Outdoor Worship and Worship-In-Place

Advent Lutheran Church Citrus Heights, California

SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

How it all hangs togetherAnnual Theme: Our God, Revealed in the Story (through May 2021)

The story of the Bible reveals a God of promise, relationship, mercy, and new life. God is revealed in the rocky relationship with God’s covenant people. The prophets look back to the history of Israel’s relationship with their Creator, and forward toward the coming of the promised Messiah. God is revealed fully in Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus shows us a loving God in his teachings, healings, and relationships with outcasts. Jesus’ commitment to love leads him to Jerusalem and the cross. Finally, God is revealed in a church that was born in the good news first proclaimed by faithful women. We all have news to tell, and this story of the early church shows us that we can spread the gospel in all circumstances, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Unit Theme: Promises Made, Promises Broken (September 13 - October 25) Throughout the history of God’s people, God has made covenants (agreements with promises on both sides) with God’s beloved people. But a tragic pattern emerged. God and the people made promises to each other, and then the people failed to live God’s way. God made promises to Adam and Eve at creation, but they ate the forbidden fruit. God delivered the people of Israel from slavery and gave them the Torah, but they worshipped a golden calf. However, God always keeps God’s promises, as God did with Abram, Joseph, Hannah, and David. Even when the people have broken their part of the covenant, God is faithful, and renews the promise again and again.

Today’s Theme God can redeem the mess caused by toxic parental favoritism.

Key Verse: Genesis 50:20 “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today.”

Spiritual Practice: Fellowship Our relationship with God is manifest clearly in our relationships with one another. Joseph’s experience of abuse by his brothers, but then forgiveness and reconciliation, is a model for how our relationships can be reconciled, and fellowship strengthened.

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Music & Bell Ringing

GatheringPrelude Song

Call to Worship & Welcome

One: We begin in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.

Opening Prayer

One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

One: Let us pray… All: God of dreams and visions: stir in us your visions and inspire

us to dream your dreams. Fill our worship with your dreams for what could be, and encourage us to see how we can bring your dream of what our world could be into our daily lives. In your name we pray. Amen.

Gathering Hymn “Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive” (ELW 605)

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Apostolic Greeting

One: 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.

Litany

One: Over the last two weeks, we have started exploring promises that are made and promises that are broken, through the stories of Adam and Eve in the garden and Abraham and Sarah’s covenant with God. Sometimes promises are broken, and harm is done, but even through the harm, God can work for good.

Let us join together in recognizing that God can work through the harm that is done in this world. We will take turns offering petitions about situations that are designed to harm. The rest of the group will respond, “Lord, use it for good.” I will offer a few petitions to start us off, and then will leave some silence for participation from others.

One: God of all that is good, when we mistrust you, as Adam did… All: Lord, use it for good.

One: Joseph and others were sold as slaves… All: Lord, use it for good.

One: Unrest in the world… All: Lord, use it for good.

One: Natural disasters… All: Lord, use it for good. Amen.

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WordFirst Scripture Lesson Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21

Lector A reading from Genesis.

Narrator/Pastor When we last left our story, God had promised to Abram that he would have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. God made good on that promise, and Abram and Sarai, who later became known as Abraham and Sarah, became the parents to Isaac. Isaac married Rebekah, and they became the parents to Jacob and Esau. Now, their story gets pretty complicated, but the thread of the narrative we will follow now, is the one in which Jacob becomes the father to twelve sons and one daughter, living in the land of Canaan. The youngest son is Joseph.

Lector 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. 5 Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream that I dreamed. 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it, and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Are you indeed to have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more because of his dreams and his words.

Narrator/Pastor Joseph had several dreams like this. It did not win him any love from his brothers, but he remained his father’s favorite. Jacob sent his favorite son to go check on his other sons as they pastured the flocks.

Lector 17b So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 4

18 They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21 But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22 Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father.

Narrator/Pastor They threw him in a pit, and sat down to eat and contemplate what to do with him next.

Lector 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. 28 When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. 29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes. 30 He returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone; and I, where can I turn?” 31 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They had the long robe with sleeves[a] taken to their father, and they said, “This we have found; see now whether it is your son’s robe or not.” 33 He recognized it, and said, “It is my son’s robe! A wild animal has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his garments, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days.

Narrator/Pastor Though his brother, Reuben, and his father, Jacob, thought he was dead, Joseph had actually been taken to Egypt. And although he was sold and kept as a slave, his master saw that the Lord was with him, and Joseph became very successful at all that he did. Joseph became very powerful as an interpreter of dreams, and came to be in the service of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The first seven years Joseph spent in Egypt were plentiful, but then came famine, as Joseph had predicted. The famine hit Canaan, and Joseph’s brothers, hearing that there was grain in Egypt, 5

traveled there, hoping to keep from starving. They came into Joseph’s presence, but they did not recognize him in his position of power! Finally, he revealed himself to his brothers, sharing that God had sent him ahead of them to help them through this terrible famine. Upon hearing that his beloved son was alive, Jacob packed up and brought his entire family to Egypt for the reunion of a lifetime. And then Jacob was able to die in peace.

Lector 50:15 Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” 16 So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17 ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20 Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 21 So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

Narrator/Pastor What was meant for harm, God had used for good. Let it always be so.

Lector Word of God. Word of Life!

All Thanks be to God!

Sermon in Two Parts Kids-at-Heart & Adults

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Hymn of the Day “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us” (ELW 708)

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 7

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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 to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic*) church, *) universal the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of the People

One: God, you have called us to be a people of prayer—to continue the ministry of prayer handed on to us by Jesus Christ himself. And so we come before you with confidence, bringing our prayers for the world you love.

We pray for those who feel overwhelmed by events and circumstances—the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, serious accident or illness, chronic pain, cognitive impairment, depression, or divorce—and who don’t know where to turn.

All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

One: We pray for those who, like Joseph, find themselves deeply wounded by people they love—people they thought they knew and trusted—and who are struggling to know how to respond.

All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

One: We pray for those who are experiencing a crisis of faith; who long to whole-heartedly trust in God but are held back by questions and doubts.

All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

One: We pray for those who have fallen into despair; who have begun to doubt God’s presence and power; or question God’s call in their lives.

All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 8

One: We pray for those who, like Joseph, have had their hopes and dreams crushed; those whose lives have suddenly taken a different turn, and who now wonder what lies ahead for them.

All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

One: Loving God, it is not your will that any should suffer. We offer our prayers for all those who hunger and thirst, those who live in the midst of violence or poverty, and those who feel abandoned or ignored by the world around them.

All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

One: Through the life-giving power of your Holy Spirit, make your sustaining presence known to all who are in pain or need, so that they, too, may know your love and live. In the name Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, we pray.

All: Amen.

Meal Proclamation of Christ’s Peace

One: The peace of Christ is with you always! All: And also with you.

Offertory Prayer

One: Let us pray... All: Everlasting God, thank you that you are the light of the world,

guiding our steps on your path. Your word says that the earth is yours, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to you. We acknowledge that everything we have and our very lives themselves belongs to you. In a few short moments we will offer back to you a portion of what you have given us. May God the Father prepare our journey, Jesus the Son guide our footsteps and the Holy Spirit watch over us, on every path that we follow. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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The Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks It is right to give our thanks and praise. to the Lord our God.

It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God, for your mysteries well up from ancient depths, assuring us that we will be with you forever.

In the first of your mighty works, you created the earth and filled it with life. You rescued a people from slavery and called them to choose between wisdom and foolishness, between serving you and making their own gods.

In your child, Jesus, you have again called us to choose - to live in readiness for the promised return of the one who died and rose again, or to waste our opportunities and squander what you have given us.

We choose to serve you, and with hearts full of gratitude we trust in your protection and look for the day when at the trumpet’s sound the dead will arise and all will be embraced in the marriage of earth and heaven.

Therefore with all those who have trusted in you in the past, with prophets and martyrs, saints and sinners, we praise you and join their unending hymn:

Holy, Holy (Haugen, Now the Feast and Celebration)

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Eucharistic Prayer

One: God of creation, you spoke the world into being, and are the author of all that is in it. Your Spirit hovered over the earth and breathed life into all living creatures—animals that swim, fly, and walk—the tiny and fragile to the robust and massive. You made a promise to humanity, that you would always care for us, and you expected us to always care for your creation. We have broken that promise, and we continue to do so. But, at just the right time, Jesus Christ came to live, suffer, die, and rise for the redemption of creation and the reclamation of God's promise. In the midst of trial and tribulation, Jesus reclaimed God’s promise in the night in which he was betrayed when he reassured his friends that, even though their pain would one day pass away, his spirit and friendship would remain with them forever. Taking the bread and breaking it he said to them:

All: Take and eat. This bread is a symbol of my sacrifice and the lengths I will go to demonstrate my love for you. Each time you share it, remember me.

One: Lifting the cup, Jesus again looked tenderly upon his friends. Sensing their anxiety and fear, he tried to comfort them with a message of hope and a sign of love. He told them:

All: Take and drink. This cup is a symbol of a renewed relationship with you; a relationship, not based in fear but forgiveness. Whenever you share it, remember me.

One: Come, Holy Spirit, come. Open our minds and hearts to the mystery of Christ’s love, within these ordinary things, and within our ordinary lives. May they impart God’s love to us, so that we may share God’s love with others.

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The Lord's Prayer

One: Let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us.

All: 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 that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Elements Are Shared

Table Blessing

One: May this meal nourish us and refresh us, may it strengthen us and renew us, may it unite us and keep us in God’s gracious love, now and forever.

All: Amen.

SendingClosing Prayer

One: Let us pray together... All: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Your promise lives on

through the generations. You continue to make promises to us, and we do the same for you. Hear the promises that we make you today. [...] Bless our promises, that they can be used for your good. Amen.

Benediction

Announcements (see last bulletin page)

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Sending Hymn “Have No Fear, Little Flock" (ELW 764)

1. Have no fear, little flock; have no fear, little flock, for the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom; have no fear, little flock!

2. Have good cheer, little flock; have good cheer, little flock, for the Father will keep you in his love forever; have good cheer, little flock!

Installation of New Council Members Dixie Schneider & Ed Mack

Godspeed to Bruce & Elizabeth Crain

Sending

One: Go in peace, serve the Lord! ` All: Thanks be to God!

Postlude

IN THIS SERVICE

Piano Bruce Crain Assisting Minister Pat Johnson Lector Pat Johnson Camera Kumar Dasari Sound David Wammer Preacher/Presider Rev. Gabriele Schroeder

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3. Praise the Lord high above; praise the Lord high above, for he stoops down to heal you, uplift and restore you; praise the Lord high above!

4. Thankful hearts raise to God; thankful hearts raise to God, for he stays close beside you, in all things works with you; thankful hearts raise to God!

Prayer Chain UpdatesACUTE PRAYER CONCERNS IN THE IMMEDIATE ADVENT COMMUNITY Allison, one of Karen Sorenson's students, her condition is declining after she discontinued her

ovarian cancer treatments; prayers that she will continue to find peace as she turns to God for strength

Ken Bancroft, prayers that he gains strength and his condition might improve Tanya Bowers, nasal nasal surgery in Folsom on October 5, in order to stop her frequent nosebleeds Phil Davidson, prayers of thanksgiving that Phil has being released from Kaiser today and prayers for

patience and strength and he continues his recovery at home Mattie Devereux, childhood friend of William Gariano; diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma cancer;

prayers for strength as she prepares for surgery in early October Linda, Nancy King’s sister-in-law; prayers for healing, wholeness, courage, and hope as she (after the

recent end of her chemo therapy) prepares for her upcoming surgery and radiation therapy Maynard Johnson, prayers that the infusions he receives will raise his blood counts and improve his

extreme anemia; he is now getting tested every week and receives chemo therapy every four weeks, orthopedic surgery for his arm fracture is on hold until after the end of chemo therapy

Lois Sellers, continued prayers for strength, courage, and peace as she continues dialysis treatments Rod Sorenson, Karen’s brother-in-law, continues his cancer treatment, thankfully with a positive

attitude and exuberance Prayers for Gary Peterson’s former hunting buddy Dick (who suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s

and aphasia) and his wife Nancy (who is his primary care-giver, whose cancer has widely metastasized, and who suffered a nearly fatal reaction to her chemo treatments); prayers that no further adverse reactions occur and that plans can be developed in case Nancy needs to be taken to the hospital again.

ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS Carolyn Atwood, dear friend of Winnie Parish, her cancer has returned and she has begun

renewed treatments; may God bring healing and hope to Carolyn Terri Britt, friend of Karen Franz, continues treatment for stage 4 cancer, thankfully, her condition

has not deteriorated recently Bryan, 41-year old nephew of Twila Engler's son-in-law; prayers that he will heal quickly after his

foot and partial leg amputation, adjust to his condition and that he won’t need any further amputations

Julie Wright, cousin of Amy Gariano, whose brain tumor is still growing; prayers that her new treatment will succeed in slowing the growth of her brain tumor

PRAYERS FOR THE COMMUNITY-AT-LARGE Prayers for all whose homes and livelihood have been destroyed by the latests natural

disasters. May help come to them swiftly and may they have the resources and strength to rebuild their lives.

Please also pray for all teachers and their students. May God help all of them them to be successful and thrive!

Prayers for a peaceful and constitutional election process 14

Announcements for September 27, 2020Church Address 5901 San Juan Avenue Citrus Heights, CA 95610 916-966-7242

Pastor Gabi’s Cell Phone & eMail 650-476-7641 schroeder.gabriele@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS October 3 Virtual Wine Tasting (RSVP to Joyce & Keith Montag) (4pm) October 6 Finance Committee Meeting (Zoom, 6pm) October 8 Worship & Music Committee Meeting (sanctuary, 5:30pm) Church Council Meeting (sanctuary, 6:30pm) October 10 Campus Workday (9am - 1pm) October 19 Book Club Meeting (Zoom, 7pm) October 25 Confirmation & Reformation Sunday (outdoors at 9am) Mortgage Burning (outdoors after worship)

WORSHIP DIRECTIONS To keep all of us (and those we come into contact with elsewhere) safe, we ask that you please observe the following directions: - worship from home, if you (or someone at home) are sick or are of higher-risk - bring a face mask and keep it on throughout the service incl. hymn singing - do not use our water fountains, as the may not be safe after 4 months of disuse - please use hand sanitizer when you arrive for worship. Do not touch the dispenser. - have one of the ushers take your temperature - refrain from touching others who are not members of your immediate family - Keep a minimum of 6 feet distance throughout the service from anybody

who is not in your family or social “bubble” - follow the ushers in directing you from & to your seat during communion - deposit the offering on your way to communion - open the communion cup once you are seated - discard the communion cup AFTER worship

Church Website www.adventcitrusheights.org

Office eMail Address advent1@adventcitrusheights.org

Advent’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/AdventCitrusHeights

Advents’ YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-W0S5nNW2gDYPDgw8wao-g/videos

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