January 18, 25 & Feb. 1, 8, 2015

Sundays after Epiphany

Welcome& Blessings

to our visitors and members

We’re glad you are joining us today.

Please sign in on the YES! Sheet and pass it to the center aisle.

If you would like to request a prayer to be read during

worship, write it on the back. An usher will pick it up

during the Hymn of the Day.

Embracing the diversity of God’s creation and celebrating our oneness in Christ.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Reverend Kathy Nolte 611 Randolph • Oak Park, Illinois 60302 708-848-4741 • churchoffice@goodshepherdlc.org www.goodshepherdlc.org

Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Setting 4 ELW=red book hymnal Congregation responses are bold

After worship, please leave your bulletin in the basket in the narthex so it can be used again in upcoming services.

Take the Good Shepherd Epistle home to use throughout the week.

GatheringPrelude

Announcements

Confession/Thanksgiving for Baptism All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

2

The psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.” With this knowledge, we may confess our sins before God and one another with confidence.

(silence for reflection)

Gathering Hymns Jan. 18 “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (st. 1 and 4) ELW 311

Jan. 25 “As We Gather at Your Table” (st. 1 and 2) ELW 522 Feb. 1 “Give to Our God Immortal Praise” ELW 848 Feb. 8 “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” ELW 611

Greeting Presiding Minister:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

3

God of the heights and depths, at our own peril, we turn away from you. When our shortcomings are exposed to your light, we wish to hide. We fear your judgment; we forget your mercy. When we are angry, we plot little revenges and shun your desire for reconciliation and compassion. Your ways are not our ways, for your ways are permeated with love. We look to you from the petty darkness of our hiding places and hear your call to come into the light.

We are ever surrounded by God’s forgiving light. In the name of + Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.

4

Hymn of Praise

5

Prayer of the Day Presiding Minister: Let us pray … Today’s Readings

WordFirst Reading Today’s Readings Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

Psalm Today’s Readings

Second Reading Today’s Readings Word of God, word of life. T hanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel Today’s Readings Before the gospel: Glory to you, O Lord.

After the gospel: Praise to you, O Christ.

6

Gathering Song & Mini-Meditation for Children (Children are invited to come forward during the song.

I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you; Oh my soul, rejoice.

Hymn of the Day (During the hymn, YES! Sheets are collected.)

Jan. 18 “Will You Come and Follow Me” ELW 798 (st. 2 and 4 choir)

Jan. 25 “Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult” (st. 2 lower voices, st. 4 higher voices) ELW 696

Feb. 1 “The Word of God is Source and Seed” ELW 506

Feb. 8 “O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come” ELW 610

Sermon (Time for Silent Reflection)

Feb. 8 Relationship Commitment Blessing

Prayers of Intercession

Passing of the Peace The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Meal Offering (Gifts are gathered as the table is prepared. A musical offering is shared.)

Take joy, my King, in what you hear;may it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.

7

Offering Hymn Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Lord

Offering Prayer Assisting Minister: Let us pray …

Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.

8

Great Thanksgiving (Presiding minister greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks.)

Preface Presiding Minister:

It is indeed right ... and join their unending hymn:

9

Eucharistic Prayer Presiding Minister: We give you thanks, O God, for making your love evident since the very beginning of time when you spoke the word which replaced the darkness of chaos with life-giving light. A light which has nurtured generations of people, and plants and creatures, great and small. A light which also revealed the fear and powerlessness caused by corrupt and evil actions. And so you spoke the Word which would once and for all dispel the darkness of chaotic lives. Through your love for the world the Word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth. In Jesus that same Word showed just how beloved we are, by loving us and giving himself for us.

...Send the power of your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine, O God, that we may experience the presence of the Word-made-flesh—Jesus Christ. Breathe your Spirit in us that we may be one body with him— living out his ministry in the world today and every day. Amen

10

Lord’s Prayer

Presiding Minister: Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Invitation to Communion Come to the table of mercy,

where the feast of life is spread.

Communion Please come forward as the ushers direct. You will be given bread.

You may eat the bread and drink; or intinct (dip) in the large cup and eat. The silver cup has wine; the oversize pottery cup has grape juice. Pastor has gluten free wafers if you need, just ask. After you commune, feel free to kneel at the altar rail in silent prayer.

11

Communion Song Lamb of God

Communion Songs Jan. 18 “Let us ever walk with Jesus” ELW 802

“Send me, Lord” ELW 809

Jan. 25 “Come My Way, My Truth, My Life” ELW 816 “Take, Oh, Take Me as I Am” ELW 814 Feb. 1 “Taste and See” ELW 493 “Come to the Table” ELW 481

Feb. 8 “There is a Balm in Gilead” ELW 614 “Ubi caritas et amor” ELW 642

Presiding Minister: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26258. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

12printed on 30% post—consumer recycled paper

Pastor – Rev. Kathryn Nolte Communications – Jeanne PepplerCouncil President – Robert Hann Office Administrator – Vicki MayCouncil Vice President – Barbara Hunt Custodian – Tali MelaniDir. Christian Ed – Deac. Debbie Rank Speer Sunday Nursery Attendant – Elois Gardner Music Director – Jonathan Oblander Ruth Collins

Prayer after Communion Assisting Minister: Let us pray …

Everlasting God, we bless you that you have brought us to the mountaintop and fed us with the life and light of your Son. Send us in his name from this place to bring light into dark corners, healing where lives are torn, and nourishment to every hungry heart, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

SendingBlessing Presiding Minister:

As you walk through shadows, may they be brightened by God’s presence. As you search for God’s star, may you find Christ anew. As you look up and down, around and within, may the light of the Holy Spirit bathe you and your world in God’s love. Amen.

Sending Hymn Jan. 18 “We All Are One in Mission” ELW 576 Jan. 25 “Listen, God is Calling” ELW 513

Feb. 1 ”In Thee is Gladness” ELW 867 Feb. 8 “Signs and Wonders” ELW 672

Dismissal Assisting Minister: Go in peace. Christ is with you.

Thanks be to God.Postlude