Holy Communion at the Break of Day Lent 2016 February 21, 2016

Welcome! Everyone is welcome. As a community of the people of God, the members of Central Lutheran Church are called to welcome all people regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orientation. We affirm that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female” (Galatians 3:28). Christ has made us one. Guests are welcome. We are pleased you are worshiping with us today. We invite guests to complete the “Welcome to Central” card found in the pew racks and leave it with an usher or place it in the offering plate. If you would like more information about Central, please contact us at 612-870-4416, or email [email protected]. Children are welcome at all services. Worship bulletins for children and activity bags are available at Sanctuary entrances. If you would prefer to use Central’s nursery (available for children ages four and younger), you will find it up the steps from the information desk at the South Entrance (across from the fellowship hall). An usher or greeter will be glad to assist you. Welcome to the Lord’s Table. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome at Holy Communion. Please follow the guidance of the ushers and instructions in the order of service. During communion, ministers will bring bread and wine to persons in designated access seating areas. Communion may be received in one kind (only bread or only wine) from any station if wheat bread or alcohol presents a health concern. Gluten-free breads and alcohol-free wine are available by request at most liturgies from most communion stations. Welcome to the Holy Baptism. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome to receive Holy Baptism. Please visit with any worship leader, staff member, hospitality volunteer, contact the church office, or complete an information card, indicating that you wish to be baptized. A pastor will contact you. Friends of Central…Stay connected Across the country and beyond there are many people who have a soft spot in their heart for Central Lutheran Church – people who feel a connection both to the history and the ongoing mission of this congregation. If you’re one of them, we invite you to join our network of Friends of Central. Pick up a brochure or visit our website for more information or to join. Electronic giving is available at Central. You can go online through Central’s website at www.centralmpls.org and click on Donate to our Mission. If you give electronically, use the green pew card to drop in the offering plate instead of an envelope. Central Lutheran is supported by givers like you. Questions? Contact the church office at 612870-4416. The shape of this service takes its inspiration from Easter dawn, the Church’s daily pattern and Luther’s admonition when we rise to begin the day to “wash our face and remember our baptism”: In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the sign of the holy cross and say: “God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.” Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you wish, you may in addition recite this little prayer as well; [Luther’s morning prayer]; After singing a hymn perhaps or whatever else may serve your devotion, you are to go to your work joyfully. (Small Catechism)

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FIRST LIGHT Holy Communion at the break of day Sunday, February 21, 2016, 8:30 am Jesus desires to gather Jerusalem as a hen gathers her brood Under protective wings, Christ our hen gathers us Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek the face of the Lord again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.”

We Gather to Begin the Day Anew in Baptism The assembly gathers in front half of the center section.

PRELUDE Partita on the tune “Mit Freuden zart” The worship leaders greet the assembly as they arrive. At the sound of the bell the assembly stands and gathers around the baptismal font.

GATHERING AT THE FONT

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Mark Sedio

Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer concludes the Gathering. PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Lord Christ, When First You Came to Earth”

(hymn) 727 stanzas 1, 3 & 4

Worship leaders move from the font to the place of the Word.

We Listen to God’s Word WELCOME Welcome in the name of Jesus, the savior of the world… CHILDREN’S WORD Children are invited to come forward; parents are welcome to come with their children.

READING

The covenant with Abram and his descendants 4

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

God promises a childless and doubting Abram that he will have a son, that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, and that the land of Canaan will be their inheritance. Abram’s trust in God is sealed with a covenant-making ceremony, a sign of God’s promise. After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O LORD God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4But the word of the LORD came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness. Then he said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” 8But he said, “O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. 7

When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.” 17

Holy wisdom, holy word. Thanks be to God.

