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4th Sunday in Lent

Lee Precup

Sunday, March 30, 2025

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FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Magnifying Christ’s Light

March 30, 2025

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE There's a Wideness in God's Mercy St. Helena Calvin Hampton

Souls of men! why will ye scatter | Like a crowd of frightened sheep?

Foolish hearts! why will ye wander | From a love so true and deep?

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy | like the wideness of the sea;

there’s a kindness in God’s justice, | which is more than liberty

-words by Frederick William Faber (1814-1863)

Calvin Hampton is described as a “prolific and eclectic composer, utilizing such diverse elements as rock, gospel hymns, synthesizers and quarter tones in his works.” For 20 years, he was the organist and choirmaster in Manhattan at the Parish of Calvary, Holy Communion, and St. George's. From 1972 until 1982, one of his greater successes, as he dares to take musical chances, was the establishment of a Fridays at Midnight organ recital series at Calvary church in Gramercy Park. His rock band, Sevenfold Gift, gave the earliest of these concerts. Adding to the unconventional approach, he’d use flashing lights with the music and invited audiences to lie down while they listened. Calvin passed away from AIDS in 1984 at the age of 45.

__________________________________________

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 “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.

Having been unburdened by sin and set free for God’s work in the world we will magnify Christ’s Light…

By continuing our commitment to welcome all people into this community of faith.

We will Magnify Christ’s Light…

By continuing to grow in God’s love and share God’s love with others.

We will Magnify Christ’s Light…

By continuing to work for justice and peace.

We will Magnify Christ’s Light...

By renewing our building and ministries.

We will Magnify Christ’s Light…

By finding new ways to be the heart of Christ in the heart of the City.

OPENING HYMN Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing

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 compassion, you welcome the wayward, and you embrace us all with your mercy. By our baptism clothe us with garments of your grace, and feed us at the table of your love, 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: Joshua 5:9-12

By celebrating the Passover and eating the produce of the promised land instead of the miraculous manna that had sustained them in the desert, the Israelites symbolically bring their forty years of wilderness wandering to an end at Gilgal.

9 The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” And so that place is called Gilgal to this day.

10 While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. 11 On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.

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

PSALM Psalm 32 Congregation repeats refrain after Cantor

Happy is he whose sin is forgiven, whose fault is taken away. Happy is she whom God shall find of an innocent heart, in whose soul there is no guile.

I kept my sin held deep in my soul, and my frame was wasted away. Night and day was your hand a weight upon my heart: I was weak, wracked with fever and alone.

Then I acknowledged the pain of my sin, and my guilt I covered not. I said I confess my fault unto you, and you took away the guilt of my sin.

O be glad in our God; exalt, you just; rejoice, all you upright of heart.

Psalm 32 Rory Cooney 1991, GIA Pub.

EPISTLE LESSON: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

One way to describe the gospel is the promise that in Christ everything is transformed into newness. All mistakes, all deliberate sins, all old history is reconciled with Christ’s resurrection. This is Paul’s strong message to the congregation in the city of Corinth.

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION FOR LENT

I will arise and go to my fa- | ther and say,* I have sinned against heaven | and before you.

(Luke 15:18)

GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus tells a parable about a son who ponders his father’s love only after he has spurned it. The grace he receives is beyond his hopes. That same grace is a crisis for an older brother who believes it is his obedience that has earned his place in the father’s home.

1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 11b “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

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

SERMON Rev. Lee Precup

HYMN OF THE DAY Our Father We Have Wandered

OFFERING

You may also give online using the button at the top right of the screen.

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music Now the Silence Jaroslav Vajda (1919-2008)

Now the silence, | Now the peace,

Now the empty hands uplifted; | Now the kneeling,

Now the plea, | Now the Father's arms in welcome;

The great British composer Herbert Howells was once asked if he had any hobbies.

“Yes,” he replied, “Silence.”

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.

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 I have Wandered from Home Choir

feel free to join in the singing as the Spirit calls

I have wandered far from home, I have wandered far from home,

I have wandered far from home and you, O God.

Can you help me find my way? Can you help me find my way?

Can you help me find my way and find myself?

I can’t do this by myself, I can’t do this by myself,

I can’t do this by myself; I thought I could.

Will you love me as I am? Will you love me as I am?

Will you love me as I am, and bring me home?

I was lost, but now I’m found, I was lost, but now I’m found,

I was lost, but now I’m found; I’m not alone.

You embrace me as your child, you embrace me as your child,

You embrace me as your child; you are my home.

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 (v 1,2,5)

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.

v5 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

Come Thou Font of Every Blessing Nettleton / Christ Be Our Light Kasen - Engel

Sanctuary Flowers are given by Heidi Hoxie

“In memory of my son, Dennis, who made the impossible possible and brought sunlight and laughter into any room he entered.”

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Jan Neuhaus, Cantor

Martha Radatz, Lector

Mary Ann Horton, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, 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

Kaaren Nyberg, 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

Lenten Weekly Schedule

There are only 2 Wednesdays remaining in our “time out” together. Our Lenten offering collected this year will be given to TACO to support the new shower program.

4:30 City Walk

5:45 Soup & Salad Dinner (we need a few more soup sign-ups!)

6:30 Evening Prayer

7:00 Class

FLC Night at TACO: April 7

Fellow FLC volunteers, April 7 is the first Monday of April 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 April 7, 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.

Book Group News

First of all, please note that although we usually meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, this month’s meeting has been pushed back a week since Easter comes so late this year, and we will meet on Thursday, April 24. That being said, 6 weeks of Lent may have uniquely positioned us to appreciate this month’s selection, The Best of Us, by Joyce Maynard. This memoir follows the author’s joy at her unexpected discovery of love in her late 50s and, after just one year of marriage, her deep sorrow at the cancer diagnosis and death of her new husband. Their story is an ultimately life-affirming one of discovering strength and coming to understand true love through the experience of great loss. Anne Lamott, a favorite author of many of us, reviews this book as “heart-wrenching, inspiring, full of joy and tears and life”. Please join us for fellowship and discussion on Thursday, April 24 in the church Library. Mary Claire and Sheri Bengtson will host.

April 4th 6:00 Shabbat Dinner at FLC

If you haven’t already registered for the Shabbat dinner, your last chance is today after worship! Please complete a sign-up form in the lobby during fellowship time. If you do not RSVP, you will not be able to attend.

TACO Bites

Calling all crafters! Got any spare yarn around your house? Donate it to FLC! Nancy 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.
Follow TACO (Third Avenue Charitable Organization) on Facebook for more updates!

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
Saturday	12:00 TACO 1st Saturday Giveaway
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship