Sunday, March 8, 2015, The Third Sunday in LENT

“Sh0w Me Your Ways” (2002), stained glass by David Hetland St. Paul Lutheran Church, Crookston, Minnesota

The Third Sunday in Lent Sunday, March 8, 2015

2 THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

Welcome to Worship at St. Paul’s!! The community of believers at St. Paul Lutheran Church takes delight in having guests in

its worship. Our congregation strives to present a witness to Christ that is faithful to the Word of Holy Scripture and to the confessional heritage of the Lutheran tradition. GUESTS: We encourage you to sign a “visitor” card located in the pews and our Guest Book located in the hall outside the worship space. HOLY COMMUNION IS OFFERED by invitation of the Lord himself. Access to the Lord’s Table is by invitation of the Lord himself. All baptized believers who trust that Christ is presented in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist are invited to come forward and receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Communion is distributed by coming up the center aisle at the direction of the usher and returning along the side aisle. Those who do not wish to receive the Sacrament may come forward with their arms crossed and receive a blessing. Those who, for any reason, cannot receive the wine may receive the Sacrament under the form of bread alone. In doing so, a communicant still receives the whole Christ. TO THE PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN—Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome! Sit toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on in worship. They tire of seeing the backs of others’ heads. Quietly and kindly explain the parts of the Liturgy and actions of the worship leaders. Share the worship folder with them at eye level. Sing the hymns, pray and voice the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you. If you have to leave worship with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. Jesus said “Let the children come to me.” Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship. Please let your child use this worship folder to draw and doodle. The presence of children is a gift to the Church. Please welcome children and give a smile of encouragement to their families.

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT 3

HOLY COMMUNION THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

Sunday, March 8, 2015 + 9:30 a.m.

GRANT US WISDOM, GRANT US COURAGE 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 Ten Commandments are one of the chief parts of Luther's catechism, a core piece of baptismal instruction. They begin with the statement that because God alone has freed us from the powers that oppressed us 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 Liturgy (which means “the work of the people”) involves participation. The texts marked in plain

text are spoken by the worship leaders while the assembly responds with bold text.

ENTRANCE RITE The GATHERING MUSIC The WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS The BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION The assembly stands. The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of Holy Baptism as the presiding minister begins.

In the Name of the Father, and of the +Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The presiding minister addresses the assembly. Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart, and confess our sins to God our Father, imploring him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

The assembly kneels or sits. Silence for reflection and self-examination.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.


I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Almighty God, merciful Father: We confess to you and to one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our fault, 1 by our own fault, by our own most grievous fault, 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 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 In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you, and for his sake God forgives you all your sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ he gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. Amen

1 The assembly may strike the breast once at each phrase “by our fault, by our own fault, by our own most grievous fault.” This gesture is rooted in Luke 18:13 as well as our Lutheran Confessions (Augsburg Confession XX:8, 15; XXIV:1, 40


The GATHERING HYMN When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

The GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

The KYRIE (“Lord, have mercy”) In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.


For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

The PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray…the prayer concludes…one God, now and forever. Amen.

The assembly is seated. LITURGY OF THE WORD The 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.

Then God 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 reading concludes: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The PSALMODY Psalm 19 After introduction, the choir or cantor will sing the refrain once, then repeated by all. The assembly sings the refrain after each verse.

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. Refrain The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. Refrain The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. Refrain They are more precious than gold, than a heap of the purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. Refrain


The 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.

18For the 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 reading concludes: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The assembly stands to welcome the Gospel. The GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord. Save us as you promised; we will trust your word.

The HOLY 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.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. The Holy +2 Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. 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

2 Using the thumb, the people may make three small signs of the cross, one on the forehead, one on the lips, and one on the breast while silently using the traditional prayer, “May the Good News of Jesus Christ be in my mind, and on my lips, and in my heart. Amen”


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.

The reading concludes: The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

The assembly is seated. The SERMON

Silence for reflection.


The assembly stands to proclaim the Word of God in song. The HYMN OF THE DAY God of Grace and God of Glory

The APOSTLES CREED With the whole people of God, let us confess our faith. 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 into hell. 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

The assembly kneels or sits in prayer during Lent The PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Gathering all that commands our prayers, let us pray for the Church, the world, and all those in need.

After each petition

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The prayers conclude Jealous and merciful God, remember us and all those whom we hold in our hearts. In these forty days teach us to do the work of our baptism and so daily raise to you the needs of the world. Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARISTIC MEAL The PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. The worship leaders and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ. The assembly is seated. The OFFERING


The assembly stands as the gifts are brought forward. The OFFERTORY Create in Me a Clean Heart

The GREAT THANKGIVING

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. Preface for Lent It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You call your people to cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast, that, renewed in the gift of baptism, we may come to the fullness of your grace. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:


Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The EUCHARISTIC PRAYER (I)

You are most holy, and great is the majesty of your glory

…the prayer continues… For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

…the prayer continues, concluding… To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever. Amen.

The LORD”S PRAYER (1789)

Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.


The BREAKING OF THE BREAD This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Happy are we who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the Word and I shall be healed.

