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EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD BLESSING OF THE CHURCH January 5, 2025 10:00 a.m. |
Worship Begins on the Patio this Morning as We Chalk the Entrance of the Church and Seek God’s Blessing for this New Year.
WELCOME
- SOLA GRATIA +
THE EPIPHANY BLESSING OF THE CHURCH
- We gather on the Community Crossing of our patio to begin today’s liturgy with an annual blessing of our church.
In the name of the + Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May peace be to this house and to all who enter here.
By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
As we prepare to ask God’s blessing on this, His house, the church, let us share words from John’s Gospel.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.
What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
INSCRIPTION
*The magi of old, known as
C Caspar,
M Melchior, and
B Balthasar
followed the star of God’s Son who came to dwell among us
20 two thousand
25 and twenty-five years ago.
+ Christ, bless this house,
+ and remain with us throughout the new year.
O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining light of a star. We pray that you bless this place and all who gather here with your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
*these three letters can also stand for the ancient Latin blessing
Christe Mansionem Benedicat, which means “Christ, bless this house”
The Light of Christ, The Light of Christ
Christ, bless this patio...this place of hospitality for so many who seek an urban oasis, and even their daily bread.
- please follow the procession into the church, pausing where appropriate:
The Light of Christ, The Light of Christ
Christ, bless this lounge...this place of welcome for all your children, every day of the week.
The Light of Christ, The Light of Christ
Christ, bless this sanctuary...this place of worship and praise.
The Light of Christ, The Light of Christ
Christ, bless this font...this place of washing by your word.
- please find your seats, but remain standing there
The Light of Christ, The Light of Christ
Christ, bless this ambo...this place of sounding forth your word.
The Light of Christ, The Light of Christ
Christ, bless this table...this place of feasting on your life.
Christ, continue to bless this congregation...
that we may continue to be your heart in the heart of this city.
OPENING HYMN Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray together:
O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
- SOLA SCRIPTURA +
READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 60:1-6
1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
PSALM Christ Be Our Light Verses. 1-2
EPISTLE LESSON: Ephesians 3:1-12
1 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Christ, Be Our Light vs. 3-4
GOSPEL: Matthew 2:1-12 Glory to you, O Lord.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Christ Be Our Light vs. 5
Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another, signs of your kingdom come.
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
SERMON Pastor Kurt
- SOLA FIDE +
HYMN OF THE DAY Children of the Heavenly Father Vs. 1-2
BLESSING OF BABY KITS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
The eyes of all look to you, O God,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.
Anywhere your children suffer from heat and cold,
their eyes, dear God, are lifted to you.
Where life is war-torn and brims with strife and stress,
their eyes, dear God, are lifted to you.
In lands parched with drought and abounding in hunger,
their eyes, dear God, are lifted to you.
Where the earth is broken with quakes or wrecked with wind and wave,
their eyes, dear God, are lifted to you.
Where poverty is a prison and survival fills the daily hours,
their eyes, dear God, are lifted to you.
Here too, where lives are filled with bounty,
our eyes, dear God, are lifted to you.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.
You open your hand to gather clothing and blankets for wrapping
little ones in warmth and love.
God, take our hands in yours.
As this is the season of their need, Lord God,
by grace it is the season for our serving.
So bless these new baby kits, gracious God, as you have blessed our eyes, our hands, and our hearts in their making,
And bless those who receive them with life—secure, sustainable and beloved. Amen.
- Edward Whetstone+
for Lutheran World Relief
Children of the Heavenly Father Vs. 3-4
OFFERING
Give online using the QR code to the right
or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222
OFFERING PRAYER
God of heaven and earth, from the beginning, you have called forth life, in which you take delight. The trees, the fields, and the seas sing for joy. Bless now these gifts, received from your bounty, that we may join the chorus of creation to tell of your salvation from day to day. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
*each petition will end with the phrase “God of grace,” your response is “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; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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
The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
COMMUNION LITURGY FOR EPIPHANY
Come and see! The ruler of the earth has come, our Lord born in a stable and raised in the temple, our Lord who will take away from us the heavy burden of our exile, and guide us with the light of his grace through this world and the next. Come, let us gather around the table and prepare to meet him.
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.
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, … 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.
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. …
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.
We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming. Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us:
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
A child has been born for us, a Son given to us. Come, receive the gift of Jesus.
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION MUSIC As With Gladness
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.
Merciful God, we thank you for Jesus, who is our heavenly food.Strengthened by this goodness, send us forth to announce your peace, comfort the afflicted,
and share the good news of great joy. Amen.
