Palm Sunday April 5, 2020 – 10:00 a.m.

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9)

“Still Fed by God, Still Feeding Others”

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 8922 Little River Turnpike – Fairfax, VA Church Office 703.978.3131 blclife.org

Welcome to worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

We hope that your worship in our community strengthens your faith and brings you peace and joy.

Bethlehem has adopted an affirmation of welcome to persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities and is recognized as Reconciling in Christ (reconcilingworks.org). We welcome everyone regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental challenges, financial resources, or family status, and we invite everyone to participate fully in worship and all that is ours in Christ. If this is your first time here, please be sure to fill out the red welcome pad in your row, and let us know how we can be more in ministry together. All are welcome to receive the sacrament. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers. If you choose not to receive Communion, you may come forward for a blessing. White grape juice is in the center of the communion tray. Gluten free wafers are also available. Candles are a visible sign of our prayers. There are two stations on either side of the church; feel free to light one during the communion time or before the service. All candles will be extinguished after worship is concluded, signifying that our loving God has heard our prayers. Children are always welcome! We love having children participate in worship and they are encouraged to sing and read along. We also have Rainbow Bags in the narthex, filled with activities for little ones. After the second Scripture reading, kids may come forward for a “Time For Children.” Then Preschoolers who would like may choose to attend a brief lesson that takes place in the “Family Lounge” during the sermon. We also have a sound-proof area in our lobby where the service can still be seen and heard through the glass doors. Changing tables are available in the family/all-gender restroom (across from the Fellowship Hall). Please let us know there is anything that you need while you are here. We invite you to pick up our newsletter and look for additional information at the Welcome Center near the entry doors.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

since December 3, 2017

Welcome

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WORSHIP NOTES A Special Welcome to All Our Guests! The name of our church, Bethlehem (Hebrew for “house of bread”), reminds us that Jesus always feeds us through our good times…and especially through our difficult days, our drought. A shepherd, like the shepherds around Bethlehem, both nudges the sheep and lovingly watches over them in danger. Our hope is that you are both nudged and comforted today by the amazing grace of Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. Please plan to stay with us after the service for refreshments and conversation. We are thankful that you are here! Large Print copies of this service are available from the ushers. Sermon Podcasts and Manuscript: Podcasts of the sermon can now be downloaded in iTunes, search: “Pastor Dans Sermons”. The audio file, manuscript, plus a discussion forum is at Pastor Dan’s blog, www.themangerfairfax.blogspot.com An Invitation: Are you looking for a church home? If so, we invite you to become part of this wonderful community of faith. Come back again! Would you like more information about our ministry? Please visit our website www.blclife.org or make an appointment with Pastor Dan. Introduction for this day: Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work. Our Cover: Lenten Season: During this season our cover art reflects the life of Christ with artwork from Sundays and Seasons.

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BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

Discover, Celebrate, Share WELCOME The pastor welcomes all and shares any notes pertaining to the worship “Tell the story; enact its meaning. CALL TO WORSHIP The presiding minister begins and the congregation responds (bold print)

Welcome to this place of worship! Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!

(Scripture used in the liturgy)

(Romans 15:7)

GATHERING Word Meal Sending

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CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who is present, who gives life, who calls into existence the things that do not exist. Amen. If you were to keep watch over sins, O Lord, who could stand? Yet with you is forgiveness, and so we confess.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned away from you, knowingly and unknowingly. We have wandered from your resurrection life. We have strayed from your love for all people. Turn us back to you, O God. Give us new hearts and right spirits, that we may find what is pleasing to you and dwell in your house forever. Amen. Receive good news: God turns to you in love. “I will put my spirit in you, and you shall live,” says our God. All your sin is forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, who is the free and abounding gift of God’s grace for you. Amen.

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PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21:1-11 Entrance into the final days

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Glory to you, O Lord.

1When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5“Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

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

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GATHERING HYMN “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” ELW 344

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

GREETING The presiding minister and the assembly signal the gathering of God’s people with the ancient Trinitarian greeting.

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PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray.

Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 50:4-9a This text, the third of the four Servant Songs in Isaiah, speaks of the servant’s obedience in the midst of persecution. Though the servant has been variously understood as the prophet himself or a remnant of faithful Israel, Christians have often recognized the figure of Christ in these poems.

A reading from Isaiah.

4The Lord GOD has given me

the tongue of a teacher,

that I may know how to sustain

the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens—

wakens my ear

to listen as those who are taught.

