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.
+ The warnings are plentiful and blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! The warnings are accompanied by God’s invitation to attentiveness: “Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.” The landowner’s ultimatum is forestalled by the gardener’s readiness to till the ground one more year. That is good news for all of us. Thanks be to God! +
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: Glories of Your Name are Spoken (ELW #358+ Verses 1 & 4)
1 Glories of your name are spoken,
Zion, city of our God;
he whose word cannot be broken
formed you for his own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake your sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
you may smile at all your foes.
4 Savior, since of Zion’s city
I through grace a member am,
let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in your name.
Fading are the worldlings’ pleasures,
all their boasted pomp and show;
solid joys and lasting treasures
none but Zion’s children know.
Text: John Newton, 1725-1807, 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
Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
READINGS
Isaiah 55:1-9
+ To those who have experienced long years in exile, the return to their homeland is a celebration of abundant life. God calls them into an everlasting covenant of love. Those who return to God will enjoy new life and forgiveness, because God’s ways are not our ways. +
The first reading comes from Isaiah beginning at the 55th chapter.
1Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
4See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander for the peoples.
5See, you shall call nations that you do not know,
and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
for he has glorified you.
6Seek the Lord while he may be found,
call upon him while he is near;
7let the wicked forsake their way,
and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 63:1-8
+ O God, eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you. (Ps. 63:1) +
1O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place,
that I might behold your power and your glory.
3For your steadfast love is better than life itself;
my lips shall give you praise.
4So will I bless you as long as I live
and lift up my hands in your name.
5My spirit is content, as with the richest of foods,
and my mouth praises you with joyful lips,
6when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the night watches.
7For you have been my helper,
and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice.
8My whole being clings to you;
your right hand holds me fast.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
+ Paul uses images from Hebrew Scriptures and prophecy to speak the truth of Jesus Christ: He is our rock, our water, our food, and our drink. Christ is the living sign of God’s faithfulness. +
The second reading comes from 1 Corinthians beginning at the 10th chapter.
1I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness.
6Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.” 8We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Luke 13:1-9
+ Asked about current tragic events, Jesus turns a lesson about whether suffering is deserved into a hard call to obedience. He then tells a parable that holds out hope that the timeline for ultimate judgment will be tempered by patience. +
The Holy Gospel according to Luke beginning at the 13th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.2[Jesus] asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
6Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SERMON Vicar Hephzi Penumaka
HYMN OF THE DAY: To Be Determined
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. 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: This is the Spirit’s Entry Now (ELW #447 + Verses 1 & 4)
1 This is the Spirit’s entry now:
the water and the word,
the cross of Jesus on your brow,
the seal both felt and heard.
4 Renewing Spirit, hear our praise
for your baptismal pow’r
that washes us through all our days.
Come, cleanse again this hour.
Text: Thomas E. Herbranson, b. 1933 Text © Thomas E. Herbranson, 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 8th @ 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 18th 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: In the Cross of Christ I Glory (ELW #324 + Verses 1 & 4)
1 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.
4 Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.
Text: John Bowring, 1792-1872
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.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellerose 