March Worship 2024 – Redeemer Lutheran Church

He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Easter Sunday – March 31, 2024

The Resurrection of Our Lord

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

PRELUDE My Redeemer Liveth Organ

PROCESSIONAL

Please stand and join in singing our Easter Hymn ELW 365

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

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

THE EASTER LITANY

P: Christ is risen!

C: HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

P: As in Adam, all die

C: EVEN SO IN CHRIST, SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE!

P: Christ is risen!

C: HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

P: His lifeless body in the grave

C: A STONE TO SEAL THAT RESTING PLACE.

P: But now the stone is rolled away!

C: THE EMPTY GRAVE IS ALL WE SEE.

P: Christ is risen!

C: HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

P: It was for our sins that He died

C: BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN!

P: He is risen indeed!

C: ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!

P: In death He carried our sins to the grave

C: IN RISING HE HAS SET US FREE.

P: CHRIST IS RISEN!

C: HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

P: He has become the first fruits of those who sleep.

C: AND WE SHALL ONE DAY RISE WITH HIM!

P: Christ is risen!

C: HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

P: We are raised to a new life with Him;

C: LET US THEREFORE SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE.

P: Christ is risen!

C: HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Let us pray.

C: O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

ANTHEM His Glories Now We Sing Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song
from the New Testament and Psalms.

FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43

Peter’s sermon, delivered at the home of Cornelius, a Roman army officer, is a summary of the essential message of Christianity: Everyone who believes in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the words of the prophets, receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

³⁴Peter began to speak to [the people]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. ³⁷That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: ³⁸how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; ⁴⁰but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, ⁴¹not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴²He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

²³By the Lord has | this been done;
it is marvelous | in our eyes.
²⁴This is the day that the | Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be | glad in it.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

The core of the Christian faith and Paul’s preaching is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the crucified and risen Christ appeared to the earliest of his followers, so we experience the presence of the Risen One in the preaching of this faith.

¹Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, ²through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.
³For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, ⁴and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, ⁵and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. ⁶Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. ⁷Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. ⁸Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. ⁹For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. ¹¹Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

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 sixteenth chapter.

GOSPEL Mark 16:1-8

The resurrection of Jesus is announced, and the response is one of terror and amazement.

¹When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint [Jesus’ body]. ²And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” ⁴When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. ⁵As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. ⁶But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. ⁷But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” ⁸So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing ELW 389

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

Rejoicing that Jesus is risen and love has triumphed over fear, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need of good news.

A brief silence.

Holy God, we pray for the body of Christ, the church. Where the church is persecuted, protect it. Where the church is privileged, grant it humility. Where the church is fractured, heal it. Guide us all to embody Christ’s love in the world. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, we pray for the earth, your good creation. Join our prayers with branches lifted in praise and roaring waters of new life, that together we may proclaim Easter hope. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, we pray for all peoples and nations. Free oppressed communities from occupation, exploitation, and abuse. Teach leaders your way of justice. Empower peacemakers and all who work to end violence and strife. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Liberating God, we pray for people everywhere who long for good news. Roll away the stones that keep people from living with dignity and wholeness. Breathe new life and hope into people struggling to make it through each day. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for this community of faith and for your Spirit in our midst. Feed us at your Easter table and fill us with your wisdom, that we may serve and care for others. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Eternal God, we remember those who have gone before us in death. Renew our trust in your promises, that we live with joyful courage and compassion. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Healing God, please remember 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, hear our prayer.

Protecting God, please keep 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, hear our prayer.

P: Into your hands, most merciful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abiding love; through Jesus Christ, our resurrected and living Lord.

C: Amen.

OFFERING Open the Gates of the Temple Lynn Barrett

Please join in singing the offertory response.

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

OFFERING PRAYER

P: Risen One, you call us to believe and bear fruit. May the gifts that we offer here be signs of your abiding love. Form us to be your witnesses in the world, through Jesus Christ, our true vine.

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion. The choir will receive Holy Communion first. If you are unable to come to the altar for Holy Communion, please let an usher know and Holy Communion will be brought to you.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Now let us feast this Easter day on Christ, the bread of heaven. Hallelujah! Welcome to the feast. We now offer gluten free wafers; they will be served by Pastor Allman. We also offer both wine and purple grape juice. Tell the Communion Assistant if you prefer juice.

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.

Communion will be distributed in a continuous fashion. The choir will begin first.

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

C: Amen.

SENDING OF COMMUNION

P: Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of heaven to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection that we may show your glory to all the world; through the same Jesus Christ, our risen 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 Christ is Risen! Alleluia ELW 382

EASTER GREETING

P: Alleluia! Christ is risen.

C: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

P: Go in peace. Serve the Risen One.

C: Thanks be to God.

Good Friday – Tenebrae Service

The Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross

March 29^th, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM

Good Friday – Dark Friday

The day Jesus Christ was crucified.

The Friday before Easter Sunday is known as Good Friday or Dark Friday. On this day we remember the cruel death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. He loved us so much that he was willing to take on the sin of the world and die for us, so whoever believes in Him can have eternal life. Jesus was crucified on Good Friday and died on the Cross for the Sin of the World. He rose from the dead on Easter Sunday.

This service today is an adaptation of the ancient office of Tenebrae and we will also have the reading of The Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross. This service is designed to call attention to the fact that we have been accomplices to the suffering of Christ and yet have received his abundant love and mercy. Tenebrae means “shadows” or “darkness.”

Toward the end of the Service, when the death of our Lord is remembered, only one candle is left burning, the light of God’s love. For a little time…even this one light is carried away and then complete darkness will symbolize the darkness of Christ’s three days in the tomb…but like God’s love, this light is never put out. It is returned on Easter symbolizing the Lord’s joyous resurrection from the dead.

After the benediction, a loud noise will be heard. This noise signifies that the meaning of the cross is fulfilled and that the Tenebrae Service is complete.

We will not pass the offering plate today.

There are baskets at the back of the church for you to give your Good Friday Offering. Thank you.

We ask you to leave the church today in silence.

The Pastor will not be at the door to greet you.

GOOD FRIDAY –TENEBRAE SERVICE – THE SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS

Please stand, if able.

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

C: Amen.

P: He who knew equality with God to be his natural right as a Son, gave up his heavenly glory that we, by his suffering and death, might be granted the right of eternal sonship by the Father. The crowds have turned upon him and mocked him, whom once they hailed; and death has claimed him who came to conquer death, little knowing that already Christ stands at the threshold of victory.

C: Wherefore God has highly exalted him and given him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father. Amen.

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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Please be seated.

Behold The Holy Lamb of God Redeemer Choir

The Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross

P: Christ Jesus died on the Cross to redeem all people, to save us from our sins, because God loves us. As recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Holy Bible, Jesus Christ was mocked, scorned, and tortured in the courtyard. He carried his cross up the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem to Calvary, was nailed to the Cross, hung between two common criminals, and suffered indescribably during the last few hours of his life, recalled by the Church on Friday of Holy Week.

THE FIRST WORD

“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Gospel of Luke 23:34

PASTOR’S HOMILY

HYMN I Lay My Sins On Jesus Redeemer Choir

Please join the choir in singing.

I lay my sins on Jesus,
The spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us
From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus
To wash my crimson stains
Clean in his blood most precious
Till not a spot remains.

THE SECOND WORD

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Gospel of Luke 23:43

PASTOR’S HOMILY

HYMN Jesus Remember Me Redeemer Choir

Please join the choir in singing.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

THE THIRD WORD

Jesus said to his mother: “Woman, this is your son.” Then he said to the disciple: “This is your mother.” Gospel of John 19:26-27

PASTOR’S HOMILY

HYMN Take My Mother Home Lynn Barrett

THE FOURTH WORD

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Gospels of Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

PASTOR’S HOMILY

HYMN Soldiers of the Cross Redeemer Choir

THE FIFTH WORD

“I thirst.”

Gospel of John 19:28

PASTOR’S HOMILY

HYMN Fill My Cup, Lord Redeemer Choir & Congregation

Fill my cup, Lord

I lift it up Lord!

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.

Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more;

Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

THE SIXTH WORD

When Jesus had received the wine, he said,

“It is finished;”

and bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.

Gospel of John 19:30

PASTOR’S HOMILY

THE SEVENTH WORD

Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

“Father into your hands I commend my spirit”

Gospel of Luke 23:46

PASTOR’S HOMILY

Were You There? Choir & Cong v.1

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, were you there when they crucified my Lord?
(Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble) tremble

The Cross and the Christ Candle are taken out of the sanctuary.

THE NOISE ENDING THE SERVICE OF TENEBRAE

There is no benediction.

The congregation is asked to depart quietly.

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2024 10:00 AM

Today our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Today we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.

PRELUDE

PROCESSION Jesus Remember Me

CALL TO WORSHIP If You Love Me Redeemer Choir

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

C: Amen.

LENTEN ADMONITION

Friends in Christ, in this Lenten season we have heard our Lord’s call to struggle against sin, death, and the devil—all that keeps us from loving God and each other. This is the struggle to which we were called at baptism. Within the community of the church, God never wearies of forgiving sin and giving the peace of reconciliation. On this night let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor, and enter the celebration of the great Three Days reconciled with God and with one another.

Silence is kept for reflection and self-examination.

P: Most merciful God,

C: we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

P: God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.

C: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Holy God, source of all love,

C: on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC Prayer at Gethsemane Lynn Barrett

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 Exodus 12:1-14

Israel remembered its deliverance from slavery in Egypt by celebrating the festival of Passover. This festival featured the Passover lamb, whose blood was used as a sign to protect God’s people from the threat of death. The early church described the Lord’s supper using imagery from the Passover, especially in portraying Jesus as the lamb who delivers God’s people from sin and death.

¹The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: ²This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. ³Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. ⁴If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. ⁵Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. ⁶You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. ⁷They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. ⁸They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. ⁹Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. ¹⁰You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. ¹¹This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. ¹²For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. ¹³The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

¹⁴This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

In the bread and cup of the Lord’s supper, we experience intimate fellowship with Christ and with one another because it involves his body given for us and the new covenant in his blood. Faithful participation in this meal is a living proclamation of Christ’s death until he comes in the future.

²³For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, ²⁴and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁵In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

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. John, the thirteenth chapter.

GOSPEL John 13: 1-17,31b-35

The story of the last supper in John’s gospel recalls a remarkable event not mentioned elsewhere: Jesus performs the duty of a slave, washing the feet of his disciples and urging them to do the same for one another.

¹Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. ²The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper ³Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, ⁴got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. ⁵Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. ⁶He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” ⁷Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” ⁸Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” ⁹Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” ¹⁰Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” ¹¹For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

¹²After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? ¹³You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. ¹⁴So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. ¹⁶Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. ¹⁷If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”

^31b“Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. ³²If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. ³³Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ ³⁴I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ³⁵By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

ANTHEM From an Upper Room Redeemer Choir

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

Trusting in Jesus who gave his life for the world, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

A brief silence.

God who kneels to wash our feet, gather your church around the world during this holy week. Humble the powerful and lift up any who are marginalized. Renew our faith and make us bold in service and love to our neighbors. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God who blesses the grain of the soil and the fruit of the vine, inspire in us a reverent care for the earth. Sustain fields, gardens, and wild places, that all people are fed and every living thing flourishes. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God whose greatest commandment is love, guide all who govern by the principle of love. Transform unjust human systems that oppress some for the gain of others. Restore communities as places of justice and concern for those who are vulnerable. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God who was betrayed, comfort people everywhere who have suffered abuse at the hands of someone they knew and trusted. Heal the bodies, minds, and hearts of victims of exploitation. Help all in pain to know that you are near. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God who sits at the table with us, grant the joy of your presence to people celebrating first communion today, and to all who share the meal. Strengthen communities of faith in grace and courage. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God who brings new life out of death, we pray with thanks for the lives of those who have joined the communion of saints. In our holy meal, connect us to the faithful who have gone before us, and nourish us as your people living today. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God who comforts us, 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. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God who protects us, we pray for our first responders and military personnel please keep them safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

P: Receive these prayers, loving God, for the sake of the One who loved us to the end, Jesus Christ, our redeemer.

C: Amen.

OFFERING

Please join in singing the offertory response.

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

OFFERING PRAYER

P: God of good gifts, receive these and all our offerings as we present them in faithful service for the sake of your gospel. Prepare our hearts to receive you in this meal as you pour out your very presence through Christ Jesus, the wellspring of eternal life.

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

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: Lord Jesus, in a wonderful sacrament you strengthen us with the saving power of your suffering, death, and resurrection. May this sacrament of your body and blood so work in us that the fruits of your redemption will show forth in the way we live, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

THE STRIPPING OF THE ALTAR FOR GOOD FRIDAY

READING OF PSALM 22

Palm Sunday ~ March 24, 2024

This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation: in the wine and bread, Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.

PRELUDE Procession to Calvary

PROCESSIONAL Hosanna, Jesus Comes! Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP The Palms Chuck Buskirk

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.

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, 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 Isaiah 50:4-9a

The image of the servant of God is one of the notable motifs in the book of Isaiah. Today’s reading describes the mission of the servant, whom early Christians associated with Jesus. Like Jesus, the servant does not strike back at his detractors but trusts in God’s steadfast love.

⁴The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. ⁵The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. ⁶I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting ⁷The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; ⁸he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. ^9aIt is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 31:9-16

⁹Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I | am in trouble;
my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat | and my belly.
¹⁰For my life is wasted with grief, and my | years with sighing;
my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones | are consumed.

¹¹I am the scorn of all my enemies, a disgrace to my neighbors, a dismay to | my acquaintances;
when they see me in the street | they avoid me.
¹²Like the dead I am forgotten, | out of mind;
I am as useless as a | broken pot.
¹³For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is | all around;
they put their heads together against me; they plot to | take my life.
¹⁴But as for me, I have trusted in | you, O Lord.
I have said, “You | are my God.
¹⁵My times are | in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who | persecute me.
¹⁶Let your face shine up- | on your servant;
save me in your | steadfast love.”

SECOND READING Philippians 2:5-11

Christ did not act to attain status and glory but was obedient to God even to the point of death. Following Christ’s example, we do not seek personal status or glory but care for others as God cared for us in Christ’s death.

⁵Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
⁶who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
⁷but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
⁸he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
⁹Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

HYMN Ride on, Ride on in Majesty Sheet

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

GOSPEL Mark 11:1-11

Jesus enters Jerusalem

¹When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples ²and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. ³If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” ⁴They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, ⁵some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” ⁶They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. ⁷Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. ⁸Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. ⁹Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
¹⁰Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹¹Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY All Glory, Laud, and Honor ELW 344

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

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.

Blessed One, today the church sings glad hosannas as we enter Holy Week. Prepare us to bear witness to Christ’s suffering and death endured for our sake. Gather your people around the cross and comfort us with resurrection hope. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Renew your good creation and protect the balance of life on earth. Encourage the work of foresters, scientists, arborists, gardeners, and river keepers. We pray for the health of pollinating insects, songbirds, and native plants. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Establish peace and justice among the nations. Hold to account any with authority to judge others. Grant that courts, legislatures, and local governments will serve with integrity and compassion. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bring hope to any who feel forsaken or forgotten. Make a way for refugees and asylum seekers. Reunite families enduring separation. We pray for any who are incarcerated, institutionalized, or in foster care, that they may know your love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Give energy and joy to our pastor, deacons, worship leaders, and musicians. Bless baptismal candidates, their sponsors, confirmands, and teachers. Watch over those who travel. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Blessed One, our times are in your hand. Sustain us in discipleship throughout our lives and receive us into everlasting life. Your mercy is great.

Blessed One, 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.

Blessed One, 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 Blessed are They 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.

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

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.

Please be seated.

ANTHEM Soldiers of the Cross Redeemer Choir

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.

HYMN Ah Holy Jesus ELW 349

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Share your bread.

C: Thanks be to God.

March 20, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM – Guided to Perseverance

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might … praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance. Ephesians 6:10, 18

PRELUDE

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Just a Closer Walk with Thee ELW 697

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: Jesus repeatedly told his disciples what lay ahead for him. It was the purpose for which he had come. Calling himself the Son of Man, a title for the Messiah from the prophet Daniel, Jesus said, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day” (Matthew 17:22-23).

C: Teach us, Lord, to follow you in faithfulness.

P: As the time drew near for Jesus to finish his earthly ministry and to be taken up to heaven, he turned to Jerusalem and to the cross: “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).

C: When our days are difficult and challenging, Lord Jesus, help us to keep our focus on you.

P: As Jesus began to take his final steps toward the cross, he 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. Father, glorify your name” (John 12:27-28).

C: Jesus, in faithfulness, you took up the cross for the sake of our salvation. Set your cross before us to guide us to persevere in faith.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

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

C: Almighty God, we are called to persevere in our obedience to your will and your ways, but instead we sin against you. We do not walk in your ways or love others as we should. We are more interested in fulfilling our own desires than serving others and being faithful to your Word. Have mercy on us, and forgive our sins.

P: God, in his mercy, sent his Son to deliver us. Jesus faithfully obeyed his Father’s will and suffered and died to save us. 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, lead us to walk faithfully in your ways.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Lord Jesus, you set your face toward Jerusalem as the time of your death drew near. You did not turn away from what lay ahead. In Gethsemane, you prayed that your Father’s will, not yours, would be done. You were faithful to your purpose and obedient to your heavenly Father, obedient to the point of death on a cross. Lead us by your Spirit to be faithful to you in our thoughts, words and actions, so that our lives bear witness to your steadfast love. 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 Micah 6:7-8

⁷Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
⁸He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

SECOND READING Ephesians 6:13-20

¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. ¹⁵As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. ¹⁶With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. ¹⁹Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

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 19:16-22

¹⁶Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So, they took Jesus; ¹⁷and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. ¹⁸There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. ¹⁹Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” ²⁰Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. ²¹Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.'” ²²Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN O Master, Let Me Walk with You ELW 818

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 Jesus, you set your face toward Jerusalem, where you would take up your cross for the sake of our salvation. In faithful obedience to your heavenly Father, you suffered and died to save us. Faithful Lord, as we follow you, set your cross before us to guide us in faithfulness.

Lord Jesus, when we face difficult days in life, when we are filled with doubt or fear, strengthen us to persevere in faith and to hold fast to the hope and peace that you have brought us. Faithful Lord, as we follow you, set your cross before us to guide us in faithfulness.

Lord Jesus, be present with those who face illness, pain and grief, especially and those we name in our hearts. Comfort them through the promises of your Word, and keep them strong in faith. Guide us as we serve them in love. Faithful Lord, as we follow you, set your cross before us to guide us in faithfulness.

Lord Jesus, keep us steadfast in the study of your Word so that we will grow in faith, ready to defend the hope that is ours and to be your witnesses each day. Give us opportunities to speak to others about your redeeming death and triumphant resurrection, so that in the power of the Spirit, they, too, may come to follow you in faith. Faithful Lord, as we follow you, set your cross before us to guide us in faithfulness.

Lord Jesus, faithful to your purpose and to your Father’s will, you suffered and died to save us. Keep us steadfast in faith, walking in your footsteps, until we live in your presence forever. Faithful Lord, as we follow you, set your cross before us to guide us in faithfulness.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord Jesus, 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. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, set your cross before us to guide us in faithfulness.

Lord Jesus, 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. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, set your cross before us to guide us in faithfulness.

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 My Jesus, I Love Thee sheet

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Serve in love.

C: Thanks be to God.

March 17, 2024 – Fifth Sunday in Lent

God promises Jeremiah that a “new covenant” will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God’s heart through Christ and draws God’s love and truth into our hearts. We join together in worship, sharing in word, song, and meal, and leave strengthened to share God’s love with all the world.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Lamb of God Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Lamb of God Ladies 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 Beneath the Cross of Jesus ELW 338

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in 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.

SPECIAL MUSIC Consider the Lilies Sherri Knaub

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 31:31-34

The Judeans in Babylon blamed their exile on their ancestors, who had broken the covenant established at Sinai. Here the prophet looks to a day when God will make a new covenant with the people. There will be no need to teach the law, because God will write it on their hearts.

³¹The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. ³²It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. ³³But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ³⁴No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 51:1-12

¹Have mercy on me, O God, according to your ^| steadfast love;
in your great compassion blot out ^| my offenses.
²Wash me through and through ^| from my wickedness,
and cleanse me ^| from my sin.
³For I know ^| my offenses,
and my sin is ev- ^| er before me.
⁴Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil ^| in your sight;
so you are justified when you speak and right ^| in your judgment.
⁵Indeed, I was born ^| steeped in wickedness,
a sinner from my ^| mother’s womb.
⁶Indeed, you delight in truth ^| deep within me,
and would have me know wisdom ^| deep within.
⁷Remove my sins with hyssop, and I ^| shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be pur- ^| er than snow.
⁸Let me hear ^| joy and gladness;
that the body you have broken ^| may rejoice.
⁹Hide your face ^| from my sins,
and blot out ^| all my wickedness.
¹⁰Create in me a clean ^| heart, O God,
and renew a right spir- ^| it within me.
¹¹Cast me not away ^| from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spir- ^| it from me.
¹²Restore to me the joy of ^| your salvation
and sustain me with your boun- ^| tiful Spirit.

SECOND READING Hebrews 5:5-10

Using priestly imagery and references to the Old Testament, the author explains how Christ lived in trusting obedience to God, and so God has made Christ the source of our eternal salvation.

⁵Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
⁶as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.”

⁷In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; ⁹and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, ¹⁰having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

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. John, the twelfth chapter.

GOSPEL John 12:20-33

Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time to celebrate the Passover festival. Here Jesus’ words about seeds planted in the ground turn the disaster of his death into the promise of a harvest in which everyone will be gathered.

²⁰Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. ²¹They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ²²Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. ²³Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. ²⁵Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

²⁷“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. ²⁸Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ²⁹The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” ³⁰Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. ³¹Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. ³²And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ³³He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY Word of God, Come Down on Earth ELW 510

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

God of the covenant, through the church you draw us into community. We give thanks for the means of grace around which we gather. Inspire writers, musicians, and artists whose creative gifts adorn our worship. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of all that exists, you lavish the earth with extravagant beauty. Preserve the rich and complex diversity of living things. Support local, national, and international efforts to protect the environment for future generations. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of the nations, you desire peace and plenty for all people. Defend those who challenge oppression and expose corruption. Support advocates for human rights, social justice, and the welfare of children. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of good will, you restore what is broken. We pray for any experiencing estrangement, conflict, or abuse in families and intimate relationships. Protect and comfort all who are vulnerable, especially those living in institutions. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of every time and place, you are with us. Support ministries of prayer and presence in this congregation. Move us to reach out to any who are homebound, lonely, grieving, in treatment, or ill. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of promise, we give thanks for the saints whose faith inspires us. Grant us faith to trust in your everlasting love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of healing, 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 of protection, 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 Weeping Tree Redeemer Choir

OFFERING PRAYER

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feed 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

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

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 I Will Sing the Wondrous Story sheet

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Share your bread.

C: Thanks be to God.

Guided to Trust ~ March 13, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15

PRELUDE

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Lord Jesus, Think on Me ELW 599

3. Lord Jesus, think on me,
nor let me go astray;
through darkness and perplexity
point out your chosen way.

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: We place our trust in many things and in many people, yet often that trust is misplaced. Things do not work out as we planned, and people may fail us.

C: Where do we place our trust?

P: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

C: How do we know that the Lord can be trusted?

P: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). God sent his own Son to suffer and die on the cross for the sake of our salvation. In him, we place our trust, and he will never fail us.

C: Lord, set the cross before us to guide us in trusting you.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

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

C: Almighty God, you have called us to trust in you and to acknowledge you in all our ways. Yet we often fail to trust you as we should. We would rather acknowledge our own desires instead of your will. We do not love others as we should. We follow the temptations of the world around us instead of walking in your ways. Have mercy on us and forgive our sins.

P: The apostle Paul wrote, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). God has had mercy on us and sent his Son to be our Savior. 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, lead us to walk in your ways and to trust you in all things.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Almighty God, we place our trust in friends and family, in political leaders and authority figures. Yet sometimes we are disappointed by those in whom we trust; sometimes our trust is misplaced. We trust you daily in all things and to turn to you with prayer and praise in all the circumstances in our lives. You have sent your Son to be our Savior, and you will never fail us. Set his cross always before us to guide us in trusting you. Hear our 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 Proverbs 3:5-6

⁵Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
⁶In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

SECOND READING 1 Timothy 1 :15-17

¹⁵The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the foremost. ¹⁶But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. ¹⁷To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

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 19:29-30

²⁹A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. ³⁰When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN Lord Of Glory, You Have Bought Us ELW 707

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 God, in a world where it is hard to know in whom or in what we can trust, we place our trust in you. You always keep your promises. Down through the centuries, the prophets announced your promise to send your Anointed One, the Messiah. When the time was right, that promise was fulfilled in Jesus. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, Set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of trust.

Lord God, as Jesus drew near to the hour of his death, he trusted in you, his heavenly Father, to guide his steps to the cross as the Scripture had foretold. We place our trust in Jesus alone for our salvation. Bless and guide us as we take up our crosses and follow our Savior. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, Set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of trust.

Lord God, help those who are struggling with illness, pain or grief, those we name now [mention known names of those who are hurt, injured or grieving] and those we name in our hearts. Comfort them with the promises of your Word and lead us to opportunities to serve them in Jesus’ name. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, Set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of trust.

Lord God, help us by your Spirit to depend on you each day, in all of the circumstances of our lives. Teach us not to rely on our own understanding, but to trust you in all things. We know that you will guide us. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, Set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of trust.

Lord God, as we rely on you for help now in this earthly life, we know that we can trust in you for our eternal salvation through faith in Jesus. Our Lord has promised, “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). We look forward to the fulfillment of that promise and to life in your presence forever. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, Set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of trust.

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. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, Set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of trust.

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. Our God and Savior, during this Lenten season, Set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of trust.

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 Day By Day ELW 790

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Serve in love.

C: Thanks be to God.

March 10, 2024 – Fourth Sunday in Lent

The fourth of the Old Testament promises providing a baptismal lens this Lent is the promise God makes to Moses: those who look on the bronze serpent will live. In today’s gospel Jesus says he will be lifted up on the cross like the serpent, so that those who look to him in faith will live. When we receive the sign of the cross in baptism, that cross becomes the sign we can look to in faith for healing, for restored relationship to God, for hope when we are dying.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL All People That on Earth Do Dwell 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,

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 Give to Our God Immortal Praise! ELW 848

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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 Numbers 21: 4-9

Though God provides food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness, they whine and grumble. They forget about the salvation they experienced in the exodus. God punishes them for their sin, but when they repent God also provides a means of healing: a bronze serpent lifted up on a pole.

⁴From Mount Hor [the Israelites] set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. ⁵The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” ⁶Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. ⁷The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. ⁸And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” ⁹So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 107:1-3,17-22

¹Give thanks to the Lord, for the ^| Lord is good,
for God’s mercy en- ^| dures forever.
²Let the redeemed of the ^| Lord proclaim
that God redeemed them from the hand ^| of the foe,
³gathering them in ^| from the lands;
from the east and from the west, from the north and ^| from the south.
¹⁷Some were fools and took re- ^| bellious paths;
through their sins they ^| were afflicted.
¹⁸They loathed all man- ^| ner of food
and drew near ^| to death’s door.
¹⁹Then in their trouble they cried ^| to the Lord
and you delivered them from ^| their distress.
²⁰You sent forth your ^| word and healed them
and rescued them ^| from the grave.
²¹Let them give thanks to you, Lord, for your ^| steadfast love
and your wonderful works ^| for all people.
²²Let them offer sacrifices ^| of thanksgiving
and tell of your deeds with ^| shouts of joy.

SECOND READING Ephesians 2:1-10

While we were dead in our sinfulness, God acted to make us alive as a gift of grace in Christ Jesus. We are saved not by what we do but by grace through faith. Thus our good works are really a reflection of God’s grace at work in our lives.

¹You were dead through the trespasses and sins ²in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. ³All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. ⁴But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us ⁵even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—⁶and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—⁹not the result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

The 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. John, the third chapter.

