{"id":2607,"date":"2020-11-15T20:54:33","date_gmt":"2020-11-16T02:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=2607"},"modified":"2020-11-15T20:54:33","modified_gmt":"2020-11-16T02:54:33","slug":"sunday-worship-service-15-november-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=2607","title":{"rendered":"Sunday Worship Service: 15 November 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A reminder: Gospel Animals DVD\/ Meal pickup will be this Saturday,
November 21st from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at First Evangelical
Lutheran Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Parish House Office Hours<\/strong>
The Parish House office will have limited regular hours as of this past
week:
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Please note, per the CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19,
masks are required in the Parish House, in addition to physical distancing
of at least 6 feet. A hand sanitizing station is set up inside the door
and we ask that you sanitize your hands upon entering the Parish
House. The Church remains closed except for recording online services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Worship Survey<\/strong>
A survey has been sent to the congregation to help determine how we
proceed with worship through the winter months. You should have received it and some of you have returned it already, Thank you! Please make an effort to respond so that your opinion can help determine how we move forward with worship as a congregation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Congregational Budget Meeting<\/strong>
Our annual fall congregational meeting to approve the budget will be
November 22 with a rain\/postponement date of November 29. The
meeting will be in person, outdoors if possible. If necessary, we will
meet in the sanctuary in smaller groups to facilitate safety and participation. A zoom link will also be made available so you can meet and vote without even coming to the church!
You should have received your copy of the 2021 Annual budget for
your review. Please look over it carefully and come prepared with any
questions. If you would like to ask a question in advance or need clarification, please contact Mike McCalester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worship Service for Sunday, November 15, 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Confession and Forgiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blessed be the holy Trinity, \u2629 one God, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holy One,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

we confess that we are not awake for you. We are not faithful in using your gifts. We forget the least of our siblings. We do not see your beautiful image in one another. We are infected by sin that divides your beloved community. Open our hearts to your coming, open our eyes to see you in our neighbor, open our hands to serve your creation. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beloved, we are God\u2019s children, and Jesus, our Beloved, opens the door to us. Through \u2629 Jesus you are forgiven, by Jesus you are welcome, in Jesus you are called to rejoice! Let us live in the promises prepared for us from the foundation of the world. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hymn:<\/strong> ELW 710- “Let Streams of Living Justice,” all verses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of the Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Reading: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zephaniah (like the prophet Amos in last week\u2019s first reading) presents the day of the Lord as one of judgment and wrath. Descriptions of the last day in the New Testament include details taken from Old Testament accounts of the day of the Lord.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u20037<\/sup>Be silent before the Lord God!
\u2003\u2003For the day of the Lord is at hand;
\u2003the Lord has prepared a sacrifice,
\u2003\u2003he has consecrated his guests.

\u200312<\/sup>At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
\u2003\u2003and I will punish the people
\u2003who rest complacently on their dregs,
\u2003\u2003those who say in their hearts,
\u2003\u201cThe Lord will not do good,
\u2003\u2003nor will he do harm.\u201d
\u200313<\/sup>Their wealth shall be plundered,
\u2003\u2003and their houses laid waste.
\u2003Though they build houses,
\u2003\u2003they shall not inhabit them;
\u2003though they plant vineyards,
\u2003\u2003they shall not drink wine from them.

\u200314<\/sup>The great day of the Lord is near,
\u2003\u2003near and hastening fast;
\u2003the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter,
\u2003\u2003the warrior cries aloud there.
\u200315<\/sup>That day will be a day of wrath,
\u2003\u2003a day of distress and anguish,
\u2003a day of ruin and devastation,
\u2003\u2003a day of darkness and gloom,
\u2003a day of clouds and thick darkness,
\u2003\u200316<\/sup>a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
\u2003against the fortified cities
\u2003\u2003and against the lofty battlements.

\u200317<\/sup>I will bring such distress upon people
\u2003\u2003that they shall walk like the blind;
\u2003\u2003because they have sinned against the Lord,
\u2003their blood shall be poured out like dust,
\u2003\u2003and their flesh like dung.
\u200318<\/sup>Neither their silver nor their gold
\u2003\u2003will be able to save them
\u2003\u2003on the day of the Lord\u2019s wrath;
\u2003in the fire of his passion
\u2003\u2003the whole earth shall be consumed;
\u2003for a full, a terrible end
\u2003\u2003he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though we do not know and cannot calculate the day of Christ\u2019s return, we live faithfully in the here and now as we anticipate the day when we will be given eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1<\/sup>Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2<\/sup>For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3<\/sup>When they say, \u201cThere is peace and security,\u201d then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4<\/sup>But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5<\/sup>for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6<\/sup>So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; 7<\/sup>for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8<\/sup>But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9<\/sup>For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10<\/sup>who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11<\/sup>Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jesus tells a parable about his second coming, indicating that it is not sufficient merely to maintain things as they are. Those who await his return should make good use of the gifts that God has provided them.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Jesus said to the disciples:] 14<\/sup>\u201cFor it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15<\/sup>to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16<\/sup>The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17<\/sup>In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18<\/sup>But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master\u2019s money. 19<\/sup>After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20<\/sup>Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, \u2018Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.\u2019 21<\/sup>His master said to him, \u2018Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.\u2019 22<\/sup>And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, \u2018Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.\u2019 23<\/sup>His master said to him, \u2018Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.\u2019 24<\/sup>Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, \u2018Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25<\/sup>so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.\u2019 26<\/sup>But his master replied, \u2018You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27<\/sup>Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28<\/sup>So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29<\/sup>For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30<\/sup>As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.\u2019\u2006\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sermon:<\/strong> Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hymn of the Day:<\/strong> ELW 730- “Lord our God, with Praise We Come,” verses 1 & 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayers of Intercession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Longing for Christ\u2019s reign to come among us, we pray for the outpouring of God\u2019s power on the church, the world, and all in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord of the church, ignite your people with the passion of your love. By the fire of your Holy Spirit, unify us across ministries, congregations, and denominations, and refine us to participate in your activity throughout the world. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord of creation, we stand in awe at the works of your hands and praise you for the beauty of nature (local places of natural beauty may be named<\/em>). Bless the earth for your glory and restore its integrity where exploitation has caused ruin. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord of the nations, sound forth your justice in the ears of all leaders. Increase concern for those who are most vulnerable, especially as international leaders forge trade agreements and cooperate to end human rights abuses. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord of all in need, search out all who cry to you in distress. Scatter the heavy clouds of depression, chronic illness, unemployment, and loneliness with your radiant light. Send us as encouragement and signs of your healing. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord of every blessing, you Son’s blessing came to those living with poverty, grief, hunger, thirst, and persecution. Shape our vision of the saints to match his own. Awaken in us your call to serve all who suffer. Especially this day, we pray for Dolly Shirley, Mary Braden, Jeanna LaRue, Louise Larson, Karen Bemowski, and Dan Wolever. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord of the stranger, stir up holy restlessness in us to extend love to those at the margins. Release our desire for control and open us to learn from the perspectives of others. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord of the living and the dead, we give you thanks for all the saints at rest from their labors especially David Ashpaugh Jr.. Rouse us to live by their example, that saints yet to come may also know your love. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receive our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, until that day when you gather all creation around your throne where you will reign forever and ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord’s Prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communion:<\/strong> ELW 785- “When Peace Like a River” (It is Well with My Soul<\/em>),” sung by Brittany & Miriam Anderson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer after Communion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lord Jesus, in this simple meal you have set a banquet. Sustain us on the journey, strengthen us to care for the least of your beloved children, and give us glad and generous hearts as we meet you on the way. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

May the God of all creation, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved, who strengthens us for service, give you reason to rejoice and be glad! The blessing of God, Sovereign, \u2629 Savior, and Spirit, be with you today and always. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending:<\/strong> ELW 670- “Build Us Up, Lord,” all verses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dismissal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks be to God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The link to today’s worship service (Nov. 15) is here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/190629367619921\/videos\/1065303340582288<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image credits: Parable of the Talents, orthochristian.com and Summary of Parable of Talents, spiritualray.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music credits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pam Edwards: pianist\/ organist. Song leaders: Brittany & Miriam Anderson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Let Streams of Living Justice.” Text: William Whitla, b. 1934. Music: Gustav Holst, 1874 – 1934. Text copyright 1989 William Whitla. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Lord our God, with Praise We Come.” Text: Petter Dass, 1647 – 1707; tr. Peter A. Sveeggen, 1881 – 1959, alt.. Music: Norwegian traditional, arr. hymnal version. Text copyright 1951 Augsburg Publishing House. Arr. copyright 2006 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“When Peace Like a River” (It is Well with My Soul<\/em>). Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828 – 1888. Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1838 – 1876. Public domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Build Us Up, Lord.” Text: Mark Glaeser, b. 1956, and Donna Hanna, b. 1952. Music: Mark Glaeser and Donna Hanna. Text and music copyright 2003 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted\/ streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS006904. Duplication in any form is prohibited without permission or valid license from the copyright administrator.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ANNOUNCEMENTS: A reminder: Gospel Animals DVD\/ Meal pickup will be this Saturday,November 21st from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at First EvangelicalLutheran Church. Parish House Office HoursThe Parish House office will have limited regular hours as of this pastweek:Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. andWednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Please note, per the CDC recommendations … [Read more…]<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"entry","1":"post","2":"publish","3":"author-flcadmin","4":"post-2607","6":"format-standard","7":"category-uncategorized"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2607"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2694,"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607\/revisions\/2694"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}