Grace Lutheran Church Grace Lutheran Church
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Sunday Morning Worship 11 13 2022
Doris Cirillo
Doris Cirillo
Sunday, November 13, 2022
Notes
Playlist

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
November 13, 2022

  + GATHERING +

WELCOME

PRELUDE

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,
who is eager to forgive
and who loves us beyond our days.
Amen. 

Dear friends, together let us acknowledge our failure to love this world as Jesus does.

     Silence is kept for reflection. 

God of mercy and forgiveness,
we confess that sin still has a hold on us.
We have harmed your good creation.
We have failed to do justice, love kindness,
and walk humbly with you.
Turn us in a new direction.
Show us the path that leads to life.
Be our refuge and strength on the journey,
through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and friend.
Amen. 

Beloved of God: your sins are forgiven and you are made whole. God points the way to new life in Christ,who meets us on the road. Journey now in God’s abiding love through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen

GATHERING HYMN        

If You But Trust in God to Guide You
ELW 769

If you but trust in God to guide you
with gentle hand through all your ways,
you'll find that God is there beside you
when crosses come, in trying days.
Trust then in God's unchanging love;
build on the rock that will not move.

What gain is there in anxious weeping,
in helpless anger and distress?
If you are in your Savior's keeping,
in sorrow will he love you less?
For Christ who took for you a cross
will bring you safe through ev'ry loss.

The Lord our restless hearts is holding,
in peace and quietness content.
We rest in God's good will unfolding,
what wisdom from on high has sent.
God, who has chosen us by grace,
knows very well the fears we face.

Sing, pray, and keep God's ways unswerving,
offer your service faithfully.
Trust heaven's word; though undeserving,
you'll find this promise true to be.
This is our confidence indeed: 
God never fails in time of need.

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. 

HYMN OF PRAISE       ELW page 147

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.                 
Lord have mercy. 

For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.                 
Lord, have mercy. 

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.        
Lord, have mercy 

For this holy house, and for all how offer here their worship and praise, Let us pray to the Lord.        
Lord, have mercy. 

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.         
Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God's people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, 
only Son of the Father
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father;
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
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.

 + WORD +  

FIRST READING:   Isaiah 65:17-25
Addressing the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, the prophet proclaims a vision of a future time of peace and prosperity. Though the returned exiles are experiencing hard times, God is about to do a new thing.

 17For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth;
 the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.
 18But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating;
 for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
 and its people as a delight.
 19I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people;
 no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
 or the cry of distress.
 20No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days,
 or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
 for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
 and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
 21They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
 22They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat;
 for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
 and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
 23They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity;
 for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD -- and their descendants as well.
 24Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.
 25The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
 the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
 but the serpent — its food shall be dust!
 They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6    (spoken in unison)

2Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the Lord God is my strength and my might, and has become my salvation.
3With joy you will draw water

from the wells of salvation.
4And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name;

make known the deeds of the Lord among the nations; proclaim that this name is exalted.
5Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth.
6Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion,

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

SECOND READING:  2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Some members of the Thessalonian community, because of their belief in the nearness of Christ’s return, had ceased to work, living off the generosity of other members of the community. The writer of this letter warns them bluntly that if they want to eat, they need to work.

6Now 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. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, 8and 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. 9This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. 11For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION    

Alleluia,
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL:    Luke 21:5-19
As history moves toward God’s fulfillment there will be frightening signs and events. Before the end, believers will draw strength from their relationship to God and will be given the words they need to testify and to endure without fear.

The holy gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.

5When 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."
7They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8And 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." 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various 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. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls."

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY    

How Firm a Foundation
ELW 796

How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in Christ Jesus, the Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said
who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

"Fear not, I am with you, oh, be not dismayed,
for I am your God and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

"When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply.
The flames shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine."

"Throughout all their lifetime my people shall prove
my sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
and then, when gray hairs shall their temples adorn,
like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne."

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

United with your saints across time and place, we pray for our shared world.

     A brief silence.

Reviving God, keep your church active in its mission and ministry. Encourage bishops, deacons, pastors, and lay leaders to risk boldly in their proclamation and fill them with wisdom and endurance for challenging times. Lord, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.

Renewing God, as the northern hemisphere prepares for winter, make us mindful of the ordered beauty of your creation. Teach us to treasure cycles of rest and new life. Help us care for what you have made. Lord, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.

Loving God, accompany all who make sacrifices for the sake of others. Safeguard first responders and active duty military personnel. Grant peace to veterans and heal any wounds in body, mind, or spirit. Lord, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.

Healing God, your people cry out to you. Sustain doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel in their tireless work. Uphold mental health professionals and those in their care. May the sun of righteousness rise on all who are sick, particularly Toni, Arlene, Lori, Mike, Anna Mae, Julie, Christen, Wendy, Angela, Carol, Anne, Lydia, Paul, Betty, Marian L, Ron, Flo, Doris,  Dottie, Theresa, Marian P., Ian, Tim S., Julie S., Ruth, Ed, David T., Henry, Mary, Greg, and Max.  Lord, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.

