Sunday Worship + March 13, 2022

Welcome!

While we are practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 there is also a need to imagine what worship could look like more creatively. We will have worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00am EST on our Facebook Page and our YouTube Channel. In-Person worship attendees must wear a mask while moving around the church. Masks can be removed at individual discretion when seated or if actively eating or drinking. Streaming will continue.

Below you will find interactive bulletins for our Sunday morning services. Bulletins will include music, prayers, scripture readings, and an audio recording of the sermon. You may choose to worship on your own schedule using the resources provided or use them to follow along in the service on Facebook. If for some reason the Facebook stream stops working you can find the video on Holy Trinity’s YouTube channel.

Licensing

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is covered under the following licenses:

• CCLI: 1510407
• OneLicense: 732293-A
• Augsburg Fortress: SAS006846

NOTE: Any worship changes made after 5:00pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022 may not be reflected in the digital bulletins as Pastor Analyse is on vacation. We thank you for your flexibility.

+  Though we sometimes doubt and often resist God’s desire to protect and save us, our God persists. In holy baptism, God’s people have been called and gathered into a God-initiated relationship that will endure. Lent provides the church with a time and a tradition in which to seek God’s face again. Lent provides another occasion to behold the God of our salvation in the face of the Blessed One who “comes in the name of the Lord.” +

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

In the name of God,
who makes a way in the wilderness,
walks with us,
and guides us in our pilgrimage.
Amen.

+ Silence is kept for reflection. +

Holy One,
we confess that we have wandered far from you:
we have not trusted your promises,
we have ignored your prophets in our own day,
we have squandered our inheritance of grace,
we have failed to recognize you in our midst.
Have mercy on us!
Forgive us and turn us again to you.
Teach us to follow in your ways,
assure us again of your love,
and help us to love our neighbor.
Amen.

Beloved in Christ,
the Word draws near to you,
and all who call out to God shall be saved.
In Jesus, God comes to you again and again
and gathers you under wings of love.
In ☩ Jesus’ name, your sins are forgiven.
God journeys with you and teaches you how to live in love.
Amen.

GATHERING HYMN: Lord Christ, When First You Came to Earth (ELW #727 + Verses 1 & 4)

1 Lord Christ, when first you came to earth
upon a cross they bound you,
and mocked your saving kingship’s worth
by thorns with which they crowned you.
And still our wrongs may fashion now
new thorns to pierce that steady brow,
and robe of sorrow round you.

4 O wounded hands of Jesus, build
in us your new creation;
our pride is dust, our vaunt is stilled;
we wait your revelation.
O Love that triumphs over loss,
we bring our hearts before your cross;
come, finish your salvation.

Text: W. Russell Bowie, 1882-1969, alt.

GREETING

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: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (ELW #310 + Verses 1 & 4)

1 Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise;
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar,
branch of royal David’s stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.

4 Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
present in thy holy word;
grace to imitate thee now
and be pure, as pure art thou;
that we might become like thee
at thy great epiphany,
and may praise thee, ever blest,
God in flesh made manifest.

Text: Christopher Wordsworth, 1807-1885, alt.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

READINGS

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

+ God promises a childless and doubting Abram that he will have a child, that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars, and that the land of Canaan will be their inheritance. Abram’s trust in God is sealed with a covenant-making ceremony, a sign of God’s promise. +

The first reading comes from Genesis beginning at the 15^th chapter.

¹After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” ²But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” ⁴But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” ⁵He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” ⁶And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
  ⁷Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” ⁸But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” ⁹He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” ¹⁰He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. ¹¹And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.
  ¹²As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.
  ¹⁷When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. ¹⁸On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 27

