THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LEN
WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD
March 26, 2017  9:00 am
____________________________ GATHERING
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WELCOME
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
(All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism)
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
During the season of Lent we are called to return to the Lord with all our heart.
Let us confess our sin and seek reconciliation with God and neighbor.
Silence for reflection and self-examination.
Merciful God, you sent Jesus Christ to save the lost.
We confess that we have strayed from you
and turned aside from your way.
We fail in love, neglect justice,
and ignore your truth.
Have mercy on us and wash away our sin.
Create in us clean hearts
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Behold, now is the acceptable time;
now is the day of salvation.
Almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us all our sins,
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and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Christ, the Life of All the Living”
GREETING
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.
KYRIE
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
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For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray
to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
(our hymn of praise and “alleluias” are silenced during Lent)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray
Bend your ear to our prayers, Lord Christ, and come among us.
By your gracious life and death for us,
bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and anoint us with your Spirit,
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen
_____________________________ SERVICE OF THE WORD
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FIRST READING 1 Samuel 16:1-13
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The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve
over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over
Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you
to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself
a king among his sons.” 2Samuel said, “How can I go? If
Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take
a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to
the Lord.’ 3Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show
you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the
one whom I name to you.” 4Samuel did what
the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The
elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said,
“Do you come peaceably?” 5He said, “Peaceably; I have
come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and
come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse
and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
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When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought,
“Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before
the Lord.” 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on
his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I
have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals
see; they look on the outward appearance, but
the Lord looks on the heart.” 8Then Jesse called
Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said,
“Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9Then Jesse
made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has
the Lord chosen this one.” 10Jesse made seven of his sons
pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse,
“The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11Samuel said to
Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There
remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.”
And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we
will not sit down until he comes here.” 12He sent and
brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful
eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint
him; for this is the one.” 13Then Samuel took the horn of
oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and
the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from
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that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to
Ramah.
SECOND READING Ephesians 5:8-14
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people do secretly; 13but everything exposed by the light
becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is
light. Therefore it says,
“Sleeper, awake!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are
light. Live as children of light—9for the fruit of the light is
found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find
out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the
unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose
them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such
GOSPEL VERSE
HOLY GOSPEL John 9:1-41
The Holy Gospel according to St. John the 9th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
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Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Then the
Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his
sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I
washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said,
“This man is not from God, for he does not observe the
sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a
sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17So
they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about
him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a
prophet.”
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The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and
had received his sight until they called the parents of the
man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this
your son, who you say was born blind? How then does
he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that
this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21but we do
not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know
who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak
for himself.” 22His parents said this because they were
afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that
anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be
put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said,
“He is of age; ask him.”
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So for the second time they called the man who had
been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We
As [Jesus] walked along, he saw a man blind from
birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this
man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus
answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he
was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in
him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me
while it is day; night is coming when no one can
work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the
world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground
and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the
man’s eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of
Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed
and came back able to see. 8The neighbors and those
who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is
this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some were
saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is
someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10But
they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes
opened?” 11He answered, “The man called Jesus made
mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam
and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my
sight.” 12They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do
not know.”
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They brought to the Pharisees the man who had
formerly been blind. 14Now it was a sabbath day when
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know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not
know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that
though I was blind, now I see.” 26They said to him, “What
hear it again? Do you also want to become his
disciples?” 28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his
disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that
God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not
know where he comes from.” 30The man answered,
“Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where
he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know
that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to
one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since
the world began has it been heard that anyone opened
the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not
from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him,
“You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to
did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He
answered them, “I have told you already, and you would
not listen. Why do you want to
teach us?” And they drove him out.
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Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when
he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of
Man?” 36He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so
that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said to him, “You have
seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38He said,
“Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, “I
came into this world for judgment so that those who do
not see may see, and those who do see may become
blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and
said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41Jesus
said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin.
But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”
SERMON
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APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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
(Response to each petition)
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY “Create in me . . .”
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OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God,
receive the sacrifice of our praise and thanksgiving
and the offering of our lives,
that following in the way of the cross,
we may know the joy of the resurrection;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________________________ SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
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INVITATION TO THE MEAL
Create in me a clean heart, O God
and renew a right spirit within me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
We give thanks to you O, God, for the salvation you have accomplished for us through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who overcame the assaults of the devil and gave His life as a ransom for many that with new and clean hearts we
might be prepared to receive him as he comes to us now in his body and blood. With angels and archangels and
with all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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.
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For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
AGNUS DEI (“Lamb of God”)
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
Scripture says, “Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1
Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism says, “Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink.” All baptized Christians
who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief in the real presence of Christ in the
sacrament for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord’s Table today. Children who have not received their first
communion are invited to come to the table and receive a blessing.
As you approach the table down the aisles, receive an empty cup from the cart.
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Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar.
After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace.
As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables to your left or right.
Non-alcoholic wine is offered in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack.
Gluten-free (and dairy-free and nut-free) wafers are offered in the small white bowl on the communion cart for those who
prefer this option.
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SONGS DURING COMMUNION
“Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery”
“Open Our Eyes, Lord”
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“Amazing Grace”
________________________________________ SENDING
_______________________________________
DISMISSAL
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace.
Amen
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Merciful God,
accompany our journey through these forty days.
Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor,
pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence
and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Amen
Go in peace. Christ lives in you.
Thanks be to God.
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CLOSING HYMN “With Eyes of Faith”
SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY
Worship leader and preacher
Elder
Piano
Lector
Ushers
Acolyte/Crucifer
Greeters
Jon Marxhausen
Paul Hartleben
Kathy Rehbein
Heidi Zetterwall
Darrel & Noel Smith
George Zetterwall
Ken & Doreen Rubbert
DON’T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY
ALL ARE INVITED FOR FELLOWSHIP AND TREATS AFTER
WORSHIP TODAY!
(A $1 suggested donation for treats and coffee helps us to continue to serve our fellowship times!)
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WELCOME TO GRACE OF GOD
Thank you for worshipping with us today.
Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway.
Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God.
You are always welcome at Grace of God.
GRACE OF GOD MISSION STATEMENT
Grace of God is a Christ-centered community gathered around Word and Sacrament,
preaching Christ crucified, serving our neighbor and
discovering what it means to live under the grace of God.
SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD
“Busy bags” for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors.
That room also has a speaker to hear the worship service.
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NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDY begins NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 2
The “Gospel” of Gideon
A Bible Study Based on Judges 6 and 7
Spring 2017 - Grace of God Lutheran Church
Led by the Rev. Steven E. King
The Old Testament story of Gideon tells of how the grace of God was revealed to the people of Israel at a time
of great struggling and hardship. Not only does the story give an interesting and accurate look into the realities
of ancient life, but it also illustrates well some of the fundamental concepts of Christian theology we experience
in our own lives of faith. The story may be called a prophetic "gospel" inasmuch as its themes foreshadow the
salvation accomplished by God in Jesus Christ.
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(NOTE: NO ADULT BIBLE STUDY TODAY)
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We have so much fun doing this show, we just HAVE to do it again! It’s time to celebrate the gifts and
talents here at Grace of God – all in support of our summer youth mission trip to St. Louis. If you
have a gift to share – musical, comedy, whatever! – please see Dawn Marxhausen to get on the
program. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT!
SERVING IN WORSHIP
DATE
ELDER
ACOLYTE
LECTOR
USHERS
GREETERS
3/26/17
3/29/17
4/02/17
Paul Hartleben
Allen Warren
Tom Schoenberg
George Zetterwall
Ethan Onken
Aaron Smith
Darrel & Noel Smith
Matt Onken / Byron Epland
Dan & Jason Evenson
Ken & Doreen Rubbert
Shirley Muelken
Lori Ruppel
4/5/17
Allen Warren
Kira Fallert
Jim & Jan Roth
Errol & Cindy Bartz
4/9/17
Tom Schoenberg
Logan Onken
Heidi Zetterwall
Kathy Rehbein
Eileen Ocone
Janice
Henderson
Marilynn Epland
Becky Vigstol / Jenny Hanson
Wendy Bartz/Jenny Hanson
FISH FRY
The popular Guardian Angels Fish Fry is back! Join our friends at Guardian Angels on Fridays, March 10, 24
and April 7 from 4:30-7 p.m. Meal includes fish (baked or fried), cole slaw, red potatoes, mac n cheese,
green beans and dessert. Adults are $13, Seniors and carry out meals are $11, kids 6-12 are $7 and kids 5 and
under eat free. Guardian Angels is at 8260 4th St N, Oakdale, MN.
More information found at www.guardian-angels.org.
CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE
March 30 – April 2
TEAM 4
Roxanne Cleary/Jeff & Jill Olofson/Allen &
Sally Warren
April 6 - 8
TEAM 5
Randy & Janice Henderson/Bruce & Audrey
Gilman/Janice Roth
April 13 - 15
TEAM 6
Paul & Cami Hartleben/Tom& Karen
Schoenberg
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WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
Attendance (3/19/17) .......................... 72
Evening Prayer – Wednesday, March 29 at 7:00 pm
Fellowship time after worship
LENT SERVICE PROJECT
During Lent this year we’ll be collecting coins and cash to support the Christian Cupboard Emergency Food
Shelf. Our collection goal is $1,200. $600 of coins and cash collected will be directed to the purchase of food for
familes in need. Every $1 we collect will purchase approximately $8.00 of food for families in need.
The remaining $600 collected will be directed to the CCEFS “Raise the
Roof” capital campaign. The Christian Cupboard has outgrown their
space at Woodbury Lutheran and the need in the communities they serve
has increased. Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale is providing
the Christian Cupboard with the opportunity to build a new structure on
their land under a long term, low cost lease.
If you have questions about this service project or would like to learn more about CCEFS or “Raise the Roof”
please contact Audrey Gilman. 651-352-2888 or [email protected].
If you need a ride for worship on any Wednesday night Evening Prayer service, please call the church office
(651.730.4900)
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 9
9:00 am Worship
(Procession with Palms and Reading of the Passion)
Maundy Thursday, April 13
5:00 pm Passover Seder Dinner
7:00 pm Worship with Holy Communion
(First Communion Celebration)
Good Friday, April 14
7:00 pm Service of Darkness
Easter Sunday, April 16
9:00 am worship with Holy Communion
(light breakfast after worship)
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March 26 – April 2, 2017
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Sunday, March 26
9:00 am
10:15 am
LENT 4
Fellowship
Sunday School (no Adult Bible Study)
Tuesday, March 28
9:30 am
7:30 pm
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Ladies’ Bible Study
Cantate Choir
Wednesday, March 29
5:45 pm
7:00 pm
7:40 pm
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First Communion Instruction
LENT EVENING PRAYER
Fellowship time after worship
Handchime practice
Sunday, April 2 _________________________________________________________
9:00 am
10:15 am
LENT 5
Fellowship
Sunday School and Adult Bible Study
Passover Seder Dinner
Maundy Thursday, April 13
5:00 pm
The celebration of the Lord’s Supper has its roots in the Old Testament commemoration of God’s great
deliverance from slavery to freedom marked by the blood of the lamb. Our Passover Seder is a Christian
observance of this Old Testament festival that shows the fulfillment that Christ brings by being the Passover
Lamb who was slain for us. All are invited to participate in this special dinner experience. The cost is $11 a
person or $45 for immediate family (parents and children). Sign up at the bulletin board by the kitchen door.
Evelyn Marxhausen is turning 90!
Come and help us celebrate on Saturday, April 8 from 1 - 3 pm
Applewood Pointe, 6050 Lake Road, Woodbury, MN
GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN
CHURCH
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420 Hayward Avenue North  Oakdale, Minnesota 55128
651.730.4900  www.graceofgodlutheran.com
Jon Marxhausen, pastor
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