SUNDAYS IN THE SEASON OF CREATION
Wonder, DESPAIR, Hope, Resolve, St. Francis
September 8, 2024
10:00 a.m
PRELUDE Paradox Hans Zimmer
In contrast to last Sunday’s prelude which filled the sanctuary with the natural sounds of creation in a forest; birds, wind in the trees, and a babbling babbling brook this week is different.
Today we are confronted with the sounds of paradox. Music that initially sounds like it may lead us to harmony and the beauty of melody devolves into tension and discord. Such is the state of our modern era. Objects and choices which initially promise a life of convenience, ease and prosperity have too often lead to pollution, exploitation and natural disaster;
we are brought not to light but despair.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless.
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
We shall mount up with wings like eagles;
We shall run and not be weary;
We shall walk and not faint. From Isaiah 40
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
WE GATHER IN LAMENT
Despair: Our challenges are so immense that to reverse climate change seems impossible. Will it really make much of a difference if I “reduce, reuse, recycle?” Do I really believe God is at work restoring the creation that we seem to be intent on destroying?
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, let us open ourselves to the grace of God, to the brokenness of our world, and to the call to be agents of healing and re-creation.
Where human greed has stripped the world of beauty and life, and robbed people of dignity and subsistence, We pray, O God, for a new vision of abundance, and a new commitment to nurture the world that feeds us and share with those who do not have.
Where human loneliness, weakness, sickness and grief, and the suffering of our planet and its inhabitants hide the signs of your life, We pray, O God, for love to be renewed, and compassion to draw us back into union.
Where human loneliness, weakness, sickness and grief, and the suffering of our planet and its inhabitants hide the signs of your life,
We pray, O God, for healing, comfort and strength and for the courage to keep hoping for the renewed creation to come.
O God, restore our faith, revive our hope, rekindle our love, and hear our prayer, for we offer it in Christ’s name.
John von de Laar
GATHERING HYMN When In the Hour of Deepest Need
Sung to the tune Hamburg “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
1 When in the hour of deepest need we know not where to look for aid;
when days and nights of anxious thought no help or counsel yet have brought;
2 Our comfort then is this alone: that we may meet before your throne
and cry to you, O faithful God, for rescue from our sorry lot.
3 And so we come, O God, today, and all our woes before you lay;
for sorely tried, cast down, we stand, perplexed by fears on ev’ry hand.
4 Oh, from our sins hide not your face; absolve us through your boundless grace!
Be with us in our anguish still! Free us at last from ev’ry ill!
Text: Paul Eber, 1511-1569; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878, alt.
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: Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom and for whom the whole universe was created, we mourn with you the death of forests, fruitful lands that have become desert, wild animals left without grass, plants, insects, birds, and animals threatened with extinction, lands ravaged by war, people left homeless. As the earth cries out for liberation, we confess our part in bringing it toward the brink of catastrophe. Through ignorance, but often willfully, we thought we could serve God and mammon, unable to resist the temptation to spend and acquire more and more possessions, with little thought of consequences for future generations. Savior of the world, lead us now into repentance: so that we may be transformed by your love, deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow in your way. Amen.
Maureen Edwards
DISMISSAL TO CHILDREN’S CHURCH
LESSON FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES Isaiah 24: 19-23
19 The earth is utterly broken, the earth is torn asunder,
the earth is violently shaken.
20 The earth staggers like a drunkard, it sways like a hut;
its transgression lies heavy upon it, and it falls, and will not rise again.
21 On that day the Lord will punish the host of heaven in heaven, and on earth the kings of the earth.
22 They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit;
they will be shut up in a prison, and after many days they will be punished.
23 Then the moon will be abashed, and the sun ashamed;
for the Lord of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem,
and before his elders he will manifest his glory.
Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
A CONTEMPORARY VOICE From Chief Seattle’s Speech
Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the Earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons and daughters of the Earth. If we spit upon the ground, we spit upon ourselves. This we know - the Earth does not belong to us - we belong to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. We did not weave the web of life - we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
PSALMODY: Psalm 51 Be Merciful, O Lord
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness,
In your compassion, blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt and my sorrow,
And cleanse me from all of my sin.
My offenses, truly I know them,
And my sins are always before me;
Against you alone have I sinned, O Lord,
What is evil in your sight I have done.
Create in me a clean heart, O god,
Put your steadfast spirit in my soul.
Cast me not away from your presence, O Lord,
And take not your spirit from me.
Give back to me the joy of your salvation,
Et your willing spirit bear me up
And i shall teach your way to the ones who have wandered,
And bring them all home to your side.
LESSON FROM THE EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL: 2 Corinthians 4: 7-12
7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. 11 For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. 12So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Holy, Holy, Holy, Santo, Santo, Santo
Congregation will sing one verse before and one after the reading of the Gospel.
You may either sing in English or Spanish as you feel called
GOSPEL READING: Luke 6: 46-49 Glory to you, O God
Houses built on two different foundations. Do we despair over our failures and shortcomings in how we’ve cared for the creation. What does it mean to be like “someone who comes to Jesus, hears his words, and acts on them?”
46 ‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? 47 I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. 48 That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Rev. Kurt Christenson
HYMN OF THE DAY
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
The Estuary Round (honoring the Tijuana Estuary)
By Bill Radatz. To the tune of The Tallis Canon
The Cantor will sing verse one, Congregation repeats in unison.
Then the Choir will lead verse two, Congregation joins in canon style
This place of river, sea and sky
Calls me to be its watchful eye.
To care for creatures, great and small
And guard this land as gift for all.
To fish that swim within the sea
This place is like a nursery.
Their young grow strong and find their food
In marsh and mud and tidal pools.
This place an Estuary be
Where river waters meet the sea,
Where good things grow and life abounds
Which help to make this world go round.
*after each petition:
Hear us, O God. Your Mercy Is Great.
APOSTLE’S CREED
With the whole church, let us confess our 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.
OFFERING
Give online using the button at the top right.
Offering Music
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray….Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: our selves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
PROPER PREFACE
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; who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
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.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
In the night in which he was betrayed, …
Remembering, then, his death and resurrection, we take this bread and cup,
giving you thanks that you have made us worthy to stand before you and to serve you as your priestly people.
Send your Spirit upon these gifts of your church; gather into one all who share this bread and wine; fill us with your Holy Spirit to establish our faith in truth,
that we may praise and glorify you through your Son Jesus Christ; through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your Kingdom and teach us to pray:
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.
AGNUS DEI Lamb of God
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.
COMMUNION MUSIC For the Beauty of the Earth
COMMUNION BLESSING AND PRAYER
Now may the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.
Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life. In your name we pray.
Amen.
SENDING SONG Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
BENEDICTION & DISMISSAL
The Aaronic Blessing: from the book of Numbers 6:22-27
We shall go out in joy
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before us shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. From Isaiah 55
POSTLUDE Improvisation on Can Weeping for Our Planet Be Enough?
Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor
Bill Engel, Music Director
Earl Vaults, Tenor Saxophone
Trevor Patricia Watkin, Flute
Jan Neuhaus, Cantor
Martha Radatz, Lector
Kaaren Nyberg, Assisting Minister
Elizabeth Connolly, David Pohl, Paul Engel, Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson,
Joann Masters, Kristen Dancer, and Randy & Joyce Sensmeier, Singers
Brian Jensen, Jaime Quezada Moysen, Genette McGowan,
Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Tech team
Dan Kjonegaard, Ruth Clayton, Melinda Person, Ushers
Andre Hunter, Fellowship Snacks
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Today after worship: It’s Not the End of the World
During this Season of Creation please join us today after worship as well as September 29, for a series of forums based on the new book Not the End of the World by Hannah Richie. Ms. Richie is a young Scottish Climate Scientist who teaches at Oxford University. Her premise is that we need to stop engaging in doomsday thinking and look at the data. She shares how, over a wide range of topics, our actions are making a difference. While there is work to be done there is much to celebrate. Pastor Kurt will present portions of the book and then lead discussion.
New FLC Website is LIVE!
If you tried to access the FLC website this week, you were not alone if you got an error message! We apologize for some technical difficulties, but they have now been resolved. The new website is now live at the same address: www.firstlutheransd.org. Access the member area by clicking "I'm a member/Login to FLC" on the home page. If you need a login, please complete the Google form linked in Heartbeat. We are not allowing people to self-register at this time so that we can manage privacy and access settings. All Volunteers: Be on the lookout for a login email to set up your accounts in the coming two weeks.
September 22 after worship
Bridging the Political Gap: Standing Firm Without Judgment
The political season is upon us and if you are like me, it is hard to hear the news without feelings of righteousness and judgment. I have become fascinated with the question of, “How do I stand strong in my beliefs without passing judgment on others?” If this is something that interests you too, please join Deacon Margy Schmitt Ajer and me, Kaaren Nyberg, on September 22nd for a post-service, guided discussion with the hope of taking a step to bridge the political gap.
September 15: Pastor Kurt and Colleen’s 5th FLC Anniversary Celebration
This fall we celebrate Pastor Kurt and Colleen’s 5th anniversary in our FLC family! We’ll have a service with special music on that day, followed by a salad luncheon potluck afterwards. Please sign up for a dish if you haven’t already. See Erin for card signing and donations.
During worship on the 15th, we will also have a very special opera showcase put on by Bil Wright. You don’t want to miss it!
September 15 after worship: Get out the Vote Postcard Writing to AZ
On September 15th while fellowshipping and celebrating 5 years of ministry with Pastor Kurt, there will be an opportunity to write Get Out the Vote postcards to voters in AZ. Please join in at one of the tables to write some postcards (script provided) and/or pick up a packet of 25 postcards to write at home (instructions provided). We’ve got 500 names and addresses, 500 postcards and 500 stamps to Get Out the Vote! We need 20 people to write 25 postcards each between now and mail out day, October 24th. In the words of inspirational Michelle Obama, Let’s do Something together. Questions or if you need to arrange pick up of a packet, contact Colleen Kramer at colleen.kramer@gmail.com. See you there!
Construction Project update
We are scheduled to have the first part of the solar construction completed this week. However, the panels themselves have been delayed, so we will be waiting on those before the final solar installation can take place.
New Bibles for the Library
Friends, it should not come as a big surprise that over the years the Bibles in our Library, which once filled a whole shelf or two, have drifted away. With regular Bible Study being conducted every Sunday, it’s time to order a new batch. In my search for a reasonably priced hardcover New Revised Standard Version bible I stumbled on this edition annotated by no other than Jimmy Carter. The cost of each bible is $10 which includes shipping. We ordered 20 for the library and are asking for donations to cover the cost. If you give cash please attach a note saying what it’s for. You may also donate online through Tithely, choosing "Books and Subscriptions" from the drop-down menu. You may also, if you wish, make a dedication in honor or memory which will be included on a book plate.
Update: Special Music & Arts Gifts
Thank you so much for the generosity you've shown in supporting the Special Music & Arts Ministry. Thanks to your support, we have erased our financial deficit for this ministry. With that said, we still need your ongoing support to ensure that our regular Sunday music as well as special performances during the Season of Creation, Advent, and Christmas can continue. Bill Engel has some exciting plans up his sleeve for music and arts this year, and we are also planning some innovative projects over the coming years. Please talk to Pastor, Erin or a Council member or you can give online through Tithely by selecting Special Music from the dropdown menu. Our music program is a gift to you, please consider making a gift to it. Thank you!
Book Group News
In this month’s selection, The Sentence by Louise Erdrich*, a small independent bookstore in Minneapolis* is haunted from November 2019 to November 2020 by Flora, the store's most annoying customer. She dies on All Souls' Day, but simply won't leave the store. Tookie, who has landed a job at the bookstore after years of incarceration (that she survived by reading "with murderous attention”) must solve the mystery of this haunting—while coping with all that occurs in Minneapolis during a year of grief, astonishment, isolation, and furious reckoning. Says one reviewer: "Erdrich's playful wit and casual style belie a seriousness of purpose, which in this case, entails tackling the pandemic, the death of George Floyd, the trials of doing time in prison and not least, the power of books to change lives.” Join us as we meet to discuss this witty ghost story on Thursday, September 19, 4:00PM in the church library. Chuck Leib and Sharon Province will host. All are welcome!
*Louise Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and an award-winning author, is herself the owner of a small independent bookstore in Minneapolis, called Birch Bark Books.
September 12: Survivors of Torture Annual Ice Cream Social
You are invited to Survivors of Torture, International's Annual Ice Cream Social, a fun and uplifting community event taking place on Thursday, September 12th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at our Healing Center in Old Town. This special gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our team, community partners, clients, supporters, medical providers, and more. Over delicious ice cream provided by Ben & Jerry's of Seaport Village, we’ll celebrate our shared commitment to healing and support for those in need.
Date: Thursday, September 12th 2024 Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
Location: SURVIVORS' Healing Center courtyard (3990 Old Town Ave., San Diego, CA 92110)
Guests will have the opportunity to sign up for a tour of our Healing Center to learn more about the important work we do and how our programs have grown over the past year. To join us for this oh-so-sweet event, please RSVP using the link found in next week’s Heartbeat. After registering, you will receive a calendar invitation and additional details about the event.
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class every week 9:00 in the Library
We’ve recently begun a study on the Gospel of Mark. Mark is regarded as the oldest Gospel. Having likely been written before the others it is also the shortest and most direct of the four stories of Jesus. Mark is known for frequently employing the word immediately. In Mark, Jesus and the Disciples have no time to waste as they share the extraordinary new reality of God’s grace now embodied in the flesh. Please join us!
Children, Youth, and Family Corner
Grab a bag! Children’s worship bags will be available to grab on your way into the sanctuary, filled with quiet activities to do during worship. Those marked with a heart are for children under 5. Those marked with a star are for older children.
Children’s Church: We invite children up to age 12 to a special time in the library during worship, from the scripture readings until the sharing of the peace.
TACO Bites
TACO’s Executive Director, Susan Fleming, has accepted a new position as Executive Director at The Door of Hope, a Salvation Army-run facility in the Kearny Mesa area that provides housing, medical and mental health support, and job opportunities for up to 400 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. This is a significant step up for her. We are sorry to see Susan leave, but are happy that she'll continue to do great work for those experiencing and working their way out of homelessness. Lorena Gilligan, our current TACO administrator, will be stepping in on an interim basis.
This week at FLC
|
Monday |
12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO meal and free clinics |
|
Wednesday |
10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks |
|
Thursday |
12:00 Al Anon in the library |
|
Friday |
9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the library |
|
Saturday |
12:00 TACO First Saturday Giveaway |
Contact Us
Pastor Kurt: 619-234-6149 ext. 2 or 619-323-7587 PastorKurt@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours best made by appointment.
Church Administrator (Erin): 619-234-6149 ext. 1 administrator@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours: M, T, Th: 2-5, W, F: 11-2
First Lutheran Church worships and works on the unceded territory of the Kumeyaay People.
The Season of Creation was initiated in 1989 by the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I. In subsequent years with the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches, of which our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a partner, the Season has been a growing movement. It begins September 1st every year and lasts through the Feast of St. Francis.
You may read more about the season at www.seasonofcreation.org
First Lutheran is pleased to be an enthusiastic participant in the movement.
