+ REFORMATION DAY +
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
31 October 2021
WELCOME
Welcome to Grace Lutheran Church! This is a place of prayer for all who love and serve the Lord. We pray that through this hour of prayer and praise you will be strengthened in faith and life as you serve the Lord. May today’s worship be a blessing to you as he reveals his love for you and assures you of his presence in your life. Guests and visitors, please honor us by signing our Guest Book located on the table in the entrance hall of the church as you leave. The fellowship of this morning continues with Coffee Connections, a time of fellowship and conversation following worship. Do join us and let us become better acquainted with you as you get to know us better. If you have no church home of your own in the area, we invite you to make Grace Lutheran Church the center of your worship, learning, fellowship, and service. Pastor Jim or the lay assistant for the day will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our parish. Come to worship with us again and often!
AS WE GATHER Returning Thanks
On this day of All Hallows Eve, 31 October 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses for debate on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. That event became the focal point of The Reformation. Today, we celebrate the 504th Anniversary of The Reformation. The celebration of Reformation provides us with something of a paradox. On the one hand, it is difficult to find much to rejoice about, given the fact that divisions within Christendom seems to fly in the face of Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17, where he prayed that his followers “may be one” even as he and the Father are one. At the same time we recognize our diversity and give thanks to God for preserving the truth of the Gospel in our midst throughout the ages. We give thanks especially for the reformers of The Church like Martin Luther, Phillip Melanchthon, and others, who fought to preserve and proclaim the clear Gospel message of salvation for all people by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, in worship we praise God for his grace and pray for unity among his people.
PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
God our Father, you see how busy we are with many things. In this hour of worship, give us rest from all that would cause us to be anxious. Turn us to listen to your teachings and lead us to choose the one right thing which will not be taken away from us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
+ THE ORDER OF CELEBRATING REFORMATION DAY +
Divine Service Setting Two adapted
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
CHIMES
WELCOME
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, The Church must always be reformed (Ecclesia semper reformanda) in a desire to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. Today we celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom give to us in the waters of Baptism, we pray for The Church, that all Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission
PRELUDE The Prince of Denmark’s March—Jeremiah Clare
Bryan Burkett, Trumpet; Tatsiana Asheichyk, Organ
HYMN LSB 657 A Mighty Fortress
INVOCATION & CONFESSION
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive
us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to God and in the presence of one another.
+ A Brief Silence for Reflection +
Most merciful God, we confess to you our disobedience and our unworthi-
ness. Without your grace, we could not stand in your presence. Without
your mercy, we would be doomed on the day of judgment. For the sake of
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us,
and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to
the glory of your holy Name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you. For his sake
and by his authority, I declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins 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 peace of our Lord as we greet each other.
PASSING of PEACE
KYRIE LSB p. 168
HYMN of PRAISE LSB p. 171
PRAYER of THE DAY
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church. Fill it with all truth
and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where
in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is
in need, provide for it; where it is divided, unite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
FIRST LESSON Jeremiah 31:31-34
[The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect people to live upright lives. To know the LORD means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jeremiah 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the LORD will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.]
The days are surely coming, says the lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house
of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALM 46 [Read responsively]
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the
mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. The
LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of
the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; God will help her at
the break of day.
The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; God has spoken,
and the earth shall melt away.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. The LORD
of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, what awesome things he has done.
It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; he
breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the
shields with fire.
“Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our
stronghold. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of
Jacob is our refuge.
SECOND LESSON Romans 3:19-28
[Martin Luther and other leaders of The Reformation believed the heart of the gospel was found in these words of Paul written to the Romans. No one makes themselves right with God through works of the law. All people have sinned, but God offers forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus. We are justified—put right with God—by the gift of God’s grace, through faith in Jesus.]
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to
God. For no human being will be justified in his sight by deeds prescribed by the
law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is
attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in
Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement
by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because
in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to
prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one
who has faith in Jesus.
Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No,
but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from the works prescribed by the law.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ALLELUIA & VERSE LSB p. 173
HOLY GOSPEL John 8:31-36
[The Reformation sought to emphasize that true freedom is not related to ethnic distinctions or social class. Only Jesus can free us from slavery to sin, which he does through the truth of the gospel.]
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descen-dants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in
the household; the son has a place there forever. So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SPECIAL MUSIC Coral de la Cantana 147 “Jesu bleibet meine Freude”
J. S. Bach arr. Juan A. Pedrosa
Bryan Burkett, Trumpet; Tatsiana Asheichyk, Organ
HOMILY Justified by Faith—Pr. Jim Text: The Gospel
Justified by Faith
+ In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. +
How does one get inside the biblical truth of justification by faith … the truth that gripped Luther so profoundly a little more than five centuries ago? One way is by rereading the dozen or so sentences from Paul’s Letter to the Romans that form the Second Lesson for this day. Luther once said that these words “opened up the doors of paradise” to his restless soul. And, they still have the power to keep on reforming The Church that bears his name.
[Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under
the low, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be
held accountable to God. For ‘no human being will be justified in his sight’ by
deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
… apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and
is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith
in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift,
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, who God put forward as a sacrifice
of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his
righteousness because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins
previously committed, it was to prove at the present time that he himself is
righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.
Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of
works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith,
apart from works prescribed by law.]
What makes Luther so important as a reformer is his utter honesty of his soul’s restlessness. As an Augustinian monk, he came face to face with the terrifying reality that his real enemy was not the pope or councils or the sale of indulgences. It was God.
Immersing himself in studying the Book of Psalms Galatians and Romans, Luther discovered the futility of trying to make himself right with God. Sin was so complete a break with God’s Law that absolutely no one could ever build a bridge over the chasm that separated God and man. Yet nothing could shake Luther from desperately searching for a loving and gracious God.
It was the letters to the churches in Galatia and Rome that opened up to Luther what the church, confessors, and councils could not. Luther discovered God’s Word is not just an authoritative book. “Scripture,” Luther wrote, “is the manger wherein is found The Christ and His Cross.” It is the living incarnate Word … Christ crucified and risen for us … who is God’s righteousness for us. The blood of the Cross … the death of God’s own Son … is what it cost to make us his own forgiven and beloved children.
Justification is God taking our human plight into his own hands … doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves … forgiving our sin, cleansing our heart … giving hope to the troubled conscience … empowering our will and setting our feet in the way of peace.
Our entire hope of justification .. being made right with God … rests on God’s promise and the saving work of Christ as the foundation of faith and our ultimate hope. It all rests on The Christ of The Cross and the empty tomb. It all rests on the selige Wechsal … the blessed exchange … Christ Jesus taking our place and suffering God’s wrath and punishment for our sins on the Tree of the Cross. In the sweet swap, we have died with Christ and have risen with him to a new and forgiven life in him.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son that whoever
believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life [John 3:16].
“Trust is the key word of believing,” wrote Luther. “Faith is a living, daring, active confidence in God’s grace. It is the leap of faith that Soren Kierkegaard spoke. It is so sure and certain that a man can stake his very life on it … a thousand times over. “We hold that a person is justified by faith, apart from the works prescribed by the law.”
And what follows justification by faith? Faith that is active in works of service and love. That means putting our words to wise and needed actions in the Sunday/Monday connections of our lives. It means working together as we serve others with mercy and love as our Lord taught us. And that isn’t easy. It takes daily prayer and commitment to bear the fruits of faith which hold fast to God’s grace to meet the needs of those around us.
We are justified for living gratefully as God’s people … mindful of God’s grace and goodness, sharing our time and talents … being generous with our resources. We are justified by faith for enduring the hard times we cannot avoid. Enduring … never giving up … never turning away but always by the power of the Spirit looking to him who is “our refuge and strength.”
+ In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. +
APOSTOLIC CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
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.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
As children and heirs of God’s promise, let us pray for The Church, the world, and all in need.
Holy God, we pray for all who long for a word of truth and for the radical grace that flows from The Cross. Inspire congregations to humbly and boldly proclaim your love for all people with persistence and hope. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of creation, we pray for mountains, rivers, streams, cities, homesteads, and neighborhoods. Write in our hearts a new sense of stewardship and care for creation. Give us the will to curb wasteful habits and hold accountable those who neglect the vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of peace, we give you thanks for leaders of nations who work for peace and the common good of all. Pour wisdom and understanding upon all who govern so that reconciliation and peace may extend in every direction. Watch over all who are fleeing violence, persecution, or death, and sustain them and create safe places for all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of comfort and healing, we give you thanks for all who labor for the health of others. Surround and comfort those who need your touch this day, especially Cindy (Gary’s wife) who is recuperating; Sarah who is undergoing cardiac evaluation; together with those who are suffering with cancer, dementia, COVID-19 and its variants. Bless the hearts of all who are homebound and unable to worship with us, especially Sharon, Richard & Doris, Bonnie, Vernia, Elma, Marguerite, together with those we name in our hearts. Remind us of their continued role in this community of faith. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of life, as Jesus died for our redemption and was raised again for our eternal life, comfort Pearl who mourns the death of her husband Fred, together with Bert, Janet, and Sarah who
mourn the death of Bert’s nephew Steven. Be present with them in their time of need and strengthen them with your unending care. Sanctify their tears, and fill their hearts with the sure
and certain knowledge of the joy which you have promised to all who live—and die—as your beloved children. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of grace, we give thanks for the many blessings we have received as a congregation. Continue to inspire generosity in all of us so that we may carry out the work of seeking the lost
and making disciples of all nations. Be with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Holy Trinity/Logan, Utah during this time of discernment as Pastor Josh prayerfully considers his current call and his call to join us in ministry as our pastor, that in all things your good and gracious will may be done. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of our redemption, we give you thanks and praise for all the saints and reformers of The Church who have paved the way for us and cheer us on toward our eternal home. By their bold witness, inspire us to live a life of love, service, and faithfulness until we join them in Paradise. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Receive the prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of harvest, to your table we bring wine and bread, and gifts from
the labor of our hands. Receive the offering of our lives, talents, and
treasure, and feed us with your living bread from heaven, that we may
serve others in your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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, our Bread of life, our Table, and our Food,
you created a world in which all might be satisfied
by your abundance.
You dined with Abraham and Sarah, promising them life,
and fed your people Israel with manna from heaven.
You sent your Son to eat with sinners
and to become food for the world.
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 eat; this is my + body, 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, therefore, his life given for us and his
rising from the grave, we await his coming again to
share with us the everlasting feast.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
By your Spirit nurture and sustain us with this meal:
Strengthen us to serve all in hunger and want, and
by this bread and cup make of us the body of your Son.
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit!
Through him all glory and honor are yours,
almighty Father, with the holy Spirit,
in your holy Church, now and forever. Amen.
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 LSB p. 180
AGNUS DEI LSB p. 180
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution Music Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise
DISMISSAL LSB p. 181
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Jesus, Bread of life, at your table we have received more that we could
ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to
love and serve the world with your own life. In your Name we pray. Amen.
BENEDICTION
CLOSING HYMN LSB 680 vs. 4-5 Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise
SILENT PRAYER
ANNOUNCEMENTS
POSTLUDE
+ With Great Boldness … Tell Everyone What He Has Done! +
GRACE NOTES
COFFEE CONNECTIONS (a time for fellowship and conversation) follows this morning’s worship. Plan on staying for a cup of coffee while catching up with friends new and old.
Are you willing to host, assist in serving, or provide treats? For further details, please speak with either Pearl, Nan, or Mary.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ends this week. Be sure to turn your clocks BACK one hour before retiring Saturday evening.
THIS WEEK at GRACE
TODAY: Coffee Connections 11:00 am
Circuit 1 Reformation Service 4:00 pm
@ Faith Lutheran, Rogue River
TUESDAY: Women’s Study 10:00 am
NEXT SUNDAY: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
All Saints’ Sunday 10:00 am
Coffee Connections 11:00 am
LOOKING AHEAD Worship ‘n Work Clothes Nov. 14
Set the day aside now for WORSHIP ‘n WORK CLOTHES, Sunday, 14 November. Wear
your work clothes to Sunday’s worship and be ready to start work following a time for Coffee Connections. A Sign-up Sheet of things we need to accomplish in and around the church will be posted. Choose a chore and accomplish it. Be sure to bring your tools and cleaning supplies with you. A light lunch will follow.
Do you have questions? Email: gracelutheranashland@gmail.com.
Visit our website: gracelutheranashland.org
FOLLOW us on Facebook at “Grace Lutheran Ashland-LCMS”
If you’re the last to leave … PLEASE REMEMBER to check that lights are off, and doors are locked before leaving.
+ REFORMATION DAY +
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
31 October 2021
WELCOME
Welcome to Grace Lutheran Church! This is a place of prayer for all who love and serve the Lord. We pray that through this hour of prayer and praise you will be strengthened in faith and life as you serve the Lord. May today’s worship be a blessing to you as he reveals his love for you and assures you of his presence in your life. Guests and visitors, please honor us by signing our Guest Book located on the table in the entrance hall of the church as you leave. The fellowship of this morning continues with Coffee Connections, a time of fellowship and conversation following worship. Do join us and let us become better acquainted with you as you get to know us better. If you have no church home of your own in the area, we invite you to make Grace Lutheran Church the center of your worship, learning, fellowship, and service. Pastor Jim or the lay assistant for the day will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our parish. Come to worship with us again and often!
AS WE GATHER Returning Thanks
On this day of All Hallows Eve, 31 October 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses for debate on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. That event became the focal point of The Reformation. Today, we celebrate the 504th Anniversary of The Reformation. The celebration of Reformation provides us with something of a paradox. On the one hand, it is difficult to find much to rejoice about, given the fact that divisions within Christendom seems to fly in the face of Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17, where he prayed that his followers “may be one” even as he and the Father are one. At the same time we recognize our diversity and give thanks to God for preserving the truth of the Gospel in our midst throughout the ages. We give thanks especially for the reformers of The Church like Martin Luther, Phillip Melanchthon, and others, who fought to preserve and proclaim the clear Gospel message of salvation for all people by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, in worship we praise God for his grace and pray for unity among his people.
PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
God our Father, you see how busy we are with many things. In this hour of worship, give us rest from all that would cause us to be anxious. Turn us to listen to your teachings and lead us to choose the one right thing which will not be taken away from us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
+ THE ORDER OF CELEBRATING REFORMATION DAY +
Divine Service Setting Two adapted
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
CHIMES
WELCOME
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, The Church must always be reformed (Ecclesia semper reformanda) in a desire to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. Today we celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom give to us in the waters of Baptism, we pray for The Church, that all Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission
PRELUDE The Prince of Denmark’s March—Jeremiah Clare
Bryan Burkett, Trumpet; Tatsiana Asheichyk, Organ
HYMN LSB 657 A Mighty Fortress
INVOCATION & CONFESSION
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive
us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to God and in the presence of one another.
Most merciful God, we confess to you our disobedience and our unworthi-
ness. Without your grace, we could not stand in your presence. Without
your mercy, we would be doomed on the day of judgment. For the sake of
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us,
and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to
the glory of your holy Name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you. For his sake
and by his authority, I declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins 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 peace of our Lord as we greet each other.
PASSING of PEACE
KYRIE LSB p. 168
HYMN of PRAISE LSB p. 171
PRAYER of THE DAY
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church. Fill it with all truth
and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where
in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is
in need, provide for it; where it is divided, unite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
FIRST LESSON Jeremiah 31:31-34
[The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect people to live upright lives. To know the LORD means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jeremiah 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the LORD will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.]
The days are surely coming, says the lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house
of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALM 46 [Read responsively]
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the
mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. The
LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of
the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; God will help her at
the break of day.
The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; God has spoken,
and the earth shall melt away.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. The LORD
of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, what awesome things he has done.
It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; he
breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the
shields with fire.
“Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our
stronghold. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of
Jacob is our refuge.
SECOND LESSON Romans 3:19-28
[Martin Luther and other leaders of The Reformation believed the heart of the gospel was found in these words of Paul written to the Romans. No one makes themselves right with God through works of the law. All people have sinned, but God offers forgiveness of sins through Christ Jesus. We are justified—put right with God—by the gift of God’s grace, through faith in Jesus.]
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to
God. For no human being will be justified in his sight by deeds prescribed by the
law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is
attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in
Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement
by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because
in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to
prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one
who has faith in Jesus.
Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No,
but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from the works prescribed by the law.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ALLELUIA & VERSE LSB p. 173
HOLY GOSPEL John 8:31-36
[The Reformation sought to emphasize that true freedom is not related to ethnic distinctions or social class. Only Jesus can free us from slavery to sin, which he does through the truth of the gospel.]
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in
the household; the son has a place there forever. So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SPECIAL MUSIC Coral de la Cantana 147 “Jesu bleibet meine Freude”
J. S. Bach arr. Juan A. Pedrosa
Bryan Burkett, Trumpet; Tatsiana Asheichyk, Organ
HOMILY Justified by Faith—Pr. Jim Text: The Gospel
APOSTOLIC CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
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.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
As children and heirs of God’s promise, let us pray for The Church, the world, and all in need.
