December 4, 2022
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Gathering

MUSICAL OFFERING

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                    
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
We will be Hosting the Santa Clause event December 3rd along with the Gateway Community Center.
Also mark your calendars for December 11th for our annual meeting right after church in the sanctuary.

PRAYER REQUESTS  Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur  Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers, Deb Weller and Joyce  Chamberlin and family as they mourn the passing of her father.

PRELUDE

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES
L:  The season of Advent continues.  Four thousand years of waiting for the Messiah, commemorated by the lighting of four candles.
P: We join with a hopeful throng in the lighting of the Advent candles, symbols of our faith and signs of God’s love.
L: We are a people of hope.  Last Sunday the frail light of a single candle dared to pierce through the darkness of desolation and sin.
P:  Hope lives in us and will abide with us.
L:  Today we will light the candle of peace.
P:  This light, too, must brave great darkness.
L:  In an age when people so seldom find peace within themselves, and when all the earth stands under threat of total annihilation, we light a fire called peace.
P:  Peace that is not merely the absence of war and conflict, but peace that is the fullness of blessing for all--that is the peace for which we dare to hope.
L:  The Christ comes to bring peace to those who have been separated from God and one another.
P:  In the name of that Child born so long ago, we light the candle of peace as we also seek to follow Christ’s teaching lifting up our hope for peace for our world today.
Lighting the candles of Hope and Peace

*GATHERING PRAYER
We come to worship today bearing the Hope of Advent in our hearts. We come seeking Peace not only for our own spirits but for our world that envy, strife, and discord may cease. We come to find the light that still shines in the darkness dispersing our gloomy clouds and dark shadows. As we worship, Emmanuel, may your light and peace fill us to overflowing, that we may offer hope to those around us. Amen.
*HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #9
(You may be seated.)

CALL TO CONFESSION Philippians 1:9-11
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 
Let us confess our sins and weaknesses to the Son of God. 
Lord Jesus, this is the season when we expect love to overflow as we reach out to help our neighbors, give to charities, bring gifts and goods to our family and friends. But this is also the season when we feel overwhelmed, overtired, overcommitted, and overspent. Help us to truly understand what is MOST important as the scripture says, and to let go of that which is unnecessary or not helpful. Let our character, our actions, and our words speak of your goodness and bring you much praise and glory. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE Philippians 1:6 
I’m convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. 
Through Christ we are forgiven.  Thanks be to God!
 
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579

PASSING THE PEACE 
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

INTERLUDE
Word

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
As we come before you, Prince of Peace, may our ears and minds and hearts be open to your Word for us this day.

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Malachi 3:1-4, NIV 
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.

GOSPEL LESSONS Matthew 3:1-12 
3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight.”’
4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.11 ‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’
SERMON                                                 Be Alert!

I was in 7th grade when my Sunday School teacher asked if our class would assist with a dinner that the church was hosting.  Pouring coffee, picking up dirty dishes, helping people carry their tray.  These were the types of things with which we could help.  It sounded like fun and I was in!  
After the meal everyone was invited to the sanctuary where a new film was to be shown.  “A Thief in the Night.”  I still remember the name.  Trauma can do that to a person!  The film was presented from the perspective of a teen aged girl.  Her dad was shaving in the bathroom and Mom was making pancakes, but suddenly they were gone.  Just vanished.  The electric razor still hummed in the sink.  Pancakes bubbled on the griddle, but her parents were no where.  All over the city it was the same.  Cars had crashed because the driver had vanished.  The newspaper stand was vacant.  People were rushing around looking for a friend or parent.  And then the story got REALLY scary with all that happened next.  I was so happy to see my Mom when she came to pick me up.
That night I lay in my bed thinking about that movie.  At one point I snuck to my parents’ bedroom just to make sure they were still there. Whew, they were!  
The movie presented “The Rapture,” which is only two verses in our reading for today, “Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.  Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. And then the admonishment:  Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”  It’s a concept that has tickled people’s imaginations for centuries.  It’s spawned movies like the Left Behind series, and it has frightened many—including my 7th grade self!
But I want to suggest that this fear is not a very good vehicle for teaching God’s love, or for helping people to offer their lives to Jesus Christ.  We can’t scare people into belief! But eventually that fear goes away and so does their commitment to Christ.   We can’t scare them into a relationship with our Lord.  
I don’t think that was Matthew’s purpose for writing this, though.  By the time he wrote the story of Christ, his world had already been turned upside down.  A Jewish revolt had attempted to force Rome to abandon their iron grip on Judea and Jerusalem.  But Rome had too much to lose if they allowed this one small region to rebel.  It would encourage other people to take up arms.  So Rome stomped on the Jewish people like one might stomp on a bug.  They sent armed forces in massive numbers, and the city was obliterated.  The temple was destroyed, and people were slaughtered.  The survivors fled the land, leading to what is called the diaspora.  The scattering of both Jews and Christians.  (Of course this was what allowed the Christian faith to spread to other lands!)
Matthew was writing to those Christians who were suffering from the persecution they were experiencing at the hands of the Jews.  You, see the Jews believed that God had allowed this catastrophe because he was unhappy that these Christians had lifted Jesus as one who was equal with God—in spite of the absolute rule that God’s people should have only one God. 
“Hold the faith,” Matthew warned, and he lifted words from Jesus that not only predicted the chaos and persecution they were now experiencing, but which also promised that Christ would return to welcome the faithful into a new Kingdom of righteousness and love.  
This chapter is a treatise in how to be a Christian in times when all the forces seem to be against the faithful.  How to trust that God has even this crisis in hand and can manage it.  That’s the key that people needed. They needed it then, and don’t we need it now, too?
So what do we take from these verses?  After all, it’s been over 2000 years and Jesus has not yet returned, at least not in the manner predicted here.  Does that mean he’s not going to return?  There’s been no rapturing away of millions of people in the blink of an eye.  At least not in supernatural ways.
I want to suggest that Jesus’ first appearance in our world might give us a hint.  People had been waiting for a Messiah, one who would come in the likeness of King David to reclaim the throne and bring peace and justice to God’s people.  They had been waiting for a very long time.
But do you notice that instead of charging in with an army of angels, Jesus arrived into our world in the most unlikely way—a tiny baby who had no cradle or comfortable nursery.  He was born in a stable.  He was greeted by shepherds, the despised of the day.  He was offered gifts by gentiles, men who would never be accepted in a good Jewish Synagogue.
God’s son came to us quietly, unobtrusively, under the radar and without fanfare.   If people weren’t paying attention they might never have recognized him for the Messiah which God had promised.  But lucky for you and I, some of them were paying attention!
Is it possible that Jesus’ second arrival comes in a similar way?  Is it possible that he comes to us quietly, individually by virtue of the people we meet, the experiences we encounter, the love we feel and the questions we ask?  And then, if we are paying attention, if we discern Christ’s presence, then we are invited to be a part of that presence in our world.  We’re invited to share God’s love with others so they, too, can experience Jesus’ arrival.  They, too, can see the way he transforms our world.  It’s a divine pyramid plan in the most positive kind of way.  1 becomes 2, become 4, becomes 8, becomes 16, becomes 32 and so forth.  It might not be as dramatic as in the movies, but doesn’t it feel more Christ-like?  More loving?  More respectful of our right to say no thank you? 
These passages offer us important words.  Our response to Christ’s arrival is SO vital.  We can’t go on as before—or as if nothing has changed.  Our lives have been changed.  The trajectory has shifted.  Now our goal is to live Christ’s love and graciousness.  Now we are called to be a part of the peace that is God’s desire for our world.
Isaiah lifts up an image in which Jerusalem and the temple become the epicenter of God’s activity. People from all over the world stream to the Temple to learn, to absorb this holiness, to get direction for their lives.  “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob that he may teach us his ways, and that we may walk in his paths.”
What would it be like to substitute First United Presbyterian Church for the mountain of God?  It would go like this, “Come let us go to First United Presbyterian church, the place of our Lord’s Spirit, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”  How does that sound to you?
There might have been a time when people would wander in our doors just because we are a church in the community, and it was assumed that this would be a place of God.  But that time is no more. Our culture has shifted.  Now we need to demonstrate to people that the Spirit can be found here.  We need to be about the work of Christ that invites others to come and experience Jesus here.  That means not only taking care of one another, but also working to lift up hurting people out there.
This church has decided to call a full time pastor.  To make that feasible, we need to grow our congregation into a size that better fits this wonderful building that has been gifted to us.  To invite people into these doors means we have to show them that we have something to offer, something that they need, something that is precious and will help them grow into Christ.
The first thing we can offer is community.  To walk with one another, to support one another, to be present together in the struggles of life, to celebrate together and to ask questions together, to laugh and to cry and to know that these others have our back.  That they will go out of their way to be there for us when we need them.  People crave community and we live in a world where community can be a hard thing to find.  Jesus said love one another and this is exactly what he’s talking about.  We need to practice community and work at enjoying and loving one another.
The second thing people want is a way to offer their gifts to make a difference in our world.  People want to be relevant.  They want to make a difference in people’s lives, to leave a positive impression on our world.  To be a part of something good and joyful and healing is a wonderful blessing for us.  When we offer those opportunities in the name of Jesus Christ, we are giving a gift even as we receive a gift.  It fills hearts and souls.  It makes our community a better place for us all.
We have the ability to be that mountain of the Lord, but it will take all of us.   It will require that we step out of our comfort zone and offer something special and sacred to our neighbors.  It means we open ourselves to God’s Spirit and experience Jesus a little more surely in our own lives.
And if we can do this, we will become a part of Christ’ arrival here in Clinton, Iowa.  We will know the joy of the kingdom in which mechanisms of war are transformed into tools that sustain our lives and our community.
Let’s be alert.   Let’s watch.  Let’s prepare ourselves to be a part of Christ’s coming. He comes as a babe in a manger.  He comes as a force for goodness and life.  May we be a part of his arrival and in the process blessing abound and peace grows and blooms.
Come Lord Jesus.
Amen.
 
 

 
*HYMN Benedictus #601
(You may be seated.)
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
As we move through this Advent season, may we be mindful of those in need around us, that we might be your messengers of hope and help. Amen.
 
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
 
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
L: It is through Christ’s reconciling work that we are the church,
united to God and to other believers.
 
P: As the church, we are the salt of the earth. We are the light of the world.
 
L: We are entrusted with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ.
 
