Order of Worship
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 10, 2024
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
The Lamb
Gerald P. Coleman
GATHERING HYMN
Come, Ye Disconsolate
ELW 607
Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish;
come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts,
here tell your anguish;
earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal.
Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure;
here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
"Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot cure."
Here see the Bread of life; see waters flowing
forth from the throne of God, pure from above.
Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing
earth has no sorrow but heav'n can remove.
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)
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. O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect 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 +
FIRST READING: Numbers 21:4-9
Though God provides food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness, they whine and grumble. They forget about the salvation they experienced in the exodus. God punishes them for their sin, but when they repent God also provides a means of healing: a bronze serpent lifted up on a pole.
4From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5The people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food." 6Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. 8And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live." 9So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (read responsively by full verse)
1Give thanks to the Lord, for the | Lord is good,
for God’s mercy en- | dures forever.
2Let the redeemed of the | Lord proclaim
that God redeemed them from the hand | of the foe,
3gathering them in | from the lands;
from the east and from the west, from the north and | from the south.
17Some were fools and took re- | bellious paths;
through their sins they | were afflicted.
18They loathed all man- | ner of food
and drew near | to death’s door.
19Then in their trouble they cried | to the Lord
and you delivered them from | their distress. R
20You sent forth your | word and healed them
and rescued them | from the grave.
21Let them give thanks to you, Lord, for your | steadfast love
and your wonderful works | for all people.
22Let them offer sacrifices | of thanksgiving
and tell of your deeds with | shouts of joy. R
SECOND READING: Ephesians 2:1-10
While we were dead in our sinfulness, God acted to make us alive as a gift of grace in Christ Jesus. We are saved not by what we do but by grace through faith. Thus our good works are really a reflection of God’s grace at work in our lives.
1You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — 6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (p 171) (sing twice)
Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.
GOSPEL: John 3:14-21
To explain the salvation of God to the religious leader, Nicodemus, Jesus refers to the scripture passage quoted in today’s first reading. Just as those who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed, so people will be saved when they behold Christ lifted up on the cross.
The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:]14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Hymn Reflections
Abide With Me
ELW 629
Text: Henry F. Lyte Tune: EVENTIDE
Music: William H. Monk
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.
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.
When Peace Like a River
ELW 785
Text: Horatio G. Spafford Tune: VILLE DU HAVRE
Music: Philip P. Bliss
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.
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
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.
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
ELW 803
Text: Isaac Watts Tune: HAMBURG
Music: Lowell Mason
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
Amazing Grace
ELW 779
Text: John Newton Tune: NEW BRITAIN
Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony
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.
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.
PRAYER FOR CHURCH MUSICIANS
O God of majesty, whom saints and angels delight to worship: Pour out your Spirit on your servants who, with the gifts of music, enliven our praises and proclaim your word with power. Through this ministry give us new awareness of your beauty and grace, and join our voices with all the choirs of heaven, both now and forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY
God Loved the World
LSB 571
God loved the world so that he gave
his only Son the lost to save,
that all who would in him believe
should everlasting life receive.
Christ Jesus is the ground of faith,
who was made flesh and suffered death;
all who confide in Christ alone
are built on this chief cornerstone.
God would not have the sinner die;
His Son with saving grace is nigh;
His spirit in the Word declares
How we in Christ are heaven's heirs.
Be of good cheer, for God's own Son
forgives all sins that you have done,
and justified by Jesus' blood,
your baptism grants the highest good.
Glory to God the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To you, O blessed Trinity,
be praise now and eternally!
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Trusting in God’s promise to reconcile all things, let us pray for the church, the well-being of creation, and a world in need.
O Lord, Hear My Prayer
ELW 751
Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
when I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
come and listen to me.
Gracious God, your love unites. Give vision to the global church and foster cooperation in mission. Increase inter-religious understanding and ecumenical dialog. Make your church a sanctuary for all fleeing persecution, disaster, and war. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Creating God, your love enlivens. Restore balance to the earth’s fragile habitats. Preserve wilderness lands, rainforests, and wildlife. Cleanse oceans and rivers. Make us good stewards of the earth. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Righteous God, your love liberates. We give thanks for those who
courageously witness to your liberating love. Free all people from the evils
of racism, religious strife, and hatred. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Merciful God, your love heals. Care tenderly for all whose loved ones perished from pandemic disease in every nation. Strengthen health care workers, first responders, and caregivers. Relieve all who live with chronic illness and pain, particularly Mary, Anne, Mabel Mike, Anna Mae, Doris, Chuck, Donna, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Diane, Tom, Lydia, Brian, Paul, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jan, Mary, Scott, Ron & Flo, Carla, Monica, Doris, Dottie, Marian, John, Tim, Betty, Pastor Pam, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, Max, and family of Joan Rietze. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Incarnate God, your love enlightens. Open our hearts and minds to fresh
understandings of our faith. Deepen our love for you and for one another.
Teach us to pray for our enemies. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Other petitions may be offered.
Abiding God, your love saves. Those who died in the faith are made alive in Christ. We give thanks for your promise that we also will be raised to newness of life. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Accompany us on our journey, God of grace, and receive the prayers of our hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
GREETING OF PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you all.
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.
MUSICAL OFFERING
Worthy Is The Lamb
Darlene Zschech
OFFERTORY
Create in Me a Clean Heart
ELW 186
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 to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. Jesus, you are the bread of life and the host of this meal. Bless these gifts that we have gathered that all people may know your goodness. Feed us not only with this holy food but with hunger for justice and peace. We pray this in your name.
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. 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
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord
Carl Schalk
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of Sabaoth, adored;
Heav'n and earth with full acclaim
Shout the glory of your name.
