Відео

This sounds amazing! Well done, everyone!

I missed the contemporary contribution this week😏

Great job everyone, and well done Lisa for putting this together!

Pleasantly surprised for first time effort.

Awesome pandemic tribute from the National Lutheran Choir!

P. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. C. Hosanna in the highest. PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,  “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,  “Hosanna to the Son of David!   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” BLESSING OF PALMS P. The Lord be with you. C. And also with you. P. Let us pray. We praise you, O God, for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus Christ. Today he entered the holy city in triumph and was proclaimed Messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Bless these branches and those who carry them. Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross, so that, joined to his death and resurrection, we enter into life with you; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C. AMEN. P. Let us go forth in peace, C. in the name of Christ. AMEN.

ELW 344 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”, vs. 1,3,5 Refrain All glory, laud, and honor to you, redeemer, king, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. 1 You are the king of Israel and David's royal Son, now in the Lord's name coming, our King and Blessed One. Refrain 3 The multitude of pilgrims with palms before you went; our praise and prayer and anthems before you we present. Refrain 5 Their praises you accepted; accept the prayers we bring, great author of all goodness, O good and gracious King. Refrain Text: Theodulph of Orleans, 760-821; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. PRAYER OF THE DAY

THE PASSION OF OUR LORD ACCORDING TO MATTHEW (The assembly will read in unison the part of the People, which is in bold type and marked by the symbol §.) Matthew 26:1--27:54 Narrator: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, Jesus: You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. Narrator: Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, § Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people. Narrator: Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, § Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor. Narrator: But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, Jesus: Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her. Narrator: Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, Judas: What will you give me if I betray him to you? Narrator: They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, § Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?

Narrator: He said, Jesus: Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘“The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.” Narrator: So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, Jesus: Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me. Narrator: And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, § Surely not I, Lord? Narrator: He answered, Jesus: The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born. Narrator: Judas, who betrayed him, said, Judas: Surely not I, Rabbi? Narrator: Jesus replied, Jesus: You have said so. Narrator: While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, Jesus: Take, eat; this is my body. Narrator: Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Jesus: Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. Narrator: When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, Jesus: You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee. Narrator: Peter said to him, Peter: Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you. Narrator: Jesus said to him, Jesus: Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times. Narrator: Peter said to him, Peter: Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you. Narrator: And so said all the disciples. Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, Jesus: Sit here while I go over there and pray.

Narrator: He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, Jesus: I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me. Narrator: And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, Jesus: My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want. Narrator: Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, Jesus: So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Narrator: Again he went away for the second time and prayed, Jesus: My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done. Narrator: Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, Jesus: Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand. Narrator: While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, Judas: The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him. Narrator: At once he came up to Jesus and said, Judas: Greetings, Rabbi! Narrator: Then Judas kissed him. Jesus said to him, Jesus: Friend, do what you are here to do. Narrator: Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, Jesus: Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way? Narrator: At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, Jesus: Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.

Narrator: Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, Witness: This fellow said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.” Narrator: The high priest stood up and said, High Priest: Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you? Narrator: But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, High Priest: I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God. Narrator: Jesus said to him, Jesus: You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven. Narrator: Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, High Priest: He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict? Narrator: They answered, § He deserves death. Narrator: Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, § Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you? Narrator: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, Servant Girl: You also were with Jesus the Galilean. Narrator: But he denied it before all of them, saying, Peter: I do not know what you are talking about. Narrator: When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, Servant Girl: This man was with Jesus of Nazareth. Narrator: Again he denied it with an oath, Peter: I do not know the man. Narrator: After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, § Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.

Narrator: Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, Peter: I do not know the man! Narrator: At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, Judas: I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. Narrator: But they said, § What is that to us? See to it yourself. Narrator: Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, § It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money. Narrator: After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.” Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, Pilate: Are you the King of the Jews? Narrator: Jesus said, Jesus: You say so. Narrator: But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, Pilate: Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you? Narrator: But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, Pilate: Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?

Narrator: For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, Pilate: Which of the two do you want me to release for you? Narrator: And they said, § Barabbas. Narrator: Pilate said to them, Pilate: Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah? Narrator: All of them said, § Let him be crucified! Narrator: Then he asked, Pilate: Why, what evil has he done? Narrator: But they shouted all the more, § Let him be crucified! Narrator: So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, Pilate: I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves. Narrator: Then the people as a whole answered, § His blood be on us and on our children! Narrator: So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, § Hail, King of the Jews! Narrator: They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, § You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. Narrator: In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, § He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, “I am God’s Son.” Narrator: The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, Jesus: Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? Narrator: That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, § This man is calling for Elijah. Narrator: At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, § Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him. Narrator: Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, § Truly this man was God’s Son!

MESSAGE Rev. John Hillmer Philippians 2:5-11 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. PRAYERS of INTERCESSION P. Lord, in your mercy… C. Hear our prayer.

