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7th Sunday after Epiphany

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, February 23, 2025

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SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Black History Month

February 23, 2025

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE Light Dawns on a Weary World Temple of Peace

Light dawns on a weary world / when eyes begin to see setting Mark Sedio

all people’s dignity. / Light dawns on a weary world: / The promised day of justice comes.

Refrain: The trees shall clap their hands; | the dry lands gush with springs;

the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing! | We shall go out in joy,

and be led forth in peace, | as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.*

William P. Rowan approached Mary Louise Bringle (Mel) Bringle at The Hymn Society Conference in Independence, Missouri, in 2001. Rowan had written a tune named the TEMPLE OF PEACE in honor of the Community of Christ Temple (Independence, Missouri), where music and text came together.

Rowan introduced his tune to Bringle after a plenary session on interfaith cooperation and bridge-building between Christians, Muslims, and Jews, which both had attended. When everyone had left the building, Rowan played his tune on the piano for Bringle and asked her if she might write some lyrics for it. Bringle returned to her hotel room and spent that night in creative contemplation. The accompaniment of the hymn melody reminded Bringle of “a watered garden,” so she turned to the Gideon Bible in her hotel room for Scriptural references on that theme. She came upon Isaiah 58:11:

And the Lord will guide you continually, | and satisfy your needs in parched places,

and make your bones strong; | and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water, | whose waters never fail.” [NRSV]

Her text is replete with imagery about gardens and growth as a metaphor for human beings restoring the whole of creation, not only nature but also one another. Restoration and renewal and helping our fellow human beings are ongoing themes in this hymn.

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: O Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace, that where there is hatred, we may sow love, where there is injury, pardon, and where there is despair, hope. Grant, O divine master, that we may seek to console, to understand, and to love in your name, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

SOLA SCRIPTURA +

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Genesis 45:3-11, 15

Many years after being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph reveals himself to them. Now the second-in-command in Egypt, Joseph reassures his brothers that God has used their evil intentions for good to preserve life during a devastating famine, and Joseph forgives them.

3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. 10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ ” 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

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

PSALM Over My Head Choir

African American Spiritual

arr. John Bell

Over my head, I hear music in the air;

There must be a God somewhere.

When the world is silent,

When I’m feeling lonely,

Now when I think on Jesus,

EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50

In the Apostles’ Creed, we speak of the “resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” Using the metaphor of a planted seed and the story of Adam, Paul preaches passionately about the mystery of following Christ’s perfect life into eternity.

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 Fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body.

42 So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.

50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL: Luke 6:27-38 Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus continues to address a crowd of his disciples. He invites his followers to shower radical love, blessing, forgiveness, generosity, and trust even on enemies and outsiders. Living in harmony with God’s intent brings the reward of overflowing blessing.

Jesus said: 27 “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

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

SERMON Pastor Kurt

SOLA FIDE +

HYMN OF THE DAY Build A Longer Table

OFFERING

You may also give online using the QR code to the right

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music There is a Balm in Gilead

There is a balm in Gilead | to make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead | to heal the sin-sick soul.

– Sometimes I feel discouraged, | and think my work’s in vain.

But then the Holy Spirit | revives my soul again.

Few chapters in the Bible may have resonated with the souls of enslaved Africans in North America as Jeremiah 8 did. Israel was in exile.“Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” (Jeremiah 8:22, KJV) The refrain of this spiritual offers encouragement and dares to respond with hope in the face of hopelessness, showing courage in the face of despair. African American theologian Howard Thurman (1899-1981) discusses the refrain of this spiritual: “The slave caught the mood of this spiritual dilemma and with it did an amazing thing. He straightened the question mark in Jeremiah’s sentence into an exclamation point: ‘There is a balm in Gilead!’ (italics in original) Here is the note of creative triumph”

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, …

… 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 approach the Pastor.

AGNUS DEI

COMMUNION HYMN Softly and Tenderly

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.

NUNC DIMITTIS The Nunc Dimittis (“now you let 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.

Mission Moment Magnifying Christ’s Light Rev. Bill Radatz co-chair

SENDING SONG Lord Of Glory

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

Light Dawns on a Weary World Reprise setting Mark Sedio

Sanctuary Flowers were sponsored by Rich & Joann Masters:

“Many blessings to all who lead in our church. Thank you.”

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Paul Engel, Cantor

Joe Slevcove, Lector

Beth Slevcove, 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

Lorena Myrda, 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

“Magnifying Christ’s Light” Capital Appeal

Next Sunday, March 2, Mardi Gras Brunch for all

Join us next Sunday for a grand Mardi Gras Brunch. We will feast like it’s Shrove Tuesday! At the brunch, we will be kicking off our Magnifying Christ's Light Capital Appeal. You will hear about the appeal, the plan for the funds, have the opportunity to ask questions, and receive your Appeal Packet all while enjoying delicious New Orleans Mardi Gras cuisine. Come for the food, come for the fellowship, come to hear how we are Magnifying Christ's Light here at the corner of Third and Ash! Sign up using the RSVP link in Heartbeat.

Lenten Weekly Schedule

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday: March 5

Services will be held at 7:00am in the chapel, 12:00 (live-streamed), and 5:30pm in the sanctuary. This is a powerful time for reflection, confession and to acknowledge our human mortality with the ancient practice of imposition of ashes.

Then each of the five Wednesdays in lent March 12-April 9 we gather for time together.

4:30 City Walk; this is an hour walk (stroll) together through our city. A reflection is offered at each stop along the way. Meet Pastor Kurt in the Courtyard.

5:45 Soup & Salad Dinner; we gather for a simple meal in the lounge for strengthening existing relationships and meeting new folks. Our meals echo the disciples gathering with Jesus for nourishment.

6:30 Evening Prayer; We gather in the sanctuary to sing evening prayer together. There are many musical settings to the classic form. We use one developed at Holden Village and written by Marty Haugen.

7:00 Classes Following Evening Prayer it is traditional for us to share together in a new learning. This year Pastor Kurt will be teaching out of a new book titled Ordinary Mysteries: Faith, Doubt and Meaning by James Hazelwood. You can find it online in digital, paperback or hardcover form. If you are committed to the class but cannot afford a copy please contact Pastor Kurt. There will be five classes on the Wednesdays between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. The class will also be streamed on Zoom.

TODAY 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. You are welcome to join even if you haven’t done the reading or homework!

March 3: FLC Night at TACO Fellow FLC volunteers, March 3 is the first Monday of March 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 March 3, 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.

Zydeco Mass on Fat Tuesday (March 4) at St. Paul’s

Each year, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral holds the Zydeco Mass on Fat Tuesday. The service includes the historical liturgy for "Shrove Tuesday" (the day before Lent begins). Since this service is held on Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras, the Cathedral brings in The Zydeco Patrol (San Diego's favorite Zydeco band) to provide the worship music. Attendees are encouraged to wear their beads and feathers, and hats and costumes as they celebrate mass, and "Dance their offering" up to the plate in front. It is a church service you will never forget! Please join Beth and Joe Slevcove, and Pastor Kurt and Colleen at 5:45 pm on March 4 when the music begins. The actual service runs from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

St. Paul's Cathedral is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Nutmeg Street in Hillcrest. For more information, or if you plan to go, call Beth Slevcove at 619-990-7538 to let her know, and to learn about an impromptu pre-dinner picnic across the street before the service begins.

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.)

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.

TACO Bites

TACO was mentioned in the news again, this time in the San Diego Tribune’s story about homeless encampments during the recent wildfires. “I felt my life was in danger from being so cold,” said Benito Castillo, 63, who got a coat through [TACO]. “The wind chill factor is insane.”
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.

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