ORDER OF WORSHIP
21st Sunday after Pentecost
October 22, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Today we welcome Violet Joy G, daughter of Ian and Abby G, into the body of Christ through baptism.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER TIME will meet in the Center Meeting Room 9:30-11:30. Come visit and see what we are about!
-CHOIR PRACTICE will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM. Please meet in the North Meeting Room. Let’s make a joyful noise to the Lord!
-A CONGREGATION MEETING will be held on November 5th following worship service for the purpose of electing officers. Please plan to attend.
-DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS on November 5th, at 2:00 AM. Fall back one hour.
CALL TO WORSHIP
God’s glory is too much to comprehend, but we see God’s face among us when we come together as the church.
Let us witness to God’s glory together!
*HYMN #2 (Red) ‘Come, Thou Almighty King’
Come, thou almighty King, help us thy name to sing;
help us to praise:
Father, all glorious, o'er all victorious,
come, and reign over us, Ancient of Days.
Come, Thou Incarnate Word, merciful, mighty Lord,
our prayer attend.
Come, and thy people bless, and give thy Word success:
Spirit of holiness, on us descend.
Come, Holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour:
Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power.
To thee, great One in Three, eternal praises be,
hence, evermore!
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
and to eternity love and adore.
CALL TO CONFESSION
God has chosen us, but we frequently fail to choose God’s will for our lives.
Let us go before God, seeking forgiveness and peace.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of justice and truth, you ask us to give to you the things that are yours. If we are honest, we know we hold so much back. We have promised you our obedience, but we often fulfill our own desires first. We have promised you our worship, but we give our attention to idols instead. We have promised to do your work in the world, but we put it last on the list of priorities. Have mercy on us and forgive us. Increase our generosity that we might give freely, grateful for all of the gifts you have given us. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The good news remains true: God has chosen us, forgives us, and walks beside us, helping us become imitators of Christ.
Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Alleluia!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Ezekiel 36:24-29
24 I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you, and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my spirit within you and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. 28 Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from all your uncleannesses, and I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you.
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11
4 so John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And the whole Judean region and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
SERMON ‘The Sacrament of Baptism’ Pastor Mark Werner
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED (in unison)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN #483 (Red) ‘Dearest Jesus, We are Here’
Dearest Jesus, we are here, gladly your command obeying.
With this child we now draw near in response to your own saying
that to you it shall be given as a child and heir of heaven.
Your command is clear and plain, and we would obey it duly:
“You must all be born again, heart and life renewing truly,
born of water and the Spirit, and my kingdom thus inherit."
This is why we come to you, in our arms this infant bearing.
Truly, here your grace we view.
Let this child, your mercy sharing, in your arms be shielded ever,
yours on earth and yours forever.
Gracious Head, your member own; Shepherd, take your lamb and feed it;
Prince of Peace, make here your throne; Way of life, to heaven lead it;
precious Vine, let nothing sever rom your side this branch forever.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM – Violet Joy G
PRESENTATION TO VIOLET
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Gayle F
-Carol G
-Robert (Robby’s father)
-Susan H (MK’s daughter)
-Maxine D
-Andrew N (friend of Ella)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Anthony B (Teri’s son)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim (Dianne L’s husband)
-Nelda H
-Betty G
-Richard C and Dolores as caregiver
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard C, Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Bruce & Lori W, Dorothy W, Alan & Sue Y
Those who mourn: We pray for the Bierstedt, Riedesel, Eich, Ohnstad, VanderWaal, Broksieck, Canaday, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry’ Chorus
DOXOLOGY
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.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
God of the harvest, you are continually planting the seeds of your love in our world and in our lives. As we bring our gifts to you, may they be seeds of your grace, peace, and hope, planted deeply in our community. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #547 (Red) ‘Go, My Children, with My Blessing’
“Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.”
“Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I loved you, what I can cure.
Here you heard my dear Son’s story;
Here you touch him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.”
“Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me.
Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.
Here my Spirit’s power filled you;
Here my tender comfort stilled you.
Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA
21st Sunday after Pentecost
October 22, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Today we welcome Violet Joy G, daughter of Ian and Abby G, into the body of Christ through baptism.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER TIME will meet in the Center Meeting Room 9:30-11:30. Come visit and see what we are about!
-CHOIR PRACTICE will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM. Please meet in the North Meeting Room. Let’s make a joyful noise to the Lord!
-A CONGREGATION MEETING will be held on November 5th following worship service for the purpose of electing officers. Please plan to attend.
-DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS on November 5th, at 2:00 AM. Fall back one hour.
CALL TO WORSHIP
God’s glory is too much to comprehend, but we see God’s face among us when we come together as the church.
Let us witness to God’s glory together!
*HYMN #2 (Red) ‘Come, Thou Almighty King’
Come, thou almighty King, help us thy name to sing;
help us to praise:
Father, all glorious, o'er all victorious,
come, and reign over us, Ancient of Days.
Come, Thou Incarnate Word, merciful, mighty Lord,
our prayer attend.
Come, and thy people bless, and give thy Word success:
Spirit of holiness, on us descend.
Come, Holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour:
Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power.
To thee, great One in Three, eternal praises be,
hence, evermore!
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
and to eternity love and adore.
CALL TO CONFESSION
God has chosen us, but we frequently fail to choose God’s will for our lives.
Let us go before God, seeking forgiveness and peace.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of justice and truth, you ask us to give to you the things that are yours. If we are honest, we know we hold so much back. We have promised you our obedience, but we often fulfill our own desires first. We have promised you our worship, but we give our attention to idols instead. We have promised to do your work in the world, but we put it last on the list of priorities. Have mercy on us and forgive us. Increase our generosity that we might give freely, grateful for all of the gifts you have given us. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The good news remains true: God has chosen us, forgives us, and walks beside us, helping us become imitators of Christ.
Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Alleluia!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Ezekiel 36:24-29
24 I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you, and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my spirit within you and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. 28 Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from all your uncleannesses, and I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you.
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11
4 so John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And the whole Judean region and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
SERMON ‘The Sacrament of Baptism’ Pastor Mark Werner
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED (in unison)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
*HYMN #483 (Red) ‘Dearest Jesus, We are Here’
Dearest Jesus, we are here, gladly your command obeying.
With this child we now draw near in response to your own saying
that to you it shall be given as a child and heir of heaven.
Your command is clear and plain, and we would obey it duly:
“You must all be born again, heart and life renewing truly,
born of water and the Spirit, and my kingdom thus inherit."
This is why we come to you, in our arms this infant bearing.
Truly, here your grace we view.
Let this child, your mercy sharing, in your arms be shielded ever,
yours on earth and yours forever.
Gracious Head, your member own; Shepherd, take your lamb and feed it;
Prince of Peace, make here your throne; Way of life, to heaven lead it;
precious Vine, let nothing sever rom your side this branch forever.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM – Violet Joy G
PRESENTATION TO VIOLET
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Gayle F
-Carol G
-Robert (Robby’s father)
-Susan H (MK’s daughter)
-Maxine D
-Andrew N (friend of Ella)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Anthony B (Teri’s son)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim (Dianne L’s husband)
-Nelda H
-Betty G
-Richard C and Dolores as caregiver
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard C, Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Bruce & Lori W, Dorothy W, Alan & Sue Y
Those who mourn: We pray for the Bierstedt, Riedesel, Eich, Ohnstad, VanderWaal, Broksieck, Canaday, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry’ Chorus
DOXOLOGY
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.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
God of the harvest, you are continually planting the seeds of your love in our world and in our lives. As we bring our gifts to you, may they be seeds of your grace, peace, and hope, planted deeply in our community. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #547 (Red) ‘Go, My Children, with My Blessing’
“Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.”
“Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I loved you, what I can cure.
Here you heard my dear Son’s story;
Here you touch him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.”
“Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me.
Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.
Here my Spirit’s power filled you;
Here my tender comfort stilled you.
Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA