Service of the Word
May 23, 2021
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GATHERING
Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Crossing all boundaries that would separate us, the Spirit brings the wideness of God’s mercy to places we least expect it—to a crowd of strangers of different lands and tongues, to dry bones, to our weak hearts. Jesus promises his disciples that they will be accompanied by the Holy Spirit, and that this Spirit reveals the truth. We celebrate that we too have been visited with this same Spirit. Guided by the truth, we join together in worship, and then disperse to share the fullness of Christ’s love with the world.
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WELCOME
An extremely warm welcome to all (it'll reach 90 here today) as we worship in Service of the Word on this great Festival of Pentecost. The gift of the promised Holy Spirit finalizes Easter, closing the season in a fiery fashion. So the church calendar is divided equally in half; today we finish the first, which encompasses the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of our Lord. Then we enter the second, taking up the next six months, when we seek to learn better what the words and deeds of Jesus mean for us in matters of faith and hope. And then come next December we do it all over again, beginning with Advent preparations for our namesake: The Nativity of our Lord.
I use the term 'we' loosely; I won't be here for that. In fact, today begins another 50 day stretch, these are the days for winding up and down as your pastor, heading to retirement at the end of June. Fifty days from today Nativity will officially welcome Pastor Mitch with a reception following worship on July 11th. We do share an anticipatory feeling for what's next for both of us, and we are busy in our respective transitions. But our main focus will be together here for these next few weeks, both in celebration and preparation. This is exemplar of life's dynamism, and we don't embrace this shift with benign static stoicism; if it is to happen it needs to catch up with us, for we are a people on the move.
I also won't be with you next week, we are in South Carolina finally seeing our grandsons; I hope they recognize me...I am sure my grand dog Penny will! So we shall welcome Pastor Ron to preside and preach, both here and on the lawn at Nativity next Sunday. Keep Ron and the good people of Messiah Lutheran, our close neighbor and sister congregation, in your prayers this day. This the final occasion for services there, as they are in the process of closure after seven decades as faithful stewards of the gospel in Mount Vernon. Nativity stands by to offer what we can by way of support and caring....we hope this hard and tough decision turns into a soft landing for all by way of God's tender mercies.
Then we all are neither outdoors or utilizing email the week following, Sunday, June 6th. We will forego both and encourage you to join with the other 70+ congregations of our Metro Synod in a shared live stream worship @ 10 a.m. that day. Bishop Ortiz and staff have been faithful partners with Nativity as we address our future, and our relationship with the Synod will be even more crucial in future years, so it seems good and right that we intentionally seize the chance to participate as often as we are able...this is one of those opportunities. Details and a link will be provided as soon as available.
While that's a snapshot of Sundays to come, I would be remiss if I didn't remind you that today is the birthday of the Church; not our congregation, we observed 56 years together in April. This birthday recognizes the whole of Christian experience for nearly two thousand years; we have our cake, the Bread of Life, and we shall eat it too! The candles are flaming, the song will be sung, and the gift of the Holy Spirit living in our hearts is given by way of our baptism. So we shall close the Easter season the same way we've observed it each Sunday, with Thanksgiving for Baptism, and the last of seven wonderful baptismal hymns that begin our worship.
Birthdays are one way of telling time as the years fly by; Pentecost is God's way of reminding us that when we finally fly away, we are headed to eternity. And the greatest present for us is the present...here and now we are privileged to worship God. As we begin, feel the wind...it is the fresh breath of God. Feel the warmth...it is the fire of God's regard for us and ours for each other. This is the place and time to speak and listen to the language of love, and we enunciate it best, not in words, but indeed. PB
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THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Refreshed by the resurrection life we share in Christ,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
Water may be poured into the font as the presiding minister gives thanks.
We thank you, risen Christ,
for these waters where you make us new,
leading us from death to life, from tears to joy.
We bless you, risen Christ, that your Spirit comes to us
in the grace-filled waters of rebirth,
like rains to our thirsting earth,
like streams that revive our souls,
like cups of cool water shared with strangers.
Breathe your peace on your church when we hide in fear.
Clothe us with your mercy and forgiveness.
Send us companions on our journey as we share your life.
Make us one, risen Christ.
Cleanse our hearts.
Shower us with life.
To you be given all praise,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God,
now and forever.
Amen.
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GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Amen
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HYMN OF PRAISE ELW # 619, verses 1 & 8 |
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PRAYER OF THE DAY
Mighty God, you breathe life into our bones, and your Spirit brings truth to the world. Send us this Spirit, transform us by your truth, and give us language to proclaim your gospel, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
WORD
First Reading: Acts 2:1-21
Originally Pentecost was a Jewish thanksgiving-type festival celebrated seven weeks after Passover. On this particular Pentecost, however, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the entire community of believers just as Jesus had promised and the scriptures had prophesied. Empowered by the Spirit, the entire community bears witness to God’s activity in multiple languages.
1When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
18Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
19And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
20The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
21Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ ”
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
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Psalm: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:30)
24How manifold are your works, O Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
25Yonder is the sea, great and wide, with its swarms too many to number,
living things both small and great.
26There go the ships to and fro,
and Leviathan, which you made for the sport of it.
27All of them look to you
to give them their food in due season.
28You give it to them; they gather it;
you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
29When you hide your face, they are terrified;
when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
30You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;
and so you renew the face of the earth.
31May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
O Lord, rejoice in all your works.
32You look at the earth and it trembles;
you touch the mountains and they smoke.
33I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will praise my God while I have my being.
34May these words of mine please God.
I will rejoice in the Lord.
35bBless the Lord, O my soul.
Hallelujah!
Second Reading: Romans 8:22-27
By pouring the Holy Spirit into our hearts, God gives us the promised first fruit of eternal life so that we await God’s future in hope. In the meantime, the Spirit also intercedes for us by carrying the prayers of our weak human hearts to God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire | of your love. Alleluia.
The holy gospel according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.
Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
While speaking to his disciples before his death, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “the Helper” and describes the difference the Spirit will make in their lives and in the world.
[Jesus said,] 26“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.
16:4b“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. 7Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
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SERMON
Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and our Lord + Jesus Christ.
Preaching is a pretty easy job, considering that you don't have to make the message or use your own words. No, this is not a late admission to plagiarism; the presentation that carries the point is all mine . But when the text is from the Gospel, the words are those of Jesus, and the good news is always the same: God loves us and we must then love one another.
Any single word or expression of our Lord found there is enough to fire the imagination of most preachers, and if they don't, there's always the other readings, even the Psalm, to fall back on. But when Jesus uses the same word twice, repeating himself, then I pay special attention. Such is the case today, when he refers to the coming of God's promised Spirit by name: the Advocate.
I endured years of struggling with Latin; it seems my true love of English prevented my devotion to any other. I also was dubious of the possibilities for future application in practical ministry...and I was wrong. It may have taken nearly 41 years, but the opportunity has finally knocked! We can understand the titular nature of this designation as Advocate best by returning to the Latin origin, the root of the word. I'll skip over the 'past participle' stuff and cut to the definition: "to call"; you can see most of our word 'vocal' tucked in the middle. This is a technical term from Roman law, the holder was authorized as a professional pleader of cases in the court of justice. So Jesus talks this morning about truth, testifying, proof, right and wrong, judgment, condemnation, and final declaration; it is in the arena of courtroom drama that the Spirit will speak.
So the Spirit is sent by Jesus from the Father, called to aid and plead on our behalf as guide, intercessor, and our protector. And when comes time to present evidence, this barrister will introduce nails, whip, spear, crown of thorns, cross; it takes only 3 days for the final verdict to arrive. By virtue of the death and resurrection of Jesus we are adjudicated 'Not guilty'. That which belongs only to Christ, his blessed and holy innocence, wins the day for us even in the face of our guilt. And when that is declared, it is not only announced but imputed to us by faith.
Do you have an advocate, someone looking out for you, championing and promoting you, speaking up for you, having your back, defending you, counseling you, vested in your best interest? If you do, bless them and know you are in their debt. If none come to mind and you say you don't, you too would be wrong! These are the services offered by the Spirit of the Son, and he will stand by you and never leave your side. And we strive to believe in him, knowing we can never come close to the belief God has in us.
'Advocate' is one of the rare words that can function as noun and verb...it is both person and action. While the Spirit testifies on Jesus' and our behalf, Jesus also counts on the testimony of disciples as well. We are 'called' to take a stand as witness to what God has done and is doing in our lives as a community dedicated to faith and hope. That is our calling: not just telling the truth of God's Word, but living it out in advocating for peace, justice and mercy for all of creation. What has been declared to us is meant to be passed along; the handing off is best begun with folded ones that open quickly, easily, and joyfully. And then we lend them to lift and help another, shake a hand or simply hold another's trembling one. We can point the way, offer a thumbs up of encouragement, even hold another in embrace. And when we are held safe and free in faith you might notice the scars that lead us to the stars.
Jesus seems a tad nonplussed that the disciples, sorrowful at his departure, never ask him 'Where are you going?' I can say that I've been asked this frequently after announcing my retirement, and I have answered truthfully: 'nowhere for now and then I truly have no idea after that'. I might ask you, dear reader, and Nativity church the same question; and true to form I will provide the answer for you...and it's the same as mine! So maybe we should pray this ancient collect of the church together...
"O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord."
And then you may join me in declaring "Amen."
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your heart and mind in + Christ Jesus our Lord.
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HYMN OF THE DAY ELW # 396 |
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NICENE CREED
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, you give the Holy Spirit to your church, filling it with many and varied gifts. In the church throughout the world, strengthen us in our visioning and dreaming, that it may discover anew the Spirit’s creative work. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of life, your mighty works are too numerous to count. The earth is full of your creatures, living things both great and small. Open your hand and give them the necessities of this life. Send your fresh Spirit over the face of the earth. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of the nations, at the sound of the rushing wind, people speaking different languages proclaimed and heard together your deeds of power. Fill the leaders of nations with your Holy Spirit, so that they exercise your gracious will in the lives of people. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of faithfulness, you tend to the needs of your people, even the sighs of our hearts. Hear those who cry out to you in distress. Restore to wholeness all who are in any need this day (especially). Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of love, fill this congregation (name) with gratitude for the gifts we have received from you. Renew our ministries, heal our divisions, and open us to the needs of our neighbors. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of hope, those who have died in you raise their eternal song of praise. We give you thanks for the many gifts of your people and rejoice in the witness of your saints (especially). Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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PEACE
Call or text someone with whom you may ordinarily sit on Sundays, or a friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker. Share the Peace of the Lord with them.
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OFFERING
Offer at this time to care for someone that may need you this week,,,and make a commitment to support Nativity in any way you are able.
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PRESENTATION OF GIFTS ELW 398 |
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PRAYER
God of love,
you call us beloved children and welcome us to your table.
Receive our lives and the gifts we offer.
Abide with us and send us in service to a suffering world;
for the sake of your beloved Child, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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LORD'S PRAYER
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.
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BLESSING
May our glorious God grant you a spirit of wisdom
to know and to love the risen Lord Jesus.
The God of life,
Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.
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DISMISSAL
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
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NATIVITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
1300 COLLINGWOOD RD
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301
Brent H. Thalacker, Pastor
Cell: 571-236-4976
bthalacker@cox.net
momwendel57@gmail.com
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