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All Saints Sunday

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, November 3, 2024

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ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

Generations of Generosity: Survivors of Torture Int.

November 3, 2024

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE

Shall We Gather at the River arranged by Donna Gartman Schultz

More Love to Thee O Christ with Nearer, My God to Thee Bethany

arranged by Joshua Evanovich

Elizabeth Prentiss 1818-1878. who wrote the hymn More Love to Thee O Christ, said “to love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul…out in the woods, and on my bed, and out driving, when I am happy and busy, and when I am sad and idle, the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love!” Elizabeth repeats "More love to thee" 13 times. This repetition provides the singer with that sense of intimacy with Christ for which this era of hymnody is so known.

WELCOME

SOLA GRATIA +

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who redeems us in Christ Jesus, whose steadfast love endures forever.

Amen.

DIALOGUE FOR ALL SAINTS

Praise the Lord, all you saints! Praise him all you heavenly hosts!

Let us praise the name of the Lord: For his name only is exalted!

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: Isaiah, Jeremiah and all you Patriarchs and Prophets!

Miriam, Ruth and Naomi: Elizabeth, Mary and all you Holy Women!

Matthew, Mark and Luke: James and John and all you Evangelists and Apostles!

Stephen, Thomas, Peter and Paul: Philip, Bartholomew and all you Holy Martyrs!

Praise the Lord! O praise the name of the Lord!

These are the saints whose robes are washed white in the blood of the Lamb.

Praise the Lord!

We are the saints who are the living body of Christ, the Church.

Praise the Lord! O praise the name of the Lord!

TIME OF REMEMBRANCE

We pray for those from this communion who have gone to their heavenly home this past year: O God, the generations rise and pass away before you. You are the strength of those who labor; you are the rest of the blessed dead. We rejoice in the company of your saints. We remember all who have lived in faith, all who have peacefully died, and especially those most dear to us who rest in you, whose names we remember before you now.

Patricia Ann Tisdale-Schroeder

Dale Edwin Cleland

Give us in time our portion with those who have trusted in you and have striven to do your holy will. To your name, with the Church on earth and the Church in heaven, we ascribe all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

OPENING HYMN For All the Saints vs. 1-3

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. And Also With You Let us pray:

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

SOLA SCRIPTURA +

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Wisdom 3:1-9

Writing shortly before the time of Jesus, the author of this highly respected wisdom book offers

a glorious vision of the righteous resting and at peace in the hand of God.

1The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch

them. 2In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was

thought to be a disaster, 3and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at

peace. 4For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of

immortality. 5Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because

God tested them and found them worthy of himself; 6like gold in the furnace he tried

them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. 7In the time of their

visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble.

8They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them

forever. 9Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with

him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his

elect.

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

A LIVING PSALM Brendan Lulofs

Survivors of Torture International

EPISTLE LESSON: Revelation 21:1-6a

Here is a vision of the new heaven and new earth in which God resides fully with God’s people so that mourning, despair, and pain have been eradicated. These renewing words from the God who spans all of time are trustworthy and true.

1I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“See, the home of God is among mortals.

He will dwell with them;

they will be his peoples,

and God himself will be with them;

4he will wipe every tear from their eyes.

Death will be no more;

mourning and crying and pain will be no more,

for the first things have passed away.”

5And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.”

Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6aThen he said to

me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION the cantor will first sing the “Alleluia” congregation repeats

GOSPEL: John 11:32-44 Glory to You O Lord.

Through the raising of Lazarus, Jesus offers the world a vision of the life to come, when death and weeping will be no more.

32When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35Jesus began to weep. 36So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

38Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Kurt

HYMN OF THE DAY Jerusalem My Happy Home

SOLA FIDE +

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*after each petition:

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,

begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE We are fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God, through Christ our Lord, who came and preached peace to those who were far off and those who were near. Ephesians 2.17,19

The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

OFFERING & OFFERING PRAYER

Give online using the button at the top right

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

MUSIC Now the Silence Setting by Sue Mitchell-Wallace

OFFERING PRAYER

Holy God, the earth is yours and everything in it, yet you have chosen to dwell among your creatures. Come among us now in these gifts of bread and wine, and strengthen us to be your body for the world through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

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 witness of your saints you show us the hope of our calling

and strengthen us to run the race set before us, that we may delight in your mercy and rejoice with them in glory. And so, with all the saints, with the choirs of angels and all the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER OF THE SAINTS

Holy are you, O Lord, and great is your majesty. All the saints in heaven and on earth sing their praise of your eternal glory.…Do this for the remembrance of me. In heaven and on earth, O God, the saints and angels unite around your holy altar to proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

