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CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
West St. Olaf Lutheran Church
70640 260th Avenue - Hayfield, MN
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is
marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Reformation Sunday
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
whose name is majestic in all the earth,
who rescues and heals in every time of trouble,
who does all things well.
Amen.
Holy First Communion
Sunday, October 26,
26, 2014
Rev. Darby Lawrence
Organist: Gloria Pew
Let us come before God, seeking forgiveness and life.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Steadfast and saving God,
have mercy on us.
We confess to you all the ways
we turn from you and harm one another.
In your compassion,
forgive our sins and heal our hurts.
Bring forth from us a harvest of righteousness,
the fruits of gentleness and peacemaking,
the sheaves of wisdom and justice;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
INTRODUCTION
On this day we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ—the
good news—that makes us free! Though we give thanks for the events of
the sixteenth-century Reformation that brought renewal to the church of
that time, we pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the
church today in its proclamation and witness to the world. In the waters
of baptism we are made one body; we pray for the day that all Christians
will also be one at the Lord's table.
In the name of + Jesus, the Son of God,
receive mercy and find grace in your time of need.
Your transgressions are forgiven;
God's love is healing balm for your wounds.
Rejoice, for God raises you up to new life in Christ.
Amen.
HYMN: Built on a Rock (LBW 365)
GREETING AND PRAYER OF THE DAY
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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And also with you.
Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
PSALM: Psalm 46
1God
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.
The assembly is seated.
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.
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
the 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
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
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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.
Thanks be to God.
VERSE
Alleluia
permanent place in the household; the son has a place there
forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
The Gospel of the Lord.
(SING) Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (LBW 229)
NICENE CREED
p. 64
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Made alive with God in Christ, we pray for the church,
those in need, and all of God's creation.
A brief silence.
…Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
p. 62
The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the eighth chapter.
Gather these concerns and all who are in need into your abundant
care, O God, remembering your promise of mercy, through Christ
our Lord.
Amen.
(SING) Glory to you, O Lord.
THE PEACE
Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his
word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.
The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of
the risen Christ.
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
GOSPEL: John 8:31–36
31Then
Jesus 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
The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may
say, "Peace be with you," or similar words.
The assembly is seated.
OFFERING
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OFFERTORY SONG
Let the vineyards
so let your Church be gathered from the ends of the earth,
that all may be fed with the Bread of life, your Son.
p. 66
OFFERTORY PRAYER
GREAT THANKSGIVING
p. 68
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
p. 69
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.
Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Holy God,
our Maker, Redeemer, and Healer,
in the harmonious world of your creation,
the plants and animals, the seas and stars
were whole and well in your praise.
p. 71
COMMUNION
CANTICLE
Thank the Lord
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
When sin had scarred the world,
you sent your Son to heal our ills
and to form us again into one.
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.
p. 72
p. 74
CONGREGATIONAL SONG:
O Living Bread from Heaven (LBW 197)
BLESSING
Like children in the arms of Jesus, receive blessing:
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.
Amen.
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.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Remember the poor.
Thanks be to God.
Remembering, therefore,
his acts of healing, his body given up,
and his victory over death,
we await that day when all the peoples of the earth
will come to the river to enjoy the tree of life.
Worship order, scriptures, commemorations and other writings used in this bulletin are from Sundays
and Seasons.com. Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission
under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #39935. /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.
Send your Spirit upon us and this meal:
as grains scattered on the hillside become one bread,
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WELCOME TO THOSE VISITING!
BOTH THANK YOU TO THOSE SERVING US
If you are visiting today, we’re glad you’re worshipping
with us! Please sign our guestbook in the narthex. Times
for our worship services rotate monthly between East &
West St. Olaf for the early and late services – just ask, if you would
like a printed schedule.
WELCA Chairpersons: Heather Bamlet & Jan Nordland (Oct.)
Altar Guild: Wilma Kyllo & Judy McGowan (Oct.)
Acolytes: Alexis Glynn & Sharon Arett
Reader: Jan Nordland
Ushers: Scott Iverson, Phillip Senjem,
Will Laxen and Greg Brandt (Oct.)
Deacon: Sheryl Wohlers (Oct.)
NOVMEBER SERVICE TIMES BEGIN NEXT WEEK
WEST November services will be at 9:00 am
BOTH have Sunday school at 10:00 am
EAST November services will be at 11:00 am
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER
West Prayers: Gretchen Thoen (related to the Falch and Thoe
families), Ginny Hyland, Leon & Ann Marie Luker (Susie Thoe’s
parents), Joann Tiegen, Danny Linbo (cousin of Marilyn Skov and
Dale Tiegen), Veronica Riniker (mother of Donna Larsen), Phillip
Senjem, Nancy Alrick, Cindy Senjem, Shirley Gulbransen, Ginger
Rowe (granddaughter of Darryl & Nancy Rowe), Heather Bonow
(niece of Sharon Gulbransen), Dale Tiegen, Ron Nordland, Esther
Wilson and Elina Senjem. Long Term Need for Prayers: Matt
Miller (nephew of Carma Bjornson and Julie Boyum)
East Prayers: Tom Myhre, Michael Weaver (brother of Nancy
Jensen), Gerard Jordan (brother of Paul), Elaina Lee, Sally Iverson,
Roland Rivera, Merry Lea Brandt-MacFann (daughter of Beverly
Brant/sister of Mark Brandt), Carol Trygstad, Carol Severson,
Orillie Iverson, Alice Watson, Bill Fritts, John Heydt (Pat Nelson’s
brother), and Harris Nelson (Jerry Nelson’s cousin). Long Term
Need for Prayers: Randy Carlson (son of Audrey Carlson), and
Denny Ristau (nephew of Marylin Carlson)
Receiving Sacrament of Holy First Communion Today
Our 5th grade students have taken classes and will
receive First Holy Communion today. West St. Olaf:
Annabelle Bamlet, Emma Jervis & Alexander Phenix.
East St. Olaf: Landon DeCook and Taylor Stewart.
West Luther League Fundraiser Today
West Luther League will be selling crafts today as a
fundraiser. We’ve made angels and wreaths out of the old
red hymnals. We hope you can join us and support our
youth.
This Mon.-Fri.: Pastor Darby Attending Continuing Education
EMERGENCY CONTACT: Pastor Paul Hauschild of Trinity in
Hayfield, call his cell phone: 507-259-4645
Newsletter Volunteer Day & Potluck Lunch
This Tuesday, the 28th, is newsletter production day at the office.
All are welcome to help (many hands make it a quick job) and join us
for potluck lunch after we finish the newsletter. Bring whatever
you’d like to share for the potluck.
Advent by Candlelight is Just Around the Corner!
Our ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT event will be on
Sun., Dec. 7. There will soon be a signup sheet at
church. If you have questions, please contact Sharon
Gulbransen (365-8669). This has been a very popular
Prayers for Churches: All congregations of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America in Minnesota and throughout the
United States, and all ELCA missionaries around the world.
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event in the past and we hope to see many of our own women
attend. We invite West women to consider getting involved by:
• Volunteering to host a table
• Volunteering to help WELCA prepare the lunch
• Volunteering to help organize the event
West Quilters – Fabric has been Pulled Out of Storage
If you would like to pick up some fabric to make WELCA projects
at home, the fabric is now out for easy viewing.
Please Let Pastor Darby Know…
If you or a loved one are hospitalized, please let Pastor
Darby know as soon as possible (you may call or send a
text message). And if you would like a visit for any other
reason, please let him know about this as well.
All Invited to East St. Olaf’s Lutefisk Meal ~ Fri., Nov. 7
Save the date for some great eats! Takeout meals
available too. Lunch served 11:00 am-1:00 pm.
Reservations are required for the suppertime
meal… call Diane Severson at 507-365-8017.
Menu: Lutefisk, meatballs & gravy, mashed potatoes, rutabagas,
cranberry salad, lefse, rolls, pie & coffee. Cost: Adults and
children over 10 yrs - $17, children 5-10 years - $6, under 4 years
old are FREE. Co-Sponsored by Olmsted County Thrivent.
Last Week’s Attendance & Offerings
Oct. 19: Attendance: 64. Current Offering $1,599, Coffee Hour $17
and Benevolence Offering $50.
Next Week’s Readings
Sunday, November 2, 2014 ~ All Saints Sunday:
Revelation 7:9–17, Psalm 34:1–10, 22, 1 John 3:1–3, Matthew 5:1–12
HAPPENING TODAY & THIS WEEK
10/26
9:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am
Oct. 27—Oct. 31 Pastor Darby attending Continuing Education
EMERGENCY CONTACT: Pastor Paul Hauschild of Trinity in
Hayfield, call his cell phone: 507--259-4645
Tues.
BOTH Newsletter volunteer day at office
and potluck lunch afterward:
9:15 am Arrival time at office if printing or folding
10:00 am Arrival time at office if labeling & taping
Wed.
BOTH
NO CONFIRMATION – Pastor at
Continuing Education
Sat.
BOTH
Reminder: set clocks BACK 1 hour tonight
11/2
9:00 am West Worship: All Saints Sunday and
Holy Communion
10:00 am BOTH Sunday school/JAM
11:00 am East Worship: All Saints Sunday and
Holy Communion… then after church
set-up dining room for Lutefisk Supper
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 7 (Fri.): EAST ST. OLAF LUTEFISK LUNCH/SUPPER DAY
All are welcome! For more details, see flyer on bulletin board.
LOCAL AREA: UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 31 (Fri.) from 4:30—6:00 pm: People of Hope Church hosts its
annual “Trunk or Treat” event, open to the community – for a
safe/fun trick or treating event. Members of the church decorate
their cars and dress up in costume to hand out candy in the
parking lot (3703 West Country Club Road, Rochester, MN).
Nov. 5 (Wed.): Little Cedar Lutheran’s Annual Lutefisk &
Meatball Dinner. See flyer for more info.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PASTOR Darby Lawrence:
Cell phone: 258-0381 or Email: [email protected]. For urgent
pastoral needs, please call Pastor Darby’s cell phone. Please
leave a message if he is unable to answer. You may also send text
messages.
East Worship & Holy First Communion
BOTH Sunday school/JAM
West Worship & Holy First Communion
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SECRETARY, Gina Moser: Office: 365-8222 Cell: 951-4964
Emails: [email protected] and [email protected]
Please send all emails for Gina to both of her addresses.
demands consent, but something that releases and enlivens. On this
Reformation Sunday, we celebrate the word that is truth, that is freedom.
We hear the word as a word for us that sets us free from sin, makes us
alive in Christ, and sends us off—freely—to serve the neighbor in need.
Our neighbors are desperately in need of our freedom. Good thing we are
free indeed.
OFFICE HOURS: (Please call before coming to office)
Pastor Darby Lawrence:
Thursday from 9:00 am–noon, Friday is Pastor Darby’s day off.
Gina Moser, Secretary:
Tuesday, please call to confirm./Thursday from 9:30 am–noon.
COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK
OUR WEBSITES: eaststolaf.org OR weststolaf.org
Sunday, October 26, 2014 ~ Philipp Nicolai, died 1608; Johann
Heermann, died 1647; Paul Gerhardt, died 1676; hymnwriters:
These great hymnwriters all worked in seventeenth-century Germany in
times of war and plague. Nicolai, a pastor, lost 1,300 parishioners to
plague, 170 in one week. He wrote "O Morning Star, how fair and
bright" and "Wake, awake, for night is flying." Heermann's hymns,
including "Ah, holy Jesus," often express the emotions of faith. Gerhardt,
perhaps the greatest Lutheran hymnwriter, was a pastor in Berlin.
GOSPEL MESSAGE ~ October 26, 2014
REFORMATION SUNDAY
Freedom
Lutherans like to talk about grace, and certainly grace is an important
concept in the Christian and Lutheran worldview. We are called to be
gracious. God's grace is sufficient. God's grace is amazing. However, on
Reformation Sunday another concept in the faith vocabulary makes a bid
for our attention. In many ways it is an even more central concept than
grace, even if fewer people list it when surveyed on why they love being
Lutheran. The concept is freedom.
Freedom means various things in various contexts, but for Christians,
and in keeping with the reading from John today, freedom means
something very specific. It means freedom from sin. It means freedom in
Christ. It means freedom with Christ. It means freedom for service to the
world.
The reason the reformers elevated scripture so highly, translated it into
language everyone could understand, and emphasized passages like this
one, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples," has to do
with the simple fact that the word, properly understood, leads not to
bondage but to freedom. Scripture is not a rule book that constrains but a
proclamation that sets free.
Tuesday, October 28 ~ Simon and Jude, Apostles: We know little
about these apostles. Simon is listed as "the zealot" or Cananean in New
Testament lists. Jude, also called Thaddeus, asked Jesus at the last supper
why he had revealed himself to the disciples but not to the world.
Friday, October 31 ~ Reformation Day: By the end of the seventeenth
century, many Lutheran churches celebrated a festival commemorating
Martin Luther's posting of the Ninety-five Theses, a summary of abuses
in the church of his time. At the heart of the reform movement was the
gospel, the good news that it is by grace through faith that we are
justified and set free.
Saturday, November 1 ~ All Saints Day: The custom of
commemorating all of the saints of the church on a single day goes back
at least to the third century. All Saints Day celebrates the baptized people
of God, living and dead, who make up the body of Christ. On this day or
the following Sunday, many congregations will remember the faithful
who have died during the past year.
Even truth itself is related to freedom. Truth is not something that
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