Sunday, February 13, 2022

The Holy Communion on the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, 10:30 a.m.

The livestream may be found here.

  February 13, 2022

The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

 


Blessed Are Those…

THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

 

The color green, used for the paraments and vestments on the Sundays after the Epiphany, symbolizes growth and life in the Holy Spirit.

 

FIRST READING:  The contrast between the blessed life and the cursed life is found throughout the Old Testament. In juxtaposing the two ways, Jeremiah uses remarkably similar language to Psalm 1. One doubts he has a copy of the Psalms on hand – scrolls were not easy to come by – but it is probable that he is quoting from memory. He concludes his warning by reminding his hearers that God is not impressed with appearances, but knows the truth about each person’s mind and heart.

 

SECOND READING: Conditioned by Greek philosophy and several centuries of Christian thought, we are used to conceiving ‘the afterlife’ as a given, that which succeeds death as naturally as day succeeds night. But this is not the view of Paul. Rather, eternal life is only won through Christ’s resurrection. If Christ has not been raised from the dead, death is victorious over him and the rest of humanity. This is what makes the denial of the Resurrection so futile and fatal to faith. But because Christ is raised from the dead, death has no more dominion over him or humanity. Faith rejoices in the resurrection as the surety of death’s defeat.

 

GOSPEL:  Luke’s version of Matthew’s ‘Sermon on the Mount’ happens on a ‘level place.’ Perhaps Luke is speaking of another preaching of the  same sermon? Or perhaps Matthew and Luke simply remember the ‘one’ preaching event slightly differently? Luke omits the words ‘in spirit’ from the first Beatitude, and adds the ‘woes’ to counterpoint the ‘blessings.’ Both Matthew and Luke, however, speak of true blessing. And those blessings are only seen in light of the resurrection of the dead in justice and mercy. When the resurrection occurs, the words of Jesus will be fulfilled by sight and not by faith.

 

OPENING MUSIC         

Your Word, O Lord, Is Gentle Dew — David Cherwien

Open Now Your Gates of Beauty — Paul Manz

 

Stand

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

 

In the name of the Father,

and of the X Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

  Amen

 

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  Amen

 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Silence for reflection and self-examination.

 

Most merciful God,

  we confess that we are in bondage to sin

  and cannot free ourselves.

  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;

  we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

  For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us,

  renew us, and lead us,

  so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways,

  to the glory of your holy name. Amen

 

Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his

sake, forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the

Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the

entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father,

and of the X Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

  Amen

THE HOLY COMMUNION

 

XHYMN          Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty                        Green LBW 250

 

APOSTOLIC GREETING

 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

  And also with you.

 

HYMN OF PRAISE        Gloria in excelsis Deo

 

PRAYER OF THE DAY

 

The Lord be with you.

  And also with you.

 

O God, you alone can satisfy our deepest hungers.

  Protect us from the lure of wealth and power;

  move our hearts to seek first your kingdom,

  that ours may be the security and joy

  of those who place their trust in you;

through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

  Amen

               

CALL TO THE WORD

The people came to Jesus to hear him

and to be healed of their diseases.                                                         Luke 6:18

  Let us hear the Word of the Lord.

 

Sit

FIRST READING                                                      Jeremiah 17:5-10

 

5Thus says the Lord:
 Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
  and make mere flesh their strength,
  whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
6They shall be like a shrub in the desert,
  and shall not see when relief comes.
 They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,
  in an uninhabited salt land.
7Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
  whose trust is the Lord.
8They shall be like a tree planted by water,
  sending out its roots by the stream.
 It shall not fear when heat comes,
  and its leaves shall stay green;
 in the year of drought it is not anxious,
  and it does not cease to bear fruit.
9The heart is devious above all else;
  it is perverse—
  who can understand it?
10I the Lord test the mind
  and search the heart,
 to give to all according to their ways,
  according to the fruit of their doings.

 

The Word of the Lord.                                                                                                    

  Thanks be to God.

 

PSALM 1                                                                    Setting by Peter R. Hallock 

 

Refrain: Choir sings first, then all.



 

 

 Happy are they whose delight is in the law of the LORD.        


The choir sings the verses, and all sing the refrain where indicated:

 

1Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked,

   nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful.

2Their delight is in the law of the Lord,

   and they meditate on his law day and night.                                       Refrain

 

3They are like trees planted by streams of water,

   bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither;

   everything they do shall prosper.

4It is not so with the wicked;

   they are like chaff which the wind blows away.                Refrain

 

 5Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes;

   nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.

6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

   but the way of the wicked is doomed.                                                   Refrain

SECOND READING                                                    1 Corinthians 15:12-20

 

12Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. 15We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. 17If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. 19If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.

 

The Word of the Lord.                                                   

  Thanks be to God.

Stand

VERSE                 Sung by the choir

John 6:68                                                                          Setting by David Schack

Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

 

Gospel                                                                                             Luke 6:17-26

The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.

  Glory to you, O Lord.

 

17[Jesus] came down with [the twelve] and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.18They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
20Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
 “Blessed are you who are poor,
  for yours is the kingdom of God.
21“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
  for you will be filled.
 “Blessed are you who weep now,
  for you will laugh.

22“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
24“But woe to you who are rich,
  for you have received your consolation.

25“Woe to you who are full now,
  for you will be hungry.
 “Woe to you who are laughing now,
  for you will mourn and weep.
26“Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

  Praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sit

Choir Anthem           Praise the Lord of Heaven — Text/ based on Psalm 148

Godfrey Thring, paraphrased, K. Lee Scott

Music/ K. Lee Scott

 

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord of heaven’s height;

Angels, join the soaring praises; sing with moon and stars of light. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord. Hallelujah, praise the Lord.

 

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! All was made by God’s command.

Hallelujah! Earth and heav’n forever stand.

Praise the name of God forever, ever mighty ever blest,

ever mighty ever blest.

 

Praise the Lord, all earthly creatures moving through the ocean deep. 

Lightning, hail, and storm winds blowing,

meadows, hills, and mountains steep;  

forest trees alive with creatures, sound God’s praises through the earth, sound God’s praises through the earth.

 

Rulers of all earthly nations, men and women, old and young,

Israel, join in exultation by God’s own let praise be sung:

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord.

Hallelujah!

 

SERMON                                                                                                           Pastor Frontz

Stand

X Hymn of the DaY             

        Your Word, O God, Is Gentle Dew                Green LBW 232                                  

CONFESSION OF FAITH             Apostles’ Creed

 

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

 

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

                He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

                                and born of the virgin Mary.

                He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

                                was crucified, died, and was buried.

                He descended into hell.

On the third day he rose again.

                He ascended into heaven,

                                and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

                He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

 

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

                the holy catholic Church,

                the communion of saints,

                the forgiveness of sins,

                the resurrection of the body,

                and the life everlasting. Amen

 

 

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

 

Gracious and loving Father, creator of all, hear the prayers we offer in the power of the Spirit, that your Church may be strengthened, your world healed, and the poor and needy be lifted up.

 

A brief silence

 

By your Son’s words of grace, turn us to paths of righteousness, to bear fruit that will last. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Strengthen this congregation to proclaim your victory over death in the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.                                                                     

 

 Support and guide all who hold authority in our land, especially our President, Joseph; our Governor, Tom, and all who make, administer, and judge our laws. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Heal our communities; look with favor upon families; strengthen those who heal, protect, and serve others; enrich our education with wise teachers and eager students. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Guide the nations of the world into your peace, and be with all who are violated in body or in conscience. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Let those who have resources use them to benefit others. Keep us from selfishness, that we may receive your blessing. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.                                                                     

 

In your tender mercy, bless the sick, the dying, the grieving, and these for whom we pray:

 

The pastor reads the names and situations submitted for prayer.

The people may offer spoken or silent intercessions.

 

Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

We come to Christ’s table in faith that he died and was raised for us. Bring us to that day when we rejoice with all the saints in your Kingdom. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

The pastor concludes the prayers:

 

Into your hands, Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your steadfast love, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

  Amen

 

Peace

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

  And also with you. 

 

The people exchange a sign of peace with the simple words, Peace be with you.

 

Sit

The Lord’s Table is prepared.

 

Stand 

OFFERTORY     Sung by the choir

Psalm 54:4, 6-7                                        Setting by Barry L. Bobb

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. For you have delivered me from every trouble.

 

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

 

Open the heavens, Lord our God,

and send your transforming Spirit upon us and upon these gifts.

  May we, who are baptized into Christ,

  be ready to share his cup of suffering

  and strengthened to serve him forever.

 

GREAT THANKSGIVING

 

  It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, through Christ our Lord. He died for our sins and was raised for our justification, and he reigns in glory at your right hand. In his Word he teaches us the way of righteousness, calling us to live in the Spirit in which we were baptized. And so, with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

 

The pastor leads the people in praying the Eucharistic canon:

 

You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God;

                you are most holy, and great is the majesty of your glory.

You so loved the world that you gave your only Son,

                that whoever believes in him

may not perish but have eternal life.

Having come into the world, he fulfilled for us your holy will

                and accomplished our salvation.

 

In the night in which he was betrayed,

                        our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

                        broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

                        Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

                        and gave it for all to drink, saying:

                        This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

                        shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

Remembering, therefore, his salutary command,

                his life-giving Passion and death,

                his glorious resurrection and ascension,

and his promise to come again,

                we give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,

                not as we ought, but as we are able;

                and we implore you mercifully

to accept our praise and thanksgiving,

                and, with your Word and Holy Spirit,

to bless us, your servants,

                and these your own gifts of bread and wine;

                that we and all who share

in the body and blood of your Son

                may be filled with heavenly peace and joy,

                and, receiving the forgiveness of sin,

may be sanctified in soul and body,

                and have our portion with all your saints.

 

All honor and glory are yours, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

                in your holy Church, now and forever.

  Amen

 

In the presence of Christ, we pray to his Father using the words he gave us.

 

Christ is in our midst.

By the power of the Spirit,

we pray to his Father, saying:

 

Our Father, who art in heaven,

                hallowed be thy name,

                thy kingdom come,

                thy will be done,

                                on earth as it is in heaven.

                Give us this day our daily bread;

                and forgive us our trespasses,

                                as we forgive those who trespass against us;

                and lead us not into temptation,

                                but deliver us from evil.

                For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

                                forever and ever. Amen                                    Matthew 6:9-15

 

Blessed are you who are hungry now; for you will be filled.

  Thanks be to God.                                                                             Luke 6:21a

We adore Christ, present in bread and wine.

Sit

DISTRIBUTION

 

Admission to the Sacrament is by invitation of the Lord, presented through the Church to those who are baptized.

 

They may receive the Lord’s Body and Blood who are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, who commune in their home churches, and who believe that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is truly present in, with, and under the forms of bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

 

The communicants will be invited forward one family unit at a time. Please do not come forward until the pastor directs you to come forward, do not approach all the way to the table until the pastor has retreated.

 

 When the pastor says ‘The body of Christ, given for you,’ eat the bread. When the pastor says, ‘The blood of Christ, shed for you,’ drink the wine.  Please take the plate and the glass(es) and place them on the table that is indicated.

 

XDISTRIBUTION HYMN       

Jesus, the Very Thought of You             Green LBW 316     

St. 1, 3 / Choir

 

When all have received, the congregation stands at the direction of the pastor.

 

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

  Amen

 

 



We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us
through the healing power of this gift of life; and we pray that in your mercy you would strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

  Amen

 

BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.

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

  Amen

 

XCLOSING HYMN       

 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing               Green LBW 221

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.                                        

  Thanks be to God!

 

 

THIS WEEK FOR THE FAITH FAMILY

 

Sun/ Feb 13         Choir rehearsal 9:30 AM

WORSHIP 10:30 AM

Prayer at the Close of the Day (livestream) 9:30 PM

Mon/ Feb 14       Morning Prayer (livestream) 8:30 AM

Wed/ Feb 16       Evening Prayer (livestream) 7:00 PM

                                Bible Study (ZOOM) 7:30 PM

Fri/ Feb 18           Morning Prayer (livestream) 8:30 AM

Sat/ Feb 19          NA Meeting 11 AM

                                WORSHIP 6:30 PM

Sun/ Feb 20        Choir rehearsal 9:30 AM

WORSHIP 10:30 AM

Prayer at the Close of the Day (livestream) 9:30 PM

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #20540.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Additional liturgical material from Common Worship: Times and Seasons, copyright the Church of England.

Hochhalter, Cara B.. Blessed are Those, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=59299 [retrieved February 8, 2022]. Original source: Cara B. Hochhalter, A Challenging Peace in the Life and Stories of Jesus, 2019.

Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org


 

St Stephen Lutheran Church

55 Forsythe Road

Pittsburgh PA 15220

(412) 279-5868

office@ststephenpittsburgh.org

www.ststephenpittsburgh.org

 

Saturday Evening Worship – 6:30 pm

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 am