FEAST of THE BLESSED TRINITY
June 4th, 2023
The Rev. Joshua Heimbuck, Pastor
WELCOME
A warm welcome to all who worship with us this morning. Today we gather around Word and Sacrament through which God equips, directs, and support his people in the mission and ministry of his Kingdom. All that God has promised in his Son, Jesus Christ, comes together by the power of the Spirit as we worship. Guests and visitors, please honor us by signing our Guest Book in the entrance hall of the church as you leave this morning’s worship. If you have no church home of your own, we invite you to make Grace Lutheran Church the center of your worship, learning, fellowship, and service. After this morning worship, join us for a cup of coffee and let us become better acquainted with you as you get to know us better. Come to worship with us again and often!
AS WE GATHER Good News for the World
Today begins the “Non-festival Half” of The Church’s Year of Grace. Since Advent we have focused on the events in our Lord’s life – culminating in the triumph of Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost. Now we begin a season of teaching and the place to start is the most central tenet of the Christian faith – that we believe in one God who has revealed himself in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is the good news of God’s great love that we share with the world this day and all our days.
PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Lord, overtake our weakness with your power so that we may proclaim the saving Gospel to all nations. Remove from us all fear and doubt, and move us toward those who have not heard the story of your love; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
+ THE ORDER OF CELEBRATING +
LSB Divine Service 4
WELCOME
+ GATHERING +
[Remembering our baptism, we gather in the Name of the Triune God to confess our sins and receive the assurance of our forgiveness as his people.]
ORDER OF CONFESSION
In the Name of the Father and of the ☩ Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
‘Turn to me and be saved,” says the Lord. “For I am God and there is no other.”
If we confess our sins, God, who is merciful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Today, we celebrate the mystery of The Holy Trinity, by whom we are made children of God.
+ A Brief Silence for Reflection & Self-examination +
Most merciful God, we have been unworthy and disobedient children. We have ignored our Father’s admonitions, disregarded our Savior’s instructions, grieved your Holy Spirit. We are not worthy to be called children of God. But we beg you of your fatherly compassion, by your saving merits, at your inviting call to have mercy on us and grant us your forgiveness. Amen.
God so loved the world he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. Rejoice in the Lord; your sins are forgiven in the Name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Forgiven and reconciled by God, let us be reconciled with one another and share the share the peace of the Lord.
THE PASSING OF PEACE
[The congregation is encouraged to share the peace of Christ and greet one another with the words, “The Lord’s peace be with you.” The response: “And also with you.”]
KYRIE
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time you are the triune God: Author of creation, eternal Word of salvation, life-giving Spirit of wisdom. Guide us to all truth by your Spirit, that we may proclaim all that Christ has revealed and rejoice in the glory he shares with us. Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen
+ WORD +
[Whenever we worship, God speaks and we listen. We hear the Word of God Read aloud in our midst, bringing us both God’s judgment and grace.]
FIRST LESSON Genesis 1:1-2:4a
[At the beginning of time, God the Creator, God the powerful Word, and God the life-giving Spirit form the earth and all its inhabitants. God sees that all this created work is good and then rests on the seventh day.]
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep. While a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God call the light Day, and darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together in one place he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth bring for vegetation, plants yielding see, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with see in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and morning, the third day.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the- day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So, God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth. And there was evening and morning, the fifth day.
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, in our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So, God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; make and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and over dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, an indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and morning, the sixth day.
Thus, the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done and hallowed it, because on it, God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SECOND LESSON 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
[Paul closes a challenging letter to the Corinthians with an appeal to Christian fellowship grounded in the triune harmony of Christ’s grace, God’s love, and the Spirit’s partnership.]
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 28:16-20
The gospel according to Matthew, the 28th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.
[After his resurrection, Jesus summons his remaining disciples and commissions them to baptize and teach all nations in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.]
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pr. Josh Text: The Gospel Lesson
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
begotten from his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And on the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures
and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And he will come again with glory to judge both the living and
the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
The Lord and giver of life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and
glorified, who spoke by the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life ☩ of the world to come. Amen
PRAYERS of THE CHURCH
+ MEAL +
[As the first-fruit offerings of all that we are and have gathered, The Lord’s Table is prepared to celebrate “The Feast that knows no end” instituted by Christ our Lord for the strengthening of our faith and the assurance of our forgiveness.]
OFFERINGS are brought forward
OFFERING PRAYER
Gracious God, you open your hand, filling our lives with all good things and renewing the face of the earth. We offer these gifts in thanksgiving for all that we have received from your bounty. Accept them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also, with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father, endless is your mercy and
eternal is your reign. You have filled all creation with light and life;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Through Abraham, you promised to bless all nations. You rescued
Israel, your chosen people.
Through the prophets, you renewed your promises, and at this end
of all ages, you sent your Son, who in words and deeds proclaimed
your Kingdom and was obedient to your will, even giving his life.
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 which is given
for you. Do this in 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 in remembrance of me.
Remembering his life and death, his resurrection and ascension, and his command to love one another, we pray for his coming again.
Come, Lord Jesus, live in us that we may live in you.
Send now, we pray, your Spirit, that all of your promises may come to us
and your while creation.
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.
Through him all glory and honor are yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy
Spirit, in your holy Church, both now and forever. Amen
Now in the words of our Lord, we are bold to pray …
LORD’S PRAYER
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
PAX DOMINI
The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also, with you.
[We come to The Sacrament sincerely believing in the real presence of Christ and that in the eating and drinking of the bread and wine of The Sacrament we receive the true body and blood of our Lord for our forgiveness, salvation, and strength for Christian life and witness.]
DISTRIBUTION
DISMISSAL
May the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you steadfast in the true faith to life everlasting. Amen
+ SENDING +
[Strengthened in faith and empowered for service, we leave with thanksgiving and the Lord’s blessing.]
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Living God, as the disciples ate and drank with their risen Lord, we also have been nourished with the very presence of Christ. Through this meal may we be strengthened to keep your word and to proclaim the power of your saving love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
BLESSING
SILENT PRAYER
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE
+ With Great Joy … Tell Everyone What He Has Done! +
Grace Notes
THE PRESENCE of CHRIST is celebrated in The Lord’s Supper. He comes to us in a real and present way with his life-giving body and blood in the bread and wine of The Sacrament to assure us of our forgiveness and to strengthen us in faith and service. All who trust and believe the words “given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins” are welcome. Come, receive Christ’s presence in the meal prepared for you. Enjoy his presence. Children are encouraged to come forward with their parents and/or grandparents and receive a blessing.
BIBLE STUDY – Our Bible Study continues to examine modern technology as we discuss the book, “Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits” by A. Trevor Sutton. Each Sunday a new chapter of the book will be discussed. If you would like to join in, please see Pastor Josh to get your copy of the book. Hope you can join us!
HAPPENING TODAY - SPRING PIANO RECITAL – Tatsiana Asheichyk’s piano students will be presenting their Spring Piano Recital this afternoon starting at 4:30 PM here at Grace. Admission is free. The recital is a special treat for those who appreciate all of the hard work these young pianists have put into their piano pieces. Hope you can come out to support them!
JUNE/2023 GRACE CALENDAR — The monthly Grace Calendar will no longer be included with the monthly Newsletter. Instead, a hard copy of the monthly calendar will be available on the last Sunday of the current month with a digital copy being sent via email on the first day of the new month. This change will allow Grace members to better plan for upcoming events.
JUNE/2023 NEWSLETTER – Hard copies of the new June/2023 Grace Connections are available on the back table. Make sure you get your copy today!
SUMMER HIATUS – The Women’s Bible Study, LWML and the Men’s Saturday Bible Study Breakfast will be on a summer hiatus during June, July and August. Hope you can join us when we reconvene in September.
THANK YOU, CHOIR – Today is the last Sunday our choir will be singing until Fall. Thank you Choir for the beautiful music! For your dedication in attending rehearsals. For inspiring us to lift our hearts, minds and voices in singing praises to our Lord! Choir, we thank you and will miss you during your summer break.
JOHN ROSS MEMORIAL SERVICE — Please join in the Celebration of Life honoring John Ross on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at 11:00 AM here at Grace. Lunch will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts/donations can be made to Grace Lutheran Church. Please note John Ross AV Scholarship Fund on the memo line of your check.
This Week at Grace
June 5th – June 11th, 2023
Tuesday, June 6th - Lay Ministry Meeting @ 12:30 PM |
Wednesday, June 7th
Church Council Meeting @ 12:30 PM
Saturday, June 10th
John Ross
Celebration of Life Service @ 11:00 AM
Sunday, June 11th
Bible Study & Sunday School @ 9:00 AM
Worship Service @ 10:00 AM
Coffee Connection Hour/Planning Committee's Goals and Values Presentation @ 11:00 AM