Holy God, we pray for all who long for a word of truth and for the radical grace that flows from The Cross. Inspire congregations to humbly and boldly proclaim your love for all people with persistence and hope. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of creation, we pray for mountains, rivers, streams, cities, homesteads, and neighborhoods. Write in our hearts a new sense of stewardship and care for creation. Give us the will to curb wasteful habits and hold accountable those who neglect the vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of peace, we give you thanks for leaders of nations who work for peace and the common good of all. Pour wisdom and understanding upon all who govern so that reconciliation and peace may extend in every direction. Watch over all who are fleeing violence, persecution, or death, and sustain them and create safe places for all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of comfort and healing, we give you thanks for all who labor for the health of others. Surround and comfort those who need your touch this day, especially Cindy (Gary’s wife) who is recuperating; Sarah who is undergoing cardiac evaluation; together with those who are suffering with cancer, dementia, COVID-19 and its variants. Bless the hearts of all who are homebound and unable to worship with us, especially Sharon, Richard & Doris, Bonnie, Vernia, Elma, Marguerite, together with those we name in our hearts. Remind us of their continued role in this community of faith. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of life, as Jesus died for our redemption and was raised again for our eternal life, comfort Pearl who mourns the death of her husband Fred, together with Bert, Janet, and Sarah who
mourn the death of Bert’s nephew Steven. Be present with them in their time of need and strengthen them with your unending care. Sanctify their tears, and fill their hearts with the sure
and certain knowledge of the joy which you have promised to all who live—and die—as your beloved children. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of grace, we give thanks for the many blessings we have received as a congregation. Continue to inspire generosity in all of us so that we may carry out the work of seeking the lost
and making disciples of all nations. Be with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Holy Trinity/Logan, Utah during this time of discernment as Pastor Josh prayerfully considers his current call and his call to join us in ministry as our pastor, that in all things your good and gracious will may be done. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of our redemption, we give you thanks and praise for all the saints and reformers of The Church who have paved the way for us and cheer us on toward our eternal home. By their bold witness, inspire us to live a life of love, service, and faithfulness until we join them in Paradise. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Receive the prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of harvest, to your table we bring wine and bread, and gifts from
the labor of our hands. Receive the offering of our lives, talents, and
treasure, and feed us with your living bread from heaven, that we may
serve others in your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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, our Bread of life, our Table, and our Food,
you created a world in which all might be satisfied
by your abundance.
You dined with Abraham and Sarah, promising them life,
and fed your people Israel with manna from heaven.
You sent your Son to eat with sinners
and to become food for the world.
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 eat; this is my + body, 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, therefore, his life given for us and his
rising from the grave, we await his coming again to
share with us the everlasting feast.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
By your Spirit nurture and sustain us with this meal:
Strengthen us to serve all in hunger and want, and
by this bread and cup make of us the body of your Son.
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit!
Through him all glory and honor are yours,
almighty Father, with the holy Spirit,
in your holy Church, now and forever. Amen.
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 LSB p. 180
AGNUS DEI LSB p. 180
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution Music Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise
DISMISSAL LSB p. 181
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Jesus, Bread of life, at your table we have received more that we could
ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to
love and serve the world with your own life. In your Name we pray. Amen.
BENEDICTION
CLOSING HYMN LSB 680 vs. 4-5 Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise
SILENT PRAYER
ANNOUNCEMENTS
POSTLUDE
+ With Great Boldness … Tell Everyone What He Has Done! +
GRACE NOTES
COFFEE CONNECTIONS (a time for fellowship and conversation) follows this morning’s worship. Plan on staying for a cup of coffee while catching up with friends new and old.
Are you willing to host, assist in serving, or provide treats? For further details, please speak with either Pearl, Nan, or Mary.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ends this week. Be sure to turn your clocks BACK one hour before retiring Saturday evening.
THIS WEEK at GRACE
TODAY: Coffee Connections 11:00 am
Circuit 1 Reformation Service 4:00 pm
@ Faith Lutheran, Rogue River
TUESDAY: Women’s Study 10:00 am
NEXT SUNDAY: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS
All Saints’ Sunday 10:00 am
Coffee Connections 11:00 am
LOOKING AHEAD Worship ‘n Work Clothes Nov. 14
Set the day aside now for WORSHIP ‘n WORK CLOTHES, Sunday, 14 November. Wear
your work clothes to Sunday’s worship and be ready to start work following a time for Coffee Connections. A Sign-up Sheet of things we need to accomplish in and around the church will be posted. Choose a chore and accomplish it. Be sure to bring your tools and cleaning supplies with you. A light lunch will follow.
Do you have questions? Email: gracelutheranashland@gmail.com.
Visit our website: gracelutheranashland.org
FOLLOW us on Facebook at “Grace Lutheran Ashland-LCMS”
If you’re the last to leave … PLEASE REMEMBER to check that lights are off, and doors are locked before leaving.