+ In the day of trouble, God will give me shelter. (Ps. 27:5) +

¹The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
  The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
 ²When evildoers close in against me to devour my flesh,
  they, my foes and my enemies, will stumble and fall.
 ³Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear.
  Though war rise up against me, my trust will not be shaken.
 ⁴One thing I ask of the Lord; one thing I seek;
  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek God in the temple.
 ⁵For in the day of trouble God will give me shelter,
  hide me in the hidden places of the sanctuary, and raise me high upon a rock.
 ⁶Even now my head is lifted up above my enemies who surround me.
  Therefore I will offer sacrifice in the sanctuary, sacrifices of rejoicing; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
 ⁷Hear my voice, O Lord, when I call;
  have mercy on me and answer me.
 ⁸My heart speaks your message— “Seek my face.”
  Your face, O Lord, I will seek. 
 ⁹Hide not your face from me, turn not away from your servant in anger.
  Cast me not away—you have been my helper; forsake me not, O God of my salvation.
 ¹⁰Though my father and my mother forsake me,
  the Lord will take me in.
 ¹¹Teach me your way, O Lord;
  lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
 ¹²Subject me not to the will of my foes,
  for they rise up against me, false witnesses breathing violence.
 ¹³This I believe—that I will see the goodness of the Lord
  in the land of the living!
 ¹⁴Wait for the Lord and be strong.
  Take heart and wait for the Lord!

Philippians 3:17-4:1

+ Although Paul’s devotion to Christ has caused him to be persecuted, he does not regret the course he has taken. Writing from prison, he expresses confidence in a glorious future and encourages other Christians to follow in his footsteps. +

The second reading comes from Philippians beginning at the 3^rd chapter.

¹⁷Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. ¹⁸For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. ¹⁹Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. ^4:1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

Luke 13:31-35

+ Neither Herod’s plotting nor Jerusalem’s resistance to maternal love will deter Jesus from his sacrificial mission. +

The Holy Gospel according to Luke beginning at the 13^th chapter. 
Glory to you, O Lord.

³¹At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus,] “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” ³²He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. ³³Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ ³⁴Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! ³⁵See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

SERMON Vicar Hephzi Penumaka

HYMN OF THE DAY: Thy Holy Wings ( ELW #613+ Verses 1 & 2 )

1 Thy holy wings, O Savior,
spread gently over me,
and let me rest securely
through good and ill in thee.
Oh, be my strength and portion,
my rock and hiding place,
and let my ev’ry moment
be lived within thy grace.

2 Oh, let me nestle near thee,
within thy downy breast
where I will find sweet comfort
and peace within thy nest.
Oh, close thy wings around me
and keep me safely there,
for I am but a newborn
and need thy tender care.

Text: Carolina Sandell Berg, 1832-1903, sts. 1, 3; Gracia Grindal, b. 1943, st. 2; tr. composite Text © 1983 Gracia Grindal, Selah Publishing Co., Inc., agent. http://www.selahpub.com

THE NICENE CREED

Let us confess our faith saying the words of the Nicene Creed.

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 OF THE PEOPLE

Drawn close to the heart of God, we offer these prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

You gather the church into a community of mercy and grace. Unify Christians around the globe in efforts to proclaim good news even in the face of opposition and to protect those whose lives are imperiled by the gospel. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You create the entire universe and call it good. Hinder those who would cause further destruction to our planet’s fragile ecosystems, and augment the calls of those who advocate for thoughtful stewardship of the earth’s resources. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You raise up leaders committed to love and justice. Nurture in those who govern patience to receive criticism, openness to new ideas, and courage to change course when needed for the sake of the common good. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

God Almighty and most Merciful we are bold to pray for peace in Ukraine.  Confound those with violent intent, spare the lives of the innocent, may your Spirit blow through the region with mercy and irresistible grace.  Deliver us from evil and give courage to those who must intervene.  Lord we also ask that you be with the people of Des Moines, Iowa as they recover from the tornado and shooting at East High. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You hear us when we cry to you. Attend to those expecting a child, and console those who have experienced miscarriage. Comfort veterans enduring post-traumatic stress. Shield those endangered by domestic violence. Uphold those who are ill or grieving especially Peter Klarman, Harry Lund, Evelyn Lund, Karen Campbell,  Polina Bekker, Claire Gallagher, Josephine Alongi, Janice Rajgopaul, Robert Jones, Florence Buckley,and  Richard Minogue. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You kindle faith that moves us into action. Guide children and adults preparing for baptism or confirmation. Empower Sunday school teachers, confirmation leaders, and parents who share their faith with younger generations. Give us all a renewed sense of vocation. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

Do a new thing within us. Direct us into encounters that broaden our understanding of the human experience. Amplify voices that are ignored or devalued. Deliver us especially from the scourge of racism. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You welcome us into your heavenly realm. We give thanks for those whose labors on earth are ended and who now rest with you. On the final day, gather all of us, with them, in your loving arms. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

Accept the prayers we bring, O God, on behalf of a world in need, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you always!
And also with you!
Let us share Christ’s peace with one another.

