1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

GATHERING SONG:
Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (ELW 310)
East St. Olaf Lutheran Church
6200 County Road 3 SW - Byron, MN
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the
presiding minister begins.
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Sunday, February
February 1, 2015
2015
Rev. Darby Lawrence
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
who spoke light into creation,
who calls us to listen and follow,
who sends us to shine like stars.
Amen.
Organist: Pat Nelson
Let us come before God, confessing our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy and merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned
against our sisters and brothers
and against you.
We cherish the values of this world.
We cause others to stumble.
The earth is wounded by our excess.
Have mercy, O God.
Forgive us, renew us,
and raise us up on eagles' wings,
that we may do your will
with courage and delight.
Amen.
INTRODUCTION
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will
speak for God; in Psalm 111 God shows the people the power of God's
works. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority
people sensed in Jesus' actions and words. We encounter that authority
in God's word, around which we gather, the word that trumps any lesser
spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1
Hear the voice from heaven:
"You are my own, my beloved."
God gives power to the weary
and strengthens the powerless.
Be cleansed, be healed,
for in the name of + Jesus Christ,
I declare to you the forgiveness of your sins
and the revealing of God's reign.
Amen.
2
KYRIE A Kyrie may be sung. The assembly sings the refrain, and a
leader sings the verses.
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.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Compassionate God,
you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and
continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring wholeness to
all that is broken and speak truth to us in our confusion, that all
creation will see and know your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord.
Amen.
The assembly is seated.
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 18:15–20
Today's reading is part of a longer discourse in Deuteronomy, an
updating of the law for the Israelite community as the people wait to
enter the promised land. Here Moses assures the people that God will
continue to guide them through prophets who will proclaim the divine
word.
15The
LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me
from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet.
16This is what you requested of the LORD your God at Horeb on
the day of the assembly when you said: "If I hear the voice of the
LORD my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will
die." 17Then the LORD replied to me: "They are right in what they
have said. 18I will raise up for them a prophet like you from
among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the
prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command.
19Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall
speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. 20But any
prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes
to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the
prophet to speak — that prophet shall die."
3
Word of God, word of life.
4Thanks be to God.
PSALM: Psalm 111
heaven or on earth — as in fact there are many gods and many
lords — 6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all
things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ,
through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge.
Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they
still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their
conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8Food will not bring us close to
God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we
do. 9But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow
become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if others see you,
who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might
they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the
point of eating food sacrificed to idols? 11So by your knowledge
those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. 12But
when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound
their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
13Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat,
so that I may not cause one of them to fall.
1Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
2Great are your works, O LORD,
pondered by all who delight in them.
3Majesty and splendor mark your deeds,
and your righteousness endures forever.
4You cause your wonders to be remembered;
you are gracious and full of compassion.
5You give food to those who fear you,
remembering forever your covenant.
6You have shown your people the power of your works
in giving them the lands of the nations.
7The works of your hands are faithfulness and justice;
all of your precepts are sure.
8They stand fast forever and ever,
because they are done in truth and equity.
9You sent redemption to your people and commanded your
covenant forever; holy and awesome is your name.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who practice this have a good understanding.
God's praise endures forever.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
WE PREPARE TO HEAR THE GOSPEL
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13
ELW 801 Change My Heart, O God
Paul is concerned about how some Corinthian Christians use their
freedom in Christ as license to engage in non-Christian behavior that
sets a damaging example to other, impressionable, believers. Christians
have a responsibility to each other that their behavior does not cause a
sister or brother to sin.
Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God; may I be like you.
You are the potter; I am the clay.
Mold me and make me;: this is what I pray.
GOSPEL: Mark 1:21–28
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that "all of us
possess knowledge." Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
2Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the
necessary knowledge; 3but anyone who loves God is known by
him.
4Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know
that "no idol in the world really exists," and that "there is no God
but one." 5Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in
The holy gospel according to Mark, the first chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
5
The story has barely begun, and already the battle is joined. Jesus sides
with humanity against every force that would bring death and disease.
These forces recognize Jesus and know what his power means for them.
This, however, is only the first fight. The war will go on much longer.
6
went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he
entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his
teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as
the scribes. 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an
unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, "What have you to do with us,
Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you
are, the Holy One of God." 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be
silent, and come out of him!" 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing
him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27They were
all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A
new teaching — with authority! He commands even the unclean
spirits, and they obey him." 28At once his fame began to spread
throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.*
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
21They
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
*Or, He descended to the dead.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sit
St. Paul writes: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the
same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, but
the same Lord is served. There are different abilities to perform
service, but the same God gives to everyone ability for particular
service. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each
person, for the good of all. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY: Healer of Our Every Ill (ELW 612)
INSTALLATION OF ELECTED LEADERS
All those who have been elected to positions of leadership are
asked to come forward.
In Holy Baptism our Lord Jesus Christ liberated you from sin and
death and made you members of his Church. Through Word and
Sacrament you have been nurtured in faith. I ask you, together
with all who are here gathered, to confess the faith of the Church,
the faith in which we are baptized.
You have been elected to positions of leadership and trust in this
congregation.
You are to see that the words and deeds of this household of faith
reflect him in whose name we gather.
Stand
You are to work together with other members to see that the
worship and work of Christ are done in this congregation, and
that God's will is done in this community and in the whole world.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
You are to be diligent in your specific area of serving, that the one
Lord who empowers you is glorified.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
You are to be examples of faith active in love, to help maintain the
life and harmony of this congregation.
7
8
On behalf of your sisters and brothers in Christ, I ask you: Are
you ready to accept and faithfully to carry out the duties of the
offices to which you have been elected?
R
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
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.
Yes, by the help of God.
Stand
OFFERING
Those being installed face the congregation. The minister addresses the
congregation:
An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care
of those in need.
People of God, I ask you: Will you support these, your elected
leaders, and will you share in the mutual ministry that Christ has
given to all who are baptized?
C
During this time, the table is set. Assembly song or other music may
accompany or follow the gathering of the offering.
After the offering is gathered, the assembly stands. Bread, wine, money,
and other gifts may be brought forward.
Yes, by the help of God.
Those being installed face the minister, who addresses them:
OFFERTORY SONG
P
I now declare you installed as officers/council members of
this congregation. God bless you with his Holy Spirit, that you
may prove faithful servants of Christ.
R
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown
that we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and the dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer now.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Called to know, love, and follow you, O God, we pray for the
church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
… Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Merciful God,
as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills
were gathered together to become one bread,
so let your church be gathered together
from the ends of the earth into your kingdom,
for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and forever.
Amen.
Trusting your love and healing, O God, we commend to you all
for whom we pray, knowing you will hear and answer, through
Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PEACE
The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of
the risen Christ.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
9
10
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations;
in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son;
and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
HOLY
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise to your people.
Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary's openness to your will.
Blessed are you for your Son Jesus,
the Word made flesh.
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.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup
we remember your Word dwelling among us,
full of grace and truth.
We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.
We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
11
Holy God, we long for your Spirit.
Come among us.
Bless this meal.
May your Word take flesh in us.
Awaken your people.
12Fill us with your light.
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION HYMNS
Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
#608 Softly and Tenderly
#614 There Is a Balm in Gilead
#620 How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
All praise and glory are yours,
Holy One of Israel,
Word of God incarnate,
Power of the Most High,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Gracious God,
in this meal you have drawn us to your heart,
and nourished us at your table with food and drink,
the body and blood of Christ.
Now send us forth to be your people in the world,
and to proclaim your truth this day and evermore,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and 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.
BLESSING
Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.
SENDING SONG: Jesus Shall Reign (ELW 434)
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
LAMB OF GOD
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.
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WELCOME TO THOSE VISITING
If you are visiting today, we’re glad you are
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.
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FEBRUARY SERVICE TIMES
WEST February services are at 9:00 am
BOTH JAM & Sunday school are at 10:00 am
EAST February services are at 11:00 am
THANK YOU TO THOSE SERVING US
Feb. Altar Guild: Rita Distad & Pat Molde
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WINTER WEATHER RELATED CANCELLATIONS
To verify if there is a service or activity cancellation, please
check the following sources: KTTC TV, KROC AM 1340, the
Parsonage answering machine 365-8222 or Facebook (please note:
if you’re a Facebook user, please find “East & West St. Olaf” and friend
us.) Decisions to cancel will be made by the church councils with
Pastor Darby.
Installation of Church Officers Today
Today we will have Installation of Officers during service at both
East and West.
Next Week’s Readings
Sun., February 8, 2015: Isaiah 40:21–31, Psalm 147:1–11, 20c, 1
Corinthians 9:16–23, Mark 1:29–39
TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER
HAPPENING TODAY & THIS WEEK
East Prayers: 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, 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)
West Prayers: Georgina Linbo, Nancy Alrick, Gretchen Thoen
(related to the Falch/Thoe families), Ginny Hyland, Joann Tiegen,
Danny Linbo, Veronica Riniker (mother of Donna Larsen), Phillip
Senjem, Cindy Senjem, Shirley Gulbransen, Dale Tiegen, Ron
Nordland, Esther Wilson and Elina Senjem. Long Term Need for
Prayers: Matt Miller (nephew of Carma Bjornson and Julie
Boyum)
Prayers for Churches: Bear Lake Concordia Lutheran, Albert Lea,
Cross of Christ Lutheran in Houston, Ikungi Lutheran Church in
Tanzania (partnered with Cross of Christ, Houston), Bear Creek
Lutheran in Grand Meadow, Bethlehem Lutheran in Mankato,
Iambi Secondary School in Tanzania (partnered with Bethlehem,
Mankato)
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2/1
9:00 am West Worship, Holy Communion and
Installation of 2015 Officers
10:00 am BOTH JAM & Sunday school
11:00 am East Worship, Holy Communion and
Installation of 2015 Officers
Tue.
7:00 pm BOTH – ADULT CLASS at West
Wed. 6:30-7:15 pm BOTH at EAST: 8th grade Confirmation
7:30-8:15 pm BOTH at EAST: 9th grade Confirmation
Thu. 9:00 am-Noon Pastor Darby at office
Fri.
----------- Pastor Darby’s day-off
2/8
9:00 am West Worship (JAM sings)
10:00 am BOTH JAM & Sunday school
11:00 am East Worship
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please note: All 8th and 9th grade students should attend (and all 7th
grade students are encouraged to attend): Ash Wednesday, Lenten,
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Services.
Feb. 9 (Mon) 9:30 am: East quilting and sack lunch
Feb. 10 (Tue.)
• 9:30 am: East quilting and sack lunch
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7:00 pm: BOTH – ADULT CLASS at West (next session
will be after Easter
Feb. 11 (Wed.)
• 6:30-7:15 pm BOTH at EAST: 8th grade Confirmation
• 7:30-8:15 pm BOTH at EAST: 9th grade Confirmation
Feb. 14 (Sat).: East cookies for Season’s Hospice
Feb. 15 (Sun).: Communion at East
Feb. 16 (Mon):
• Noon: Submission deadline for next month’s newsletter
• 7:00 pm: East council meeting
Feb 18 (Wed.) 7:00 pm: ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE for BOTH
at EAST (no soup supper on Ash Wed.)
Feb. 23 (Mon.) 9:30 am: East quilting and sack lunch
Feb. 24 (Tue.) 9:30 am: East quilting and sack lunch
Feb 25 (Wed.):
LENTEN SERVICE for BOTH at West
• 6:00 pm: Soup supper
• 7:00 pm: Lenten service begins
•
CONTACT INFORMATION
PASTOR Darby Lawrence: Cell phone: 258-0381
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.
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.
GOSPEL MESSAGE ~ February 1, 2015
Not to Destroy but to Calm and Set Free
What does it mean to teach with authority, to command even the
unclean spirits? A young man, off his medication for mental
illness and armed with an assault rifle, walked into a grade school
and began shooting at the police and at the floor. The story ended
in relief. The bookkeeper in the office talked with him, talked of
her own struggles, kept him talking, told him she loved him,
talked him into laying down his weapon, surrendering peacefully,
and getting help.
Despite her inward terror, she projected a calm, matter-of-fact
tone that got through to the troubled young man and saved
innumerable lives. Nobody was hurt. It helped that she and her
colleagues had drilled for hostile emergencies, but the result still
seemed miraculous.
Rarely can words alone disarm a person intending to kill or reach
a chemically imbalanced mind, but every so often they do; and
then we are astounded and amazed. Who knows how much
violence we never hear about because it has been defused by calm
authority and the right words?
In today's gospel, an unclean spirit that possesses a man threatens
to dominate the synagogue service in Capernaum. Jesus creates a
safe space, not by destroying the spirit but by speaking to it in
terms it hears and obeys. The man is set free. The congregation
marvels.
Anybody can give orders that other people are compelled to
follow. But true authority draws upon deep wells of interior love
and strength. It relies upon self-knowledge and self-possession
and is grounded in something larger than the self. It is clear about
the dignity of others, calling forth the best from them, surprising
them with what they can accomplish. It liberates and heals. It
elicits respect and trust. It attracts willing followers, and their gifts
of energy and time.
OFFICE HOURS: (Please call before coming to the 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.
OUR WEBSITES: eaststolaf.org OR weststolaf.org
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Fear of destruction leads any of us to our worst. Someone who
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can quiet our fear wins our hearts.
COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK
Monday, February 2, 2015 ~ Presentation of Our Lord: Forty days
after the birth of Jesus we mark the day Mary and Joseph
presented him in the temple in accordance with Jewish law. There
they were greeted by Simeon, an aged priest who offered the song
"Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace," as well as by the
prophet Anna, who spoke of the redemption of Israel.
Tuesday, February 3 ~ Ansgar, Bishop of Hamburg, missionary
to Denmark and Sweden, died 865: A monk who helped bring
Christianity to Scandinavia, Ansgar returned to Germany where
he was named bishop of Hamburg. He is remembered for his love
for poor people.
Thursday, February 5 ~ The Martyrs of Japan, died 1597:
Christianity was brought to Japan in the sixteenth century by
Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries. The religion was suppressed,
however, and in 1597 twenty-six missionaries and converts were
crucified. Nevertheless, Christianity survived and later prospered.
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