13 Mar Bulletin, March 13, 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 March 13, 2022
Second Sunday in Lent
Greeting and Announcements
Prelude
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of God [☩] Father, Son and Holy Spirit who makes a way in the wilderness, walks and guides us in our pilgrimage. Amen.
Holy One,
we confess that we have wandered far from you: we have not trusted your promises; we have ignored your prophets in our own day; we have squandered our inheritance of grace; we have failed to recognize you in our midst. Have mercy on us! Forgive us and turn us again to you. Teach us to follow in your ways, assure us again of your love, and help us to love our neighbor. Amen.
Beloved in Christ, the Word draws near to you, and all who call out to God shall be saved. In Jesus, God comes to you again and again and gathers you under wings of love. In [☩] Jesus’ name, your sins are forgiven. God journeys with you and teaches you how-to live-in love. Amen.
ENTRANCE HYMN “In the Cross of Christ I Glory” #104
1 In the cross of Christ I glory,
tow’ring o’er the wrecks of time.
All the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.
2 When the woes of life o’ertake me,
hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
never shall the cross forsake me;
lo, it glows with peace and joy.
3 When the sun of bliss is beaming
light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming
adds more luster to the day.
4 Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.
APOSTOLIC GREETING Pg. 57
KYRIE and HYMN OF PRAISE Pg 57-60
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
FIRST READING GENESIS 15:1-18
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”
PSALM 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers close in against me to devour my flesh, they, my foes and my enemies, will stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear.
Though war rise up against me, my trust will not be shaken.
One thing I ask of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek God in the temple The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
For in the day of trouble God will give me shelter, hide me in the hidden places of the sanctuary, and raise me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is lifted up above my enemies who surround me. Therefore, I will offer sacrifice in the sanctuary, sacrifices of rejoicing; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice, O Lord, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.
My heart speaks your message— “Seek my face.” Your face, O Lord, I will seek. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
Hide not your face from me, turn not away from your servant in anger.
Cast me not away—you have been my helper; forsake me not, O God of my salvation.
Though my father and my mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me in.
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
Subject me not to the will | of my foes, for they rise up against me, false witnesses breathing violence.
This I believe—that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord and be strong. Take heart and wait | for the Lord!
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
SECOND READING PHILIPPIANS 3:17–4:1
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
Lenten Verse Return to The Lord… Pg 63
GOSPEL LUKE 13:31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus,] “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”
SERMON followed by Meditation
HYMN of the DAY “Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer” #343
1 Guide me ever, great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
2 Open now the crystal fountain
where the healing waters flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliv’rer, strong deliv’rer,
shield me with your mighty arm,
shield me with your mighty arm.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death and hell’s destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will raise forevermore,
I will raise forevermore.
PROFESSION of FAITH/NICENE CREED Pg 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.
You gather the church with hope to ever widen communities by mercy and grace. Unify Christians everywhere in their efforts to proclaim good news while facing opposition. Protect those whose lives are imperiled by the gospel, who lack freedom to pray or worship at will. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You create the entire universe and call it good. Block further destruction to our planet’s fragile ecosystems. Answer the calls of those who advocate for thoughtful stewardship of earth’s resources. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You raise up leaders, calling them to practice justice. Help them commit to love and nurture while being just, as you do. To manage or govern with patience, to receive criticism and be open to new ideas. Encourage both workers and leaders to change course when needed for the sake of the common good. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You hear us when we cry to you. Attend to those expecting a child, and console those who have experienced infertility or miscarriage. Comfort veterans and all victims of post-traumatic stress. Help them endure and regain healthy identities. Shield those endangered by domestic violence. Uphold those who are ill or grieving (especially those on our prayer list). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You kindle faith that moves people to action. Guide children and adults preparing for baptism or confirmation. Empower volunteers, Sunday school and confirmation teachers, parents and anyone willing to share their faith. Give us all a renewed sense of vocation. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You created a moral universe and your Word leads us to believe evil will be defeated, righteousness and innocence rewarded. Let no one be deceived or convinced that human motives are pure. Help us discern your will on earth without claiming manifest destiny. We need your guidance in all things, especially those political and strategic with universal consequences. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You welcome us into your heavenly realm. We give thanks for those whose labors on earth are ended and now rest with you. With room under your wings for every chick, we look forward to the day when all are bundled together in your loving ample arms. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Dear God, you are our journey and we are the goal of your teaching. Accept our prayers on behalf of a desperate world full of hope. Widen our hearts for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
PEACE: Exchange In Person, Online or via Text
OFFERING
OFFERTORY “Create in me…” Page 75
THE LORD’S PRAYER Page 76
BLESSING
You are children of God, anointed with the oil of gladness and strengthened for the journey. Almighty God, [☩] motherly, majestic, and mighty, bless you this day and always. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN “He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought!” #501
1 He leadeth me: oh, blessed thought!
Oh, words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
(Refrain)He leadeth me, he leadeth me,
by his own hand he leadeth me.
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
for by his hand he leadeth me.
2 Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
by waters calm, o’er troubled sea,
still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me. Refrain
3 Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine,
nor ever murmur nor repine;
content, whatever lot I see,
since ’tis my God that leadeth me. Refrain
4 And when my task on earth is done
when by thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
e’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
since God through Jordan leadeth me. Refrain
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Jesus meets you on the way.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Altar flowers at St Peter have been presented by Bruce and Diane Keister in memory of George and Estelle Geise.
Altar flowers at Messiah have been presented by Jo and David Miller.
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: Luke 12: 31-35
MESSIAH to HOST UPPER DAUPHIN CONFERENCE SPRING ASSEMBLY
(Pastor Brody speaking.) On Monday, March 21st at 7pm, the Upper Dauphin Conference of the Lower Susquehanna Synod will hold its Spring Assembly at Messiah. It has been my experience that council and congregation members usually attend conference meetings at each host site. Therefore, I’m asking for at least one, if not several, representatives from each church to be present that evening. Dianna Reed will be coordinating refreshments.
Meetings usually lasts an hour and a half and address the importance of collaborative work among Northern Dauphin County ELCA Lutheran congregations. The church is not made up of independent parts, but one body of Christ on earth. Staff from the synod office will be available for discussion. In case you are unaware, I also serve as the current Conference Secretary. As the host pastor will lead a short devotion. And I promise, it’ll be short.
DRIVE FOR CLEANING SUPPLIES AND CANNED FOODS FOR LOCAL FOOD BANKS
During the month of March, Messiah’s Health Ministry Team is asking for your help in collecting two items: cleaning supplies and canned food items.
The products will be given to the food banks at Upper Dauphin Human Services, Northern Dauphin Human Services Center and Halifax. There is a need for dish-washing liquid, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products and toiletries. Any canned food items would be appreciated.
In March, two boxes will be placed inside the side door at Messiah for donations—one will be for the cleaning products and one will be for the canned food items. Thank you for your support!