SENDING SONG Arise, Your Light Has Come!
BLESSING & BENEDICTION
The God of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, lavish you with grace, illumine your path, and increase your joy, today and always. Amen.
Go in peace. The Word of God dwells in you richly.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE On This Day of Joy and Gladness Leroy Robertson
Love Divine All Loves Excelling Charles Wesley arr. Kasen/ Engel
On this day of joy and gladness, | Lord, we praise thy holy name; In this sacred place of worship, |
We thy glories loud proclaim! Alleluia, Alleluia, | Bright and clear our voices ring,
Singing songs of exultation | To our Maker, Lord, and King!
Love divine, all loves excelling, | joy of heaven to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling; | all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, thou art all compassion, | pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation; | enter every trembling heart.
The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor
Bill Engel, Music Director
Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax
Jan Neuhaus, Cantor
Martha Radatz, Lector
Chuck Leib, Assisting Minister
David Pohl, Joann Masters, Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Singers
Paul Engel, Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson
Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Sound, Video, & Computer
Melinda Person, Heidi Hoxie, Ushers
Epiphany Blessing of a Church
adapted from Blessing for a Home at Epiphany
from Sundays and Seasons 2021, Year B
©2020 Augsburg Fortress
reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579
offering prayer, and dismissal
from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year B
© 2020 Augsburg Fortress
reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday: Music & Arts performance of Amahl
Music&Arts @ 3rd&Ash is excited to announce a special performance on the night of Epiphany, January 6. Featuring some of our talented Christmas Eve artists, Amahl and the Night Visitors will be performed in the sanctuary at 7:00. Refreshments will be served, and the suggested donation is $20 (although any amount is appreciated). Please join us! Contact Colleen or Joann if you are able to help out with hospitality or ushering.
Amahl Volunteers Needed!
Hospitality - Two persons are requested to assist with Hospitality. Following the show there will be a light reception. A little help with that would be much appreciated. Please speak directly with Colleen Kramer or Joann Masters if you will help with that.
Ushers - Four Usher/greeters are needed from 6:00 until just after the show begins at 7:00 to station themselves at the top of the stairs by the parking lot and at the Third Ave. portal to the courtyard. As performers and visitors arrive we want to greet them and show them clearly where to walk through our TACO ministry to reach the main doors. Please speak directly to Pastor Kurt if you can assist with this important task.
FLC Night at TACO: January 6
Fellow FLC volunteers, tomorrow January 6th is the first Monday of the new year 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 January 6th, 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. Plan on staying afterward for our special performance at 7:00!
Book Club News
Our January selection, The Lost Workshop by Evie Woods, is advertised as “the most charming and uplifting novel of 2024!” Who wouldn’t want to be charmed and uplifted in the New Year?! If that seems enticing, join us as we discover a vanishing Dublin bookshop where nothing is as it seems and books are portals to other places, other lives. Follow the characters Opaline, Martha and Henry as they discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones in their favorite books. Please join us Thursday, January 16 at 4:00PM in the FLC library as we discuss this magical story and enjoy the fellowship of each other’s company. Colleen Kramer will host. If you’ve been curious about joining the Book Group, a New Year would be the perfect time to begin. All are welcome! If you have questions, talk to any Book Group member or contact Martha Radatz at 619-210-4728 or m28rz@icloud.com.
Congregational Meeting Part 2: January 19
At this second of two annual congregational meetings, we will hear from ministry leaders as they present the 2024 FLC Annual Report. Come join us as we celebrate and reminisce on the many ways FLC has been the Heart of Christ in the Heart of the City during 2024.
TACO Bites
The Coronado Times featured an article about TACO on December 26! Check out the Heartbeat this week for a link to the article.
This week at FLC
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Monday |
12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO meal & clinics (FLC Volunteers at 3:00) 5:15 Steering Committee Meeting (Zoom) 7:00 Amahl Performance (Sanctuary) |
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Wednesday |
10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet |
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Thursday |
12:00 Al Anon in the library |
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Friday |
9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby |
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Sunday |
9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship |
How to contact us
Pastor Kurt: 619-234-6149 ext. 2 or 619-323-7587 PastorKurt@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours best made by appointment.
Church Administrator (Erin): 619-234-6149 ext. 1 administrator@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours: M, T, Th: 2-5, W, F: 11-2
First Lutheran Church worships and works on the unceded territory
of the Kumeyaay People