5The Lord GOD has opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious,

I did not turn backward.

Gathering WORD Meal Sending

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6I gave my back to those who struck me,

and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;

I did not hide my face

from insult and spitting.

7The Lord GOD helps me;

therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like flint,

and I know that I shall not be put to shame;

8he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?

Let us stand up together.

Who are my adversaries?

Let them confront me.

9aIt is the Lord GOD who helps me;

who will declare me guilty?

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

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PSALM: Psalm 31:9-16 The Psalm is read responsively 9Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble;

my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.

10For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing;

my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are

consumed.

11I am the scorn of all my enemies, a disgrace to my neighbors, a

dismay to my acquaintances;

when they see me in the street they avoid me.

12Like the dead I am forgotten, out of mind;

I am as useless as a broken pot.

13For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around;

they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.

14But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD.

I have said, “You are my God.

15My times are in your hand;

rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who

persecute me.

16Let your face shine upon your servant;

save me in your steadfast love.”

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SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11 Paul quotes from an early Christian hymn that describes Jesus’ humble obedience in his incarnation as a human being, even to death, and his exaltation and glory as Lord of all. A reading from Philippians. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

6who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,

7but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

8he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death—

even death on a cross.

9Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name

that is above every name,

10so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

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A TIME FOR CHILDREN A time for children to hear what is at the heart of the texts for today. The assembly welcomes the Word with songs. Holy Scripture may be brought down into the midst of the people, symbolic of the Living Word dwelling in our midst.

SERMON

(Mark 10:14)

(Acts 10:42)

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HYMN OF THE DAY “Jesus, I Will Ponder Now” Red Hymnal 345 The assembly responds to and proclaims the spoken Word of God now in song. The Hymn of the Day might be understood as the congregation’s sermon.

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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Having received the Word of God’s relentless grace and faithfulness, we can’t help but turn outward and pray for others. The love of Christ compels us. The assisting minister leads the congregation in prayer. Each petition of the prayers concludes:

…Hear us, O God. You mercy is great.

The prayers conclude: According to your steadfast love, O God, hear these and all our prayers as we commend them to you; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Offering the peace of Christ is far more than a quick hello and “How ya doin’?”: It is the embodiment of conflicts forgiven, wars ended, even death destroyed. Jesus’ resurrection offers true peace.

(John 20:19)

(Ephesians 3:20)

(I John 1:9)

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OFFERING Loving God, we joyfully release what you have entrusted to us¾our selves, our time and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GATHERING OF GIFTS/SETTING THE TABLE

“Change My Heart, O God” Red Hymnal 801

(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Gathering Word MEAL Sending

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OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. Silence is kept for reflection. Holy and generous host, you set a table where we feast as friends. Prepare us to witness to your goodness with every gift you have given us to share, that all people may know your peace through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen. HOLY COMMUNION CONNECTION

(Exodus 35:5)

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LORD’S PRAYER Lord remember us in your love, and teach us to pray.

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.

(Matthew 6:9-13)

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Brief announcements may be made, especially those related to the assembly’s participation in God’s mission in the world. BLESSING

The presiding minister proclaims God’s blessing. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. Holy God, speaking, spoken, and inspiring, ☩ bless you, unbind you, and send you in love and in peace. Amen. DISMISSAL The assembly is sent out into mission. Fed and forgiven, our feet now follow our prayers. Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God.

We depart in silence.

(Mark 5:34)

(Matthew 28:20)

(Number 6:24)

Gathering Word Meal SENDING

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Text, artwork, and music from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2019 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under

Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License.

Hymns reprinted with permission of CCLI License No. 14519, LicenSingOnline No, 600997, and OneLicense No. A-701485

Scripture quotations are from 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.

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ON KEEPING HOLY WEEK HOLY

"In Christ we die and rise."

Pastor Dan’s Notes on Holy Week Worship Words & Practices Intro: What has Holy Week been like/meant for you in the past? What does this mean to you? -- "In Christ we die and rise." Opportunity: as we experience Holy Week this year -- Not ‘Do you like it or not?’ but rather ‘What do you notice’? What do you notice when we wash each other's feet, wave a palm branch, feel hands on our heads, touch a sticky (sap) old cross, see a bare altar, hear a baby crying or a grandparent reading, taste sour wine? During Holy Week/the Great Three Days, time and time again, “we tell the story, then we enact its meaning” (Gail Ramshaw).

“The Three Days”: lost and found again

Maundy Thursday 7pm - Table and Tenebrae Probably the most “visceral” service of the year? taste (wine), smell (bread), see (emptiness of the space), hear (words, songs), feel (hands on your head, hand your feet, feel your way out?) All begins with sense of intimacy, warmth, friends, even peaceful celebrating (Passover) 1) First the Forgiveness —

- laying on of hands, - links us back to Ash Wednesday when we made lengthy, sung confession.

Ash Wednesday: “Holy, holy, holy God...have mercy on us,” we say. Maundy Thursday: “I forgive you all your sins,” Christ says.

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2) Then the Command (maundy ~ mandate): wash one another’s feet.

- practices of this here at BLC? - tangible “love one another” - not tit-for-tat, not best friends or couples, and definitely not a dramatic show…

rather Jesus washes you, so you turn and wash the next person, and that person turns and washes the next...

3) Then the Meal — Jesus takes an age-old Passover ritual and “blows it up”!

“This is not just a symbol of liberation from Egypt: This is my body!” Do this in remembrance, i.e. putting back together ... re-member.

4) Then the Scattering (Tenebrae) - interruption, abrupt, shock - story is retold - candles are extinguished slowly — - shadows, tenebrae = read, extinguish, read, extinguish... - fear builds, sadness builds, chaos builds - losing the intimacy that we started with

5) Finally in this evening, the disciples run in every direction. - Get out quietly and quickly, different doors. - Try driving home in silence, even with others in the car. - Only service of the year — no Benediction (sending blessing). - unfinished…

Good Friday 7pm - The Triumph of the Cross Afternoon “vigil” from 12-3pm — seven preachers for the seven final sayings of Jesus from the cross. Discuss: Why is Good Friday good? “Behold the Life-giving Cross, on which was held the savior of the whole world.”

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Not a funeral, not a re-enactment of the death, but rather...A SOMBER JOY. The Gospel of John...all the way! “It is finished.” Lift high the cross. Cross = Throne (in John)! 1) Come in silence (back together from the chaos and "unfinished" of last night)…like after a hurricane 2) Immediately, the Word (no extended Gathering): long readings, chant the psalms...way more words read than normal. 3) Then the lengthy Bidding Prayer. from 3rd century: We pray for others, as Jesus mother teaches us...

Way back at the Cana wedding, “They have no wine.”

“That is, we pray for other people, bringing to God the needs of everyone we can think of. It is as if in this prayer we imagine ourselves with the small circle of people at the foot of the cross; but encountering God’s love for us, we realize that our circle of care must grow ever wider.” (The Three-Day Feast)

- kneel (even on the hard floor, knees hurting) — steps in Rome - Name specifics, long periods of silence - strikes a tone of praying “for [this]...and [this]...and [this]...and [this]…”

- try to settle into it 4) Then the Adoration of the Cross. - Cross processes in — singing “Behold…” and the assembly responds, “Oh come let us worship him.” (remember: cross = throne) Now we simply linger in it. Linger in the cross, sing, pray, touch the cross, bow before the cross, adorn the cross with a flower, kiss the cross… “Using one gesture or another, the assembly enacts its reverence for the cross on Golgotha, and the cross on Golgotha represents Christ himself.” (The Three Day Feast)

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This time concludes with a spoken litany, three times repeating, “by your cross joy has come into the world”.

One more hymn is sung — “There in God’s Garden” — before departing in silence. This final imagery invites us to see the cross as a living tree, covering us with forgiveness, love, healing and peace. So that when we depart, albeit in silence, that somber joy is just beneath the surface... for “It. Is. Finished.” And we are turning toward the Easter tomb...

Bethlehem Lutheran Church: the manger place “still fed by God; still feeding others”

Holy Week at Bethlehem

Maundy Thursday April 9th

7:00pm: Facebook Live Worship Service

Good Friday

April 10th 7:00pm: Facebook Live

Worship Service

Easter Worship Service April 12th,

10:00 a.m. on Facebook Live

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Coming Up Next Week

Readings for Sunday, April 12, 2020

Acts 10:34-43 God raised Jesus on the third day

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in

it. (Ps. 118:24) Colossians 3:1-4

Raised with Christ to seek the higher things Matthew 28:1-10

Proclaim the resurrection

Birthdays this Week

Brendan Hogan, April 9th

Judy Myers, April 10th Daniel Trump, April 11th

Baptismal Birthdays this Week

Anniversaries this Week

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This Week’s Commemorations:

Albrecht Dürer, died 1528; Matthias Grünewald, died 1529; Lucas Cranach, died 1553; artists

Monday, April 6, 2020 These great artists revealed through their work the mystery of salvation

and the wonder of creation. Dürer's work reflected the apocalyptic spirit of his time.

Though he remained a Roman Catholic, he was sympathetic to Martin Luther's reforming work.

Grünewald's paintings are known for their dramatic forms, vivid colors, and depiction of

light. Cranach's work includes many fine religious examples and several portraits of

Martin Luther. Cranach was also widely known for his woodcuts.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, died 1945 Thursday, April 9, 2020

Bonhoeffer was a German theologian who wrote profoundly, yet in an accessible manner. In the Second World War, he became a leader

of the Confessing Church in Germany that resisted the Nazi movement. Linked to a plot to

kill Hitler, he was hanged shortly before the end of the war.

Mikael Agricola, Bishop of Turku, died 1557

Friday, April 10, 2020 Consecrated bishop of Turku, Finland,

without the approval of the pope, Agricola began a reform along Lutheran lines. In only three years, he translated the New

Testament and worship texts into Finnish, in the process establishing the rules of Finnish

writing that are still used today.

Cranach’s Martin Luther, 1532

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HymnNotes

"Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9 When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, a hopeful crowd filled the streets, waving palm branches and praising God. The people believed that the Messiah had finally come to lead a revolt against the Romans. Less than a week later, the same crowd demanded His crucifiction. Theodulf, (c.760-821) who wrote the hymn All Glory, Laud, and Honor, had a somewhat similar experience. King Charlemagne had made him Bishop of Orleans in the late 700's, and all the people, as well as the king, praised Theodulf. He was the king's theologian as well as a beloved pastor. But when Charlemagne died, rumors were spread against him. Charlemagne's son charged him with conspiracy and put him in prison, and on Easter Sunday, 818, he was imprisoned in the monastery of Angers. There, as he meditated on our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to His Crucifixion and Resurrection, Theodulph wrote the great Palm Sunday hymn, All Glory, Laud and Honor. According to a tradition that can be neither confirmed nor denied, when King Louis later visited Angers, he momentarily halted by the monastery were Theodulph was held, and the bishop appeared at the window, singing All Glory, Laud and Honor. The king was reportedly so moved that he ordered the bishop's release. Theodulph was released in 821, but he died on his way back to Orleans, or shortly after his return there. It is a favorite Palm Sunday hymn in churches of many denominations. Scripture: Psalm 118:25-26; Mark 11:7-10; John 12:12-13 vcs Excerpts from: “Hymns” by W. J. & A. Petersen & “Then Sings My Soul” by R. J. Morgan. Excerpts from Hymnal Companion and “Hymns” by W. J. & A. Petersen Excerpt from ELW Hymnal Companion “With One Voice Reference Companion” Excerpt from “Hymns” by W. J. & A. Petersen and ELW Hymnal Companion

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BLC PRAYER RING

Prayer requests are given to members of our Prayer Ring by email, including whatever details you choose to provide about your prayer need, and are also printed in our Sunday bulletin without details, so that our congregation may join in the prayers. Remembering Friends (people who are unable to come to church)…

Sylvia Betty Michele Prayer Concerns… Dave Bonnie’s sister May Dorothy Irma (Bonnie) Claudia (Bonnie) Bonnie Debbie (Marylou) Val Marie Mark (Bonnie) Kath (Ann) Majed (Marva) RW Burns (Shelley) Maureen (Hannelore) An Le Kimball (Hannelore) Ruth Please pray for all those at home and overseas in the armed, diplomatic, and humanitarian services of our country, and for their families:

Kathryn Chris Kathy Logan (Bernice’s grandson) Clayton (Janet’s son-in-law) Nick (Janet’s nephew) Henry & Wendy and family

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BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH 8922 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031

Phone: 703-978-3131 e-mail: bethlehemlutheran1@gmail.com

web site: www.blclife.org

Ministers: People of the Congregation

Pastor: The Rev. Daniel Roschke email: pastor.blcfairfax@gmail.com

office phone: 703-978-3131

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, and as arranged Pastor Dan’s Blog: https://themangerfairfax.blogspot.com/

Minister of Music: Esther Cho

Music Accompanist: Jenny Kong

Administrator: Marie Bakke email: bakkemarie@gmail.com

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ congregation

since December 3, 2017