Sunday Worship + January 29, 2022

Licensing

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is covered under the following licenses:

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

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
who makes all things new,
whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Trusting in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin.

+ Silence is kept for reflection. +

Holy One, source of our renewal,
we confess that we are wrapped up in sin,
and cannot free ourselves.
We have not practiced your righteousness.
Our hearts have turned away from you.
For the sake of the world you so love,
forgive us,
that we may be reconciled to one another
for the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

Thus says our God:
“The former things have come to pass
and new things I now declare.”
God’s mercy makes us new.
We are forgiven in the name of ☩ Christ our Savior.
Amen.

GATHERING HYMN Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (ELW #873+ Verses 1, 3 & 6)

1    Rejoice, ye pure in heart!
      Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
      your festal banner wave on high,
      the cross of Christ your king.

Refrain
      Rejoice! Rejoice!
      Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

3    With all the angel choirs,
      with all the saints on earth
      pour out the strains of joy and bliss,
      true rapture, noblest mirth.  Refrain

6    Praise God who reigns on high,
      the Lord whom we adore:
      the Father, Son, and Spirit blest,
      one God forevermore.  Refrain

Public Domain

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: Awesome God (W&P 13)

Our God is an awesome God,
he reigns from heaven above
with wisdom pow’r, and love –
our God is an awesome God!

Our God is an awesome God,
he reigns from heaven above
with wisdom pow’r, and love –
our God is an awesome God!
our God is an awesome God!
our God is an awesome God!

Text and music © 1988 BMG Music Publishing

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy God, you confound the world’s wisdom in giving your kingdom to the lowly and the pure in heart. Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in our words and deeds the world may see the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

READINGS

FIRST READING Micah 6:1-8, NRSV

+ With the mountains and the foundations of the earth as the jury, God brings a lawsuit against Israel. God has “wearied” Israel with a long history of saving acts. God does not want or expect lavish sacrifices to attempt to earn divine favor. Rather God empowers the people to do justice, to love loyalty to God, and to walk shrewdly in God’s service. +

 The first reading is from Micah beginning at the 6^thchapter. 

¹Hear what the Lord says:
  Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
  and let the hills hear your voice.
 ²Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord,
  and you enduring foundations of the earth;
 for the Lord has a controversy with his people,
  and he will contend with Israel.

 ³“O my people, what have I done to you?
  In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
 ⁴For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,
  and redeemed you from the house of slavery;
 and I sent before you Moses,
  Aaron, and Miriam.
 ⁵O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,
  what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
 and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
  that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”

 ⁶“With what shall I come before the Lord,
  and bow myself before God on high?
 Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
  with calves a year old?
 ⁷Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
  with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
 Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
  the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
 ⁸He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
  and what does the Lord require of you
 but to do justice, and to love kindness,
  and to walk humbly with your God?

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.    

PSALM 15

We will now read responsively from Psalm 15

 ¹Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle?
  Who may abide upon your holy hill?
 ²Those who lead a blameless life and do what is right,
  who speak the truth from their heart;
 ³they do not slander with the tongue, they do no evil to their friends;
  they do not cast discredit upon a neighbor.
 ⁴In their sight the wicked are rejected, but they honor those who fear the Lord.
  They have sworn upon their health and do not take back their word.
 ⁵They do not give their money in hope of gain, nor do they take bribes against the innocent.
  Those who do these things shall never be overthrown.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

+ According to the world’s standards of power and might, the message of the cross seems stupid and offensive. Yet this word reveals the paradoxical way God has chosen to work power and salvation through weakness, rejection, and suffering. Hence the message of the cross becomes true wisdom and power for believers. +

The second reading from first Corinthians, beginning at the 1^st chapter:

¹⁸The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹For it is written,
 “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
  and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
²⁰Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. ²²For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, ²³but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
 ²⁶Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, ²⁹so that no one might boast in the presence of God. ³⁰He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, ³¹in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12, NRSV

+ Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by naming those who are blessed in the reign of God. +

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, beginning at the fifth chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord!

¹When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. ²Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
 ³“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ⁴“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
 ⁵“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
 ⁶“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
 ⁷“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
 ⁸“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
 ⁹“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
 ¹⁰“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ¹¹“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life (ELW #719+ Verses 1, 3 & 4)

1    Where cross the crowded ways of life,
      where sound the cries of race and clan,
      above the noise of selfish strife,
      we hear your voice, O Son of Man.

3    From tender childhood’s helplessness,
      from human grief and burdened toil,
      from famished souls, from sorrow’s stress,
      your heart has never known recoil.

4    The cup of water giv’n for you
      still holds the freshness of your grace;
      yet long these multitudes to view
      the strong compassion in your face.

Public Domain

THE APOSTLES’ CREED 

Let us confess our faith saying the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Called together to follow Jesus, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

+ A brief silence +

Cultivate humility in your church. In gatherings of every size, teach us to boast only in the cross. Shape your church to be people of kindness, generosity, and justice. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

The foundations of the earth bear witness to your faithfulness; the mountains and hills echo with your holiness. When we mistreat your creation, show us the error of our ways. Inspire us with reverent awe to honor all you have made. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You make foolish the wisdom of the world. Raise up honorable leaders who seek justice, love mercy, and pursue peace. Frustrate plans that are corrupt, wicked, and self-seeking. Prosper the work of peacemakers. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

Bless all whom the world rejects. Accompany those who are regarded as foolish, weak, low, and despised; reveal your power and presence at work where it is least expected. Give your life, strength, and wisdom to all in need especially Laura Occhiogrosso, Bob Sarro, Tom Sanfedele, Phil Hartman, Gail Bodnar, Susan Martin, Rhonda Winters, Carol Lynch, Valerie Jones-Washington, Brian Sherwood Jackie Budds, and Jonathan Hussain.  Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

As with your people Israel, remind this congregation of your saving acts. Remind us how your faithfulness brought us through difficulties and sustained us despite our weaknesses. Establish the cross as the center of our life together. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You give us an example of holy living. We rejoice in your justice. End racism and oppression in our world. Deliver all who are unjustly imprisoned or persecuted. Reconcile nations and peoples in conflict. Help us pray for our enemies. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

You call us to care for ourselves and one another. Show your healing compassion for the whole human family that is in turmoil and burdened with illness and with fear of COVID-19, the flu, RSV, and other illnesses, especially as the weather grows colder. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

Praise to you for your blessed saints in every time and place. Trusting you accompanied them in poverty, persecution, and in every trial, we trust you abide with your people always. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

We bring to you our needs and hopes, O God, trusting your wisdom and power revealed in Christ crucified.
Amen.

SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE

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

Let us share a sign of 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.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

OFFERTORY HYMN Give Thanks (W&P #41)

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One,
give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One,
give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his Son.

And now let the weak say, “I am strong,”
let the poor say, “I am rich,”
because of what the Lord has done for us.
And now let the weak say, “I am strong,”
let the poor say, “I am rich,”
because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks!

Text and music © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/ASCAP. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Liberating God,
you break the bonds of injustice
and let the oppressed go free.
Receive these offerings in thanksgiving
for all your works of merciful power,
and shape us as people of your justice and freedom.
You we magnify and adore, through Jesus our Savior,
Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING                                                                        

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 our thanks and praise.

PREFACE  

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven 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.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

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

Remembering, therefore, his birth and life among us, his death and resurrection, we await his coming again when all things will be restored in him.

By your Spirit bless us and this bread and cup, that, held and nourished by you, we may live as your children, shining with the light of your Son.

Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, 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.

COMMUNION

Come and taste the joy of God!

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.

Holy One,
we thank you for the healing
that springs forth abundantly from this table.
Renew our strength to do justice,
love kindness,
and journey humbly with you.
Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Our Lenten Bible Study will begin on February 20^th at 10am and 7pm. We will take a deep dive into the Gospel of John. Books are $15. Please sign up on the appropriate sign-up sheet in the narthex.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS
Please consider directing your Thrivent Choice Dollars to Holy Trinity if you are a Thrivent member. Holy Trinity is grateful for these funds and the ministry we are able to do with them. Designating funds happens at no cost to you. The deadline is March 31^st. Please contact Ken Henyan with questions or for more information.

MIDNIGHT RUN
Thank you so much to everyone who showed up on Friday night and Saturday morning for the Midnight Run! We are so grateful for this ministry and for those who organized and made it happen!

SOUPER BOWL
We are looking for super soup makers for “Souper Bowl Sunday” on February 12^th.  Soup will be served the service.  Sign-up sheet is in the narthex. 

COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 14^th @ 7:00 pm  (Time Change)

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

BLESSING

The God who faithfully brings forth justice
and breaks the oppressor’s rod
☩ bless, strengthen, and uphold you,
today and always.
Amen.

SENDING HYMN: O Master, Let Me Walk with You (ELW #818+ Verses 1 & 3)

1          O Master, let me walk with you
            in lowly paths of service true;
            tell me your secret; help me bear
            the strain of toil, the fret of care.

3         Teach me your patience; share with
   me a closer, dearer company,
           in work that keeps faith sweet
and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong.

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. Follow the way of Jesus.
Thanks be to God.