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2nd Sunday in Lent

Bill Radatz

Sunday, March 16, 2025

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SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

Magnifying Christ’s Light

March 16, 2025

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE Rhosymedre Tune- John David Edwards c. 1840

Arr. by Ralph Vaughan Williams edited by Hal Hopson

In 1920 Ralph Vaughan Williams composed three preludes for organ based on Welsh hymn tunes, a set that quickly established itself in the organ repertoire. Of the three, Rhosymedre, sometimes known as “Lovely,” has become the most popular. The hymn tune used in this prelude was written by a 19th century Welsh composer, J.D. Edwards, and is a very simple melody made up almost entirely of scale tones and upbeat skips of a fourth. Yet, around this modest tune Vaughan Williams has constructed a piece of grand proportions, with a broad arc that soars with the gradual rise of the tune itself. - Walter Beeler 1972

A great hymn during Lent is "My Song Is Love Unknown" by Samuel Crossman is often sung to this tune, and sometimes with another melody by John Ireland.

“My song is love unknown, | My Savior’s love to me,

Love to the loveless shown, | That they might lovely be.

O who am I, | That for my sake | My God should take Frail flesh and die?”

__________________________________________

Why the Veils? During the season of Lent we recognize, in word, song and image, that our vision of the divine is obscured by sin. The cross, paschal candle, and the beauty of God’s creation in art are veiled to help us understand that without the heart of Christ we live in a darker, more blurred world. As St. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:13-4:5 “16but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” We also remember that Easter is coming.

WELCOME

KYRIE

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

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS facing the baptism font

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 God of Grace and God of Glory

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: God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, 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: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4 But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5 He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

7 Then he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.” 8 But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”

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

PSALM 27 Congregation Sings Refrain after the Cantor

The Lord is my light, the Lord is my help, of whom should I be afraid? the Lord is the stronghold of my life, before whom should I shrink? refrain

When I cry out, O Lord, hear my voice! Have mercy on me and answer. My heart has told me, “seek his face!” It is your face, Lord, I seek. refrain

There is only one thing I ask of the Lord: to live in God's house forever, to savor the sweetness of the Lord, to behold his temple. refrain

Psalm 27 setting by Carl Johengen, 1993 GIA Pub

EPISTLE LESSON: Philippians 3:17—4:1

17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT

The Son of Man must be | lifted up,* that whoever believes in him may have e- | ternal life.

(John 3:14-15)

GOSPEL: Luke 13:31-35 Glory to you, O Lord.

Neither Herod’s plotting nor Jerusalem’s resistance to maternal love will deter Jesus from his sacrificial mission.

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

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

SERMON Pastor Bill Radatz

HYMN OF THE DAY Hold On

Mary wore three links of chain / Every link was Jesus name

Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

Paul and Silas land in jail, / they got nobody to go their bail.

Keep your hands on the plow, hold on.

Refrain: Hold on, hold on, keep your hand on the plow, hold on

Who's that yonder dressed in red? / Must be the children that Moses led.

Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.

God gave Noah the rainbow sign / Sending grace and love next time

Keep your hands on the plow, hold on

Freedom’s name is mighty sweet / Black and white are gonna meet

Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

With my two hands on the plow, / I don't mind my journey now.

Keep your hands on the plow, hold on.

Heard the voice of Jesus say / Come unto me, I am the way.
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.
When my way gets dark as night, / I know the Lord will be my light,
Keep your hands on the plow, hold on.

Hold On (Keep Your Hand on the Plow) Smithsonian Folkways, pub. Pete Seeger

OFFERING

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

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music Julion

“As the Deer Runs to the River” Music- David Hurd b. 1950 Words- Rev. Dr. Herman Stuempfle 1923-2007 As the deer runs to the river, | parched and weary from the chase,

we have come from hurt and hurry, | thirsting for your healing grace.

Jesus, source of living water, | may we drink of you and live!

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, … 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.

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 When Twilight Comes Choir

When twilight comes and the sun sets / Mother hen prepares for night′s rest

As her brood shelters under her wings / She gives the love of God to her nest

Oh! What joy to feel her warm heartbeat / And be near her all night long

So the young can find repose / Then renew tomorrow's song.

One day the Rabbi, Lord Jesus / Called the twelve to share his last meal

As the hen tends her young, so for them / He spent himself to seek and to heal

Oh! What joy to be with Christ Jesus / Hear his voice, oh! Sheer delight

And receive his servant care: / All before the coming night.

So gather round once again, friends / Touched by fading glow of sun′s gold

And recount all our frail human hopes: / The dreams of young and stories of old

Oh! What joy to pray close together / Kneeling as one family

By a mother's love embraced / In the blessed Trinity

text: Moises Andrade, b.1948 tr. Minchin, b. 1942 Music DAPIT HAPON, Felciano, b.1941

Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music

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/ Glory Be to Jesus Improv Engel

Glory be to Jesus. Italian, possibly 18th-century, translated by Edward Caswall (1814-1878). This is a translation of an Italian text beginning ‘Viva! Viva! Gesu! Che per mio bene’, found in an undated Raccolta di Orazioni e Pie Opere colle Indulgenze. An Italian priest named Galli, who died in 1845, was given as the author in a translation published in 1880. Although many say it is unknown.

Sanctuary Flowers are given by Paula Gutterud

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Jan Neuhaus, Cantor

Joe Slevcove, Lector

Beth Slevcove, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Joann Masters, Deacon Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel,

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

Today after worship: Susan Jester Forum

Susan shared her faith story testimony during worship on January 26, and she is back to present her forum today after worship. Susan currently works with St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral as their public relations and media director. She is also the City Commissioner of the Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission (CEOC), the Co-Chair of the Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Council, a member of the Sheriff’s LGBT Advisory Council, the San Diego AIDS Memorial Task Force, and the CA Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Please join us!

“Magnifying Christ’s Light” Capital Appeal

Commitment Sunday: March 23

Next Sunday, 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 a festive fellowship celebration!

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.

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 can be found in Heartbeat. 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
Tuesday	6:30 FLC Council in 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 11:15 “Magnifying Christ’s Light” Festive Fellowship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship