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PHILADELPHIA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
1910 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, North Carolina 28034
Philadelphia's 248th Anniversary in Mission (1767-2015)
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
(Lectionary Series B)
February 15, 2015
11:00 A.M.
THE LITURGY-THE PUBLIC WORK OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Evangelical Lutheran Worship - Holy Communion - Setting 1
Prelude Prayer: Almighty and gracious God, in today’s Scripture texts and
especially in Mark’s account of the awe and mystery surrounding The
Transfiguration of Jesus, we encounter yet another epiphany which makes
visible the identity and mission of Jesus as God’s beloved Son, the Messiah,
the One to whom we are called to listen, the One who delivers us from the
forces of darkness, sickness, sin, evil and death and the One who restores us
to wholeness and new life. In joy and thanksgiving, we worship You and
serve others. In Christ's Name, we pray. Amen.
Theme of the Day:
Announcements:
“The Epiphany of Jesus’ Identity and Mission”
GATHERING
Processional:
“Beautiful Savior”
ELW # 838
The Invocation
pg. 94
(We receive the sign of the Cross in remembrance of our Baptism)
The Confession of Sins
pg. 95
Prayer of Preparation
pg. 95
*Prayer of Confession
pg. 95
*The Declaration for Forgiveness
pg. 96
The Apostolic Greeting
pg. 98
The Kyrie
pg. 98
Hymn of Praise: "This is the Feast"
pg. 101
The Prayer of the Day
(Insert)
WORD
Children’s Message:
Mary Jo Friday & Amy Lewis
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:-1-12
Congregational Response: “Thanks be to God.”
The Psalmody (Sung by Cantor)
(Insert)
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Congregational Response: “Thanks be to God.”
Gospel Acclamation: "Alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go...."
pg. 102
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The Gospel is Announced
pg. 103
Congregational Response: “Glory to You, O Lord.”
pg. 103
Gospel Lesson: Mark 9:2-9
Congregational Response: “Praise to you, O Christ.”
pg. 103
Sermon:
Pastor Jan Henson
Hymn:
“How Good, Lord, to Be Here!”
ELW # 315
The Nicene Creed: (Used on the Festival of The Transfiguration)
pg. 104
*Prayers of Intercession:
pg. 105
A: Called to know, love, and follow you, O God, we pray for the church, the
world, and all in need and particular for those lifted up in intercessory prayer
who are listed in this week’s bulletin (A brief silence) Blessed are you, Holy
One. It is your pleasure to shine the light of your presence on all you love.
Enlighten your church and help it listen to and follow your Son. Lord, in your
mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
A: Blessed are you, Holy One. Your creative love shines in every growing thing
that stretches toward the sun. Restore your creation to vibrancy and beauty,
and open our eyes to see your splendor. Lord, in your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
Blessed are you, Holy One. You reveal true glory in the suffering of your Son.
By his example, humble the hearts of leaders and quiet the pride of nations.
Teach us the way of peace. Lord, in your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
A: Blessed are you, Holy One. You are the strength of the sick and suffering,
the lonely and forgotten, the fearful and despairing. Shine the healing light
of your presence on them (especially). Lord, in your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
A: Blessed are you, Holy One. You pour your Spirit into young and old alike.
Shine your light in the hearts of this congregation, and send us to carry your
light to others. Lord, in your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
A: Blessed are you, Holy One. Your saints shine with the glory that fills the face
of your beloved Son. At the last, gather us with them on your holy mountain.
Lord, in your mercy.
C: hear our prayer.
A: 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.
C: Amen.
The Sharing of the Peace:
pg. 105
MEAL
Worship with our Tithes and Offerings:
Offertory Anthem: “Special Music”
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pg. 106
Amy Lewis
Offertory: "Let the Vineyards be Fruitful"
ELW # 184
The Offertory Prayer
pg. 107
The Great Thanksgiving
pg. 107
The Preface for Epiphany
pg. 108
Tha Sanctus:: “Holy, Holy, Holy"
pg. 108
Eucharistic Prayer & The Words of Institution (Option #3)
pg. 110
The Lord's Prayer (17th. Century Translation)
pg. 112
Agnus Dei: "Lamb of God"
pg. 112
The Communion (Eucharist)
pg. 112
Post Communion Canticle: “Now, Lord, you let your servant go...” pg. 113
Post Communion Prayer
pg. 114
SENDING
*The Benediction: (Blessing)
*The Dismissal:
Congregational Response: “Thanks be to God.”
