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SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 24, 2013

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH 1020 Mocho Street, Livermore, CA 94550

Church Office (925) 447-8840 Sunday Worship Celebration, 9:30 a.m.

Please visit our web site at www.holycrosslivermore.org for more information

Holy Cross Lutheran Pre-School & Junior Kindergarten - School Office (925) 447-1864

Welcome! We welcome you to this worship celebration. Newcomers and members are invited to give the requested information on the pew pad.

The Ark Nursery Parents with children to three years old are invited to use our staffed nursery across the hall from the sanctuary. A paging system is employed for your convenience and your child’s safety.

Children’s Worship Helps There are activity sheets available from an usher as well as crayons and books on the library shelves located in the Narthex.

We Celebrate Holy Communion All are welcome to the Lord’s Table. The wine is offered either by individual or common cup. For those who would prefer grape juice, it is already poured in cups in the center of the communion tray. While the age-appropriateness of when a child should receive the holy meal is not insignificant, a child’s age should not preclude full participation in the sacrament. It is God’s free gift to all, received in the spirit of faith that God can and does transcend all cognitive and emotive ability to fully understand the profound mystery of this most sacred of meals. At the same time, to more fully appreciate the rich and varied textures of the Holy Meal, one would do well to enroll their child in First Communion Instruction when he/she feels his/her child is of an age where such instruction would be meaningful. In short, the gift of God’s grace offered to us in the Holy Meal is free, but it is not cheap. If you have questions about the age-appropriateness of your child’s receiving the Holy Meal, please schedule a time to meet with Pastor John to discuss your concerns. For those with gluten allergies, a gluten-free option is available. Once you come forward to the table during Holy Communion, let Pastor John know you’d like a gluten-free communion wafer.

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PRELUDE SUSAN PETERSON WELCOME CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS LEADER: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ALL: Amen. LEADER: God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. ALL: Amen. LEADER: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Gracious God, ALL: have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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LEADER: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ALL: Amen.

GATHERING SONG ELW 552, BLESSED BE THE GOD OF ISRAEL

TUNE ELW 654, AURELIA Blessed be the God of Israel, Who comes to set us free, Who visits and redeems us,

And grants us liberty. The prophets spoke of mercy,

Of freedom and release; God shall fulfill the promise To bring our people peace.

Now from the house of David A child of grace has come, A Savior who will lead us To our eternal home.

Before him goes the herald, Forerunner in the way,

The prophet of salvation, The harbinger of day.

On all by death imprisoned

The sun begins to rise, The dawning of forgiveness

Upon the sinner’s eyes, To guide the feet of pilgrims Along the paths of peace;

Oh, bless our God and Savior With songs that never cease!

TEXT: ONELICENSE, MUSIC: PUBLIC DOMAIN

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

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PRAYER OF THE DAY

Leader: Let us pray… All: God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. FIRST READING Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 ANN LUEKENS Leader: Word of God. Word of Life. All: Thanks be to God.

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PSALM 27

Leader: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then | shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I | be afraid?

All: When evildoers close in against me to de- | vour my flesh,

they, my foes and my enemies, will stum- | ble and fall.

Leader: Though an army encamp against me, my heart | will not fear.

Though war rise up against me, my trust will | not be shaken.

All: One thing I ask of the LORD; one | thing I seek; that I may

dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life; to

gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek God | in the

temple. R

Leader: For in the day of trouble God will | give me shelter, hide me in the

hidden places of the sanctuary, and raise me high up- | on a rock.

All: Even now my head is lifted up above my enemies | who

surround me. Therefore I will offer sacrifice in the sanctuary,

sacrifices of rejoicing; I will sing and make music | to the

LORD.

Leader: Hear my voice, O LORD, | when I call; have mercy on me and |

answer me.

All: My heart speaks your message— | "Seek my face."

Your face, O LORD, | I will seek. R

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Leader: Hide not your face from me, turn not away from your ser- | vant in

anger. Cast me not away—you have been my helper; forsake me

not, O God of | my salvation.

All: Though my father and my moth- | er forsake me,

the LORD will | take me in.

Leader: Teach me your | way, O LORD;

lead me on a level path, because of | my oppressors.

All: Subject me not to the will | of my foes,

for they rise up against me, false witnesses | breathing

violence.

Leader: This I believe—that I will see the goodness | of the LORD

in the land | of the living!

All: Wait for the LORD | and be strong.

Take heart and wait | for the LORD! R

SECOND READING PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1 ED HEUER Leader: Word of God. Word of Life. All: Thanks be to God.

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GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Leader: The Gospel according to Luke. All: Glory to you, O Lord. GOSPEL LUKE 13:31-35 PASTOR FRED MERRICK Leader: The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, O Christ.

CHILDREN’S TIME THE BELLUCCI FAMILY SERMON PASTOR FRED MERRICK

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HYMN OF THE DAY WP 132

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APOSTLES’ CREED

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

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Leader: With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the

church, those in need, and all of God’s creation. Leader: Lord in your mercy, All: hear our prayer. Leader: Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. All: Amen.

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PEACE

Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you always. All: And also with you. OFFERTORY ANTHEM BREAD AND WINE OF LIFE / AS THE DEER CHOIR BY ELAINE SCHRAM OFFERING PRAYER Leader: Let us pray… All: God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DIALOGUE

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PREFACE

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HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE Leader: Blessed are you, O God of the universe. Your mercy is everlasting and your faithfulness endures from age to age. 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.

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Leader: With this bread and cup we remember our Lord's pass over from death to life as we proclaim the mystery of faith: All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Leader: With your holy ones of all times and places, we praise you, O God, now and forever. All: Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER 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 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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION Leader: These are the fruits of God for the people of God. Come to the table, all are welcome, for the gifts of God are All: FREE!

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COMMUNION SONGS

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WP 1

ONELICENSE.NET A706448

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ELW 468

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ELW 613

ONELICENSE.NET A706448

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ELW 831

CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

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PUBLIC DOMAIN

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PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Leader: Let us pray… O God, in this holy meal you have embraced us and gathered us into your arms of compassion and protection. Release us now to go on our way in these forty days, ready to see our work as prayer, ready to fast from complacency, and ready to share with those in need; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. All: Amen.

BLESSING Leader: Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. All: Amen.

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SENDING SONG ELW 536

DISMISSAL Leader: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

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TH I S WE E K A T HCLC HCLC is hosting the Livermore Homeless Refuge

through March 8

Sun 2/24 9:30 a Worship Celebration Sunday school – Woman at the Well Mon 2/25 1:30 p Mom’s in Touch 7:00 p Troop 999 Scouts (pending)

Tue 2/26 7:30 p Music Team Rehearsal

Wed 2/27 10:00 a Mid Week Forum

6:00 p Mid Week Lenten Meal & Service

7:00 p AA Meeting

7:30 p Choir Practice

Thurs 2/28 10:30 a Young at Heart

7:00 p Church Council Meeting

Fri 3/1 8:00 p AA Meeting

Sat 3/2 7:30 a Men’s Ministry

NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 3RD 9:30 a Sunday Worship Celebration 11:00 a Spiritual formation classes

- Sunday School: Woman at the Well - Jr. & Sr. High Ministries - Adult Ministry

12:00 p Daisy Troop Meeting

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WHAT’S HAPPENINGWHAT’S HAPPENINGWHAT’S HAPPENINGWHAT’S HAPPENING

The adult Sunday school group will resume regular meetings after Sunday morning service starting March 3. We will use the book series The Seasons of Christian Life written by Dick and Judy Reuning as discussion guides on the challenges and opportunities at the various stages of life.

We will start our six-week session with Spring of Christian Life: Understanding the Faith Journey of Younger Adults, with Gary and Wen Kumfert as facilitators. Holy Cross Sr. High Sunday School class will join us for the discussion!

All of the stories and dramas in Spring: Understanding the Faith Journey of Younger Adults are true stories whose places and characters have been disguised but not exaggerated. The stories, Biblical reflections in "Food for the Journey", and helpful information are skillfully woven together and become the basis for discussion on topics such as: Who Am I Becoming? The Searching Years; Sexuality – God’s Good Gift; Values for a Technological Age; Another day, another dollar – Is that all there is? and Developing Faith Amid Questions.

While the conversation is about one particular time of life, it is appropriate for all ages to learn from the experiences of others. Come and share your perspectives on Christian choices and challenges in early adulthood. The Adult Sunday School group meets in the Music Room from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm every Sunday, starting March 3.

If you are interested in participating in the whole or part of the session, let Gary and Wen know TODAY so they can order the book.

The fellowship group, lifeTogether (formally known as "family fellowship") has been meeting monthly in the fellowship hall on a Friday night from 6-8 pm with a potluck and discussion. Childcare is provided. Last month we started a resource called "Animate Faith", which uses a short video presentation to spark a discussion about aspects of our faith. Anyone is welcome to join us. If you are interested, please contact Pastor John, Eric or Adrianne Jurgenson, or any other member of the group that you know of. Our next gathering will be announced soon.

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Stephen Ministry – Are you going through a tough time emotionally or spiritually? Struggling with a crisis in life? Or simply feeling down? Consider letting a Stephen Minister help. A Stephen Minister is a member of our congregation who is trained to listen, care, encourage, pray and walk along side you during difficult times. It’s confidential, free and very helpful. If you feel a need for this kind of care, call the church office at 925-447-8840 and you can be connected with a Stephen Minister. Livermore Homeless Refuge help needed – Our church is sponsoring the LHR during the winter season. They are open Monday – Friday when the temperature falls below 40 degrees or there is a 20% chance of rain. They’ll be here from 6 pm – 7 am the next day. Our hosting dates are now through March 8 and April 22 – 30. If you would like to volunteer or to receive more information, please contact Pastor John.

“The Bible” is an epic five-week, 10-hour television mini-series premiering March 3, 2013 on the History Channel from Emmy-Award winning husband and wife team, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. For two hours each Sunday night, millions of viewers will see the Bible come to life in a way never before seen. The final episode of the series will air on Easter Sunday [March 31] and will feature the death and resurrection of Jesus. To help ensure the accuracy of the miniseries, many Christian scholars served as advisors and hundreds of Christian leaders have given their endorsement.

Since the entire Bible can't be covered in 10 hours, the miniseries, which was filmed in Morocco, focuses on a select group of stories and features such compelling figures as Abraham, Moses and David. Some stories had to be compressed for artistic purposes.

Questions? Comments? Have something to share with the congregation? Submit your ideas, announcements or articles for the weekly bulletin no later than Wednesday for inclusion in that Sunday’s bulletin. You can call the Church Office at 447-8840, or submit your ideas, questions and comments via email to admin@holycrosslivermore.org

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“The Way:

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”

Midweek Lenten Services

Wednesday’s

6:00 – Meal

6:30 – Worship

Feb. 27: Proclaiming the Kingdom

March 6: Calming the Storm March 13: Sinners, Outcasts, and the Poor

March 20: The Final Week