St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Sunday, April 3, 2022 – 8:30am & 11am Services

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Gathering

Prelude: “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” (JS Bach)

Call to Worship: “Lead Me to the Cross” WP # 65 vs 1 - 5

Welcome and Announcements

*Gathering Hymn: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” LBW # 479, vs 1 - 4

*Confession & Forgiveness

*Greeting & Kyrie

*Prayer of the Day

Word

Anthem Hymn 8:30am: “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” LBW # 104, vs 1 – 4

11am: “Lamb of God” Adult Choir

First Reading, Isaiah 43:16-21

Psalm # 126

Second Reading, Philippians 3: 4b-14

*Gospel Acclamation

*Holy Gospel, Luke 20:9-20

Sermon

*Hymn of the Day: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” LBW # 482, vs 1 - 4

*Apostle’s Creed

*Prayers of the Church

Meal

Offering Anthem: Organist or Adult Choir

*Offertory Song

*Offering Prayer

*The Great Thanksgiving

*Preface

*Response to Preface

*Words of Institution

*The Lord’s Prayer

Communion & Distribution

Communion Hymn: “There is a Redeemer” WP # 140, vs 1 – 3

“We Remember You” WP # 152

*Table Blessing

*Post Communion Canticle

*Prayer after Communion

Sending

*Blessing & Dismissal

*Sending Hymn: “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” LBW # 259, vs 1 - 3

Postlude: “Olivet” (Robert Hughes)

********************************************************************************************************************

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, focus on God, and offer prayer.

Gathering

Prelude “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” (Bach)  Carol Mehring, Organist

 

Call to Worship  Lead Me to the Cross” WP # 65, vs 1 - 5

How can I be free from sin? Lead me to the cross of Jesus; from the guilt, the pow’r, the pain, lead me to the cross of Jesus.

 

There’s no other way, no price that I could pay, simply to the cross I cling. This is all I need, this is all I plead, that his blood was shed for me.

 

How can I know peace within? Lead me to the cross of Jesus; sing a song of joy again, lead me to the cross of Jesus.

 

Flowing from above, all forgiving love, from the Father’s heart to me. What a gift of grace, his own righteousness, clothing me in purity.

 

How can I live day to day? Lead me to the cross of Jesus; following his narrow way, lead me to the cross of Jesus.

 

Welcome and Announcements           Pastor Ray Scheck

 

*Gathering Hymn “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!

 

*Confession & Forgiveness                (Pastor & Congregation)

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

 

I confess to God Almighty, before the whole company of heaven, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed by my fault, by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault; wherefore I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.

 

The almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, forgiveness, and remission of all your sins. Amen.

 

I confess to God Almighty, before the whole company of heaven, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed by my fault, by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault; wherefore I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.

 

The almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, forgiveness, and remission of all your sins. Amen.

 

*Greeting                                          (Pastor & Congregation)

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.

 

*Kyrie                                               (WA & Congregation)

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 & Congregation)

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

 

Let us pray…Almighty God, look favorably upon your family. Graciously rule our bodies lest we are enticed to love the world, and guard our spirits lest we fail to recognize your love. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

Word

Anthem Hymn 8:30am: “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.

 

Anthem Hymn 11am: “Lamb of God”    Adult Choir

 

First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21            (WA & Congregation)

Isaiah spoke God’s declaration to the Israelites saying that they are not to remember or be concerned about what has gone before. The God who brought them out of Egypt is in control. Instead of worrying, they are to take heart and rejoice in the new thing that God is doing.

 

16Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 17who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 20The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, 21the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

 

Psalm: Psalm 126                              (WA & Congregation)

Israel prayed for God to restore the nation’s fortunes, recalling the great delight that they experienced when God acted in the past on their behalf. Recalling God’s former acts brings them hope in current distress.

 

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.

Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negev.

Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

 

Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14 (WA & Congregation)  

Paul told the Philippians that nothing can compare to the immeasurable worth of knowing Jesus and sharing in his resurrection. This treasure spurred Paul to press on and remain faithful, trusting in Christ, even in the midst of imprisonment and loss. He encouraged the Philippians to do likewise, to imitate his persistent faithfulness in the one who makes us righteous.

 

4b… Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith — 10that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.

 

*Gospel Acclamation                         (WA & Congregation)

Please rise for the reading of the Gospel.

 

Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

 

*Holy Gospel: Luke 20:9-20              (Pastor & Congregation)

The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 20th Chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.

 

Using a parable about tenants who reject and beat the messengers sent by their landlord, Jesus indirectly chastised the scribes and the chief priests for their failure to recognize him as the Son of God and listen to him. They were incensed by his criticism and plotted to find a way to turn him over to the governor.

 

9Jesus began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. 10When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. 13Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” 17But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” 19The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon                                              Pastor Ray Scheck

 

*Hymn of the Day “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” LBW # 482, vs 1 - 4

When I survey the wondrous cross On which the prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride.

 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast Save in the death of Christ, my God; All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.

 

See, from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

 

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a tribute far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all!

 

*Apostle’s Creed – read responsively (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 & Congregation)

          (P): Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs. A brief silence.

For the Gospel Message

          (WA): Holy Father, in this the end of the ages you have spoken to us through your Son, Jesus. We thank you for the Gospel, and we pray that you would keep our ears open to hear it anew each day. Give us your Holy Spirit, that we may never reject or despise this grace-filled gift. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayers. 

For the Peace and Welfare of All

          (WA): Prince of Peace, we pray for peace where there is conflict in the world and where there is dissension between people and groups. Bring just leadership to nations plagued by oppressive dictatorships. We give thanks for your abiding faithfulness. Strengthened by that promise, may we work for peace and the good of all your creation.  Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayers.

For Lent

          (WA): Loving God, renew our trust in you during this Lenten season. Remind us of the immeasurable worth of knowing Jesus so that we, like Paul, might press on and remain faithful in following Jesus and witnessing to your grace. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayers.

For Those In Distress

          (WA): Ever-present God, we give thanks to you for coming among us. Help us to see you and trust your faithfulness in all of life’s situations. We pray for those who are imprisoned, outcast, persecuted, or in any situation of suffering or distress. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayers.

          (P): Into your loving hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 

Meal

(The offering is brought forward as the Lord’s table is prepared.)

 

Offering Anthem                                (Adult Choir or Organist)

 

*Offertory Song                                 (Pastor & Congregation)

Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life. Gather the hopes and the dreams of all; unite them with the prayers we offer. Grace our table with your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.

 

*Offering Prayer                                (WA & Congregation)    

Let us pray…Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – ourselves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

*The Great Thanksgiving                   (Pastor & Congregation)

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 him thanks and praise.

 

*Preface                                            (Pastor)

It is indeed right and salutary, and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You call your people to cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast, that renewed in the gift of baptism, we may come to the fullness of your grace. 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:

 

*Response to Preface                         (Pastor & Congregation)

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

 

*Words of Institution                         (Pastor)

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus 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.

 

*The Lord’s Prayer                            (Pastor & Congregation)

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.

 

(Congregation is seated)

 

Communion – distribution                 (Pastor & Congregation)

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace.

 

Communion Hymn “There is a Redeemer” WP # 140, vs 1 - 3

There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son, precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One.

 

(Refrain): Thank you, O my Father, for forgiving us your Son and sending your Spirit till the work on earth is done.

 

Jesus, my Redeemer, mane above all names, precious Lamb of God, Messiah, hope for sinners slain. (Refrain)

 

When I stand in glory, I will see his face, there I’ll serve my king forever, in that holy place. (Refrain)

 

Communion Hymn “We Remember You”                WP # 152

In broken bread and the cup that we share, we remember you. In broken bread and the cup that we share, we remember you. We remember you, Jesus. We remember your love for us. We remember the blood you shed. We remember you.

 

*Table Blessing                                 (Pastor & Congregation)

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.

 

*Post Communion Canticle                ELW # 209

Blessed be God, the source of all life, the word of salvation, the spirit of mercy. Blessed be God, the source of all life, the word of salvation, the spirit of mercy.

 

*Prayer after Communion                  (WA & Congregation)

Let us pray…Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

 

*Blessing                                           (Pastor & Congregation)

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.

 

*Dismissal                                         (WA & Congregation)

Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. 

 

*Sending Hymn “Lord Dismiss Us with Your Blessing”  LBW # 259, vs 1 - 3

Lord, dismiss us with your blessing, Fill our hearts with joy and peace; Let us each, your love possessing, Triumph in redeeming grace. Oh, refresh us; oh, refresh us, Trav'ling through this wilderness.

 

Thanks we give and adoration For your Gospel's joyful sound. May the fruits of your salvation In our hearts and lives abound. Ever faithful, ever faithful To your truth may we be found.

 

Savior, when your love shall call us From our struggling pilgrim way, Let not fear of death appall us, Glad your summons to obey. May we ever, may we ever Reign with you in endless day.

 

Postlude “Olivet” (Hughes)               Carol Mehring, Organist

***********************************************************************************************************************

Announcements

DC Bus, lunch at Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant & Bible Museum Trip: There are 2 spots available for this trip on May 23rd. The price per person is $105. A deposit of $40 or payment in full at time of registration or by April 10th. Any reservations made after April 10th will require payment in full. For people who register before April 10th, balance of $65 per ticket is due by May 3rd. Please register in the Narthex or contact Maria Alekseev or the office.

 

Spring Flea Market will be held on Saturday, April 30th from 8am to 2pm on the grounds of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. To reserve a space and/or table, please see Donna Jones. Space rentals are $10 per space, and table rentals are $5 per table. The WNALC will have a concession table for eats and beverages.

 

Please see the table in the Narthex for a additional news and events. Thank you!

 

Spring 2022 Building Improvement Campaign

Funds Needed - $9,500

 Scope of Work:

·         Concrete pad - Parsonage: remove existing concrete pad and determine cause of sinkage. Repair cause and pour new concrete pad

·         Sidewalk to BQ Road” remove existing sidewalk at front of church and replace with topsoil (free topsoil)

·         Kitchen – reroute water lines for water heater above ceiling, install 12 unfaced R30 rolls of insulation in ceiling. Remove plywood flooring and reinstall

·         Build and carpet AV platform in Sanctuary

·         Long Shed – build and install barn doors end without doors. Use existing lumber and cover doors with vertical vinyl siding and trim

·         Long Shed – make 6’x4’ ramp from pressure treated lumber for new entrance

·         Long Shed – remove bushes along shed and repair rotted siding

·         Long Shed – paint or install 12’x 32’ siding on new door end.

·         Disaster Shed – make two 5’x6’ ramps from pressure treated doors

·         Sanctuary Doors – seal air gaps and repair threshold plate

·         Outside Sanctuary – remove unused lights and reroute wiring as needed

·         Sanctuary Steeple – reroute lightning ground wire

·         Education Building – install ventilation grills in air handler room of attic

·         Electrical outlets – replace all electrical outlets that are worn out throughout church

 

Projects with deposits and contracts signed:

·         New digital sign – will be installed where the existing brick sign sits

·         New double pane slide-windows installed in the fellowship hall (will replace existing windows with the same design of window from the sanctuary)

 

To make a monetary donation to our 2022 Spring Building Improvement Campaign, please place cash or check in the envelope provided. If paying by check, make your check payable to St. Matthew Lutheran Church and in the memo portion of your check, write “2022 spring bldg imp”.

 

Work Date: Saturday, April 23rd/Second TBD

 

ick/Shut-in List: Pam McCracken, Mike Millner, Mary Reichenbach, David Sereno, Miriam Puhl, Roger & Dora Copinger, Elizabeth Hagan, Steve Janowich, Dot McDaniel, Mary Henderson, Bob & Bettie Lantz, Tammy Schmelzer, Janet Kohajda, Sue Baxter, Casey Joyce, Shirley Maddox, Jim & Joyce Glovier, Richard & Millie Faircloth, Lena Holton, Ken Krach, Jane Newberry & Irene Sifel.

 

Prayer List: If you have requested a loved one to be placed on our prayer list, we are happy to accommodate the request; however, we need an update on the individual to keep them on the list past four (4) weeks. If you want to join the church’s email prayer chain, or want to add someone needing prayers, contact Pam McCracken by email at [email protected].

 

Visitors: If you are a guest, it is a pleasure to have you worship with us. Please help us to get to know you by completing a guest card located in the card holder on the back of the pew in front of you. Once completed, please feel free to place in the offering plate. The cards are NOT used for solicitation purposes!

 

All are welcome to receive the Lord's Body and Blood who are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and believe that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is truly present in, with and under the forms of bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. The Lord calls all of us to a new way of living under his wonderful grace in our Savior. Again, thank you for worshiping with us today. We pray God’s richest blessing for you.             

Calendar – 4/3/22 to 4/10/22

Sun, 4/3:           8:30 & 11          AM       Worship Services w/communion

                        9:45                  AM       Sunday School, Confirmation

                                                            & Additional Discipleship Bible Study (2)

Wed, 4/6:          10AM & 7:30PM            Lenten Worship Services

Sun, 4/10:         8:30 & 11          AM       Worship Services w/communion

                        9:45                  AM       Sunday School, Confirmation

                                                            & Adult Bible Study

 

Helping with Service Today:

Worship Assistants

8:30am – Michael Baxter/11am – Kathy Anderson

 

St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Website: www.stmatthewbq.org E-mail: [email protected]

Ministers: The Congregation

Pastor: Ray Scheck/home # 301-831-6176

Choir Director: Pam McCracken, Organist: Carol Mehring

Church Administrator:  Kathy Duvall

Phone:  410-335-4210/Fax: 410-335-5388

YouTube Channel: StMatthewLutheranChurchBowleysQuartersMD

Facebook Pages: Kathy Joy, St Matthew Lutheran Church, and

St Matthew Lutheran Church Sunday School