Sunday, November 15, 2015 Twenty-fifth Sunday After Pentecost
First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301 www.firstevlutheran.org
A Congregation of the
First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, Massachusetts 02301 Telephone: 508-586-9021 Fax: 508-583-5501 Website: www.firstevlutheran.org
Ministers: The Members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church Pastor: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson E-mail:
[email protected] Cell: 508-944-7109 Parish Administrator: James E. Benson E-mail:
[email protected] Cell: 508-207-8746 Church/Financial Secretary: Paula M. Fedele E-mail:
[email protected] Minister of Music: David Burnham Sexton: Brian Gagne Pastors Emeriti: The Reverend Michael P. Fruth, Ph.D., Pastor of FELC for 29 years The Reverend Kenneth W. Hilston, Jr., Assistant Pastor & Pastor of FELC for 31 years
Today’s altar flowers are given to the Greater Glory of God and in memory of John “Bud” Ness and loved ones by Brad & Kathy Ness and family. Additional altar flowers are given to the Greater Glory of God and in honor of Mrs. Carolyn McSwain Johnson on the anniversary of her entry into the church triumphant, by The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson. Presiding Minister: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson Assisting Minister: Brittany Czarnowski Lector: 9 am : Jennie Christensen Crucifer: Angela Burke Acolytes: Ashley Burke & Aurelia Portal ***********************************************************************
Vision Statement Our vision is to become a visible, outreaching community resource consisting of diverse, active, enthusiastic and supportive Christians of all ages, working together with dynamic leadership and ministering to the spiritual and social needs of the congregation and community. Our Mission Statement: Gathered in Christ, Together We Serve The Service text and Music is from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2009 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27131. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Sunday, November 15, 2015 Twenty-fifth Sunday After Pentecost PRELUDE
David Burnham, Organist
“Adiago from the Fifth Symphony”
Charles Marie Widor
WELCOME CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, clothed in majesty ever since the world began, who loves us and frees us from our sins, who leads us with all the saints to everlasting life. Amen. Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God. Silence is kept for reflection. God our maker and redeemer, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We come for refuge to your infinite mercy. You have given your only Son to die for us; have mercy on us, and for his sake, forgive us all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, increase in us true knowledge of you and your will, and true obedience to your word, that by your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God has had mercy on us, and God’s only Son has been given to die for us, and for his sake God ☩ forgives us all our sin. Believing in Jesus’ name, you have received power to become the children of God; you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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GATHERING HYMN
693
“Come, Ye Thankful People Come”
St. George’s Windsor
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. HYMN OF PRAISE
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S99
PRAYER OF DAY Let us pray. Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. THE FIRST READING: Daniel 12:1-3 1
“At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God
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THE PSALM: Psalm 16
Chanted Responsively
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Protect me, O God, for I take ref- | uge in you; I have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, my good a- | bove all other.” 2 All my delight is in the godly that are | in the land, upon those who are noble a- | mong the people. 3 But those who run after | other gods shall have their troubles | multiplied. 4 I will not pour out drink offerings | to such gods, never take their names up- | on my lips. 5 O LORD, you are my portion | and my cup; it is you who up- | hold my lot. 6 My boundaries enclose a | pleasant land; indeed, I have a | rich inheritance. 7 I will bless the LORD who | gives me counsel; my heart teaches me night | after night. 8 I have set the LORD al- | ways before me; because God is at my right hand, I shall | not be shaken. 9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spir- | it rejoices; my body also shall | rest in hope. 10 For you will not abandon me | to the grave, nor let your holy one | see the pit. 11 You will show me the | path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for- | ever more THE SECOND READING: HEBREWS 10:11-14, 19-25 11
Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” 13and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 19 Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God
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GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
S102
GOSPEL: Mark 13:1-8 The gospel is announced. The holy gospel according to Saint Mark the thirteenth chapter. Congregation: Glory to you, O Lord. 1
As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.” The gospel concludes:
The gospel of the Lord.
Congregation: Praise to you, O Christ.
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CHILDREN’S SERMON
9:00 AM
SERMON
Pastor Jeff Johnson
HYMN OF THE DAY
681
“We Plow the Fields and Scatter”
Wir Pflugen
APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, 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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION United into one by the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray with all God’s saints for healing, wholeness, and peace in all the earth. A brief silence. Holy One, we pray for healing in the church; for forgiveness when we are quick to judge; for mercy when we are slow to love neighbors; for an end to racial divisions on Sunday mornings. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God. For stars and planets, black holes, and all the wonders of the universe; for astronomers and aerospace engineers; for science teachers and curious students; for the renewal of all creation. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God. For political refugees and all who seek asylum; for war-torn nations and our global neighbors accustomed to the sound of bombs and gunfire; for our national enemies and for our country. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God. For people living with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease; for the family, friends, and caregivers who love them; for all who cannot afford medical care when they are sick; for all who mourn and suffer (especially). Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
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For new parents and grandparents; for families grieving a miscarriage; for foster parents and homeless youth; for families living with domestic violence; for the newly married, recently divorced, and happily single. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God. In thanksgiving for all the faithful departed who now sing your glory), that our voices might join with theirs in praise today and always. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God. Into your care, Alpha and Omega, we entrust all for whom we pray. Be with us now and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PEACE The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING ORGAN OFFERTORY “Choral varie” OFFERTORY CANTICLE “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Maurice Duruflé 884
(music 883) Old Hundredth
OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING DIALOGUE
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PREFACE 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. 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
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE Holy God, You alone are holy. You alone are God. The universe Declares your praise: Beyond the stars; Beneath the sea; Within each cell; With every breath. We praise you, O God. Generations bless your faithfulness: Through the water; by night and day; Across the wilderness; Out of exile; Into the future. We bless you, O God. We give you thanks for your dear son: At the heart of human life; near to those who suffer; Beside the sinner; Among the poor; With us now. We thank you, O God.
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In the night in which he was betrayed, Our Lord Jesus Christ 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 for the 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 for the remembrance of me. Remembering his love for us on the way, At the table, and to the end, we proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We pray for the gift of your Spirit: In our gathering; Within this meal; Among your people; Throughout the world. Blessing, praise, and thanks to you, holy God, Through Jesus Christ, by your Spirit, in your church, without end. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. 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. INVITATION TO COMMUNION Goodness is stronger than evil. Life is stronger than death. Taste the goodness and life of God.
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LAMB OF GOD
THE COMMUNION
(The assembly may be seated)
Christ welcomes you to this Feast of the Baptized. This morning's communion will be a communion at the rail using Intinction as the method of distribution. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers, receive the bread from the Pastor or Assistant, then to the cup and dip the in either the wine (the chalice closest to the bread) or in the grape juice and proceed back to your seat by the side aisles. If you require gluten free bread, please indicate such to the Pastor/ Assistant.. Please Do Not Drink from the Cup. Small Children and infants are assisted by adults.
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION “Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult” “Bread of Life from Heaven” POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
696 Galilee 474 Argentine Santo/Break Now the Bread Assembly stands
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray, O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 12
THE BLESSING The love of God who created you, the mercy of ☩ Jesus Christ who died for you, and the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you, keep you at one with all the faithful, living and departed, and remain with you now and forever. Amen. THE SENDING HYMN “Lord of Light”
688 Abbot’s Leigh
DISMISSAL Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE “Ach Gott und Herr”
Johann Gottfried Walther
I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and Understanding. Jeremiah 3:15
Installation of The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson as the Pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church Tuesday, December 8, 2015 7:00 pm
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Let Us Pray for our members that are homebound or ill, or otherwise in need of our prayers:
Francella MacFarland, Mary Haraldstad, Marian Nelson, Donna Persson, Carolyn Kenyon, Leah Benson-(St. Joseph’s), Laura Erickson, Eric Johnson, Jeanne Newman, Jeanne’e O’Connell, Alice Regnell, Gary Eliasson-(Champion), Elsa Persson, Vivian Tofteroo, Annette Lindh, Beatrice Monson (Golden Living Center, Attleboro), Craig MacNevin, Trudy Ciancarelli (Notre Dame Health, Worc), Ethel Sylvia, Joanne Shotwell, Dolly Anderson (West Acres), Carolyn Perry, Deborah Washburn, Phyllis Bolinder and for those members of our extended family: Scott Dunne, son of Phyllis & John Dunne, John Core—brother of Jeanne Govoni, Frankie Vigorito-friend of the Rovaldi’s, Bob Lowe-friend of Susan Rovaldi, Bernice Ethier—grandmother to Emily & Chris Kostka, Don Surgens—friend of the congregation, Lorena Giordano—sister-in-law to Carolyn & Phil Giordano, David Thompson – Brother of Bob Thompson, Steve MacLeod —Friend of the MacNevin’s, Jeenie Heeley— grandmother of Jason Caffelle, Callen Pellerin-nephew of Jason Caffelle, Rachel Grabau-daughter of Russ & Marian Grabau, Marilyn Gilmetti-friend of Lloyd & Wilette Thompson, Brigitte Shaw– mother of Angie Goucher, Sharon & Randall White-friends of Angie Goucher, Evelyn Shanahan-cousin of Barbara DeCarli, Audrey Gordon- aunt of Barbara DeCarli, Carol Redden-friend of Barbara DeCarli, David Carlson-brother of Ruth Johnson, Kristiana, Steve, Steven & Lillian Pastir-friends of Beth Christensen, Bob Cook & Sharon Palumbo-friends of Jean-Ellen Ouellette-Kenney, Sheldon Lee—friend of Lloyd & Wilette Thompson, Juanita Jenkins-sister of Tana Jenkins, Maureen Pigeon-friend of Pat McAfee, Kevin Gagne-brother of Brian Gagne, Linda Fox-friend of Pastor Jeff. Sebastian Sousa-son of Stacey Weatherbee , Sylvia Foster-aunt of Pastor Jeff and for a Special Measure of God’s Grace upon: David LeBrun, father of Children’s Ark director, Donna Rogers, Pastor David Rinas of Trinity Lutheran, Chelmsford, MA on his upcoming surgery, Lance Corporal Jarod Maze—godson of Jeanne Govoni to be deployed to the Middle East, Captain Scott Friski U.S.A.F ,— grandson of Phyllis Nielsen, Sgt. Erik Akerblom—now stateside, Sgt. Ryan R. Casey, USMC serving in California—grandson of Carole Casey, SPC Shawn Jenkins-son of Tana Jenkins-now serving in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Joseph Reardon, USMC, cousin of Dana Christensen.
THANK YOU FOR THREE INSPIRING TEMPLE TALKS! In case you missed any one of them, we were treated to three terrific temple talks over the past few Sundays. Three weeks ago, we heard first from Pastor Ken Bjorklund, two weeks ago from Liz Belanger and last week we heard Julie Erving. Liz told us about giving Mrs. K a ride to Church each Sunday, about the lessons learned from her Mom, Kerstin, and about “Someone Else”. Julie relayed to those present stories about growing up in the Church and what it means to her and introduced us to the fourth generation of her family at First Lutheran, her son Jordan. Pastor Ken shared his experience with tithing and connected tithing to a system of managing your money and your life. Thank you Julie, Liz and Pastor Ken for your time, talent and very personal and inspiring stories.
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Today is Stewardship Sunday, we ask that you prayerfully consider your gift to the work of the Church in this place for 2016. Please follow Pastor Jeff’s instructions at pledge time and please move from the church to the vestry in a timely manner as Grace Church will be holding their service in the church due to us using the vestry. Thank you! THE 2016 OFFERING BOXES ARE LOCATED IN THE HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE PARLOR. Please remember to pick up your own and the boxes belonging to your family members, who could not be with us today.
Thank you! OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK TODAY:
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY 9:00 AM 10:15 AM
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18: 10:00 AM 2:00 PM
WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY BRUNCH-SERVING ROOM NO SUNDAY SCHOOL NO BOOK OF FAITH CLASS NO CHOIR REHEARSAL
BIBLE STUDY-PARLOR FOOD ARRIVING FROM GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK
NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 9:00 AM 10:15 AM
WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK OF FAITH CLASS-YOUTH ROOM YOUTH MEETING
The Giving Tree is now on display in front of the Chapel. This year we are supporting Ruth House and others in need. Please select an ornament from the Giving Tree for a gift card in various denominations to either Target or Market Basket. (Generic gift cards like Visa, Master Card or American Express are also acceptable.) Sign your name in the log book next to the ornament number you have selected. Return your gift card to either Paula in the church office during the week or deposit the card into the wrapped gift box by the tree on Sundays. The last collection day is Wednesday, December 9th. Our Youth Group will shop with the gift cards to purchase the items requested. It is great fun to see our youth and the shopping carts lined up at the checkout! Please contact Liz Belanger or Lynn Pearson with any questions you may have. We sincerely appreciate your generous support!
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Save the date
Lucia Fest Sunday, December 13, 2015 Time: 4:00 p.m. Come, participate in this joyous festival! Lucia, the Queen of Light, brings the promise of light for the upcoming holidays. Traditional Swedish refreshments will be served following the program. Bring your children and grandchildren to this family event. A special visitor from the North Pole will drop by. Cost of ticket: $5.00 adult. Children under 12 free. Tickets may be purchased after services or from the church office. 16
