THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY Reconciled In Christ Sunday January 26, 2025 10:00 a.m. |
PRELUDE
All the Colors of the Rainbow ABBOTS LEIGH arr. Mark Sedio
In 1942, during World War II, Rev. Cyril Vincent Taylor (1907–1991), then a producer of Religious Broadcasting at the BBC and stationed in the village, wrote a hymn tune which he named after it, and this tune became one of the first widely known through the radio. I chose it as a communion hymn bringing All to the Lord’s table as well as a prelude with multiple colors of the organ as well. - Engel
WELCOME
- SOLA GRATIA +
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation. Amen.
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness.
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.
Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.
By water and your Word you claim us as your children, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.
We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.
Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
KYRIE AND HYMN OF PRAISE
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray together:
Holy God, your Word teaches us, calls us, and shapes us, that we will become the wisdom of God and the body of Christ for others. On this Reconciling in Christ Sunday may your word turn us toward what is good and holy and just, that all your beloveds of all sexual and romantic orientations, identities, and expressions will know we are seen, known, and loved by you. May the example of Jesus continue to create words and action of courage in the work and ministry of antiracism. Amen.
WHY WE WELCOME? WHY RIC? Chuck Leib
COMMUNAL LAMENT based on Psalm 10
In response to the ways that people have been excluded and condemned for whom they love and their gender identities or expressions, let us call out to the God who knows the depths of our sorrows and shares the grief in our hearts.
Come near to us God of love and show us the way.
O God, when racism, intolerance, and queerphobia, homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia feel inescapable and it is hard to imagine justice and a love that welcomes all of your children to our community, you seem hidden and far away. Come closer and dwell among us, encouraging us as we build resilient and just communities.
Come near to us God of love and show us the way.
O God, we have witnessed the harm and suffering of many beloved children, especially those whose sexual or romantic orientation, gender identity, or gender expression do not follow the patterns of patriarchy. Challenge us to disrupt this way of treating people who need our love and support.
Come near to us God of love and show us the way.
O God, we have witnessed the harm and suffering of many people, especially those whose race, ethnicity, or immigration status cause us to ignore needs as we tolerate racism, xenophobia, and the lack of equity in our society that keep many of your beloved children from full belonging.
Come near to us God of love and show us the way.
Help us to remember that you see us: our troubles and grief, the broken relationships that
undermine community, our weakness and lack of courage in confronting evil. You hold our pain. We can leave it all to you. You are our helper.
Come near to us God of love and show us the way.
Help us to remember that you listen to our desires and calm our troubled hearts. We can cry out to you. You will not abandon us.
Come near to us God of love and show us the way.
God, rise up and comfort us so we no longer have to be afraid. Lead us to trust in the hope and promise of a resilient community, with justice for the oppressed, afflicted, and excluded.
Amen!
- SOLA SCRIPTURA +
READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
The exiles have returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now Ezra, the priest, reads the law of Moses to them in the public square. When they hear it, they weep for their sins and for the long years in exile, but Ezra reminds them that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
1 All the people of Israel gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. 2 Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. 3 He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 8 So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
A LIVING PSALM Susan Jester
Activist, Agitator, Ally, Child of God
EPISTLE LESSON: from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 12:12-31a
The apostle and pastor Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe how intimately connected we are in the church. For this struggling congregation in Corinth, Paul delivers a vital message of unity that is a mark of the church today.
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; 24 whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25 that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31a But strive for the greater gifts.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: Luke 4:14-21 Glory to you, O Lord.
Near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, he visits his hometown of Nazareth. In the words of Isaiah, he states and claims his identity, purpose, and mission.
14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
HOMILY Pastor Kurt
- SOLA FIDE +
HYMN OF THE DAY My Life Flows On In Endless Song
OFFERING An Offering of Service
Installation of Church Council
The following people have been elected by the congregation to positions of leadership… We give thanks for their willingness to serve. In baptism we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God; we rejoice now that these individuals will lead us in our common life and our mutual mission as a congregation.
Joann Masters, Joyce Sensmeier, Troy Hanson, Kaaren Nyberg, Rich Masters, Richard Phillips, Joe Slevcove, Rebecca Kjonegaard, and Deacon Margy Schmitt-Ajer
On behalf of the whole body of Christ in this place, I ask you:
Will you accept and faithfully carry out the duties of the offices to which you have been elected?
I will, and I ask God to help and guide me.
People of God, I ask you:
Will you support these, your elected leaders, and will you share in the mutual ministry
that Christ has given to all who are baptized?
We will, and we ask God to help and guide us.
I now declare you installed as the council members of this congregation.
Almighty God bless you, and direct your days and your deeds in peace,
that you may be faithful servants of Christ.
Amen.
OUR OFFERING OF RESOURCES
Give online using the QR code to the right
or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222
Music Choir with David Pohl
In His House there’s Room for All by Sandy Willard Rogers
Based on the 14th chapter of St.Luke
OFFERING PRAYER
God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Fill us with all the good at your table that we may, in turn, come to the help of all in need through Jesus Christ, our redeemer, and Lord.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
*each petition will end with the phrase “God of grace,” your response is “hear our prayer.”
AFFIRMATION BAPTISM & OUR COMMON FAITH
Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism as we come before God to make public affirmation of baptism and faithful trust in Christ. We pray “Merciful God, you made us your own by water and the Word. You have called us to yourself, enlightened us with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished us in the community of faith. We know that God desires full life for all. As a church we also recognize that too many beloved children whose sexual or romantic orientation, gender identity, or gender expression do not follow the patterns of sexism and patriarchy are too often restricted from realizing abundant life. Therefore we make bold to say…
This church names as sin the social forces that silence, control, or devalue people on the basis of sexual or romantic orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We affirm all people are created in God’s image, and we reject any power, privilege, or prejudice that undermines our community and disrupts joy, gladness, relationships, and flourishing life for all people.
I invite you to profess your faith, renouncing the forces of evil and the power of sin. Do you renounce the powers of racism, sexism, queerphobia, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and ableism?
We renounce them.
Do you renounce systems of oppression that harm God’s children?
We renounce them.
Do you renounce the sins of silence that draw one away from God and neighbor?
We renounce them.
Do you believe in God the Creator?
We believe in you, O God, who spoke all life into being, author of heaven and earth, architect of time, quilter of the cosmos. You shape our bodies from the dust of the ground, and by your breath we are given life.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
We believe in you, O God, who became incarnate in Christ Jesus, the Word made flesh, truly divine and truly human. You lived among us to reveal your justice, died among us to break the bonds of sin and death, and were raised among us to bring abundant life.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
We believe in you, O God, who transforms us by the Holy Spirit, draws us into community, moves us to action, and inspires us to hope against hope. You breathe new life into a fallen world and equip us to proclaim the good news of resurrecting love. All thanks and praise to you, O God, our beginning and our end. Amen.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE
The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
COMMUNION LITURGY FOR EPIPHANY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.
By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, …
… Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit, that we who share in Christ’s body and blood may live to the praise of your glory and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.
OUR LORD'S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Come, let us share this meal of gladness.
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
First Lutheran invites all who trust that God is somehow present in the bread and wine, however full of mystery that might be for you, to join us at the Table of Grace and Thanksgiving. Please cup your hands to receive the host (bread, we also have gluten free wafers upon request) then you may dip the bread into the chalices of wine. Beyond the common cups are individual chalices on the silver trays. In the center of each tray there is white grape juice for those who prefer.
AGNUS DEI (Lamb of God)
COMMUNION HYMN All The Colors of The Rainbow to the tune Abbots Leigh
All the colors of the rainbow live unseen in daily light,
but their splendors find expression / when released to human sight;
so the church reveals most beauty / where diversity is real:
breadth of race and class and gender, / room for doubt, and space to heal.
All the body’s parts are wanted, / nor can one despise the rest:
head and hand must work together, / as must eye, ear, throat, and chest;
so the church needs all its members / for a range of ministries:
varied gifts with one great mission, / ”Do this for the least of these.”
Every language gains more music / when the words for peace appear:
Pax, Salaam, Eiríni, Heiwa, / Pace, Santi, Frieden, Mir.
Though our tongues make sounds that vary / all bespeak a common home:
longing for the end of conflict / and new life in God’s Shalom.
Teach us, God, our need of others; / through them help us fully live.
Wean us from our selfish habits; / let us listen, learn, forgive.
May we see your longed-for image / in each human heart and face,
and behold how those around us / can be channels of your grace.
Text by Carl P. Daw Jr. 2016 Hope Publishing Company
COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER
Now may the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace. Amen.
Nourishing God, at this table you have refreshed us with holy gifts of food and drink.
Strengthen us for service, and send us out to embody your good news of liberation and healing for the sake of the world. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.
SENDING SONG Let Us Build A House
BLESSING & BENEDICTION
The Spirit of the triune God bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion,
and send you in love. Amen.
Go in peace. Live in Hope.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Improv on Two Themes arr. Bill Engel
The postlude combines ‘Prince of Tides Theme’ song by James Newton Howard released in 1991 with ‘All Are Welcome’ by Marty Haugen. As we will be riding many waves over the next 4 years I dedicate this postlude to Susan Jester who will lead us all into more Light.
SENDING HYMN Let Us Build A House
Sanctuary Flowers are sponsored by Chuck Leib & Frank DeLouise
in celebration of Reconciling In Christ Sunday. First Lutheran is a blessing to the LGBT community!
The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor
Bill Engel, Music Director
Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax
Paul Engel, Cantor
Erin Pfaff, Lector
Mary Ann Horton, Assisting Minister
David Pohl, Joann Masters, Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel, Ellen Beck,
Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Elizabeth Connolly, Victoria Pearson, Singers
Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Sound, Video, & Computer
Ruth Clayton, Melinda Person, Ushers
Paula Gutterud, Fellowship snacks
Hymns, Prayers, Liturgy
from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year C
© 2020 Augsburg Fortress
reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Keeping it out Front…Our Strategic Ministry At Work
First Lutheran Church Congregational Priorities:
- Connecting with each other
- Fostering leadership
- Attending to our Virtual Community
- Incorporating Children, Youth, & Families into the Life of the Congregation.
- Justice focus of Anti-Racism, Diversity and Racial Justice
Today After Worship: Susan Jester
To help us celebrate and understand what we are called to do as an RIC congregation, Susan Jester will be joining us today, both during worship to share her testimony, and afterwards for a forum. Susan is an active member and staff person at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. Please join us after worship!
Sponsor a Tree for Epiphany
To celebrate Epiphany, we'd like to set up a set of live trees in the sanctuary as a reminder of the living word and Christ's light. If you'd like to sponsor a tree, please register on our website by clicking on the GIVE tab. The cost is $75 and you can take the tree home to plant after Epiphany is concluded!
Lenten Devotional Writers
Once again, we will publish our First Lutheran Church Lenten Devotionals for the 2025 season of Lent. At this time, we are only asking you to let us know if you would offer your time and talent to this ministry. Whether you’ve done this before or are newly considering it, know your gift reaches people beyond the walls of Third and Ash. Email Frank De Louise at fpdcgl@yahoo.com with your commitment and questions or reach out to Pastor Kurt or Erin.
February Book Group News
Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this month’s selection, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, is the story of a boy born to a teen-aged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. This Pulitzer Prize winning novel was inspired by Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield, which explored Dickens’s experience as a survivor of institutional poverty many generations ago and its damages to children in his society. These problems have yet to be solved in ours. One reviewer notes, “Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, this is the story of an irrepressible boy nobody wants, but readers will love.” Please join us to discuss this book on Thursday, February 20, 4:00PM in the church library. Erin Pfaff and Jeannie Roehrs will host. New participants warmly welcomed at any time!
Save the Date! April 4: Shabbat Dinner at FLC
The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla hosts “Shine A Light Shabbat Dinners” in churches across the county as part of a powerful effort to stand against anti-semitism and build one-on-one relationships. The JCC and our Jewish communal partners will handle all the logistics–food, staffing, and preparation. This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to share experiences, break bread together, and nurture fellowship between our communities. In times when division can feel overwhelming, moments of connection like these are more important than ever. Please join us! More details to come.
Bible Study
Join Pastor Kurt and Jim Boyd for a weekly dive into the Bible. We meet every Sunday at 9:00 in the Church Library for study, coffee, donuts, and discussion. For the new season of Epiphany we will be looking at the weekly lessons appointed for each Sunday. Join us, everyone is welcome at the table.
TACO Bites
- The shower trailer will be parked in our lot for a little longer than originally anticipated as we get it set up. We hope to resume shower service in February.
- It's winter, and TACO is in immediate need of bags, blankets, men’s pants, men’s shoes, and men’s hoodies. Any donations are always welcome, but these items are in especially great demand right now.
- TACO is exploring the possibility of offering free haircuts to clients on shower days. Do you know of anyone who would be interested in donating their services?
- Empty Bowls will be returning this year, but we are in need of new pottery studios to donate bowls. Do you know of anyone who would be interested in donating bowls?
This week at FLC
Monday |
12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO meal & clinics |
Wednesday |
10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet |
Thursday |
12:00 Al Anon in the library |
Friday |
9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby |
Saturday |
12:00 TACO First Saturday Giveaway |
Sunday |
9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship |
How to contact us
Pastor Kurt: 619-234-6149 ext. 2 or 619-323-7587 PastorKurt@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours best made by appointment.
Church Administrator (Erin): 619-234-6149 ext. 1 administrator@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours: M, T, Th: 2-5, W, F: 11-2
First Lutheran Church worships and works on the unceded territory
of the Kumeyaay People










