First Lutheran Church

First Lutheran Church is live

23rd Sunday after Pentecost/Hymfest-ival

Chat

Scripture

Playlist

Loading chat...

TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

HYMNFEST

November 16, 2025 10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING HYMNS Part I

All Are Welcome

Let us build a house where love can dwell

and all can safely live,

a place where saints and children tell

how hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions,

rock of faith and vault of grace;

here the love of Christ shall end divisions:

Refrain

All are welcome, all are welcome,

all are welcome in this place.

Lift Every Voice & Sing

Lift ev'ry voice and sing till earth and heaven ring,

ring with the harmonies of liberty.

Let our rejoicing rise high as the list'ning skies,

let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us;

sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

let us march on till victory is won

Praise to the Lord, The Almighty #858

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!

Let all who hear now to his temple draw near,

joining in glad adoration!

Lord of All Hopefulness #765

1 Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy:

be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,

your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the Holy Trinity, one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. Amen.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.

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. Amen.

Praise to the Lord, The Almighty

1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!

Let all who hear now to his temple draw near,

joining in glad adoration!

Lord of All Hopefulness

1 Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy:

be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,

your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy

Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY Lead Me, Guide Me

Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

FIRST READING: Malachi 4:1-2a

1 See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2a But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

PSALM Earth & All Stars

1 Earth and all stars! Loud rushing planets!

Sing to the Lord a new song!

Hail, wind, and rain! Loud blowing snowstorm!

Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain

Refrain

God has done marvelous things.

I too sing praises with a new song!

SECOND READING: Colossians 3:14-17

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION I Love to Tell the Story

I love to tell the story

of unseen things above,

of Jesus and his glory,

of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story,

because I know it's true;

it satisfies my longings

as nothing else would do.

Refrain

I love to tell the story;

'twill be my theme in glory

to tell the old, old story

of Jesus and his love.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 21:5-19

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, [Jesus] said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”

7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them.

9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

A MUSICAL MESSAGE Rev. Bill Radatz

HYMNS OF THE DAY

What a Friend We Have in Jesus #742

1 What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

ev'rything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit;

oh, what needless pain we bear--

all because we do not carry

ev'rything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged--

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness--

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away
Stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suff'ring and shame
And I love that old Cross
Where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Oh, that old rugged Cross
So despised by the world
Has a wondrous attraction for me
For the dear Lamb of God
Left His Glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary

How Great Thou Art

1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

consider all the works thy hand hath made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed;

Refrain

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,

how great thou art! How great thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,

how great thou art! How great thou art!

2 When through the woods and forest glades I wander,

I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;

when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; Refrain

Amazing Grace #779

1 Amazing grace! how sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

was blind, but now I see.

2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

The Peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION APOSTLE’S CREED We share together in our ancient story of faith

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.

OFFERING

Give online using the QR code to the right

Music Now Thank We All Our God

1 Now thank we all our God

with hearts and hands and voices,

who wondrous things has done,

in whom this world rejoices;

who, from our mothers' arms,

has blest us on our way

with countless gifts of love,

and still is ours today.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

1 Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

there is no shadow of turning with thee;

thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;

as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Refrain

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

all I have needed thy hand hath provided;

great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray…God of healing and hope,

you bless those who are hungry,

promising to fill them with good things.

Fulfill that promise through us and these your gifts.

Nourish us with the abundance of your feast

and unite us into the blessed body of Jesus Christ our Savior,

now and forever.

Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

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.

PREFACE

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;

who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. 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:

SANCTUS Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty #413

1 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.

Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

On the night our Lord Jesus was betrayed…

Remembering, then, his death and resurrection, we take this bread and cup, giving you thanks that you have made us worthy to stand before you and to serve you as your priestly people.

Send your Spirit upon these gifts of your church; gather into one all who share this bread and wine; fill us with your Holy Spirit to establish our faith in truth, that we may praise and glorify you through your Son Jesus Christ; through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever.

Amen.

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

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.

COMMUNION MUSIC

Beautiful Savior #838

Beautiful Savior,

King of creation,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Truly I'd love thee,

truly I'd serve thee,

light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

When Peace Like a River (All is Well with My Soul) #785

It Is Well with My Soul

1 When peace like a river attendeth my way,

when sorrows like sea billows roll,

whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

it is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

It is well (it is well)

with my soul, (with my soul,)

it is well, it is well with my soul.

I Want Jesus to Walk with Me #325

I want Jesus to walk with me;

all along my pilgrim journey,

Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

Just as I am #592

1 Just as I am, without one plea,

but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou bidd'st me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

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.

Gracious God, you gathered us to your table and we drank deeply of your grace.

Send us out by your Spirit to love our neighbors as ourselves and proclaim your love in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SENDING SONGS

Shine, Jesus, Shine

Shine, Jesus shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory, Blaze, Spirit blaze, Set our hearts on fi re. Flow, river fl ow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy, Send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light.

Lord, the light of Your love is shining, In the midst of the darkness, shining, Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us, Set us free by the truth You now bring us, Shine on me, shine on me.

Shine, Jesus shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory, Blaze, Spirit blaze, Set our hearts on fire. Flow, river flow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy, Send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light.

We Are Marching

We are marching in the light of God,

we are marching in the light of God.

We are marching in the light of God,

we are marching in the light of God.

We are marching, (marching, we are marching, marching,)

we are marching in the light of God.

We are marching, (marching, we are marching, marching,)

we are marching in the light of God.

We are singing . . .

Halle, Halle, Hallelujah #172

Halle, halle, hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

BLESSING & DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Live by the Spirit.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Sanctuary Flowers were given by Chuck Leib & Frank DeLouise in memory of Chuck’s father, Charlie Leib.

The Rev. Kurt R. Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Saxophone

Peleiah Baesa, Violin

Jan Neuhaus, Cantor

Joe Slevcove, Lector

Mary Ann Horton, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Deacon Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel, Billie Thompson, Elizabeth Connolly, Singers

Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker Sound, Video, & Computer

Ruth Clayton, Melinda Person, Kersten Sutter, Ushers

Paul Engel, Fellowship Snacks

confession & forgiveness, prayer of the day, offering prayer, and dismissal

from Sundays and Seasons 2021, Year B

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

kyrie, preface, eucharist, sanctus, agnus dei, nunc dimittis

from Evangelical Lutheran Worship setting 2

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

hymn of praise

from Evangelical Lutheran Worship setting 3

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License A-710629.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Sunday: Thanksgiving Feast Fellowship

Let’s feast together after worship on November 23rd! We will give thanks for our community and enjoy each other’s company. Invite your friends and family to join. In fact, this would be a great year to think about who you might know that is alone or low on resources. Invite them to join as well. Let’s run out of food! Sign-up sheets to cook a purchased turkey or bring a dish will be in the Lounge after worship Nov 9th & 16th. You can sign up to cook a turkey (and gravy), bring mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberries, rolls, salads or pies (for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the pies!) Contact Colleen at colleen.kramer@gmail.com for questions/suggestions.

November Book Group News

Enslaved Jim who overhears he is about to be sold and separated from his wife and daughter, and Huck Finn who fakes his own death to escape a violent father, take off on a dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River. In James: A Novel, author Percival Everett reinvents this familiar story using many narrative pieces of the original story (floods, storms, treasure, death and scam artists) but tells it from Jim’s point of view, showing Jim’s intelligence and compassion in a radical new light. We will meet for discussion and fellowship on Thursday, November 20, 4:00PM in the church’s library. Jeannie Roehrs & Wane Guttered will host. Don’t forget to complete the survey to vote for next year’s books by Wednesday at noon!

First Lutheran Church: A Light in the Darkness, A Guide to Peace

As God’s people, we are called, like John, to point to God’s light and be God’s peace. Financial stewardship is our grateful response to the dawn God has given us —offering our time, our gifts, and our resources so that others may also know the peace of Christ. When we care for one another, support the mission of the church, and share God’s love beyond our walls, we become part of God’s guiding light in the world. Every year, believers are asked to make an annual commitment of resources to God’s work through their local congregation. This year, on Sunday, November 23rd, you will be invited to share your annual financial commitment. Thank you for the many ways you shine Christ’s light at First and in our community. As we look ahead in faith, may the Lord continue to guide our feet into the way of peace. Please collect your packet after worship today. Prayerfully consider how you can contribute during 2026 and return your commitment card next Sunday, November 23 to be blessed during worship.

Cradle of Hope, Near and Far

The season of Advent is, once again, upon us when we will be preparing for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It has been our practice for many years here at First Lutheran, to participate in the Welcome the Babe project. This seasonal donation allows us to purchase specific baby items for mothers, children and families anywhere that there is great need.

This season, however, we are going to combine a Global ministry with a local ministry by working with Lutheran World Relief and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America to provide aide to international villages / cities in great need and a local, San Diego charity (still researching options) to provide baby clothes and items to mothers and families in great need. This arrangement of distributing our resources will not only provide much needed food, care, services and baby items to those in great need throughout the world, but it will also help us save money in not having to pay for shipping costs for the baby kits. You can donate online by selecting the "Cradle of Hope" dropdown option. More detailed information will follow in the coming weeks. Thank you to all, for your support in this ministry.

No Fair Trade Fair this year

We had previously announced that Fair Trade Fair would be held in December. However, Fair Trade Fair will not be taking place this year. We still encourage you to seek out local and fair trade gifts during the holiday season!

FLC Annual Meeting Part 1: December 14

FLC hosts the annual meeting in two parts. The first part will take place December 14, where the budget will be voted on by all active members. In preparation to vote, the budget will be distributed and discussed on December 7. This forum will be a chance to understand the finances of FLC and get your questions answered. Mark your calendars for our second annual meeting to take place on January 25, where the annual report will be presented.

Seeking 2 new council members

Are you interested in serving the congregation as a Council Member? Terms are three years, and we are looking to fill 2 seats starting in January. Please speak with Pastor Kurt or Troy if you are interested.

TACO Bites

Concrete Christmas wrapping party: Some of you with keen eyes noticed a discrepancy in the advertised dates for the wrapping party for Concrete Christmas. The wrapping party will take place on December 13, not December 20. Please plan to attend on the 13th for a festive wrapping celebration!
Restocking the clothing closet: TACO has cleaned out the closet and is now ready to restock its inventory with gently used clothing & shoes, and new socks & underwear. We are especially in need of men’s T-shirts and casual pants. Please leave donations outside the TACO downstairs office.
Financial Update: Thank you so much for your generous outpouring to TACO’s recent financial need. TACO was able to raise over $100,000 (including the $30,000 Lucky Duck matching funds) during the month of October and is now on solid footing to keep the momentum going!

Check our website and Heartbeat e-news for more!

If you would like to receive our weekly announcements please email the church office at administrator@firstlutheransd.org

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lobby 3:00 FLC night at TACO; meal and clinics
Tuesday	6:30 FLC Council in the library
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet
Thursday	9:30 Chinese Church bible study 12:00 Al Anon in the library 4:00 Book Group in the library
Friday	9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby
Saturday	6:30 AA in the lobby
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 11:30 Thanksgiving Feast Fellowship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship