1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
OF SUN CITY
TURNING POINTS
ARE NOT
DESTINATIONS
Pastor Gary E. Benson
OUR MISSION:
To proclaim the love of Jesus Christ, invite others to participate
in our faith community, and be a blessing to all in word and deed.
~ www.alcsuncity.org ~
March 7, 2015
March 8, 2015
rd
3 Sunday in Lent
4:00 p.m.
8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Welcome Visitors! If this is your first time worshipping with us, we invite you to sign our
Guest Book located in the Narthex. Also, please fill out the Welcome Pad in your pew.
GATHERING MUSIC
(Saturday)
“Lenten Meditation”
Holly Rossing, Piano
David Haas
WELCOME and MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Moving Forward in Faith Capital Campaign with Irv Aal
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
(Saturday)
“Deep Within”
Holly Rossing, Piano
David Haas
LONDONDERRY AIR
(Sunday)
“O Christ the Same”
Lyle Rossing, Baritone
arr. John Barnard
 OPENING HYMN
( Indicates to stand) “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways” #480 LBW (772 ELW)
2
APOSTOLIC 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.
P:
Trusting in the word of life given in baptism, we gather this day with faith and joy
to worship in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C:
Amen.
OPENING INVOCATION
P:
This is the day that the Lord has made!
C:
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
P:
The heavens declare the glory of God,
C:
the firmament shows his handiwork.
P:
God gathered his people Israel and said,
C:
I am the Lord your God.
P:
He brought his people out of the land of Egypt; out of the house of slavery.
C:
God still brings us out of our places of bondage.
P:
As we gather here today, let us worship the Lord.
C:
The Lord is our God; our comfort and our strength. Amen.
3
HYMN OF PRAISE
“O God, My Faithful God”
4
#504 LBW (806 ELW)
ORDER OF CONFESSION
P:
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O
God, you will not despise.
C:
Amen.
P:
The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us. Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God with confidence,
trusting that God will forgive our sin and cleanse us from every kind of wrong. Let
us then open ourselves to the Lord and each other and confess our sins in penitence,
faith, and hope. Almighty God,
C:
you despise nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are
penitent. We confess that 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, lead us, and create in us new and contrite hearts, so that truly repenting of
our sins, we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of
your holy name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
P:
Hear the good news! On the cross Christ was wounded for our transgressions, he
was bruised for our iniquities. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of
Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all
of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Your
lives have been graced with his love. Turn the tears of your past into the joys of
new life with God.
C:
Thanks be to God! Amen.
5
KYRIE
SALUTATION and PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
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.
6
ANTHEM
(Saturday)
LONDONDERRY AIR
“O Christ the Same”
Lyle Rossing, Baritone
arr. John Barnard
O Christ, the same through all our story’s pages,
our loves and hopes, our failures and our fears,
Eternal Lord, the King of all the ages,
unchanging still amid the passing years.
O living Word, the source of all creation,
who spread the skies and set the stars ablaze;
O Christ the same, who wrought our whole salvation,
we bring our thanks for all our yesterdays.
(Sunday)
“Agnus Dei in A”
Celebration Choir
Charles H. Giffen
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
Grant us peace.
FIRST LESSON
Exodus 20:1-17
After escaping from slavery, the Israelites come to Mount Sinai, where God teaches
them how to live in community. The Ten Commandments proclaim that God alone is
worthy of worship. Flowing from God, the life of the community flourishes when based
on honesty, trust, fidelity, and respect for life, family, and property.
L: This is the Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God!
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THE PSALM
Psalm 19
1
The heavens declare the | glory of God, *
and the firmament | shows his handiwork.
2
One day tells its tale | to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge | to another.
7
The law of the LORD is perfect
and re|vives the soul; *
the testimony of the LORD is sure
and gives wisdom | to the innocent.
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.
11
By them also is your ser|vant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is | great reward.
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.
SECOND LESSON
I Corinthians 1:18-25
The Word of the cross is pure foolishness and nonsense to the world because it claims
that God is mostly revealed in weakness, humiliation, and death. But through such
divine foolishness and weakness, God is working to save us. The center of Paul’s
preaching is Christ crucified.
L: This is the Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God!
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 LENTEN RESPONSE
 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL
 THE GOSPEL
John 2:13-22
Jesus attacks the commercialization of religion by driving merchants out of the temple.
When challenged, he responds mysteriously, with the first prediction of his own death
and resurrection. In the midst of a seemingly stable religious center, Jesus suggests
that the center itself has changed.
 RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
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 CONFESSION OF FAITH
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
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.
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.
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.
10
PULPIT HYMN
“Living for Jesus”
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SERMON
Pastor Gary E. Benson
“Turning Points Are Not Destinations”
HYMN OF THE DAY
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
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#773 ELW
OFFERTORY
arr. Michael Helman
“Trust and Obey”
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
 OFFERTORY RESPONSE
“Create In Me a Clean Heart, O God”
13
 PRAYERS
P: Led by Christ in our journey of repentance and moved by his compassion, let us
pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation.
(Following each petition)
P: Lord, in your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
P: Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your
mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who taught us to pray…
 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 & RESPONSE
“Threefold Amen”
14
All Sing
 CLOSING HYMN
#365 LBW (652 ELW)
“Built On a Rock”
15
 DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
NUN DANKET ALLE GOTT
POSTLUDE
“Now Thank We All Our God”
arr. John Behnke
Following today’s worship service, you are invited to the Chapel for prayer and
Holy Communion. Please don’t miss out on the prompting of the Holy Spirit for
prayer and the Sacrament.
LAY READERS:
4:00 p.m. Bette Krenzke
8:30 a.m. Terri Polk
10:30 a.m. Robert Schmidt
Today's Altar Flowers are given by:
Carol Blok and Lauren & John Conklin ~ In celebration of Marty Blok's 95th birthday
Judy Kennedy ~ In loving memory of husband, Bruce
Pastor Bud & Helen Eskritt ~ In celebration of their 59th Anniversary on March 10th
Flowers are delivered by: Janene Warner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LENTEN DEVOTIONALS – Please join us for daily Lenten Devotionals during this
season. You can find the reading devotional posted to our website: alcsuncity.org.
PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY – Join us Tuesday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship
Hall as we begin a study: ELIJAH - LIVING SECURELY IN AN INSECURE WORLD.
NEW MEMBERS CLASS – Join Pastor Chuck Paulson in the Education A/B Room this
Saturday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m. All interested in joining are welcome to attend.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? CLASS – March 14, at 11:00 a.m. in the ALC Chapel
OAK GROVE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR – The choir from Fargo, ND,
will perform at ALC on March 25. We are still in need of a few rooms for housing. If you
can provide bed/breakfast for any of the students, call Verna Larson at: (623) 974-2512.
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EASTER FLOWERS – Sign up today on the CHART in the
Narthex with your name, phone number and number of plants you'd
like - choose from Easter lilies, tulips, daffodils or mums. Fill out an
Easter flower envelope, place your check or cash inside, and put it in
the offering plate, bring or mail to the church office by March 30. Plants can be picked up
(or given to a friend) after the last Easter service. THANK YOU!
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN – American Lutheran is helping out March 27,
from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Community of Grace. If you would like to volunteer, sign up in the
courtyard. If you don't wish to stand for 90 minutes, you may volunteer to address labels.
This is a rewarding experience. Questions call Judie VanDevere-Stage at (623) 825-1733.
ALC FRIENDS – April 26: LEGENDS OF NASHVILLE – The Legends of Nashville
will hang their hats at Symphony Hall for a tribute to the greatest names in Country Music.
Selections include songs from famed singers like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Willie
Nelson, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill and Tennessee Ford. Cost is $45.00 including bus and
driver gratuity. We will leave at 1:00 p.m.
YOUTH GROUP EVENTS –Sign up between services for an evening of bowling and
pizza at the Bell Rec Center, March 14 is the date! We will begin at 6:00 p.m. with pizza
to follow. Cost is $10.00 per person which includes 2 games, plus shoes and pizza. Drinks
can be purchased from the vending machines. Call for details: (623) 875-6650.
MONROE CROSSING: WHEN DO SONGS PLAYED ON THE BANJO SOUND THE
BEST? (When they're over.) When are YOU going to hear some of the best banjo playing
in your life? This Sunday at 3:00 p.m. when Monroe Crossing returns to ALC. The only
bluegrass band to ever play at Carnegie Hall, their musical abilities will be surpassed only
by the fun you'll have listening. Tickets are only $10 at the door. Bring your friends and
neighbors for one of the most entertaining afternoons you'll ever have.
Support your ALC TEAM by walking in The American Cancer Society, RELAY FOR
LIFE, on March 21, to be held at the Lakeview United Methodist church at 103 rd Avenue
and Thunderbird Blvd. We are signing up walkers, and survivors, in the courtyard and will
be taking donations and selling luminaria to honor those we have known with cancer, so
look for our table! We will also need volunteers for the ALC table at the relay (2 people
for each 2-hr shift). Sign up in the courtyard, or call (623) 977-4714.
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March 11, Wednesday Night Alive
4:30 p.m. Education Hour
Education A/B Room
PODIATRIST BETTY McTAGUE: FOOT CARE FOR DIABETICS
The Sanctuary
T.B.A.
Choir Room Theatre
THE WISDOM OF FAITH: Bill Moyers continues his interview with Professor Huston Smith
on comparative religions. This week: ISLAM
5:15 p.m. Catered Dinner
Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo, Mixed Vegetables, Mandarin Salad, Lemon Bundt Cake
6:00 p.m. LENTEN SERVICE
WHO IS THIS JESUS? – A LENTEN JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY AND AFFIRMATION
“The Compassionate Christ”
NOTES FROM MEMBERS
MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Selmer Rodning, my late husband, past President of American Lutheran Church, was chairman
of a long-range planning committee that was formed to build an education complex of three
rooms, an office, relocate the kitchen, add the lounge, enlarge the library and add storage space.
Selmer cancelled the usual summer in Minnesota for the building project. The project was
completed and dedicated in December of 1987. Pastor Lloyd Wallace pointed out to us that
Selmer was president the first full year of his ministry at ALC, and I was president during
Pastor Wallace's last full year. As you can understand, American Lutheran Church is a very
important part of our lives - Selmer's special interest was Stewardship, and mine, the
Library. Wanting the very best for ALC, Selmer would no doubt have pledged his support of
Moving Forward in Faith Capital Campaign had he lived to know about it. I intend to pledge
my support also.
Inez Rodning
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THURSDAY, 12th:
8:00 Men’s Bible Study – 6
8:30 Ball Exercise – 3
8:30 Stephen Ministry Training – 9
11:00 Friendly Fitness – 6
1:00 Parkinson’s Exercise – 6
1:30 Cursillo – 10
2:30 Executive Committee – 15
2:30 Celebration Choir – 12
3:00 Finance Committee – 15
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY, 8th:
8:30/10:30 Worship – 1
9:30 Coffee Hour – 5
3:00 Monroe Crossing – 1
MONDAY, 9th:
7:30 Cursillo – 4/8
8:00 Sewing/Crafts/Prayer Shawl – 5
8:30 Library – 6
8:30 Ball Exercise – 5
10:30 ALC Good Book Club – 9
1:30 WNA Events Committee – 9
3:00 Intercessors – 4
5:00 Ultreya Dinner – 5
FRIDAY, 13th:
8:00 Outreach Crew – 6
10:00 Stephen Ministry Leadership – 10
SATURDAY, 14th:
8:00 5D Sunflowers @ Coco’s/Bell Rd.
8:30 3J JoyJoyJoy
9:00 2A Birds of Pray @ Coco’s
9:30 NEW MEMBERS – 9
11:00 What Do We Believe? – 2
11:30 3C CareChatterComfort – 5
4:00 Worship – 1
TUESDAY, 10th:
8:30 Cursillo – 4/10
10:00 Pastor’s Bible Study – 5
11:00 Intercessors – 4
11:00 Friendly Fitness – 6
12:00 Cactus Conference Pastors – 10
1:00 Lenten Organ Recital – 1
Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler
1:30 Trusts – 10
2:15 Genesis Bells – 1
3:30 Christo Bells – 1
6:30 Al-Anon Meeting - 6
6:30 AA Group Meeting – 9
APRIL OUTREACH DEADLINE
SUNDAY, 15th:
8:30/10:30 Worship – 1
9:30 Coffee Hour – 5
9:30 Blood Pressure Screening – 9
3:00 AZ Masterworks Chorale (ticketed) – 1
LOCATION LEGEND:
1 – Sanctuary
2 – Chapel
3 – Narthex
4 – Lounge
5 – Fellowship Hall
6 – Library
7 – Education A
8 – Education B
9 – Education A & B
WEDNESDAY, 11th:
10:30 Small Group Bible Study – 9
1:00 Rachel Circle – 4
1:30 Staff Meeting – 10
4:30 WNA Education Programs – 1/9/12
5:15 Catered Dinner – 5
6:00 Lenten Worship – 1
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10 – Education C
11 – Parish Nurse Office
12 – Choir Room
13 – Choir Robe Room
14 – Admin. Workroom
15 – Senior Pastor
16 – Pastor of Care
17 – Pastor of Outreach
18 – Business Administrator
AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SUN CITY
17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85373
Church Office (623) 974-2512  Fax: (623) 974-2515
EMAIL: [email protected]
www.alcsuncity.org  facebook.com/American Lutheran Church of Sun City
Rev. Gary E. Benson .................................................................................................... Senior Pastor
Rev. Ellis E. Eskritt .............................................................................. Lead Pastor of Care Ministry
Rev. Lane L. Knouse ..................................................................... Associate Pastor of Care Ministry
Rev. Charles T. Paulson .......................................................................... Pastor of Outreach Ministry
Rev. Ervin P. Langholz ............................................................................................ Visitation Pastor
Rev. Gary R. Ulrich ................................................................................................. Visitation Pastor
Ann Skidmore. .............................................................................Congregation & Council President
Linda Schmidt .............................................................................................. Business Administrator
Tom Ohnesorge ....................................................................................... Director of Music/Organist
Lori Kellar............................................................................................ Parish Wellness Coordinator
Complete staff listings can be found on our website and in your monthly newsletter
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:
April 3, Maundy Thursday Worship: 10: 00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
April 4, Good Friday Worship: 6:00 p.m.
April 5, Saturday Worship: 4:00 p.m.
April 6, Easter Sunday Worship: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Communion: First Saturday and Sunday of the month
Other Saturdays and Sundays in Chapel after services
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Office closed from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. for lunch
20 with permission from Augsburg Fortress
Liturgy, hymns and praise songs are reprinted
License #9786000167707 and CCLI License #51