P: As the church, we are witnesses by both word and deed.
 
L: We proclaim the new heaven and the new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
 
P: As the church, we proclaim that God’s life-giving Word and Spirit
has conquered sin and death.
 
L: God conquers irreconcilation, hatred and bitterness.
 
P: As the church, God’s life-giving Word and Spirit enable us to live in a new obedience, God opens new possibilities of life for society and the world.
 
All: We declare ourselves ready to venture out on the road of obedience and reconciliation-- servants of the God who wishes to bring about justice and true peace among people.*
 
*HYMN Go, Tell It on the Mountain #29
(You may be seated.)
 
Sending Forth
 
​ 
*CHARGE & BLESSING              
 
POSTLUDE
 
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
The Affirmation of Faith was written by Barbara Hedges-Goettl and included in worship resources for the Belhar Confession on the Presbyterian Church USA website under Office of the General Assembly.
 

​November 20, 2022
 
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                  
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur  Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers, Deb Weller and Joyce  Chamberlin and family as they mourn the passing of her father.
 
PRELUDE
 
*CALL TO WORSHIP
L:   What does it mean, O Lord, to call you King?
P:   It means that we listen to the voice of our Shepherd.  We follow where he leads.
L:   What does it mean to be a subject of Christ our King?
P:  It means we are a forgiven people who work for justice and righteousness.
L:  Bend low, Loving King,
P:  Receive our praise and thanksgiving, and lead us more surely into your kingdom.
All:  Amen.
 
*GATHERING PRAYER
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord.  Your power for life and hope astounds and amazes us.  As we offer our praise and thanksgiving this day, we ask that you might fill us with your power for life and allow us to offer our whole beings in dedication to you.  Amen.
 
*HYMN Rejoice, The Lord is King #155
(You may be seated.)
 
 
CALL TO CONFESSION
We are a people who lose sight of God’s design.  Too often we fail to live our own best intentions, and then we hang our heads in sorrow and shame.  Let us acknowledge these failings before the crown of our Lord.  Let us seek God’s grace that we might be washed clean and empowered to begin again.
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
On this Sunday set aside to consider the kingship of Christ and his claim upon our lives, we confess, O Lord,  that we don’t like to think of anyone as having authority over our days.  Yet, you who are the power of life, was obedient to God’s authority even unto death. In so doing you gave us the gift of grace and new life.   Forgive us our arrogance, Lord.  Help us to serve you, to lift your call for justice and righteousness and so bring new life into our world.  Amen.
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Jesus laid down his life so that all who call upon his name might know ourselves released from the darkness of our sin.  Hear the good news.  In Christ’s gift upon the cross we are forgiven and healed.  May we claim this gift of new possibilities, and proclaim Jesus as Lord of all.  Thank you, Loving Savior. Amen.
 
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579
 
PASSING THE PEACE
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
 
INTERLUDE
Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
As the people at the cross that day struggled to know your claim upon their lives, O Lord, we, too, seek to hear your call to us.  We need to feel your presence in our lives.  Remove the wax from our ears, Loving King, as we hear your word this day.  Give us the power to follow where you lead.  Amen
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Jeremiah 23:1-6
23 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. 2 Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. 3 Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord 5 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’
Luke 23:33-43
33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[34 Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38 There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42 Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ 43 He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
 
SERMON Long Lives the King!
 
Jesus has many names. In the Old Testament Hebrew it would be Yeshua (we say Joshua) which means God saves. So, of course that goes with referring to Jesus as Savior or Redeemer. I mentioned recently some of the Old Testament laws regarding redemption, but when we refer to Jesus as Savior or Redeemer, we are talking about the one who rescues us and buys us back from the slavery of sin.
 
We call Jesus Rabbi which means Teacher as many did in the New Testament. As disciples then we also say Jesus is our Master. If we follow Jesus as teacher, we may also choose to serve Jesus as Master or Lord.
 
The Old Testament has various images of the leadership of a shepherd. David was a shepherd. Many love the shepherd theme in Psalm 23. Ezekiel also prophesied about a
Good Shepherd. The gospel writer John applies this in chapter 10. It is a favorite stained glass window scene. We refer to Jesus when we prayerfully sing, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us.
 
Various Old Testament prophesies refer to Jesus as a branch or shoot or seed. Isaiah 11 is the one that is heard most often, “A shoot will go forth from the stump of Jesse.” Jesse was the father of King David from whom it was promised that the Messiah would come.
 
Of course we often give Jesus the title Christ (in the Greek of the New Testament) which is Messiah (in the Hebrew of the Old Testament) and means anointed one. When the people begged for a king, God told Samuel to anoint Saul as the first king of the Jews. When God’s favor departed from Saul because Saul departed from God’s instructions, Samuel was told to anoint one of Jesse’s sons. God’s favor rested on the youngest, the shepherd boy, David.
 
As Jesus fills many of these titles and promises, he has also been called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace. Jesus as God’s Son has become our royal leader, a Shepherd King in the line and likeness of David. But Jesus is King and Lord of so much more!
 
How we think of kings and queens today? There are still monarchies in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, and several smaller European countries. The Pope is considered as king over The Vatican. African monarchies include Jordan and Saudi Arabia; we hear about them on the news. There’s also United Arab Emirate and a few more. In Asian it’s Bhutan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan. There are a few islands in the world with monarchies that are NOT part of the British Commonwealth. Here in the United States we probably think first of the kings and queens of the United Kingdom. Perhaps you have watched their weddings or coronations on television or watched movies about them. We read about various kings and queens or other royals in the news, but usually we hear the bad news more than the good.
 
What do we expect from a sovereign leader? I think my ideals were shaped in part by the 1998 movie version of Cinderella titled “Ever After” played by Drew Barrymore. Her reading of Utopia and other lessons from her late father, gave her the notion that it is the role of the monarch to care for the people. Isn’t that exactly what God also expects? To me that is the good shepherd, one who protects and provides and guides without exploitation or oppression, one whose priority is the people’s needs and not personal gain. This is my expectation of all leaders, not just those bearing a royal title.
 
My ideals are also shaped by what I read in the Old Testament. After Saul, David, and Solomon, things did not go well. The kingdom was divided and many of the kings were not good either in the northern kingdom of Israel or the southern kingdom of Judah. There were a few exceptions of course, like Josiah or Hezekiah, but most of the kings are remembered as doing evil in the Lord’s sight. That often meant they led the people to worship something other than the One True God and they did not live or lead according to God’s way.
 
A good king is described in Jeremiah 22:1-5 and the benefits as well as consequences for those who do or do not live up to God’s expectations.
Thus says the Lord: Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word, 2 and say: Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah sitting on the throne of David—you, and your servants, and your people who enter these gates. 3 Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you will indeed obey this word, then through the gates of this house shall enter kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses—they, their servants, and their people. 5 But if you will not heed these words, I swear by myself, says the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.
These chapters of Jeremiah point out the disappointing kings after Josiah. They are Shallum and Jehoiakim, sons of Josiah, also Coniah, son of Jehoiakin, and finally Zedekiah. Jeremiah 23:1-2 compares a king or any leader to a shepherd and expresses the failures of the leadership under King Zedekiah. (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)
The "shepherds" on whom Jeremiah pronounced woe were not only kings but all the leaders of Judah—the civil leaders and the spiritual leaders (the prophets and priests). … The leaders were guilty of gross dereliction of duty. By oppression and shedding innocent blood, they destroyed the flock; those who were not destroyed were scattered to wander without protection. So the leaders were guilty of the very things the shepherds were charged with preventing. By leading the nation into idolatry, and so into the Babylonian captivity, the leaders had scattered the people. Moreover, contrary to the duty of shepherds to lead and feed the flock, they had driven the flock away.
Verses 3-5 go on to proclaim God as the good shepherd who will reverse the punishment and hardship of the exile. The people will be gathered and returned to their country just as a shepherd gathers the scattered flock and returns them to safe pasture. This signaled an end to the exile. Beyond that, God will set over the people new leaders, who will resemble the good shepherd and God will be the ultimate shepherd over all. For us this hints forward to Jesus as the Good Shepherd and Messiah.
 
Expositor’s Bible Commentary goes on to suggest,
there will be a time of blessing ahead. … he will reign as a true king, not as a puppet like Zedekiah and his immediate predecessors. He will execute justice and righteousness like his ancestor David (cf. 2Sa 8:15). In contrast to the inequities and injustices common to the Davidic kings, the Messiah's reign will be the opposite.
I’ve not read much of the leadership following the return of the exiles beyond what Nehemiah and Ezra accomplished rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall and temple. But by the time of Jesus it was the Hasmonean kings sitting on southern Judah’s throne. The one we know from the Christmas story is Herod the Great. While Herod thought of himself in grandiose terms and built magnificent fortresses with palaces, he was not so great in terms of the just and righteous king sought by the Jews. Nor was he one to free them from Roman domination. Instead those fortresses were built to secure his own escape route back to Edom from which his family came. History remembers him as cruel not only in the slaughter of innocents after Jesus’ birth, but even toward his own family.  The first of our lessons in the Wednesday Morning Bible Study took us through a comparison of Herod and Jesus. While Herod lived in a magnificent palace, Jesus’ crib was a manger. Herod did everything to appear strong and powerful, but Jesus came as a vulnerable, powerless infant. While Herod grabbed for earthly status, Jesus briefly left his eternal status of honor, glory, and authority to put on human flesh and dwell among us. Herod lived for his own glory and purpose. Jesus lived to honor God and fulfilled God’s purpose. Herod left behind huge, well built, architectural structures to honor himself, but they no longer stand. Jesus’ legacy was to build people into a family of faith that would outlast his earthly ministry and carry on his work. Herod was self-serving; Jesus came to serve God by serving others. (These concepts all come from chapter 1 of the Discovery Guide for Life and Ministry of the Messiah in the DVD series That the World May Know by Ray Vanderlaan. Which of these would you rather claim as your king? To which would you give your allegiance? While worldly leaders will disappoint us at some time or most of the time, Jesus best fulfills my leadership expectations.
 
Today is the last Sunday of the Christian calendar. It celebrates Christ the King. It’s one of those more obscure holy days like Transfiguration Sunday or Trinity Sunday. But I find it helpful at least once a year to reaffirm that Christ is the King I choose to serve. I want God’s anointed to be the lord of my life. I trust no earthly king or president or any other world leader as fully as I trust Jesus.
 
The Crucifixion scene from Luke 23 we read as our gospel lesson today shows clearly how far Jesus would go to be our shepherd king. He would give his life, and did, that we might live, that our sin debt would be paid and we would be redeemed from death. Not only that, but Jesus also invites us as forgiven sinners to live with him in his heavenly kingdom. He said to the thief who confessed his sin, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus chose not to save himself but to save us. The one they accused of being “The King of the Jews” as an act of treason, is indeed my king for eternity.
 
It is common in many cultures to say respectfully some version of “Long live the King!” Truth be told whether it is king or queen, president or prime minister, pope or patriarch, CEO or Chair of the Board, or any other type of leader, some we might want to see in that position as long as possible and others we would like to get rid of as soon as possible. Whatever their intentions, self-serving or serving others, they are still human and therefore not perfect. But Jesus is the Son of God, the Holy One, and Jesus is perfect. Jesus is the only perfect king.
 
I found it curious that Pastor Joyce’s sermon title for today was not “Long live the king!” but rather “Long lives the king!” Sometime I’ll have to ask her what she had in mind for today’s message. But as I pondered my own take on it I thought of this. To say, “Long live the King!” we are wishing a human leader to stay on the throne for a long time. However, to say, “Long lives the King!” we are affirming that Jesus, our King, who is divine is still alive and always will be. Jesus lives on in that spiritual dimension we call heaven, and still wants to be Lord of our lives.
 
There is a saying my grade school friend taught me when we were young, “Joy is the banner flown over the castle of your heart when the king is in residence.” It’s a reminder of the joy that is ours if we allow Jesus to be our Lord and King. “Long lives the King!”
 
*HYMN Crown Him with Many Crowns #151
(You may be seated.)
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
 
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
 
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH  ((from Luke 1: 68-72, 78-79—Zechariah’s Prophecy)
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.  He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.
 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant.
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high breaks upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace.  Amen.
 
*HYMN How Great Thou Art #467
 
Sending Forth
 
*CHARGE & BLESSING
 
POSTLUDE
 
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.

November 13, 2022
Veterans Remembrance
 
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                   
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur  Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers, and Deb Weller.
 
TRIBUTE AND RECOGNITION OF OUR VETERANS
 
PRELUDE
 
*CALL TO WORSHIP    Psalm 98:1-3, CEB
Sing to the Lord a new song  because he has done wonderful things!
His own strong hand and his own holy arm  have won the victory!
The Lord has made his salvation widely known;
    he has revealed his righteousness in the eyes of all the nations.
God has remembered his loyal love  and faithfulness to the house of Israel;
    every corner of the earth has seen our God’s salvation.   
*GATHERING PRAYER
Almighty God, you who commands the heavenly host, we give you our thanks and praise for the many times and ways that you have saved us from danger or seen us through times of grave difficulty. As we worship today, may we recognize not only those who have served you in the name of freedom, but also that our freedom is ultimately found in you. Amen.
 
*HYMN  Eternal Father, Strong to Save  #562
  (You may be seated.)
 

CALL TO CONFESSION              2 Chronicles 4:17, ESV
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Let us confess the sins of our people to the God who forgives and heals.
God of mercy and grace, as your people we have not always cared for one another. Nations have gone to war against nations. Peoples have oppressed other peoples. We have not always upheld the dignity, rights, and worth of all your children. We have allowed race, nationality, status, gender, economics, politics, religion, and other differences to become excuses to cause harm to others. Too often sins have been committed even using your name. We humbly bow our hearts before you and seek forgiveness, asking you to heal our land.
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE    Ephesians 1:7, CEB
“We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace.”
Through Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
 
SONG OF PRAISE  Gloria Patri  #579
 
PASSING THE PEACE
  (Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
 
INTERLUDE
 
Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION     Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
 
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON    Isaiah 65:17-25, GW
17 I will create a new heaven and a new earth.
Past things will not be remembered. They will not come to mind.
18 Be glad, and rejoice forever in what I’m going to create,
because I’m going to create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people to be a joy.
19 I will rejoice about Jerusalem and be glad about my people.
Screaming and crying will no longer be heard in the city.
20 There will no longer be an infant who lives for only a few days
or an old man who doesn’t live a long life.
Whoever lives to be a hundred years old will be thought of as young.
Whoever dies before he is a hundred years old will be cursed as a sinner.
21 They will build houses and live there. They will plant vineyards and eat fruit from them.
22 They will not build homes and have others live there.
They will not plant and have others eat from it.
My people will live as long as trees,
and my chosen ones will enjoy what they’ve done.
23 They will never again work for nothing.
They will never again give birth to children who die young,
because they will be offspring blessed by the Lord.
The Lord will bless their descendants as well.
24 Before they call, I will answer. While they’re still speaking, I will hear.
25 Wolves and lambs will feed together, lions will eat straw like oxen,
and dust will be food for snakes.
“They will not hurt or destroy anyone anywhere on my holy mountain,”
says the Lord.
 
GOSPEL LESSON    Luke 21:5-19, NLT
5 Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, 6 “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
 
7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
 
8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” 10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
 
12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.
 
SERMON  Freedom
 
We began today by honoring our veterans, their families, and all who support them. In each case they made sacrifices for what they held dear, sometimes even sacrificing their lives. Sometimes they came home with broken minds or broken bodies or broken hearts because of what they experienced. Whether they served in times of war or times of peace they gave of themselves for our sake to preserve our freedom.
 
I always saw my connection to veterans as limited to gravesides with ceremonies by VFW or American legion and visits to parishioners at the VA hospital. My respect has grown significantly watching Fran offer her tribute each November for the past several years and being aware of honor flights and wounded warrior projects. Then suddenly this year I remembered that I too have veterans in my family. Both of my uncles served in Germany and my step dad served in Korea, but all in times of peace.
 
Part of my preparation this week has been finding quotes for Veterans Day. I read a couple of them earlier. Let me share a few more that spoke to me. They come from Reader’s Digest website:
 
G.K. Chesterton — “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
Joseph Campbell — “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
From our current President Joe Biden —  “They have served selflessly, sacrificed greatly, and shouldered the burden of freedom quietly, asking no glory for themselves.”
You’ll see that freedom is an ongoing theme for Veterans Day and is my theme for today’s message.
John Doolittle — “America’s veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world.”
 
I was reminded by my ex-husband’s post that soldiers from other countries have also fought alongside Americans as allies. David posted a picture of his father in full military uniform with all his medals; he fought in WWII. So did one of David’s uncles.
They too gave of themselves for the cause of freedom.
 
Perhaps the most significant thing affirmed for me in reviewing this topic came from these two quotes.
 
Bob Dylan — “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”
Eleanor Roosevelt — “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.”
 
We talked about freedom in our Wednesday morning Bible class this week as some of our stories have shared the history of Jewish freedom fighters in or near the time of Jesus. Freedom is not a given. It is not entitlement. Freedom is a privilege, and with that privilege indeed comes responsibility. We are responsible for our own behavior within that freedom and we are responsible for how we respect and support the freedom of others. My freedom does not give me the right to take away yours.
  
We talked about freedom in two ways – as freedom from and freedom for. While we agreed that “freedom means I can do what I want,” we quickly added the qualifying statement, “within the law.”
 
I am finding this freedom to do what I want is exactly what I enjoy about retirement. I am free to sit in my chair and watch the birds or to watch a show. I can chat with friends or turn my phone over and ignore it awhile. I can eat what and when I want, but I choose to eat healthy most of the time. Freedom means I have a choice. I can say “No” when an opportunity arises or I can say “Yes” when it’s something I want to do and my health and time allow me to do it. Still choices have consequences. I can choose to keep up with the dishes and the mail or not. But the consequences might include mold or missing a bill. Again, freedom comes with responsibility.
 
Many of us exercised that responsibility as we voted last week. I suspect that everyone had some disappointment as well as some smiles with election results.
I think it would be quite rare if every candidate I voted for or my opinion on every referendum went exactly the way I wanted, but at least some do. Our vote is one way we express our opinions in a democracy, but our opinion will not always be the majority. Still, I am grateful to live where I have that privilege rather than living in a dictatorship.
 
Freedom from could include many things. The first one mentioned Wednesday was freedom from stress. We also want freedom from disease and freedom from debt. In this nation we have fought for freedom from colonial powers and over a difference of opinion on freedom from slavery. In a wider world perspective we all need freedom from prejudice, freedom from oppression, freedom from poverty and hunger, freedom from pandemic, freedom from abuse, freedom from harassment, freedom from natural disasters and much more.  We are easily overwhelmed by it all, but the one way we can make a difference is in how we treat ourselves, each other, and how we treat creation. When we take responsibility for the privilege of freedom, we help keep that freedom available for all of us.
 
As we read today’s scripture passages, you might wonder how they relate to freedom;  I stuck with the lectionary readings for today. But as I read Isaiah I recognized a time when Judeans had lost many of their freedoms. They were not allowed to live as they wanted to live. They could not worship where and how they wished. They lost their homeland and their way of life as exiles in a foreign land. The passage from Isaiah speaks of a time when they will once again have freedom from such oppression. They will again have freedom from the hardships they have known.
 
The images point not only to a return to Judah and Jerusalem; they also seem to point beyond that to a future that still awaits us. The NIV Study Bible suggests:
“God’s salvation goes beyond Israel’s renewal. All creation will be restored.”
This is also promised in the book of Romans, chapter 8. “creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. (v. 21)
“In the book of Revelation, John links the notion of a new heaven and a new earth with the “new Jerusalem” (Rev 21:1–2). A restored Jerusalem after the exile and in the Messianic kingdom points toward this greater Jerusalem.”
 
The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible adds to this:
“describing in physical terms the benefits that come to those in fellowship with God: peace, security, abundance, freedom from sorrow and destruction.”
The statements are meant poetically, but some are also fulfilled literally.
There are “Metaphors of blessedness: long life (v. 20), enjoying the fruits of one’s labor (vv. 21–23), instant access to Yahweh and his power (v. 24; cf. 58:9).”
The last scene of Isaiah 65 was painted by Edward Hicks as the Peaceable Kingdom. The passage
“Directly quotes [Isaiah] 11:9a, connecting these promises to the work of the Messiah (see 11:6–8). It is his power that will enable his chosen ones, those who seek him in sincerity, to live the kinds of lives that result in true blessedness.”
As one writer put it,
“Salvation is not mere renovation; it is transformation.”
 
It seems to me that if we want to live in a transformed world of peace, security, and abundance then we must take seriously the responsibilities that come with the freedoms we seek. I think one of the most important things for me in our Wednesday morning conversation was the reminder that these freedoms are for all people. They are not just for those who look or think like me. If we do not work to secure “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence) for all humanity, then are any of us truly assured of our own freedoms? 
 
We are reminded every Veterans Day that freedom comes with a price tag. Many gave their lives to protect the freedoms you and I enjoy. The same is true with our faith. The freedom we have as children of God also came at a cost. The consequences of some of our choices have a price tag. Paul wrote, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Jesus paid the price with his sacrifice so that death is not the end of our story. In our appreciation for that gift we can also choose to live in ways that share our freedom with others.
 
This gift does not mean that our lives will be smooth sailing. Our Gospel lesson reminded us of hard times that Christians would have to endure for their faith. Some would become martyrs. Some would give in and renounce their faith. Besides persecution there would always be other hardships as well.
 
The Believers Bible Commentary summarized that aspect of the passage:
There would not only be conflict among nations, but great catastrophes of nature—earthquakes, … famines and pestilences, terrors, and great signs from heaven.
We are well aware of all of these yet today. But Jesus encouraged believers to stand firm and endure.
 
In the midst of the hardships, I believe we are meant to encourage one another, and there may be times we choose to sacrifice our privilege so that someone else will be kept free. Paul put it this way, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13) To be a forgiven child of God means freedom from and freedom for many things. It is a privilege, but it also comes with responsibilities.
 
Let me share a few more thoughts from the Bible regarding freedom:
First, we remember from Exodus that God set free those who were enslaved in Egypt. This is also what Jesus and the disciples remembered as they shared the Passover meal that became our Holy Communion. In Exodus we read,
“‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” (Exodus 6:6)
Jesus understood his own ministry in terms of freedom, but not the way the Zealots had anticipated:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” (Luke 4:16)
Jesus told his disciples:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:32,36)
Paul and Peter both encouraged the responsibility of our freedom in their letters:
Paul -- “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
Peter -- “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” (1 Peter 2:16)
These passages might seem to contradict each other, but Paul is saying we are set free from our slavery to sin, and Peter emphasizes that we may then choose to become slaves or servants to God’s will instead.

Just as the freedom to live as we want and do as we want needs the qualifying phrase, “within the law” so for a person of faith our free will needs to be conditioned by this phrase, “within the covenant.” If we value the freedom with which God created us and for which Jesus sacrificed himself to save us, then we will choose to live within God’s covenant, upholding in our own lives what God values. That is the responsibility of our privilege as God’s children living in God’s kingdom.
 
I invite you in the days ahead to think about the freedoms you cherish. What responsibilities have come with those privileges? Whom do we thank for the freedoms we enjoy? How can we help preserve and protect those freedoms for others?
 
Today we have a table lit with candles to honor those who made sacrifices for our freedom as citizens of the United States. But we have another table bearing reminders of the One whose sacrifice purchased our freedom as citizens of God’s Kingdom. Today as you eat the wafer and drink from the cup, give honor and thanks to Christ who set you free to live as a privileged son or daughter of our God.
 
 
*HYMN  A Mighty Fortress  #260
(You may be seated.)
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
Gracious God, may we give our lives in the service of freedom for all your children and daily remember that our true freedom is found in you. Amen.
 
*DOXOLOGY  Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow  #592
 
INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION
 
The Great Thanksgiving     from the Book of Common Worship
 
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.
 
Praise to you, O God, for all your works.
You created the world and called it good
and made us in your image to live together in love.
You made a covenant with us,
and even when we turned from you,
you remained ever faithful.
 
Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:
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.
 
Thank you, O God, for sending us your Son.
He lived among us and told your story.
He healed the sick and welcomed sinners.
He shared our pain and died our death,
then rose to new life that we might live,
and all creation be restored.
 
We give you thanks that the Lord Jesus,
on the night before he died, took bread,
and after giving thanks to you, he broke it,
and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take, eat. This is my body, given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.
In the same way Jesus took the cup, saying:
This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,
shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.
 
Remembering your boundless love
revealed to us in Jesus Christ,
we break bread and share the cup,
giving ourselves to you
to live for him in joy and praise.
Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
 
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon these your gifts of bread and wine
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ
and that we may be his body for the world.
By your Spirit unite us with Christ and one another
until we feast with him and with all your saints
in your eternal realm of justice and peace.
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,
now and forever. Amen.
 
PARTAKING THE BREAD AND CUP
 
*HYMN  God of the Ages  #262
 
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING   
 
POSTLUDE
 
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
Presbyterians practice open communion which means anyone who seeks to be in a relationship with Christ is welcome at the table regardless of denomination, age, or status. The communion elements are already in your pew, 
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honor are yours, almighty God,
now and forever. Amen.
 
​

​November 6, 2022
ALL SAINTS REMEMBRANCE
 
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                  
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Merry Iverson's Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur  Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers,  Deb Weller, and the Gaulrapp Family.
 
PRELUDE
 
*CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 145:1-5, NCV
I praise your greatness, my God the King; I will praise you forever and ever.
I will praise you every day; I will praise you forever and ever.
The Lord is great and worthy of our praise; no one can understand how great he is.
Parents will tell their children what you have done.
They will retell your mighty acts, wonderful majesty, and glory.
 And I will think about your miracles.
 
*GATHERING PRAYER
God, our King, we come bringing our praise and thanksgiving for the gift of life. We thank you for loved ones and friends, for this community of faith and for the witness to your love and blessing through all time and in every nation. As we pause to remember the saints who have gone before us, may we be inspired to give our lives daily in your service and praise witnessing to your love. Amen.
 
*HYMN For All the Saints #526                  (You may be seated.)
 
 
CALL TO CONFESSION
In ancient times those who entered the holy place to worship purified themselves first. This is what we do when we confess our sin and receive God’s forgiveness offered to us through Christ. Therefore, let us confess our sins that we may fully worship God.
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                            (traditional)
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your holy name.
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE                           Hebrews 10:10, CEB
“We have been made holy by God’s will through the offering of Jesus Christ’s body once for all.” Through Christ we are forgiven.  Thanks be to God!
 
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579
 
PASSING THE PEACE
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
 
INTERLUDE
 
Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of the Living Word, by your Holy Spirit open our ears and our hearts to receive what you want us to learn of you this day. Amen.
 
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                          Job 19:23-27a, NLT
23 “Oh, that my words could be recorded.
    Oh, that they could be inscribed on a monument,
24 carved with an iron chisel and filled with lead,
    engraved forever in the rock.
25 “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and he will stand upon the earth at last.
26 And after my body has decayed,
    yet in my body I will see God!
27 I will see him for myself.
    Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
    I am overwhelmed at the thought!
 
 
GOSPEL LESSON                           Luke 20:27-38, NLT
 
27 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. 28 They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife but no children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. 29 Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. 30 So the second brother married the widow, but he also died. 31 Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, who died without children. 32 Finally, the woman also died. 33 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her!”
 
34 Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. 35 But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.
 
37 “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 So he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him.”
 
SERMON God of the Living
 
In our Gospel reading today, the Sadducees who didn’t even believe in resurrection tried to trip Jesus up with one of their many trick questions. It relates to the Levirate law that appears in some Old Testament stories. If a woman becomes a widow without bearing a son to carry on the family name, it is the duty of the next closest male relative to marry her. So if there were seven brothers who each had to marry the same woman, who was her husband in the resurrection?
 
My family has something of the reverse situation. When Aunt Rhoda died, Uncle George married her younger sister, Aunt Grace. I wasn’t curious about what happened in heaven. I’d probably already heard this Gospel story. I was curious about what how they were buried. I’ve visited the Klemmedson family section of the cemetery at Sycamore IL. Aunt Rhoda and Uncle George are buried side by side, while Aunt Grace is buried head-to-head with him. I thought it was a good solution to honor both marriages.
 
Of course the Sadducees weren’t looking for solutions or even real answers regarding resurrection and marriage. They were testing Jesus’ theology and with it his patience. Jesus’ answer was that the resurrected children of God will not live the same way we do in this life. Marriage will not be a concern then. For those with a resurrection body that will not die, there is no need to worry about carrying on the family line. That concern belongs to this earthly life. Jesus is suggesting they have asked the wrong question. It is illogical and irrelevant because the levirate law does not apply in the resurrected life. But in our resurrected body we will become like angels. Note that it says like angels, not that we become angels. Jesus went on to claim that even Moses recognized God as still the God of those who have died and are now alive in God.
 
As we celebrate All Saints Day, let’s take a look at some more of what the Bible teaches us about resurrection.
 
Our Old Testament lesson came from Job’s story and his response to his friends trying to reason with him regarding the many tragedies he has suffered. He has lost his health, his crops, and flocks, and even his children. But in his suffering he insists that he has been faithful to God. He seeks to discuss this with God more directly and wishes his words would be preserved for a time when that judgment can take place.
 
In the middle of this passage is a line we often use on Easter Sunday regarding Jesus’ resurrection. It’s even the beginning of a classic Easter hymn. “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Job continues his faith statement with the belief that even after his own death he will see God with his own eyes. This suggests faith that he too will be resurrected in some bodily sense.
 
A key word in this statement is the word Redeemer. Job believes his Redeemer ultimately is God. Christians have attributed this title to Jesus, God’s Son. To understand what any of that means, we need to know how the word Redeemer is used in the Old Testament law. From Leviticus to Numbers to Deuteronomy there are multiple situations from which one might be redeemed. Suppose someone lost property or were themselves sold into slavery to pay a debt. Their Redeemer could buy back the person or the property. For example, Boaz bought back Naomi’s property so that she and Ruth would not lose it to someone else. He was called their Kinsman Redeemer. A Redeemer could avenge the death of a relative or marry a widow to preserve the family line of a deceased relative. That last is the Levirate law mentioned earlier, and Boaz also exercised that right by marrying Ruth.
 
What does it mean to say that God or Jesus is our Redeemer? This is a significant part of how we understand God’s mercy and grace in forgiving us. We humans are easily enslaved by our sin causing a debt we can never repay ourselves. It’s as if we have sold our souls to sin. When we say that Jesus is our Redeemer, we are saying that he bought us back from that slavery. Jesus paid our debt. He did so with his own life. That redemption allows us to enjoy a new life, here on earth and even beyond death, so that like Job we will one day see God with our own eyes. Redemption leads to our ultimate resurrection.
 
Another image of the resurrected life I have used in nearly every memorial service I have conducted. It is the promises of John 14, and in Bible Study a couple weeks ago the Wednesday morning group and I learned a whole new layer of meaning to this image of resurrection. John 14 is part of Jesus’ earnest words to his disciples after the Last Supper, before they went to the Garden of Gethsemane. In verses 2-3 Jesus promised, “2 My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? 3 When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be
too.” (CEB)
 
What we learned is that this language comes from the Jewish marriage customs of the day. When a family fixed an engagement or betrothal between a future bride and groom, there was a formal ceremony, and a bride price or dowry was paid to the bride’s family. This is another way of understanding Jesus’ sacrifice or payment for us, that Jesus paid the dowry for his future bride, the Church, or for each of us who are to be part of that marriage family in the resurrected life.
 
After the engagement, the groom must return to his own father’s house to build an addition where they will live as a married couple. The bride, of course, must stay with her own family until that new room is ready. The groom would say to her in effect, I am going to my Father’s house to prepare a room for you, then I will return and take you there to be with me. That is what Jesus was saying to his disciples and to all of us who believe that he is indeed God’s Son, that he is preparing a place so we can live with him in his Father’s house in the resurrection.
 
Another resurrection image comes from Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth. In 1st Corinthians 15 Paul first refers to Jesus’ resurrection appearances. “He appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve, 6 and then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once—…. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me.”
 
Paul goes on to share what he believes about death and resurrection comparing our earthly life to Adam and our resurrection to a new spiritual life in Christ. Listen to verses 22-23. “22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.” (NLT) Later he talks about what kind of body we
will have in the resurrection, for just as Jesus said, it will not be the same as our earthly bodies. Paul writes, “49 Just as we were made like the man of earth, so we will also be made like the man of heaven…. 54 So this body that can be destroyed will clothe itself with that which can never be destroyed, and this body that dies will clothe itself with that which can never die.” (CEV) In our new resurrected life we will have new spiritual bodies which do not decay, do not have disease, are not broken, but are whole and healthy and suited to that new life with Christ in God’s heavenly realms.
 
Perhaps this continued to be a concern to the Corinthians because Paul writes of death and the resurrected life again in his second letter. In Chapter 4 we read, “Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day. 17 Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine.” (GW) I find that comforting on the days my body is uncooperative, don’t you? And just as this body is wearing out, I am aware that my faith and inner life has grown stronger. Chapter 5 continues this theme. “We know that our body—the tent we live in here on earth—will be destroyed. But when that happens, God will have a house for us. It will not be a house made by human hands; instead, it will be a home in heaven that will last forever.” (v.1, NCV) To me this is Paul’s version of what Jesus said to the disciples, that a room has been prepared for us in God’s House. We won’t need these bodies anymore because God and Jesus have prepared something better for us.
 
These are some glimpses of the resurrection we anticipate as believers. They are images and promises we hang onto not only for ourselves, but perhaps even more so when we lose a loved one. We hold onto our faith that God has already called our loved one home to live in a new spiritual body in a home prepared for them as part of God’s family forever.
 
In that extended family home there are gatherings around the table of the heavenly banquet. This also goes with the marriage and family traditions in the time of Jesus. When the bride was brought into the new home, the wedding reception lasted for seven days, a true feast. We perhaps glimpse that when we take Holy Communion together. I also thought about it this summer when my mom died. Her cousin Carol died a few days before mom. I thought of the two of them skipping off together hand in hand to join a great Klemmedson family reunion in heaven. I imagine mom reunited with Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Ron, my great grandparents, and lots of other family members. I cannot begrudge my mom enjoying that party. I look forward to my own turn to join them, but I’m not done serving God here on earth or enjoying the wonders God offers in this life yet.
 
As you name those you love today who have already found their new life, their new home in God’s heavenly House, I invite you to offer them peace and take with you the faith that you will be with them when your time here is complete. Give thanks to God for everything they meant to you while they were here with you. Take what you learned from them and put it into practice while you still live this life. Daily put your trust in God for this life and for the next.
 
 
 
*HYMN When We Are Living #400                         
(You may be seated.)
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
 
​now and forever. Amen.
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
Holy God, Lord of heaven and earth, we affirm that we are your people and our lives belong to you. We offer ourselves in service and as a witness to those around us with every day you give us. Amen.
 
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Ecumenical) p. 14
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 into hell. 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 life everlasting. Amen.
 
REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US
(You are invited to light a candle for loved ones lost this year or that you are remembering from years past.)
 
*HYMN                               God Be With You Till We Meet Again #540
                                                    
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING
 
POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.

10/30/2022
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                   
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston has been moved into a Hospice unit, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur  Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers , and  Deb Weller, Gaulrapp Family.
 
 
*CALL TO WORSHIP
 
L:  Today we encounter a sinner who climbed a tree to see the Lord.
 
P:  Today we observe a forgiven man who came down from that tree to
      welcome the Lord into his life.
 
L:  Come.  Let us climb our own trees.  Let us seek the Lord, for he comes this
      way.
 
P:  We, too, want this encounter with God’s beloved son that we might
      accept his invitation to come into our hearts and homes.
 
L:  Let us praise the Lord and through God’s grace may we bless our world as
      transformed sons and daughters of Abraham.
 
 
*GATHERING PRAYER
 
Sometimes we feel small and despised, troubled and anguished, afraid and alone.  But we are assured that God stands with us, offering us grace and healing.  Let us draw near to our Lord and lay our failings before him.  Let us be released from our guilt that we might start anew and live into the hope of our faith.
 
 
*HYMN                       Come Sing to God                                                                 #181                                                 (You may be seated.)
 
CALL TO CONFESSION
 
Sometimes we feel small and despised, troubled and anguished, afraid and alone.  But we are assured that God stands with us, offering us grace and healing.  Let us draw near to our Lord and lay our failings before him.  Let us be released from our guilt that we might start anew and live into the hope of our faith.
    
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
 
Gracious Lord.  How easy it is to look with disdain upon those whom we brand as sinners.  We excuse our own transgressions while harshly judging others.  We stand at a distance from strangers and block the door of our church against those whom we view as unworthy.  Forgive us for our arrogance and hard heartedness.  Forgive us for ignoring your call to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Help us to open our arms and our hearts to your beloved and to forgive as you have forgiven us.  Amen.
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
 
Hear the good news.  In Christ Jesus we have been washed clean and offered new opportunities for love and faith.  As God has welcomed us into his grace, we are called to bring that joyful invitation to all.   Praise be to God. Amen.
 
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579
 
PASSING THE PEACE
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
 
 
INTERLUDE
 
Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
 
Lord God, you invite us to watch and to learn, to write your vision upon tablets so clearly that even a runner speeding past can take note.  That means we need to listen carefully to your word.  Help us to hear and to grasp your truth and your love that is poured out before us this day.  Amen.
 
 
Now it was a rich man, a sinner who needed him (even if Zacchaeus maybe didn’t know it.”  Jesus had restored sight to the blind man, and now he restored something even more precious to Zacchaeus.  “Zacchaeus,” he said, ”hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”  He gave Zacchaeus the opportunity to be restored to the community.  The next few moments would tell the story of whether the little man, the tax collector would accept this gift or not.  Would he choose the wealth and power of his position, or would he choose righteousness and community?
The next thing we hear is that Zacchaeus is climbing down that tree (in all his undignified glory!)  But now the townspeople are upset.  “What?—You can’t go to his house.  Don’t you know who he is?  What he does?  He’s a sinner!”
Zacchaeus, of course, hears all of this.  He IS a sinner.  He knows it, but he also knows that Jesus has just thrown him a life line.
“Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.”
That must have made the townspeople’s jaws drop!   The Biblical mandate when one is making restitution is to return the original amount plus 20%.  Or in the most grievous cases, 50%.  But Zacchaeus has pledged 400%.  That’s 166% more than is required.
Jesus ends the discussion by saying, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
Blessings had arrived for Zacchaeus.  He had been forgiven and restored to his rightful place in the community.  I want to suggest that blessing had arrive in that community, too. The resources that Zacchaeus had pledged would ripple through the local economy, lifting them all, and if they will give this sinner a chance, who knows what more he can offer them.
Luke seems to be telling us that Jesus is for all people—the poor blind beggar all the way up to the very rich and despised tax collector.  All are sons and daughters of Abraham.  All are worthy of God’s forgiveness and inclusion in the community.
We need to pay attention here, because we ARE Zacchaeus.  Don’t we want to see Jesus?  Aren’t we willing to even climb a tree?  Aren’t we rich (at least by the standards of our world) and aren’t we sinners?  But we’re also the crowd, the ones who want to judge which sins should be forgiven.  The ones who want to exclude those whom we judge unworthy.
Jesus accepted Zacchaeus, Even Zacchaeus!  He knew who he was, but he offered an opportunity to this sinner to be received back into the warmth of the community.  And Zacchaeus said YES.  He would have to give up some things.  He might have to drive a used car instead of that fancy BMW in his garage.  He might have to make his own macaroni and cheese from a box at home instead of going out for a fine dinner every night.  He might have to release his servants or pay them a better wage.  But look at what he would gain.  Friends, companions, a sense of God’s presence and blessing.
On the other hand the community would need to allow him to become the new Zacchaeus, forgiven just as each of them had been forgiven, able to share his talents and abilities with them and to offer praise and thanksgiving to God.  And if they can do that, perhaps they, too can hear Paul’s words to the Thessalonians.  Praise is offered.  Thanks for their faith is lifted up.  Their ability to serve God and to feel God’s presence in their lives is growing, and they love one another.
My friends, if we want to be that community of faith that is growing and loving one another, we will need to forgive as Jesus forgives.  We will need to accept as Jesus accepts.  We will need to remember our own tree climbing and how Jesus looked into our eyes and said, “Come down, for I’m going to your house today.”
We can’t have it both ways—to know the love and joy and forgiveness of our Savior without working to offer those same gifts to others.
Jesus calls Zacchaeus out of that tree and restored his place in the community.  Even Zacchaeus, Even such a sinner, and he calls us to receive others, as well, to rejoice in them, to receive them and teach them and walk with them along the way.
Let’s welcome the wee little man.  Let’s welcome the sons and daughters of Abraham and rejoice over them.
 
Praise God.  Amen
 
 
 
 
*HYMN             O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go                                                  #384                          
                                         (You may be seated.)
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
 
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
 
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Ecumenical) p. 14
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 into hell. 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 life everlasting. Amen.
 
*HYMN                               What a Friend We Have in Jesus                      #403
 
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING
 
POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.

​10/23/2022
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                   
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston has been moved into a Hospice unit, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur  Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers , Deb Weller, The Wagner family as they morn the loss of Karen (Knight) Wagner this week .
 
* PSALTER Psalm 65, NLT
What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion.
We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers.
    All of us must come to you.
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.
What joy for those you choose to bring near,
    those who live in your holy courts.
What festivities await us inside your holy Temple.
 
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
    even those who sail on distant seas.
You formed the mountains by your power
    and armed yourself with mighty strength.
You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves
    and silenced the shouting of the nations.
Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.
 
You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water;
    it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so.
You drench the plowed ground with rain,
    melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops.
 
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
    even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,
    and the hillsides blossom with joy.
The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,
    and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!
 
*HYMN Oh God of Earth and Space #274
(You may be seated.)
 
CALL TO CONFESSION       Luke 18:9-14, GW
9 Jesus also used this illustration with some who were sure that God approved of them while they looked down on everyone else. 10 He said, “Two men went into the temple courtyard to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people! I’m not a robber or a dishonest person. I haven’t committed adultery. I’m not even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my entire income.’
 
13 “But the tax collector was standing at a distance. He wouldn’t even look up to heaven. Instead, he became very upset, and he said, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
 
14 “I can guarantee that this tax collector went home with God’s approval, but the Pharisee didn’t. Everyone who honors himself will be humbled, but the person who humbles himself will be honored.”
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Let us spend a few moments in honest silent confession, humbling ourselves before the Lord our God.
(Pray silently.)
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE Luke 14:11, NLT
Jesus said, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” If we humble ourselves with honest confession, Jesus is the one who will lift us up. Through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ we are forgiven.  Thanks be to God!
 
SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579
 
PASSING THE PEACE
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
INTERLUDE
 
Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Almighty God, as we receive your Word, may our hearts and minds be open to receive a rich blessing and produce a bountiful harvest of spiritual fruit. Amen.
 
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON         Joel 2:23-32, NIV
23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given you the autumn rains  because he is faithful.
He sends you abundant showers,
    both autumn and spring rains, as before.
24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
    the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten--
    the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm--
my great army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
    and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
    who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.
27 Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God,
    and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.
28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth,
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
31 The sun will be turned to darkness  and the moon to blood
    before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
32 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance,
    as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.
 
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 2 Timothy 4:6-8, NCV
6 My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now, a crown is being held for me—a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day—not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again.
 
SERMON A Plentiful Harvest
 
One of the things I enjoy in the autumn is driving through the countryside to see the changes in crops as they approach time for harvest. Serving in rural churches made me aware of how many color changes soybeans go through, and it was fun to guess when that shade was dark enough for harvest. I’ve also ridden along on a combine harvesting soybeans, and the sound is fun as they kick up into the machine.
 
Whether we live in the countryside or in town, we might hope for a plentiful harvest. My dad was disappointed he didn’t get many tomatoes this year. He had plans for canning. If there’s a shortage of certain crops, be they grain or vegetables or fruit, we might experience that difference later at the grocery store. Even the rabbits in my yard might be disappointed that I had the tall grass cut down, because it won’t be sticking above the snow for them to nibble as they did last year.
 
The psalm we read as we began worship today reminds us that it is God who enriches the soil and waters it well to sustain the growth for a plentiful harvest. Animals as well as humans depend on that harvest to get through the coming year. Most cultures throughout time and many nations today have some sort of harvest festival that gives thanks for what our Creator provides.
 
Our Old Testament Lesson today came from the prophet Joel. We read from Joel on Ash Wednesday and Pentecost traditionally, but have you ever taken the time to explore this book of the Bible? Let me give you some background.
 
Joel speaks to the southern kingdom of Judah at a time when swarms of locusts have devoured everything. It brings to mind locusts as one of the plagues in Egypt at the time of Moses. From that standpoint it was seen as a warning from God that people needed to change their ways. In the case of Egypt, it warned that Pharoah should let the Hebrews leave. In Joel’s time, it was that the people had wandered too far from God’s ways and needed to turn back to God. The swarm of locusts could also figuratively represent the invading Babylonian armies, because that fits the timing of Joel’s prophecy.
 
The first section of Chapter 2 is that call to repentance. It begins with the reading often read on Ash Wednesday calling us into the season of repentance known as Lent.
“Blow the horn in Zion; give a shout on my holy mountain!
Let all the people of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming.
It is near—2 a day of darkness and no light,
    a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness spread out upon the mountains,
    a great and powerful army comes,
        unlike any that has ever come before them,
        or will come after them in centuries ahead….
12 Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your hearts,
        with fasting, with weeping, and with sorrow;
13 tear your hearts and not your clothing.
    Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate,
        very patient, full of faithful love, and ready to forgive.
 
14 Who knows whether he will have a change of heart
    and leave a blessing behind him,
    a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?”
(Joel 2:1-2, 12-14, CEB)
 
What follows then in the section we read from Chapter 2 is the promise God makes to those who do change their ways, change their hearts and lives as the CEB usually translates the word repent. Those promises reverse the devastation wrought by the locusts, and to the exiles it also promises an eventual reversal of the devastation caused by the Babylonians. It echoes the same themes as later chapters in Isaiah or other prophetic promises.
Those promises include an abundant harvest. The rains will come. The grain will grow, and the vines will bear fruit; wine and oil will overflow.
25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten--
    the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.
26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
    and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
    who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.
(Joel 2:25-26)
 
This is followed by the promises we read on Pentecost, the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit on God’s people without regard to gender or age. Just as soil needs to be prepared with nutrients, aeration, and water, seeds planted, cultivated, and tended before there can be a harvest, so too our inner spirit and minds need preparation to reap a spiritual harvest that will bring joy to the Lord, to those around us and even to ourselves.
 
We know that spiritual preparation comes through many spiritual disciplines for us individually: through worship, Bible Study, devotions, prayer, and also through giving and serving. As a congregation in the Body of Christ those disciplines are equally important to do together and to that we add Christian fellowship as well as witness and outreach in our community. Just as God has gifted individuals with unique talents to share, so God has blessed each congregation with resources and abilities to serve others. God’s work takes place within the church walls and among congregants as preparation, but the harvest comes when we go beyond the walls into the community to offer what God has given us to our neighbors and friends and others in need. Every person and every congregation has something to offer that someone else needs.
 
One contemporary commentator on Joel looks ahead to what this prophecy will mean on Pentecost:
Joel prophesies the inauguration of the age of the church—a time when all people everywhere can call on the name of the Lord, be saved from their sins, and become participants in the kingdom of God. Through the indwelling
​of the Holy Spirit, the church becomes the body of Christ in the world. The redemptive purposes of God are therefore extended and made available through every Spirit-filled believer.
 
That’s what God asks of us, to be Spirit-filled believers fulfilling God’s purposes in the world. We are the workers sent out to plant seeds, to cultivate and tend to others with a growing faith, to become mature believers who work toward the harvest of new believers.
 
I invite you to share with each other how you came to believe. Someone told you or taught you about God and Jesus. Someone was an example to you of what it means to be a Christian. Hopefully that was a positive example! The Holy Spirit worked through all that, and you became part of one season of harvest as a new believer.
 
Now ask yourself who has God put in your path that you can nurture in the faith. Who needs help or encouragement? Who needs to know a little bit more about our God? Ask the Holy Spirit how best to reach that person and for the courage to do it. It may be as simple as a message or a card with a verse of scripture. It may be asking if you can pray for them or maybe even saying “I believe God can get you through this.” The choices that person makes are between them and God. Your only job is to be obedient to the nudging of the Holy Spirit and faithful to God as you plant seeds, water, and nurture them.  May you reap a rich spiritual harvest as individuals and a bountiful harvest as a congregation in the community.
 
 
*HYMN                                Let All Things Now Living #554
(You may be seated.)
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
God who blesses us with all that is good, receive the lives we offer in return for the life you have given us. May we be a plentiful harvest of blessings to honor and serve you. Amen.
 
*DOXOLOGY             Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow                  #592
 
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Ecumenical) p. 14
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 into hell. 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 life everlasting. Amen.
 
*HYMN As Those of Old Their First Fruits Brought #414
 
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING
 
POSTLUDE
 
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.

​10/16/2022
Gathering
NNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                  
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
Gary Iverson's Family as they Mourn the Passing of Gary, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd,    Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston has been moved into a Hospice unit, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur  Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx, Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers and family her brother’s dementia has taken a turn for the worse, Deb Weller, The Wagner family as they morn the loss of Karen (Knight) Wagner this week .
 
PRELUDE
 
*CALL TO WORSHIP
 
L: Oh Lord, How sweet are your words to our taste.
 
P:  Sweeter than honey to our mouths.
 
L:  Your decrees give us understanding.
 
P:  Your commands help us to avoid the traps of evil.
 
L:   We gather to worship and praise.
 
P:  We gather to sing and celebrate our Lord.  Amen.
 
 
*GATHERING PRAYER
 
We come, Loving Lord, to hold ourselves to you.  You have promised to use our hearts as a tablet on which you write your laws, and you assure us that you will be our God for all time.  Help us to absorb these truths and to take another step towards truly knowing you as you know us.  Amen.
 
 
**HYMN              From All that Dwell Below the Skies                                           #229       (You may be seated.)
CALL TO CONFESSION    
                                           
We are a beloved people, called to feel God’s words of life written on our hearts.  May we let go of our failings and guilt in order to receive the power to begin again.  Let us pour ourselves out to our Loving Lord.
 
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
 
Precious Lord,  How you challenge us to be better, more just, more loving, more forgiving!  But too often we resist the call to reflect your grace into our world.  Forgive us, Lord, and forgive us for itching ears that seek a more palatable word that is easier to follow.  Help us to hear and respond to your call that we might follow in the footsteps of your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.
 
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
 
God loves us so much that after putting his law within us, he then forgives our iniquity and remembers our sins no longer.   God sent his Son to redeem us.  We are washed clean!  That is God’s amazing gift!  It calms our itching ears and enables us to joyfully offer life and hope in the name of our Parent in Heaven. Praise be to God. Amen
                                                
 SONG OF PRAISE Gloria Patri #579
 
PASSING THE PEACE
(Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
 
INTERLUDE
Word
 
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
 
This morning we come to hear your promises again, O Lord.  How hungry we are for a holy word that can help us get back on track, to find new energy for reaching out in your name or simply to let go of our anxiety.  Open our ears and write upon our hearts, O Lord, that we might hear what we most need from you.  Amen.
 
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Jeremiah 31: 27-34
27 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will plant the kingdoms of Israel and Judah with the offspring of people and of animals.
 28 Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster,  so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the Lord.
 29 “In those days people will no longer say,
‘ The parents have eaten sour grapes,
    and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’
30 Instead, everyone will die for their own sin; whoever eats sour grapes—their own teeth will be set on edge.
31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
    “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
    though I was a husband to[a] them,[b]”
declares the Lord.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”
 
Luke 18:1-8
18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth
 
SERMON                         A Grandma Millie Kind of God
 
             You know the rules.  No dessert before you eat your vegetables.
             Make your bed before you come downstairs for breakfast.
             Don’t talk with your mouth full.
             Don’t interrupt with adults are talking.
             Pick up your toys before you get out the crayons.
             No juice in the living room.
Sally’s Grandma Hazel was a good one for reminding her granddaughter about the rules.  You didn’t talk back to Grandma Hazel either.  She called it sass, even if it was just to ask why she couldn’t take juice in the living room or why she needed to pick up her toys before getting out the crayons.  Sally loved her Grandma Hazel, but she was a little afraid of her, too.  The older woman was so stern and so uncompromising in her rules for the grandchildren.
But Grandma Millie—She had almost the same rules at her house.  The difference was that Grandma Millie assumed that Sally knew the rules.  Once in a while she had to be reminded, but most of the time Sally could just look at Grandma Millie and know what she needed to do. The difference:  Grandma Millie pulled Sally into her lap and called her, “My bestest little girl.”  Grandma Millie read stories and helped Sally bake cookies.  She listened to Sally tell her about what was happening in school, and she even came to school once in a while to have lunch with her. Grandma Millie called to ask Sally to come help her carve pumpkins at Halloween and to dye Easter Eggs in the Spring.
Sally loved both of her grandmas, but Grandma Millie, Sally would do anything for Grandma Millie!
So which was your grandma?  Was she a Grandma Hazel who made sure you obeyed the rules because the rules were what made you strong and able to function in society, or was she a Grandma Millie?  Rules are not to be ignored, but the avenue of importance was relationship first and rules somewhere down the line.
Rules ARE important.  Rules help us to know what is expected, what is acceptable and what is polite.  But if a child has only rules and not the love, then rules are pretty second rate!
I think that goes for our relationship with God, as well.  God loved the Hebrew people.  He had led them out of slavery.  He loved them with a mighty love that carried them through dangers.  He fed them with manna in the wilderness, and even gave them quail when they hungered for meat.  He provided water, leaders, and even land.  It was a good land filled with milk and honey.  Rules were important, but God had loved this ragtag group of wandering ex-slaves.  God had given them a new covenant on top of the promise he had made with their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  We call them the 10 commandments.
But the people came into this new land and they prospered.  They called for kings so they could be like their neighbors.  They built cities and developed commerce and gradually as they grew more independent, they didn’t need their God in the same way as before. They were living the rules, but they had moved into a Grandma Hazel mode of trying to obey the letter of the law without really embracing the letter of the law or paying much attention to the giver of that law.
So slowly and painfully they slipped away.  At first it was a growing divide between rich and poor with those living in poverty growing even more desperate.  Many even resorted to selling themselves into slavery in order to have what they needed to live, Foreigners were treated badly.  They began to be suspicious of any outside of their circle.  A Civil war had divided God’s people into two nations who despised one another.  Then came the Assyrians and the unthinkable happened.  Israel, the northern nation, was wiped off the face of the earth.
Still the people of Judah maintained their way of life.  And then here came the Babylonians, and suddenly their beautiful temple was demolished and their city was in ruins.  People were being rounded up and led away.
God said, “You blew it.  I was your God, but you ceased to be my people.”  The exiles looked at one another in shame and dread and despair.  Had God truly and for all time abandoned them?
It was the big question, and for some time they stewed in it.  But when that despair was about to overwhelm them, God came to his people with another word.  “The days are surely coming when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals.”  It’s a repopulating, a reclaiming, a restoring word.  But it’s more than returning things to the status quo.
“The days are surely coming says the Lord when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.  It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord.  But this is the covenant that I will make.  I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts and I will be their God.  No longer shall they teach one another or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least to the greatest says the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sins no more.”
Suddenly God had bent down to hear their cry.  Suddenly the feelings of despair and abandonment could be cast aside.  Suddenly there was hope and the promise of new life.  God had heard.  God had not abandoned them.  God made new promises, and they were promises that could be relied upon.
That’s the good news that I bring you today.  Our God has fulfilled that promise.  He fulfilled it at the perfect time when once again human despair was high.  He sent his son.  Not just a son to remind them of the rules. In fact, this son would wipe away at least some of those rules.  But in the model of Grandma Millie, Jesus would be God’s way of pulling us into God’s lap. Jesus would fulfill the promise of God’s new covenant.  He shows God’s incredible love and care for us in a way that allows us to live God’s rules because they are the joy of our being.
Just like Grandma Millie teaches her grandchildren how to be strong and healthy, Jesus wanted to give his disciples, and us, the tools to further live into God’s grace.  And how do we do that?  With prayer.  Just like Grandma Millie spent time listening, God listens to us.  He hears our weeping; he knows our worries; he listens to our requests; he knows us inside out.  We might not feel God’s listening ear as we pray, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t there.
The key is to keep praying.  Keep laying it out there.  Keep asking.  Keep knocking at that door.  So Jesus told a parable.  It’s about a corrupt judge who refuses to bring justice for a widow.  (Now a widow would have been the most lowly and powerless of all in Jesus’ day.)  But this widow had grit.  She didn’t give up.  She kept coming, kept asking, kept pestering the judge until he finally grew tired of her and gave her what she asked, which was justice!  So the logic is this, if one who is corrupt, who doesn’t care, who is selfish and immoral—if even he can be convinced by the persistence of asking, then surely we will recognize that our God who is righteous, loving and who wants good and joyful things for us, will hear and respond to us.
Keep praying.  That’s Jesus’ message.  Prayer is God’s way of writing his love and grace upon our hearts!
This morning as we pray for our world in need, for our families and loved ones, for our church and for one another.  We pray for God’s word to be written on all our hearts so that his love can flow through us.  God hears our prayers and answers in God’s own way.
Sometimes it feels like God has left the building, that he doesn’t hear or care about our concerns.  He doesn’t answer the way we wish.  But we need to remember that God is not our fairy god mother who comes specifically to grant our request.  God sees the big picture, and sometimes the best answer to our prayer is very simply “No.”
I believe that prayer works because it gives God an avenue to work on us.  God touches our hurts, gives us new insights, shows us the doors to address our concern, brings new healing into our lives.  Prayer is a conduit between us and God, and God is always at work in that process to bring new life and healing to us and to our world.
You know, Sally often sat with Grandma Millie after school.  They would have a snack and Grandma would listen as Sally told her about her day.  One day she told her grandma about the mean girls who were calling her “Long Tall Sally.”  It hurt.  But Grandma was able to say, “But my Darling, that’s a good thing.  Being tall is good.  Models are tall, Basketball players and other athletes are tall, movie stars and many other important women are tall.  Don’t be ashamed of being tall.  Stand straight and thank those girls for giving you a compliment!”  Suddenly, Sally saw things differently.  She was able to respond in a different manner, and that changed everything.
God works on us in exactly that same mode.  He loves us so much that he writes that love on our hearts and helps us to navigate our world.  Pray.  Pray often.  Pray for what you want, what you need, offer your hurts and struggles.  God is there, and God answers.  
Thank you, Lord for the family of faith who gathers before you this day.  Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers and answering them in your wisdom and grace.  Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the new covenant written upon our hearts.   AMEN.
 
*HYMN                  God of Grace and God of Glory                                                #420                                                       (You may be seated.)
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
 
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
 
 
*DOXOLOGY                 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow                    #592
 
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH  (From the Brief Statement of Faith)
 
We trust in God…
In everlasting love,
The God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people
       to bless all the families of the earth.
Hearing their cry,
      God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage.
Loving us still,
      God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant.
      Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child,
      Like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home,
      God is faithful still.
                                             
*CLOSING HYMN:                I Want Jesus to Walk with Me                                 #363
 
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING
 
 *POSTLUDE
​Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
Some of today’s liturgy comes from the Book of Common Worship

​ 
September 25, 2022
Gathering
 
MUSICAL OFFERING
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.                  
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated  as well as social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards.  An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
 
PRAYER REQUESTS
  Gary Iverson's Family as they Mourn the Passing of Gary this Week , Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston has been moved into a Hospice unit,   Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur and family as they mourn the loss of Thomas Mulholland was a postman since 1963, Judy Welcher, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx,   Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Arlene   Pawlik, Angela and Tristan, Bonnie Pillers and family her brother’s dementia has taken a turn for the worse , Deb Weller.
 
PRELUDE
 
*CALL TO WORSHI      
L:  Come, Lord Jesus, the joy of your kingdom calls to us.
P:  We seek your call in the quiet of our heart, and in the movement of our being.
L:   May we push away all competing masters,
P:  That you alone we might serve with thanksgiving and joyful praise.  Amen.
 
*GATHERING PRAYER
From a world where pain abounds, we come, O Lord.  We come with broken hearts, broken promises, broken lives and relationships.  Hold us close this day, and allow us to glimpse your holiness and healing.  Help us to be a part of your love poured out onto our world.  Amen.
  
*HYMN                              Come Christians Join to Sing                                        #150                                                     
(You may be seated.)
CALL TO CONFESSION
                                               
With the Psalmist we come before our Lord asking, “Help us, O God of our salvation for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins.”
We trust in a God who bends low to hear our confessions, to touch our hearts.  Let us lay bare our failings that we might be made new in the blood of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All around us, Gracious Lord, we see the problems of our world.  Like Jeremiah, we ask, “Is there no balm in Gilead”--or in Washington DC or in our hometown?  We have been so busy with work and family, with managing things for our well-being.  We’ve lost sight of your call to share the gifts you have given with those who are hurting.  We have hoarded.  We’ve turned away from the pain around us.  We’ve assumed that your call to generosity was for others.  Forgive our self-centered view of faith.  Help us to open our hearts to find the joy of sharing and living into your grace. Amen
 
WORDS OF ASSURANCE                                            adapted from 1Timothy 2: 4-6
 
“God desires that everyone might be saved, for there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind.  Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself for the forgiveness of our sins.
 
SONG OF PRAISE  Gloria Patri  #579
 
PASSING THE PEACE
  (Please greet those around you as we all say these words in unison.)
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
 
INTERLUDE
Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
“Let us find ourselves in the words we hear this day, Gracious Lord.  Let us discover that one small truth that convicts us, while also offering us new life and new possibilities in your glorious name.  Amen.
 
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
 Jeremiah 8:18,Jeremiah 9:1
 
 
18 My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. 19 Hark, the cry of my poor people from far and wide in the land: ‘Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?’(‘Why have they provoked me to anger with their images with their foreign idols?’) 20 ‘The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.’21 For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored? 9 O that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people!
 
Luke 16: 1-13
16 Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2 So he summoned him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an account of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.”3 Then the manager said to himself, “What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.” 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, “How much do you owe my master?” 6 He answered, “A hundred jugs of olive oil.” He said to him, “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.” 7 Then he asked another, “And how much do you owe?” He replied, “A hundred containers of wheat.” He said to him, “Take your bill and make it eighty.” 8 And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.10 ‘Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13 No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
 
 
SERMON    It’s Just Money!
 
Several years ago, when my youngest daughter was newly out of nursing school and finally earning a nice pay check, I was moaning to her about an unexpected bill that was going to wipe out my savings.  She listened to me for a time before saying  “Mom  It’s just money.  They’ll give you more in two weeks!”  --Out of the mouth of babes!  Or in this case 20 somethings!  (By the way, I often remind her of these words of wisdom now that she has a family and those same unexpected bills arrive!)
How we think about our money and manage our finances is an important task of adult life.  We’ve learned to ask ourselves, “Do I NEED this thing that has caught my attention, or do I just want it?”  We ask, “If I say yes to this now, will I regret it tomorrow when the mortgage bill or the rent is due?”
It can be worrisome.  Experts tell us we should have at least 2 months of living expenses in an emergency fund. Today some are saying we need up to 6 months to feel secure.  And then there are other things to consider too.  How much will we need to retire, and will we have enough?  Will we be able to send our children to college?  Can we afford to buy that house that we like?  What will be the expenses if we do?  What happens if we need to go into a nursing home?  And even, how will we plan our estate so that we leave the unused portion of God’s blessings to offer life and wellness into our world?
It can make us anxious.  It can push us to grab a calculator in the middle of the night when we suddenly remember that a bill is due.  So much is tied to our checkbook, to our 401K plan and to our investment portfolio.
Our scriptures for today even hint that how we use our resources can be tied to the Kingdom of God.  It’s not like buying a ticket into heaven, but how we use the gifts and resources that have been put into our hands—well, it matters.
Our Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah deals with this in a more remote way.  It’s definitely NOT the passage to read when we are feeling down in the dumps.  Lament is the name of the game here.  Jeremiah is heart sick for the people of God.  Their worst fear has come to pass and they don’t know what to make of it.  You see, Jerusalem was the setting for God’s holy temple.  They thought of it as God’s residence, the place where God literally lived.  There were two kingdoms of God’s people.  Israel to the north and Judah to the south.  135 years earlier the northern kingdom of Israel had been overrun by the Assyrians and then wiped off the face of the earth.  At that time it looked like the Assyrians were going to continue moving south and take Judah with its capital city of Jerusalem, as well.  It was close, but it didn’t happen.  “Why?”  They asked.  “Well,” others responded, “It’s because God would never allow his temple to be desecrated and destroyed.”  They had become a bit complacent under that assumption.  They had come to rely upon the belief that God would always protect Jerusalem. They were safe from all enemies!”
And then the Babylonians rolled into town!  At first they just demanded tribute to be paid and they put a puppet king on the throne.  But then….then they did what the good people of Jerusalem thought could never be done.  The Babylonian Army completely took over the city, wiping out the meager force of Judah’s protection, destroying the temple and even rounding up any who had leadership capacity and marching that group across the wilderness to be prisoners of war in Babylon.  HOW COULD GOD HAVE ALLOWED THIS?
Jeremiah offers the answer earlier in chapter 8.  There God is accusing the people of perpetual backsliding, holding fast to deceit.  “From the least to the greatest, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely.  They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying peace, peace when there is no peace.”  Jeremiah tells them that God had gotten fed up with their greed and abuse of the poor, the way they ignored his commands to gather more wealth.  God was allowing Babylon to be his instrument of punishment.
In today’s reading Jeremiah says, “My joy is gone. Grief is upon me.  For the hurt of my poor people, I am hurt.  I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.  Is there no balm in Gilead?  Is there no physician there?”  Even the healing ointment that famously comes from Gilead, a mountainous region that has long been the place where the fleeing faithful can run and hide is of no use.  It can’t make a dent in the suffering of God’s people.
So what is a servant of God to do?  How are we called to be, to manage our finances, to be faithful in today’s world?  What does it look like?
Let’s bring Jesus into the conversation.  (That’s always a good idea, right?)  He offers a parable that feels pretty confusing to us, and maybe even a bit offensive to our modern ear.  But we need to sort this out because when Jesus tells a parable, it is designed to teach us something about how we are to live as people of faith.
This is a story about a manager who’s about to be fired.  The boss wants to see the books, and then the manager is out.  Oh NO!  How will he survive?  He’s not strong enough to do manual labor, and it’s too humiliating to beg.  But this manager was smart.  He decided to feather his nest with what he did have—the debts of his boss.  So he went to those who owed the rich man, and he worked with them to recalculate those debts in such a way that they owed much less.  Now they were obliged to the manager.  Now they could give him a place to stay, offer him a cushy job, make referrals to other positions.  He would be able to start over again.
Was it ethical?  NO, but surprisingly it did earn him the respect and admiration of the boss.  This guy knew how to take care of himself.  Jesus ends the parable with these words, “Make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into eternal homes.”  Another way we might say this is “Use earthly things to participate in the Kingdom of God, to create that kingdom in our midst—in our homes and neighborhoods, in our communities and in our world.”  Use what we have to lift up others in order to bring hope to the hopeless, to offer healing to our world, and in the process we, too, are blessed.
I think of my daughter’s words of wisdom.  “It’s just money, Mom.  They’ll give you more in 2 weeks.”  When we use our money in ways that bless the world, are we not buying our way into the Kingdom of God?  Doesn’t God put resources into our hands so that we can use them well, not just for ourselves but for our hurting world?
God has given us the means to do our jobs.  He gave us aptitudes and talents.  He exposed us to experiences that formed us.  He gave us the opportunity to study in college or as apprentices or in other ways.
God gives us our possessions—homes, cars, our toys and tools, even our garden produce and that dented popcorn popper at the back of your pantry.  Didn’t God have a hand in giving you all of this?
God gives us our finances.  The cash in our wallet and checking account, our insurance policies, our investments, 401Ks, pension plans, Social Security payments.  How easy it is to assume that all of these things are MINE, and MINE ALONE.  I worked hard for these things.  I earned it.  I shouldn’t be asked to throw away my effort and hard work for others who might not deserve it.
In our society we celebrate people who have made it—Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg.  But have you noticed the stories about these titans of wealth signing the Giving Pledge?  It’s a promise to give away at least half of their wealth in their life-time or upon their death.  They are divesting themselves of wealth in order to make a dent in the real human problems of our world.
A couple weeks ago there was also a story on the news that Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, the very successful outdoor clothing company, had transferred his company into a trust when all the profits would go to battling climate change. That’s pretty remarkable.
Maybe we should celebrate these folks, not because they got rich, but because they are giving so much away to make our world a better place.  Several of them, like Warren Buffet, planning to give it ALL away—Billions of dollars to invest in the well-being of our world.
And if they can do it on such a grand scale, and if God invites us to do it on our more modest scale, maybe we should consider how we can use what God has given to ease our way into the kingdom.  “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
It’s not buying our way into heaven.  What we are talking about is to act in ways that change our perception of what is important.  It allows us to see the bigger picture, to feel a connection to something that is beyond ourselves. It lights up a corner of our heart with joy because we know that we’ve participated with God for the healing and hope of our world.
And life will give us more money in just a couple weeks!  Our needs WILL be met and in the process of giving, we will feel that all important connection with our God.
I don’t believe that God is in the punishment business.  I don’t think God was smiting the folks in Jerusalem.  But I do believe that we often live the consequences of our behaviors or of other people’s bad choices.  Sometimes bad things just happen, and we can’t discern a cause at all.  I also believe that in the grace of Jesus Christ we are invited and enabled to share our lives and our resources in ways that bring joy and life to all—including ourselves.  That might not be heaven in the traditional way that people think of it as a destination for when we die, but it is definitely life eternal which begins right now.
Maybe the balm from Gilead in this context is our life that is led forward by God taking our hand and leading us into new ways of being.  Let’s all live the kingdom of God and walk with our Lord.
“It’s just money, Mom.  They’ll give you more in a couple weeks.”
Praise be to Christ our Lord.  Amen
 
 
 
 
*HYMN                       We Give Thee But Thine Own                                               #428
(You may be seated.)
 
PASTORAL PRAYER
 
 
 
 
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.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
 
OFFERING OUR LIVES
 
*DOXOLOGY                 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow                      #592
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                 (from The Confession of 1967.. 9.46)
  Our reconciliation through Jesus Christ makes it plain that enslaving poverty in a world of abundance is an intolerable violation of God’s good creation…..
 
 
The Church calls us to use our abilities, possessions, and the fruits of technology as gifts entrusted to us by God for the maintenance of God’s family and the advancement of the common welfare….
 
A church that is indifferent to poverty, or evades responsibility in economic affairs…makes a mockery of reconciliation and offers no acceptable worship to God.
 
*CLOSING HYMN                    There Is a Balm in Gilead                                       #394
 
Sending Forth
*CHARGE & BLESSING