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1st Sunday in Lent

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, March 9, 2025

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FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

Magnifying Christ’s Light

March 9, 2025

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE Jesus walked This Lonesome Valley ‘Lonesome Valley’ Spiritual

arr. Albert Zabel

African American scholar and teacher Howard Thurman (1899-1981), citing “I’ve got to walk my lonesome valley,” addresses the “lonesome” quality of this song beyond the black experience in the United States; he includes all humanity:

“Here we are in the presence of an essential insight into all human experience. It seems, sometimes, that it is the solitariness of life that causes it to move with such intensity and power. In the last analysis all the great moments of profoundest meaning are solitary. We walk the ways of life together with our associates, our friends, our loved ones. How precious it is to lean upon another, to have a staggered sense of the everlasting arms felt in communion with a friend. But there are thresholds before which all must stop and no one may enter save God, and even He in disguise. I am alone but even in my aloneness I seem sometimes to be all that there is in life and all that there is in life is synthesized in me.”

Jesus walked this lonesome valley; | He had to walk it by himself.

Oh, nobody else could walk it for him; | He had to walk it by himself.

We must walk this lonesome valley; | We have to walk it by ourselves.

Oh, nobody else can walk it for us; | We have to walk it by ourselves.

WELCOME

KYRIE

Congregation chants the bold text “Lord Have Mercy” following the Cantor:

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. Amen.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. Amen.

OPENING HYMN Bless Now, O God, the Journey

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 together: O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

1 When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, 2 you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. 3 You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” 4 When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, 5 you shall make this response before the Lord your God: “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. 6 When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, 7 we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; 9 and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. 11 Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.

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

PSALM 91 Congregation sings refrain after Cantor

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, Most High, who abide in the shadow of our God, say to the Lord: “My refuge and fortress, the God in whom I trust.”

No evil shall befall you, no pain come near, for the angels stand close by your side, guarding you always and bearing you gently, watching over your life.

Those who cling to the Lord live secure in God’s love, lifted high, those who trust in God’s name, call on the Lord, who will never forsake you. God will bring you salvation and joy.

Psalm 91: 1-2, 10-11, 14-15; music Marty Haugen. 1980 GIA Pub.

EPISTLE LESSON: Romans 10:8b-13

8b “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart”

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT

One does not live by | bread alone,* but by every word that comes from the | mouth of God. (Matt. 4:4)

GOSPEL: Luke 4:1-13 Glory to you, O Lord.

After being filled with the Holy Spirit at his baptism, Jesus is led in the wilderness. Through his responses to the temptations of the devil, he defines what it means to be called “the Son of God.”

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”

5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “It is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ”

9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’

11 and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

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

SERMON Pastor Kurt

HYMN OF THE DAY The Glory of These Forty Days

OFFERING

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

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

tune by ndJohann Anastasius Freylinghausen 1670-1739

Create in me a clean heart, O God, | and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence, | and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, | and uphold me with your free Spirit.

OFFERING PRAYER

Gracious Provider, you set your immense treasures among us, opening your heart to the world. As we prepare to feast on your bountiful love, deepen our commitment to sharing those treasures with others, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*each petition will end with the phrase “God, in your mercy” your response is “receive 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 LENT

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.

You call your people to cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast,

that, renewed in the gift of baptism, we may come to the fullness of your grace.

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. Hosanna in the highest.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, …

With this bread and cup we remember our Lord’s passover from death to life as we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

O God of resurrection and new life: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Bless this feast. Grace our table with your presence. Come, Holy Spirit.

Reveal yourself to us in the breaking of the bread. Raise us up as the body of Christ for the world. Breathe new life into us. Send us forth, burning with justice, peace, and love.

Come, Holy Spirit.

With your holy ones of all times and places, with the earth and all its creatures, with sun and moon and stars, we praise you, O God, blessed and holy Trinity, now and forever.

Amen.

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

All who are hungry, come! The feast of grace is spread.

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 ANTHEM Shadows From the Cross Choir

Shadows from the cross fall on us as these forty days begin. Dark looms Golgotha, forbidding, where Christ bore the weight of sin. Resolute, he walks before us, shrinking not from pain and loss. Who can follow him, undaunted, as he Journeys to the cross?

Christ, we follow, though we tremble at the thought of such a price. We would rather walk in comfort, free from pain and sacrifice. Overcome, O Christ, our weakness wavering wills and want of faith. By your life transforming spirit, keep us faithful unto death.

Grant that we may not desert you when through suffering you may lead. Grant us more of your compassion where a neighbor cries in need. Christ, who set your face toward Calvary, spending self and trusting God, help us, on our Lenten journey, walk the servant road you trod.

Bring us then to Easter's triumph at the rising of the sun, shadows lifted, journey ended, where life's victory has been won! Jesus, Savior, risen, living, may we share the life you give! From our tombs of sin and sorrow, raise us, too, that we may live!

