Reformation Sunday CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 46 P: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. C: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea; P: The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. C: “Be still, then, and know that I am God.” CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: The Holy Spirit continues to guide the church today. Let us listen to her call. Silence for reflection P: Gracious Father, C: we pray for your church, that it would be filled with all truth and peace. Where we are corrupt, purify us; where we are in error, direct us; where in anything we are amiss, reform us; where we are right, strengthen us; where we are in need, provide for us; where we are divided, reunite us. P: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We can trust in the promises of God. And we can be at peace, knowing that we are forgiven in the name of + Jesus Christ. C: Amen. HYMN “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. Epistle Reading: Romans 3:19-28 Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ. 19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Gospel: John 8:31-36 31Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” SERMON Rev. Lori E.L. Kitzing HYMN “If You But Trust in God to Guide You” PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: Trusting in the transformative power of God’s loving Spirit, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need. P: God our parent, you call us your children and have made us siblings through your son Jesus. Heal the church’s many divisions, bring understanding and peace where there has been contention and strife, and unite us in one body through the love of Christ. God of grace, C: hear our prayer. P: God our creator, your hands have made the heights of the mountains, the depths of the sea, and the life of all creation. Bring relief to areas harmed by wildfires, floods, storms, and human carelessness. God of grace, C: hear our prayer. P: God our ruler, the nations rage and the kingdoms shake, but your word stands fast forever. Let your justice and peace roll down like waters wherever there is strife, injustice, war, or religious conflict (we pray especially for the people of Israel & Gaza…Ukraine & Russia). God of grace, C: hear our prayer. P: God our champion, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Draw near to all who suffer (especially Julie, Karla, Stephanie, Cammie, Nancy, Beverly, Micala, Murlene, Donald, and Eileen.) Be their rest and comfort. God of grace, C: hear our prayer. P: God our reformer, you make all things new. Free us from complacency, open us to unexpected ways, and kindle zeal in us for the future. We pray for young people affirming their baptism. With them, stir in us a desire for your wisdom. God of grace, C: hear our prayer. P: God our savior, you made yourself known in the lives of all who have died in the hope of your grace. We give thanks for the witness of reformers (like Martin Luther) and for all whose example has brought us closer to you. God of grace, C: hear our prayer. P: Gracious God, into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your unending love and amazing grace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. C: Amen. OFFERING PRAYER Financial gifts may be sent to the church. Throughout October WELCA is collecting “ultra soft” and “lotion” tissue box cubes to be given to residents at our area nursing homes. P: Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: our selves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C: Amen. LORD’S PRAYER Spoken in German BENEDICTION P: The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus. C: Amen. P: The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: The God of all grace + bless you now and forever. C: Amen. HYMN “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Charge: One: Go in peace. God is at work in you. All: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495
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21st Sunday After Pentecost |
AuthorRev. Lori E.L. Kitzing Archives
April 2024
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