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2nd Sunday After Epiphany/MLK Commemoration Sunday

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, January 19, 2025

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SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Commemoration of the

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martyr, Renewer of the Church and Society

January 19, 2025

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE We Shall Overcome

Precious Lord take My Hand with Bil Wright and Dale Fleming

On April 3, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr., flew to Memphis, Tennessee, in support of a strike for higher wages and better working conditions by black sanitary public works employees. That day he delivered his"I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, in which he talked about threats to his life. He said:

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

The next day, April 4, 1968, at 6:01 p.m., King was shot in the head while standing on the second floor balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, surrounded by friends and associates. As he lay dying, he spoke his last words to his friend and musician Ben Branch, who was to perform at the event King was scheduled to attend that night. King said, "Ben, make sure you play 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord' in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty"

WELCOME

SOLA GRATIA +

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation. Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness.

Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.

By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

KYRIE AND HYMN OF PRAISE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray together:

Holy and righteous God, you created us in your image. Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression. Help us, like your servant, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to work for justice among people and nations to the glory of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WE REMEMBER

We remember the conviction of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that “freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

Lord, give courage and determination to those who are oppressed.

We remember Dr. King’s warning that “a negative peace which is the absence of tension” is less than “a positive peace which is the presence of justice.”

Lord, help those who work for peace in our world to cry out first for justice.

We remember Dr. King’s insight that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

Lord, allow us to see nothing in isolation, but know ourselves bound to one another and to all people under heaven.

We remember Dr. King’s lament that “the contemporary church is often a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. It is so often the arch-supporter of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church’s silent and often vocal sanction of things as they are.”

Lord, we pray that neither this congregation nor any church may be silent in the face of injustice and racism, but that we may be disturbers of the status quo when that is your call to us.

We remember Dr. King’s hope that “dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities and in some not-too-distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.” In faith, and washed in your grace Lord, we commend ourselves and our work for justice to your goodness, almighty God.

SOLA SCRIPTURA +

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 62:1-5

The people’s return to Judah after the exile was marred by economic and political troubles. Nevertheless, the prophet declares, Jerusalem and Judah will be restored. God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, and the people are called to the celebration.

1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch.

2 The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be

called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.

3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand

of your God.

4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;

but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord

delights in you, and your land shall be married.

5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

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

PSALM If I Can Help Somebody Dale Fleming, Soprano from the MLK Choir of San Diego

“If I Can Help Somebody” was written in 1945 by a woman named Alma Androzzo, and it was recorded by various gospel groups, even by mainstream singers like Tennessee Ernie Ford and Doris Day. But it seems that King didn’t hear it until his visit to Denver.

King, says Vern L. Howard, chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, was in Denver to attend a Women’s Day program at New Hope Baptist Church in Park Hill. There, he heard “If I Can Help Somebody” performed by Anna Lee Williams, a classically trained soprano and the wife of New Hope’s then pastor, the Rev. M.C. Williams.

In a 1995 interview with The Denver Post, Anna Lee Williams said that King, after hearing the song, went back to Atlanta and told his mother, Alberta, that “Anna Lee had them jumping out the window” with her rendition of the song. He later encouraged Jackson, a close friend, to record the hymn, which she did in 1963. (After King’s death, Jackson included the song on her album “Mahalia Jackson Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Martin Luther King Jr.)

“The song,” Howard says, “resonated with Dr. King. It was something that was deep in his heart. It stirred his soul.”

On Feb. 4, 1968, two months before he was assassinated, King gave a sermon called, “The Drum Major Instinct.” In it, he imagined his own funeral and said he wanted to be remembered for serving others, not for his fame or his many accomplishments. He ended the sermon by quoting from “If I Can Help Somebody.”

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody with a word or a song.

If I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong,

Then my living will not be in vain.

EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The congregation at Corinth experienced division as people were comparing their spiritual gifts, thinking some to be superior to others. Paul invites this fractured community to trust that God’s Holy Spirit has gifted them all perfectly for their mission together.

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL: John 2:1-11 Glory to you, O Lord.

Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is described as the first of Jesus’ signs. Through many such epiphanies, Jesus reveals that he bears God’s creative power and joyful presence into the world.

1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. 9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

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

SERMON Pastor Kurt

SOLA FIDE +

HYMN OF THE DAY The Arc of History Bends Today

sung to the tune of Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - Azmon

The arc of hist’ry bends today / again toward peace, its aim;

as love, once more, has found a way, / and dares to speak its name.

As shame and silence lose their hold, / we learn to sing new songs;

new voices lead us, proud and bold, / to overturn old wrongs.

The arc of hist’ry always bends / when people share God’s grace;

though surely as one struggle ends, / another takes its place.

For dreams deferred and rights denied / our churches must lament;

and when ours is the priv’leged side, / Christ calls us to repent.

The arc of hist’ry bends toward peace; / come, see what God has done!

Where justice, grace, and love increase, / a new world is begun.

Tune: Morning Song, Elkanah Kelsey Dare, 1782-1826, Public Domain

MISSION MOMENT Rev. Bill Radatz and Joe Slevcove

OFFERING COMMISSIONING SERVICE FOR APPEAL LEADERS

Baptized into the priesthood of Christ we are all called to offer ourselves to the Lord of the Church, in thanksgiving for what Christ has done and continues to do for us. It is our privilege to recognize and support those who are engaged in the work of our “Magnifying Christ’s Light” Capital Appeal.

Would those who have agreed to serve as leaders in the Capital Appeal please come forward?