Recessional:
“Shine, Jesus, Shine”
Postlude:
*Congregation Kneels
pg. 114
pg. 115
pg. 115
ELW # 671
Visit Our Web Site at http://www.philadelphialutheran.org
Ministers: Members of Philadelphia Lutheran Church Church Email:
[email protected] Church Ph. & Fax: 704-922-5334;
Pastor: Rev. Gary A. Weant, Home Phone & Fax: 704-922-5191; Mobile Phone: 704-8541947; Pastor’s Email: [email protected] Parish Secretary: Lisa Rubow, Partner
ELCA Missionaries in Bolivia: Justin & Kari Eller; Organist: Amy Lewis, Crucifer: Thomas
Kelly; Acolytes: Katie Ann Brown, Maggie Pasour; Cantor: Linda Weant, Assisting
Minister: Nancy Pasour, Communion Assistants: Janice Jarrett, Nancy Pasour; Lectors:
Hannah Kelly, Ray Cloninger; Altar Guild: Lewis and Linda Friday; Ushers: Ray
Cloninger-Council Rep., Counters and Tellers: Ray Cloninger-Council Rep.,
Announcements/Secure Building: Ray Cloninger - Council Rep.
Family Devotions
Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Colby Watts by
Evelyn Watts.
The Transfiguration of Our Lord: The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus' baptism
and end with three disciples' vision of his transfiguration. In Mark's story of Jesus'
baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears the words from
heaven. But now Jesus' three closest friends hear the same words naming him God's
beloved son. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus'
face, because the same God who created light in the first place has shone in our
hearts to give us that vision. The light of God's glory in Jesus has enlightened us
through baptism and shines in us also for others to see.
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We extend a warm welcome to Pastor Jan Henson who is serving as our guest
preacher and leading worship today while Pastor Weant is recovering from the side
effects of chemotherapy. Pastor Henson is a native of Gaston County, a member at
Redeemer Lutheran, Gastonia, and a seminary classmate of Michael and Rebekah
Costello.
HOLY COMMUNION
As Christians & Lutherans we have been led by the Holy Spirit and through Baptism to
acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Lutherans also confess that in the
giving and receiving of the bread & wine we also receive the Real Presence of the
Risen Christ and His gifts of Forgiveness, Salvation and New Life. A cordial invitation is
extended to all baptized persons to participate in the celebration of these realities by
receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Children who have not yet received First
Communion instruction are encourage to come and receive
a special blessing. The Lutheran Church uses bread and wine
in Holy Communion in faithfulness to the Scriptures and
because these were the elements Jesus used in the New
Testament when he observed the Passover Meal and instituted
the Lord’s Supper. Biblically and theologically, there is nothing
inherently evil regarding bread and wine; yet both can be
perverted and become a manifestation of Sin as when bread is abused resulting in
gluttony and wine is over used resulting in drunkenness. At the same time, the
Lutheran Church also remains pastorally sensitive to people who have medical
conditions or wine allergies and who need to avoid wine. Not wanting Holy
Communion to become a stumbling block for anyone, we also have grape juice
available for those who cannot consume wine. As you are given the Sacrament,
simply indicate to the communion assistant distributing the wine that you prefer grape
juice.
IN OUR THOUGHT AND PRAYERS
Offerings and Gifts of Intercessory Prayer
Below are all those included on our weekly List for Intercessory Prayer. We lift them up
in Prayer during the Sunday Worship Service and we encourage you to include them
in your Prayer Life during the coming week. Please contact Pastor Weant or the
Church office regarding persons whom you would like to add or remove from our
weekly list for Intercessory Prayer.
Nursing Home, Assisted Living or Rehabilitation facilities: Lillie Mae Rhyne
continues to do well at Covenant Village, Gastonia; Margaret Weant, mother of
Pastor Weant, is in fair condition at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living; Mary Frances Friday
remains in fair condition at the Country Time Inn, 602 Brevard St., Kings Mt., N.C. 28086.
Other Care Facilities: Howard Pasour (#1067031 - N.C. Dept. of Corrections,
Avery - Mitchell Correctional Institute, 600 Amity Park Rd., Spruce Pine, N.C. 28777).
At home & Recovering or Under the Doctor’s Care: Diane Lineberger
continues in fair condition at home but remains under the doctor’s care for a number
of chronic conditions; Kim Friday is doing reasonably well following hospitalization last
month at Gaston Memorial Hospital for treatment of premature labor but has been
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placed on complete bed rest as a precaution to delay labor as long as possible;
Michael Friday will be undergoing hernia surgery in the near future; Cindy Friday is
recuperating at home but is under the doctor’s care and treatment for diabetic
related bleeding in her eye and other medical conditions; Joe Friday is is doing well
at home but remains under the doctor’s care for a number of medical conditions;
Mike Ledford has returned home following a brief stay at Carolinas’ Medical Center,
Charlotte, where he underwent further tests and treatment in coordination with
radiation and chemotherapy. Mike returned to work following major surgery in
November at Gaston Memorial and hopes to continue making progress toward an
improved state of health; Carole Jean Lineberger continues
to recuperate at home but remains under the doctor’s care
for treatment of respiratory and cardiac issues; Edward Friday
(son of Mike & Cheryl Friday) is continues to make progress at
home but remains under the doctor’s care while undergoing
tests and observation for treatment of a number of chronic
conditions; Pastor Weant began his fourth (3-week round) of chemotherapy on
Monday, Feb. 2nd. After this treatment, another CT scan will be taken on Feb. 17th,
and, if possible, surgery will be scheduled to remove the cancerous lesion from the
lung. Pastor Weant remains most grateful for the many prayers offered on his behalf
in his battle with bone cancer and on behalf of his wife, Linda, his primary care giver,
accompanied by his own confession that with both the hassles and uncertainties of
cancer combined with the major lifestyle changes imposed by the amputation of his
right arm, shoulder and upper torso, the length of his treatments and the prospects
of additional surgery, he does not always represent a simple or easy patient for care.
For those who desire a more detailed and updated description of Pastor Weant’s
journey from illness to improved health, log onto his Caring Bridge Page at
www.caringbridge.org ; David Lineberger remains under the doctor’s care and
continues to recuperate at home while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy;
Continuing under the doctor’s care & at home: Pat Helderman, Billy Joe Devine, and
Brenda Cloninger.
Others as well as friends, neighbors, co-workers or relatives of members at
Philadelphia having special needs: Sharon Gibson, Pastor at Clover U. Methodist
Church and friends of the congregate meal participants, who is undergoing
chemotherapy for breast cancer; Phil Emmett, nephew of Frances Lineberger, making
a good recovery at home, following triple coronary bypass surgery two weeks ago
at Gaston Memorial; Sandy Plonk, treasurer of the Lutheran Support Group of Gaston,
Inc., member at St. Paul’s and friend of many at Philadelphia, who will be undergoing
treatment soon for a recurrence of breast cancer; Holly Bare, niece of Kate and Mike
Brown, who is struggling with a complicated pregnancy with twin girls and remains
under the doctor’s care at home until delivery; Joe David Friday, uncle of Susan
Lineberger, in his battle with cancer; Jerrica Helderman, friend of Susan Lineberger,
who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer; Toni Long, Executive Director of the
Dallas - High Shoals Christian Social Ministry, is recuperating at Gaston Memorial while
undergoing treatment for respiratory and cardiac issues; Grady Long, husband of Toni
Long, recuperating at home following a recent hospital stay at Gaston Memorial and
undergoing treatment for bladder cancer.
Other needs and concerns both local and global: The 12 victims who were
murdered and their families suffering the death and carnage inflicted by the terrorist
attack in Paris, France on Wednesday, January 7th.; The 162 victims killed and their
families suffering in recent crash of Asian Air Flight 8501; Our nation and our
communities as we struggle to reflect the love, respect and kindness God calls us to
extend to all people and to resolve and move beyond the racial prejudice, suspicion
and il will that often simmers below the surface and along racial and ethnic lines in
too many human hearts; victims of the Ebola virus and all the health care workers
serving to bring this deadly disease under control; The families of troops killed in the
war in Afghanistan and Iraq and all who continue serving in Afghanistan; for the
victims of the ongoing political turmoil and violence erupting in Ukraine, Crimea, Syria,
Egypt and many of the Arab countries; for America and our leaders; for a resolution
of the world’s crises through diplomacy, including efforts to find a diplomatic solution
to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, that we may be rescued from violence, discord, hatred
and the destructive horrors of Sin and Evil; and for all who stand in need of God’s
mercy and care.
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Caring Conversations
We extend a cordial welcome to everyone. We are thankful to have you with us in
Worship and it is our hope and prayer that you will experience a sense of
acceptance, forgiveness, challenge, peace, joy, discipleship and hope as we are
embraced by the Good News of God's infinite, unconditional and life transforming
love made visible in Jesus Christ, God’s Living Word. We encourage you to worship
with us often as we celebrate New Life in Christ every Lord’s Day.
We encourage all our regular members and all our visitors to please take a few
moments and sign our register as it is passed down the pew. This helps us note your
participation in worship, your reception of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and
provides an opportunity to let us know of any prayers requests or pastoral needs that
you or your family may have. We also encourage our visitors to give us your address
and phone number if you would like to be placed on our newsletter mailing list or
receive notice of upcoming events.
A Table Grace for February
“Jesus come! In new creation, heaven brought near in power divine; give
your unexpected glory, changing water into wine; rouse the faith of your
disciples — come, our first and greatest Sign!”
–Christopher Idle, (1938- ), Verse 3, ELW Hymn # 312
During the month of FEBRUARY Philadelphia will be providing PORK & BEANS, INSTSNT
OATMEAL & PINTO BEANS for the Dallas/High Shoals Christian Social Ministry. Cleaning
supplies are always needed. Items may be left in the fellowship hall kitchen or taken
directly to the Ministry at their ministry location at 305 E. Trade St., Dallas.
ATTENTION!!! There will be a very important Called Congregation Meeting on Sunday
February 22, 2015, immediately following the Worship Service, to vote on the Church
Council’s recommendations for major repairs and improvements to the bathrooms
in the parsonage.
Attention!! Copies of a new and updated Roster of Philadelphia’s total Membership
is available in the narthex. The roster includes an extensive family grouped report for
every family and provides a helpful listing of useful information on each person and
family in the congregation. The roster reflects information in our congregation’s
computer database as of 1-20-2015. PLEASE review your personal and family’s listing
and alert the church office or pastor of any missing or incorrect information. It is
important that we have accurate information in the congregation’s database.
Service
The 23rd Annual Chicken ‘N Dumplin Feast in support of the Dallas - High Shoals
Christian Social Ministry will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 from 11:00 AM - 7:00
PM. at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Dallas. Each participating church is also
being asked to consider making a $200 initial gift to help offset the
cost of food and supplies and to make more funds available for the
local ministry. Dumpllin’ rolling helpers are asked to meet at Holy
Communion on Friday, Feb. 27 at 12:00 Noon. Philadelphia’s LMM
have been asked to serve from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Each church is asked
to provide 2 helpers to help set up Saturday morning at 8:00 AM and
2 helpers to help clean up at 7:00 P.M. Tickets will available from any
member of Philadelphia’s Lutheran Men in Mission. Cost per adult
ticket $8.00. Come and Bring a Friend!
The “Kick Off” event and 1st of twelve life skill learning and nurturing events and meals
will be held on Thursday evening, Feb. 26, 2015 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Holy
Communion Lutheran Church, who has agreed to host all of the sessions. Pastor
Dwayne Burks, Executive Director of the Gaston Faith Network and coordinator of
Keeping Families Intact (KFI) will provide the teachers and materials for each, 12 week
life skills learning program. St. Paul’s Lutheran will be providing the meal for the “kick
Off” session. Thus far, about eight Dallas area churches, including Philadelphia and
Antioch Lutheran Churches have committed to support this effort through prayer and
by providing meals and personal mentoring with individuals and families who desire
to break free from the endless cycle of dependancy. At present, our greatest need
is for life skill mentors. Here is an opportunity to participate in a new level and life
changing scale of ministry. If you think you may be called to serve as a mentor,
contact Pastor Weant or any member of Philadelphia’s Witness Committee. This entire
effort is being funded by a generous $12,000 grant from the N.C. Lutheran Synod,
Peeler / Casey Endowment Fund and has been spearheaded by Holy Communion,
St. Paul’s and Philadelphia Lutheran Churches. This is a “pilot project” that is being
watched by both The N.C. Lutheran Synod as well as other church and non profit
organizations to evaluate its effectiveness and to determine if this model of breaking
the cycle of poverty may be replicable across N.C. and the nation
2/01/2015
Year to date:
OUR STEWARDSHIP OF TITHES IN 2015
THE GENERAL BUDGET
BUDGET
RECEIVED
STATUS
$ 3,075.00
$ 2,774.00
$ 301.00 (Under)
$ 18,450.00
$19,352.00
$ 902.00 (Over)
For the year 2015, as of 2/08/2015 we have received:
$
245.00 Ed Bldg. Roof Replacement
$ 1,100.00 Cemetery Fund
$
260.00 Area Lutheran Foundation
$
10.00 Long Range Building Fund
$ 1,490.00 Total Additional Gifts outside General Budget
2/24/2008
Ed. Bldg. Roof Replacement Appeal Fund Detail
Goal
Received
Remaining to Go
$18,200
$17,205
$ 920 (as of 2/08/2015)
You are invited to help us make a good congregation better by participating in our
annual congregation, pastoral and personal inventory and evaluation. Copies of the
inventory and evaluation form are available in the narthex. All forms should be
returned to the church office by Sunday, February 15, 2015.
Please note the January, February, March 2015 edition of the daily devotional, The
Word In Season, is available in the narthex.
To prepare for Next Sun., First Sunday in Lent; First Lesson: Genesis 9:8-17; Second
Lesson: 1 Peter 3:18-22; Gospel Lesson: Mark 1:9-15.
Attendance 2-08-2015: Worship: 64 , Sunday School 23
Parish Mail:
During the past week the following memorial gifts were given to the Glory of God
and in support of Philadelphia Lutheran Church:
General Budget:
In honor of Pastor Weant by Jerry and Cathy Cloninger.
Ed. Roof Replacement Fund:
To the Glory of God by David Luoto.
To the Glory of God by John and Vivian Friday.
Area Lutheran Foundation:
To the Glory of God by Evelyn Watts.
The Dallas Area Churches recently received a memo from Toni Long, Executive
Director of the Dallas - High Shoals Christian Social Ministry, reporting that they had
experienced a significant increase in the number of families requesting food during
the past few months. At present, the ministry is providing 25-30 bags of food four days
a week. Asa result, our local supply of groceries is running short. The following items
are especially needed: Crackers, Canned Fruit & Pinto Beans.
Mark Your Calendar and Note These Ministry Events in 2014 & 2015
Z Lutheran Men in Mission Fellowship - Fishing Retreat at the Lutheran
Retreat Center, Kure Beach, N.C. Thursday, April 30 – Sunday, May
3, 1015.
Z CAMPFIRMATION at Lutheridge, Sun., June 14 – Sat.,
June 20, 2015. (Note this is the correct date)
Z Summer Day Camp in partnership with Agape- Kure
Beach Ministries, Mon., July 6 – Fri., July 10, 2015.
Z Family & Youth Inter-Generational Retreat at Kure Beach - Sun.,Aug. 2
–Thur., Aug. 6, 2015.
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MISSION STATEMENT FOR
PHILADELPHIA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
We are a baptized, forgiven and loved children of God, a people of Promise; we
are called, commissioned and empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim God's
love made visible in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God calls us
together to be a living community, to worship, to learn and to go forth to all others
with God's message of hope, healing, compassion and forgiveness.
regarding the thorny and potentially explosive topc of race. Despite the fact that
because of budget shortfalls we had to discontinue making The Lutheran magazine
available to every family in the congregation, we are pleased to note that through
the generosity of an anonymous donor, since May, five copies of The Lutheran have
been made available and placed in the narthex each month for those who may
want to have access to significant articles that frequently provide substance, insight
and some thought provoking reflections on the challenging dimensions of faith and
life.
Prayers & Expressions of Thanks
Stewardship Is a Way of Life “Thought for The Day”:
According to the 2009 report by the Empty Tomb Research Foundation,
www.emptytomb.org, an independent, Christian research organization that
studies stewardship and giving patterns across 29 Christian denominations,
some sobering patterns have emerged regarding our priorities and stewardship
across all denominational groups over the past 82 years. The Foundation
discovered that in 2007 the total amount given to Overseas Ministries involving
over 700 agencies, including denominational, inter-denomination and
independent agencies for aid, evangelism and development totaled $5.2 Billion.
Moreover, if church members in the US had tithed in 2007 (latest year available)
an additional $161 Billion would have been available for the Church’s mission.
The Foundation also tracks consumer spending and priorities which underscores
the importance of teaching Biblically Grounded Stewardship. The Foundation
noted that in 2004 American consumers spent an estimated $705 Billion on
recreation and entertainment. The Good News of the Gospel invites,
challenges and draws us into a pilgrimage of spiritual growth and renewal where
we as a people of God can reflect the earmarks of the Church and manifest a
generosity and discipleship as a Lutheran Church commensurate with the love,
grace and abundance of blessings we have already received in Jesus Christ.
Almost every month The Lutheran magazine contains several informative, insightful
and challenging articles that address relevant and timely issues related to spiritual
formation, congregational life and the central mission of The Church. The February
2015 issue of The Lutheran continues with a a bountiful collection of “food for
thought.” In a feature article, “What Draws People to the
ELCA?,” a cross section of people across the ELCA are given
an oportunity to describe their journey into the Lutheran
Church. In a thought provoking article, Lutheran theologian,
scholar and ethicist, Jose David Rodriquez, takes a hard look
at the ethical, social and political complexities surrounding
Immigration, in light of key biblical themes and in light of
Lutheran ethical teachings. In his February essay, Pastor Peter
Marty turns his attention to the sometimes confusing concept
of “faith” and gives us some insight into the biblical meaning for this gift from God. The
February issue then concludes with an inspiring article by ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton,
with both pastoral sensitivity and theological clarity dares to address the need for
constructive conversation that needs to take place in both church and society
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Despite the inability of words to adequately express the intensity of human
passions, please accept our rather simple and inadequate expressions of an
overwhelming sense of thanksgiving and appreciation for the many prayers,
cards, phone calls, emails, facebook postings, entries on lists
for Intercessory prayer, meals, food, acts of kindness,
expressions of support and the awesome scale of generosity
reflected in the monetary gifts to help with medical expenses,
as well as the very generous Christmas gift. The se expressions
of care and generosity are simply overwhelming! We will never
be able to adequately express how fortunate Linda and I are
to have kind, gracious and deeply caring people at Philadelphia Evangelical
Lutheran Church in our circle of friendship, fellowship and care, who are serving
as The Body of Christ in today’s world.
In thanksgiving, joy, and peace,
Pastor Gary and Linda Weant
Rituals and Traditions
COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - Martin Luther, renewer of the church, died 1546 Though he began his adult church life as a simple Augustinian monk, Luther
challenged the abuses he saw in the church, and his work eventually led to the
Protestant Reformation. Luther's accomplishments included liturgical reform,
translation of the Bible, and creation of the Small and Large Catechisms.
Transfiguration of Our Lord
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