Peace with Creation: Voice of the PsalmsSeptember 28, 2025
Prelude:Ode to Aphrodite Michael LevyGreek lyre meditation recorded in Lancaut Nature Reserve - once a tiny
village, long-abandoned during the Middle Ages, all that remains is the
ruins of a 12th century church.
Welcome and Announcements
*Greeting, Confession, and Forgiveness
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
One: Come, let us worship God, the Creator of all things, who calls
us to dwell in peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet
resting places.
We gather in gratitude for God’s creation, longing for justice and
peace to abide in the land.
Come, let us follow the Lord Jesus Christ, who reconciles all things
and leads us in the way of righteousness, so that the wilderness may
become a fruitful field and the fruitful field be deemed a forest.
We come to walk in the footsteps of Christ, seeking healing for
creation and peace for all people.
Come, let us move with the Holy Spirit, the breath of life, who is
poured out upon us, bringing renewal to the earth and restoring the
harmony of Creation.
We praise God, who revives the land and calls us to be
peacemakers with all of Creation.
The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of
righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
God of justice and peace, we gather in Your presence, united
with all living beings. We come in hope, in worship, and in
commitment to live as caretakers of your world.
May our prayers rise like incense, and our worship be a song of love
for all creation.
We thank the Lord for giving life to all Creation! We thank God
for our neighbors’ lives, human and non-human alike.
As we gather, we share the hope and the sufferings of our sisters and
brothers in the whole Creation,
In communion with the waves of the sea, with the waves of the
trees, we recite Psalm 139:14 together: “I praise you, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made.” We love you, God. Amen.
(adapted from WCC Ecumenical Centre’s Morning Prayer, Geneva, Led by ACT)
*Prayer of Confession
Creator God, God of the oceans
God of the land and all that is within it.
You created this world with the power of your word.
You formed humankind with your own hands,
and breathed your own breath into us us these lands as a gift—
a source of our identity and sustenance.
empowered us to be the guardians of what you have made.
Loving God, we have failed you and abused the gift you have
given us. We have offended you and defiled what you have
made.
Forgive us for betraying your trust.
Forgive us for our greed and arrogance.
Forgive us for what we have done to your Earth.
Forgive us for what we have done to your oceans.
Forgive us for what we have done to your creatures—
on the land, in the sky, and in the depths.
Hear, O God of Compassion:
Thee cries of the land—now a desert,
laid barren through corrupt agricultural practices,
pollution, mining and deforestation.
The cries of the islands—drowning in rising seas,
oceans swelling with melting ice.
The cries of distress from Mother Earth—
storm and drought.
God of Life,
Heal your wounded Earth.
Empower us to choose the road that leads to life.
Guide us in the paths of righteousness, for your name’s sake,
so that we may experience once again
your Shalom in the land and in the sea.
This we ask in the name of the one
who came that we may have life in abundance—
your Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen
(©2012 Rev. James Bhagwan, Fiji)
*Proclamation of Forgiveness
May our God have mercy on us, forgive us our trespasses and give
us new life.
Indeed, God has promised grace and forgiveness to us:
“My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings,
and in quiet resting places.” (Isaiah 32:18)
Let us rejoice and trust in our calling, live as we are called to live,
reconciled with the Creator, ambassadors for Christ, filled with the
Holy Spirit.
*Gathering Hymn ELW 876 Let The Whole Creation Cry
*Prayer of the Day
Let us pray: God of power, God of people, you are the life of all
that lives, the energy that fills the earth, the vitality that brings
to birth, the impetus in making whole whatever is broken. In you
we grow to know the truth that sets all creation free. You are
the song the whole earth sings, the promise liberation brings,
now and forever. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 19 with commentary from Dr. Ellen Beck
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens
and its circuit to the end of them,
and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect one’s own errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 8 Plain text: Organ side Bold text: Pulpit side
O | Lord our Lord,
how majestic is your name in | all the earth!—
You whose glory is chanted above the heavens out of the mouths of in- | fants and children;
You have set up a fortress against your enemies, to silence the foe | and avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work | of your fingers,
the moon and the stars you have set | in their courses,
what are mere mortals that you should be mind- | ful of them,
human beings that you should | care for them?
Yet you have made them little less | than divine;
with glory and hon- | or you crown them.
You have made them rule over the works | of your hands;
You have put all things un- | der their feet:
all | flocks and cattle,
even the wild beasts | of the field,
the birds of the air, the fish | of the sea,
and whatever passes along the paths | of the sea.
ALL:
O | Lord our Lord,
how majestic is your name in | all the earth!
Psalm 104: 1, 2B-5,10-13,24-30
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul.
O Lord my God, you are very great.
You are clothed with honor and majesty,
2 wrapped in light as with a garment.
You stretch out the heavens like a tent;
3 you set the beams of your chambers on the waters;
you make the clouds your chariot;
you ride on the wings of the wind;
4 you make the winds your messengers,
fire and flame your ministers.
5 You set the earth on its foundations,
so that it shall never be shaken.
10 You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills,
11 giving drink to every wild animal;
the wild asses quench their thirst.
12 By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation;
they sing among the branches.
13 From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
24 O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 There is the sea, great and wide;
creeping things innumerable are there,
living things both small and great.
26 There go the ships
and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.
27 These all look to you
to give them their food in due season;
28 when you give to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
Sermon Pastor Jim Friedrich
Matthew 7:7
Offering
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Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222
*Offering Prayer
Let us pray…Creator God, in your wisdom you bring forth all that
is good and the harvest is plentiful. Strengthen us at your table
with these gifts of the earth
and our labor, that we may work for the good of all; through
Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Special Message Christina Bagaglio Slentz, PhD
*Prayers of IntercessionResponse to each petition:
God of grace, hear our prayer.
*Apostle’s 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.
*Exchange of Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
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.
*The Great Thanksgiving
Blessed are you, Lord God, our light and our salvation; to you be
glory and praise for ever. From the beginning you have created all
things and all your works echo the silent music of your praise. In the
fullness of time you made us in your image, the crown of all creation.
You give us breath and speech, that with angels and archangels and
all the powers of heaven we may find a voice to sing your praise:
*Preface
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. Hosanna in the
highest.
*Sanctus
*Eucharistic Prayer
*The Lord’s Prayer
Lord, remember us in your Kingdom and teach us to pray:
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.
Agnus Dei Lamb of God
Communion Music: When I Gaze on Creation Choir
*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.
Lord of all Creation, as we have received the bread and wine,
Fruits of the earth and tokens of salvation, so with joy we
celebrate your goodness and commit ourselves to serve you on
your earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Sending Song Touch the Earth Lightly
*Blessing & Dismissal
Go in peace, dear friends, live in peace with Creation… And may the
blessing of the Most Holy Trinity accompany you: The Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Spirit, the one God, to whom be glory, for ever.
Amen
Go in eager and refreshing hope. Work with Christ risen from the
dead, to fulfill the promise of a new creation. Thanks be to God.
Postlude Praise and Thanksgiving Tune-Bunessan arr. Fred Bock
Praise and thanksgiving | Father we offer
For all things living | You have made good
Harvest of sown fields | Fruits of the orchard
Hay from the mown fields | Blossom and wood -Albert F. Bayly
Sanctuary Flowers were given by
Lorena Lara & Peter Myrda for
health and stability.
Announcements
Council Corner: Strategic Ministry Plan
The Council will engage in a Fall Retreat October 25th, mainly to confirm FLC’s
Strategic Priorities. It’s been almost five years since our last deep dive, and as the
backdrop of the world continues to evolve, we agreed it is again time to prayerfully
examine and revise, if needed.
Today after worship: Christina Bagaglio
Slentz PhD
Today we celebrate the Voice of the
Psalmist. Our special guest today for our
worship and forum is Dr. Christina Bagaglio
Slentz, PhD. Dr. Slentz is a former Navy
intelligence officer. She is a member of
Sacred Heart Parish in Coronado, and on
staff of the San Diego Roman Catholic
Diocesan Office for Life, Peace and Justice
as Associate Director for Creation Care
Ministry. Please join us after worship to hear
more from Dr. Slentz.
Deacon Margy volunteered to frame a series of
questions we’ll discuss as a congregation in small
groups following worship on both October 12th and
19th. In addition, we’ll offer these discussions virtually
on October 20th at 5:30, October 21st at noon, and
October 22nd at 5:30. We’re asking you attend one of
these five sessions to offer input. RSVP is required!
Use the QR code to register for your session. Limited
seats are available in each session. REGISTER HERE!
We’ll collect the notes from these discussions to guide the Council Retreat. Our
strategic alignment as a church family continues to enable us to be the Heart of Christ
in the Heart of the City!
Next Sunday: Blessing of the Animals
On St. Francis of Assisi Day, we host a
blessing of the animals for the FLC and
larger community. This ceremony will take
the same structure as last year. We will
begin with an abbreviated worship in the
sanctuary at 10:00am, followed by a
blessing of the animals on the patio at
11:00am. The patio will be shaded, thanks
to Joe Slevcove! We invite you to bring
your pets to be blessed during this
celebration, and everyone is encouraged to
spread the word to neighbors and friends.
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Volunteer Award Nominations
Our volunteer appreciation celebration will take place
on November 9 after worship in the lobby. Everyone is
invited to help us celebrate our faithful volunteers who
keep the ministry of FLC alive!
This year, we will be collecting nominations for the
coveted "Volunteer of the Year" Award! Make your
nomination using this QR code. The link will also be
provided in Heartbeat.
Oct 18: Bike the Bay the “TACO
Way”
Enjoy a fun and challenging ride
around San Diego Bay to benefit the
wonderful work that TACO does
every day! This is a 25 (or 50) mile
long, mostly flat family-friendly ride—
everyone can do it! Check out the
TACO website or Heartbeat for more
information. We have several teams
signed up, and riders will be entered
into a raffle for prizes! We still need
help with:
• Preparing rider packets
• Aid station supplies: pumps, tubes,
etc.
• Large water jug for riders at FLC
Let Erin know if you can help!
Sanctuary Flowers: Sponsors needed!
October 5
(Blessing of the
animals)>
< October 12
Pastor Kurt Vacation
Pastor Kurt and Colleen are on vacation
in the Boston/Cape Cod area for some
relaxation, a wedding, and a visit with
Analiese. Please keep them in your
prayers for safe travel. Contact Erin if
you need immediate assistance while he
is away. He will be return on Saturday.
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New FLC Class on Christianity and
Politics
As Christians, what can we do without
violating a legitimate respect for our
government? Pastor Kurt and Jim Boyd
would like to address these issues in a
theologically sound and action-oriented
study. Our question: Would you attend such
a study? It would most likely have to be a
brown-bag lunch on Saturday. If this is of
interest to you, please complete the survey
here. (Last call!)
Monday Pastor Kurt vacation
12:00 AA in the lobby
4:00 TACO meal and clinics
Wednesday Pastor Kurt vacation
10:00 TACO Starbucks & Snacks
Thursday Pastor Kurt vacation
9:30 Chinese Bible Study
12:00 Al Anon in the library
Friday Pastor Kurt vacation
9:00 TACO meal
12:00 AA in the library
Saturday Pastor Kurt vacation
12:00 TACO First Saturday
Giveaway
6:30 AA in the lobby
Sunday 9:00 Bible Study
10:00 Worship
11:00 Blessing of the Animals
3:00 Chinese Bible Church
Worship
This Week at FLC
TACO Bites
Our partner ministry, Third Avenue
Charitable Organization (TACO), “is a
community drawn together to support the
dignity, health, and well-being of people
among us experiencing homelessness and
poverty.”
Bike the Bay is October 18! There is
still time to sign up or volunteer.
The Lucky Duck Foundation will be
matching up to $30K of donations to
TACO through October 31! Now is a
great time to get the most out of your
donation to TACO.
Shower trailer help: TACO is looking
for a dedicated helper to tow the
shower trailer from Santee to FLC and
back on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.
Can you help?
Fellow FLC volunteers, October 6 is
the first Monday of the month and
our evening to assist with serving
dinner at TACO. Please consider
giving 2 hours of your time for this
worthwhile and heartwarming
experience. If you can give of your
time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on
Monday October 6, please let Joann
Masters know, either at church or by
email: jbmasters56@gmail.com, and
she'll take care of signing you up.
Come join the fun! Looking forward
to seeing you there.
October 6: FLC Night at TACO
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Welcome!
First Lutheran Church of San Diego is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation committed
to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Since 1989 we’ve been explicitly and
vibrantly welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender
expressions, races, and ethnic backgrounds. Being so, enriches and greatly strengthens
our faith community.
About Us
The heart of Christ in the heart of the
city
A congregation of the Pacifica
Synod/Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America
Proclaiming Christ’s name in
downtown San Diego since 1888
Feeding God’s blessed hungry ones
since 1975
First Lutheran Church worships and
works on the unceded territory of the
Kumeyaay People.
How to contact us
Pastor Kurt 619-234-6149 ext 2. pastorkurt@firstlutheransd.org
Church Administrator (Erin) 619-234-6149 ext 1 administrator@firstlutheransd.org
*Please contact the Church Administrator if you would like to be added to our weekly e-newsletter.
Find more information,
news, and events on our
website:
www.FirstLutheranSD.org
First Lutheran Church San Diego
@firstlutheransd
@FLCSanDiego
