November 24, 2024
Christ the King Sunday
Holy Communion
Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, the people still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king’s title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the “one like a human being” (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel’s vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Simple Gift
Traditional Shaker Melody
arr by Mark Hayes
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, our refuge, our delight, our beginning and our end.
Amen.
Let us come in truth before the one who loves us and has freed us from our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Eternal One, robed in majesty and mercy,
we confess that sin has taken hold of us and we are complicit in its power. We are disturbed in spirit and our hearts cannot rest. Unbind us and set us free. Lead us again to the waters of rebirth, that we may live just and generous lives for the good of your world and the care of our neighbors, following in the servant way of Jesus.
Amen.
These words are trustworthy and true:
Christ bore our sins once, for all, on the cross, swallowing up death forever.
For his sake, you are forgiven and God remembers your sin no more.
Let your heart be glad again, and rejoice in your salvation.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
O Christ, What Can it Mean for Us
ELW 431
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.
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.
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.
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,
our glad hosannas ring,
for now at God's right hand you reign,
a diff'rent kind of king!
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.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE (page 140)
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor, blessing, and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
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.
Amen.
+ READINGS +
FIRST READING: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
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.
9As 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.
10A stream of fire issued
and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousands served him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.
13As 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.
14To 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.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 93 (Read responsively by full verse)
1 The Lord is king, robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The Lord has made the world so sure that it cannot be moved.
2 Ever since the world began, your throne has been established; you are from everlasting.
3 The waters have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted up their voice; the waters have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the sound of many waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, mightier is the Lord who dwells on high.
5 Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness befits your house, O Lord, forever and forevermore.
SECOND READING: Revelation 1:4b-8
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.
4John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
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, 5and 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, 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7Look! 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. Amen.
8I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 142)
Alleluia, Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the word of eternal life, alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 18:33-37
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..
Glory to you, O Lord.
33 Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35Pilate 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?" 36Jesus 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." 37Pilate 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 the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jeannine Sweet
HYMN OF THE DAY
Jesus Shall Reign
ELW 434
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head;
his name like sweet perfume shall rise
with ev'ry morning sacrifice.
People and realms of ev'ry tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song;
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns:
the pris'ners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
Let ev'ry creature rise and bring
peculiar honors to our king;
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen.
APOSTLES’ CREED (page 105)
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
Rooted in God’s abundant love for the world, let us pray for our neighbors, the church, and all of creation.
A brief silence.
Revive our congregations, synods, and national church body to reflect the love, justice, and kinship of your kingdom. Raise up diverse leaders (like Justus Falckner, Jehu Jones, and William Passavant, whom we commemorate today) who teach and serve your people. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Nourish parched lands and bring relief to flooded places. Protect wildlife habitats and endangered species, that the chorus of creation’s praise resounds with joy. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Grant wisdom to the leaders who govern, legislate, and deliberate on our behalf. Advance your nonviolent reign of justice-seeking love through their work. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Draw near to those who are detained, on trial, or incarcerated. Transform systems of retribution into systems of reconciliation and restoration. Empower activists who advocate for change. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Remind us of your enduring love in all seasons. Guide the planning efforts of worship leaders and volunteers who usher our congregation into a meaningful Advent. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
In your presence you give fullness of joy. Care for all for whom joy feels distant. Be present with persons experiencing depression, anxiety, or any other illness, especially Rita, Mary, Mabel, Anna Mae, Doris, Jan, June, Barbara, Ann, Julie, Sydney, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Michael, Bob & Jane, Scott, Ron & Flo, Mac, Marie, Monica, Tom & Leona, Avery, Doris, Elaine, John, Tim, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. Bring them healing and wholeness. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
In your eternal presence the saints sing of your majesty. Join our voices with theirs in praise to the one who loves us and frees us from sin. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We offer our prayers to you, gracious God, trusting in your boundless love for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The 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.
ANTHEM
In Times Like These
Jones
Grace Choir
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 184
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,
that we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
OFFERING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, our portion and our cup, you offered yourself in love for the world, and in this meal you nourish us with your life. Fill us with your abundance, that we may feed the hungry and welcome the stranger, trusting in your name.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
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 (page 144)
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow'r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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 (page 145)
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Behold, God is making all things new.
Take your place in the new creation.
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 communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are 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.
AGNUS DEI (page 146)
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.
COMMUNION HYMNS
In Heaven Above
ELW 630
In heav'n above, in heav'n above,
where God our Father dwells:
how boundless there the blessedness!
No tongue its greatness tells.
There face to face, and full and free,
the ever-living God we see,
our God, the Lord of hosts!
In heav'n above, in heav'n above,
what glory deep and bright!
The splendor of the noonday sun
grows pale before its light.
The mighty sun that goes not down,
before whose face clouds never frown,
is God, the Lord of hosts!
In heav'n above, in heav'n above,
no tears of pain are shed,
for nothing there can fade or die;
life's fullness round is spread,
and like an ocean, joy o'erflows,
and with immortal mercy glows
our God, the Lord of hosts!
In heav'n above, in heav'n above,
God has a joy prepared,
which mortal ear has never heard,
nor mortal vision shared,
which never entered mortal thought,
in mortal dreams was never sought,
O God, the Lord of hosts!
Rejoice, for Christ is King
ELW 430
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior, all the day long:
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain
Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love. Refrain
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray:
Faithful God, you have spread before us a feast of rich food and drink in the body and blood of your Son.Now send us out to labor with you, in service to the world you have made, and among the people you have made your home, in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING SONG
Lift High the Cross
ELW 377
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
BENEDICTION
The Ancient One, enthroned,
the Crucified One, now risen,
the Indwelling One, poured out,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Encourage one another in Christ.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ
arr. John Carter
Jamaican Folk Tune
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.
O Christ, What Can it Mean for Us, Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939. Text © 2001, 2003 GIA Publications, Inc. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: Henry S. Cutler, 1824-1902. Public domain.
Jesus Shall Reign, Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt. Music: attr. John Hatton, c. 1793. Public domain.
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Ronald A. Nelson, b. 1927. Text and music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
In Heaven Above, Text: Laurentius L. Laurinus, 1573-1655, adapt.; tr. William Maccall, 1812-1888. Public domain. Music: Norwegian folk tune, arr. Elmer T.R. Hanke, 1901-1958. Arr.© 1942 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Rejoice, for Christ is King! Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt. Music: William E. Fischer, 1849-1936. Public domain.
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.
