WELCOME TO
FOUNTAIN - GRACE - TRINITY LUTHERAN PARISH
Ministers: Entire congregation of Fountain - Grace - Trinity Lutheran Parish
+ Together In Mission +
Pastor Jim Gerth & Deacon Karen Gerth
* Yes—By The Help Of God *
Celebration of The Affirmation Of Baptism / October 25, 2020
AS WE GATHER:
Today we celebrate the affirmation of Baptism for: Tayler Lewerenz, Kelsey Justman, Jaelyn Rose, Bryn Sophia Claire Ertel, Jonathon Preuss and Mattison Preuss. These young people have been instructed in the Christian Faith and now desire to affirm their faith in Jesus Christ. This is a special day for not only these young adults but for each of us as we together say our yes to wanting to be a follower of Jesus. May the Holy Spirit come upon each of us like it did on Pentecost!
Come Holy Spirit – Come!
Preservice Music
Welcome & Announcements & Prayer Concerns
Thanksgiving for Baptism (Face the baptismal font)
Praise Song: “Come, come, come, Holy Spirit Come. Come, come, come, Holy Spirit come.” Sing twice ELW #401 refrain
L: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation.
ALL: Amen.
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
Praise Song: “Come, come, come, Holy Spirit Come. Come, come, come, Holy Spirit come.” Sing twice ELW #401 refrain
Water may be poured into the font as the presiding minister gives thanks.
We give you thanks, O God, O Living One, for you have created all, and you water the earth abundantly. Oceans and aquifers praise you. Rivers and streams bless you. All life is sustained by you, our Source. We praise you for Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who frees us from sin and raises us up to new life. Here at this font we touch the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing through the city of God. Here, death is washed away forever. Here, we are grafted into the tree of life, with leaves for the healing of the world.
Praise Song: “Come, come, come, Holy Spirit Come. Come, come, come, Holy Spirit come.” Sing twice ELW #401 refrain
Pour out your Holy Spirit on this assembly, into this community, and throughout all creation. Cleanse us from our fears and drown our divisions. Grant that all may drink of your mercy and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. ALL: Amen
Gathering Hymn: “Amazing Grace” ELW #779
1. Amazing grace! how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see.
2. Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
3. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Greeting & Kyrie ELW Pg. 213
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ALL: And also with you!
Kyrie eleison ALL: Lord, have mercy.
Christe eleison ALL: Christ have mercy.
Kyrie eleison ALL: Lord have mercy.
Hymn of Praise ELW Pgs. 213-215
Refrain: Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest; glory to God, glory to God and peace to God’s people on earth.
1. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Refrain: Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest; glory to God, glory to God and peace to God’s people on earth.
2. Lord Jesus Christ only Son of the Father Lord God Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer.
Refrain: Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest; glory to God, glory to God and peace to God’s people on earth.
3. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father Amen.
Refrain: Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest; glory to God, glory to God and peace to God’s people on earth and peace to God’s people on earth.
Prayer of the Day
L: Let us pray together:
ALL: Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE—Puppet Play
Hymn: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” ELW# 270
1. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new born king; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all you nations rise; join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new born king!
2. Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, off-spring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the God head see! Hail, incarnate deity! Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new born king!
3. Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, ris’n with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more my die, born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new born king!
¨ WE HEAR FROM GOD’S WORD +
¨
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the LORD means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the LORD will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.)
31The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. Word of God! Word of Life! ALL: Thanks be to God!
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 46
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea; 3though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult. 4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be shaken; God shall help it at the break of day. 6The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake; God speaks, and the earth melts away. 7The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. 8Come now, regard the works of the Lord, what desolations God has brought upon the earth; 9behold the one who makes war to cease in all the world; who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire. 10“Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” 11The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Second Reading: Romans 3:19-28 (Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ )
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Word of God! Word of Life! ALL: Thanks be to God!
Praise Song: “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” ELW# 172
Halle, halle, hallelujah, Halle, halle, hallelujah,
Halle, halle, hallelujah, Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Holy Gospel: John 8:31-36 (Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.)
L: The Holy Gospel of John Chapter 8and I read in Jesus name
All: Glory to you, O Lord (Reading of the Gospel)
31Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
L: The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you, O Christ
Hymn: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives!” ELW #619
1. I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives he lives who once was dead; he lives my ever living head!
2. He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save; he lives exalted, throned above; he lives to rule his church in love.
3. He lives to bless me with his love; he lives to plead for me above; he lives my hungry soul to feed; he lives to help in time of need.
Sermon “A Gift! – Free From & Free For”
Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” ELW #856
1. O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed;
Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander, I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; Refrain
3. But when I think that God his Son not sparing sent him to die, I scarce can take it in, that on the cross my burden gladly bearing he bled and died to take away my sin; Refrain
4. When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, and take me home what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim My God, how great thou art! Refrain
Celebrating the Blessing of Tayler Lewerenz, Kelsey Justman, Jaelyn Rose, Bryn Sophia Claire Ertel, Jonathon Preuss and Mattison Preuss
Affirmation of Baptism
L: I present , Tayler Lewerenz, Kelsey Justman, Jaelyn Stowe, Bryn Ertel, Jonathon Preuss and Mattison Preuss who desire to make public Affirmation of her/his Baptism.
L: Let us pray.
Merciful God, we thank you for Tayler, Kelsey, Jaelyn, Bryn, Jonathon & Mattison whom you have made your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called her/him to yourself, enlightened her/him with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished her/him in the community of faith. Uphold your servant in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ.
ALL: Amen.
PROFESSION OF FAITH
L: I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.
L: Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
Response: I renounce them.
L: Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
Response: I renounce them.
L: Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
Response: I renounce them.
L: Do you believe in God the Father?
ALL: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
L: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
ALL: 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.
L: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
ALL: 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
AFFIRMATION IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ASSEMBLY
L: You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism:
to live among God’s faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
Each person responds: Tayler, Kelsey, Jaelyn, Bryn, Jonathon & Mattison
I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.
L: People of God, do you promise to support Tayler, Kelsey, Jaelyn, Bryn, Jonathon & Mattison and pray for her/him in their life in Christ?
ALL: We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
(Parents & sponsors are invited to come forward)
Those making affirmation may kneel. The presiding minister prays for God’s blessing.
L: Gracious Lord, through water and the Spirit you have made this young men / women your own. You forgave her/ him all their sins and brought her/him to newness of life. Continue to strengthen her/him with the Holy Spirit, and daily increase in her/him your gifts of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
ALL: Amen
PRAYER OF BLESSING for Tayler, Kelsey, Jaelyn, Bryn, Jonathon & Mattison
L: Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in ________ the gift of your Holy Spirit; confirm his/her faith, guide his/her life, empower him/her in his/her serving, give him/her patience in suffering, and bring him/her to everlasting life.
ALL: Amen.
L: Let us rejoice with this new brother / sister in Christ.
ALL: We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
L: The peace of Christ be with you C: And also with you
+WE WORSHIP THROUGH OUR GIVING+
Now we join people of faith all over the world in worshipping God through our giving of financial resources. Our offering is a significant act of worship, and we now worship God through our giving.
Prayer of Blessing Leader: God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
ALL: AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Prayers of the People
With confidence in God’s grace and mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.
A brief silence.
Renew and inspire the church in the freedom of the gospel, O God. Where the church is in error, reform it. Where the church speaks your truth, strengthen it. Where the church is divided, unify it. Ignite in us the working of the Holy Spirit. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
As the earth changes, as mountains shake and the waters roar, may we care for this planet as a holy habitation for all living things. Sustain all peoples and lands recovering from natural disasters of any kind (especially). Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Guide areas of the world divided or traumatized by conflict, especially in our own land. Free all from slavery and human trafficking, and protect all in harm’s way. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Release those living in bondage to debts, chronic pain, or addiction. Grant healing touch to those who are ill (especially). Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
In this family of faith we give thanks for courageous voices that have remained firm in their commitment to the one who frees us from sin and death. Centered in your grace, unify us in the hope of the gospel. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Even in death, you free us and give us a place in your house. We give thanks for our ancestors who have shown us truth and freedom, especially Martin Luther and those who work for the renewal of the church. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Listen as we call on you, O God, and enfold in your loving arms all for whom we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lord’s Prayer: 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
Sending Hymn: “Silent Night, Holy Night” ELW #281
1. Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heav’nly hosts sing, alleluia! Christ the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
BENEDICTION
L: Go with the power of the Holy Spirit to love God and one another in Jesus’ name. Go in peace and serve the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God!
SENDING MUSIC
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