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26th Sunday after Pentecost

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, November 17, 2024

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TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Generations of Generosity: The Body of Christ

Volunteer Appreciation Day

November 17, 2024

10:00 a.m

PRELUDE Improv on VILLE DU HAVRE “It is Well” tune by Philip P Bliss

Partita on St. Anne “Adagio” Paul Manz

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 My Lord What A Morning

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: Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

LESSON FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES Daniel 12:1-3

The book of Daniel is an example of apocalyptic literature, which is full of strange visions and symbolism. Arising during times of great persecution, apocalyptic literature is concerned with God’s revelation about the end time and the coming kingdom of God, when God will vindicate the righteous who have been persecuted.

1 “At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

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

PSALMODY: Psalm 16 repeat refrain after the Cantor

1 Protect me, O God, for I take ref- | uge in you;

I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my good a- | bove all other.”

2 All my delight is in the godly that are | in the land,

upon those who are noble a- | mong the people.

3 But those who run after | other gods

shall have their troubles | multiplied.

4 I will not pour out drink offerings | to such gods,

never take their names up- | on my lips. / R

5 O Lord, you are my portion | and my cup;

it is you who up- | hold my lot.

6 My boundaries enclose a | pleasant land;

indeed, I have a | rich inheritance.

7 I will bless the Lord who | gives me counsel;

my heart teaches me night | after night.

8 I have set the Lord al- | ways before me;

because God is at my right hand, I shall | not be shaken. / R

9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spir- | it rejoices;

my body also shall | rest in hope.

10 For you will not abandon me | to the grave,

nor let your holy one | see the pit.

11 You will show me the | path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures

for- | evermore. / R

LESSON FROM THE EPISTLES Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25

11 Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” 13 and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

19 Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL READING Mark 13:1-8 Glory to you, O God

In the last week of his life, Jesus warned his disciples concerning trials that were to come upon them and upon the world. He exhorts the listener: Do not be alarmed.

1 As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2 Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.”

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

SERMON Rev. Kurt Christenson

HYMN OF THE DAY When Peace Like A River It is Well With My Soul

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 button at the top right.

Offering Music

Eye has not Seen Marty Haugen setting by Randy Sensmeier

Eye has not seen, ear has not heard

What God has ready for those who love him:

Spirit of love, come, give us the mind of Jesus,

Teach us the wisdom of God

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 Canticle of the Turning

2 Though I am small, my God, my all, / you work great things in me,

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past

to the end of the age to be. / Your very name puts the proud to shame,

and to those who would for you yearn, / you will show your might, put the strong to flight, / for the world is about to turn. Refrain

3 From the halls of pow'r to the fortress tow'r, / not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears / ev'ry tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, / for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed, / for the world is about to turn. Refrain

4 Though the nations rage from age to age, / we remember who holds us fast:

God's mercy must deliver us / from the conqueror's crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard / is the promise which holds us bound,

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, /who is turning the world around. Refrain

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.

SENDING HYMN O God, Our Help In Ages Past

BENEDICTION & DISMISSAL

Go out in peace, for the Lord has heard your prayers. Do not allow anyone to lead you astray but hold fast to the hope you have claimed. Continue to meet together,

encouraging and provoking one another to put love into action.

And may God be your rock of strength; May Christ Jesus usher you into the presence of God; and may the Holy Spirit write the laws of life on your hearts.

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

POSTLUDE St Anne Partita - excerpts by Paul Manz

The tune was composed by William Croft in 1708 while he was the organist at St Anne's Church in Soho. It was originally intended to be used with Psalm 62, but became well known when set to Isaac Watts's text. Watts wrote the hymn as a paraphrase of Psalm 90 in his 1719 book The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament. In 1738, John Wesley changed the first line of the text from "Our God" to "O God"

Sanctuary Flowers are dedicated to all of our incredible volunteers that make FLC such a special place!

Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director and Organist

Earl Vaults, Tenor Saxophone

Trevor Patricia Watkin, Flute

Paul Engel, Cantor

Jan Neuhaus, Lector

Richard Phillips, Assisting Minister

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

Brian Jensen, Genette McGowan, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Tech team

Ruth Clayton, Dan Kjonegaard, Melinda Person, Ushers

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: Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!

Please join us after worship today to help celebrate our beloved volunteers at First! You might not realize just how many people contribute to keep this community lively and strong. Plus, find out who will go home with the coveted "FLC Volunteer Award" for 2024! Food will be provided by FLC. Everyone is welcome!

Generations of Generosity: 2025 Estimates of Giving

This week you will receive, in the mail, an invitation to prayerfully consider how you might grow in your giving to continue the “Generations of Generosity” legacy at First. There will also be an Estimate of Giving Card. Your financial commitment, reflected in your estimate of giving, is vital to sustaining and growing existing ministries and helps us adapt to new challenges and confidently embrace the future. We ask you to complete the Estimate of Giving card and return it when you attend worship on Christ the King Sunday, November 24, the last Sunday of the church year. You may also mail your card to the church office or use the link in Heartbeat to submit your estimate electronically.

Next Sunday after Worship: The Advent of God in a Consumer Society

Advent is a season of promise. The Christmas shopping season, which coincides with Advent, is also filled with promises--spoken or unspoken promises of how consumer purchases will fulfill our dreams. What can we learn by comparing the promises of these two overlapping seasons? What makes Advent profoundly more promising than consumerisms appeals to our hopes and dreams?

The Rev. Dr. John Hoffmeyer, Retired Professor of Systematic Theology, taught at United Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia for 24 years. He is in San Diego this weekend as part of the Annual Assembly of the American Academy of Religion.

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.

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.

San Diego Organizing Project: Post-Election Gathering

Come join us at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in La Jolla on Saturday 11/23 from 10:00-1:00 as we gather in community to create a welcoming space for reflection, support, and connection following last week's elections. Together, we'll process the outcomes, strategize for the road ahead, and find healing in our shared experiences and goals. Let's come together, build resilience, and inspire one another as we continue

to strive for a brighter future.

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 cordially invites members of FLC to a special holiday celebration to be held downtown on December 6. Cost to attend is $50 per person. Scan the QR code for more information and RSVP form.

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO meal and free clinics
Tuesday	6:30 FLC Council Meeting
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks
Thursday	9:00 Chinese Church in the lobby 12:00 Al Anon in the library 4:00 Book Club
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