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 Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling (ELW #582 + Verses 1 & 2)
1 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling
in the holiest realms of light;
Holy Spirit, ever brooding
o’er a world of gloom and night;
Holy Spirit, ever raising
those of earth to thrones on high;
living, life-imparting Spirit,
you we praise and magnify.
2 Holy Spirit, ever living
as the church’s very life;
Holy Spirit, ever striving
through us in a ceaseless strife;
Holy Spirit, ever forming
in the church the mind of Christ:
you we praise with endless worship
for your gifts and fruits unpriced.
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
O God, the strength of all who hope in you, because we are weak mortals we accomplish nothing good without you. Help us to see and understand the things we ought to do, and give us grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
READINGS
FIRST READING Deuteronomy 30:15-20, NRSV
+ The Lord sets before the people of God a clear choice. Life and prosperity will come to the faithful; loss of the land will be the consequence of disobedience. Choosing life entails loving and holding fast to the Lord. Life in God’s presence presupposes the promise made to the ancestors. +
The first reading is from Deuteronomy beginning at the 30th chapter.
[Moses said to the people:] 15See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. 17But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, 18I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, 20loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
PSALM 119:1-8
We will now read responsively from Psalm 119.
1Happy are they whose way is blameless,
who follow the teaching of the Lord!
2Happy are they who observe your decrees
and seek you with all their hearts,
3who never do any wrong,
but always walk in your ways.
4You laid down your commandments,
that we should fully keep them.
5Oh, that my ways were made so direct
that I might keep your statutes!
6Then I should not be put to shame,
when I regard all your commandments.
7I will thank you with a true heart,
when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
+ Human leaders in the church are not the ones who control ministry. Rather they are coworkers who belong to God, the one who truly controls and continuously empowers the ministry of the church. +
The second reading from first Corinthians, beginning at the 3rd chapter:
1Brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, 3for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? 4For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human?
5What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. 9For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Matthew 5:21-24, 33-37, NRSV
+ In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exhorts his followers to embrace standards of righteousness that exceed legal requirements and traditional expectations. +
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, beginning at the 5th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord!
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 21“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ 22But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
33“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY Healer of Our Every Ill (ELW #612 + Verses 1 & 4)
Refrain
Healer of our ev’ry ill,
light of each tomorrow,
give us peace beyond our fear,
and hope beyond our sorrow.
1 You who know our fears and sadness,
grace us with your peace and gladness;
Spirit of all comfort, fill our hearts. Refrain
4 You who know each thought and feeling,
teach us all your way of healing;
Spirit of compassion, fill each heart. Refrain
Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950 Text © 1987 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. http://www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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 +
Inspire your church that it may be a sign of life throughout the world. From the exploration of faith with children and new believers to missionaries and bishops, shape lives of faithfulness, so that all find abundant life in your ways. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Nourish your creation. Accompany all who plant and water. Bless the work of farmers; provide for subsistence farmers facing drought and climate change. Guide the work of agricultural scientists toward sustainable ways to feed the world. We also pray for the people of Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of Monday’s earthquakes. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Give growth where there seems to be no hope for life. In nations and regions where reconciliation seems impossible, empower peacemakers with your Spirit. Where death holds sway through violence, disease, and hunger, equip relief workers to bring hope. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Nurture 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, Jonathan Hussain, Thomas Nouza, Heather Chittum, Bob Buckley and George Daley. Bring healing to all who experience trauma caused by systems of injustice and destructive relationships. Give courage to those struggling to repent and those seeking reconciliation. Sustain all who work for restoration. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Encourage this congregation. Call us to a common purpose and keep us from quarrelling. Turn our hearts toward you and guide our leaders, so that our choices may be lifegiving for all. 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.
Thanks be to you for the lives of all who have died in Christ. Teach us to follow them in your ways and gather us with them into the promise of eternal life with you. 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 20th 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 31st. Please contact Ken Henyan with questions or for more information.
SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY TODAY
Today is Souper Bowl Sunday! Don’t forget there are two soup pots at the back of the sanctuary for you to donate money and vote for whethr you think the Philadelphia Eagles or the Kansas City Chiefs will win the game today! The money raised will be matched and donated to the All Saints Food Pantry.
Also, join us downstairs after worship for a soup lunch. Thank you to all of our soup makers and to Mary and Denice for organizing this event.
ANNIVERSARIES
Do you have an anniversary coming up this year? Let us know! On the last Sunday of each month we want to celebrate with you, just like we do with birthdays. Fill out an anniversary form on the table in the narthex or in the literature rack outside the door to the office and let us know so we can send you a card!
COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday, February 16th @ 7:30 pm **New date**
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 Christ, Our Hope (ELW #604 + Verses 1, 4 & 5 )
1 O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire,
creation’s mighty Lord,
redeemer of the fallen world,
by holy love outpoured,
by holy love outpoured:
4 Oh, let your mighty love prevail
to purge us of our pride,
that we may stand before your throne
by mercy purified,
by mercy purified.
5 All praise to you, ascended Lord;
all glory ever be
to Father, Son, and Spirit blest
through all eternity,
through all eternity!
Text: Latin hymn, c. 8th cent.; tr. John Chandler, 1806-1876, adapt.
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.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellerose 