WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD

February 25, 2018 9:00 am

________________________________GATHERING _______________________________

WELCOME

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Introduction: (Silent confession over chords)

I confess to you, O Lord,

that I have sinned.

I confess to you, O Lord,

all my sin within.

I have failed to live for you

In the things I say and do,

And have fallen short of

living in your love.

I confess to you, O Lord,

that I have sinned.

I confess to you, O Lord,

all my sin within.

I have placed myself above,

And have hurt the ones I love,

And I know that only

you can set me free.

(Chorus 1)

Lord, have mercy on me.

Lord, have mercy, set me free.

O forgive me, Lord, I pray

And take my sin away,

By the cross and empty grave for my soul

Take us back to the water.

Wash away our sins.

Welcome us, O Father,

Back to Your home again.

Bless Your sons and daughters,

And let the feast begin,

Let it begin! (Chorus 1)

TH

E S

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ON

D S

UN

DA

Y IN

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Absolution: (Spoken over chorus chords.)

The Lord has had mercy on us and has sent his Son Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

By his word and promise I declare to you the forgiveness of all of your sins in the name of the Father

and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. You are forgiven. You are set free.

You take us back to the water.

You wash away our sins.

You welcome us, O Father,

Back to Your home again.

You bless Your sons and daughters.

Now let the feast begin,

Let it begin!

(Chorus 2)

Lord, Your mercy covers me.

Lord, Your mercy has set me free.

You’ve forgiven me today,

And my sins are washed away

By the cross and empty grave for my soul.

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.

KYRIE All sing “Assembly” parts

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PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son

you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life.

Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ

that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,

our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen

____________________________ SERVICE OF THE WORD ____________________________

FIRST READING Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD

appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty;

walk before me, and be blameless. 2And I will make my

covenant between me and you, and will make you

exceedingly numerous." 3Then Abram fell on his face; and

God said to him, 4"As for me, this is my covenant with

you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of

nations. 5No longer shall your name be Abram, but your

name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor

of a multitude of nations. 6I will make you exceedingly

fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall

come from you. 7I will establish my covenant between

me and you, and your offspring after you throughout

their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God

to you and to your offspring after you. 15God said to

Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her

Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16I will bless her, and

moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and

she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come

from her."

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SECOND READING Romans 4:13–25

13For the promise that he would inherit the world did not

come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law

but through the righteousness of faith. 14If it is the adherents

of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the

promise is void. 15For the law brings wrath; but where there

is no law, neither is there violation. 16For this reason it

depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on

grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to

the adherents of the law but also to those who share the

faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17as it is

written, "I have made you the father of many nations") — in

the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life

to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not

exist. 18Hoping against hope, he believed that he would

become "the father of many nations," according to what was

said, "So numerous shall your descendants be." 19He did not

weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which

was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred

years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's

womb. 20No distrust made him waver concerning the

promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave

glory to God, 21being fully convinced that God was able to

do what he had promised. 22Therefore his faith "was

reckoned to him as righteousness." 23Now the words, "it

was reckoned to him," were written not for his sake

alone, 24but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who

believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the

dead, 25who was handed over to death for our trespasses

and was raised for our justification.

GOSPEL VERSE (Leader sings first time; all sing second time)

HOLY GOSPEL Mark 8:31–38

The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 8th chapter.

Glory to you, O Lord.

31Then (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man

must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the

elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed,

and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite

openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke

him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked

Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are

setting your mind not on divine things but on human

things." 34He called the crowd with his disciples, and

said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let

them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow

me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it,

and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the

sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit

them to gain the whole world and forfeit their

life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their

life?38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in

this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of

Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of

his Father with the holy angels."

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The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

HYMN OF THE DAY “In Christ Alone”

3. There in the ground his body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave he rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

4. No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

‘Til he returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

SERMON

Ensemble

Assembly

Here in the death of Christ I live.

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APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again 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

PRAYER (Response to each petition)

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

SHARING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

OFFERING

OFFERORY “Stir Us Up, O God”

Let the widow’s humble heart be the witness.

That the sum of what you give is more than mites.

It is not the way the world defines abundance

But when you give your heart away – you find your life.

Bridge

Stir us up, oh God

So that all I am and have

Is a living sacrifice

offered to a world in need…

Let your heart be a seed in search of good soil

You’re the single grain of wheat who feeds the world

You’re a miracle wherever you are planted

And you’re nurtured in the water and the word

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Let us pray.

God, our provider,

you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these your

gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Chorus

Let my life be – a beautiful refrain

The shelter from the rain -- Healing for the broken.

Let me live life – as a generous response

A treasure in a box

A heart that’s fully open – to your grace, the fullness

of your grace, the fullness of your grace

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_________________________ SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT ________________________

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

God says: “I will establish my covenant between me and you,”

It will be an everlasting covenant of love!

We give thanks to you O, God, for the salvation you have accomplished for us through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who overcame the assaults of the devil and gave His life as a ransom for many that with new and clean hearts we

might be prepared to receive him as he comes to us now in his body and blood. With angels and archangels and

with all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS (“Holy, holy, holy”}

)

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WORDS OF INSTITUTION

LORD’S PRAYER

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

AGNUS DEI (“Lamb of God”)

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COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION

Scripture says, “Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1

Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism says, “Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord

Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink.” All baptized

Christians who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief in the real presence of Christ

in the sacrament for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord’s Table today. Children who have not received their

first communion are invited to come to the table and receive a blessing.

As you approach the table down the aisles, receive an empty cup from the cart.

Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar.

After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace.

As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables to your left or right.

Non-alcoholic wine is offered in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack.

Gluten-free (and dairy-free and nut-free) wafers are offered in the small white bowl on the communion cart for those who

prefer this option.

DISTRIBUTION SONGS “Never Underestimate My Jesus”

Am I at the point

of no improvement

What of the death

I still dwell in

I try to excel

But I feel no movement

Can I be free of this unreleasable sin?

Never underestimate my Jesus

Your telling me that there's no hope

I'm telling you your wrong

Never under estimate my Jesus

Cause when the world around you crumbles

He will be strong

He will be strong

I throw up my hands

Oh the impossibilities

frustrated and tired

where do I go from here

Now I'm searching for the confidence

I've lost so willingly

Overcoming these obstacles

Is overcoming my fears

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“Hungry (Falling on My Knees)”

_________________________________ SENDING _________________________________

DISMISSAL

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace.

Amen

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Merciful God,

accompany our journey through these forty days. Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may

provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence and above all

that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

Amen

Go in peace. Christ lives in you.

Thanks be to God.

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CLOSING HYMN “Mighty to Save”

Everyone needs compassion

Love that's never failing

Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness

The kindness of a savior

The hope of nations

Chorus:

My Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is mighty to save

He is mighty to save

Forever

Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as you find me

All my fears and failures

Fill my life again

I give my life to follow

Everything I believe in

Now I surrender. Chorus

SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY

Worship leader Jon Marxhausen

Elder Tom Schoenberg

Piano Hannah Marxhausen

Jill Olofson

Guitar Caleb Marxhausen

Violin Leah Marxhausen

Lector Allen Warren

Ushers Dan & Jason Evenson

Acolyte/Crucifer George Zetterwall

Greeters Paul & Cami Hartleben

DON’T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY

The 3-minute ministry is our way of intentionally caring for one another after worship on Sunday mornings. This

time of fellowship takes place immediately after the announcements and lasts for 3 minutes. (or longer!)

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WELCOME TO GRACE OF GOD

Thank you for worshipping with us today.

Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway.

Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God.

You are always welcome at Grace of God.

SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD

“Busy bags” for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors.

That room also has a speaker to hear the worship service.

February 25 – March 4, 2018

Sunday, February 25 __________________________________________________________

9:00 am WORSHIP – LENT 2

Fellowship time after worship

10:15 am Sunday School and Adult Bible Study

1:00 pm Youth Ice Fishing Activity

Monday, February 26 _________________________________________________________

3:30 – 5:30 FARE FOR ALL

7:00 pm Board of Directors’ Meeting

Tuesday, February 27 __________________________________________________________

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study

7:30 pm Cantate Choir

Wednesday, February 28 _______________________________________________________

6:15 pm Handchime Choir

7:00 pm LENT EVENING PRAYER WORSHIP

Sunday, March 4 ______________________________________________________________

9:00 am WORSHIP – LENT 3

Fellowship time after worship

10:15 am Sunday School

YOUTH ICE FISHING EVENT TODAY! Meet at church at 1 pm

GRACE OF GOD MISSION STATEMENT

Grace of God is a Christ-centered community gathered around Word and Sacrament,

preaching Christ crucified, serving our neighbor and

discovering what it means to live under the grace of God.

X

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THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 at 7:00 pm

SERVING IN WORSHIP

DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS

2/25/18 Tom

Schoenberg George Zetterwall Allen Warren Dan & Jason Evenson Paul & Cami Hartleben

2/28/18 Evening Prayer

Allen Warren Cherish Frelix Franklin Hotzel Jerry Corson/ Bruce Gilman Evelyn Marxhausen

3/4/18 Allen Warren Ella Fahey Marilynn Epland Jenny Hanson/ Derek

Nutzman Roger & Nancy Prigge

3/7/18 Evening Prayer

Allen Warren Kiernan Benson Dan Evenson Matt Onken / Byron Epland Jim & Jan Roth

3/11/18 Allen Warren TJ Richter Jill Olofson Darrel & Noel Smith Bob & Lori Koeritzer

CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE

March 1 - 3

TEAM 2

Lori Ruppel/Doreen Rubbert/Pat

Randall/Becky Vigstol

March 8 - 10 TEAM 3

Cami Hartleben/Shirley Muelken

March 15 - 17

TEAM 4

Roxanne Cleary/Jeff & Jill Olofson

Allen & Sally Warren

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LENT SERVICE PROJECT

During Lent we’ll be collecting coins and cash to provide Bega

Kwa Bega secondary student scholarships.

Our collection goal during Lent is $1,300!

Each scholarship costs about $400. Currently, Grace of God

supports 3 student scholarships. Unlike here in the United

States, Tanzania students attend school January-December.

During the 2017 Tanzania school year Grace of God provided

funding for:

Christian Ngubi –Level Form II, Elinathna Msovela—Level Form IV, and Mariamu Mgaya—Level Form I.

We recently received the names the students we are sponsoring during 2018:

Christian Ngubi—Level Form III

Marianmu Mgaya—Level Form II

Methsela Msovela—Level Form II

If you have any questions please contact Audrey Gilman. 651-352-2888 or aggilman@comcast.net.

Wondering if any Grace of God adults are interested in a

mission trip? If you are, please contact Audrey Gilman.

651-352-2888 or aggilman@comcast.net.

Tomorrow afternoon,

February 26

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Come at 2:30 to volunteer!

TUESDAY, March 13 5-7 pm

GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota 55128

651.730.4900 www.graceofgodlutheran.com Jon Marxhausen, pastor

NIGHT