Contemplation with the Saints – October 5, 2022 The Order of Worship at 7:00 pm
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As always, we pray that worship at Redeemer is a blessing for you, even as your participation blesses us, whether we are gathering in the name of Christ in person or online. As you are comfortable, we encourage you to sing the hymns and to sing or speak the congregational portions of the liturgy in bold type.
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INTRODUCTION
God’s word, proclaimed and reflected upon, and the prayer it calls forth from us are the heart of this contemplative service. Every Wednesday we will turn aside from our busy routine day to worship our triune God together, alongside faithful women and men of the past: apostles, martyrs, renewers of the church and society those whom we call saints.
Where God’s rule has penetrated man’s heart and life, so that the divine love and righteousness become the main factor, we speak of a saint….Here I give my only definition: a saint is he who reveals God’s might. Saints are such as show clearly and plainly in their lives and deeds and in their very being that God lives.
Nathan Sӧderblom, The Living God
Through the service, there will be periods of silence. Silence makes room to breathe deeply, time to still the heart and quiet restless thoughts. Some times of silence will last no longer than a deep breath; some will be more spacious. A bell will be rung to mark the completion of the silent period. Before worship begins, keeping silence invites the community into the unhurried pace of prayer. May this be a place for you to listen and rest in the presence of God, “like a child upon its mother’s breast” (Psalm 131:2).
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us into a community of prayer.
Welcome. We gather this evening in silence. Please prepare your heart, body, and mind for worship. Release the day; receive what God is prepared to give you.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please us this prayer request link to submit your prayers or use the prayer card in your pew.
HYMN In God Alone
GREETING
The divine love of God, the enduring peace of Jesus Christ, and the abounding joy of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
PROPERS
Let us pray, O God, you ever delight to reveal yourself to the childlike and lowly of heart: grant that, following the example of the blessed Francis, we may count the wisdom of this world as foolishness and know only Jesus Christ and him crucified, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever | Amen
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, silence, reflection, and song.
SCRIPTURE READING Acts 4:32-35
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
SILENCE
COMMENTARY ON ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Extract from Saints on Earth: A biographical companion to Common Worship by John H Darch and Stuart K Burns
PASTORAL RESPONSE Pastor Jonathan Trapp
SILENT REFLECTION
If you are worshiping online, you may share your reflection here
• Who are the people with whom the church should be showing solidarity?
• What does that solidarity look like?
INVITATION FOR PERSONAL RESPONSE
PRAYER
The Holy Spirit prays with us and through us.
Following each bidding prayer, you may speak aloud or silently your own prayers before the sung response.
In Christ Jesus we meet the God who knows our weakness and bears the wounds of the world. Therefore, let us be bold as we pray, trusting that God draws near to those in any kind of need.
Sung Response
For dedication to the imitation of Christ…(for all Franciscans) prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
For a deeper concern for the natural world of which we are a part prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
For humility to identify with poverty and suffering prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
For all who seek to live their lives in greater simplicity…prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
For joy in the faith of Christ …prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
O loving God, you know the needs of all the world. By your Spirit, grant that we, having turned to you in prayer, now might turn to one another in peace, tend and keep what you have made, and love our neighbor with the love of Jesus, in whose name we pray. | Amen
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world with Christ, to enter more fully into God’s love for and work in the world. This is our prayer “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
BLESSING
May Christ Jesus dwell richly in your hearts through faith as you are being rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus, strengthened by the Spirit, and filled with the enduring peace of God.
Let us go in peace, sharing a sign of divine peace with one another and all whom we meet this week.
*Pastor Tim Brown used Philip H. Pfatteicher's New Book of Festivals & Commemorations for historical references.
THE
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
The Rev. Mark H. Larson
The Rev. Dr. Ronald
The Rev. Jonathan Trapp
The Rev. Jenny McLellan
STAFF
Bob Boyd
Kofi Broadnax
Alexa Brooks
Seth Brown
Pastor, ext. 201
Community Engagement, ext. 203
for Faith Formation, ext.
Congregational Care, ext.
Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232
Property Administrator, ext. 210
Receptionist, ext. 200
Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218
Michael Clarke LCFM Chef, mclarke@redeemer.org
Robin Durdin Office Administration Director, ext. 204
Kate Elkins Preschool Director, ext. 252
Kira Garvie Organ Scholar, kgarvie@redeemer.org
David Hansen Adult Choral Director, ext. 236
Sarah Hawbecker
Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206
Deacon Mary Houck Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227
Jennifer Isaacson Financial Information Director, ext. 237
Hillary Nelson Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Stacey Williams Head of Security