November 19, 2023 – 25th Sunday after Pentecost.
Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope—word, water, bread, and wine—eager to welcome the good news of Christ’s coming among us.
PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL Halle, Halle Redeemer Choir
CALL TO WORSHIP Swing Low Sweet Chariot Laurel Smith
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, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved.
C: Amen.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P: Holy One,
C: we confess that we are not awake for you. We are not faithful in using your gifts. We forget the least of our siblings. We do not see your beautiful image in one another. We are infected by sin that divides your beloved community. Open our hearts to your coming, open our eyes to see you in our neighbor, open our hands to serve your creation. Amen.
P: Beloved, we are God’s children, and Jesus, our Beloved, opens the door to us. Through Jesus you are forgiven, by Jesus you are welcome, in Jesus you are called to rejoice! Let us live in the promises prepared for us from the foundation of the world.
C: Amen.
GATHERING HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling ELW 631
SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
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 Zephaniah 1:7,12-18
Zephaniah (like the prophet Amos in last week’s first reading) presents the day of the Lord as one of judgment and wrath. Descriptions of the last day in the New Testament include details taken from Old Testament accounts of the day of the Lord.
7Be silent before the Lord God!
For the day of the Lord is at hand;
the Lord has prepared a sacrifice,
he has consecrated his guests.
12At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
and I will punish the people
who rest complacently on their dregs,
those who say in their hearts,
“The Lord will not do good,
nor will he do harm.”
13Their wealth shall be plundered,
and their houses laid waste.
Though they build houses,
they shall not inhabit them;
though they plant vineyards,
they shall not drink wine from them.
14The great day of the Lord is near,
near and hastening fast;
the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter,
the warrior cries aloud there.
15That day will be a day of wrath,
a day of distress and anguish,
a day of ruin and devastation,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness,
16a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
against the fortified cities
and against the lofty battlements.
17I will bring such distress upon people
that they shall walk like the blind;
because they have sinned against the Lord,
their blood shall be poured out like dust,
and their flesh like dung.
18Neither their silver nor their gold
will be able to save them
on the day of the Lord’s wrath;
in the fire of his passion
the whole earth shall be consumed;
for a full, a terrible end
he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.
The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM (responsively) Psalm 90:1-12
1Lord, you have | been our refuge
from one generation | to another.
2Before the mountains were brought forth, or the land and the | earth were born,
from age to age | you are God.
3You turn us back to the | dust and say,
“Turn back, O child- | ren of earth.”
4For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when | it is past
and like a watch | in the night;
5you sweep them away | like a dream,
they fade away suddenly | like the grass:
6in the morning it is | green and flourishes;
in the evening it is dried | up and withered.
7For we are consumed | by your anger;
we are afraid because | of your wrath.
8Our iniquities you have | set before you,
and our secret sins in the light | of your countenance.
9When you are angry, all our | days are gone;
we bring our years to an end | like a sigh.
10The span of our life is seventy years, perhaps in strength | even eighty;
yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow, for they pass away quickly and | we are gone.
11Who regards the power | of your wrath?
Who rightly fears your | indignation?
12So teach us to num- | ber our days
that we may apply our | hearts to wisdom.
SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Though we do not know and cannot calculate the day of Christ’s return, we live faithfully in the here and now as we anticipate the day when we will be given eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; 7for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
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. Matthew, the twenty fifth chapter.
GOSPEL Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus tells a parable about his second coming, indicating that it is not sufficient merely to maintain things as they are. Those who await his return should make good use of the gifts that God has provided them.
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 14“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ”
P: The Gospel of the Lord.
Please be seated.
MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor
ANTHEM Take it to the Lord In Prayer Redeemer Choir
Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.
Prayers on behalf of others.
Let us turn our hearts to God, our breath and life, as we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, you give talents and gifts to all your people, and you equip the church to serve. Turn us from fear and self-serving ways, that we use our talents to glorify you and encourage our neighbor. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You have been our dwelling place from one generation to another. Sustain the life of the planet; protect farmlands and harvests. Direct all people in wise stewardship of all the earth’s resources. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You call us to honesty and integrity. Instill these values in the hearts of all nations and their leaders. Free any who are oppressed, expose all corruption, and bring redemption to victims of injustice. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Where there is sickness or sorrow, bring healing, and where there is loneliness, reveal your love in community. We remember before you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We pray for the faith formation ministries of our church. Give to all children, youth, and adults who study your word the breastplate of faith and love. Shape us by your love and show us how to encourage one another. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Gracious God, you are faithful in all generations. For the promise of life and rest and for the witness of those who have died in faith we praise your goodness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We 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. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
P: We offer our spoken prayers and those held in our hearts trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
C: Amen.
Please be seated.
OFFERING
Please join in singing the offertory response.
OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart
OFFERING PRAYER
P: God of all goodness, generations have turned to you, gathered around your table, and shared your abundant blessings. Number us among them that, as we gather these gifts from your abundance, and give thanks for your rich blessings, we may feast upon your very self and care for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant.