The assembly is seated

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.

The DISTRIBUTION OF THE HOLY SACRAMENT The MUSIC DURING DISTRIBUTION


After all have returned to their places, the assembly stands. The POST-COMMUNION BLESSING

The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.

The POST-COMMUNION PRAYER Let us pray… Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


LITURGY OF SENDING The BLESSING

Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

The SENDING HYMN Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways

The DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Remember the poor. Thanks be to God.

The SENDING MUSIC Acknowledgements Unless indicated all hymns and liturgical music from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright © 2015 by Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #42251. Scripture texts from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA . Used by permission.


WORSHIP LEADERS FOR TODAY

Assisting Minister Pam Swallen Lector Rosemary McLaughlin Communion Assistants: Rob & Pat Yeagley Acolyte: Avery Hooser Ushers Richard Swallen, John Cox, Skip Willis, Gene Fry, Terry Monter, Logan Monter Altar Guild Jeanne Hunston, Monica Kinsey, Vickie Ramsier & Lisa Ray

WORSHIP LEADERS FOR SUNDAY, March 15th Assisting Minister John Medure Lector Pam Swallen Communion Assistants: Brad Hooser & Kathy Kull Acolyte: Harlie Murphy Ushers Richard Swallen, John Cox, Skip Willis, Gene Fry, Terry Monter, Logan Monter Altar Guild Jeanne Hunston, Monica Kinsey, Vickie Ramsier & Lisa Ray


Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, took the time to pray for me. I’m so glad they prayed, I’m so glad they prayed, I’m so glad they prayed for me Hymn #246 This Far by Faith An Africa American Resource for Worship

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ of the Northeastern Ohio Synod, A few weeks ago, I retrieved a message from my office voice mail. The recorded voice said, “I just wanted you to know that I’m praying for you today.” The caller, a pastor in our synod, went on to give more detail, but those five words, “I’m praying for you today,” echoed within me the rest of the day. The words had such an effect on me that for the days following, I chose one specific person from my prayer list and either called or texted the person to let them know that I prayed for them. So far, I’ve received one wonderfully grateful response. I keep a prayer list on my smart phone and refer to it often in my daily devotions. When I was in the parish, given the age of our congregation, we had quite an extensive list of people to pray for. We publish a list here at the synod office that is sent monthly as part of the unified mailing, and accessible through our weekly e-news. Why this focus on prayer? Several reasons. Chief among them is the fact that Jesus prayed. The gospels continuously tell us of Jesus going off to a quiet, deserted place to pray. Before any major decision, before any task, before any public act, Jesus prayed for guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Prayer, for Jesus, was a time to refuel, as he lived in his relationship with his Father, receiving from him so he could give to others. Jesus modeled


for us a way to drown out the many other voices that compete for our attention and draw us away from listening to God and doing God’s will. Personally, I believe in the power of prayer. It is one of the disciplines that is a staple of any faith. We are called to pray, for ourselves, for others, and ask others to pray for us. The blessed Martin Luther once said that, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” The season of Lent is fast approaching. Prayer is one of the disciplines of Lent, along with fasting and acts of charity. Perhaps, if you have not developed a habit of daily prayer, this year might be a good time to begin. At the synod office during Lent, we plan to gather every day promptly at noon in the chapel, for a brief period of prayer. The time will include a hymn, a reading from Scripture, a brief reflection, as well as intentions (or petitions) for specific persons and congregations. We will begin on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of Ashes as part of our worship. Other than Ash Wednesday, the entire service should last no more than fifteen minutes. I eagerly invite, welcome, and encourage you, if you are anywhere in the vicinity of the synod office on Bailey Road in Cuyahoga Falls, to join us any day for this time spent with God in prayer. The daily prayer will continue through March 27.

**********

While on the topic of prayer, I need to share with you that the Reverend Terrance Jacob, our Director for Evangelical Mission, has been ill since January 10, and will be out of the office for an extended period of time. Arrangements are being made to cover his responsibilities until he returns. In the meantime I ask your prayers for his healing and restoration, so that he may resume a sense of normalcy in his life and in the ministry which God has entrusted to him. He is a valuable resource to the work of the synod and the people he serves, not to mention, a trusted friend. Also, prayers of thanksgiving for Associate in Ministry Mary Ann Schwabe, who has received a call to serve the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The position will give Mary Ann the flexibility to continue as coordinator for the Congregational Resource Team of the Northeastern Ohio Synod. And for that, we are most grateful to God. Lenten blessings, Bishop Abraham Allende


Come and see. Follow me. The gift of God, Jesus Christ, has set us free

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 515 E. Line Street • Minerva, Ohio 44657

Office – (330) 868-4918 www.facebook.com/stpaulminerva

Pastor: The Rev. Steven Woyen, STS • Office Secretary: Becky Davis Custodian: Damin Clapper • Director of Music: Paula Patterson

Missionaries to the Republic of South Africa: The Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth & Jon Leiseth

http://www.facebook.com/stpaulminerva

Sunday, March 8, 2015, The Third Sunday in LENT

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