GOSPEL John 3:14-21

To explain the salvation of God to the religious leader, Nicodemus, Jesus refers to the scripture passage quoted in today’s first reading. Just as those who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed, so people will be saved when they behold Christ lifted up on the cross.

[Jesus said:] ¹⁴“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

¹⁶“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

¹⁷“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ¹⁸Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ¹⁹And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. ²¹But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY What Wondrous Love Is This ELW 666

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 There Is a Savior Redeemer Choir

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

OFFERING PRAYER

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.

Gracious God, your love unites. Give vision to the global church and foster cooperation in mission. Increase inter-religious understanding and ecumenical dialog. Make your church a sanctuary for all fleeing persecution, disaster, and war. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creating God, your love enlivens. Restore balance to the earth’s fragile habitats. Preserve wilderness lands, rainforests, and wildlife. Cleanse oceans and rivers. Make us good stewards of the earth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Righteous God, your love liberates. We give thanks for those who courageously witness to your liberating love. Free all people from the evils of racism, religious strife, and hatred. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Merciful God, your love heals. Care tenderly for all whose loved ones perished from pandemic disease in every nation. Strengthen health care workers, first responders, and caregivers. Relieve all who live with chronic illness and pain. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Incarnate God, your love enlightens. Open our hearts and minds to fresh understandings of our faith. Deepen our love for you and for one another. Teach us to pray for our enemies. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Abiding God, your love saves. Those who died in the faith are made alive in Christ. We give thanks for your promise that we also will be raised to newness of life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Healing God, 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.

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

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 Amazing Grace ELW 779

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Share your bread.

C: Thanks be to God.

Guided to Peace – March 6, 2024 ~ 10:00 AM

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19-20

PRELUDE

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Lord Jesus, Think on Me ELW 599

2. Lord Jesus, think on me,
by anxious thoughts oppressed;
let me your loving servant be
and taste your promised rest.

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: We live a world where peace can be hard to find. We are surrounded by strife and quarrels. We are often filled with worry and fear. Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

C: Jesus our Savior, when we are troubled and worried by the strife around us, grant us your peace.

P: The world’s peace depends on the absence of war and strife and trouble. The peace that Jesus brings to us is not like the world’s peace. The peace of Jesus depends only on Jesus. The world’s peace can be lost, but the peace that Jesus brings to us is ours forever.

C: Jesus our Savior, even in times of trouble or fear, grant us your peace.

P: By God’s grace, through faith in Jesus, we have peace even in the midst of trouble. Through faith in Jesus, we have peace with God through the forgiveness of our sins. It is peace that Jesus won for us through his death on the cross and his triumphant resurrection. It is peace that we can share with others as we tell them of Jesus’ love.

C: Jesus our Savior, grant us your peace.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

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

C: Almighty God, you have called us to peace, but so often we choose strife and anger. We do not seek to follow your will and walk in love. Instead, we listen to the temptations of the world around us, and we are often the cause of strife. We live according to our own selfish desires. Have mercy on us, and forgive us. Lead us each day to follow our Savior.

P: God has had mercy on us. He sent his Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to suffer and die for our sins to bring us peace with God and with one another. 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: Almighty God, set the cross of Jesus before us to guide us in the way of peace.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Jesus, Lord and Savior, through the blood of your cross, you have brought us forgiveness for our sins and peace with God. When the circumstances of life and the dangers and concerns of the world around us threaten the peace that we have, help us to remember your promise, that you will be with us always, to the end of the age (see Matthew 28:20). Make us bold witnesses for you so that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, others will come to know the peace that you alone can bring. Set your cross before us to guide us in the way of peace. 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 53:4-5

⁴Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
⁵But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.

SECOND READING Colossians 1:15-20

¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; ¹⁶for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. ¹⁹For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

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 23:44-46

⁴⁴It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

HYMN Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me ELW 767

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 Jesus, you suffered and died for our sins, and by your wounds, we have received healing from our sins and we have peace with God. During this Lenten season, as we follow your path to the cross, set your cross always before us to guide us in the way of peace. Jesus, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer, and grant us peace.

Lord Jesus, the cross that you carried to Golgotha was not known as an instrument of peace, but as a terrible instrument of death. Yet through your sacrifice, the cross has become for us a sign of love and peace. Through the blood you shed on the cross, God has reconciled all things to himself, making peace through the blood of your cross. Jesus, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer, and grant us peace.

Lord Jesus, the world around us is rarely at peace, and when it is, that worldly peace can be a fragile thing. We must deal with conflicts and quarrels, troubled times among our own friends and family members and the threat and reality of war among nations. Yet you have promised that when we bring our fears and worries to you in prayer, you will guard our hearts and minds with your peace. Jesus, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer, and grant us peace.

Lord Jesus, we pray for people who are suffering through illness, grief and other difficult circumstances. Grant to them the peace that you alone can give. Comfort them through the promises of your Word, and give us opportunities to serve them and to share your love with them. Jesus, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer, and grant us peace.

