Sunday, March 27, 2022
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Grace Lutheran Church
Lakeland, Florida
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
A PRAYER Attributed to St. Augustine, adapted by Pr. Pam Smith
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night,
As there is despair around so many and worry within, may they huddle under the shelter of your wings of love and may they sense your eternal presence with them, especially as this day gives way to night.
Give your angels charge over those who sleep,
As the sounds of war rage around them, may your angels protect them and close their ears to all that would disturb this brief time of rest. Awaken them to new strength.
Tend the sick,
and not only the sick but also the wounded. May the hands of healers be full of love and skill. May the hearts of those in far places be full of love and generosity. Grant restored health and wholeness.
Give rest to the weary,
The result of war is weariness. May those who are fighting for the liberty and freedom you intend for your people have a renewed strength; as the new day comes, may they mount up with wings of eagles, may they run and not be faint.
Bless the dying,
O Lord, be present at the last breaths of those who leave this life. And, especially if they are alone, gather around them memories of all who have loved them. Receive them quickly into your arms of loving embrace.
Soothe the suffering,
You, O God, are the balm in Gilead. You make the wounded whole. You know the needs of your people, you know the gaping holes of violence, and you are present with all who suffer. Draw close to all in pain, O Lord.
Comfort the afflicted,
In the desperation of families ripped apart, in the fear of the unknown of the days and months ahead, in the terror of those who stayed behind and of those who went ahead, in the anguish of those who could see no other way, may your Holy Spirit bring comfort.
Shield the joyous
In these times of war and pain and anger, bless all with moments, however fleeting they may be, moments of joy. Guard and protect this joy but let it not blind us to the needs around us.
All for your love’s sake.
And all God’s people said -- Amen.
PRELUDE
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of God, who makes a way in the wilderness,
walks with us, and guides us in our pilgrimage.
Amen.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy One,
we confess that we have wandered far from you:
we have not trusted your promises,
we have ignored your prophets in our own day,
we have squandered our inheritance of grace,
we have failed to recognize you in our midst.
Have mercy on usForgive us and turn us again to you.
Teach us to follow in your ways,
assure us again of your love,
and help us to love our neighbor.
Beloved in Christ, the Word draws near to you,
and all who call out to God shall be saved.
In Jesus, God comes to you again and again
and gathers you under wings of love.
In Jesus’ name, your sins are forgiven.
God journeys with you and teaches you how to live in love.
Amen.
HYMN Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW 779
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me;
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun.
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.
KYRIE ELW 155
This Kyrie has long been a part of Christian liturgy; it is a prayer based upon several texts in the Bible where people have sought the mercy of God. “Kyrie eleison” is Greek and is translated as “Lord, have mercy.” Sometimes this is the only prayer that we can offer. This particular Kyrie has long been used in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and through the season of Lent we pray it in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Ukraine.
Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison. Christe eleison. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
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.
+ WORD +
READING: Joshua 5:9-12
By celebrating the Passover and eating the produce of the promised land instead of the miraculous manna that had sustained them in the desert, the Israelites symbolically bring their forty years of wilderness wandering to an end at Gilgal.
9The 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.
10While 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. 11On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12The 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.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 32 (read responsively by full verse)
1Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Selah
5Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,"
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Selah
6Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
7You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Selah
8I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not stay near you.
10Many are the torments of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
One way to describe the gospel is the promise that in Christ everything is transformed into newness. All mistakes, all deliberate sins, all old history is reconciled with Christ’s resurrection. This is Paul’s strong message to the congregation in the city of Corinth.
16From 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. 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
We are turning, Lord, to hear you;
you are merciful and kind --
slow to anger, rich in blessing,
and with love to us inclined.
GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Jesus tells a parable about a son who ponders his father’s love only after he has spurned it. The grace he receives is beyond his hopes. That same grace is a crisis for an older brother who believes it is his obedience that has earned his place in the father’s home.
The holy gospel according to St. Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3So he told them this parable: 11Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. 12The 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. 13A 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. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17But 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! 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands." ' 20So 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. 21Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22But 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. 23And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
25Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29But 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 even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' 31Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32But 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.'"
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
HYMN Our Father, We Have Wandered
ELW 606
Our Father, we have wandered
and hidden from your face;
in foolishness have squandered
your legacy of grace.
But now, in exile dwelling,
we rise with fear and shame,
as, distant but compelling,
we hear you call our name.
And now at length discerning
the evil that we do,
behold us, Lord, returning
with hope and trust to you.
In haste you come to meet us
and home rejoicing bring,
in gladness there to greet us
with calf and robe and ring.
O Lord of all the living,
both banished and restored,
compassionate, forgiving,
and ever-caring Lord,
grant now that our transgressing,
our faithlessness may cease.
Stretch out your hand in blessing,
in pardon, and in peace.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Drawn close to the heart of God, we offer these prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Jesus taught and formed the disciples in the ways of extravagant mercy and profound welcome. Lead your church to be a community of faith marked by forgiveness, hospitality, and celebration. Send us into a world plagued by fear and condemnation. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
You make the land to produce a harvest that sustains your entire creation. Equip farmers and farm workers who till the soil. Nourish the earth with ample rainfall and abundant sunshine. Heal grounds tainted by pollution or misuse. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Countries are divided and leaders often harbor grudges. Reconcile nations that experience conflict and war – Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria among others. Act quickly to bring an end to war, particularly that in Ukraine. Anoint peacemakers trained in the art of diplomacy and foster a spirit of collaboration among political rivals. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Your people cry for help in times of distress. Resolve disagreements among family members. Save those experiencing financial hardship. Hear our prayers for those who are sick or grieving, particularly Alena, Jenna, Margaret, Anna Mae, Julie, Alan, Carol, Anne, Allen, JoAnn, Clarene, Betty, Jane, Bob, Dione, Dottie, Theresa, Tim, Julie, Ruth, Henry, Mary, Greg, Ann Joyce, Barbara, and Shelby.
Console us with the promise that everything can become new. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Your love comes to us when a table is set and a feast is prepared. Bless the feeding ministries of this congregation, particularly Talbot House, VISTE, the Crop Walk, and the Backpack Ministry for Oscar J. Pope Elementary School. Bring an end to hunger in our community and around the world. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
The one who was dead is alive again. We give thanks for those who have died, confident that steadfast love surrounds them. Shelter them in your love until we are gathered at your heavenly banquet. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Accept the prayers we bring, O God, on behalf of a world in need, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
GREETING OF PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
OFFERING SONG
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Extravagant God, you have blessed us with the fullness of creation. Now we gather at your feast where you offer us the food that satisfies. Take and use what we offer here, come among us, and feed us with the body and blood of Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you,
almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You call your people to cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast, that, renewed in the gift of baptism, we may come to the fullness of your grace. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS (sung)
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Blessed are you, O God of the universe. Your mercy is everlasting and your faithfulness endures from age to age. Praise to you for creating the heavens and the earth. Praise to you for saving the earth from the waters of the flood. Praise to you for bringing the Israelites safely through the sea. Praise to you for leading your people through the wilderness to the land of milk and honey. Praise to you for the words and deeds of Jesus, your anointed one. Praise to you for the death and resurrection of Christ. Praise to you for your Spirit poured out on all nations.
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 in 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 in remembrance of me. With this bread and cup we remember our Lord’s Passover from death to life as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
O God of resurrection and new life: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Bless this feast. Grace our table with your presence.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Reveal yourself to us in the breaking of the bread. Raise us up as the body of Christ in the world. Breathe new life into us. Send us forth, burning with justice, peace, and love.
Come, Holy Spirit.
With your holy ones of all times and places, with the earth and all its creatures, with the sun and moon and stars, we praise you, O God, blessed and holy Trinity, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the head of the aisle receiving the host and then moving to receive wine or grape juice by individual cup. The ushers will direct you. Gluten free bread is available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. For those who do not wish to commune, they are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing from Pastor.
LAMB OF GOD (sung)
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.
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Blessed Jesus, in this rich meal of grace, you have fed us with your body, the bread of life. Now send us forth to bear your life-giving hope to a world in need.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
BENEDICTION
HYMN There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
ELW 588
There's a wideness in God's mercy,
like the wideness of the sea;
there's a kindness in God's justice
which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth's sorrows
are more felt than up in heav'n.
There is no place where earth's failings
have such kindly judgment giv'n.
There is welcome for the sinner,
and a promised grace made good;
there is mercy with the Savior;
there is healing in his blood.
There is grace enough for thousands
of new worlds as great as this;
there is room for fresh creations
in that upper home of bliss.
For the love of God is broader
than the measures of our mind;
and the heart of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
But we make this love too narrow
by false limits of our own;
and we magnify its strictness
with a zeal God will not own.
'Tis not all we owe to Jesus;
it is something more than all:
greater good because of evil,
larger mercy through the fall.
Make our love, O God, more faithful;
let us take you at your word,
and our lives will be thanksgiving
for the goodness of the Lord.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006 and 2020 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound, Text: John Newton, 1725-1807, alt., sts. 1-4; anonymous, st. 5. Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921, alt. Public domain.
Our Father, We Have Wandered, Text: Kevin Nichols, 1929-2006, Text from Resource Collection of Hymns and Service Music for the Liturgy © 1981 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Music: Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Public domain.
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy . Text: Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863, alt. Music: North American, 19th cent. Public domain..
