OF THE WORD First Reading Joshua 5:9-12 9 The Lord said to Joshua, Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt. And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. 10 While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. 11 On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year. Second Reading 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Gospel Verse Pastor first time through; all sing the second time through Holy Gospel Luke 15:1-3, 11b - 32 Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 15 th chapter. People: Glory to you, O Lord. 1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus.] 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them. 3 So he told them this parable: 11 There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me. So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, How many of my father s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands. 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. 22 But the father said to his slaves, Quickly, bring out a robe the best one and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to celebrate. 4
25 Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound. 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, O Christ. even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him! 31 Then the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found. Children s Message Hymn of the Day Our Father, We Have Wandered Sermon Apostles Creed All: 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 5
Prayers (Response to each petition) Pastor: Lord, in your mercy, People: hear our prayer. Sharing of the Peace Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always. People: And also with you. Offering Offertory Offertory Prayer Pastor: Let us pray. God, our provider, People: 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 6
SACRAMENT Invitation to the Table Pastor: It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord holy Father, through Christ our Lord; who overcame the power of sin, death and the devil, and gave his life as a ransom for many that we may share in his righteousness. And so, with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Words of Institution 7
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 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 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. 8
Communion Songs You Are My Hiding Place First time: Canon: ALL in unison Men begin and sing twice; women come in at 2 and sing 1 ½ times. Amazing Grace 9
By Grace We Have Been Saved SENDING Dismissal Pastor: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace. People: Amen Prayer Pastor: 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. People: Amen Benediction 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. 10
Closing Hymn What Wondrous Love Is This SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader and Preacher Jon Marxhausen Elder Errol Bartz Piano Mary Dinesen Lector Brenda Miller Ushers Franklin & Sue Hotzel Greeters Patti Simmet & Brenda Miller Acolyte/Crucifer Kira Fallert DON T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY Be a welcoming father (or mother or sister or brother) today by showing those are around you the love of our heavenly Father. A smile, a handshake, a hug, a brief conversation may do just that! ALL ARE INVITED FOR FELLOWSHIP AND TREATS AFTER WORSHIP TODAY 11
An Independent Lutheran Congregation 420 Hayward Ave. North Oakdale, MN 55128 651.730.4900 Email: grace@graceofgodlutheran.com www.graceofgodlutheran.com www.facebook.com/graceofgodlutheran Jon Marxhausen, Pastor 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. WELCOME, VISITORS! 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. Passover Seder Dinner Maundy Thursday, March 24 5:00 pm The celebration of the Lord s Supper has its roots in the Old Testament commemoration of God s great deliverance from slavery to freedom marked by the blood of the lamb. Our Passover Seder is a Christian observance of this Old Testament festival that shows the fulfillment that Christ brings by being the Passover Lamb who was slain for us. All are invited to participate in this special dinner experience. The cost is $11 a person or $45 for immediate family (parents and children). Sign up at the bulletin board by the kitchen door. First Communion The following students will be receiving their first communion on Maundy Thursday, March 24. Ella Fahey and Kiernan Benson Please keep these young people in your prayers. 12
LUKE March 10-12 March 17-19 March 24-26 CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE TEAM 9 Wendy Bartz/Errol & Cindy Bartz/ Eileen Ocone TEAM 10 Barb Fallert/Kathy Rehbein/Dean Christenson/Franklin Hotzel TEAM 1 Marxhausen family/tom & Martha Kaufenberg OUR RESPONSE TO GOD S GRACE February 28, 2016 Attendance... 81 General Fund Offering... $5711.22 Weekly Budget needs... $5453.00 Year-to-date Offerings... $38,862.22 Year-to-date Budget... $49,077.00 SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 3/6/2016 Errol Bartz Kira Fallert Brenda Miller Franklin & Sue Hotzel 03/09/16 Lent Patti Simmet & Brenda Miller Errol Bartz Logan Onken Roger Prigge Matt Onken / Byron Epland Jeff & Jill Olofson 3/13/2016 Jim Roth Riley Benson Kathy Rehbein 03/16/16 Lent 03/20/16 Palm Sunday 03/24/16 Maundy Thursday 03/25/16 Good Friday Randy Henderson /Tom Schoenberg Jim Roth Jacob Fahey Sue Hotzel Darrel & David Smith Jim Roth Parker McMorrow Tom Schoenberg Becky Vigstol / Jenny Hanson Bruce & Audrey Gilman Tom & Martha Kaufenberg Dean & Gail Christenson Jim Roth Ethan Onken Jeff Olofson Errol Bartz / Kathy Rehbein Eileen Ocone Bruce Giman Aaron Smith Allen Warren Lori Ruppel / Brend Miller Barb Fallert 03/27/16 Bruce Gilman Kira Fallert Franklin Hotzel Allen & Sally Warren Ken & Doreen Rubbert 13
March 6-13, 2016 Sunday, March 6 9:00 am WORSHIP FOURTH SUNDAY in LENT 10:15 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study Tuesday, March 8 9:30 am Women s Bible Study 7:30 pm Cantate Choir Wednesday, March 9 6:00 pm First Communion Instruction 6:00 pm Youth Handchimes 7:00 pm LENT EVENING PRAYER Sunday, March 13 9:00 am WORSHIP FIFTH SUNDAY in LENT 10:15 am Sunday School and Adult Bible study 3:00 pm Youth Ice Skating Event @ Bielenberg YOUTH ICE SKATING EVENT Sunday, March 13 at 3:00 pm Meet at Bielenberg Outdoor Rink in Woodbury Free skating skate rental $5 All are welcome! (youth, adults, families and children) 14
THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 at 7:00 pm Our theme for Lent Evening Prayer this year will center on the way of the cross Jesus personal journey from the Garden of Gethsemane to Calvary. We will examine how this way shows us the way of life. Our examination of the way of the cross will feature artwork by Canadian artist Michael O Brien who has given his permission for us to use and post his beautiful illustrations of the Biblical stations of the cross. During Holy Week all will have the opportunity each day to take a personal journey on the way of the cross here at church. ALL ARE WELCOME! PRAYER WALL In the entryway is a wall where you can POST prayer concerns. These prayer requests may be as specific as you desire. Even just one word is sufficient! You may also TAKE a prayer that someone else has posted and use it as a reminder to pray for that particular concern. In this way, we who are sojourners to the cross may lift up and support our fellow pilgrims along the way! ALMS FOR TANZANIA SCHOLARSHIPS During Lent we ll be collecting coins to help provide student scholarships in Tanzania. Currently, Grace of God helps provide scholarships for two students--- Elinata Msovela and Rukia Mgaya. Our goal is $1,200! Alms bowls are available in the entryway to collect your coins. STATIONS OF THE CROSS The pictures surrounding our worship space make up the STATIONS of the CROSS. There are 14 in all. During Holy Week, all are invited to come and walk these stations as a private devotion. Personal prayer guides will be available for each person to go on their own journey to the cross. Schedule for the Stations is on the back page of the worship folder. Call to make arrangements for other times for times not listed on the schedule. 15
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP Palm/Passion Sunday, March 20 9:00 am Worship (Procession with Palms and Reading of the Passion) Maundy Thursday, March 24 5:00 pm Passover Seder Dinner 7:00 pm Worship with Holy Communion (First Communion Celebration) Good Friday, March 25 7:00 pm Service of Darkness Easter Sunday, March 27 9:00 am worship with Holy Communion (light breakfast after worship) X STATIONS OF THE CROSS (individual devotion) 11:00 am 1 pm Monday, March 21 Tuesday, March 22 Wednesday, March 23 Thursday, March 24 Friday, March 25 6:00 6:45 pm Friday, March 25 (call the church office to arrange for ot her times during Holy Week) 16