OFFERING MESSAGE

Please consider continuing to mail in your offering or giving online!  We continue to have expenses that need to be covered during this time. We are most grateful for your generosity.

OFFERTORY HYMN: Around You, O Lord Jesus (ELW #468+ Verses 1 & 3)

1 Around you, O Lord Jesus,
your own you gather still
to share the feast you give us
with grace our lives to fill.
You say to us so lovingly,
“Take, eat! This is my body!
Take, drink! This is my blood!”

3 We are your own forever;
until our final breath
we will be true and never
in joy, in grief, in death
depart from you, for you are still
among your people dwelling,
as you have said you will.

Text: Frans Mikael Franzén, 1772-1847; tr. composite
Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Let us pray.

Extravagant God,
you have blessed us with the fullness of creation.
Now we gather at your feast
where you offer us the food that satisfies.
Take and use what we offer here, come among us,
and feed us with the body and blood of Christ,
in whose name we pray.
Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING                                            

Gracious God, loving all your family with a mother’s tender care: As you sent the angel to feed Elijah with heavenly bread, assist those who set forth to share your word and sacrament with those who are gathered here this morning. In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those who will receive this sacrament, and give us all the comfort of your abiding presence through the body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

When our congregation gathers in worship, we hear again of God’s mighty acts and the love shown us in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We share in the holy meal of the Lord’s supper. Now we bring to you this word of life, and this bread and cup of blessing, so that you may share in these same gifts and be strengthened in communion with all the people of God.

Merciful God, we do not presume to come to your table trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat and drink the body and blood of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that we may live in him and he in us, now and forever.
Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray:

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

Here is food and drink for the journey.
Take and be filled.

TABLE BLESSING & COMMUNION PRAYER

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

Let us pray:
Blessed Jesus,
in this rich meal of grace,
you have fed us with your body, the bread of life.
Now send us forth to bear your life-giving hope
to a world in need.
Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS

Devotionals for Lent are available in the Narthex by the entrance doors.

HOLY WEEK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you are available to lead worship for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter Sunday please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

ANNUAL GIVING STATEMENTS

If you wish to receive a printed or emailed copy of your end of year giving statement for taxes, please reach out to Carol Robinson or the Church Office.

COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday, March 8^th @ 7:30pm

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS

Jan 15-Mar 31 designate choice dollars to go to Holy Trinity at no cost to you. If you don’t know how to designate choice dollars please reach out to Ken Henyan.

VIDEOGRAPHER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you are interested in learning how to run the camera to stream worship services, please contact the church office. The camera is really user friendly and we would really appreciate help getting a rotation together. Please contact Ruth or Pastor Analyse to get started!

COVID HOME TESTS

Starting Tuesday, January 18^th each household can order 4 COVID home tests free of charge by visiting COVIDtests.gov . It will ask you for your name and shipping address only. Please see Pastor Analyse or Denice Watkins if you need help.

Other announcements are located in the downloadable bulletin at the top of this webpage.

BLESSING

You are children of God,
anointed with the oil of gladness
and strengthened for the journey.
Almighty God,
motherly, majestic, and mighty,
☩ bless you this day and always.
Amen.

SENDING HYMN: Lord Teach Us How to Pray Aright (ELW #438 + Verses 1, 4, & 5)

1 Lord, teach us how to pray aright,
with rev’rence and with fear.
Though dust and ashes in your sight,
we may, we must draw near.

4 Faith in the only sacrifice
that can for sin atone;
to cast our hopes, to fix our eyes
on Christ, on Christ alone.

5 Give these, and then your will be done;
thus strengthened with all might,
we, through your Spirit and your Son,
shall pray, and pray aright.

Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854, alt.

DISMISSAL

What is our Mission? 
Welcoming all to grow in faith; living Christ’s message of serving and loving neighbors near and far.
Go in peace. Jesus meets you on the way.
Thanks be to God.