ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD LITTLETON, COLORADO

March 12, 2017

10:30 a.m.

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

Today we hear the wonderfully familiar “Gospel in a nutshell” from John 3. The first words of the passage say it well: “God so loved.” God is loving even when we are less than lovable. In the season of Lent, we see God’s love at work in the cross of Jesus. Here in worship, we receive God’s wonderful gifts that demonstrate His amazing love.

GATHERING SONGS

FATHER, I ADORE YOU Coelho

Father, I adore You, Lay my life before You, How I love You. Jesus, I adore You, Lay my life before You, How I love You. Spirit, I adore You, Lay my life before You, How I love You.

SHOUT TO THE LORD

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You, All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love: My Comfort, my Shelter, Tower of refuge and strength; Let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name. I sing for joy at the work of Your hands, Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand, Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

Pastoral Greeting PASTOR LARSON Opening Song Blessed Assurance WOV 699

Divine Service

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. (Refrain) Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. (Refrain)

INVOCATION P In the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen. OPENING SENTENCES P The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. C Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: P “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly, C the right hand of the Lord exalts, All: the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!” CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION P O God our Father, we confess that we are by nature sinful and that we have

turned away from Your commands. C Have mercy on us and forgive us, O Lord. P Forgive us for all that we have thought and said and done that is contrary to

Your will and Your ways, and forgive us for times we have trusted in our own righteousness instead of relying on Your grace in Christ Jesus, our Redeemer.

C Have mercy on us and forgive us, O God. P Forgive us for times we have not been good stewards of Your great creation and

for times we have been unwilling to help our neighbors as we ought. C Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your steadfast love. Create in us

clean hearts, O God, and put a new and right spirit within us. P Upon this your confession and by the command of our Lord, I, a called and

ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen. P May the God of peace sanctify you wholly. May your spirit, soul, and body be

kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

C Amen.

P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Let us pray. O God, we give You glory because Your mercy does not change. Be

gracious to all who have gone astray and turned to their own ways, and bring them again with repentant hearts and steadfast faith to embrace the unchangea-ble truth of Your Word, Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Prayer of the Day

SERVICE OF THE WORD

Old Testament: Genesis 12:1-9

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.

L The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God!

Epistle: Romans 4:1-8, 13-17

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God. What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring--not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight

of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

L The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God!

Congregation, please stand.

The Holy Gospel: John 3:1-17 P The Holy Gospel according to St. John the third chapter. C Glory to You, O Lord.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these

Sermon We ARE Saved By Works! PASTOR LARSON Text: Romans 4:1-8, 13-17

Sermon Hymn There is a Redeemer

things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. P The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to You, O Christ.

Children’s Message Jenna Lawrenz

There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son; Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One. Thank you, oh, my Father, for giving us your Son, And leaving your Spirit ‘til the work on earth is done.

Jesus, my Redeemer, name above all names, precious Lamb of God, Messiah, hope for sinners slain. Thank you, oh, my Father, for giving us your Son, And leaving your Spirit ‘til the work on earth is done.

When I stand in glory I will see his face, There I’ll serve my King forever, in that holy place. Thank you, oh, my Father, for giving us your Son, And leaving your Spirit ‘til the work on earth is done.

Nicene Creed LSB (Inside back-cover)

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P Let us pray for the whole people of God in Jesus Christ and for all people according to their needs.

We pray for all Christians around the world that, as people united in faith, we may witness to the good news that is ours in Christ Jesus, our Redeemer. We beseech You, O Lord,

C hear us for Your mercy’s sake. P We pray for all nations of the earth that in all places there may be peace. We pray

for people in lands where there has been upset and strife. We pray for our own nation that it may know safety and the people may be joyful in their daily lives. We beseech You, O Lord,

C hear us for Your mercy’s sake. P We pray for all those whose labor serves us, especially those in the military, our

police personnel, medical workers, and all those whose efforts support the common good. We beseech You, O Lord,

C hear us for Your mercy’s sake. P We pray for the special concerns on our hearts today, including health and family

needs, bringing to You our joys, our sorrows, and our hopes, [including . . .]. We beseech You, O Lord,

C hear us for Your mercy’s sake. P In this time of prayer, we remember all those who have completed their earthly

journeys in faith and now rest from their labors. Lord, inspire us by the witness of the faithful from all generations, that we may complete our earthly journeys with confidence in Your gracious promises as they did in their lifetimes. We beseech You, O Lord,

C hear us for Your mercy’s sake. P Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your

mercy through Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen.

Sharing of the Peace

P The peace of the Lord be with you always. C And also with you.

You may now greet one another in the name of the Lord using ...Peace be with you

THE OFFERING

Music For Meditation Grace Alone Brown-Nelson

Offertory Prayer

P Let us pray, C Heavenly Father, receive these gifts, symbols of the time, abilities, and

resources we place at Your disposal in thanks for Your eternal grace, mercy, and peace. Receive them for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ev'ry promise we can make, ev'ry prayer and step of faith, Ev'ry diff'rence we will make is only by His grace. Ev'ry mountain we will climb, ev'ry ray of hope we shine, Ev'ry blessing left behind is only by His grace. Grace alone which God supplies, Strength unknown He will provide. Christ in us, our Cornerstone, we will go forth in grace alone.

Ev'ry soul we long to reach, ev'ry heart we hope to teach, Ev'rywhere we share His peace is only by His grace. Ev'ry loving word we say, ev'ry tear we wipe away, Ev'ry sorrow turned to praise is only by His grace. Grace alone which God supplies, Strength unknown He will provide. Christ in us, our Cornerstone, we will go forth in grace alone.

HOLY COMMUNION AT ASCENSION

The Lord, our Host, invites to his Supper those who are baptized into the Christian faith, confess him as Savior, have examined themselves, truly repent of sins, believe the Risen Lord is present in the sacrament with his true body and blood, and resolve to live faithfully and obediently. For those with an intolerance to alcohol, the center ring of the tray contains grape juice. Gluten free wafers are available to those with wheat allergies. Children who have not been instructed, yet desire a blessing, are invited to come forward with arms crossed. Come, for the Supper is ready! When receiving the bread and wine, the communicant may respond with “Amen!”, a word of affirmation and belief.

SERVICE OF THE

SACRAMENT Preface

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

PROPER PREFACE

P It is truly good, right, and proper that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, because You attend to our needs each day. Graciously enable us to resist temptation and to rejoice in hope, knowing that Your angels minister to us as they did to our Lord in the wilderness. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, forevermore praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of pow’r and might! Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna, Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Words of Consecration

P In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Distribution Songs

LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER

Let us break bread together on our knees, Let us break bread together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees, Let us drink wine together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us praise God together on our knees, Let us praise God together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.

I LOVE YOU, LORD Klein

I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You. O my soul rejoice. Take joy, my King, in what You hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

PEACE BE YOURS

Peace, be yours. May the Lord be with you As we gather now and your whole life through, Blessing and mercy and wholeness, too. May God’s peace be yours.

Peace be yours as you scatter from here. Anywhere you go, God is always near, Loving and calming your deepest fear. May God’s peace be yours.

Seek your strength where the Lord does abide When the greatest evil is at your side. In Word and Sacrament, Christ resides. May God’s peace be yours.

Always know He has conquered the one Who defies your life in God’s only Son. Yours is the struggle that Christ has won. May God’s peace be yours.

LAMB OF GOD LSB 550

Your only Son, no sin to hide, But You have sent Him from Your side; To walk upon this guilty sod, And to become the Lamb of God. O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the Holy Lamb of God; O wash me in his precious blood, my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Your gift of love, they crucified, They laughed and scorned Him as He died; The humble King they named a fraud, And sacrificed the Lamb of God. O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the Holy Lamb of God; O wash me in his precious blood, my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

I was so lost, I should have died, but You have brought me to Your side, To be led by Your staff and rod, and to be called a lamb of God. O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the Holy Lamb of God; O wash me in his precious blood, my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Communion Benediction

P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C Amen.

Post Communion Prayer

P We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life; and we pray that in your mercy you would strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

C Amen.

Benediction

P 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.

C Amen.

Closing Song Lord, I Lift Your Name On High

Congregational Concerns P Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C Thanks be to God!

LORD, I LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH Founds Lord, I Lift Your name on high; Lord, I love to sing Your praises. I’m so glad You’re in my life; I’m so glad You came to save us. You came from heaven to earth to show the way, From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky; Lord, I lift Your name on high

Serving in Worship

OFFICIANT and CELEBRANT The Rev. John R. Larson, Pastor ELDER 8:00 Arvin Michels 10:30 Larry Buethe ORGANIST 8:00 Diana Gaide PRAISE TEAM 10:30 Agapes LECTOR 8:00 Benjamin Dallet 10:30 Jeannette Nelson ACOLYTE 8:00 Pete Federico 10:30 Reese Hitztaler Stone USHERS 8:00 Henry Peepgrass, Members of the Congregation 10:30 Jason Dierking, Members of the Congregation SERVER 10:30 Les Young ALTAR GUILD Rita Kratzer, Deb Shiflet, Cathy Utecht, Barb Williams FLOWERS Millie Fitzpatrick in loving memory of Gil

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