October 24, 2004 Bulletin
Trinity Lutheran ChurchNow The Feast
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, October 24, 2004
+ + + Welcome + + +
With reconciling love and grace, Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes all people into this community of Christ. We celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and our unity as God’s children. In our ministry of reconciliation, we strive to transcend all human boundaries. People of any race, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and ability are welcome. Join with us as we seek to understand God’s love for us. We invite you to struggle with us to be faithful messengers of that love in the world.
Page numbers are in the front section of the Hymn Supplement (red soft cover book). Hymns are referenced as Lutheran Book of Worship #, HS # (Hymnal Supplement 1991) or TFF # (This Far by Faith.)
+ + + Gathering + + +
(Please use the time during the Opening Voluntary to make the transition between “getting here” and “being there.” Relax your body; quiet the inner dialogue of your mind; be open and receptive to God’s Spirit in our midst.)
Opening Voluntary
Announcements
*Confession
P In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C Amen
P Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence for reflection and self-examination.
P Reconciling God,
C you seek peace and unity among us, but too often we choose walls of isolation. You seek to be one with your creation, but we turn away your loving Spirit. In your forgiving love, break down the barriers we create, that we might see more clearly your love for us, be reconciled with our neighbor, and trust more deeply your promise of eternal life. Amen
P We who once were far off have been brought near to God through the cross of Jesus Christ. May almighty God grant you grace to forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.
C Amen
Blessing of Children
*Gathering Hymn TFF #166 O, I Woke Up This Morning Afr. Am. Spiritual
*Greeting
P The rich presence of God, the beginning and end of all that is good, is with you now and always.
C And also with you.
*Kyrie (sung) p. 3
P In peace, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Refrain: Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
P For the Reign of God, and for the peace throughout the world, for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Refrain
P For your people here, who have come to give you praise, for the strength to live your Word, let us pray to the Lord.
Refrain
P Help, save and defend us, O God.
C Amen
*Hymn of Praise, (sung) Now the Feast p.4
Refrain Now the feast and celebration, all of creation sings for joy to the God of life and love and freedom: praise and glory forevermore!
Verse 1 Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain, whose blood has freed and united us to be one great people of God.
Refrain
Verse 2 Power and riches, wisdom and might, all honor and glory to Christ forever.
Refrain
Verse 3 For God has come to dwell with us, to make us people of God; to make all things new.
Refrain
*Salutation (sung) p. 7
P The Lord is with you.
C And also with you.
*Prayer of the Day
P Let us pray
C Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.. Amen
+ + + Word + + +
First Reading Jeremiah 14: 7-10, 19-22
7Our terrible sins may demand that we be punished.
But if you rescue us, LORD, everyone will see how great you are.
8You're our only hope; you alone can save us now.
You help us one day, but you're gone the next.
9Did this disaster take you by surprise?
Are you a warrior with your hands tied?
You have chosen us, and your temple is here.
Don't abandon us!
10My people, you love to wander away; you don't even try to stay close to me.
So now I will reject you and punish you for your sins. I, the LORD, have spoken.
19Have you rejected Judah, LORD?
Do you hate Jerusalem?
Why did you strike down Judah with a fatal wound?
We had hoped for peace and a time of healing, but all we got was terror.
20We and our ancestors are guilty of rebelling against you.
21If you save us, it will show how great you are.
Don't let our enemies disgrace your temple, your beautiful throne.
Don't forget that you promised to rescue us.
22Idols can't send rain, and showers don't fall by themselves.
Only you control the rain, so we put our trust in you, the LORD our God.
Psalm 84: 1-6
Refrain: Happy are the people whose strength is in you!
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of *hosts!
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh re- *joice in the living God.
The sparrow has found her a *house
and the swallow a nest where *she may lay her young;
by the side of your altars, O Lord of *hosts,
my *Sovereign and my God.
Happy are they who dwell in your *house!
they will *always be praising you. R.
Happy are the people whose strength is in *you!
whose hearts are *set on the pilgrims’ way.
Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of *springs,
for the early rains have covered it with *pools of water.
They will climb from height to *height,
and the God of gods will ap- *pear in Zion. R.
Second Reading 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
6Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. 7I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 8So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power. 16When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won't be held against them. 17But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions. 18The Lord will always keep me from being harmed by evil, and he will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. Praise him forever and ever! Amen.
*Gospel Verse (sung) p. 8
Alleluia, Alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia!
*Holy Gospel Luke 18: 9-14
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 18th chapter.
9Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else:
10Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. 12I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn." 13The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, "God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner."
14Then Jesus said, "When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored."
P The Gospel of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
Sermon
*Creedal Hymn HS #797 This is the Three-Fold Truth THREEFOLD TRUTH
*Prayers Response: ”Hear our prayer.”
P Remembering God’s marvelous work and living in hope, let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their needs.
Offering
*Offertory (sung) p. 12
Refrain: As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill were gathered into one to become our bread; so may all your people from all the ends of earth be gathered into one in you.
Verse 1 As the cup of blessing is shared within our midst, may we share the presence of your love.
Refrain
Verse 2 Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come when all creation shares this feast with you.
Refrain
*Offertory Prayer
P God our provider,
C all that we have is a sign of your love; all that we are is a gift from your hand. Receive these offerings along with our thanksgiving, that our lives may proclaim your care for creation redeemed by Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
+ + + Meal + + +
*Great Thanksgiving (sung) p. 14
P The Lord is with you.
C And also with you.
P Lift up your hearts.
C We lift them to the Lord.
P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C It is right to give God thanks and praise.
P It is our duty and delight . . . we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
C Holy, holy, holy are you, God of power and might; Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the One who comes in your name. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest!
*Eucharistic Prayer (sung) p. 16
P You are holy indeed . . . Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit . . . Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.
C Amen. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.
P This we pray through Jesus Christ, our Savior and our friend.
C Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, O God, now and forever. Amen.
*Lord’s Prayer
P Make us bold, O merciful God, to address you as our Abba as we pray:
C Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Communion
Communion Hymns
Lamb of God (sung) p. 18
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us, mercy on us, mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You are the bread of life for us all:
Lamb of God, you are the way of justice and peace:
Lamb of God, you are the way of mercy and love:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace, grant us peace, grant us peace.
Sacrament Hymn TFF#123 Let Us Break Bread Together
*After all have returned to their seats:
P May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gifts of his body and blood strengthen, keep and unite us, now and forever.
C Amen
*Thanks be to you (sung) p. 20
Vs. 1 & 3 Praise to you, O God of mercy: Thanks be to you forever! Raising high the weak
and lowly: Thanks be to you forever. (Verse 3 repeat: Thanks be to you forever!)
Verse 2 From of old you loved and sought us: Thanks be to you forever! Truth and justice you have taught us: Thanks be to you forever! Strong is your faithfulness, strong is your love, remembering your covenant of life with us.
*Post Communion Prayer
A We give you thanks, faithful God, for feeding us with this one heavenly food. Transform us through this meal into the likeness of your Son, and unite us in love for one another, that we may be your body in the world; in Jesus’ name we pray.
C Amen
+ + + Sending + + +
*Blessing
P Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth and forevermore.
C Amen
*Hymn TFF #220 What a Fellowship SHOWALTER
*Dismissal
A Go in peace, equipped by God for every good work
C Thanks be to God.
*Closing Voluntaryl
*Those who are able are asked to stand
Visitors: A warm welcome is extended to our visitors! Please sign the blue attendance book and/or a visitor’s card so we can get to know you.
Members of Trinity for whom we pray: Ed K. and Dr. Marianne S., Linda K., Marty B., Donna H., Paul S., Carroll S., and all our homebound.
Friends of Trinity we also include in prayer: Pastor Gordon Jardy and the Ohio Lutheran Campus Ministry. Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Lakewood.
Altar Flowers are a gift to the glory of God and are given by Bobbie H. and Tim K. in celebration of Alex’s 16th birthday.
Coming Events:
Today Spiritual Gifts Potluck After Service
Join us in the Community Room for a potluck –don’t worry there’s plenty for everyone. The menu is soups, salads and breads. Try our favorites and maybe an experiment of two. Commitment forms will be available they have even more information about opportunities to serve, so be sure to read it all and fill in as many blanks as you can. It’s our chance to offer service to our church.
Middle School Youth at The Chat Room 4:00 p.m.
Oct. 25 Service Committee 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 27 Thrivent Congregational Coordinators 1:15 p.m.
Girl Scouts 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 28 B .G’s Nite Out 6:30 p.m.
Bring your favorite movie snack, floor pillow, and comfy clothes as we watch a movie in the lounge, snack and yack! We’ll pick the movie that night (Young Frankenstein? Mothra vs. Godzilla? A Hitchcock classic?) depending on the mood.
Nov. 6 Adventures in Dining 6:30 p.m.
Looking for an adventurous group for a night of fellowship and fun. The host sets the theme and provides the main course. Guests each bring a dish to share. Call the church office if you are interested in either hosting or guesting.
Schedule Notes: Pastor Paula will be gone from Oct. 28 through the 31st. Pastoral concerns can be referred to Pastor Steve Patrick at Faith Lutheran (226-6500). Congregational concerns can be referred to Dave R.
On the Bulletin Board (Check for details):
· Hazardous Waste Round-up will be held at the Cuyahoga Country Fairgrounds in Berea on Nov. 4-6.
· Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a potato pancake breakfast on 10-31 and their 4th annual Messiah Sing and Caroling.
· Interfaith Worship Service sponsored by the Hillel Jewish Student Center celebrating Pride History Month will be held 10-25 at 11291 Euclid Avenue
· The cartoon of the week!
Finances as of 9-30-04 Actual 2004 Budgeted 2004
Income-Contributions 63,653 67,500
Rental/Other 4,398 3,285
Expansion 16,000 9,000
Total 84,051 79,785
Expenses 94,880 102,955
Shortfall -10,829 -23,170
Keep these dates!
· November 15: All Committee Meeting Night. Church Council has called an all committee meeting night and is requesting that all Chairpersons and members be in attendance.
· November 21: plans are to have a supper to thank our neighbors by inviting them to dinner. This is a way to encourage people to come and see Jesus in our ministries.
· December 4: Holiday gift making with neighborhood children. Watch for more details as these two outreach plans continue.
· Dec. 7: Benefit concert for Transitional Housing for Women by Broadway Diva Linda Eder along with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the North Coast Men’s Chorus will join in a Holiday Concert at Severance Hall. All proceeds go directly to support of Transitional Housing.
Lakewood Christian Service Center served 351 families (760 individuals) during September! Their most needed items include rice, juice, canned fruit, spaghetti sauce and crackers. Thank you for your support.
Council: Interested in being part of our Congregational Council? Nominations will be soon. Let Dave R. know if you are interested.
Women’s Retreat: Join Trinity’s women as we go to Camp Mowana for a weekend (Nov. 12-14) for a time of fellowship, relaxation, study and fun. The book, The Friendship Factor about making, keeping and deepening friendships will the focus for the weekend. The cost is $70 each (your early payment or deposit will help us make the deposit to Mowana). Camperships are available to help offset the cost – see Pastor Paula for information. Time to order your books – call the Church Office to let us know how many to order.
Entertainment 2005 Books are once again available for $25 each, part of which is matched with a Thrivent for Lutherans Matching Grant. See Eddie B. for the chance to double your entertainment dollars with the 2 for 1 offers. Checks should be made out to Lutheran Chaplaincy.
From our Parish Nurse: Hello Trinity Friends
So much of our focus this month has been on Flu and Flu vaccine. Rightly so!! I encourage all to view the Parish Nurse Bulletin Board for flu shot information and a copy of the "Achoo Gazette". It is also Healthy Aging Month. I would like to switch gears, however, and discuss Senior Safety.
The top ten mistakes that seniors make are posted on the Parish Nurse Bulletin Board. I would like to review some of them now: Americans are living longer than ever, but many older Americans could better deal with their health problems, says the Institute of Healthcare Advancement. The Institute of Healthcare Advancement and Elder Law Answers identified the 10 most common mistakes older Americans make in caring for their health. Here are some of them. We will review the remainder next week!
1. Driving when it is no longer safe. Older Americans often equate the ability to drive with independence. Decisions about when to stop driving should be made together with a family physician. Chronological age alone does not determine someone's fitness to drive.
2. Allowing vanity to get in the way of assisted devices. Refusing to wear a hearing aid, eyeglasses, or dentures, and reluctance to ask for help or to use walking aids are all examples of this type of denial.
3. Reluctance to discuss intimate health problems with a doctor or health care provide. Problems an individual may find trivial or embarrassing, such as stomach upsets, constipation, incontinence, impotence or jaw pain, may require further evaluation.
4. Not making sure they understand their health problem or treatment plan. "I could not understand the doctor," or "He told me what to do, but you know me, I don't understand" are the typical complaints or excuses. Reluctance to ask the doctor to repeat information or to admit that they do not understand what is being said can result in serious health consequences.
Please be sure that these mistakes are not ones that you are making! Ask for help, from family friends, OR your Parish Nurse!! Stay tuned next week for the remainder of the top 10 mistakes seniors make! (Information obtained from "Family Matters", newsletter from Center for Family Medicine.
God's peace and love
Kathy
Serving in Ministry
Altar Guild – Kirsten R. Assisting Minister – Bob D.
Organist/Minister of Music - David U. Parish Nurse - Kathy Devney
Pastor - Paula Maeder Connor Maintenance - Rick Murphy
Reader and Greeter – Kay E. Servers –Maggie R., Rebecca M.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Sunday Morning Service at 10:30 a.m.
16400 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Website: http://members.core.com/~trinitylutheran