St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Sunday, January 15, 2023 – Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Gathering

Prelude “Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light” (J.S. Bach)

Welcome and Announcements

*Gathering Hymn: “Hail to the Lord Anointed” LBW # 87, vs 1 - 4

*Confession & Forgiveness

*Greeting

*Hymn of Praise

*Prayer of the Day

Word

Anthem Hymn-8:30am: “Mary Did You Know?” Adult Choir

Anthem Hymn-11am: “Who Is This Host Arrayed in White” LBW # 314, vs 1 - 3

First Reading, Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm # 40:1-11

Second Reading, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

*Gospel Acclamation

*Holy Gospel, John 1:29-42a

Sermon

*Hymn of the Day: “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry” ELW # 36, vs 1 - 5

*Nicene Creed

*Prayers of the Church

*Peace

Meal

Offering Anthem – 8:30am only: “Walk with the Lord” Adult Choir

*Offertory Song

*Offering Prayer

*The Great Thanksgiving

*Preface

*Response to Preface

*Words of Institution

*The Lord’s Prayer

Invitation to Communion

Communion & Distribution

Communion Hymn: “We are Called” WP # 147, vs 1 - 3

*Table Blessing

*Post Communion Canticle

*Prayer after Communion

Sending

*Blessing

*Dismissal

*Sending Hymn: “Son of God, Eternal Savior” LBW # 364, vs 1 – 4

Postlude “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” (J. Pachebel)

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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, focus on God, and offer prayer.

Gathering

Prelude  Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light” (J.S. Bach)  Carol Mehring, Organist

 

Welcome and Announcements            Pastor Ray Scheck

 

*Gathering Hymn “Hail to the Lord Anointed”   LBW # 87, vs 1 - 4

Hail to the Lord's anointed, Great David's greater Son! Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free, To take away transgression And rule in equity.

 

He comes with rescue speedy To those who suffer wrong, To help the poor and needy, And bid the weak be strong; To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light, Whose souls, condemned and dying, Were precious in his sight.

 

He shall come down like showers Upon the fruitful earth; And Love, joy, hope, like flowers, Spring in his path to birth. Before him on the mountains Shall peace, the herald, go; And righteousness in fountains From hill to valley flow.

 

Kings shall fall down before him, And gold and incense bring; All nations shall adore him, His praise all people sing. To him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend; His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end.

 

*Confession & Forgiveness                (Pastor & Congregation)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Silence is kept for reflection)

 

Most merciful God, we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. 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. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

 

Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his sake, forgives us all our sins. 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 & 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.

 

*Hymn of Praise  (LBW pg. # 58)               (WA & Congregation)

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father: We worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God: You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

*Prayer of the Day                             (Pastor & Congregation)

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

 

Let us pray…Almighty and eternal God, you restrain the powers of heaven and earth. Mercifully hear your people’s prayers for peace in our time. 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: “Mary Did You Know” Adult Choir

 

Anthem Hymn-11am: “Who Is This Host…”       LBW # 314, vs 1 - 3

Who is this host arrayed in white Like thousand snow clad mountains bright, That stands with palms and sings its psalms Before the throne of light? These are the saints who kept God’s Word; They are the honored of the Lord. He is their prince who drowned their sins, So they were cleansed, restored. They now serve God both day and night; They sing their songs in endless light. Their anthems ring when they all sing With angels shining bright.

 

On earth their work was not thought wise, But see them now in heaven’s eyes; Before God’s throne of precious stone They shout their vict’ry cries. On earth they wept through bitter years; Now God has wiped away their tears, Transformed their strife to heav’nly life, And freed them from their fears. For now they have the best at last; They keep their sweet eternal feast. At God’s right hand our Lord commands; He is both host and guest.

 

O blessed saints, now take your rest; A thousand times shall you be blest For keeping faith firm unto death And scorning worldly trust. For now you live at home with God And harvest seeds once cast abroad In tears and sighs. See with new eyes The pattern in the seed. The myriad angels raise their song. O saints, sing with that happy throng; Lift up one voice; let heav’n rejoice In our Redeemer’s song!  (OneLicense # 06233)

 

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7                (WA & Congregation)

The prophet Isaiah recounted Israel’s privileged calling as God’s servant. Israel is God’s “weapon” to bring faith to an unbelieving world. In fact, through God’s faithfulness, the servant who was once despised will be a light to all nations, bringing God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.

 

1Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. 2He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. 3And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” 4But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.” 5And now the Lord says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him — for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength — 6he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” 7Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves; because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

 

Psalm: Psalm 40:1-11                        (WA & Congregation)

This song tells of the psalmist’s relationship with God — the Lord heard the cry of his servant and pulled him out of trouble and near destruction. Blessed is he who trusts in the Lord, who is patient, loves to do God’s will, and faithfully proclaims the steadfast goodness and faithfulness of God.

 

I waited patiently upon the Lord; he stooped to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord.

Happy are they who trust in the Lord! they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.

Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God! How great your wonders and your plans for us! there is none who can be compared with you.

Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! but they are more than I can count.

In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure; you have given me ears to hear you;

Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, and so I said, “Behold, I come.

In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: ‘I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.’”

I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O Lord, you know.

Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.

 

Second Reading1 Corinthians 1:1-9  (WA & Congregation)  

Paul began his letter to the church in Corinth with greetings, a sincere expression of thankfulness for the testimony of Christ confirmed among them, and a prayer that Christ would sustain them until his return. Those who have been called to be saints of Christ will not be lacking in any spiritual gift.

 

1Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 2To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge — 6even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you — 7so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.

 

(WA: “Please rise for the reading of the Gospel.)

 

*Gospel Acclamation (LBW pg. # 62)               (WA & Congregation)

Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia. Alleluia.  

 

*Holy Gospel: John 1:29-42a             (Pastor & Congregation)

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

 

John the Baptist was fervent in his declaration of Jesus as the Lamb of God; not once, but on two separate occasions. John’s clear understanding of his own purpose as one who would point to Jesus, the Lamb, resulted in Andrew and Simon following Jesus and themselves making the confession that He is the Lord’s Messiah.

 

29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” 35The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42aHe brought him to Jesus. This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon                                              Pastor Ray Scheck

 

*Hymn of the Day “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry” ELW # 36, vs 1 – 5

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings!

 

Then cleansed be ev'ry life from sin; Make straight the way for God within, And let us all our hearts prepare For Christ to come and enter there.

 

We hail Thee as our Savior, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward; Without your grace we waste away Like flow'rs that wither and decay.

 

Stretch forth your hand, our health restore, And make us rise to fall no more; Oh, let your face upon us shine And fill the world with love divine.

 

All praise to you, eternal Son, Whose advent has our freedom won, Whom with the Father we adore, And Holy Spirit, evermore.

 

*Nicene 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:

 

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

*Prayers for the Church

(P): Let us pray for the faithfulness of the Church, the life of the world, and all those in need. A brief silence.

          (WA): Mighty Lord, you have promised to always be with us. Give to your people the faith to trust in your daily presence among us, that we may serve you as your witnesses to those around us. By remaining faithful to your Word, may our lives proclaim the promise of our Lord and Savior to all the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(WA): Lord God, in this season of winter, just as you have covered the ground in snowy white in many parts of your world, we ask that you would cover our sins with your forgiveness though they be as scarlet. Even as your Holy Spirit is transforming us into the image of your Son, may we reflect the purity of Christ’s own righteousness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(WA): Lord of all, you ate with sinners, restored the dignity of outcasts and lepers, and showered your grace without restraint. Teach us to afford all people the dignity and respect that they deserve as your beloved children. As we serve and care for the least of these, your brothers and sisters, may we do it in faith and service to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(WA): Loving Father, your love is a healing balm that brings peace. Your Spirit’s presence is a comfort and consolation beyond compare. Bring healing and wholeness to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

          (P): Into your hands, almighty God, we commend all for whom we pray; trusting in your abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

 

*Peace:                                              (Pastor & Congregation)

The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.

(Please share the peace with your neighbors as you feel comfortable doing.)

 

Meal

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

 

Offering Anthem  Walk With the Lord” Adult Choir–8:30am only

 

*Offertory Song (LBW pg. # 66)                 (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 now. Grace our table with your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.

 

*Offering Prayer                                (WA & Congregation)    

Let us pray…Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of all things. Though your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts. With them we offer ourselves to your service and dedicate our lives to the care and redemption of all that you have made, for the sake of him who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

*The Great Thanksgiving (LBW pg. # 68)   (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 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. By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son, and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. 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 (LBW pg. # 69)         (Pastor & Congregation)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna. Hosanna. 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.

 

Invitation to Communion                   (Pastor)

God fills the hungry with good things. Taste and see that the Lord is good.  

 

Communion – distribution (LBW pg. # 72)  (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.

 

Communion Hymn “We are Called”            WP # 147, vs 1 - 3

Come! Live in the light! Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord! We are called to be light for the kingdom, to live in the freedom of the city of God.

 

(Refrain): We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly; we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.

 

Come! Open your heart! Show your mercy to all those in fear! We are called to be hope for the hopeless so all hatred and blindness will be no more. (Refrain)

 

Sing! Sing a new song! Sing of that great day when all will be one! God will reign, and we’ll walk with each other as sisters and brothers united in love. (Refrain)

 

*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 (LBW pg. # 72) (Pastor & Congregation)

Thank the Lord and sing his praise; tell everyone what he has done. Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear his name. He recalls his promises and leads his people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia. Alleluia.  

 

*Prayer after Communion                  (WA & Congregation)

Let us pray…Pour out upon us the spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of those whom you have fed with one heavenly food: through 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 “Son of God, Eternal Savior” LBW # 364, vs 1 – 4

Son of God, eternal Savior, Source of life and truth and grace, Word made flesh, whose birth among us Hallows all our human race, You our head, who, throned in glory, For your own will ever plead: Fill us with your love and pity, Heal our wrongs, and help our need.

 

As you, Lord have lived for others, So may we for others live. Freely have your gifts been granted; Freely may your servants give. Yours the gold and yours the silver, Yours the wealth of land and sea; We but stewards of your bounty Held in solemn trust will be.

 

Come, O Christ, and reign among us, King of love and Prince of Peace; Hush the storm of strife and passion, Bid its cruel discords cease. By your patient years of toiling, By your silent hours of pain, Quench our fevered thirst of pleasure, Stem our selfish greed of gain.

 

Son of God, eternal Savior, Source of life and truth and grace, Word made flesh, whose birth among us Hallows all our human race: By your praying, by your willing That your people should be one, Grant, oh, grant our hope’s fruition: Here on earth your will be done.

 

Postlude “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” (J. Pachebel) Carol Mehring, Organist

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Announcements

2023 Envelope Sets are in the fellowship hall on the stage and will be there until the end of January.

 

2022 Offering Statements will be available at church on Sunday, January 29th. Any remaining on Jan 29th will be mailed.

 

Sick/Shut-in List: Steve Janowich, Veda Hutson, Della Mikel, Will Gohlinghorst, Jaslyn Markley, Muskee Books, Kimberly Litscomb, Mary Reichenbach, Miriam Puhl, Roger & Dora Copinger, Elizabeth Hagan, Mary Henderson, Bob & Bettie Lantz, Tammy Schmelzer, Sue Baxter, Casey Joyce, Jim & Joyce Glovier, Richard & Millie Faircloth, Lena Holton, Ken Krach, & 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 – 1/15/23 to 1/22/23

Sun, 1/15:         8:30 & 11          AM       Worship Services w/communion

9:45                  AM       Sunday School, Confirmation &

Adult Bible Study

Sun, 1/22:         8:30 & 11          AM       Worship Service w/communion

9:45                  AM       Sunday School, Confirmation &

Adult Bible Study

See Sermon Notes for all current Bible Studies

Helping with Service Today:

Early Service: Michael Baxter/Late Service: 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