For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6

The Blessing of Children Sunday November 13, 2016

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Welcome to Church of the Cross. We are glad you can join us today for this special service of the blessing of children. Children are welcomed and a vital part of our church family every Sunday. We pray that at Church of the Cross children at every stage will know the love of their Heavenly Father for them, that they will grow in their love for Jesus his Son, and that they will show others what he is like because they welcome the work of the Spirit in their lives. We will be celebrating communion in our service today, and we invite all those who have been baptized and are committed to following Christ to join us, regardless of denomination. We will give you directions in how we partake of communion at that point in the service. Nursery care is available after the processional today for children under the age of 3. Please pick babies and toddlers up from the nursery during the announcements. If you have questions or would like more information after the service, please let us know how we can help. You can ask Christian or any other person you see involved in the service today. Thank-you for being a part of our worship today. We hope the Lord blesses you though our time together.

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Prelude





Seek Ye First

Welcome Processional Song of Moses Verse 1 Oh the Lord our strength and song Highest praise to Him belongs Christ the Lord the conqu'ring King Your name we raise Your triumphs sing

Verse 3 All the saints and angels bow Hosts of heaven crying out Glory glory to the King You reign for all eternity

Chorus Praise the Lord our mighty warrior Praise the Lord the glorious One By His hand we stand in vict'ry By His name we overcome

Bridge The Lord shall reign forever and ever

Verse 2 Though the storms of hell pursue In darkest night we worship You You divide the raging sea From death to life You safely lead

Aaron Keyes | Ben Smith | Chris Moerman | Graham Kendrick | Joseph Barrett © Barrett Daddy Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) CCLI License No. 2536246

Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 1

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for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

The Holy Bible, ESV

Go Down Moses Verse 1 When Israel was in Egypt's land Let my people go Oppressed so hard they could not stand Let my people go

Verse 2 So Moses went to Egypt land Let my people go He made old Pharaoh understand Let my people go

Chorus Go down, Moses Way down in Egypt's land Tell old Pharaoh To let my people go

Verse 3 Thus spoke the Lord, bold Moses said Let my people go If not I'll smite your firstborns dead Let my people go Traditional Spiritual

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Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray: Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ.

The Word of Godi Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 1 2

The Holy Bible, ESV

Leader and People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen

Exodus 14:10-18 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Is not this what we said to you in 10

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Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” 13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” 15

The Holy Bible, ESV

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Gradual Hymn

(please stand)

At the Gospel reading, we stand and the Scripture is read in the midst of the congregation as a way to honor the truth that in Christ God became flesh and dwelt among us. 7

Ancient Words Verse 2 Holy words of our faith, Handed down to this age Came to us through sacrifice, O heed the faithful words of Christ Holy words long preserved For our walk in this world They resound with God's own heart, O let the ancient words impart

Verse 1 Holy words long preserved, For our walk in this world They resound with God's own heart, O let the ancient words impart Words of life, Words of Hope In this world where e'er we roam, Ancient words will guide us home. Chorus Ancient words ever true Changing me changing you We have come with open hearts O let the ancient words impart

Lynn DeShazo © 2001 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) CCLI License # 2536246

Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. People: Glory to you Lord Christ.

Luke 24:13-33 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 13

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So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he 8

were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, The Holy Bible, ESV

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you Lord Christ. Repeat Ancient Words Chorus

Drama

Walk This Way

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The Lamb Has Overcome Chorus Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Glory be unto his name (2x)

The Lamb has overcome The Lamb has overcome The battle's done And the victory is won For the Lamb has overcome

The table now is spread The table now is spread This wine and bread Broken body And blood shed The table now is spread

No grave could hold him down No grave could hold him down Up from the ground, “He is risen!” was the sound No grave could hold him down

The day is drawing near The day is drawing near He shall appear And will wipe away each tear The day is drawing near

At God's right hand is he At God's right hand is he Our Perfect Plea As he lives to intercede At God's right hand is he

Homily

Luke Morton © 2011 Cardiphonia Music (Admin. by Cardiphonia Music, LLC) CCLI License No. 2536246

Becoming the People of God: Walk This Way

Rev. Elizabeth Stewart

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Prayers of the People Leader: Lord in your mercy People: Hear our prayer

Confession of Sin (You may kneel or sit during the prayer of confession) Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. People: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you 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 loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peacei Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you. As we remember the peace that we have been given with God through his forgiveness, we also remember that He has made us at peace with one another. That is why we “exchange the peace.” You may say “The peace of the Lord” to those around you, or just say “Hello.” Children under 6 should be picked up from their classroom by a parent at this time.

Announcements Offertory

Erev Shel Shoshanim 11

The Doxologyi Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

The Holy Communioni Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise. Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing... ...Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

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

Peter Scholtes © 1966, 1970 F.E.L. Publications (a div. of the Lorenz Corporation) CCLI License No. 2536246

Celebrant: Holy and gracious Father... ...Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith: Celebrant and People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Celebrant: We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father... ...All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. Celebrant and People: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN. 12

Celebrant: And now, as our savior Christ has taught us we are bold to say together, Celebrant and People: 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, for ever and ever. Amen Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. You will be dismissed by row to receive communion. As you come forward you will first be given a piece of bread, which you may eat upon receiving. Gluten-free wafers are available for those with diet restrictions. If you would prefer a wafer, please let the person serving bread know. After eating the bread, you may receive either from the larger chalice, which has wine in it; or from the tray of smaller cups which are filled with grape juice. If you would like to receive prayer for physical, emotional, or spiritual needs, prayer ministers are available at the front of the sanctuary to pray with you during our communion worship and for a short time after the service. If others are being prayed for, you may wait in the front pew. This time of prayer is considered private and confidential, and whatever you share with prayer ministers will not be brought up again by them unless you initiate.

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This Is the Body of Christ Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again Come and see, and now believe, come take part in the Mystery This is the Body of Christ Broken that we may be saved This is the Blood of Christ Given that we might live That we might live Body of Christ, Bread of Heaven, be true food for me Blood of Christ, Cup of Salvation, be true drink for me Words: adapted from the Book of Common Prayer Music: K. Wehr, 2003

Wonderful, Merciful Savior Verse 1 Wonderful, merciful Savior, precious Redeemer and Friend Who would have thought that a Lamb could rescue the souls of men Oh, You rescued the souls of men. Verse 2 Counselor, Comforter, Keeper, Spirit we long to embrace You offer hope when our hearts have hopelessly lost the way Oh, we’ve hopelessly lost the way. Chorus You are the One that we praise, You are the One we adore. You give the healing and grace our hearts always hunger for, Oh, our hearts always hunger for. Verse 3 Almighty infinite Father, faithfully loving Your own; Here in our weakness You find us falling before Your throne, Oh, we’re falling before Your throne. Words and music by Dawn Rodgers and Eric Wyse © 1989 Word Music, LLC, Dayspring Music, LLC CCLI License No. 2536246

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I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Verse 1 I want to walk as a child of the light I want follow Jesus God set the stars to give light to the world The star of my life is Jesus Chorus In Him there is no darkness at all The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. Verse 2 I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path, And show me the way to the Father. Verse 3 I’m looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, We shall know the joy of Jesus. Words and Music: Kathleen Thomerson. ©1970, 1975, Celebration. CCLI License No. 2536246

During the last verse of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", children can begin to come forward for the blessing.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness Chorus Great is Thy faithfulness Great is Thy faithfulness Morning by morning New mercies I see All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me

Verse 1 Great is Thy faithfulness O God my Father There is no shadow Of turning with Thee Thou changest not Thy compassions they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever will be

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Verse 2 Summer and winter And springtime and harvest Sun moon and stars In their courses above Join with all nature In manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness Mercy and love

Verse 3 Pardon for sin And a peace that endureth Thy own dear presence To cheer and to guide Strength for today And bright hope for tomorrow Blessings all mine With ten thousand beside Fernando Ortega / Thomas Obediah Chisholm / William Marion Runyan © 2006 CCLI License No. 2536246

Celebrant and People: Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing of the Children Celebrant: The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

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Leader: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia.

Children Ministers Drama Narrator: Claire Cervantes Mary: Lily Jacobs Cleopas: Mitchell Pickens Jesus: Andrew Hunt Israelites: Elena Carlson, Eli Hamer, Owen Hoffner, Eloise Nelson Pharaoh: Soren Jacobs Egyptian Advisors: Ava Fredrickson, Anika Lang Messenger: Lydia Carlson Egyptians: Danny Keuning, Micah Peterson Moses: Drew Ruch Musicians Claire Carlson, flute Lydia Carlson, violin Anika Lang, violin Lily Jacobs, piano Scripture Reader Eli Grudzinski Welcome and Call to Worship Clara Jacobs Banner Maeve Taylor; Margaret Winter Crucifer Everett Galstad; Bennett Lang Psalm Recitations Preschool and 2nd/3rd Grade Class Prayers of the People Godly Play and 2nd/3rd Grade Class Art Work Godly Play Class Greeters Marissa Galstad, Judah Moon, Lena Stawarz, Karis Pope 18

Staff Christian Ruch - Rector [email protected] Peter Berg - Deacon, Pastor of Youth and Adult Ministries [email protected] Annie Birtcil - Office Manager [email protected] Andene O'Neil - Pastor of Worship Ministry [email protected] Rick Stawarz - Deacon, Pastor of Connecting & Outreach [email protected] Elizabeth Stewart - Deacon, Pastor of Children's & Family Ministry [email protected] Cheryl Witham - Deacon, Pastor of Formation [email protected]

Vestry Staci Carroll [email protected] Sam Hamer [email protected] Jamie Kaihoi [email protected] Helen Keuning [email protected] Rodney Nelson [email protected] Justin Tennison [email protected]

Church of the Cross 201 9th Ave. North Hopkins, MN 55343 952-933-3686 www.ofthecross.org

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