Sunday, March 7, 2021 Third Sunday in Lent - St. Stephen's ...
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Sunday, March 7, 2021
Third Sunday in Lent
The third covenant in this year’s Lenten
readings is the central one of Israel’s
history: the gift of the law to those God
freed from slavery. The commandments
begin with the statement that because
God alone has freed us from the powers
that oppressed us, we are to let nothing
else claim first place in our lives. When
Jesus throws the merchants out of the temple, he is defending the worship of God alone
and rejecting the ways commerce and profit-making can become our gods. The Ten
Commandments are essential to our baptismal call: centered first in God’s liberating
love, we strive to live out justice and mercy in our communities and the world.
WELCOME! We are glad to have you join us in worship today. Here are a few notes
to help you feel more at home participating in our worship.
Worshiping. Today’s service is printed in this bulletin. Parts in bold indicate responses
by everyone in which you are invited to participate.
Adjustments to our service. In order to comply with safety and social distancing
guidelines, it will be mandatory that everyone have a face covering and everyone must
be mindful of keeping their distance from others. Please refrain from mingling in
confined spaces before and/or after service.
Other adjustments are:
Please sing with your mask in place.
The sign of the PEACE will be offered by a wave or bow while staying in place.
The OFFERING PLATE will not be passed or brought forward. It will be in the
back of the worship space instead.
At the conclusion of the service, everyone is asked to remain in their seats.
Ushers will dismiss people by row to maintain safe spacing.
The Social Hall is the only area open. All other areas of St. Stephen’s are closed.
Prayer Requests. Please call the office if you’d like to place someone on our prayer
list.
1+ GATHERING +
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
P Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever.
C Amen.
P God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from
our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess
our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord.
C Amen.
P Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
P Most merciful God,
C we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned
against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we
have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved
our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on
us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk
in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
P God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us
alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ,
your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy
Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.
C Amen.
GREETING
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C And also with you.
KYRIE
P In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
P For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
2P For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
P For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
C Lord, have mercy.
P Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
P Let us pray. Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act
courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that
comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Exodus 20:1-17
A reading from Exodus.
1
God spoke all these words:
2
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house
of slavery; 3you shall have no other gods before me.
4
You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in
heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a
jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth
generation of those who reject me, 6but showing steadfast love to the thousandth
generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD
will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
8
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and do all
your work. 10But the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; you shall not do
any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock,
or the alien resident in your towns. 11For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed
the sabbath day and consecrated it.
312
Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that
the LORD your God is giving you.
13
You shall not murder.
14
You shall not commit adultery.
15
You shall not steal.
16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
17
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s
wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your
neighbor.
…The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
PSALM: Psalm 19
The psalm is read responsively. The lector will read the plain text and you are invited
to read the text in bold.
1
The heavens declare the glo- | ry of God,
and the sky proclaims its | maker’s handiwork.
2
One day tells its tale | to another,
and one night imparts knowledge | to another.
3
Although they have no | words or language,
and their voices | are not heard,
4
their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends | of the
world, where God has pitched a tent | for the sun.
5
It comes forth like a bridegroom out | of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to | run its course.
6
It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end
of | it again; nothing is hidden from its | burning heat.
7
The teaching of the LORD is perfect and re- | vives the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to | the simple.
8
The statutes of the LORD are just and re- | joice the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light | to the eyes.
9
The fear of the LORD is clean and en- | dures forever;
the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous | altogether.
10
More to be desired are they than gold, more than | much fine gold,
sweeter far than honey, than honey | in the comb.
11
By them also is your ser- | vant enlightened,
and in keeping them there is | great reward.
12
Who can detect one’s | own offenses?
Cleanse me from my | secret faults.
13
Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion |
over me; then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a | great offense.
14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable | in
your sight, O LORD, my strength and | my redeemer.
4SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
A reading from 1 Corinthians.
18
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who
are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God,
the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of
our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks
desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and
foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ
the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God’s foolishness is wiser than human
wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
…The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: John 2:13-22
P The holy gospel according to John.
C Glory to you, O Lord.
13
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple he
found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their
tables. 15Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep
and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their
tables. 16He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop
making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17His disciples remembered that it was
written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18The Jews then said to him, “What
sign can you show us for doing this?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and
in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “This temple has been under
construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21But he was
speaking of the temple of his body. 22After he was raised from the dead, his disciples
remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that
Jesus had spoken.
…The gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
5HYMN OF THE DAY: Christ Is the Life (ACS 927)
1 Christ is the life of all that is, God's pure creative Word,
whose pow'r beyond and through all space the worlds to Being stirred.
Christ is the life beyond all time, creation's birth and breath,
whose labor brings all things to be and brings all things to death.
2 Christ is the death of all that is; a broad and beck'ning tomb,
who welcomes us from well-worn ways to darkness of the womb.
Christ is the death, the sinking down past all desire and fear,
whose promise in the gentle dark bids newness to appear.
APOSTLES’ CREED
A With the whole Church, we confess our faith.
C I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
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.
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.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
A Relying on the promises of God, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
Brief silence
A There is no God before you. Purify the faith of your church, that your people place
their trust in nothing beside you. Your name is holy. Guide your church, that in every
situation your people’s words and actions honor your name. Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
A Your foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. Fill leaders with your peace and
mercy. Your law defends the vulnerable. Work through legislators, judicial systems,
and systems of law enforcement to protect the wellbeing and freedom of all.
Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
6A Your weakness is stronger than human strength. Protect those who are vulnerable
and give courage to all who are suffering. We pray especially for Adeline Wagner,
Eugene Ebersberger, Joe Muller, Gail Bodnar and those we now name aloud or in the
silence of our hearts....brief silence. Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
A The cross of Christ is your power for all who are being saved. Thank you for all the
martyrs whose witness reveals the power of the cross. Give us the same trust in life and
in death. Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
A We entrust ourselves and all our prayers to you, O faithful God, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
C Amen.
PEACE
P The peace of Christ be with you always.
C And also with you.
All may greet one another with the sign of Christ’s peace with a wave or bow while
staying in place.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ MEAL +
OFFERING PRAYER
P Let us pray. God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words
of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
P The Lord be 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 our thanks and praise.
7PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy…
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
C Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
P Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and
suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms
to all.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for
you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the
forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in
glory. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who
share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with
you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever.
C Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
P Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
C 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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
P Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
8LAMB OF GOD
C Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace. Amen.
SONG DURING COMMUNION: I Am the Bread of Life (ELW 485)
1 "I am the Bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger,
and who believe in me shall not thirst. No one can come to me unless the Father
beckons."
Refrain
"And I will raise you up, and I will raise you up, and I will raise you up on the last day."
2 "The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world,
and if you eat of this bread, you shall live forever, you shall live forever." Refrain
3 "Unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink of his blood,
and drink of his blood, you shall not have life within you." Refrain
4 "I am the resurrection, I am the life. If you believe in me,
even though you die, you shall live forever." Refrain
5 Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
who have come into the world. Refrain
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
P Let us pray. Compassionate God, you have fed us with the bread of heaven. Sustain
us in our Lenten pilgrimage: may our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making
of peace; and our prayer, the song of grateful hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord.
C Amen.
+ SENDING +
BLESSING
P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and
mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.
C Amen.
9SENDING SONG: God of Grace and God of Glory (ELW 705)
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving you whom we
adore, serving you whom we adore.
DISMISSAL
A Go in peace. Share the good news.
C Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE: Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Way
10Comments from the Cloud of Witnesses
The soul, the conscience of the faithful, is also the temple and house of God. Should this
soul bring forth wicked thoughts, towards the injuring of our neighbor, these will settle
there like robbers in a cave, slaying one by one those who pass by. The faithful soul is
now no longer a house of prayer, but a den of thieves; scorning the innocence and
simplicity of holiness, it tries to injure its neighbor. But through the sacred pages, we
are instructed without ceasing against all such perversities of conduct by the words of
the Redeemer. For Truth teaches daily in the temple when it carefully instructs the mind
of the faithful.
—Gregory the Great
[Gregory the Great, The Sunday Sermons of the Great Fathers, III:351-352.]
Upcoming Commemorations
Perpetua and Felicity and companions, martyrs at Carthage, died 202
Sunday, March 7, 2021
Vibia Perpetua was a noblewoman, and Felicity her slave, who were catechumens at
Carthage, northern Africa. They, with four other catechumens, had defied the Roman
emperor who had forbidden conversions to Christianity, and were put to death in the
amphitheater.
Harriet Tubman, died 1913; Sojourner Truth, died 1883; renewers of society
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, helped about 300 others to escape slavery until the
institution was abolished. Sojourner Truth, whose birth name was Isabella, was freed
after slavery was abolished, and discerned a call to be a preacher. Taking the name
Sojourner Truth, she set out on an evangelistic journey, where people found her
testimony to be deeply moving.
Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, died 604
Friday, March 12, 2021
Born into wealth and power, Gregory was for a time the chief administrator of the city
of Rome. Giving this up for a life in the church, he was elected pope in 590. He
influenced public worship through the establishment of a lectionary and prayers to
correlate with the readings. Gregorian chant is named in his honor.
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