We remember and hold fast to Christ's examples of faith and life as the saints before us have done…as together we lift our voices to you, O God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in eternal glory, now and forever. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Lord, remember us in your Kingdom and teach us to pray:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

AGNUS DEI

WE COMMUNE IN THE COMPANY OF THE SAINTS

The names of the faithful departed are read aloud and become for us the

Great Cloud of Witnesses

Music

O When Shall I see Jesus played on the Harp stop on the Organ. arr. Don Hustad

O, when shall I see Jesus and reign with him above, and shall hear the trumpet sound in that morning, and from the flowing fountain drink everlasting love,

and shall hear the trumpet sound in that morning

O, shout "glory!" / I shall mount above the skies, when I hear the trumpet sound in that morning.

POST COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER

Now may the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace. Amen.

We thank you, generous God, for the refreshment we have received at your banquet table. Send us now to spread your generosity into all the world, through the one who is our dearest treasure, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

SENDING SONG For All the Saints vs. 5-7

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

Go out confident that your lives are safe in God. Keep your hands clean and your hearts pure. Do not act falsely and do not swear deceitfully. Trust in the Lord, even in the face of death, and follow in the footsteps of all God’s saints.

And may God keep a protective eye on you; May Christ Jesus show you his grace and mercy; and may the Holy Spirit give you a vision of the life of the world made new.

Go in peace. Love and serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE ‘In Paradisum’ from Requiem Gabriel Faure

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious: | see the Man of Sorrows now;

from the fight returned victorious, | every knee to Him shall bow.

Crown Him! Crown Him! | Crowns become the Victor's brow. -Thomas Kelly published 1809

Flowers are dedicated to remembering all those who have gone before us and especially for those who have helped make us who we are and strengthened our faith today. - Bill Engel

Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director and Organist

Earl Vaults, Tenor Saxophone

Trevor Patricia Watkin, Flute

Paul Engel, Cantor

Paul Engel, Lector

Mary Ann Horton, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Paul Engel, Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Joann Masters, and Randy & Joyce Sensmeier, Singers

Brian Jensen, Jaime Quezada Moysen, Genette McGowan, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Tech team

Ruth Clayton, Dan Kjonegaard, Melinda Person, Ushers

Martha Radatz, Fellowship Snacks

dialogue for all saints, eucharistic prayer for the saints

by the Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel

www.liturgybytlw.com/Pentecost/AllSts.html

closing blessing

by Nathan Nettleton

a gift to the wider Church from the South Yarra Community Baptist Church

Melbourne, Australia

www.laughingbird.net

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,

License A-710629.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Keeping it out Front…Our Strategic Ministry At Work

First Lutheran Church Congregational Priorities:

Connecting with each other
Fostering leadership
Attending to our Virtual Community
Incorporating Children, Youth, & Families into the Life of the Congregation.
Justice focus of Anti-Racism, Diversity and Racial Justice

After Worship: Post-Worship Forum

Please join us after worship to hear Etleva Bejko, Executive Director of Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS), speak about the mission and work of SURVIVORS, which was founded at First Lutheran. She will discuss how and why survivors of torture end up in San Diego and how they can be supported by the community.

Upcoming Forums

Nov. 10: We will be joined by a Community Policing Officer from our Central Division. It is a chance to better understand the challenges and work going on in our neighborhood.

Nov. 17: Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

Nov.24: American Academy of Religion speaker

Dec 1: Fair Trade Fair

Dec. 8: Anti-Racism

Dec 15: Jewish Community Center updates from Chuck

Please remember that we welcome anyone to our forums. Maybe you have a neighbor who is interested in one of these topics. You may invite them to worship, or just to the forum. Also, for our Virtual Community we are happy to set up the link on your request.

Saturday, Nov. 9, Trip to the Kumeyaay Museum and and Mission Church

Each week our worship bulletin acknowledges that we worship on the original lands of the indigenous Kumeyaay Peoples. On Saturday, Nov. 9, you are invited to join a trip from First Lutheran to the Barona Museum and Cultural Center in Lakeside that celebrates the Kumeyaay culture and history, with some artifacts going back 10,000 years. It also features a multi-sensory presentation of the Kumeyaay Creation Story (which ties in nicely with our Seasons of Creation emphasis of the last month). We will also visit the nearby church built by tribal elders and designed by architect Irving J. Gill. The event is free, but we will be stopping for lunch at your own expense. Here’s the schedule for the event:

10:00 am, Saturday, Nov. 9, Leave First Lutheran Church in carpools.

11:00 am, Program at the Kumeyaay Museum.

12:30 pm, Visit to the nearby Mission Church

1:15 pm, Lunch at the food court of the Barona Casino (your expense)

2:30 pm, arrive back at First Lutheran

An RSVP is needed to plan for transportation, and needed TODAY! Sign up on the list in the lounge after worship to make sure a spot is saved for you.

Generations of Generosity: Annual Pledge Appeal

In November, we will share stories about First Lutheran’s Generations of Generosity. The legacy of generosity is alive and well at First. Over the past five years, despite many challenges, we have bridged the deficit budgets of the past. First, we broke even, then excelled, and now we are moving forward into God’s future for First. Over the next four Sundays, you will hear stories of faith, risk, miracles, and blessings, and you will be invited through your pledges and offerings to continue the story and keep it alive today and for the generations of tomorrow.

Interested in Church Leadership?

We are looking for a few good souls. Since the beginning of our history as the Heart of Christ in the Heart of the City, we have been led by faithful, dynamic, and talented leadership. Every year at our December meeting, we elect new members to our Church Council as current members rotate off. This year, we are praying for four new members. Please speak with any council member or Erin if you are interested or would like to nominate someone.

November 4: FLC Service at TACO

Fellow FLC volunteers, tomorrow, November 4th is the first Monday of November and our evening to assist with serving dinner at TACO. Please consider giving 2 hours of your time for this worthwhile and heartwarming experience. If you can give of your time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday November 4, please let Joann Masters know, either at church or by email: jbmasters56@gmail.com, and she'll take care of signing you up. Come join the fun! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Welcome the Babe Kits

It's that time of year to begin planning for the arrival of baby Jesus and our Welcome the Babe project through Lutheran World Relief. Please consider donating to this very important project. You can donate through Tithely by choosing “Welcome the Babe” from the dropdown menu under the Giving tab on our website, firstlutheransd.org. See the Heartbeat or Joann Masters for details.

SoCal Lutherans RIC Annual Meeting

The 2024 annual meeting and Anderson Award presentation will take place on November 17 in Long Beach. We are looking for two representatives to accompany Pastor Kurt to the event to represent First. If you are interested, please check the Heartbeat for more details and RSVP.

Fair Trade Fair - Save the Date! Dec. 1

Our Fair Trade Alternative Gift Fair will be making a come-back this year on the first Sunday of Advent, December 1, held in the fellowship hall 10:00AM to 12:30PM. You will have an opportunity to learn about and support a variety of service organizations that are making a difference in the world. Stay tuned for further details, but for now please plan on being part of this festive event! Let Martha know if you can help.

November Book Group News

In 1921 Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of America’s most affluent all-Black communities. But on June 1 of that year, in what became known as the Tulsa Race Massacre, white mobs set it on fire, destroying homes and businesses and leaving dozens dead. The memoir of the oldest survivor and last living witness of this tragic event, Don’t Let Them Bury My Story, written by 109 year old Viola Ford Fletcher, is our November selection. Her inspiring story is a powerful reminder that some wounds never fully heal, and we must never forget the lessons of history.

All are welcome to join us on Thursday, November 21, 7:00PM in the church library as we honor her story and discuss the wisdom in her words. Sheri Bengsten and Mary Claire will host.

PLEASE NOTE: At this meeting we will be selecting the books we wish to read in 2025. Please send titles and short synopsis of 2 books you wish to recommend to Martha Radatz (m28rz@icloud.com) by November 10.

Condolence Card Ministry at FLC

You may have noticed a table in the lobby on Sunday mornings full of greeting cards, lists, and faithful volunteers. This is our gun violence condolence card ministry, where you can write and send a condolence card to the family of a gun violence victim. This is a heartbreaking but important ministry that FLC values. You can help by writing cards, keeping address lists updated, or donating money to fund the cards and stamps.

Sanctuary Flower Sponsorship

The beautiful flowers you see on the altar on Sunday mornings are made possible by the generous donations of our members. Would you like to contribute one Sunday to sponsor flowers? See the Heartbeat for registration links and more information.

Children, Youth, and Family Corner

Grab a bag! Children’s worship bags will be available to grab on your way into the sanctuary, filled with quiet activities to do during worship. Those marked with a heart are for children under 5. Those marked with a star are for older children.

Children’s Church: We invite children up to age 12 to a special time in the library during worship, from the scripture readings until the sharing of the peace.

TACO Bites

Congratulations to Interim Director Lorena Galligan and the TACO community for achieving an "A" health score during our kitchen permitting process!

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO meal and free clinics
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks
Thursday	9:30 Chinese Bible Church Bible Study in the library 12:00 Al Anon in the library
Friday	9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship