FIRST EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Pastor Al Hock, presiding

March 13, 2010 ~ 5:30 P.M.

Service of the Word

Fourth Sabbath of Lent

Welcome

Confession and Forgiveness

P Trusting in the word of life given in baptism, we are gathered in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

P Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

P Merciful God,

C we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, and are not worthy to be called your children. Have mercy on us and turn us from our sinful ways. Bring us back to you as those who once were dead but now have life, through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

P The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives life, freedom from the power of sin, and resurrec-tion from the dead. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Live in newness of life.

C Amen.

Gathering Song see insert

“Softly and Tenderly”

Greeting

P From the one who was, who is, and who is to come: Grace and peace be with you all.

C And also with you.

P The word is near you,

C on your lips and in your heart.

P If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord,

C and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

P Faith comes from what is heard,

C and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

Prayer of the Day

P Let us pray,

C God of compassion, you welcome the wayward, and you embrace us all with your mercy. By our baptism clothe us with garments of your grace, and feed us at the table of your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading: Joshua 5:9–12 Pew bible pg. 171

R The Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Second Reading: 2 Cor. 5:16–21 Pew bible pg. 940

R The Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

P Word of life, Jesus Christ, all glory to you!

C Word of life, Jesus Christ, all praise to you! Our hearts burn within us while you open to us the Scriptures. Word of life, Jesus Christ, all glory to you! Word of life, Jesus Christ, all praise to you!

P The Holy Gospel according to Luke, the 15^th chapter.

C Glory to you, O Lord.

Gospel: Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32 Pew bible pg. 850-51

Gospel Response WOV pg. 48

R The Gospel of the Lord.

C Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Hymn of the Day see insert

“Amazing Grace”

Response to the Word

P In Christ, you have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

C We believe in him and are marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.

P Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

C I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

P Build yourselves up on your most holy faith;

C Pray in the Holy Spirit.

Prayers of Intercession

R Gathered by the Spirit, let us return to the Lord our God and pray for the church, the world, and all who yearn for new life. . . . . . Lord, in your mercy,

C hear our prayer.

Sharing of the Peace

P Sisters and brothers, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace. The Peace of the Lord be with you always.

C And also with you.

Offering of Tithes and Gifts

(Communion/attendance cards will also be collected at this time)

Offertory Prayer

P Let us pray. God, our Creator,

C you open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living creature. With these gifts we

bless you for your tender nurture and care. Help us to delight in your will and walk in your ways, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving

P The Lord be with you.

C And also with you.

P Lift up your hearts,

C We lift them to the Lord.

P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Words of Institution

Lord’s Prayer

Invitation to Communion

P The gifts of God for the people of God.

C Thanks be to God.

Sharing of the Lord’s Supper

We invite all baptized Christians who desire the forgiveness, strength and guidance we receive through the real presence of Christ in Holy Communion. We also invite young children who have not yet attended Communion classes and adults who are not yet baptized to come forward for the blessing. Please indicate if you or a child would prefer a blessing.

Post-Communion Prayer

P Compassionate God,you have fed us with the bread of heaven. Sustain us in our Lenten pilgrimage: may our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; and our prayer, the song of grateful hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

C Amen.

Announcements

Blessing

P Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

C Amen.

Sending Song see insert

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Dismissal

R Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Postlude

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 East Fayette ~ Manchester, IA 52057

Phone: 563-927-3420

Email: firstlu@iowatelecom.net