Contemplation with the Saints – October 19, 2022
The Order of Worship at 7:00 pm
We continue to monitor the latest information regarding the spread of COVID 19 in our community.
At this time, the wearing of face coverings onsite is optional and left to personal preference. Knowing that individuals and families have varying needs at this time, the balcony is reserved as a mask required area.
Please use the links available on the viewing page to let us know that you are worshiping with us, to submit any prayer requests, to let us know if you need help or are available to help a neighbor, and to continue giving financially to support the ongoing ministries of Redeemer.
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. Sometimes 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,
Almighty God, you inspired your servant Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue in your Church this love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. | Amen
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, silence, reflection, and song.
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 4:14-21
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
SILENCE
COMMENTARY ON ST. LUKE
Written by Pastor Tim Brown, Writer and Director of Congregational Stewardship for the ELCA*PASTORAL RESPONSE
SILENT REFLECTION
If you are worshiping online, you may share your reflection here
• How are we witnessing to others the good news of the gospel?
• Where are you seeing the kingdom of God breaking forth in the world today?
INVITATION FOR PERSONAL RESPONSE
Pastor Jonathan TrappText and music © 1971, 1998 J.A. Olivar, Miguel Manzano, and San Pablo Internacional SSP, admin. OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A 725004
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.
