Sunday, May 1, 2016 – 9:00 am Holy Communion Sixth Sunday of Easter Today’s worship will be primarily acapella and is led by a group of youth and young adults from Zion, San Antonio. Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices in worship.
About this weekend’s worship: “Give me a morsel of Bread…” Elijah reminds us in 1 Kings that with faith in God, it only takes a morsel to enrich and nurture our lives…because we trust in a God who provides us with abundance. In a culture of wealth, we sometimes forget that simple and easy is just as rich. With the theme of “Bring Me a Morsel” in mind, this Assembly’s worships have been planned intentionally as simple as possible. Lutherans believe that worship is a public act where the justice, love, peace, and holiness of God is embodied. As we gather in the name of the Risen Christ, we do so with the central things of worship. They are the bath (baptism), the meal (communion), prayers, and the Word; all done within the assembly. Assembly is important here because in each action a community is necessary; to hear, to pray, to eat with, to welcome and enter into the Body of Christ. In other words, when we consider these central things and recognize that they require the assembly, we understand why we worship. What is worship then? Worship is the gathered community, where we are turned outward toward our neighbor, recognizing God’s gifts to us as we carry out the actions of Jesus…actions, in fact, we are commanded to carry out by Christ. Worship focused on these four central things awakens our hearts to experience God’s gifts and the faith brought about in these gifts. Worship is about engaging our whole selves, each person participating…not passively observing. We believe that worship is possible anywhere, anytime, among God’s people. This weekend, as we celebrate our community of faith in its larger, synodical expression, we focus on these four central things…and the simplicity that comes with these four central things…the bath, the meal, the prayers and the Word. And, as we focus our attention towards being good stewards of all our resources, we consider what makes true worship…not the method or style of worship, but the gathered body, using the resources we have, bringing our whole selves to the table. Imagine the simplicity of worship in a place like the small villages of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Rwanda, and many of our other globally partnered synods. Worship is vibrant, worship uses only what is available, and worship is the Body of Christ gathered for Word and Sacrament.
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Tile from Peace Wall in Hamilton, New Zealand +Gathering+ The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. Prelude: Donde Hay, Paul F. Page.
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The assembly stands. Gathering Song: Shall We Gather at the River
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Thanksgiving for Baptism: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism. Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and mighty, you are the river of life, you are the everlasting wellspring, you are the fire of rebirth. Glory to you for oceans and lakes, for rivers and streams. Honor to you for cloud and rain, for dew and snow. Your waters are below us, around us, above us: our life is born in you. You are the fountain of resurrection. Praise to you for your saving waters: Noah and the animals survive the flood, Hagar discovers your well. The Israelites escape through the sea, and they drink from your gushing rock. Naaman washes his leprosy away, and the Samaritan woman will never be thirsty again. At this font, holy God, we pray: Praise to you for the water of baptism and for your Word that saves us in this water. Breathe your Spirit into all who are gathered here and into all creation. Illumine our days. Enliven our bones. Dry our tears. Wash away the sin within us, and drown the evil around us. Satisfy all our thirst with your living water, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Guadalupe River State Park – Photo by Larry D. Moore
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Canticle of Praise: Christ is Alive!
Greeting: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! 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. Prayer of the Day: Let us pray. Bountiful God, you gather your people into your realm, and you promise us food from your tree of life. Nourish us with your word, that empowered by your Spirit we may love one another and the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 26 | 2016 Synod Assembly Worship
The assembly is seated. +Word+ God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. First Reading: Acts 16:9-15 9 During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. 11 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, 12and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. 13On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. 14A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. 15When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.
Primera Lecura: Hechos 16:9-15 9 Allí Pablo tuvo de noche una visión; vio a un hombre de la región de Macedonia, que puesto de pie le rogaba: "Pasa a Macedonia y ayúdanos.” 10En cuanto Pablo tuvo esa visión, preparamos el viaje a Macedonia, seguros de que Dios nos estaba llamando para anunciar allí la buena noticia. 11 Nos embarcamos, pues, en Tróade, y fuimos directamente a la isla de Samotracia, y al día siguiente llegamos a Neápolis. 12 De allí fuimos a Filipos, que es una colonia romana y una ciudad muy importante de esa parte de Macedonia. Allí estuvimos algunos días. 13El sábado salimos a las afueras de la ciudad, junto al río, donde pensamos que había un lugar de oración de los judíos. Nos sentamos y hablamos del evangelio a las mujeres que se habían reunido. 14Una de ellas se llamaba Lidia; era de la ciudad de Tiatira y vendía telas finas de púrpura. A esta mujer, que adoraba a Dios y que estaba escuchando, el Señor la movió a poner toda su atención en lo que Pablo decía. 15Fue bautizada, junto con toda su familia, y después nos rogó: --Si ustedes juzgan que de veras soy creyente en el Señor, vengan a alojarse en mi casa. Y nos obligó a quedarnos.
The reading ends: Holy Wisdom, Holy Word. The assembly responds: Thanks be to God. Psalm: Psalm 67 The assembly sings the refrain and a cantor sings the verses.
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Segunda Lectura: Apocalipsis 21:10, 22-22:5 10 Y en la visión que me hizo ver el Espíritu, el ángel me llevó a un monte grande y alto, y me mostró la gran ciudad santa de Jerusalén, que bajaba del cielo, de la presencia de Dios. 22 No vi ningún santuario en la ciudad, porque el Señor, el Dios todopoderoso, es su santuario, y también el Cordero. 23La ciudad no necesita ni sol ni luna que la alumbren, porque la alumbra el resplandor de Dios, y su lámpara es el Cordero. 24Las naciones caminarán a la luz de la ciudad, y los reyes del mundo le entregarán sus riquezas. 25Sus puertas no se cerrarán de día, y en ella no habrá noche. 26Le entregarán las riquezas y el esplendor de las naciones; 27pero nunca entrará nada impuro, ni nadie que haga cosas odiosas o engañosas. Solamente entrarán los que tienen su nombre escrito en el libro de la vida del Cordero. 1 El ángel me mostró un río limpio, de agua de vida. Era claro como el cristal, y salía del trono de Dios y del Cordero. 2En medio de la calle principal de la ciudad y a cada lado del río, crecía el árbol de la vida, que da fruto cada mes, es decir, doce veces al año; y las hojas del árbol sirven para sanara las naciones. 3Ya no habrá allí nada puesto bajo maldición. El trono de Dios y del Cordero estará en la ciudad, y sus siervos lo adorarán. 4 Lo verán cara a cara, y llevarán su nombre en la frente. 5 Allí no habrá noche, y los que allí vivan no necesitarán luz de lámpara ni luz del sol, porque Dios el Señor les dará su luz, y ellos reinarán por todos los siglos.
Second Reading: Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5 10 And in the spirit [one of the angels] carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25Its gates will never be shut by day— and there will be no night there. 26People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; 4they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
The reading ends: Sabiduría Santa. Palabra Sagrada The assembly responds: Gracias a Dios.
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The assembly stands to welcome the gospel. Gospel Acclamation: Halle, Halle, Hallelujah
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Gospel: John 14:23-29 The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. 23
Jesus answered [Judas (not Iscariot),] “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. 25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
El Evangelio: Juan 14:23-29 23 Jesús le contestó [Judas (no el Iscariote)]: --El que me ama, hace caso de mi palabra; y mi Padre lo amará, y mi Padre y yo vendremos a vivir con él. 24El que no me ama, no hace caso de mis palabras. Las palabras que ustedes están escuchando no son mías, sino del Padre, que me ha enviado. 25 "Les estoy diciendo todo esto mientras estoy con ustedes; 26pero el Defensor, el Espíritu Santo que el Padre va a enviaren mi nombre, les enseñará todas las cosas y les recordará todo lo que yo les he dicho. 27"Les dejo la paz. Les doy mi paz, pero no se la doy como la dan los que son del mundo. No se angustien ni tengan miedo. 28Ya me oyeron decir que me voy y que vendré para estar otra vez con ustedes. Si de veras me amaran, se habrían alegrado al saber que voy al Padre, porque él es más que yo. 29Les digo esto de antemano para que, cuando suceda, entonces crean.
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. The assembly is seated. Sermon: Bishop Ray Tiemann Silence for reflection follows the sermon.
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The assembly stands to proclaim the word of God in song. Hymn of the Day: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
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Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Credo Niceno Creemos en un solo Dios Padre todopoderoso, creador de cielo y tierra, de todo lo visible y lo invisible. Creemos en un solo Señor, Jesucristo, Hijo único de Dios, nacido del Padre antes de todos los siglos: Dios de Dios, Luz de Luz, Dios verdadero de Dios verdadero, engendrado, no creado, de la misma naturaleza que el Padre, por quien todo fue hecho; que por nosotros y por nuestra salvación bajó del cielo, y por obra del Espíritu Santo se encarnó de María, la Virgen, y se hizo hombre; y por nuestra causa fue crucificado en tiempos de Poncio Pilato; padeció y fue sepultado, y resucitó al tercer día, según las Escrituras, y subió al cielo, y está sentado a la derecha del Padre; y de nuevo vendrá con gloria para juzgar a vivos y muertos, y su reino no tendrá fin. Creemos en el Espíritu Santo, Señor y dador de vida, que procede del Padre y del Hijo, que con el Padre y el Hijo recibe una misma adoración y gloria y que habló por los profetas. Creemos en la iglesia, que es una, santa, católica apostólica. Reconocemos un solo bautismo para el perdón de los pecados. Esperamos la resurrección de los muertos y la vida del mundo venidero. Amén
Prayers of Intercession: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Silence For all people in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. For this community, the nation, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace. For the just and proper use of your creation; For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression. For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy. For the Southwestern Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and all its ministries; For all who serve God in the church. For the people of San Marcos; For their hospitality and welcome. For Pastor Maurice Gold, Pastor Robert Lee, Pastor Nolan Sagebiel Sr., Pastor Ted Steenblock and all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. For all who put their trust in you. Into your hands, Gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen. Peace: The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace, and may say, “Peace be with you,” or similar words. The assembly is seated. +Meal+ God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Offering: An offering is collected for the mission of the church, including the care of the needy. This assembly’s offering is for ELCA Good Gifts. Checks should be made out to SWT Synod and marked “Assembly Offering” with your conference in the memo. Anthem during the Offering: All Good Gifts; Matthias Claudius, arr. Stephen Schwartz
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The assembly stands. Presentation of the Gifts: Listen, God is Calling
Offering Prayer: Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth. Day by day you shower us with blessings. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us glad and generous hearts, ready to praise you and to respond to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 34 | 2016 Synod Assembly Worship
Great Thanksgiving Dialogue:
Preface It is indeed right… …we join their unending hymn.
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Holy, Holy, Holy:
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Thanksgiving at the Table: Holy God, we praise you. Let the heavens be joyful, and the earth be glad. We bless you for creating the whole world, For your promises to your people Israel, and for Jesus Christ in whom your fullness dwells. Born of Mary, he shares our life. Eating with sinners, he welcomes us. Guiding his children, he leads us. Visiting the sick, he heals us. Dying on the cross, he saves us. Risen from the dead, he gives us new life. Living with you, he prays for us. 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.
La noche en que fue entregado, nuestro Señor Jesús tomó pan y dió gracias; lo partió y lo dió a sus discípulos, diciendo: Tomen y coman; esto es mi cuerpo, dado por ustedes. Hagan esto en memoria mía.
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.
De igual manera, después de haber cenado, tomó la copa, dió gracias y la dió a beber a todos, diciendo: Esta copa es el nuevo pacto en mi sangre, derramada por ustedes y por todo el mundo para el perdón del pecado. Hagan esto en memoria mía
Send your Spirit upon this bread and cup, make us one in the risen Christ and with all of your people, so that we can feed the world with the life of your Son. All praise to you, eternal God, through Christ your Word made flesh, in the holy and life-giving Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
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Lord’s Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
Padre Nuestro: Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos, santificado sea tu nombre; venga a nos tu reino; hágase tu voluntad, así en la tierra como en el cielo; el pan nuestro de cada día, dánoslo hoy; y perdónanos nuestras deudas así como nosotros perdonamos a nuestros deudores; y no nos dejes caer en la tentación; mas líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, el poder y la gloria por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
Invitation to Communion Come to the banquet, for all is now ready. The assembly may be seated. Jesus Christ welcomes you to this Festival Meal! We receive communion at stations around the room by intinction. Bread at this Eucharist is gluten free. Children and infants that receive communion should be assisted by adults around them. Chalices with grape juice are available at each station. Songs During Communion Distribution: Heal Us Now, Leon Sher Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace) The hymn is sung in Latin and is a canon, following the direction of the choir.
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When Peace Like a River
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Oh, Sing to the Lord (Cantad al Señor)
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Eat This Bread (Sung repeatedly)
After all have communed, the assembly stands. Blessing: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. Prayer after Communion: Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son’s resurrection, that we may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. +Sending+ God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. Blessing: El Señor te bendiga y te guarde. El Señor haga resplandecer su rostoro sobre ti y tenga de ti Misericordia. El Señor vuelva hacia ti su rostro y + te conceda su paz. Amén.
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The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
Sending Song: We Are Marching in the Light of God
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Other verses:
We are dancing… We are singing…. We are praying…
Dismissal Alleluia. Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Postlude: Ain’t That Good News, Moses Hogan Copyright information for this weekend’s liturgies: -Copyright © 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS008900. -Hymns and other liturgical music are reprinted from OneLicense.net A-723584 and CCLI 663738. -Portions reprinted by permission from Book of Common Worship, © 1993, Westminster John Knox Press. -Portions reprinted by permission from Book of Common Prayer, © 1979, Oxford University Press. -Readings are from the 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. Copyright information for today’s artwork: - Peace I Leave with You!, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55274[retrieved April 6, 2016]. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/taniwha/7186824/. -Moore, Larry D. Baldcypress trees on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Guadalupe River State Park of Texas, United States. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Guadalupe_river_state_park.jpg [retrieved April 5, 2016]. CC BY-SA 3.0.
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