February Worship 2024 – Redeemer Lutheran Church

Guided to Love – February 28, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM

I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:13-14

PRELUDE

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Chief of Sinners Though I Be ELW 609

Oh, the height of Jesus’ love!
Higher than the heav’ns above,
deeper than the depths of sea,
lasting as eternity.
Love that found me– wondrous thought–
found me when I sought him not.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

INVOCATION AND CALL TO REPENTANCE

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: As the hour of his death drew near, Jesus said, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.’” (John 12:27) Throughout his earthly ministry, the cross stood before Jesus. It was his purpose in coming to the earth. Guided by love and in obedience to his Father’s will, Jesus came to lay down his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.

C: The cross of Jesus guides us in the way of obedience as we seek to do God’s will.

P: God tells us in his Word, “Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)

C: The cross of Jesus guides us in the way of sacrifice.

P: On the night before he died, Jesus told his disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)

C: The cross of Jesus guides us in the way of love. Amen

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Let us confess our sins to God, and ask for his forgiveness.

C: Almighty God, you have called us to walk in love as Jesus did, yet we often turn away from showing love to others and choose to walk in our own selfish ways. We listen to the temptations of the world around us instead of following your Word. We fail to share with others the blessings that you have given to us. Have mercy on us, and forgive our sins. Lead us to share your love with others.

P: God has had mercy on us. This is how he loved the world—he sent his Son to be the Savior. Jesus, the Lamb of God, suffered and died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. He suffered and died to take away your sins. I announce to you that your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

C: Lead us, Lord Jesus, to walk in love as you did, and to reflect your love in the world.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Almighty God, in your love for the world you sent your Son to be our Savior. The Lord Jesus came to give him life for us, to suffer and die on the cross for us. By your grace, through faith in Jesus, we have forgiveness for our sins and the gift of eternal life. As we follow our Lord through the season of Lent, help us to walk in love as he did and to forgive others as we have been forgiven. Let the cross of our Lord always go before us to guide us in the way of love. Hear out prayer and accept out praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Isaiah 63:7-8

⁷I will recount the gracious deeds of the LORD,
the praiseworthy acts of the LORD,
because of all that the LORD has done for us,
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
⁸For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely”;
and he became their savior

SECOND READING 1 Timothy 1:12-14

¹²I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, ¹³even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, ¹⁴and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Please stand for the reading of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT Return to the Lord, Your God

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the nineteenth chapter.

GOSPEL John 19:25-27

²⁵And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” ²⁷Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN When I Survey the Wondrous Cross ELW 803

Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

Sustained by God’s abundant mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.

A brief silence.

Heavenly Father, you loved the world in this way—you set your Son as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus was guided by the cross that was set before him. During this season of Lent, lead us in true repentance. Father of our Lord, Set Jesus’ cross before us to guide us in the way of love.

Heavenly Father, in obedience to your will and out of love for us, Jesus laid down his life for us. He bore our sins in his body on the tree of the cross, suffering the penalty of death that we deserve for our sins. Help us by your Spirit to look to Jesus alone for salvation. Father of our Lord, Set Jesus’ cross before us to guide us in the way of love.

Heavenly Father, there are people among us who must bear the heavy cross of suffering, grief or pain. We especially as your mercy for all of those we name in our hearts. We pray that, according to your will, you would bring to them help and healing. Lead us to serve them in love, and bring them the comfort of hope found in the promises of your Word. Father of our Lord, Set Jesus’ cross before us to guide us in the way of love.

Heavenly Father, send your Spirit to guide us and lead us to walk in love as Jesus walked. Help us to put the needs of others ahead of our own interests. Guide us in the study of your holy Word so that we are prepared to defend the hope that we have in Jesus. Lead us to serve as his witnesses in the world so that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, others will come to know and worship Jesus as Lord. Father of our Lord, Set Jesus’ cross before us to guide us in the way of love.

Heavenly Father, your unfailing steadfast love, your covenant love, never fails. It is the love that sent Jesus to be our Savior, to suffer, die and rise for us. It is the love that guides us now through this earthly life until we live forever in your presence. Lead us to reflect your love in the world so that others will see our good works and glorify you. Father of our Lord, Set Jesus’ cross before us to guide us in the way of love.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Heavenly Father, we pray that you will uplift those of our congregation who may be suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Please bring healing, peace and comfort to all those that we name in our hearts and minds. Father of our Lord, Set Jesus’ cross before us to guide us in the way of love.

Heavenly Father, we pray that you watch over our first responders and military personnel and keep them safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. Father of our Lord, Set Jesus’ cross before us to guide us in the way of love.

P: We lift our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your steadfast love and your promise to renew your whole creation; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

C: Amen.

THE 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.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

SENDING HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling ELW 631

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Serve in love.

C: Thanks be to God.

February 25, 2024 – Second Sunday in Lent

The second covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the one made with Abraham and Sarah: God’s promise to make them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in everlasting covenant. Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham’s faith in the God who brings life into being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL We Have Decided to Follow Jesus Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Into Thy Presence We Come Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who writes the law on our hearts, who draws all people together through Jesus.

C: Amen.

P: Held in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Holy God,

C: we confess that we are caught in snares of sin and cannot break free. We hoard resources while our neighbors are hungry and cold. We speak in ways that silence others. We are silent when we should speak up. We keep score in our hearts. We let hurts grow into hatred. For all these things and for sins only you know, forgive us, Lord. Amen.

P: Here is a flood of grace: Out of love for the whole world, God draws near to us, breaks every snare of sin, washes away our wrongs, and restores the promise of life through Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

GATHERING HYMN The Church’s One Foundation ELW 654

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life. Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

MEMORY MOMENT FOR DR OLIVER HACKETT & KATHIE HACKETT

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Genesis 17: 1-7,15-16

As with Noah, God makes an everlasting covenant with Abraham and Sarah. God promises this old couple that they will be the ancestors of nations, though they have no child together. God will miraculously bring forth new life from Sarah’s womb. The name changes emphasize the firmness of God’s promise.

¹When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. ²And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” ³Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, ⁴“As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. ⁵No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. ⁶I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. ⁷I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.”

¹⁵God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. ¹⁶I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 22:23-31

²³You who fear the Lord, give praise! All you of Jacob’s ^| line, give glory.
Stand in awe of the Lord, all you off- ^| spring of Israel.
²⁴For the Lord does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty; neither is the Lord’s face hid- ^| den from them;
but when they cry out, ^| the Lord hears them.
²⁵From you comes my praise in the ^| great assembly;
I will perform my vows in the sight of those who ^| fear the Lord.
²⁶The poor shall eat ^| and be satisfied,
Let those who seek the Lord give praise! May your hearts ^| live forever!
²⁷All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn ^| to the Lord;
all the families of nations shall bow ^| before God.
²⁸For dominion belongs ^| to the Lord,
who rules o- ^| ver the nations.
²⁹Indeed, all who sleep in the earth shall bow ^| down in worship;
all who go down to the dust, though they be dead, shall kneel be- ^| fore the Lord.
³⁰Their descendants shall ^| serve the Lord,
whom they shall proclaim to genera- ^| tions to come.
³¹They shall proclaim God’s deliverance to a people ^| yet unborn,
saying to them, “The ^| Lord has acted!”

SECOND READING Romans 4:13-25

Paul presents Abraham as the example for how a person comes into a right relationship with God not through works of the law but through faith. Though Abraham and Sarah were far too old for bearing children, Abraham trusted that God would accomplish what God had promised to accomplish.

¹³The promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. ¹⁴If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. ¹⁵For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.

¹⁶For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, ¹⁷as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. ¹⁸Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” ¹⁹He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. ²⁰No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, ²¹being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. ²²Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” ²³Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, ²⁴but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, ²⁵who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Please stand, if able, to welcome the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT Return to the Lord, Your God

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the eighth chapter.

GOSPEL Mark 8:31-25

After Peter confesses his belief that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus tells his disciples for the first time what is to come. Peter’s response indicates that he does not yet understand the way of the cross that Jesus will travel.

³¹[Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.³²He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ³³But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

³⁴He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ³⁵For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. ³⁶For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? ³⁷Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? ³⁸Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY Lift High the Cross ELW 660

Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

OFFERING/ ANTHEM Without His Cross Redeemer Choir

Please join in singing the offertory response.

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

OFFERING PRAYER

P: 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.

C: Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others.

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.

A brief silence.

We turn to you for meaning, holy God. Nurture in your children the gifts of the Spirit poured out in baptism and let the mind of Christ guide the church. Give wisdom and discernment to our bishops, pastors, deacons, teachers, and leaders. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We turn to you for renewal. Save lives and ecosystems threatened by pollution and a changing climate. Cleanse the earth’s waters and restore the soil. Preserve rainforests, deserts, and wildlife, that generations to come may cherish your creation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We turn to you for justice. Uphold the worth and dignity of every person, especially any who experience hatred and rejection because of gender, ability, sexual orientation, color, ethnicity, or religion. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We turn to you for healing. Send compassionate helpers to any who suffer because of war and violence. Shelter unhoused people, befriend those who are lonely, bring hope to any in despair, and console the bereaved. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We turn to you for purpose. Remind us of your faithfulness to this congregation. Increase our trust in your guidance and keep us near the cross. Grant that our acts of service will express Christ’s sacrificial love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We turn to you for peace. We honor the saints who lived in service to others. Inspire us by their example until you gather us into your kingdom. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for those of our congregation, who may be suffering physically, emotionally or spiritually. Please bring healing, peace and comfort to all those that we name in our hearts and minds. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for our first responders and military personnel safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

P: Knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we offer these prayers and the silent prayers of our hearts in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

GRACE, LOVE, & FELLOWSHIP

To be sung by the congregation

May the Grace of Christ, our Savior, and the love of God, our Father and the fellowship of the Spirit be with us.

May the Grace of Christ, our Savior, and the love of God, our Father and the fellowship of the Spirit be with us, forever and ever for evermore. Amen.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING HYMN When I Survey the Wonderous Cross ELW 803

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Share your bread.

C: Thanks be to God.

February 21, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM

Guided to Hope

He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:10

PRELUDE

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Lord Jesus, Think on Me ELW 599

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

INVOCATION AND CALL TO REPENTANCE

P: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: When Jesus chased the money changers and merchants from the temple, the religious leaders who opposed him asked for a sign of his authority to do such things. Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). He spoke of the temple of his body. He would be killed and raised to life again on the third day after his death. The sign would be his death and resurrection. The sign would be the cross.

C: In a world of confusion and temptation and loss, we look for a sign to guide us.

P: As the time of his death drew near, Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). There he would take up his cross for the sake of our salvation. As we follow his path during this Lenten season, the cross stands before us as a marker, a signpost, to guide our steps.

C: As Jesus kept his focus on what lay ahead for him, we, too, look to his cross.

P: The cross signified a terrible death. Yet through faith in Jesus our Savior, for us the cross is a sign of triumph in the face of death. The cross is a sign of life and hope.

C: Lord Jesus, set your cross always before us to guide us to the hope of forgiveness and life that are ours through faith in your name! Amen.

Please be seated.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Let us confess our sins to God, and ask for his forgiveness.

C: Almighty God, we have the cross of our Lord before us to guide us, but we often turn away from following in his steps. We listen to the temptations of the world instead of gladly hearing your Word. We turn from the hope we have in Jesus to follow our own sinful desires. Have mercy on us, and forgive our sins.

P: God has had mercy on us. He sent his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. Jesus was nailed to the cross, suffering the penalty of death that we deserved for our sins. I announce to you that your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

C: Lord God, set the cross always before us, and guide us in the way of hope.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Lord Jesus, as we follow you on your path to the cross, guide our steps in the way of hope. By grace through faith in your holy name, we have forgiveness for our sins and the sure and certain hope of eternal life in your presence. When we are struggling with fear or loss, set your cross before us as a sign of the hope that we have. Lead us to be witnesses for you and to share the hope you bring with everyone we meet, so that they, too, in the power of the Holy Spirit, may come to believe in you and worship you as Lord. Hear our prayer, and accept our praise, dear Savior. Amen.

C: Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Jeremiah 14:21-22

²¹Do not spurn us, for your name’s sake;
do not dishonor your glorious throne;
remember and do not break your covenant with us.
²²Can any idols of the nations bring rain?
Or can the heavens give showers?
Is it not you, O LORD our God?
We set our hope on you,
for it is you who do all this.

SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 1:9-10

⁹Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ¹⁰He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Please stand for the reading of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT Return to the Lord, Your God

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the twenty third chapter.

GOSPEL Luke 23:39-43

³⁹One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴²Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN My Hope is Built on Nothing Else ELW 597

Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

LENT OFFERING PRAYER

P: Holy and generous host,

C: you set a table where we feast as friends. Prepare us to witness to your goodness with every gift you have given us to share, that all people may know your peace through Jesus Christ, now and forever.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

Sustained by God’s abundant mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.

A brief silence.

Lord God, we have placed our hope in you. You are faithful, and you always keep your promises. We give you praise and thanks for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for the hope that is ours through faith in his name. O Lord our God, your steadfast love will never fail; in you we have hope, now and for eternity.

Lord God, in you we have hope for eternity and for our life today. You have promised to be with us and to guide us. We pray for those who are struggling with illness, pain or grief, especially for those named in our hearts. Fill them with hope, and comfort them with the promises found in your holy Word. Lead us to opportunities to serve and support them in their times of need. O Lord our God, your steadfast love will never fail; in you we have hope, now and for eternity.

Lord God, all of our hopes are fulfilled in Jesus, who is the “Yes!” to all of your promises. Through our Savior’s suffering and death and through his triumphant resurrection, the powers of death and Satan have been crushed. By your grace, through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. O Lord our God, your steadfast love will never fail; in you we have hope, now and for eternity.

Lord God, the thief on the cross recognized Jesus, crowned with thorns, as his King. The thief repented of his sins and asked that his King would remember him. Jesus promised, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” That is our hope too. When we fall asleep in death, in that moment, we will be at home with you. Jesus’ promise is for us. We will be with him in paradise. O Lord our God, your steadfast love will never fail; in you we have hope, now and for eternity.

Lord God, you have told us to be ready at all times to be witness for our Savior, to speak to others of the hope that we have. Fill us with your Spirit and with the eager readiness to share the good news of forgiveness and life that is ours through faith in Jesus. Set his cross always before us to guide us to hope. O Lord our God, your steadfast love will never fail; in you we have hope, now and for eternity.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord God, we pray that you will uplift those of our congregation who may be suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Please bring healing, peace and comfort to all those that we name in our hearts and minds. O Lord our God, your steadfast love will never fail; in you we have hope, now and for eternity.

Lord God, we pray that you watch over our first responders and military personnel and keep them safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. O Lord our God, your steadfast love will never fail; in you we have hope, now and for eternity.

P: We lift our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your steadfast love and your promise to renew your whole creation; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

C: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

SENDING HYMN O God, Our Help in Ages Past ELW 632

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Serve in love.

C: Thanks be to God.

February 18, 2024 – First Sunday in Lent

On Ash Wednesday the church began its journey toward baptismal immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ. This year, the Sundays in Lent lead us to focus on five covenants God makes in the Hebrew Scriptures and to use them as lenses through which to view baptism. First Peter connects the way God saved Noah’s family in the flood with the way God saves us through the water of baptism. The baptismal covenant is made with us individually, but the new life we are given in baptism is for the sake of the whole world.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Lamb of God Redeemer Choir

TEMPLE TALK Visitation Team Greg Kiel

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP The Steadfast Love Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who writes the law on our hearts, who draws all people together through Jesus.

C: Amen.

P: Held in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Holy God,

P: Here is a flood of grace: Out of love for the whole world, God draws near to us, breaks every snare of sin, washes away our wrongs, and restores the promise of life through Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

GATHERING HYMN Bless Now, O God, the Journey ELW 326

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Genesis 9:8-17

Today’s reading is the conclusion to the flood story. Because of human sin, God destroys the earth by flood, saving only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark. Yet divine destruction gives way to divine commitment. As in the first creation, God blesses humanity and establishes a covenant with all creatures.

⁸God said to Noah and to his sons with him, ⁹“As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, ¹⁰and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. ¹¹I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” ¹²God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: ¹³I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. ¹⁴When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, ¹⁵I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. ¹⁶When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” ¹⁷God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 25: 1-10

¹To ^| you, O Lord,
I lift ^| up my soul.
²My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be ^| put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph ^| over me.
³Let none who look to you be ^| put to shame;
rather let those be put to shame ^| who are treacherous.
⁴Show me your ^| ways, O Lord,
and teach ^| me your paths.
⁵Lead me in your ^| truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all ^| the day long.
⁶Remember, O Lord, your compas- ^| sion and love,
for they are from ^| everlasting.
⁷Remember not the sins of my youth and ^| my transgressions;
remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your good- ^| ness, O Lord.
⁸You are gracious and up- ^| right, O Lord;
therefore you teach sinners ^| in your way.
⁹You lead the low- ^| ly in justice
and teach the low- ^| ly your way.
¹⁰All your paths, O Lord, are steadfast ^| love and faithfulness
to those who keep your covenant and your ^| testimonies.

SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:18-22

As God acted through Christ’s suffering and death to bring us to God, so God acts through baptism to save us from a sinful existence. This spiritual cleansing marks our new life in Christ.

¹⁸Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, ¹⁹in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, ²⁰who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. ²¹And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²²who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT Return to the Lord, Your God

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the first chapter.

GOSPEL Mark 1:9-15

The Spirit that comes upon Jesus at his baptism sustains him when he is tested by Satan so that he might proclaim the good news of God’s reign.

⁹In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. ¹¹And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

¹²And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. ¹³He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

¹⁴Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, ¹⁵and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY Thy Holy Wings ELW 613

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

Redeemer’s Mission us to Love all People.

Prayers on behalf of others

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.

A brief silence.

God our truth, the ark of your church has room for many expressions of faith. We give thanks for voices that challenge and awaken your people. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God our maker, you remember your covenant with the earth and its inhabitants. Rescue communities and creatures hurting from natural disasters. Preserve species and habitats endangered by human carelessness and disregard. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God our light, you know our weakness. Free all who govern from the temptations of power. Sustain all who work for human rights in every nation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God our help, you care for your beloved children. Comfort all who are grieving, ill, afraid, in pain, or in despair. Feed hungry people living in food deserts. Protect any at risk from exploitation and abuse. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God our home, you gather your people. Grant us health and safety as we assemble. Keep us mindful of any who are homebound, hospitalized, convalescing, or traveling. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God our hope, you promise eternal life to your beloved children. We remember with gratitude those who have lived and died in faith. Grant that we may also dwell with you in everlasting peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God our help, you care for your beloved children. We pray that you will uplift those of our congregation who may be suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Please bring healing, peace and comfort to all those that we name in our hearts and minds. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God our maker, you so love your people. We pray that you watch over our first responders and military personnel and keep them safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

P: Accompany us on our journey, God of grace, and receive the prayers of our hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

C: Amen.

OFFERING/ANTHEM The Garden Path Redeemer Choir

OFFERING PRAYER

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

P: 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 in 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 in remembrance of me.

THE 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 OF COMMUNION

P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C: Amen.

SENDING OF COMMUNION

P: O God of tender compassion, as you healed the sick and welcomed the stranger, bless those who leave this assembly to share the gifts of

this table with our sisters and brothers who are sick, homebound, or imprisoned. May they be sustained by the love and prayers of this community, and by the Bread of life that satisfies all hunger, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING HYMN A Mighty Fortress is Our God ELW 504

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Share your bread.

C: Thanks be to God.

Ash Wednesday – February 14, 2024 ~ 3:00 PM

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Lord Jesus, Think on Me Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP The Steadfast Love Redeemer Choir

HYMN Our Father, We Have Wandered ELW 606

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

INVOCATION AND CALL TO REPENTANCE

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: In ancient times, people might display their sorrow over sin by scattering dust and ashes on their heads, a reminder that in Eden, God decreed death as the penalty for sin: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Yet God also promised that a Savior would come to destroy the power of the tempting serpent who had brought sin and death into God’s creation. In his suffering, the inspired prophet Job spoke of his trust in the Lord’s promise: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). Confident in his Redeemer’s love, Job confessed his sins, “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). Remembering that the promised Savior, Jesus our Redeemer, shed his blood on the cross for us, we take onto ourselves a mark of repentance. You are invited to come forward at the direction of the ushers to receive the mark of ashes, a reminder that we, like Job, repent in dust and ashes.

THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES

C: We receive a cross of ashes on our foreheads on this day. For we are dust, and to dust we shall return, but in the cross of Christ, we have a future.

Please be seated.

Those who desire to receive ashes, please come forward and there will be a continuous line before the altar. Ashes will be applied to the forehead of each person in a continuous fashion.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Having received the symbol of repentance, let us confess our sins to God our Savior, using the words of the psalmist David.

C: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

P: God has had mercy on us, and for the sake of Christ Jesus our Redeemer, he has forgiven our sins. I announce to you that your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

C: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit!” Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Heavenly Father, although we are all too aware of our sins and failures, we repent with humble confidence, knowing that Jesus shed his blood on the cross for us. By your grace, your undeserved favor for sinners, you have brought us out of the domain of sin and transferred us into the kingdom of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we have forgiveness for our sins. Lead us by your Spirit to walk in love as Jesus walked, and to bear witness to the fact that our Redeemer lives! Hear our prayer, and accept our praise in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

C: Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Psalm 103:11-14

¹¹For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
¹²as far as the east is from the west,
so far he removes our transgressions from us.
¹³As a father has compassion for his children,
so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.
¹⁴For he knows how we were made;
he remembers that we are dust.

SECOND READING Colossians 1:9-14

⁹For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. ¹¹May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully ¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. ¹³He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Please stand for the reading of the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT Return to the Lord, Your God

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the twenty third chapter.

GOSPEL Luke 23:33-34

³³When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ ³⁴Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY Be Thou My Vision ELW 793

Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

Sustained by God’s abundant mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.

A brief silence.

Lord and Savior, we begin the season of Lent marked with the ashes of repentance. As we remember your suffering and death for us, we trust in your steadfast love and look to you for mercy and forgiveness. Jesus, Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and hear our prayer.

Lord and Savior, through your death and resurrection, we have been delivered from the domain of sin and death. By grace through faith in your holy name, we have forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and hear our prayer.

Lord and Savior, we pray for those who are suffering in ashes of grief and loss, of illness and sorrow. Bring help and healing to those in our congregation and those we name in our hearts. Comfort them through the promises of your holy Word, and lead us to encourage them in love. Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and hear our prayer.

Lord and Savior, you prayed for forgiveness for those who nailed you to the cross. As you have forgiven us, lead us by your Spirit to forgive others as we have been forgiven and to walk in love as you did. Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and hear our prayer.

Lord and Savior, through these 40 days, we will remember your suffering and death for us. As we praise you for your saving love, we look with joy to the celebration of your resurrection on Easter morning. When you return on the Last Day, we too will be raised as you were raised, and we will receive the crown of life. Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord and Savior, we pray that you will uplift those of our congregation who may be suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Please bring healing, peace and comfort to all those that we name in our hearts and minds. Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and hear our prayer.

Lord and Savior, we pray that you watch over our first responders and military personnel and keep them safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, and hear our prayer.

P: We lift our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your steadfast love and your promise to renew your whole creation; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

OFFERING Lenten Meditation Redeemer Choir

Please join in singing the offertory response.

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

LENT OFFERING PRAYER

P: Holy and generous host,

The Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Please be seated.

Hymn during communion Just as I Am ELW 592

Please stand, if able.

P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C: Amen.

SENDING OF COMMUNION

P: Almighty God, you gave us your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving and to conform our lives to his, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING HYMN O God, Our Help in Ages Past ELW 632

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Serve in love.

C: Thanks be to God.

February 11, 2024 – Transfiguration of Our Lord

The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus’ baptism and end with three disciples’ vision of his transfiguration. In Mark’s story of Jesus’ baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears the words from heaven. But now Jesus’ three closest friends hear the same words naming him God’s Beloved. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus’ face, because the same God who created light in the first place has shone in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God’s glory in Jesus has enlightened us through baptism and shines in us also for others to see.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Arise, Your Light Has Come Redeemer Choir

TEMPLE TALK Prayer Shawl Ministry Wendy Kitzman

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Holy Ground Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, creator of darkness and light, word of truth, wind sweeping over the waters.

C: Amen.

P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: God, our rock and refuge,

C: we pour out our hearts before you. We have known you but have not always loved you. We have wounded one another and sinned against you. We have not always recognized the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us. Remember your covenant. Renew your creation. Restore us, that we might proclaim your good news to all. Amen.

P: The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. God has spoken: The time of grace is now. In Jesus, the reign of God has come near. By the authority of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. You are God’s beloved.

C: Amen.

GATHERING HYMN How Good, Lord, to Be Here! ELW 315

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

COUNCIL INSTALLATION

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING 2 Kings 2: 1-12

Today’s reading centers on the transfer of power and authority from the prophet Elijah to Elisha. Their travels, which retrace the path of Joshua back to Moab (the place where Moses died) and the parting of the waters, demonstrate that Elisha and Elijah are legitimate successors of the great prophet Moses.

¹Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. ²Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. ³The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”

⁴Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. ⁵The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”

⁶Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. ⁷Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. ⁸Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

⁹When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” ¹⁰He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” ¹¹As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. ¹²Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 50:1-6

¹The mighty one, God the ^| Lord, has spoken;
calling the earth from the rising of the sun ^| to its setting.
²Out of Zion, perfect ^| in its beauty,
God shines ^| forth in glory.
³Our God will come and will ^| not keep silence;
with a consuming flame before, and round about a ^| raging storm.
⁴God calls the heavens and the earth ^| from above
to witness the judgment ^| of the people.
⁵“Gather before me my ^| loyal followers,
those who have made a covenant with me and sealed ^| it with sacrifice.”
⁶The heavens declare the rightness ^| of God’s cause,
for it is God ^| who is judge.

SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

The spotlight of Christian ministry is not on the people who carry out ministry but on the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as God made light shine at creation, God makes the light of Jesus Christ shine in our lives through Christian ministry.

³Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. ⁶For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Please stand, if able, to welcome the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Celtic Alleluia ELW 174

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the ninth chapter.

GOSPEL Mark 9:2-9

Mark’s gospel presents the transfiguration as a preview of what would become apparent to Jesus’ followers after he rose from the dead. Confused disciples are given a vision of God’s glory manifest in the beloved Son.

²Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, ³and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. ⁴And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. ⁵Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁶He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. ⁷Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” ⁸Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus.

⁹As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY Jesus, Takes Us to the Mountain sheet

Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

OFFERING/ ANTHEM Shine on Great Savior Redeemer Choir

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

OFFERING PRAYER

P: 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.

C: Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others.

As we celebrate Christ embodied in human form, we pray for God’s blessing on the church, the world, and all of creation.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, that the transformational power of God enters the hearts of all people. May its leaders serve as examples of your grace and healing across time and space. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for the creation, that we will humbly observe the swirl of wind and the heat of the bright sun. Teach us to honor all you have made and to care for the animals, plants, air, and bodies of water of this planet. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for those charged with leadership, lawmaking, and governance of our towns, states, and countries, that they will strive for goodness and justice all the days of their lives and callings. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for any who are sick and suffering. Guide us to offer hospitality, shelter, friendship, and care to any in need. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for this congregation and its ministry in the wider community. May we share the transforming beauty and love of God in ways that honor the dignity of all whom we encounter. God of grace, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Trusting that all the saints, prophets, and those who die in faith are held in your care, we remember in thanksgiving those who have died. Grant us your gift of salvation as we await your coming again in glory. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for our first responders and military personnel safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. God of grace, receive our prayer.

P: Knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we offer these prayers and the silent prayers of our hearts in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

GRACE, LOVE, & FELLOWSHIP

To be sung by the congregation

May the Grace of Christ, our Savior, and the love of God, our Father and the fellowship of the Spirit be with us.

May the Grace of Christ, our Savior, and the love of God, our Father and the fellowship of the Spirit be with us, forever and ever for evermore. Amen.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING HYMN Alleluia, Song of Gladness ELW 318

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

Alleluia. Enclose and seal up the word, alleluia. Let it remain in the secret of your heart, alleluia, until the appointed time. You shall say it with great joy when that day comes. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

P: Go in peace. You are God’s beloved.

C: Thanks be to God.

February 4, 2024 – 5^th Sunday after Epiphany

In Isaiah the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars also strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up and healed to serve. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL All People That On Earth Do Dwell Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Creator of Your People Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, creator of darkness and light, word of truth, wind sweeping over the waters.

C: Amen.

P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: God, our rock and refuge,

C: Amen.

GATHERING HYMN Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness ELW 843

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

SPECIAL MUSIC A Simple Song Lynn Barrett

From Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass”

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Isaiah 40:21-31

The Judeans in exile have a good reason to be hopeful: the one who will bring them to freedom is the God who created the world, the God who subdues the rulers of the earth and gives strength to those who are weary.

²¹Have you not known? Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
²²It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
and spreads them like a tent to live in;
²³who brings princes to naught,
and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.

²⁴Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,
when he blows upon them, and they wither,
and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

²⁵To whom then will you compare me,
or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
²⁶Lift up your eyes on high and see:
Who created these?
He who brings out their host and numbers them,
calling them all by name;
because he is great in strength,
mighty in power,
not one is missing.

²⁷Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my right is disregarded by my God”?
²⁸Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
³⁰Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
³¹but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

¹Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises ^| to our God!
How pleasant it is to honor ^| God with praise!
²The Lord re- ^| builds Jerusalem,
and gathers the ex- ^| iles of Israel.
³The Lord heals the ^| brokenhearted
and binds ^| up their wounds.
⁴The Lord counts the number ^| of the stars
and calls them all ^| by their names.
⁵Great is our Lord and might- ^| y in power;
there is no limit ^| to God’s wisdom.
⁶The Lord lifts ^| up the lowly,
but casts the wicked ^| to the ground.
⁷Sing to the Lord ^| with thanksgiving;
make music upon the harp ^| to our God,
⁸who covers the heav- ^| ens with clouds
and prepares rain for the earth, making grass to grow up- ^| on the mountains.
⁹God provides food ^| for the cattle
and for the young ravens ^| when they cry.
¹⁰God is not impressed by the might ^| of a horse,
and has no pleasure in the speed ^| of a runner,
¹¹but finds pleasure in those who ^| fear the Lord,
in those who await God’s steadfast love. ^20c| Hallelujah!

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

God entrusted Paul with the responsibility of bringing the gospel to diverse people. Hence the focus of Paul’s ministry is not his own rights or privileges as an apostle but the privilege of serving God by freely sharing the good news of Christ with others.

¹⁶If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! ¹⁷For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. ¹⁸What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.

¹⁹For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. ²⁰To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. ²¹To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. ²²To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. ²³I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Please stand, if able, to welcome the Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Celtic Alleluia ELW 174

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the first chapter.

GOSPEL Mark 1:29-39

Everywhere Jesus goes, many people expect him to set them free from oppression. Everywhere he goes, he heals people and sets them free. Disease, devils, and death are running for their lives. The forces that diminish human life are rendered powerless by Jesus.

²⁹As soon as [Jesus and the disciples] left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. ³⁰Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. ³¹He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

³²That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. ³³And the whole city was gathered around the door. ³⁴And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

³⁵In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. ³⁶And Simon and his companions hunted for him. ³⁷When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” ³⁸He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” ³⁹And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ELW 858

Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

As we celebrate Christ embodied in human form, we pray for God’s blessing on the church, the world, and all of creation.

A brief silence.

Everlasting God, you bring your healing power to the church. Give your church a spirit of unity and prayer, that we discern your way for us in the world. God of grace, receive our prayer.

Creator of the ends of the earth, you make the grass grow and send rain for the soil. Bring your creation into harmony and balance. Give animals their food and provide healthy shelter for your people. Inspire us to honor the miraculous beauty of all you have made. God of grace, receive our prayer.

God without equal, your steadfast love endures forever. Bring the leaders, elected officials, and peacekeepers of our towns and countries into understanding and unity. Guide them to serve with compassion and understanding. God of grace, receive our prayer.

God who strengthens, you lift up with your hand any who are suffering. Heal those who are brokenhearted and strengthen the weak and all in need. God of grace, receive our prayer.

God who gives power to the faint, challenge us to share the faith stories of what God has done in our lives. Open us to receive the unique ways God is at work in your people, especially those whose perspectives challenge our own. God of grace, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God who calls each star by name, we remember all who have died. Shelter all who mourn with your mercy and care, and give us hope in your promised salvation. God of grace, receive our prayer.

God uplift those of our congregation who may be suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Please bring healing, peace and comfort to all those that we name in our hearts and minds. God of grace, receive our prayer.

God, we ask that you please watch over our first responders and military personnel and keep them safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. God of grace, receive our prayer.

P: Knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we offer these prayers and the silent prayers of our hearts in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

OFFERING ANTHEM Precious Lord, Take my Hand Redeemer Choir

Please join in singing the offertory response.

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

OFFERING PRAYER

P: 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.

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE 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

Please be seated.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION– Lamb of God

Please stand, if able.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION

P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C: Amen.

SENDING OF COMMUNION

P: O God of tender compassion, as you healed the sick and welcomed the stranger, bless those who leave this assembly to share the gifts of this table with our sisters and brothers who are sick, homebound, or imprisoned. May they be sustained by the love and prayers of this community, and by the Bread of life that satisfies all hunger, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING HYMN As with Gladness Men of Old ELW 302

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. You are God’s beloved.

C: Thanks be to God.