Sing hosanna in the highest,
Sing hosanna to the Lord;
Oh how blest is he who comes
in the name of the Lord.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
O God most mighty, O God most merciful, O God our rock and our salvation, hear us as we praise, call us to your table, grant us your life.
When the world was a formless void, you formed order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you sent them a child. When the Israelites were enslaved, you led them to freedom. Ruth faced starvation, David fought Goliath, and the psalmists cried out for healing, and full of compassion, you granted the people your life.
You entered our sorrows in Jesus our brother. He was born among the poor, he lived under oppression, he wept over the city. With infinite love, he granted the people your life.
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 death, we cry our Amen.
Amen.
Celebrating his resurrection, we shout Amen.
Amen.
Trusting his presence in every time and place, we plead Amen.
Amen.
O God, you are Breath: send your Spirit on this meal.
O God, you are Bread: feed us with yourself.
O God, you are Wine: warm our hearts and make us one.
O God, you are Fire: transform us with hope.
O God, most majestic, O God most motherly, O God our strength and our song, you show us a vision of a tree of life with fruits for all and leaves that heal the nations. Grant us such life, the life of the Father to the Son, the life of the Spirit of our risen Savior, life in you, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER (sung)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us;
Save us from the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
the pow'r, and the glory
are yours now and forever.
Amen, Amen, Amen.
DISTRIBUTION
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 where we receive the host. Then to either side of the pastor is first, a chalice for intinction and second, a common cup for drinking. Please indicate to Pastor if you prefer grape juice as a chalice for intinction is available as well. Gluten free bread is available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. 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 336)
Your only Son no sin to hide
But You have sent Him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God
Your gift of love they crucified
They laughed and scorned Him as He died
The humble King they named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God
Oh Lamb of God sweet Lamb of God
I love the holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God
I was so lost I should have died
But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod
And to be called a lamb of God
HYMN DURING COMMUNION
Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior
ACS 963
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior,
took our sin away forever,
bearing bitter grief and pain,
freedom from death for us to gain.
Christ says, "Come, that you may ever
here remember God's great favor.
Take this bread, my body; dine.
My blood I give for you in wine."
This believe with faith unshaken:
Jesus' meal is to be taken
by all those with hearts distressed,
by all who yearn for peace and rest.
Christ says, "Come to me, you weary;
all your burdens I will carry.
There is nothing you can do
to earn this mercy; take it new."
Nourished, go to thankful labor,
bearing fruit in love for neighbor.
Those you serve can taste from you
what wonders God in love will do.
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.
Amen.
SONG AFTER COMMUNION (ELW 313)
O Lord, now let your servant
depart in heav'nly peace,
for I have seen the glory
of your redeeming grace:
a light to lead the nations
unto your holy hill,
the glory of your people,
your chosen Israel.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Giver of every gift, Christ’s body is our food, and we are Christ’s body. Raise us to life by your power for the benefit of all and to your glory, now and forever.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Lift High the Cross
ELW 660
Refrain
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his sacred name.
Come, Christians, follow where our captain trod,
our king victorious, Christ, the Son of God. Refrain
All newborn servants of the Crucified
bear on their brows the seal of him who died. Refrain
O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
as thou hast promised, draw us all to thee. Refrain
So shall our song of triumph ever be:
praise to the Crucified for victory! Refrain
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. You are God’s beloved.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Blessed Assurance
Fanny Crosby / Phoebe P. Knapp
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.
The Lamb, Text and music: Gerald P. Coleman, 1953-1923, Text and music © 1987 MorningStar Music Publishers, Setting © 1997 MorningStar Music Publishers. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Come, Ye Disconsolate, Text: Thomas Moore, 1779-1852, sts. 1-2; Thomas Hastings, 1784-1872, st. 3. Music: Samuel Webbe St., 1740-1816. Public domain.
Kyrie, Music: Russian Orthodox traditional, Public domain.
Psalm 107, Text from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006. Music:St. Martin’s Psalter, Thomas Pavlechko, © Thomas Pavlechko, 2004, 2012, admin.Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Abide With Me, Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847. Music: William H. Monk, 1823-1889. Public domain.
When Peace Like a River, Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888, Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876. Public domain.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Music: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872. Public domain
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.
God Loved the World , Text: Gesangbuch, Bollhagen, 1791; tr. August Crull, 1846-1923, alt.. Music: George J. Elvey, 1816-1893, setting The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941. Public domain.
O Lord, Hear My Prayer, Text: Taizé Community, adapt. Music Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994. Text and music © 1982, 1991 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Worthy Is The Lamb, Words and Music: Darlene Zschech, b. 1965, Words and Music © 2000 Wondrous Worship, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Create in Me a Clean Heart, Music: Richard W. Hillert, 1923-2010, Music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Text Stephen P. Starke,, b. 1955. Text © 1998 Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House. Music: Carl Schalk, 1929-1921. Music © 1983 Augsburg Publishing House. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Lord's Prayer, (minor key version), Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr., 1944-2013, Used by permission.
Lamb of God, Words and Music: Twila Paris, b. 1958. Words and music © 1985 Mountain Spring Music | Straightway Music. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior, Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546, after Jan Hus, c. 1369-1415; tr. Martin A. Seltz, b. 1951, and Paul Westermeyer, b. 1940. Text © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland, Hohenfurt, 1410, Enrichidion, Erfurt, 1524. Public domain.
O Lord, Now Let Your Servant, Text: Ernest E. Ryden, 1886-1981, alt., based on the Nunc dimittis. Text © 1925 Board of Publication, Lutheran Church in America, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: Finnish folk tune; arr. hymnal version. Arr. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Lift High the Cross, Text: George W. Kitchin, 1827-1912; rev. Michael R. Newbolt, 1874-1956. Music: Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875-1947 Text and music © 1974 Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Blessed Assurance, Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915.. Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1830-1908. Public domain.