Shadows from the Cross; Text Herman G.Stuemple, Jr. 1923-2007; Music “Shadows”

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.

Generous Host, you have shared your feast with us and made us new. Send us now to set tables of love and grace in our communities, that your liberating love might nourish the world into freedom, in the name of the crucified one, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MAGNIFYING CHRIST’S LIGHT Mission Moment

“To be the heart of Christ in the heart of the city”

Borrowing the structure of Mary’s beautiful prayer known as the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55 seemed perfect for our own prayer in this time of need for our church and our nation.

Under the shelter of Your wings, O Lord, we pray.

May we mirror Mary’s soul as she magnified you.

We pray this “lowly” place on Third and Ash be exalted to be Your heart in the heart of our city.

We give thanks for our church family and the ministries that spread far beyond our walls.

Take the little we have, the little we are, and create in us the abundance needed to do your work in this sacred place.

As we step into this capital appeal, we ask for a renewal of Your Spirit in our lives as individuals and as a community of faith.

Enable us to envision this place furthering your kingdom here on earth;

As You, through our hands, hearts, and gifts- Fill the hungry with good things.

Protect the vulnerable, tend to the poor and the unhoused,

Welcome the stranger, the immigrant, the refugee,

Rejoice in your children who do not conform to specific gender roles, orientations or identities,

Shelter anyone fearing for their safety and well being,

and Inspire us through word and sacrament

Bless this church home. May it be Your hands holding us, grounding us, sheltering us as we continue to see and serve the least of these, knowing that we are all your precious children, made whole by your presence in our lives. Your will be done!

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Amen

MAGNIFYING CHRIST’S LIGHT IN SONG Christ Be Our Light

2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled. / Longing for hope, many despair.

Your word alone has pow'r to save us. / Make us your living voice. Refrain

5 Light of the World and light of creation. / Shine in this place and teach us to be

Beacons of love for all your people / Hope for a world in need.

5 composed by Rev. Bill Radatz

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you in favor and give you peace. Amen.

Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Christ be our Light / Christ the Life of All of all the Living Setting Engel

Christ, the Life of all the living, | Christ, the Death of death, our foe,

Who, Thyself for me once giving | To the darkest depths of woe,—

Through Thy suff’rings, death, and merit, | I eternal life inherit:

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, | Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

Sanctuary Flowers are given by Richard Phillips in honor of our Lenten journey.

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Paul Engel, Cantor

Eric Sloniker, Lector

Chuck Leib, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Joann Masters, Deacon 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

Paula Gutterud, 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

Pick up your packets!

Please pick up your information packets after worship if you haven’t already. We will mail the rest tomorrow. Over the next 2 weeks, please prayerfully consider how you can contribute to this important investment in FLC ministry.

Art Installation

Please take a moment to journey through the time of First Lutheran Church’s History and future as we, together, Magnify Christ’s Light. The pictures along the Lounge gallery walls are from the past and present and invite us to look toward this congregation’s future. The How Great a Cloud of Witnesses quilt is particularly poignant as it was crafted in 1991 for prayer; prayer for Firsts future. Here we are, once again, placing the congregation and its ministries into God’s hands.

Commitment Sunday: March 23

On March 23, we will celebrate once again as we collect and bless the commitments we’ve made to our campaign. Please plan to join us after worship for another festive celebration!

Lenten Weekly Schedule

Each of the five Wednesdays in Lent March 12-April 9 we gather for a “time out” together. Please join us for as much or as little as you can! Our Lenten offering collected this year will be given to TACO to support the new shower program.

Dinner sign-up sheet is in the lobby.

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. The class will also be streamed on Zoom.

April 4th 6:00 Shabbat Dinner at FLC

Embrace the tradition of renewal! Every Friday night, households worldwide welcome the serenity of Shabbat, a time to reset and connect with loved ones. We extend a warm invitation to our friends and neighbors to join us for a special Shabbat dinner and celebration at the First Lutheran, hosted by the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center and representatives of the San Diego Jewish Community. Let's come together to illuminate our worlds with light, warmth, and friendship. More information and a registration link will be shared in Heartbeat this week. RSVP is required by March 31.

March Book Group News

There will be no Book Group meeting in March so that we can immerse ourselves in Lent.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, April 24. That is the 4th Thursday instead of our usual third Tuesday, as April 17 falls in Holy Week. If you would like to get a head start, the April book is The Best of Us by Joyce Maynard. More details to follow in April.

TACO Bites

Calling all crafters! Got any spare yarn around your house? Donate it to FLC! Kersten Sutter’s knitting/crochet group will use it to make hats for TACO clients.
Empty Bowls is back! May 10 at La Jolla United Methodist Church. See Heartbeat for more info.
Please welcome Chef Bobby, who prepared some of the food for our Mardi Gras celebration!
Did you know TACO has a Facebook page (Third Avenue Charitable Organization)? Follow the page for event updates, pics/videos, and more!

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO dinner and clinics
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 11:30 Susan Jester forum 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship