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Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost - "Justified by Faith" by Pr. Jim

+     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.

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