C: Amen.
The Meal
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion. Communion Assistants, Ushers, and 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
Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you. There are both wine and purple grape juice available. 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.
Please be seated.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION– Lamb of God
Please stand, if able.
P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C: Amen.
SENDING OF COMMUNION
P: O God of tender compassion, as you healed the sick and welcomed the stranger, bless those who leave this assembly to share the gifts of this table with our sisters and brothers who are sick, homebound, or imprisoned. May they be sustained by the love and prayers of this community, and by the Bread of life that satisfies all hunger, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
BENEDICTION
P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
C: Choral Amen.
SENDING HYMN Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory ELW 890
Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.
P: Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
November 12, 2023 – 24th Sunday after Pentecost
Today the prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.
PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL Eternal Father Strong save Redeemer Choir
GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP God of Our Fathers 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, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved.
C: Amen.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P: Holy One,
C: we confess that we are not awake for you. We are not faithful in using your gifts. We forget the least of our siblings. We do not see your beautiful image in one another. We are infected by sin that divides your beloved community. Open our hearts to your coming, open our eyes to see you in our neighbor, open our hands to serve your creation. Amen.
P: Beloved, we are God’s children, and Jesus, our Beloved, opens the door to us. Through Jesus you are forgiven, by Jesus you are welcome, in Jesus you are called to rejoice! Let us live in the promises prepared for us from the foundation of the world.
C: Amen.
GATHERING HYMN Faith of Our Fathers ELW 812
SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
C: Amen.
Please be seated.
ANTHEM Down to the River to Pray Redeemer Choir
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 Amos 5:18-24
In the days of Amos, people thought that the day of the LORD would be a time of great victory, but Amos announced that it would be a day of darkness, not light. He said liturgy is no substitute for obedience. The LORD demands justice and righteousness in the community.
18Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord!
Why do you want the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, not light;
19as if someone fled from a lion,
and was met by a bear;
or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
and was bitten by a snake.
20Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
and gloom with no brightness in it?
21I hate, I despise your festivals,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
22Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
I will not look upon.
23Take away from me the noise of your songs;
I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
24But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM (responsively) Psalm 70
1Be pleased, O God, to de- | liver me;
O Lord, make | haste to help me.
2Let those who seek my life be put to shame | and confounded;
let those who take pleasure in my misfortune draw back and | be disgraced.
3Let those who say to me “Aha!” and gloat | over me
turn back because | of their shame.
4Let all who seek you rejoice and be | glad in you;
let those who love your salvation say forever, “Great | is the Lord!”
5But as for me, I am poor and needy; come to me quick- | ly, O God.
You are my helper and my deliverer; O Lord, | do not tarry.
SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Some of the Thessalonians are worried that dead Christians will be excluded from the resurrection to eternal life when Christ comes again. Paul reassures them with the word of hope that all Christians, living or dead, will be raised into everlasting life with Christ.
13We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 15For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. 16For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.
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. Matthew, the twenty fifth chapter.
GOSPEL Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus tells a parable about his own second coming, emphasizing the need for readiness at all times.
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
P: The Gospel of the Lord.
Please be seated.
MESSAGE Pastor
HYMN OF THE DAY When Peace Like a River ELW 785
Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
OFFERING
Please join in singing the offertory response.
OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart
OFFERING PRAYER
P: God of all goodness, generations have turned to you, gathered around your table, and shared your abundant blessings. Number us among them that, as we gather these gifts from your abundance, and give thanks for your rich blessings, we may feast upon your very self and care for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant.
C: Amen.
Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.
Prayers on behalf of others.
Let us turn our hearts to God, our breath and life, as we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
O God for whom we wait, come quickly to your people, bring your salvation, and center us in hope found only in you. Deepen our faith through meaningful worship and send us out with your justice and truth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
O God for whom we watch, we glimpse your power in rushing water and your beauty in the darkening night. Restore this creation, and provide clean water to all people and animals. Save us from foolish, wasteful living. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
O God for whom we long, let justice roll down like waters on all nations. Bless citizens with wise leaders; save your children from war. We pray for the veterans of this community, that they are supported and loved. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
O God, in whom we hope, we pray for all who are in need. Provide for those who experience homelessness or hunger, support the under- or unemployed, and comfort any who are suffering this day. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
O God for whom we listen, inspire the music ministry of our congregation. Fill our worship with songs to proclaim your greatness. Help us to sing and dance with joy and tell boldly of your salvation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
O God, in whom we remain, we remember our loved ones who have died and now live in you. Bring comfort and the assurance of new life to all who grieve. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
O God, in whom we hope, 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.
O God for whom we listen, 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. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
P: We offer our spoken prayers and those held in our hearts trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
C: Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day
our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
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 Onward Christian Soldiers LBW 509
Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.
P: Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
November 5, 2023 – All Saints Sunday
All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.
PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL He is Among Us to Heal Our Sorrows Redeemer Choir
CALL TO WORSHIP No One Understands Like Jesus Laurel Smith
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, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved.
C: Amen.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P: Holy One,
C: we confess that we are not awake for you. We are not faithful in using your gifts. We forget the least of our siblings. We do not see your beautiful image in one another. We are infected by sin that divides your beloved community. Open our hearts to your coming, open our eyes to see you in our neighbor, open our hands to serve your creation. Amen.
P: Beloved, we are God’s children, and Jesus, our Beloved, opens the door to us. Through Jesus you are forgiven, by Jesus you are welcome, in Jesus you are called to rejoice! Let us live in the promises prepared for us from the foundation of the world.
C: Amen.
GATHERING HYMN Rejoice In God’s Saints ELW 418
SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, 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.
SPECIAL MUSIC Homeward Bound Lynn Barrett
Commemoration of the faithful departed.
Please see list at the end of the bulletin.
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 Revelation 7:9-17
The book of Revelation is written to seven churches in western Asia Minor during a time of great oppression. Today’s reading is a response to the question asked in 6:17: “Who is able to stand?” The writer gives the faithful the assurance of God’s protection and a vision of victory.
9After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
11And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
16They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;
17for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM (responsively) Psalm 34:1-10,22
1I will bless the Lord| at all times;
the praise of God shall ever be | in my mouth.
2I will glory | in the Lord;
let the lowly hear | and rejoice.
3Proclaim with me the greatness | of the Lord;
let us exalt God’s | name together.
4I sought the Lord, who | answered me
and delivered me from | all my terrors.
5Look upon the Lord| and be radiant,
and let not your faces | be ashamed.
6I called in my affliction, and | the Lord heard me
and saved me from | all my troubles.
7The angel of the Lord encamps around those who | fear the Lord
and de- | livers them.
8Taste and see that the | Lord is good;
happy are they who take ref- | uge in God!
9Fear the Lord, you saints | of the Lord,
for those who fear the | Lord lack nothing.
10The lions are in want and | suffer hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack nothing | that is good.
22O Lord, you redeem the life | of your servants,
and those who put their trust in you will | not be punished.
SECOND READING 1 John 3:1-3
A saint is one who has been set apart by God for God’s purposes. God, out of divine love, set us apart to be the children of God. Our holy hope is that we shall see God as God really is.
1See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
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. Matthew, the fifth chapter.
GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12
In the Beatitudes, Jesus provides a unique description of those who are blessed with God’s favor. His teaching is surprising and shocking to those who seek wealth, fame, and control over others.
1When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
P: The Gospel of the Lord.
Please be seated.
MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor
ANTHEM Light of the World Redeemer Choir
Please stand, if able, for the Apostles’ Creed.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.
Prayers on behalf of others.
Let us turn our hearts to God, our breath and life, as we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Holy God, the church triumphant gathers around your throne to praise you. We join them in worship and remember your sustaining grace in every generation. Heal our divisions; show us unity in your presence. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Holy creator, we marvel at your creation revealed in the cycle of seasons, changing landscapes, and the rise and fall of ocean tides. Turn us from selfish consumption and open us to gentle healing of the earth so all creation thrives. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Holy advocate, we lift grateful hearts for the ability to vote and elect leaders. Grant wisdom to those who will be elected and safety to poll workers. May civic leaders serve the whole community, especially all who are underrepresented or oppressed. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Holy healer, bless the brokenhearted and all who mourn. Send your compassion to all who grieve, grant wholeness to those who are sick, and accompany the dying. Be near to all who need you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Holy comforter, we pray for this congregation, that the promise of your new life may be shared and experienced. We pray for the funeral ministry of this congregation, that families and friends seeking your love find it here. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Holy One, for the saints who now rest in your mercy, we give you thanks. We remember their witness of faithfulness and love. Praise to you for the eternal life they have been given through Jesus Christ. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We 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. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
P: We offer our spoken prayers and those held in our hearts trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
C: Amen.
Please be seated.
OFFERING
Please join in singing the offertory response.
OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart
OFFERING PRAYER
P: God of all goodness, generations have turned to you, gathered around your table, and shared your abundant blessings. Number us among them that, as we gather these gifts from your abundance, and give thanks for your rich blessings, we may feast upon your very self and care for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant.
C: Amen.
The Meal
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion. Communion Assistants, Ushers, and 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
Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you. There are both wine and purple grape juice available. 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.
Please be seated.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION– Lamb of God
Please stand, if able.
P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C: Amen.
SENDING OF COMMUNION
P: O God of tender compassion, as you healed the sick and welcomed the stranger, bless those who leave this assembly to share the gifts of this table with our sisters and brothers who are sick, homebound, or imprisoned. May they be sustained by the love and prayers of this community, and by the Bread of life that satisfies all hunger, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
BENEDICTION
P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
C: Choral Amen.
SENDING HYMN Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones ELW 424
Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.
P: Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.