Third Sunday of Lent Worship Bulletin | 3-12-23

St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

Women’s History Month

03-12-2023     10:00AM “Hybrid” Worship

 

+   Repentance Through God’s Mercy   +

CONFESSION OF OUR SINS:

L   In the name of the Father, (+) the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

My sisters and brothers, we are all thirsty – aren’t we? – and our thirst runs deeper than physical thirst.

Therefore, with humility and honesty, let us pray to God…

C     O Lord, get real personal with me, even as I go through the duties and deeds of ordinary life.

  Intrude in my life, even though I’m not especially looking for You or trying to live holy.

Ask me questions about myself, even when the answers make me face who I really am.  

Offer me living water, even when I deserve or expect condemnation from God.

I want to be changed by your love, a complete makeover.

I want to drink deeply of your Spirit.

I want to know You as the Savior of my soul and the Lord of my life.

And then – when I am transformed by the Gospel – give me feet to run and a voice to tell others.  Amen.

L   Friends, without Christ truly in our lives we are only dust without deliverance, parched without peace. But God in Christ Jesus meets you and reaches out to you in the midst of your ordinary day, offering a glimpse, a touch, a taste of new life. It is unexpected, unearned, and undeserved. In the name and for the sake of (+) Christ, I say to you who repent:

All your sins are forgiven. Be re-born! Come alive! Live as God’s people in the world. And make your love for God your first priority. Today. Right now. To receive the Gospel or to bear it to others… either way, NOW is the time!  Amen.

OPENING SONG:     “Down at the Cross”         Brown #72

THE PRAYER OF THE DAY:

Let us pray. O Lord, You are living water. Quench our thirst, wash away our sin, refresh and revive us, and bring new life to ourselves and to others through Jesus Christ.  Amen.

+   Renewal Through God’s Word   +

FIRST READINGExodus 17:1-7  [Water from the rock refreshes weary wilderness whiners]

17:1 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

17:2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?”

17:3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?”

17:4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

17:5 The LORD said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.

17:6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.

17:7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

SECOND READING:  Romans 5:1-11  [Suffering… endurance… character… hope – this is what God’s love in Christ, poured into helpless sinners like us, produces.]

5:1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

5:3 And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

5:5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

5:7 Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.

5:8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

5:9 Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God.

5:10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.

5:11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

SONG VERSE:  

“Lord, let my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your word. Lord, let my heart be good soil, where love can grow and peace is understood. When my heart is  hard, break the stone away. When my heart is cold, warm it with the day. When my heart is lost, lead me on your way. Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart be good soil.”

THE GOSPELJohn 4:5-42  [Living Water for a thirsting woman… refreshing relief for thirsting others. When we encounter Christ, new life is offered.]

4:5 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

4:6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.

4:7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”

4:8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)

4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)

4:10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

4:11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?

4:12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?”

4:13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,

4:14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”

4:15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

4:16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.”

4:17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’;

4:18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!”

4:19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet.

4:20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.”

4:21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

4:22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.

4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him.

4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

4:25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.”

4:26 Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.”

4:27 Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?”

4:28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people,

4:29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?”

4:30 They left the city and were on their way to him.

4:31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

4:32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”

4:33 So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?”

4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.

4:35 Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting.

4:36 The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

4:37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’

4:38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

4:39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.”

4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days.

4:41 And many more believed because of his word.

4:42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

SONG SELECTION: All Saints Choir 

THE SERMON:       Pastor Gwen or Pastor Neil

SONG RESPONSE:     “A Time to Serve”         (Green Tune #474)

1   Jesus hears his children crying, sees them hungry, lost, and dying.

Who will comfort all their sorrows? Who will brighten their tomorrows?

2   When we aid the poor and lonely, we’re not caring for them only.

When our love some suff’ring eases, we have done the same for Jesus.

3   When we join our Savior’s service, He will strengthen and preserve us;

He will guide our daily living, and He’ll bless the love we’re giving.

4   Jesus pleads with us to reach them with our gifts of love, and teach them

that the kindness we are giving is the Christian way of living.

5   Rise and follow, He will lead us! Heed the cries of those who need us!

And when life has ended for us, heaven’s glories lie before us.

THE PRAYERS…  We pray that THE WAY OF THE CROSS will continue to impact our lives and transform the world! 

+   Rebirth Through God’s Waters   +

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

[This morning HeavanCynaá Branch, Krysten Alex,Vior Fanis, and A’mara KrystleElise O’Hannon-White receive the new beginning and new life that God has given in Jesus Christ. BAPTISM IS MORE THAN A SOLITARY MOMENT… THIS IS A LIFE’S JOURNEY IN RESPONSE TO THE FREE GIFT OF GOD’S GRACE IN JESUS CHRIST!]

  1. Introduction:

L   Hear the testimony of the Holy Scriptures concerning baptism. In Matthew 28:19 we listen as the resurrected Jesus, about to ascend into heaven, commands his followers: 

C Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

L   In Acts 2:38-39, immediately after the Pentecost event that gave birth to the Church, Peter proclaimed to the crowd:

C Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away. 

L   And in Acts 8:36, 38-39 we read the account of an unexpected baptism by Philip, a Christian disciple:

C The Ethiopian said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized? … Philip and the Ethiopian went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the Ethiopian saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

L   Finally, Jesus tells us in John 3:5-6:

C Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 

L   My brothers and sisters, the testimony of the New Testament is that it is through HOLY BAPTISM – ordinary waters and the presence and promises of God – that persons have joined the Church. In this sacrament God washes away our sin and delivers us from the forces of evil and the power of death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this sacrament God gives us new birth, adopts us as children, as brothers and sisters to Christ and united in one body of Christ with all the faithful throughout the ages. In this sacrament God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit and calls us to a life of obedient faith and love. In this sacrament God promises us eternal life.

  1. Presentation of Candidates:

L   Today God calls __________________ ,   __________________ and  __________________  by name to receive the

sacrament of Holy Baptism and to enter God’s family.

  • Commitment and Promise:

L     __________________, do you desire to be baptized?     I do.

L    Parents, family, godparents, sponsors, as you bring your children to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities: to live with them among God’s faithful people… to bring them to the Word of God and to the Lord’s Supper… to teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments…to place in their hands the Holy Scriptures… to nurture them with faith and prayer… and to do your faithful best to show and teach and guide them how to trust in God, how to proclaim Christ through word and deed, how to care for others and the world God created, and how to work for justice and peace. Will you make this commitment to act in this way, will you promise to do your best for the sake of your children and for the sake of Jesus Christ? We do

L   Congregation / Assembly / People of God, we as witnesses to this baptism, as members of Christ’s Church, and as brothers and sisters to these children,  also have concern and responsibility for them. Do we promise to support names in their new life in Christ, to love them and to pray for them? We do.

  • Profession of Faith:

L   I ask you to profess your faith in Jesus Christ, reject sin, and confess the faith of the Church, the faith in which we

baptize. Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? I renounce them.

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? I renounce them.

Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? I renounce them.

Remembering the Apostles’ Creed that our church uses for Holy Baptism, I ask you to confess your faith in the Triune

God, the eternal Creator, the risen Savior, and the dynamic Spirit…

Do you believe in God, the Father?

C I believe in God, The Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

L   Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

C I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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.

L   Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

C 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.  

  • Thanksgiving for God’s Life-giving Waters:

L   Let us pray.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your voice thundered and your Spirit moved over the waters and – by your Word – you created the world. You water the mountains and send springs into the valleys to refresh us and satisfy us and all living things. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family, preserving humanity. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery to freedom; and in the wilderness you nourished them with water from the rock; and you brought them across the River Jordan to the land you had promised. At the river your Son Jesus was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By the baptism of his death and resurrection, your Son Jesus has carried us to safety and to freedom. The floods will not overwhelm us, the deep shall not swallow us up, for Christ has brought us over to the land of promise. Gracious, merciful, loving God, pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may receive new life. Wash away their sin, take away the sting of death, and claim them as your own redeemed children. We praise you and pray to you through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

  • Baptism:

L   Name, I baptize you in the name of the Father <> … and of the Son <>… and of the Holy Spirit <>.  Amen.

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we give you thanks for freeing your sons and daughters from the power of sin and for raising them up to a new life though this holy sacrament. Pour your Holy Spirit upon name: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence.   Amen.

Name, child of God, receive the sign of the holy cross upon your [+] forehead and upon your [+] heart to mark you as one who has been sealed with the Holy Spirit and redeemed by Christ forever.  Amen.

Jesus said, I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life. Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God.

  • Welcome:

L   On behalf of this St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church congregation and the one Church of Jesus Christ here on earth, let those who are present say to the newly baptized:

C We welcome you into the Lord’s family. We receive you with great joy to belong with us in the body of Christ, to share with us in God’s new creation, and to work with us by the power of the Holy Spirit as we bear witness to Jesus Christ, seeking to live faithfully and to love fervently.      

+   Revival Through God’s Meal   +

THE OFFERINGLike the Samaritan woman at the well, let’s “run and tell” others! 

Those in the Sanctuary can merely open their hands above the offering plate to share their gratitude and their generosity in response to Christ’s love. Those who are farther away might: mail a check or money order to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2169 74th Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138…give online bit.ly/stpetersgiving and set up one-time donation or recurring weekly gift to categories…or text to Give+ at 833-914-0896 and follow the instructions to register and record your contribution.

SONG SELECTION: All Saints Choir

THE OFFERTORY SONG: “I Know It Was the Blood”         Brown #75

  • I know it was the blood… I know it was the blood… I know it was the blood for me.

One day when I was lost, he died upon the cross… I know it was the blood for me.

  1. It was my Savior’s blood…      (3)   They pierced him in the side…      (4)   He’s coming back again…

OFFERING PRAYER (from PSALM 51) led by the Communion Assistant:

     Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain me with your bountiful spirit.

Then I will teach other sinners your ways; and I will eagerly sing of your goodness.  Amen.

THE PREFACE:

L   The Lord be with you. C   And also with you.

  L   Lift up your hearts! C   We lift them up in love for God!

  L   Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C   It is right to give God our thanks and praise.

L   The Lord delivers us from sin and death… C   … and grants us salvation and eternal life!                  

THE EUCHARISTIC WORDS by the Celebrant, who recalls and re-enacts Jesus’ Holy Meal.

THE LORD’S PRAYER  (spoken)

COMMUNION AND BLESSINGSAll believers in Christ are welcome at the Lord’s Table!  We will have       “continuous distribution” with wafes and either wine or grape juice.

    COMMUNION SONGS:        Brown #128        Brown #117       

THE COMMUNION BLESSING by the Celebrant after all have communed.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER by the Communion Assistant.

+   Righteousness Through God’s Spirit   +

THE BENEDICTION by the Pastor… God calls us to “return home” to faithful discipleship! 

CLOSING SONG: “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”         Brown #66

  • I want Jesus to walk with me… I want Jesus to walk with me.

All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

  1. In my trials, Lord, walk with me… In my trials, Lord, walk with me.

When my heart is almost breaking, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

  • When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me… When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.

When my head is bowed in sorrow, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.