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25th Sunday after Pentecost

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, November 10, 2024

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TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Generations of Generosity: TACO

The Third Avenue Charitable Organization

November 10, 2024

10:00 a.m

PRELUDE Blessed Assurance Fanny Crosby Music by Phoebe Knapp

setting by Joel Raney

One thing I'm sure of, one thing I know: God walks beside me wherever I go.

He'll never leave me, he's there to stay. God holds my hand, he lights my way.

God's love is perfect, his arms are strong. He's right here with me, I'm not alone.

When my heart's broke, he's there to mend. He is my Savior, he is my friend.

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. 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, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. 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 your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

GATHERING HYMN Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us

GREETING

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.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray: O God, you show forth your almighty power chiefly by reaching out to us in mercy. Grant us the fullness of your grace, strengthen our trust in your promises, and bring all the world to share in the treasures that come through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION ON THE ELECTION

LESSON FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES 1 Kings 17:8-16

This chapter begins the story of Elijah. God sends a drought on Israel because of the sins of King Ahab. This passage depicts God’s saving acts not only on behalf of Elijah, but also on behalf of those who are associated with the prophet, even a foreigner, the widow of Zarephath.

8 The word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, 9 “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.” 11 As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.” 15 She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

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

PSALMODY: Psalm 146 repeat refrain after the Cantor

1 Hal- | lelujah!

Praise the Lord, | O my soul!

2 I will praise the Lord as long | as I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I | have my being.

3 Put not your | trust in rulers,

in mortals in whom there | is no help.

4 When they breathe their last, they re- | turn to earth,

and in that day | their thoughts perish. /R

5 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob | for their help,

whose hope is in the | Lord their God;

6 who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that | is in them;

who keeps promis- | es forever;

7 who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to | those who hunger.

The Lord sets the | captive free.

8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who | are

bowed down;

the Lord | loves the righteous. /R

9 The Lord cares | for the stranger;

the Lord sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way | of the wicked.

10 The Lord shall | reign forever,

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. | Hallelujah! /R

LESSON FROM THE EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL Hebrews 9:24-28

The letter to the Hebrews describes Christ as a high priest who offers himself as a sacrifice for our sin. Christ does not die again and again each year. He died once, is alive with God, and will reveal himself on the last day.

24 Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; 26 for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL READING Mark 12:38-44 Glory to you, O God

After engaging in a series of public arguments with religious leaders in the temple, Jesus contrasts the proud and oppressive ways of those leaders with the sacrificial humility and poverty of the widow.

38 As Jesus taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

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

SERMON Deacon Margy Schmidt-Ajer, TACO Board Chair Rev. Kurt Christenson

HYMN OF THE DAY Lord, Whose Love In Humble Service

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*after each petition:

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

APOSTLE’S CREED

With the whole church, let us confess our faith.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

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

OFFERING

Give online using the QR code to the right

Offering Music Jesus Lead thou On Engel-Manz

Marie Baker-Lee, dancer Leading the way for the Gifts of FLC and TACO

When we seek relief from a long felt grief; When temptations come alluring,

Make us patient and enduring; Show us that bright shore where we weep no more.

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray….Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: our selves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

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.

PROPER 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, … 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, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

In the night in which he was betrayed, … through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both 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 Lamb of God

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION First Lutheran invites all who trust that God is present in the bread and wine, however full of mystery that might be for you, to join us at the Table of Grace and Thanksgiving. In the center of each tray there is white grape juice for those who prefer. We also have gluten free wafers. If you wish for those please indicate when you reach Pastor.

COMMUNION MUSIC Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love

COMMUNION BLESSING AND PRAYER

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

Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life. In your name we pray.

Amen.

THANKSGIVING FOR OUR VETERANS

SENDING HYMN Eternal Father Strong to Save

Eternal Father is the Navy hymn. We therefore ask for magnanimity from those who may have served in the Army, Airforce, Coastguard, Marines or Space Force.

BENEDICTION & DISMISSAL

Go out and share God’s love with all. Do not slave for things that are not life-giving,

but trust in God’s provision, and give generously of all you have.

And may God watch over you and provide for you; May Christ Jesus be to you a restorer of life; and may the Holy Spirit lead you in the ways of humble generosity.

We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow O Welt, Ich muss dich Lassen

Setting Paul Manz

Lord Jesus, since you love me, | O spread your wings above me

and shield me from alarm. | Though Satan would assail me,

your mercy will not fail me; | I rest in your protecting arm. - Paul Gerhardt 1607-1676

Sanctuary Flowers were given by the family of Dan Plough

in honor of Dan’s 76th birthday.

Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director and Organist

Earl Vaults, Tenor Saxophone

Trevor Patricia Watkin, Flute

Paul Engel, Cantor

Erin Pfaff, Lector

Eric Sloniker, 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

Andre Hunter, Fellowship Snacks

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

TODAY after worship: Community Police Collaboration

Today we will hear from Larry Turner, mayoral candidate and the downtown San Diego PD Community Relations Officer. He is a U.S. Marine Veteran, retired Lieutenant Colonel. He has led our nation's finest through combat and humanitarian relief missions. We will discuss community issues and the collaboration and joint work between TACO and the police department.

Welcome the Babe Items Needed

If you are able, please consider donating any amount to help fund our Welcome the Babe, baby care kit project. Please go to our website at: firstlutheransd.org, go to “Give,” then to the drop-down menu to “Welcome the Babe.” If you would rather pay by check or cash, Joann will be available after church on Sunday. Make checks payable to First Lutheran Church, with “Welcome the Babe” in the memo. Thank you so much for considering this important ministry. Kits will be assembled after church on December 29 and blessed on Epiphany, January 5.

Special Request for Special Music

Friends, one of the most unique characteristics of First is the lovely music provided by professional musicians. This is not a budgeted item and is supported 100% through donations. In order to keep the music going, we are in need of some significant donations to make sure our professionals get paid fairly for sharing their gifts with us. If you are able to help, you can donate online by choosing “Special Music” from the drop-down menu or write a check noting “Special Music” in the memo. Thank you for helping us keep the music alive!

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, 4:00PM in the church library as we honor her story and discuss the wisdom in her words. Sheri Bengtson 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 TODAY!

Items looking for a good home

We still have one fan available to take home. It’s being stored in the library. If you’re interested, please go pick it up! We also have two Pride shirts that will be available in the lobby during fellowship. Help yourself!

Fair Trade Fair: Save the date

Our Fair Trade Fair is back this year and will take place on December 1 from 11:00-1:00. This is a great opportunity to purchase unique handmade gifts

Lobby Art

A second installation of the Season of Creation gallery display are pieces by Nancy Eckert, (Be sure to gaze inside the box) Pastor Lee Precup, Melodie Baker, and Pastor Kurt. Thank you all for your contributions.

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 Families 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

TACO has earned an “A” rating by the city inspector for the kitchen operating permit. Great job!
TACO is planning a special fundraiser in December. If you know of any items that can be donated for luxury raffle-baskets or silent auction, or if you have any connections to catering/restaurant providers who could donate food or services, please let Erin or Pastor Kurt know.
The TACO board is putting together a job description for a new Executive Director.

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	9:00 Chinese Church in the lobby 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