Epiphany 3
January 24, 2021
9:30 a.m.
Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
Lancaster, PA
Welcome to worship. If you are visiting with us, a special welcome. We invite you to return and worship with us as often as you are able. Guest cards are available on the round table in the center of the narthex. Please take one, fill it out and return it to an usher. If you need a large print bulletin, please ask an usher. As you enter the nave, please conclude all conversations and silence all cell phones and other electronic devices, as to fully enter into this time of worship.
Please note the instructions on distancing for the sharing of the peace and receiving Holy Communion.
The Prelude
Please stand.
The Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness
P
In the name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen
P
Let us confess our sin, trusting in the abundant grace of God.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P
Holy God,
C
you search us and know us and are acquainted with all our ways. We confess to you our sin, known and unknown and the broken systems that bind us. Forgive us, gracious God, for all we have done and left undone, and provide for us a measure of your divine mercy. Amen.
P
In the wake of God’s forgiveness, we are called to be that beloved community living out our lives enveloped by justice and peace. Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father, and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen
The Apostolic Greeting and Prayer of the Day
P
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C
And also with you.
P
Let us pray. Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Please be seated.
Children’s Message
The children remain at their seat as the pastor share a message with them.
The First Reading
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
A reading from Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
A
The Word of the Lord
C
Thanks be to God.
The Second Reading
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
A reading from First Corinthians: Brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
A
The Word of the Lord
C
Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel
Mark 1:14-20
P
The Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark, the first chapter.
C
Glory to you, O Lord
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
P
The Gospel of the Lord.
C
Praise to you, O Christ.
The Sermon
Silence for reflection follows.
The Apostles Creed
C
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.
The Prayers of the Church
A
Guided by Christ made known to the nations, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all people in need.
After each portion of the prayers:
A
Lord, in your mercy,
C
Hear our prayer.
The prayers conclude:
P
Into your hands Gracious God we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.
C
Amen.
The Peace
P
The peace of Christ be with you always.
C
And also with you.
Without leaving your seat offer a wave to your neighbor, sharing God’s peace, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Please stand.
Offertory Prayer
A
Let us pray. Holy God,
C
receive these gifts as you receive us: like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide. Nourish us anew in your tender care, and empower us in faithful service to tend to others with this same love, through Jesus Christ, our saving grace. Amen
The Great Thanksgiving
P
The Lord be with you.
C
And also with you.
P
Lift up your hearts.
C
We lift them to the Lord.
P
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Eucharistic Prayer
P
Almighty Lord,
we praise your shining light, your glowing grace.
From before the earth’s foundation,
you loved us and promised us life forever.
Within the earth’s deep sadness,
we laud your great and glorious might.
Despite our tears and sinning,
we sing of the gladness of your mercy.
We praise your Son, our Morning Star
He is our living Savior who has ransomed us in love.
He keeps us yours and fails us never—
today, tomorrow, and every day.
On the night before his great salvation,
he took bread and gave thanks,
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
With happiness we tell our story:
C
Alleluia!
P
We call for your Spirit on us and this meal.
Refresh our souls with this heavenly food,
the body and blood of your Son.
Nourish us as branches of your tree,
and enlighten us with your undying flame.
We sing out to the Father, we ring out to the Son, we exult in the Spirit.
Transport us in our yearning,
and be for us the end and the beginning,
our purest pleasure, our victorious crown, our never-ending love.
And so we pray and praise:
C
Amen and Amen!
The Lord’s Prayer
C
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
The Fraction
P
Jesus is here. Come be fed.
C
Thanks be to God.
Please be seated.
The Distribution of Holy Communion
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America practices open table hospitality. Baptized communicants of other Christian denominations, of all ages, are welcome to receive the sacrament. An usher will direct each seating area to come forward to receive the sacrament. Bring your communion cup with you, or take one from the usher. The pastor will drop the host into your hand. Next move to receive the wine from the Assisting Minister. Then take another step to consume the sacrament. As you return to your seat, place the empty cup into the receptacle. Those persons not receiving communion are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing.
Please stand.
Post Communion Blessing
P
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C
Amen.
Post Communion Prayer
A
Let us pray. Dearest Jesus, at this table we have feasted on your very life and are strengthened for our journey. Send us forth from this banquet nourished in body and in spirit to proclaim your good news and serve others in your name.
C
Amen.
The Blessing
P
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen.
The Dismissal
A
Go in peace. Serve the Lord!
C
Thanks be to God. We will!
Postlude
+++
Readings for next week:
Epiphany 4
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
Coming up at Holy Spirit
| February 13 | Drive-up Food Drive 10 a.m.-noon |
| February 14 | Transfiguration Sunday |
| February 15 & 16 | Fasnacht Sale |
| February 17 | Ash Wednesday Worship, 7:00 p.m. |
Worship on the Wednesdays of Lent at 7:00 p.m.
The Wednesday sermon series is entitled:
Martyrs, Missionaries, and Renewers
Holy Week
| March 28 | Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday |
| April 1 | The Triduum: Maundy Thursday |
| April 2 | The Triduum: Good Friday |
| April 3 | The Triduum: The Great Vigil of Easter |
| April 4 | Easter Day |
Acknowledgments
Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS103416.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.