Reading: John 20: 24-31
Thomas … was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Reflection:
Near the end of his gospel, John explains why he has gone to the trouble of telling certain stories. “These are written,” he says, “so that you may come to believe.” Like John, Jesus is also willing to do whatever it takes to make the Easter story convincing for his friends. When Thomas doubts, Jesus makes a special appearance to give him proof. Today, Easter is still a time for telling the good news in new and creative ways to make sure that it is accessible and convincing to people of many ages, places and personalities. Easter stewardship involves supporting our storytellers and providing the tools they need to write, speak, sing and show the stories of our faith.
Closing hymn:
I love to tell the story
ELW 661 (vs 1)
Offering focus
Women of the ELCA is a story-sharing organization. We tell stories to invite prayers. We publish stories in Gather magazine. We post stories on our blog . We welcome stories from guest speakers at conventions. We travel to other parts of the world to expand our stories. We develop stories into program resources that educate and inspire. Since the beginning of Christianity, writers, editors, printers, speakers and publications have been vital to the church. Your gifts provide for Women of the ELCA to continue this ancient Christian tradition by making the gospel resonate in new and creative ways.
Opening Hymn: How Small Our Span of Life (vs. 1-2)
ELW 636
Reading: Psalm 22: 27-31 (Lectionary text for March 4, 2012)
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.
Reflection:
Our hymn echoes a popular theme of Lent—life is short because death is part of living. In the words we heard on Ash Wednesday, “to dust you shall return.” Like the hymn, Psalm 22 reminds us that even through death, our relationship with God and our influence on future generations continues. Because we proclaim God’s deliverance in our lifetime, future generations will hear and proclaim it to a people yet unborn.
Stewardship is one way we participate in this cycle of spreading the good news across generations. We give because we have received from our ancestors, and we have used those gifts in ways they could not have imagined. And, like them, we give without perfect knowledge of how our offerings will impact the next generation. We give from the bounty of our own lives, no matter how rich or poor, because we know that our life is not the beginning and our death is not the end. As the hymn says, our living and our giving is caught in God’s eternity. This is the faith that lights our way.
Closing hymn
How Small Our Span of Life (vs. 3-4)
ELW 636
Offering focus
Your gifts support the intergenerational ministries of Women of the ELCA. Scholarships, grants, Café, leadership opportunities, global education and training programs help women of all ages to support each other in acting boldly on their faith. This year, more than 14,000 girls and 4,300 women are registered for the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. Thanks to your gifts, Women of the ELCA will be there, proclaiming our story and inviting the next generation to join in our mission.
Emma Crossen is the director for stewardship and development.
Opening Hymn: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service (vs. 1-3)
ELW 712
Reading: Mark 1:29-39 (Lectionary Gospel text for February 5, 2012)
Reflection:
During this season after Epiphany, the church calls attention to the events of Jesus’ public ministry, when he is revealed among the people. Traditional Epiphany stories tell of the magi visiting the newborn Jesus, John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan, the wedding guests seeing him turn water into wine, and Jesus healing the sick. Epiphany scriptures are full of the people who invite, witness, and respond to Jesus as his ministry unfolds.
As we consider how to support Christian ministry in our time, it is useful to reflect on the logistics of these Epiphany stories. How did the magi travel to Bethlehem, and where did they stay and eat along the way? What did Simon’s mother use to serve Jesus and his disciples after she was healed, and to host the crowds that came in the evening? Where did Jesus and the disciples eat and sleep as they traveled throughout Galilee?
Women of the church know that someone must provide food and water, beds and tables, roads and modes of transportation. We know that providing logistical help also requires generosity and attention, to make sure that everyone has what they need.
In this seasons of Epiphany, consider how your stewardship enables other women to participate in Christian ministry. Whether the gift is hospitality, travel, lodging, education or sanctuary, we are called to support women to be active participants in the epiphany stories of our time.
Closing prayer:
God, who is revealed in the Epiphany of Jesus Christ, help us to be stewards of the epiphanies of our time. Keep us mindful of the logistical support that ministry requires. May our stewardship support women to be Epiphany people, who invite, witness and respond to you. Amen.
Closing hymn
Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service (vs. 1-3)
ELW 712
Offering focus
Your offerings enable Women of the ELCA to equip women for education, advocacy and service, at events held across the country. These include the Triennial Gathering and ELCA Youth Gathering, workshops at synodical conventions, trainings about public speaking and leadership, documentary screenings and global educational travel, to name a few. The impact of each event extends far beyond those who attend, bearing fruits of ministry in local communities for years to come.
Opening Hymn: Arise your light has come (vs. 1-2)
ELW 314
Reading: Philippians 3: 12-16
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.
Reflection
As we move through the light-filled season of Epiphany and into another calendar year, we must continue forward in our passion for ministry and the community that can grow from our work as a women’s organization. We honor the work of our foremothers and their forward-looking beliefs that women of this church are change-makers in our communities and the world. And so it is time now, in our present relationships with one another, to continue forward towards the goal of our mission and purpose using our time, our resources and our abilities. Together we will support one another and bring healing and wholeness to our world.
Closing prayer:
Good and gracious God, draw us together in the light of faith, so we may be guided by your grace and empowered to do your work. Inspire our words and deeds, that we may continue to move forward in gratefully serving you. Amen.
Closing hymn
Arise your light has come (vs. 3-4)
ELW 314
Offering focus
Your offerings support our working relationships with the Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief, Women’s Funding Network and World Day of Prayer, all of whom are responding to the needs of women and children around the world.
Opening hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful
ELW 283
Responsive Reading: Psalm 98
O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gained him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Reflection:
As participants in the women’s organization, we are called to come together to live out our mission, gathered as believers in our purpose and sent out to tell the news of the gospel. We are aware that we are indeed part of an ever-changing church but what matters is that we are here now, gathered together as women to make a joyful noise, singing praises during this Christmas season. We are sent out to tell the good news of Jesus Christ and we are sent out to serve others and to strive for justice and peace.
Closing prayer:
Almighty God, you gave us your only Son to take on our human nature and to illumine the world with your light. By your grace adopt us as your children and enlighten us with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Closing hymn:
Go Tell it On the Mountain ELW 290
Offering focus:
Your offerings support our efforts to reach out to women of all ages. That includes support for the production of our free, award-winning online magazine, Café, which provides a Lutheran faith perspective in its articles and reflections on issues facing women today. Visit Café this Christmas season.
Closing prayer text from Revised Common Lectionary Year B as it appears in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006).
Opening Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
ELW 257 (1-4)
Reflection:
As a young girl, I remember one Advent season singing this hymn as a duet with my grandfather from the balcony of our old church in south Minneapolis. As a child, I loved singing at church this time of the year and I have vivid childhood memories of these and other songs of Advent. “Advent” is Latin meaning “to come.” And as we celebrate this Advent season, we are indeed saying “O Come, O Come!” For us, Advent means a season of waiting. We are waiting for the coming of the Messiah. And how should we spend this time so filled with great anticipation and excitement? As a child, I spent weeks waiting for presents, waiting for Christmas morning, even waiting for enough snow to fall so I could go sledding. Yet, for what are we truly waiting? It is for our Lord Jesus who promises peace and justice for all. We are waiting for the one who shows mercy, love, turns hierarchy on its head and lifts up those in need. So today, as I experience the many joys and sometimes sorrows of adulthood, and as I witness the work we do for others as Women of the ELCA, it is the words of Mary’s song that come to me during the Advent season. Mary knew the baby she was waiting for meant good news, especially for the poor, the lowly and the hungry. Now it is Advent again, and again I wait as others do, with the excitement of the child I once was but also with the knowledge that those in need also are waiting for the coming of Christ. And I will wait actively, giving of my time and my resources. Just as Mary waited, I wait for the Christ child not alone, but with others, singing, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.”
Offering prayer:
Good and gracious God, as we sing our songs of praise during this Advent season, let us wait anxiously and actively for Jesus’ light to shine and remember those in need who are also, with us, waiting.
Closing hymn:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ELW 257 (vs. 5-8)
Offering focus
Your offerings support the creation of thoughtful and inspired program resources that can be used by groups, individuals or family devotions all of which can be downloaded for free from our website. Resources for you to use this season include our newest piece, A Different Kind of Journey: Advent as a Walk, Not a Sprint along with Advent: A Season for All Generations and The Colors of Christmas: A Reflection on Preparing for Christmas.
Opening Hymn: Accept, O Lord, the Gifts We Bring
ELW 691
Reading: Matthew 23:1-12
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues,and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Reflection:
Stewardship is about actions. Our time, our service, our love and affection for others: those actions are our offering. Those stewardship actions show how we love and serve God, for that is our purpose as Christians. The Pharisees had forgotten their purpose. They were too concerned with how they looked, obsessed with how they were praised by others and unwilling to do equal service. Jesus reminds us that we are all equal as humble servants, stewarding God’s gifts and spending our lives striving to love God and others.
Closing hymn:
We Are an Offering ELW 692
Offering focus
Your offerings support the coordinating work of the Women of ELCA grants program, which annually awards grants to domestic and international non-profit organizations that serve women and children. You can read more about our past grant recipients as well as find information concerning the upcoming 2012 application process at womenoftheelca.org/grants .
Reading Mark 12: 38-44
As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’ He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them,‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’
Questions to ponder
- Why does Jesus call his disciples over?
- What is this teaching moment for you?
- What do you think is the primary meaning of the story?
- How can this story relate to your stewardship?
Reflection
If you paint a visual picture in your mind of this passage from Mark, you will see an official treasury where people are not only bringing their offerings but announcing them for all to witness. And what is Jesus doing? He is watching the crowd and seeing the poor widow put in everything she had. Yes, Jesus honors her sacrifice but at the same time, isn’t he also disapproving of those who have so much more and are only giving “out of their abundance”? Isn’t Jesus condemning a system where the “least of these” is sacrificing TOO much? This passage is asking us to think about why this woman was in such a position of poverty and why there is not equal sacrifice from all who were in the temple that day. This story is not just about generous giving. This story is about compassion and justice.
Closing prayer
Good and gracious God, help us to always see Jesus’ compassion for others. Let his justice and love for all of us transform our relationship with our own blessings that are from God, for God and all of God’s people. Amen.
Offering focus
Your offerings support our justice and advocacy work, which faithfully carries out our compassionate vision of bringing healing and wholeness to the world including our work on issues of commercial sexual exploitation and environmental justice.
Opening Hymn: O God, My Faithful God ELW 806 (vs. 1–2)
Responsive Reading: Psalm 85: 8-13
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
and will make a path for his steps.
Reflection
We are asked to give back what God has given us, and as Christian stewards, we acknowledge God’s blessings and are called to use them to promote love, justice and peace. As the psalmist writes, God’s goodness is for all of God’s faithful people and our love and compassion for our brothers and sisters in Christ should motivate our stewardship. Our steadfast and faithful generosity can only strengthen our giving community of women disciples now and in the future.
Closing prayer
God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Closing hymn: O God, My Faithful God ELW 806 (vs. 3-4)
Offering focus: Gather, the magazine of the women’s organization supports the women of this church with its inspiring articles and award-winning Bible studies. Your offering dollars help cover the administrative costs of our magazine including the salaries and benefits of our editorial staff (the subscription price covers only paper, printing, postage and subscription management). The 2011-2012 Bible Study, “To Follow and To Serve: The Gospel of Mark,” begins this September.
Closing prayer from Revised Common Lectionary Year A as it appears in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006).
Hymn: We Are Called (vs. 1–2) ELW 720
Reading: Mark 10:35–45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.”
Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Reflection
Serving Christ in our daily lives is sometimes a hard part of our vocation as Christians, but this unselfish service is indeed a significant part of what we are called to do. As we live out our mission as Women of the ELCA, it is not about what we think we deserve or how we should be served. Rather, it is about proclaiming the Gospel and serving as witnesses to our churches and communities.
