Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz, Pastor
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Trinity Sunday
June 15, 2025
“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the holy Trinity. Paul writes that through Jesus we have peace with God, whose love pours into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, giving us lasting hope. We celebrate the gracious One-in-Three, eternal Three-in-One, as we worship in community; as we share water and word, bread and wine; and as we bring God’s love and hope to our neighbors.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
This Is My Father's World
arr. David H. Hegarty
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Baptized into Christ, let us confess our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Merciful God,
you free us to love others,
but we neglect our neighbors and follow our own way.
You lead us by the Spirit of joy and peace,
but we turn away from the abundant life you offer.
You surround us with patience, kindness,
and generosity,
but we grow weary in doing what is right.
You call us to practice justice and mercy,
but we remain entangled in systems of oppression
that we do not always see.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Heal us, free us from sin,
and show us the path of life.
Amen.
You belong to Christ, and through faith, you are united in God’s mercy.
In the cross of Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit,
your sins are forgiven.
Clothed in Christ, renewed by grace, you are made whole for the life of the world.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
ELW 413
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in pow'r, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
APOSTOLIC 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 Now the Feast and Celebration
In peace, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
For the Reign of God,
and for peace throughout the world,
for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
For your people here, who have come to give you praise,
for the strength to live your Word,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, and defend us, O God.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE Now the Feast and Celebration
Refrain
Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!
Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain,
whose blood has freed and united us
to be one great people of God. Refrain
Power and riches, wisdom and might,
all honor and glory to Christ forever. Refrain
For God has come to dwell with us,
to make us people of God;
to make all things new. Refrain
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray together.
Almighty Creator and ever-living God: we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One, and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three. Keep us steadfast in this faith, defend us in all adversity, and bring us at last into your presence, where you live in endless joy and love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
A reading from Proverbs.
1 Does not wisdom call,
and does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights, beside the way,
at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
4 “To you, O people, I call,
and my cry is to all that live.
22 The Lord created me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of long ago.
23 Ages ago I was set up,
at the first, before the beginning of the earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains had been shaped,
before the hills, I was brought forth—
26 when he had not yet made earth and fields,
or the world’s first bits of soil.
27 When he established the heavens, I was there,
when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he made firm the skies above,
when he established the fountains of the deep,
29 when he assigned to the sea its limit,
so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 then I was beside him, like a master worker;
and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing before him always,
31 rejoicing in his inhabited world
and delighting in the human race.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 8 (Read Responsively)
1 O Lord our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!—
2 you whose glory is chanted above the heavens out of the mouths of infants and children;
you have set up a fortress against your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
4 what are mere mortals that you should be mindful of them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you have made them little less than divine;
with glory and honor you crown them.
6 You have made them rule over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet:
7 all flocks and cattle,
even the wild beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air, the fish of the sea,
and whatever passes along the paths of the sea.
9 O Lord our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-5
A reading from Paul’s letter to the church at Rome.
1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Now the Feast and Celebration
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 16:12-15
The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said,] 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
The word of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
HYMN OF THE DAY
Come, Join the Dance of Trinity
ELW 412
Come, join the dance of Trinity,
before all worlds begun—
the interweaving of the Three,
the Father, Spirit, Son.
The universe of space and time
did not arise by chance,
but as the Three, in love and hope,
made room within their dance.
Come, see the face of Trinity,
newborn in Bethlehem;
then bloodied by a crown of thorns
outside Jerusalem.
The dance of Trinity is meant
for human flesh and bone;
when fear confines the dance in death,
God rolls away the stone.
Come, speak aloud of Trinity,
as wind and tongues of flame
set people free at Pentecost
to tell the Savior's name.
We know the yoke of sin and death,
our necks have worn it smooth;
go tell the world of weight and woe
that we are free to move!
Within the dance of Trinity,
before all worlds begun,
we sing the praises of the Three,
the Father, Spirit, Son.
Let voices rise and interweave,
by love and hope set free,
to shape in song this joy, this life:
the dance of Trinity.
APOSTLE’S CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the 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 INTERCESSION
Drawn into the embrace of the holy Trinity, we lift our prayers for the wholeness of the church, the world, and all creation.
A brief silence.
Abiding God, your love pours into your whole church, creating faith and bestowing hope. Fill all the baptized with these good gifts in our various callings. Gather your church in every place and expression into the unity of your Spirit. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Creating God, your name is majestic in all the earth, and we are filled with awe at your creation. Renew this planet and all its wonders: springs abounding with water, earth and soil, beasts of the field, birds of the air, and fish of the sea. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Sovereign God, you delight in the whole human race. On this week of Juneteenth, and the anniversary of the Mother Emmanuel shooting, bring an end to racial violence and oppression and heal the wounds of racial trauma. Grant us your wisdom, so that all people, especially those in authority, work for the life and freedom of others. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Compassionate God, your mindful care for us is everlasting. Give peace to all who are troubled, endurance to all who suffer, deliverance to all who are afflicted, and healing to all who are sick especially those we name before you now, whether silently or aloud, including: Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Barbara, Dave, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Barbara, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Tom & Leona, Avery, Doris, John, Tim, Arleen, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Living God, your glory appears in our shared life. On this Father’s Day, give to all fathers and father figures gentle hearts and strong spirits; heal the wounds in our families, and comfort those for whom this day brings pain. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Eternal God, your hope does not disappoint. We give you thanks for all who have died in the hope of the resurrection especially the Emanuel Nine, martyrs. Hold us in our grief, and bring us at last to fullness of life in you. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Gather all our prayers in your mercy, O God, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The 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.
OFFERTORY
Prelude
F.C. Neubaur
OFFERING SONG
As the Grains of Wheat
ELW 465
Refrain
As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill
were gathered into one to become our bread;
so may all your people from all the ends of earth
be gathered into one in you.
As this cup of blessing is shared within our midst,
may we share the presence of your love. Refrain
Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come
when all creation shares this feast with you. Refrain
OFFERING PRAYER
Creator God,
in your wisdom you bring forth all that is good
and the harvest is plentiful.
Strengthen us at your table with these gifts of the earth
and our labor,
that we may work for the good of all;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Now the Feast and Celebration
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
offer thanks and praise to you, O God,
through Jesus Christ,
who with you and the Holy Spirit is worshiped and glorified,
one God, holy and eternal.
And so with the church on earth, all creation and the host of heaven
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS Now the Feast and Celebration
Holy, holy, holy are you,
God of power and might;
heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in your name,
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was handed over,
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
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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
The kingdom of God is set before you.
Eat and rejoice.
Thanks be to God.
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 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.
LAMB OF GOD Now the Feast and Celebration
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you break the chains of hatred and fear:
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you are the way of justice and peace:
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you are the way of mercy and love.
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace, grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Bread of Life from Heaven
ELW 474
Refrain
Bread of life from heaven,
your blood and body given,
we eat this bread and drink this cup
until you come again.
Break now the bread of Christ's sacrifice;
giving thanks, hungry ones, gather round.
Eat, all of you, and be satisfied;
in Christ's presence the loaves will abound. Refrain
Seek not the food that will pass away;
set your hearts on the food that endures.
Come, learn the true and the living way,
that the fullness of life may be yours. Refrain
Love as the one who, in love for you,
gave himself for the life of the world.
Come to the one who is food for you,
that your hunger and thirst be no more. Refrain
Dwell in the one who now dwells in you;
make your home in the lifegiving Word.
Know only Christ, Holy One of God,
and believe in the truth you have heard. Refrain
Drink of this cup and declare his death;
eat this bread and believe Easter morn;
trust his return and, with ev'ry breath,
praise the one in whom you are reborn. Refrain
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether
ELW 470
Draw us in the Spirit's tether,
for when humbly in your name
two or three are met together,
you are in the midst of them.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Touch we now your garment's hem.
As disciples used to gather
in the name of Christ to sup,
then with thanks to God the giver
break the bread and bless the cup,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
so now bind our friendship up.
All our meals and all our living
make as sacraments of you,
that by caring, helping, giving,
we may be disciples true.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We will serve with faith anew.
POST-COMMUNION 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.
Living One,
Mothering God,
you gathered us to your table
and we drank deeply of your grace.
Send us out by your Spirit
to love our neighbors as ourselves
and proclaim your love in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Holy God, We Praise Your Name
ELW 414
Holy God, we praise your name;
Lord of all, we bow before you.
All on earth your scepter claim,
all in heav'n above adore you.
Infinite your vast domain,
everlasting is your reign.
Hark! The glad celestial hymn
angel choirs above are raising;
cherubim and seraphim,
in unceasing chorus praising,
fill the heav'ns with sweet accord:
"Holy, holy, holy Lord!"
Lo, the apostolic train
join your sacred name to hallow;
prophets swell the glad refrain,
and the white-robed martyrs follow;
and from morn to set of sun
through the church the song goes on.
Holy Father, holy Son,
Holy Spirit, three we name you,
though in essence only one;
undivided God we claim you
and, adoring, bend the knee
while we own the mystery.
BENEDICTION
The triune God,
who was, who is, and who is to come,
Sovereign, Savior, and Spirit,
light your way with resurrection dawn,
now and always.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. The Spirit of Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Holy God, We Praise Your Name
arr. Michael Burkhardt
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.
This Is My Father's World, Music: Franklin L. Sheppard, 1872-1930, arr. David H. Hegarty, b. 1945. Arr. © 1975 Lorenz Publishing Company, Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!, Text: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826, alt. Music: John B. Dykes, 1823-1876. Public domain.
Now the Feast and Celebration, Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and music © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Come, Join the Dance of Trinity, Text: Richard Leach, b. 1953, Text © 2001 Selah Publishing Co., Inc., Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved..Music: English folk song. Public domain.
Prelude, Music: Franz Christoph Neubauer, 1760-1795. Public domain.
Bread of Life from Heaven, Text: Susan R. Briehl, b. 1952, Music: Argentine traditional, refrain; Marty Haugen,b.1950, stanzas. Text and music © 2001 GIA Publications, Inc. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether, Text: Percy Dearmer, 1867-1936, alt. Text from Songs of Praise Enlarged Edition © Oxford University Press 1931. Music: Harold Friedell, 1905-1958. Music © 1957, 1985 H.W. Gray, admin CPP/Belwin. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Holy God, We Praise Your Name, Text: source unknown; tr. Clarence A. Walworth, 1820-1900, Music: Katholisches Gesangbuch, Vienna, 1774. Public domain.
Holy God, We Praise Your Name, Music: Katholisches Gesangbuch, Vienna, 1774, arr. Michael Burkhardt, b. 1957. Arr.© 2006 Birnamwood Publications (ASCAP), div. MorningStar Music Publishers. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
