31 Mar BULLETIN – APRIL 2, 2022
WELCOME TO MESSIAH & ST. PETER
LUTHERAN CHURCHES
3 Church Street, Halifax, Pa. 17032
Phone 362-4597
The Reverend Nancy Brody, Pastor
Greta Wright, Music Director
Sunday April 3, 2022
Fifth Sunday in Lent
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of God [☩] Father, Son and Holy Spirit who leads the way, walks and guides us in our pilgrimage. Amen.
Holy One, we confess that often we dwell on former things, get distracted by things of old or seek things brand new. Sometimes we forget to offer praise for all that you provide: water and drink, laughter and joy. It’s true, we have no righteousness of our own according to the law, sometimes seek comfort, spend extravagantly, and fail to consider the poor. Have mercy on us! Forgive and turn us to you again. Assure us of your love and friendship, help us love and befriend each other and ourselves as needed. Amen.
Beloved in Christ, your righteousness comes through faith in Christ, and is given by grace from God. Forgiveness and resurrection are never things we succeed at achieving, but are obtained by sharing Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection through Baptism. In Jesus’ name [☩] your sins are forgiven. Receive the power to know him and forgive others. Amen.
ENTRANCE HYMN “Just as I Am” #296
1 Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to the
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
2 Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
3 Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
4 Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
sight, riches, healing of the mind,
yea, all I need in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
5 Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come,
6 Just as I am; thy love unknown
has broken ev’ry barrier down;
now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
APOSTOLIC GREETING Page 57
KYRIE and HYMN OF PRAISE Page 57-60
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Creator God, 3-in-1, prepare new ways to thrive in the wilderness and to water dry land. Open our hearts to be transformed, that our lives may extravagantly offer gifts to others. Help us share the love you intend for all as demonstrated by close friends and Jesus Christ. God, 3-in-1, you understand the importance of relationships and unity. Help us live together as one. Reign now and forever. Amen.
FIRST READING ISAIAH 43:16-21
Thus, says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
PSALM 126
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negeb. Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves. Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
SECOND READING PHILIPPIANS 3:4-14
[Paul writes:] If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow, I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (based on John 6:68) Page 62
GOSPEL JOHN 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
SERMON followed by Meditation
HYMN of the DAY “Take My Life, that I May Be” #406
1 Take my life, that I may be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2 Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
3 Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
4 Take my silver and my gold,
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use
ev’ry pow’r as thou shall choose.
5 Take my will and make it thine,
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own,
it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
PROFESSION of FAITH/NICENE CREED Page 64
PRAYERS of INTERCESSION
Knowing you’re in our hearts and we’re also in yours, dear God, we offer prayers for the church, the world, and all in need. A brief silence.
- Do a new thing in the church. Free us from language, activity and motion that no longer serves the gospel. Encourage leaders who imagine fresh ways of doing ministry. Give energy and resources toward change while holding what’s holy and significant intact. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
- Do a new thing for creation. Make the trajectory of climate change and environmental catastrophe irrefutable. Revive habitats already impaired by human disregard. Amplify the voices of persons motivated by care for the earth and its inhabitants, not-for-profit climate scientists and researchers hoping to chart a new course. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
- Do a new thing in our world. Break barriers between political enemies. Make a way for peace and collaboration among nations. Establish friendships between working partners. Make the world more friendly and open to sharing experiences, fostering intimacy and familiarity. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
- Do a new thing for those who suffer. Reveal a path for any who are unemployed or underemployed, for those experiencing homelessness, and for all who struggle with money. Comfort those who grieve and restore those who are sick (especially those on our prayer list). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
- Do a new thing within us. Direct us into encounters that broaden our understanding of human experience. Amplify voices that are ignored or devalued. Deliver the world from scourges like war, poverty, prejudice (an attitude) and discrimination (a practice). Stretch us beyond a preference to feel comfort. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
- Do a new thing in our death. Fill us with the knowledge of Christ and the power of his resurrection as we give thanks for Linda Wynn and Jack Price and all saints who have attained the prize of their heavenly call. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
To you who is all powerful, all knowing, and all loving, we ask acceptance of these and the daily prayers we bring. Our world is in dire need and holding onto hope for the sake of Jesus Christ, who with you is able and willing to make all things new, establish deep friendships and redress ill will. Amen.
PEACE: Exchange In Person, Online or via Text
OFFERING
OFFERTORY “Let the vineyards…” Page 66
Prayer “Merciful Father…” Page 67
LITURGY OF HOLY COMMUNION Pages 68-70
THE LORD’S PRAYER Page 71
POST COMMUNION CANTICLE Pages 72-73
POST COMMUNION PRAYER Page 74
BLESSING
You are children of God, anointed with gladness and strengthened for the journey. May Almighty God, [☩] parent, brother, generous provider bless you this day and always. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN “O God Our Help in Ages Past” #320
1 O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home:
2 Under the shadow of your throne
your saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is your arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood
or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God,
to endless years the same.
4 A thousand ages in your sight
are like an evening gone,
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.
5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
soon bears us all away;
we fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the op’ning day.
6 O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
still be our guard while troubles last
and our eternal home!
DISMISSAL
The Lord is with you. Go in peace to love and serve hospitably, generously, with friendship in mind.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission. Prayers adapted from Sundays and Seasons, copyright © 2019, Augsburg Fortress. Used with permission. Psalm readings from Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright © 1978. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual Subscription #SB160715 Other quotations from Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, National Council of Churches in Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Altar flowers at St Peter have been presented by Ron and Doris Rode in celebration of their 66 Anniversary!
Altar flowers at Messiah have been presented by Linda and Kevin Cooper
SUNDAY BRUNCH @ 11:15 AM, APRIL 10th, PALM SUNDAY
Messiah’s Council thought it would be nice to host a Sunday Brunch after the 10:00 service on April 10th, Palm Sunday. The confirmands will perform a puppet show and pass out fresh palms that day. For now, we’d like to know if anyone is willing to show up, bring a dish and stay after. If not, the recommendation will be to postpone holding brunch until further discussion is had or further interest for indoor fellowship becomes apparent.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Ladies Aid will have an Easter Egg hunt on April 16. They need plastic eggs filled with goodies. Please help out and bring your already filled plastic eggs with small candies or surprises that fit inside these eggs to Messiah in time for the egg hunt. If you are unable to fill the plastic eggs and you would still like to donate, just bring your eggs and candies to the church and someone will fill them for you.
FELLOWSHIP WALK @ NED SMITH
MONDAY, APRIL 25th @ 6:30PM
Our Fellowship Walk to Benefit the Homeless in Dauphin Co. is less than one month away. Before registering our churches’ team, the pastor wishes to collect a minimum of $150 in pledged donations.
If you’re willing to walk and/or donate this year, please let the pastor know soon. Every $30 donation qualifies for this year’s Christian Churches United scarlet colored, custom designed, 2022 walk T-shirt. Your participation and donation is a chance to share well-being and offer peace of mind to those who need some of both.
THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who donates goods for collection drives or provides food of any kind for church events. The wonderful assortment of products, snacks, cookies, cakes, refreshments, candy, eggs, other treats and necessities are truly enjoyed and appreciated. As pastor, I am extremely proud (and grateful) for your giving, generous hearts and talented handiwork. Many benefit from your kind thoughtfulness.
40 DAYS of GIVING
The world provides enough food for all, but as many as 811 million people around the world are undernourished.
This Lent, as in the past, we’re invited to work to end hunger during ELCA’s World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. Each Sunday we will have our Noisy Offering collection. (If you’d rather write a check just earmark it for 40 Days of Giving.) Buck-A-Chick will be available for children to purchase ($1—the cost of a chick) and color for display in our hallways. There will be weekly Bible references for you to read and reflect upon.
We are invited to study, pray, be challenged and give during the 40 Days of Caring—for the good of our families, our neighbors and communities around the world.
Weekly 40 Days of Giving Bible Verse: John 10:28-40
APRIL DRIVE FOR NEW/GENTLY USED CLOTHING
During the month of April, Messiah’s Health Ministry Team is asking for your help in collecting new/gently used clothing for children pre-school through middle school age. A need for the clothing was identified by the Northern Dauphin Human Services Center in Elizabethville.
In April, a box will be placed inside the side door at Messiah for donations. Thank you for your support!
SUBS & SANDWICHES FOR SALE
St. Peter’s is taking orders for sub and pretzel roll sandwiches made by R&K Subs of Palmyra, PA. Orders due on April 17.
The following 12” subs are being offered for $7 each: Italian, ham, turkey, roast beef, and American. Each can be ordered with or without onions. The Italian sub can also be ordered with onions and peppers. Two subs are also available on a whole wheat roll: turkey with onions and cheese with onions.
The following pretzel sandwiches are being offered for $6 each: Italian, ham & cheese, ham & Swiss, turkey & cheese, roast beef & cheese, sweet Lebanon bologna & cheese, all cheese, chicken salad, egg salad, and tuna salad. A condiment package comes with each sandwich.
Subs and sandwiches may be picked up at St. Peter’s after 3 PM on April 28 at the St Peter’s pavilion. For more information or to place an order, please call Diane Keister at 717-896-3842.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR APRIL
3 Fifth Sunday in Lent
8:30 AM Holy Communion @ St Peter
10:00 AM Holy Communion @ Messiah
11:15 AM Messiah Council Meeting
6 6:30 Cub Scout Pack 156
7 4-6 PM pick up Soup & Such at Messiah
6:30 PM Cub Scout Pack 156
10 Palm Sunday, Distribution of Palms
8:30 AM Service at St Peter
10:00 AM Puppet Show, Service at Messiah
11:15 Brunch???
LET US PRAY
Prayer knits the waiting, expectant community together. It isn’t just for those being prayed for. It’s an act of faith where others are lifted up and entrusted to God.
We are Grateful to Those Serving in Our Military.
Confession Corner by PNB
By asking for prayer concerns and updates at the start of each church service, most people no longer use prayer request cards designed to provide a person’s name, contact information and more details than are currently being shared verbally.
Without a system in place, it’s only a matter of time until someone’s name gets left off the prayer list or an important opportunity to offer pastoral care will be missed. (Without written documentation, sometimes the pastor also forgets who submitted whose name and what she’s praying for.)
By filling out a card completely, the pastor can contact individuals, initiate pastoral care, and request permission to place their name on the prayer list. Alternatively, you may email or text as long as you provide the same details. Following this plan will assure consistency, improve communication and help those for whom we pray. Please email concerns and/or requests including your name and theirs, contact information, and a few specifics to: elsiebbrody@gmail.com Or text (443)-974-5558. Thank you.