St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Sunday, February 14, 2021 – recording

First Sunday in Lent

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” LBW # 104, vs 1 – 4

Confession & Forgiveness

Greeting & Kyrie

Prayer of the Day

First Reading, Genesis 22:1-18

Psalm # 25:1-10

Second Reading, James 1:12-18

Holy Gospel, Mark 1:9-15

Sermon

Hymn of the Day: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” LBW # 479, vs 1 - 4

Apostle’s Creed

Prayers of the Church

The Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Dismissal

Sending Hymn: “He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought!” - LBW # 501, vs 1 - 4

Postlude

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Service Supplement

(Congregational responses are in bold print)

The community of faith comes together in worship to praise God and be nurtured by His Word and Sacrament. As the prelude begins, prepare to worship, use opportunities during the service to practice silence, to focus upon God, and to offer prayer.

 

Prelude                                               Mark Hurley

 

Welcome and Announcements           Pastor John

 

Gathering Hymn  In the Cross of Christ I Glory”  LBW # 104, vs 1 – 4

In the cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time. All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime.

 

When the woes of life o'ertake me, Hopes deceive, and fears annoy, Never shall the cross forsake me; Lo, it glows with peace and joy.

 

When the sun of bliss is beaming Light and love upon my way, From the cross the radiance streaming Adds more luster to the day.

 

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, By the cross are sanctified; Peace is there that knows no measure, Joys that through all time abide.

 

Confession & Forgiveness                 (Pastor)      

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who brings us out of captivity into freedom, out of the wilderness into the promised land, out of death into life. Amen.

 

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another(silence is kept for reflection)

 

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

For self-centered living, and for failing to walk with humility and gentleness: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

For longing to have what is not ours, and for hearts that are not at rest with ourselves: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

For misuse of human relationships, and for unwillingness to see the image of God in others: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

For jealousies that divide families and nations, and for rivalries that create strife and warfare: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

For reluctance in sharing the gifts of God, and for carelessness with the fruits of creation: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

For hurtful words that condemn, and for angry deeds that harm: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

For idleness in witnessing to Jesus Christ, and for squandering the gifts of love and grace: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.

 

In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. Through the Holy Spirit God cleanses us and gives us the power to proclaim the mighty acts of the one who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

 

Greeting                                            (Pastor)               

The immeasurable grace of Christ Jesus, the rich mercy of God, and the unity of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

 

Kyrie                                                (Worship Assistant)

In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

 

Prayer of the Day                               (Pastor)

Let us pray…O Lord God, you would have us put no trust in anything we do. Mercifully grant that by your power we may be defended against all adversity; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

First Reading: Genesis 22:1-18               (Worship Assistant)

God instructed Abraham to take his son, Isaac, to the mountain of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering to the Lord. Abraham dutifully complied. He made the journey, prepared the altar, and took Isaac to it. Unbeknownst to Isaac, the boy himself was to be the lamb for the burnt offering. At the last second, God provided a ram for the sacrifice.

 

1After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. 9When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 15And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

 

Psalm: Psalm #25:1-10-read responsively (Worship Assistant)

The psalmist proclaimed his full trust in the Lord, saying it was to him and him alone that he lifted up his soul. Those who wait for the Lord will not be put to shame. Our waiting for God to act is never in vain; we simply are not privy to God’s plans even though we trust in him for our salvation and steadfast love.

 

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.

Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly.

All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

For your name’s sake, O Lord, forgive my sin, for it is great.

 

Second Reading: James 1:12-18         (Worship Assistant)  

St. James reminded his readers that it is a great blessing to withstand trials for the faith. When a person holds fast amid trials, he or she will receive the crown of life. This is the promise of the Lord of love. God is not a tempter — he brings us forth through trials with truth and encouragement.

 

12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.

 

Holy Gospel: Mark 1:9-15                  (Pastor)

The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 1st Chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.

 

As soon as Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, the Spirit drove him into the wilderness — that place of trial and temptation, and even death. Angels tended to him and animals kept him company. Immediately following this, he began his public ministry; meanwhile, John was arrested and put in jail for his preaching.

 

9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 12The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon                                             Pastor John

 

Hymn of the Day  My Faith Looks Up to Thee” LBW # 479, vs 1 – 4

My faith looks up to thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, Oh, let me from this day Be wholly thine!

 

May thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire; As thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!

 

While life’s dark maze I tread And griefs around me spread, Be thou my guide; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away, Nor let me ever stray From thee aside.

 

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream Shall o'er me roll; Blest Savior, then, in love Fear and distrust remove; Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

 

Apostles' Creed                                 (Pastor & Congregation)

God has made us his people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith:

 

I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

 

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.  He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the Church                        (Pastor & WA)

(P): We cry to you for help, O God, praying for the church, the world, and all those who are in need. A brief silence.

(W): Gracious Father, we know we can thank you in times of trial, for you are with us. Let us remember, it is through tough times that our faith is refined in you as we grow more and more dependent on Christ. Grant us the wisdom to hear your Word and be guided by your light. Help us to accept our wrong doings and confess them when we fall short. Give us hope as we hear your gracious word of forgiveness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Merciful Lord, we pray for our neighbors in this world, that we may learn to love them as you first loved us. Let us seek to understand their needs, so we may fulfill your call to servant leadership. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, so we may bring glory to your holy name as we serve others. Let us be courageous in difficult times, always keeping our eyes focused on you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Father God, we pray for those who have families near and far, but who are divided by thought, word, or deed. May you guide them to forgiveness just as you have first forgiven us. Let us be mindful of Christs journey to the cross during this Lenten season as a reminder of your steadfast love and forgiveness for your people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Lord, Almighty Healer, we pray for comfort, health, and protection for those who are sick and weak, who suffer and mourn, and who are spiritually lost and alone. Grant healing according to your will and peace to all who are struggling. Bless all health care workers and care givers as they minister to others with grace and patience. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(P): Now is the acceptable time to offer our prayers to you, God of grace and truth. Receive them in your mercy, and grant us all that we need, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

The Lord’s Prayer                              (Pastor)

Let us pray the prayer our Savior 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.

 

Blessing                                            (Pastor)

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.

 

Dismissal                                          (Worship Assistant)

Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

 

Sending Hymn “He leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought!”        LBW # 315, vs 1 - 4

He leadeth me: O, blessed thought! Oh, words with heav'nly comfort fraught! Whate'er I do, where'er I be, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me!

 

(Refrain): He leadeth me, he leadeth me, By his own hand he leadeth me. His faithful foll'wer I would be, For by his hand he leadeth me.

 

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom, Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom, By waters calm, o'er troubled sea, Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me. (Refrain)

 

Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine, Nor ever murmur nor repine; Content, whatever lot I see, Since 'tis my God that leadeth me. (Refrain)

 

And when my task on earth is done, When by thy grace the vict'ry's won, E'en death's cold wave I will not flee, Since God through Jordan leadeth me. (Refrain)

 

Postlude                                                       Mark Hurley