Sunday Morning - January 31, 2021

Sunday, January 31, 2021
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Stan Sanderson will sing the prelude
PRELUDE “Come, Thou Dear Redeemer”

Pastor Daniel Morris welcomes the church to worship.
WELCOME AND INTRO TO THE DAY

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pastor Daniel Morris leads the assembly in thanksgiving for the gift of baptism.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose voice is upon the waters,
whose mercy is poured out upon all people, whose goodness cascades over all creation.
Amen.

Let us confess our sin, trusting in the abundant grace of God.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy God,
you search us and know us. You are acquainted with all our ways.  
We confess that our hearts are burdened by sin--
our own sins and the broken systems that bind us.
We turn inward, failing to follow your outward way of love.
We distrust those who are not like us. We exploit the earth and its resources
and fail to consider generations to come. Forgive us, gracious God,
for all we have done and left undone. Even before the words are on our tongues,
you know them; receive them in your divine mercy.
Amen.

How vast is God’s grace! Through the power and promise of ☩ Christ Jesus,
our sins are washed away and we are claimed as God’s own beloved.
Indeed, we are forgiven. In the wake of God’s forgiveness,
we are called to be the beloved community living out Christ’s justice 
and the Spirit’s reconciling peace.
Amen.

Grace and Natalie Trumbull and Andy Heroff  will lead the assembly in our gathering song.
GATHERING SONG “Jesus Shall Reign” (vs 1,4,5)
1 Jesus shall reign where'er the sun does its successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.

4 Blessings abound where'er he reigns: the pris'ners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest, and all who suffer want are blest.

5 Let ev'ry creature rise and bring peculiar honors to our king;
angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud amen.

Pastor Daniel and the assembly greet each other.
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.

The Pastor Daniel leads the prayer of the day.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.
Compassionate God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring wholeness to all that is broken and speak truth to us in our confusion, that all creation will see and know your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

Deacon Tracy Katschke leads the children’s word.
CHILDREN'S WORD

Our first reading this morning is read by Brian Madsen
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Our first reading is from Deuteronomy.

 [Moses said:] 15The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. 16This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” 17Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. 18I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. 19Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. 20But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Our Psalm this morning is read by Brian Madsen
Psalm 111

Our Psalm today is Psalm 111.

 1Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
 in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
 2Great are your works, O Lord,
 pondered by all who delight in them.
 3Majesty and splendor mark your deeds,
 and your righteousness endures forever.
 4You cause your wonders to be remembered;
 you are gracious and full of compassion.
 5You give food to those who fear you,
 remembering forever your covenant.
 6You have shown your people the power of your works
 in giving them the lands of the nations.
 7The works of your hands are faithfulness and justice;
 all of your precepts are sure.
 8They stand fast forever and ever,
 because they are done in truth and equity.
 9You sent redemption to your people and commanded your covenant forever;
 holy and awesome is your name.
 10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice this have a good
 understanding.  God’s praise endures forever.

Our second reading this morning is read by Brian Madsen
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Our second reading is from 1 Corinthians.

1Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; 3but anyone who loves God is known by him.  4Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords--6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.  7It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8“Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? 11So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. 12But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 


The gospel is read by Pastor Daniel Morris.
GOSPEL: Mark 1:21-28

The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

21[Jesus and his disciples] went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

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

Pastor Daniel Morris proclaims God’s Word for you in the sermon.
SERMON

Jeff Horvath will lead the assembly in our Hymn of the Day.
HYMN OF THE DAY There Is a Balm in Gilead (vs 1 - 3)

Refrain: There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; 
  there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

1 Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. Refrain

2 If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus and say, "He died for all." Refrain

3 Don't ever be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend;
and if you lack for knowledge he'll ne'er refuse to lend. Refrain

APOSTLES’ CREED
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.

Stan Sanderson leads the assembly in prayer
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Guided by Christ made known to the nations, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all people in need.

For all who share the gospel and proclaim freedom in Christ throughout the world: prophets, teachers, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders; for the church and its ministries, let us pray.
Have mercy, O God.

For all God’s works in creation: plants and animals, water and soil, forests and farms; and for those tasked with protecting our natural resources and all that exists, let us pray.
Have mercy, O God.

For government and leaders: cities and nations, rescue professionals and legal aid attorneys, elected officials and grassroots organizers; for all responsible for the well-being of civil society, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit: those who are sick and hospitalized, those living with HIV/AIDS, those struggling with mental illness, those who are hungry or homeless, and all in any need; for caregivers, hospice workers, and home health aides, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For the concerns of this congregation: those who travel, those absent from worship, those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries; for the people of God in this place and for other needs in our community, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For Mike, Sherri, Lizetta, Kim, Kyle, Jan, Rita, Gina, Laurie, Jeff, Chris, Don, Douglas, Hoyt, Brian, and Maria; that God anoint their wounds, those seen and unseen, with healing balm, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, spoken or silent, for the sake of the one who dwells among us, your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.

Pastor Daniel and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.
PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

OFFERING

Stan Sanderson leads the assembly in prayer. 
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

The Pastor Daniel greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks.
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.

Pastor Daniel
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. By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. 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


Pastor Daniel
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE 
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus,
the Word made flesh.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus 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.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.    Christ is risen.    Christ will come again.

With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. 
We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us.
Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate,
Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. 
Amen.


 
Pastor Daniel
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. 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.
 
Pastor Daniel
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Beloved: this is bread; this is wine. This is Jesus. Gather around the table and be fed.

Pastor Daniel
COMMUNION
During the communion song, you may distribute the bread to the members of your household saying, “The body of Christ given for you.” After all have eaten, you may distribute the cup to the members of your household saying, "The blood of Christ shed for you.” If you are alone you may say, “The body of Christ,” as you receive the bread and, “The blood of Christ,” as you receive the juice. If you or another member of your household is not taking communion, you may make the sign of the cross on your/their forehead and say, “The Lord Jesus keep me/you in the promise of my/your baptism.” 
 
COMMUNION MUSIC
 
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION

Stan Sanderson leads reads the prayer
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

SENDING SONG Now Lord


Pastor Daniel
BLESSING
God the creator strengthen you; Jesus the beloved fill you;
and the Holy Spirit the comforter ☩ keep you in peace.
Amen.
 
Stan Sanderson leads reads the prayer
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS


GIVING YOUR OFFERING
We thank God for all that we have and all that we are as we make our offering. You can give your offering in many different ways: Mailing our check to church / Using our own bank website “send-payment” feature / Going to www.peacelutheranlz.com and clicking on “make a donation” / or, downloading and using the app: https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com/. 

THANK YOU
So much gratitude for everyone who has contributed to worship today.  The young and old, readers, musicians, and the technical help are all making this possible.  Find all of this week’s announcements in the Prints of Peace on the PLC website.   Allison Hearst, Office Admin: office@peacelutheranlz.com  /  Deacon Tracy Katschke: tracy@peacelutheranlz.com  /  Pastor Daniel Morris: pastor@peacelutheranlz.com 
 
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