Lord Jesus, right now each day, we have forgiveness and peace through faith in your name. We look forward to the day when we will live in your presence, where we will enjoy peace forever. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer, and grant us peace.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Lord Jesus, 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. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer, and grant us peace.

Lord Jesus, 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. Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer, and grant us peace.

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 In the Cross of Christ I Glory ELW 324

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Serve in love.

C: Thanks be to God.

Third Sunday in Lent – March 3, 2024

The third covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the central one of Israel’s history: the gift of the law to those God freed from slavery. The commandments begin with the statement that because God alone has freed us from the powers that oppressed us, we are to let nothing else claim first place in our lives. When Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone and rejecting the ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods. The Ten Commandments are essential to our baptismal call: centered first in God’s liberating love, we strive to live out justice and mercy in our communities and the world.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Lamb of God Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Lenten Meditation 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 In the Cross of Christ I Glory ELW 324

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC In the Garden Laurel Smith

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 Exodus 20:1-17

After escaping from slavery, the Israelites come to Mount Sinai, where God teaches them how to live in community. The Ten Commandments proclaim that God alone is worthy of worship. Flowing from God, the life of the community flourishes when based on honesty, trust, fidelity, and respect for life, family, and property.

¹God spoke all these words:

²I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; ³you shall have no other gods before me.

⁴You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. ⁵You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, ⁶but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

⁷You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

⁸Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. ⁹Six days you shall labor and do all your work. ¹⁰But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. ¹¹For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

¹²Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

¹³You shall not murder.
¹⁴You shall not commit adultery.
¹⁵You shall not steal.
¹⁶You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

¹⁷You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM (responsively) Psalm 19

¹The heavens declare the glo- ^| ry of God,
and the sky proclaims its ^| maker’s handiwork.
²One day tells its tale ^| to another,
and one night imparts knowledge ^| to another.
³Although they have no ^| words or language,
and their voices ^| are not heard,
⁴their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends ^| of the world,
where God has pitched a tent ^| for the sun.
⁵It comes forth like a bridegroom out ^| of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to ^| run its course.
⁶It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of ^| it again;
nothing is hidden from its ^| burning heat.
⁷The teaching of the Lord is perfect and re- ^| vives the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to ^| the simple.
⁸The statutes of the Lord are just and re- ^| joice the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light ^| to the eyes.
⁹The fear of the Lord is clean and en- ^| dures forever;
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous ^| altogether.
¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold, more than ^| much fine gold,
sweeter far than honey, than honey ^| in the comb.
¹¹By them also is your ser- ^| vant enlightened,
and in keeping them there is ^| great reward.
¹²Who can detect one’s ^| own offenses?
Cleanse me from my ^| secret faults.
¹³Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion ^| over me;
then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a ^| great offense.
¹⁴Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable ^| in your sight,
O Lord, my strength and ^| my redeemer.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The word of the cross is pure foolishness and nonsense to the world because it claims that God is mostly revealed in weakness, humiliation, and death. But through such divine foolishness and weakness, God is working to save us. The center of Paul’s preaching is Christ crucified.

¹⁸The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

²⁰Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. ²²For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, ²³but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

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. John, the second chapter.

GOSPEL John 2:13-22

Jesus attacks the commercialization of religion by driving merchants out of the temple. When challenged, he responds mysteriously, with the first prediction of his own death and resurrection. In the midst of a seemingly stable religious center, Jesus suggests that the center itself has changed.

¹³The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. ¹⁵Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” ¹⁷His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” ¹⁸The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” ¹⁹Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” ²⁰The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” ²¹But he was speaking of the temple of his body. ²²After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

HYMN OF THE DAY You Strode Within the Temple, Lord sheet

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

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.

You alone are God. We thank you for the gift of sabbath rest. Awaken the church to the mystery of your presence and give us glad hearts as we receive the good news of your deliverance. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You renew creation. Drive out those who would make the earth a marketplace. Protect rainforests, mountaintops, oceans, and wilderness areas from commercial exploitation. Unite nations, policymakers, and businesses in efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You judge the nations. We pray for an end to war and strife in every land. Strengthen international efforts to negotiate peace and provide humanitarian aid to people fleeing from conflict. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You bring healing and hope. We give thanks for physicians, nurses, researchers, therapists, and public health workers who prevent and treat illness. We pray for any who are sick. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You abide with your people. Sustain any in this community undergoing life transitions: marriage, divorce, childbirth, adoption, moving, graduation, employment change, or a death in the family. We pray for those preparing for baptism. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

You bring life from death. We remember our loved ones who have died, confident that they have new life in you. May we trust that nothing can separate us from your love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

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.

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 Think of Me and Remember Redeemer Choir

OFFERING PRAYER

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feeds is 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

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

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 How Great Thou Art ELW 856

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Share your bread.

C: Thanks be to God.