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5th Sunday after Epiphany

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, February 9, 2025

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FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Black History Month

February 9, 2025

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE Blessed Assurance Arr. Marianne Kim

Tune composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp (1839-1908) played a melody to Fanny Crosby, who was blind at the age of 6, and asked, "What does the melody say to you?" Crosby replied that the tune said, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" and proceeded to recite the entire first stanza of the now-famous hymn. Knapp was one of several tune writers that worked with Fanny Crosby. It was not unusual for one of her texts to be inspired by a preexisting tune. Knapp was the composer of more than five hundred gospel hymns and tunes.

Middle class women in nineteenth-century United States had little voice in worship, however. One of the only ways for a woman to claim the authority to be heard was by direct personal revelation from God. Fanny Crosby readily claimed God's personal revelation as a source for her hymns; her personal revelation then became a communal inspiration as Christians throughout the world sang her hymns and confirmed her faith experience as their own. Later, she addressed a joint session of Congress on the topic of education for the blind.

The refrain calls us to "praise. . . my Savior all the day long," echoing I Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing."

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: Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and before you angels and saints stand in awe. Enlarge our vision to see your power at work in the world, and by your grace make us heralds of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

SOLA SCRIPTURA +

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 6:1-8

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

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

PSALM Psalm 138

Repeat Refrain after Cantor

Verse tone

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with | my whole heart;

before the gods I will | sing your praise.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name, because of your

steadfast | love and faithfulness;

for you have glorified your name and your word a- | bove all things. / R

3 When I called, you | answered me;

you increased my | strength within me.

4 All the rulers of the earth will praise | you, O Lord,

when they have heard the words | of your mouth.

5 They will sing of the ways | of the Lord,

that great is the glory | of the Lord.

6 The Lord is high, yet cares | for the lowly,

perceiving the haughty | from afar. / R

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you | keep me safe;

you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;

your right | hand shall save me.

8 You will make good your pur- | pose for me;

O Lord, your steadfast love endures forever; do not abandon

the works | of your hands. / R

EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

1 Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2 through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. 3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4 and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL: Luke 5:1-11 Glory to you, O Lord.

1 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

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

SERMON Pastor Kurt

HYMN OF THE DAY Will You Come and Follow Me The Summons

2 "Will you leave yourself behind

if I but call your name?

Will you care for cruel and kind

and never be the same?

Will you risk the hostile stare,

should your life attract or scare?

Will you let me answer pray'r

in you and you in me?

3 "Will you let the blinded see

if I but call your name?

Will you set the pris'ners free

and never be the same?

Will you kiss the leper clean,

and do such as this unseen,

and admit to what I mean

in you and you in me?

4 "Will you love the you you hide

if I but call your name?

Will you quell the fear inside

and never be the same?

Will you use the faith you've found

to reshape the world around,

through my sight and touch and sound

in you and you in me?"

5 Lord, your summons echoes true

when you but call my name.

Let me turn and follow you

and never be the same.

In your company I'll go

where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I'll move and live and grow

in you and you in me.

MISSION MOMENT Magnifying Christ’s Light Colleen Kramer

OFFERING

Give online using the Give button above.

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

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! …. 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, … 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, …

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 Guide My Feet Choir

Guide My Feet while I run this race...

Hold My Hand while I run this race...

Be my friend while I run this race...

COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER

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

NUNC DIMITTIS The Nunc Dimittis (“now you let me depart” in Latin) are the first two words that Simeon speaks upon seeing the salvation of God, the infant Jesus. Luke 2:29-32. It is an ancient component of the liturgy that, in recent times, has been neglected. We bring it back because we need the assurance that God’s light is for all people, that it is secure, and that it is for all time. Having attended worship and received the body of Christ in the Eucharist, we boldly sing. We, too, are prepared to depart, to go into the world secure and in peace.

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 Thuma Mina Send Me

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 Holy God, We Praise Thy Name Grosser Gott, wir loben dich

arr. Diane Bish

Holy God, we praise thy name; / Lord of all, we bow before thee;/ All on earth thy scepter claim;

All in heaven above adore thee. / Infinite thy vast domain; / Everlasting is thy reign.

Hark, the glad celestial hymn / angel choirs above are raising; cherubim and seraphim,

in unceasing chorus praising . . .

Diane Bish, b.1941, and still performing, has also completed numerous hymn arrangements. In a hymn arrangement, she tries to bring out the melody while making use of rhythm. She laments "unimaginative" arrangements, noting that "we have a whole orchestra to use in terms of the organ, and in my hymn arrangements, I try to utilize them all." As many organists practice, Bish also reads the verses of the hymn so that her arrangements are reflective of the message of the hymn.

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Paul Engel, Cantor

Paul Engel, Lector

Eric Sloniker, 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, Dan Kjonegaard, Ushers

Martha Radatz, Fellowship snacks

Hymns, Prayers, Liturgy

from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year C

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY after worship: Antisemitism and the Lutheran Response

Chuck Leib will be sharing what he learned by attending the two-part lecture: “Why The Jews,” which was advertised in the Heartbeat a few months ago. The lecture series examined the various forms of Christian anti-Judaism that have plagued societies across centuries. Participants learned the underlying ideologies and stereotypes that have fueled antisemitism and efforts to set Jewish and Christian communities on a new path of genuine fellowship. This session will be Zoomed. Please use the link on our homepage and the password FLC.

Next Sunday after worship: Lenten Devotionals Workshop

Frank DeLouise will lead a session for anyone interested in participating in the Lenten devotional project. Whether you are new to this project or just need some new inspiration, come join us to hear about the process and next steps.

February 23 after worship: So You Want to Talk About Race? Chapter 5

Our discussion of the book So You Want to Talk About Race? by Ijeoma Oluo will continue on February 23 after worship. For a summary of our last discussion, check the blog post on our website and add a comment to keep the conversation going! If you need a copy of the book, please let Erin know. Homework to prepare for this session:

Complete the activity "Check your privilege" from the end of chapter four.

Choose two to find more resources about, and read those resources. For those who were in the forum, choose one from your own list and one that you added from the chart.

Read Chapter 5 of the book and consider the different aspects of your identity that bring privilege or discrimination.

Save the Date for a Music&Arts Performance: February 21 at 7:00pm

FLC is finalizing the details for a staged reading of August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned on Friday, 2/21 @ 7:00, followed by a reception. More info to come!

NEW Lobby & Sanctuary Art Installation by Dr. Ellen Beck

"I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains": The Hebrew words on the large screen/room

divider are the first words of Psalm 121--I lift my eyes to the mountains. All of the

works represent sky and sea and lifting our eyes to the wonders around us. They are

done with oil on canvas, painted with my hands. (See the full artist’s statement in the Heartbeat.)

February Book Group News

Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this months selection, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead fathers good looks, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. This Pulitzer Prize winning novel was inspired by Charles Dickens David Copperfield, which explored Dickens’s experience as a survivor of institutional poverty many generations ago, and its damages to children in his society. These problems have yet to be solved in ours. One reviewer notes, “Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, this is the story of an irrepressible boy nobody wants, but readers will love.” Please join us to discuss this book on Thursday, February 20, 4:00PM in the church library. Erin Pfaff and Jeannie Roehrs will host. New participants warmly welcomed at any time!

Lenten Devotional Writers

Our FLC Lenten Devotional booklet is well on its way. If you still want to participate, please contact Frank DeLouise ASAP, fpdcgl@yahoo.com. (There are just a few verses remaining.) This year’s title is “God’s Everyday Light” a contemplation of Isaiah 60: Arise, shine, your light has come. The title will reflect our Capital Campaign theme of ‘Magnifying Christ’s Light’ and shine the light of First and its members. If you are interested in finding out more about working on our Lenten Devotional Booklet and/or need assistance working on your devotion, there will be a workshop on Sunday February 16th after church service.

Save the date: April 4th Shabbat Dinner at FLC

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla hosts Shine A Light Shabbat Dinners in churches across the county as part of a powerful effort to stand against anti-semitism and build one-on-one relationships. The JCC and our Jewish communal partners will handle all the logistics: food, staffing, and preparation. This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to share experiences, break bread together, and nurture fellowship between our communities. In times when division can feel overwhelming, moments of connection like these are more important than ever. Please join us! More details to come.

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lounge 3:00 FLC night at TACO
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