Uniting God, unite this assembly in its shared mission and ministry for the sake of the gospel. Highlight ways we can better work together and give us patience to work through disagreement. Lord, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.

Consoling God, abide with all who grieve for loved ones who have died. Comfort us with the promise of resurrection and new life with you. Lord, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.

Accept these prayers, gracious God, and those known only to you; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

Peace of Christ be with you all.
    And also with you.

We prepare now to receive our offerings as we return to God a portion of what God has entrusted to us.


  + 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.

MUSIC DURING OFFERING

OFFERING SONG  

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
ELW 885    

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
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.
Amen.

THE 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;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
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      ELW page 153 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, 
God of pow'r and might, 
Heav'n 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 

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: you we praise and glorify, you we worship and adore. You formed the earth from chaos; you encircled the globe with air; you created fire for warmth and light; you nourish the lands with water.  You molded us in your image, and with mercy higher than the mountains, with grace deeper than the seas, you blessed the Israelites and cherished them as your own.  That also we, estranged and dying, might be adopted to live in your Spirit, you called to us through the life and death of Jesus. 

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. 

Together as the body of Christ, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ will come again.   

With this bread and cup we remember your Son, the first-born of your creation. We remember his life lived for others, and his death and resurrection, which renews the face of the earth. We await his coming, when, with the world made perfect through your wisdom, all our sins and sorrows will be no more.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus  

Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and compassionate send upon us and this meal your Holy Spirit, whose breath revives us for life, whose fire rouses us to love.  Enfold in your arms all who share this holy food.  Nurture in us the fruits of the Spirit, that we may be a living tree, sharing your bounty in all the world.        
Amen.  Come, Holy Spirit. 

Holy and benevolent God, receive our praise and petitions, as Jesus received the cry of the needy, and fill us with your blessing, until, needy no longer and bound to you in love, we feast forever in the triumph of the Lamb: through whom all glory and honor is yours, O God, Living One, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, now and forever.        
Amen.


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.
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.

DISTRIBUTION 
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God.  We commune at the altar rail.  The ushers will direct you down the center aisle.  Please go to an open spot at the altar rail.  After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking.  A third chalice of grape juice is also offered.  Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers.  You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle. 

LAMB OF GOD      ELW page 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.  Amen.

HYMNS DURING COMMUNION

What Feast of Love
ELW 487

What feast of love is offered here,
what banquet come from heaven?
What food of everlasting life,
what gracious gift is given?
This, this is Christ the king,
the bread come down from heaven.
Oh, taste and see and sing!
How sweet the manna given!

What light of truth is offered here,
what covenant from heaven?
What hope of everlasting life,
what wondrous word is given?
This, this is Christ the king,
the sun come down from heaven.
Oh, see and hear and sing!
The Word of God is given!

What wine of love is offered here,
what crimson drink from heaven?
What stream of everlasting life,
what precious blood is given?
This, this is Christ the king,
the sweetest wine of heaven.
Oh, taste and see and sing!
The Son of God is given!

When Peace like a River
ELW 785

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain
    It is well (it is well)
    with my soul, (with my soul,)
    it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.    Refrain

He lives--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!    Refrain

Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;
even so it is well with my soul.    Refrain

BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.  
Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of the abundant table, you have refreshed our hearts in this meal with bread for the journey. Give us your grace on the road that we might serve our neighbors with joy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 

+ SENDING +  

SENDING HYMN      

Abide with Me
ELW 629

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour;
what but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me!

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heav'n's morning breaks, 
and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

BENEDICTION

DISMISSAL
Go in peace.  Thanks be to God.
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE  


Commemoration   

Elizabeth of Hungary, renewer of society, died 1231

Born in Hungary, Elizabeth was betrothed to the son of the Landgrave of Thuringia, and at age four was taken to be raised with him at the Wartburg Castle. Ten years later they were married. She was very generous to the poor, and after her husband's death she lived in cruel hardship until her own death at age twenty-four.


Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761.  All rights reserved.

If You But Trust in God to Guide You, Text: Georg Neumark, 1621-1681; tr. composite, Text © 1978, 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music: Georg Neumark, Public domain.

How Firm a Foundation, Text: J. Rippon, A Selection of Hymns, 1787, alt., Music: Early American.  Public domain.

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow. Text: Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, alt.. Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561, attr., Genevan Psalter, 1551. Public domain.

What Feast of Love  Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939. Text © 1993 Delores Dufner, OSB. Published by OCP Publications, Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music: English ballad, 16th cent.  Public domain.

When Peace like a River, Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888. Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876..  Public domain.

Abide with Me, Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847.  Music: William H. Monk, 1823-1889.  Public domain.