READING

Our citizenship is in heaven from where we expect a Savior

Philippians 3:17 - 4:1

Although Paul’s devotion to Christ has caused him to be persecuted, he does not regret the course he has taken. Writing from prison, he expresses confidence in a glorious future and encourages other Christians to follow in his footsteps. Paul writes to the church in Philippi: Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our

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citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 4:1

Holy wisdom, holy word. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL

Jesus desires to gather Jerusalem as a hen gathers her brood

Luke 13:31-35

The assembly stands to welcome the gospel, singing:

A soloist sings the verse:

Return to the Lord, your God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. The assembly repeats the refrain. Neither Herod’s plotting nor Jerusalem’s resistance to maternal love will deter Jesus from his sacrificial mission. The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will 34

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not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON silence follows for reflection and meditation

HYMN OF THE DAY “When Twilight Comes”

(hymn) 566

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. silence follows for reflection

Merciful Father, we have sinned against heaven and before you. We do not fully live as your sons and daughters. We use your gifts to our own ends. Forgive and restore us, that we may resist all that draws us away from you, and be at peace with one another. Amen. We are reconciled to God through Christ Jesus; for his sake, God does not count our sin against us. Once dead in sin, we are now alive to God. Once lost, we now are found. God clothes you in the finest robe of all, the righteousness of + Jesus Christ, forgiving you all your sin and making of you a new creation. Amen. Our heavenly Father is loving, merciful, and just. From him we have received grace upon grace. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Lord be with you. 7

And also with you. Each prayer petition concludes: Hear us, O God; The assembly responds: your mercy is great. The prayer appointed for the day concludes these prayers:

God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

We Feast around the Table of the Lord PEACE In Jesus Christ God has made his peace with us. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The assembly is invited to share the peace of Christ with one another.

GATHERING OF GIFTS “Elegiac Dance”

Michael Head

When bread and wine are shared in Christ’s name an offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time the table is set. After the offering is gathered, bread, wine, money, and other gifts are brought forward. The assembly stands as the procession reaches the altar. Worship leaders move to the place of the Meal. The assembly prays over their gifts.

Let us pray together. God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, 8

but with the words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. GREAT THANKSGIVING 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 our thanks and praise. The presider continues with the Great Thanksgiving, concluding:

Lord’s Prayer (sung by all)

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Breaking of the Bread & Invitation to the Table Communion Two Songs on Texts by William Blake “The Poison Tree” - “The Lamb”

Ralph Vaughan Williams

All who come seeking Jesus are welcome to receive these gifts of God. Communion at this service is served kneel at the communion rail (as you are able). Please follow the directions of the worship leaders. Grape juice and gluten-free bread are available upon request. Children are welcome to receive communion or a blessing. silence for reflection concludes the Communion

Prayer after Communion Let us pray. O God, in this holy meal you have embraced us and gathered us into your arms of compassion and protection. Guide our journey in these forty days, ready to see our work as prayer, ready to fast from complacency, and ready to share with those in need; in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 10

We Are Sent to be God’s Hands in the World HYMN “On My Heart Imprint Your Image”

(hymn) 811

Worship leaders move to the exit. The assembly turns to face the leaders during the hymn.

BLESSING Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. …now and forever. Amen. Go in peace. Return to the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE “Toccata in a minor”

František Xaver Brixi

Serving Today Pastor Melissa Pohlman, presiding Pastor Peter Nycklemoe, preaching Ron Fiscus, assisting minister Lily Gunsch, reader Shirley Dahl, crucifer Cantor Mark Sedio, organist/pianist Jami Kadolph, oboe Sophie Bauer, soloist Mark Kieffer, Marc Wilson, sound operators Carney Bergeson-Meekins, Allison Eger, Jerry & Muriel Olsen, greeters & host 11

Donald Moe, lead usher for February Richard Stegall, Bill Masche, Bruce Bergeson-Meekins, sacristans Pastor D. Foy Christopherson, liturgy director Chancel flowers today are given in loving memory of James L. (Jim) Adams. If you wish to donate flowers contact Judy Korogi 10 days in advance at 612-788-1288. Lord’s Prayer: Cambodian folktune; Text paraphrase/setting: James Erlandson; Harmonization: Mark Sedio; © 2004, Concordia Publishing House Some material from Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26515.

Commemorations this Week February 23 Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, martyr, died 156 Because he is said to have been known by John, the author of Revelation, as well as the important early church fathers Irenaeus and Ignatius, Polycarp serves as a vital link in church history. He was burned at the stake at age 86 for refusing to renounce his faith.

February 25 Elizabeth Fedde, deaconess, died 1921 Born in Norway and trained there as a deaconess, Fedde was asked to come and minister to the poor and to seamen in New York City. She established the Deaconess House in Brooklyn as well as Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis.

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