As faithful stewards, we understand the needs around us and appreciate the opportunities we have been given to serve gladly and with love. It is in our common vocation that we share as Women of the ELCA to not be served but to serve.
Closing hymn: We Are Called (vs. 3) ELW 720
Offering focus: Twenty-five percent of our 2011 Triennial Convention offering this July will benefit ELCA outdoor ministry programs, which invite young people into the action of serving, so they too may see themselves as called and sent to serve.
Hymn: God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (verses 1–2) LBW 408
Reading: Amos 2:6–8
Thus says the LORD:
For three transgressions of Israel,
and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;
because they sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals—
they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth,
and push the afflicted out of the way;
father and son go in to the same girl,
so that my holy name is profaned;
they lay themselves down beside every altar
on garments taken in pledge;
and in the house of their God they drink,
wine bought with fines they imposed.
Reflection
For most of us, acquiring money and resources comes through working, through employment. Our Christian perspective on work encourages us to view our work as a calling, as something we do to make a valuable contribution to society. In turn, our personal resources help us to be good servants who support our families and church and serve the communities in which we live.
This passage from Amos speaks against those who, rather than acquire their money honorably, gain wealth at the expense of others. So when talking about stewardship, we should not only talk about how we steward the resources we have but also how we obtain our resources in the first place.
Should acquiring our own resources ever create hardship for others? What is the right path as we work to support ourselves, our communities and all those in need?
Closing hymn: God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (verse 3) LBW 408
Offering focus: Educating one another about stewardship and giving is part of our purpose. Your offerings support the training and education of our synodical treasurers, who help inform all our participants all around the country. Your gifts also provide for the production of our annual stewardship planning guide, annual Thankoffering service and all the other stewardship resources that benefit the organization.
Hymn: I say “Yes”, my Lord (vs. 1–2) Worship Boldly 108
Opening prayer
You are the God who is simple, direct, clear with us and for us.
You have committed yourself to us.
You have said Yes to us in creation,
Yes to us in our birth,
Yes to us in our baptism,
Yes to us in our awakening this day.
But we are of another kind,
More accustomed to “perhaps, maybe, we’ll see,”
Left in wonderment and ambiguity.
We live our lives not back to your yes,
But out of our endless “perhaps.”
So we pray for your mercy this day that we may live yes back to you
Yes with our time,
Yes with our money,
Yes with our sexuality,
Yes with our strength and with our weakness,
Yes to our neighbor,
Yes and no longer “perhaps.”
In the name of your enfleshed yes to us,
Even Jesus who is our yes into your future. Amen.
From Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann, published by Augsburg Fortress
Reflection
Have you experienced what it means to listen to God’s call? Our discernment affects not only our own lives and families but also our congregations and our communities.
God calls us continually, and our partnership with God can give us the focus we desire and the direction we need. What are your hopes for your own life, and how have you discerned what your God-given gifts are? Do you believe you have a calling? Are you living out that “yes” to God? Has there been a time when you helped someone else in their discernment?
We are God’s people doing God’s work, and it is in listening to God and taking that step to say “yes” that we are making a difference in our church, society and world.
Closing hymn: I say “Yes”, my Lord (vs. 3–4) Worship Boldly 108
Offering focus: Your offerings support the coordinating work of the Women of ELCA scholarships program, which annually awards academic scholarships to Lutheran women across the country, both lay and ordained, who have said “yes” to their calling to higher education. Our organizational investment in these future women leaders will help shape the future ministries of Women of the ELCA.
Hymn: Day of Arising (vs 1–2) ELW 374
Responsive reading: Psalm 118:14–24
The LORD is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:
The right hand of the LORD does valiantly;
the right hand of the LORD is exalted;
the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the LORD.
The LORD has punished me severely,
but he did not give me over to death.
Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Reflection
Let us rejoice and be glad! This is a new day. We celebrate the power of the Risen Christ and the meaning of the resurrection in our lives. We believe in the good news of salvation and the promises of Easter, which now have been fulfilled. God is the source of our strength, and the works of the Lord are indeed marvelous in our eyes. We will continue to ask for God’s help in our lives on this day and in the days yet to come. When have you experienced God’s help in a powerful way?
Closing hymn: Day of Arising (vs 3–4) ELW 374
Offering focus: Your offerings support our triennial convention. This July, elected delegates from all around the country will come together to conduct the business of the organization, elect churchwide leaders, worship and pray together and pass resolutions representing issues important to this organization. These delegates give of their time, their energy and their passions. We are grateful for their commitment, prayer and stewardship, as well as your stewardship, which makes our convention—and indeed our whole organization—possible.
Opening prayer
Almighty and ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy, receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Reading: Ephesians 2:4–8
But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Reflection
My 3-year-old daughter was walking around the house singing this verse from a familiar hymn: “Peace on earth and mercy wild, God and sinners reconciled.” I was going to correct her so that she knew the phrase was really “mercy mild.” Then on second thought, I decided I rather liked the idea of wild mercy. Because that’s true, isn’t it? God is rich in mercy, and that mercy is wildly wonderful. Mercy is not always tame, not always calm. And as we move through Lent toward Easter, we remember God’s saving grace and the risen life we share with Christ. God’s love and mercy for us is vast, immeasurable and, yes, wild. It inspires us to continue our good works and live out our mission.
Closing prayer
Most merciful God, we have all sinned and fallen short of your glory. Strengthen our faith as we approach Lent, and give us grace to follow your example of love, mercy and forgiveness as we walk in the way of the cross, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Hymn: The Risen Christ ELW 390
Offering focus: Your offerings support our working relationships with The Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief, Women’s Funding Network, Church Women United and World Day of Prayer, all of whom are listening to the prayers and needs of women and children around the world.
*Opening prayer text from Revised Common Lectionary Year A as it appears in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006).
Opening Hymn: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me ELW 325
Reading: Psalm 32:1–7
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’,
and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Reflection
As we approach Lent, a season of prayer and contemplation, should we not put away our anger and indignation toward others so that there may be relief? Even when we have doubted God’s forgiveness, surely it has been present. God shows us mercy; therefore aren’t we expected to act in similar fashion?
As you reflect on your experiences with forgiveness, know that it is a process shared by all of us. Think about when have you been forgiven or have needed to forgive another. Is there a relieving power and freedom that comes with forgiveness?
Closing prayer
Most merciful God, we have all sinned and fallen short of your glory. Strengthen our faith as we approach Lent, and give us grace to follow your example of love, mercy and forgiveness as we walk in the way of the cross, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Closing hymn: Where Charity and Love Prevail ELW 359
Offering focus: Your offerings support the creation of thoughtful and inspired program resources that can be used by groups or individuals, or for family devotions. Resources for Lent include Journaling; Lessons for Today’s Disciples; and Looking into the Mirror: A Lenten Reflection.
Opening Hymn: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (vs. 1–2) ELW 310
Reading: Matthew 5:1–12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds
of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted
the prophets who were before you.
Reflection
Epiphany is about light. The Beatitudes give us Jesus’ bright vision for the world, spoken to us from the mountaintop. Witnessing these blessings and discovering God’s great abundance will help us continue to give to others and to honor and respect all who are blessed in the eyes of God. Let us continue to discover and acknowledge God’s abundance for all the children of God, so everyone may know and experience God’s great light and love.
Closing prayer
Good and gracious God, draw us into your light so that through our words and deeds, others will see your great blessings. Direct our path as stewards and vehicles of your grace, gratefully serving you always. Amen.
Closing hymn: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (vs. 3–4) ELW 310
Offering focus: Your offerings support the important leadership and governance work of the organization, including the work of the executive board, training for synodical treasurers and training for synodical presidents. In this calendar year, this work also includes the important work of the many triennial convention business committees.
Opening Hymn: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly ELW 276
Reading: Luke 2:8–14
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
Reflection
In times of doubt, whether personal, career-related or about the church, we can too easily become afraid—afraid to share the good news, afraid to witness to the work of Women of the ELCA, afraid to boldly live out our mission. But this season reminds us to not be afraid and instead, like the shepherds, to move away from fear and apprehension to rejoicing: Rejoicing in Christ’s birth and his meaning for us in the world.
Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson wrote recently about his desire for us as a church to leave timidity behind and boldly embrace our life together in this church and in the world: "Let us not be timid as we boldly proclaim Jesus Christ and participate in God’s healing of the world. Let us generously, faithfully and courageously respond to the groaning of the creation and the cries of humanity. … We delight in the promise of the new creation that God is bringing to life in Christ. We joyfully embrace the world and all its inhabitants in love and service. What a cause for rejoicing!" *
Closing hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice ELW 288
Offering focus: Your offerings support our justice and advocacy work, which faithfully carries out our vision of bringing healing and wholeness to the world. This includes our work on issues of domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation and environmental justice.
*August 2010 Pastoral Letter from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson Copyright © 2010 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. All rights reserved. This copyright notice must appear on all copies and reproductions. Copies may be produced for distribution within the ELCA by affiliated ELCA organizations.
Opening Prayer
The Spirit and the church cry out:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
All those who await his appearance pray:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The whole creation pleads:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus ELW 254
Reading: Matthew 24:36–44
But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Reflection
In Advent we prepare our hearts, our minds and our spirits for the coming of Christ. Do you feel ready for the Light of the world, for the one who promises peace and will make us his messengers of hope and justice? What are your Advent traditions? How are you becoming ready?
Closing prayer
God of light, may we be ready for the coming of your Son and for his presence with us in this world. May what we do during this Advent season always direct us to the truth of the gospel and rejoicing in the birth of our Savior and Lord. Amen..
Closing hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ELW 244
Offering focus: Your offerings support our efforts to reach out to women of all ages. That includes support for the production of our free, award-winning online magazine, Café, which provides a Lutheran faith perspective in its articles and reflections on issues facing women today. Visit Café this Advent season.
Opening hymn: Be Thou My Vision ELW 793
Responsive reading: Psalm 119 (97–106, 111–112)
Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your decrees are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
I do not turn away from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
Your decrees are my heritage for ever;
they are the joy of my heart.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes
for ever, to the end.
Reflection
Our purpose statement calls us to discipleship. One of the marks of discipleship is regular and diligent study of scripture. Think about your own study practice and reflect on these questions:
- When do you study God’s word?
- Where do you study?
- What do you prefer to study?
As you answer these questions, be mindful that studying scripture is fundamental to understanding how God is working through us and in the world around us.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, you are calling us to be your disciples and we commit ourselves to studying your word and inviting others to this life of discipleship. Help us to live out our faith practices, serving you and encouraging others to do the same. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Closing hymn: Take My Life, That I May Be ELW 685
Offering focus: Your offerings help support the development and coordination of our discipleship programs and resources, which help us to discern God’s call, understand God’s gifts and respond to God’s presence.
Opening hymn: Signs and Wonders ELW 672
Reading: Acts 2:41–47
So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
Reflection
“I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ” (Philemon 1:6).
We all need the experience of fellowship, of coming together as a community of believers. These experiences are a key part of living the Christian life. And coming together in fellowship and worship encourages our good will and acts of faith in the world around us.
How is your faith continually shaped by fellowship and community?
Prayer
O God among us, we gather in fellowship to worship and praise you. Day by day, we are in awe of your goodness, your strength and your everlasting love. May we work together as one community of believers to exemplify the teachings and generosity of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Closing hymn: What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine ELW 774
Offering focus: In a recent survey, we asked women why they participated in Women of the ELCA. The number one answer? Friendship and fellowship with other women. Lutheran Woman Today magazine supports the experience of friendship and fellowship with its award-winning Bible studies. Your offering dollars help cover the administrative costs of Lutheran Woman Today, including the salaries and benefits of our editorial staff (the subscription price covers only paper, printing, postage and subscription management). The 2010–2011 Bible study, “The People of God: Unity in the Midst of Diversity,” begins in the September issue.