In Luke l0: l & 2 we read, "After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them out to every town and place where he himself intended to go.” He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in the harvest. Go, I am sending you..."

Even as Jesus commissioned his followers to go ahead and make ready for his arrival, so we send you into our congregation to help us prepare for this time of spiritual renewal and growth.

Pastor addresses the leaders:

We send you forth to work in the harvest. Having offered yourselves as leaders in this special ministry at First Lutheran, do you promise to do your work in a spirit of love and follow our Lord’s example of dedicated service, knowing that you are on a mission empowered by God? If so, please answer in unison: "YES, BY THE HELP OF GOD."

Invite the congregation to stand and address this passage to them:

In II Corinthians 9:6-l0 we read, "Remember this: The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”

As these leaders prepare our appeal materials and make plans for congregational events, do you promise to cordially receive their invitation as a labor of love and make every possible attempt to respond and be involved?

Please answer in unison, "YES, BY THE HELP OF GOD."

As our Lord Jesus commissioned his workers to go forth into the harvest, so we ask God's blessings upon these brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us pray:

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, we thank you for the many gifts we receive from your bountiful hand. Strengthen and encourage these your servants who call us to be faithful stewards of your gifts. Move us to lift our sights in gratitude and respond to your gracious goodness so that in unity of purpose we will accomplish that which you have set before us. In the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Give online using the QR code to the right

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music

OFFERING PRAYER

God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Fill us with all the good at your table that we may, in turn, come to the help of all in need through Jesus Christ, our redeemer, and Lord.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*each petition will end with the phrase “God of grace,” your response is “hear our prayer.”

APOSTLES CREED We share together in the ancient story of 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.

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, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.

By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. 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, our Lord Jesus took bread, …

… Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit, that we who share in Christ’s body and blood may live to the praise of your glory and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.

OUR LORD'S PRAYER

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

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Come, let us share this meal of gladness.

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION

First Lutheran invites all who trust that God is somehow 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.

AGNUS DEI

COMMUNION HYMN Will You Come and Follow me?

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.

Nourishing God, at this table you have refreshed us with holy gifts of food and drink.

Strengthen us for service, and send us out to embody your good news of liberation and healing for the sake of the world. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.

SENDING SONG Draw The Circle Wide led by Dale Fleming, Bil Wright and Choir

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

No one stands alone, We’ll stand side by side

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

No one stands alone, We’ll stand side by side

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still

Let this be our song, no one stands alone

Standing side by side

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

In your sadness & in your grief

From All the pain, it seems there's no relief

We will hold you until the storm subsides

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still

Let this be our song, no one stands alone

Standing side by side

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still.

Let this be our song: no one stands alone

Standing side by side, draw the circle, draw the circle wide

Draw the circle, draw the circle wide

Delightful Hymn note; “Draw the Circle Wide” is written by Mark Miller. Mark is an acquaintance of Randy Sensmeier, a member here at First. Additionally, Mark’s office at Drew University is next door to the Rev. Dr. Traci West. Dr. West is Bil Wright’s sister, a good friend of First’s. It can be a marvelously small world some days.

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

The Spirit of the triune God bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion,

and send you in love. Amen.

Go in peace. Live in Hope.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Thanks to Wane & Paula Gutterud for sponsoring the Epiphany tree.

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Paul Engel, Cantor

Jan Neuhaus, Lector

Chuck Leib, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Joann Masters, Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel, Ellen Beck

Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Elizabeth Connolly, Victoria Pearson, Singers

Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Sound, Video, & Computer

Ruth Clayton, Melinda Person, Ushers

Victoria Pearson, Joann Masters, & Colleen Kramer, Fellowship snacks

Hymns, Prayers, Liturgy

from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year C

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

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: Congregational Meeting

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.

Sponsor a Tree for Epiphany

To celebrate Epiphany, we'd like to set up a set of live trees in the sanctuary as a reminder of the living word and Christ's light. If you'd like to sponsor a tree, please register on our website by clicking on the GIVE tab. The cost is $75 and you can take the tree home to plant after Epiphany is concluded!

Lenten Devotional Writers

Once again, we will publish our First Lutheran Church Lenten Devotionals for the 2025 season of Lent. At this time, we are only asking you to let us know if you would offer your time and talent to this ministry. Whether you’ve done this before or are newly considering it, know your gift reaches people beyond the walls of Third and Ash. Email Frank De Louise at fpdcgl@yahoo.com with your commitment and questions or reach out to Pastor Kurt or Erin.

Bible Study

Join Pastor Kurt and Jim Boyd for a weekly dive into the Bible. We meet every Sunday at 9:00 in the Church Library for study, coffee, donuts, and discussion. For the new season of Epiphany we will be looking at the weekly lessons appointed for each Sunday. Join us, everyone is welcome at the table.

National Day of Racial Healing: January 21

Join us on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central time, for a free, online event to observe the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH). Presented by the ELCA in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, this educational event will feature worship, workshops, music and guided reflection while centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color. Please see the Heartbeat for the registration link.

TACO Bites

It's winter, and TACO is in immediate need of bags, blankets, men’s pants, men’s shoes, and men’s hoodies. Any donations are always welcome, but these items are in especially great demand right now.
TACO is exploring the possibility of offering free haircuts to clients on shower days. Do you know of anyone who would be interested in donating their services?
Empty Bowls will be returning this year, but we are in need of new pottery studios to donate bowls. Do you know of anyone who would be interested in donating bowls?

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO meal & clinics
Tuesday	6:30 FLC Council in the library
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet
Thursday	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