| January 26th † 9:00AM
Reconciling in Christ Sunday † Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
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GATHERING |
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PRELUDE Christus, der ist mein Leben Johann G. Walther
1. Pastorella BWV 590 J. S. Bach
Yeon Soh, organ
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather to worship together,
Different people, different lives, different histories;
Yet all children of the same Parent,
Created for love by the Source of all life.
We gather to reconnect with one another,
Different people, different lives, different histories;
Yet all disciples of one Teacher.
Jesus, the Word made flesh, dwelling among us.
We gather to confess the ways we judge other people
Different people, different lives, different histories;
Yet are forgiven by the grace of God.
Forgiven and set free to love and serve our neighbor.
We gather with different joys and sorrows, different hopes and fears….
Different people, different lives, different histories,
Yet one people with one God, one faith, one baptism.
Let us open ourselves to the presence of God at work in us, among us, and through us. Amen!
GATHERING HYMN God, We Gather as Your People ACS 1038
GREETING
The grace of Christ who liberates us,
the love of God who calls creation good,
and the resilient community of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Holy God, your Word teaches us, calls us, and shapes us, that we will show forth your welcome and be the body of Christ for others. On this Reconciling in Christ Sunday, may your Word turn us toward what is good and holy and just. May your beloved people, with our diversity of identities, expressions and experiences, know we are seen, known, and loved by you. May the example of Jesus continue to create words and action of courage in the work and ministry of anti-racism. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song
FIRST READING Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Common English Bible
The exiles have returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now Ezra, the priest, reads the law of Moses to them in the public square. They weep for their sins and the long years in exile, but Ezra reminds them “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
A reading from Nehemiah.
When the seventh month came and the people of Israel were settled in their towns, all the people gathered together in the area in front of the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Instruction scroll from Moses, according to which the Lord had instructed Israel.
So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Instruction before the assembly. This assembly was made up of anyone who could understand what they heard. Facing the area in front of the Water Gate, he read it aloud, from early morning until the middle of the day. He read it in the presence of those who could understand, and everyone listened attentively to the Instruction scroll. Standing above all of the people, Ezra the scribe opened the scroll in the sight of all of the people. And as he opened it, all of the people stood up.
Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all of the people answered, “Amen! Amen!” while raising their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. They read aloud from the scroll, the Instruction from God, explaining and interpreting it so the people could understand what they heard.
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Don’t mourn or weep.” They said this because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Instruction. “Go, eat rich food, and drink something sweet,” he said to them, “and send portions of this to any who have nothing ready! This day is holy to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy from the Lord is your strength!”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Common English Bible
The apostle and pastor Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe how intimately connected we are in the church. For this struggling congregation in Corinth, Paul delivers a vital message of unity that is a mark of the church today.
A reading from First Corinthians.
Christ is just like the human body—a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the
body are one body, even though there are many. We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body,
whether Jew or Greek, or slave or free, and we all were given one Spirit to drink.
Certainly, the body isn’t one part but many. If the foot says, “I’m not part of the body because I’m not a hand,” does that mean it’s not part of the body? If the ear says, “I’m not part of the body
because I’m not an eye,” does that mean it’s not part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, what would happen to the hearing? And if the whole body were an ear, what would happen to the sense of smell? But as it is, God has placed each one of the parts in the body just like he wanted. If all were one and the same body part, what would happen to the body?
But as it is, there are many parts but one body. So the eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you,” or in turn, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” Instead, the parts of the body that
people think are the weakest are the most necessary. The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we honor the most. The private parts of our body that aren’t presentable are the ones that are given the most dignity. The parts of our body that are presentable don’t need this.
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the part with less honor so that there won’t be division in the body and so the parts might have mutual concern for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part gets the glory, all the parts celebrate with it.
You are the body of Christ and parts of each other. In the church, God has appointed first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, the ability to help others, leadership skills, different kinds of tongues. All aren’t apostles, are they? All aren’t prophets, are they? All aren’t teachers, are they? All don’t perform miracles, do they? All don’t have gifts of healing, do they? All don’t speak in different tongues, do they? All don’t interpret, do they? Use your ambition to try to get greater gifts.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Jeff
After the children’s message, children ages 3 – 6th grade are invited to go upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join!
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL Luke 4:14-21
Near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, he visits his hometown of Nazareth. In the words of Isaiah, he states and claims his identity, purpose, and mission.
The Word made flesh dwells among us. Full of grace and truth.
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read. The synagogue assistant gave him the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit is upon me, because God has anointed me.
God has sent me to preach good news to the poor,
to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind,
to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on him. He began to explain to them, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it.”
This is the Good News of Jesus Christ. Praise to you, Word of life!
SERMON Pastor Nancy Wichmann
HYMN OF DAY Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom ACS 971
PROFESSION OF FAITH
Let us profess our faith.
We believe in one God, the Architect and Guardian,
who, in the beginning, breathed life into the void,
sprouting all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in Jesus Christ
that in order to reconcile the cosmos,
this God sent a piece of God’s own self to be born human as kin to us all.
And who, at the hands of political tyranny, was killed.
He rose again to new life in love to return the world to God.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is one with the Creator and Savior.
She is our guide and wisdom.
She pours her spirit into apostles, prophets, teachers, healers, and listeners.
We believe in the uniting of all Christians into the one body of Christ,
And we believe in our return to God at the end. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Trusting in the liberating and reconciling love of God, let us pray for all people and all creation.
A brief silence.
Holy One, you are the strength of your church. Inspire the proclamation of all bishops, pastors, and deacons with your Spirit so that all the baptized are bold to share your expansive and affirming good news with the world.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
The heavens declare your glory, and the sky proclaims your handiwork. Where creation groans because of human misuse, waste, and neglect; bring healing and renewal. Safeguard all those in danger from wildfires or extreme temperatures. Open us to heed creation’s lament so that all creatures can sing your praise.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Your statutes are just, and your commandments are clear. Direct leaders of nations, cities, and towns to pursue justice and equity for our neighbors who are hurting, vulnerable, and held captive to unjust systems. Strengthen us in our resolve to build your beloved community on earth as it is in heaven.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You call us together as one body in Christ, and you create each member with unique gifts and identities. Renew our commitment to celebrate the diversity among us as people of all gender identities and expressions, sexual and romantic orientations, and racial and ethnic identities. Shape us into an adaptive, resilient community that persists in proclaiming your good news and caring for one another. We especially pray for Pat, Jim, Juliet, Michael, Bill, Lou, Shana, Maryann, Butch, Michael, Lloyd and Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Your teaching revives the weary soul. Inspire faith formation ministries that foster in us a sense of wonder and curiosity. Make us attentive to your word, and fashion us into a people who never stop asking questions and who never stop learning more about your word and your world.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We rejoice for the witness of those who have gone before us. We give thanks for the saints of Good Shepherd, especially Phyllis Taxiera whose birthday and anniversary we remember through altar flowers today. Their lives reflected your expansive love. May their example inspire us to do the same. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We entrust these our prayers, spoken and silent, and our sighs too deep for words, to your abundant mercy, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
ANTHEM Arise! Sing Forth! Arr. Hal H. Hopson
Chancel Choir
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS Born, Reborn ACS 956
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. Blessed are you, Holy One, for all good things come from you.
In bread and cup, you open heaven to us. Meet us at this table,
that we receive what we seek and follow your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ
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 our duty and our joy, that at all times and in all places we give thanks and praise to
you, almighty and merciful Creator, for you sent your child to be the light and life for the world.
Through that child you showed us how to love and be loved, how to enact justice, and how to work
for peace. And so, with all God’s children, with all living things on this world, with earth and
sea and stars, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
All thanks and praise are yours, O God, for in Christ you became incarnate in a human body.
By your flesh we are freed from sin, death, and all that holds us captive.
You have been revealed to us as one who breathes, and you breathe into us new life.
Therefore, we breathe your loving Spirit:
Silence is kept while we pray through our breath.
With all of creation, we cry out:
Breathe on us, that we may live!
On the night Jesus was sharing one final meal with his followers
before being betrayed and arrested, he picked up bread from the table, gave thanks, broke it,
and gave it to all those at the table with him, telling them:
Take and eat this bread. It is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me.
Then, after they had finished eating supper together,
he picked up a cup of wine, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, telling them:
This cup of wine is the sign of a new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this to remember me.
Groaning in expectation with all of creation, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Breath of God, in this bread and cup you bring new life to this resilient community.
Breathe on us, that we may live.
May your Spirit intercede for us with sighs too deep for words,
so that we might be made one body in Christ.
Breathe on us, that we may live.
Revive our faith, infuse us with your peace, and reveal to us your justice,
so that we might witness to the resurrection in all that we say and do.
Breathe on us, that we may live.
All thanks and praise to you, O God, Holy One and Holy Three! Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
We encourage you to experiment with praying using the inclusive words below.
Our Creator in heaven,
Let your name be sanctified. Let your realm come.
Let your will happen in heaven, and also upon earth.
Give to us today our nourishment that is necessary for life
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Do not ever carry us into testing situations, but rescue us from the evil one.
For yours is the kin-dom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
At Jesus’ table, heaven and earth are joined as one. Come and see!
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer),
and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS In the Singing ELW 466
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly ELW 461
Here is Bread ELW 483
In the red pew hymnal
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray: God of grace and mercy, in this holy meal you have fed us with forgiveness and grace, and we are full. By your Spirit send us out to become what we have received: new life in Christ for the world. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
God who names you,
Christ who claims you,
and the Holy Spirit who dwells in you,
☩ bless you and remain with you always.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN The Lord Now Sends Us Forth ELW 538
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. You are God’s resilient community! Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Praise and Thanksgiving George F. Handel
Yeon Soh, organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Karen English
Lector Kris Sheehan
Communion Presenters Kristen & David McCordick
Ushers Morgan & Tate Allen
Livestream Operator Justin Mayotte
Altar Care Caryn Francese & Cherie Lynch Conway
Upcoming Commemorations
Timothy, Titus, and Silas, missionaries
Sunday, January 26, 2025
These three early Christian men were missionary companions of the apostle Paul. Timothy became bishop of Ephesus, Titus bishop of Crete, and Silas was imprisoned with Paul at Philippi until they were delivered by an earthquake.
Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith
Monday, January 27, 2025
Women as well as men were important Christian leaders from the beginning, as demonstrated by these coworkers of the apostle Paul. Lydia, a seller of purple goods, lent her home for a church; Dorcas was known for charitable works; and Phoebe was a deacon in the church at Cenchrae.
Thomas Aquinas, teacher, died 1274
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
One of the most brilliant and creative theologians in the church’s history, Aquinas worked to bring together scripture and the philosophy of Aristotle. A member of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), Aquinas was also a hymnwriter.
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| From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2024 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27028. Great Thanksgiving adapted from Will Ed Green, 2019. New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. CCLI#1313879. OneLicense # A-716488 Hymn-based RIC Sunday.docx | |
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