ELW 525 “You Are Holy” (sung twice) You are holy, you are whole. You are always ever more than we ever understand. You are always at hand. Blessed are you coming near. Blessed are you coming here to your church in wine and bread, raised from soil, raised from dead. You are holy, you are wholeness, you are present. Let the cosmos praise you, Lord! Sing hosanna in the highest! Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna to our God! Text: Per Harling, b. 1945 Text © 1990 Ton Vis Produktion AB, admin. Augsburg Fortress in North America, South America, and Central America, including the Caribbean. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

GREETING ELW 262 “Wait for the Lord” Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart! Text: Taizé Community Text © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent. 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

GATHERING and RESPONSIVE LITANY P. We gather together in the name of the Lord. C. Let us keep the word of the Lord in our hearts. P. For one does not live by bread alone; C. But by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. P. Show us your mercy, O Lord, C. And grant us your salvation P. Your Word is a lantern to our feet; C. And a light unto our path. P. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." C. Your face, O Lord, will I seek. P. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world, C. For only in you can we live in safety. P. Lord, keep this nation under your care, C. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. P. Let your way be known upon earth; C.Your saving health among all nations. P. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten, C. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. P. Create in us clean hearts, O God, C. And sustain us with your holy Spirit. P. Almighty God and Lord, In the abiding mercy of your faithful love, You call us from death to life; From silence to speech, From idleness to action. Help us to hold the Cross of your Son deep in our hearts; For by the cross we have heard your eternal Word of Mercy and Peace. Grant us strength to live for others, as you have loved us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. C. AMEN.

ELW 731 “Earth and All Stars” (omit verse 3) 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! 2 Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals! Sing to the Lord a new song! Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 4 Classrooms and labs! Loud boiling test tubes! Sing to the Lord a new song! Athlete and band! Loud cheering people! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 5 Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom! Sing to the Lord a new song! Daughter and son! Loud praying members! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain Text: Herbert F. Brokering, b. 1926 Text © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

READINGS and MESSAGE Rev. Richard Hans Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Mark 14: 22-26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take; this is my body." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

CONFESSION and ABSOLUTION C. Lord, we are a restless people. As the weight of the world increases we look everywhere for release. Our confession is that we have not found solutions to our problems or deliverance from our burdens. Our desire is peace. Our hearts need a resting place where the worries of life are dissolved and where the sin of our life is forgiven. Lord, give us peace and forgive our sin. P. Our God is a God of peace. God says, "Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest." The peace which we one for is ours through Christ Jesus. The weight of our sin is taken away in His death and resurrection. We can know peace because of God's great love for us. C. AMEN. PRAYERS of INTERCESSION P. Lord, in your mercy… C. Hear our prayer. LORD’S PRAYER 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.

BENEDICTION ELW 666 “What Wondrous Love” vs. 1 & 4 1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul? 4 And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on; and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on; and when from death I'm free, I'll sing God's love for me, and through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on; and through eternity I'll sing on. Text: North American folk hymn, 19th cent., alt. DISMISSAL

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT GREETING CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS P. Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who is present, who gives life, who calls into existence the things that do not exist. C. AMEN. P. If you were to keep watch over sins, O Lord, who could stand? Yet with you is forgiveness, and so we confess. C. AMEN. P. Gracious God, C. have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned away from you, knowingly and unknowingly. We have wandered from your resurrection life. We have strayed from your love for all people. Turn us back to you, O God. Give us new hearts and right spirits, that we may find what is pleasing to you and dwell in your house forever. AMEN. P. Receive good news: God turns to you in love. “I will put my spirit in you, and you shall live,” says our God. All your sin is forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, who is the free and abounding gift of God’s grace for you. C. AMEN.

ELW 758 You Are the Way 1 You are the way; to you alone from sin and death we flee; all those who search for God, you find and by your grace set free. 2 You are the truth; your word alone true wisdom can impart; you only can inform the mind and purify the heart. 3 You are the life; the rending tomb proclaims your conqu'ring arm; and those who put their trust in you not death nor hell shall harm. 4 You are the way, the truth, the life; grant us that way to know, that truth to keep, that life to win, whose joys eternal flow. Text: George W. Doane, 1799-1859, alt. PRAYER of the DAY P. Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ and serve you in righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C. AMEN.

GOSPEL JOHN 11: 1-44 C. Glory to you, O Lord. 1Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. 3So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, 6after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.   7Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. 10But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” 11After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” 12The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” 13Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. 14Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”   17When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”   28When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. 34He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35Jesus began to weep. 36So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”   38Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” C. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON “An Absent Presence: Wish You Were Here”, Rev. John Hillmer ELW 639 When We Are Living 1 When we are living, it is in Christ Jesus, and when we’re dying, it is in the Lord. Both in our living and in our dying, we belong to God, we belong to God. 2 ‘Mid times of sorrow and in times of pain, when sensing beauty or in love’s embrace, whether we suffer, or sing rejoicing, we belong to God, we belong to God. 3 Across this wide world, we shall always find those who are crying with no peace of mind; and when we help them, or when we feed them, we belong to God, we belong to God. Text: English translation, Elise S. Eslinger (b. 1942) and George Lockwood (b. 1946) Text © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House, admin. The Copyright Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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 P. Hear us, O God… C. Your mercy is great. LORD’S PRAYER 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. BENEDICTION

ELW 787 On Eagle’s Wings 1 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in this shadow for life, say to the Lord: "My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!" Refrain And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand. 2 The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear; under God's wings your refuge, with faithfulness your shield. Refrain 3 You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. Refrain 4 For to the angels God's given a command to guard you in all of your ways; upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Final refrain And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand; and hold you, hold you in the palm of his hand. Text: Michael Joncas, b. 1957 Text © 1979 OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used by permission. DISMISSAL P. Go in peace, Serve the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

ELW 262 "Wait for the Lord" Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart!

The Gathering and Responsive Litany P. We gather together in the name of the Lord. C. Let us keep the word of the Lord in our hearts. P. For one does not live by bread alone; C. But by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. P. Show us your mercy, O Lord, C. And grant us your salvation P. Your Word is a lantern to our feet; C. And a light unto our path. P. You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." C. Your face, O Lord, will I seek. P. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world, C. For only in you can we live in safety. P. Lord, keep this nation under your care, C. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. P. Let your way be known upon earth; C.Your saving health among all nations. P. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten, C. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. P. Create in us clean hearts, O God, C. And sustain us with your holy Spirit. P. Almighty God and Lord, In the abiding mercy of your faithful love, You call us from death to life; From silence to speech, From idleness to action. Help us to hold the Cross of your Son deep in our hearts; For by the cross we have heard your eternal Word of Mercy and Peace. Grant us strength to live for others, as you have loved us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. C. AMEN.

ELW 338 "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" 1. Beneath the cross of Jesus I long to take my stand; the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land, a home within a wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide heat and burdens of the day. 2. Upon the cross of Jesus, my eye at times can see the very dying form of one who suffered there for me. And from my contrite heart, with tears, two wonders I confess: the wonder of his glorious love and my unworthiness. 3. I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face; content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross.

WOV 667 "Stay Here" Stay here and keep watch with me. The hour has come. Stay here and keep watch with me. Watch and pray.

Confession and Absolution C. Lord, we are a restless people. As the weight of the world increases we look everywhere for release. Our confession is that we have not found solutions to our problems or deliverance from our burdens. Our desire is peace. Our hearts need a resting place where the worries of life are dissolved and where the sin of our life is forgiven. Lord, give us peace and forgive our sin. P. Our God is a God of peace. God says, "Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest." The peace which we one for is ours through Christ Jesus. The weight of our sin is taken away in His death and resurrection. We can know peace because of God's great love for us. C. Amen.

ELW 764 "Have No Fear, Little Flock" 1. Have no fear, little flock; have no fear, little flock, for the Father has chosen to give you the kingdom; Have no fear, little flock! 2. Have good cheer, little flock; have good cheer, little flock, for the Father will keep you in his love forever; Have good cheer, little flock! 3. Praise the Lord high above; praise the Lord high above, for he stoops down to heal you, uplift and restore you; Praise the Lord high above! 4. Thankful hearts raise to God; thankful hearts raise to God, for he stays close beside you, in all things works with you; Thankful hearts raise to God!

Confession and Forgiveness P. In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C. Amen. P. 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. C. Amen. P. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Most merciful God, C. 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 love 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. Amen. P. 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. C. Amen.

ELW "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" 1. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home: 2. Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure; sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure. 3. Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same. 4. A thousand ages in your sight are like an evening gone, short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.

P. The Lord be with you, C. And also with you. P. Let us pray, Bend our ears to your heart, Lord Christ, and come among us. By your gracious life and death for us, bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and anoint us with your Spirit, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C. Amen.

Gospel: John 9: 1-41 (NRSV) C. Glory to you, O Lord. As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." When Jesus had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then the man went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know." They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man said, "He is a prophet." The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents fo the man who had received his sight and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him: he is of age. He will speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." The man answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "This is astonishing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing!" They answered him, "You were born entirely in sin, and are you trying to teach us?" And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man answered, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." The man said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped him. Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind." Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains." C. Praise to you, O Christ.

ELW 779 "Amazing Grace" 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! 3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. 4. The Lord has promised good to me; his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. 5. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.

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 (Each portion of the prayers ends with these words.) P. Hear us, O God. C. Your mercy is great. (Concluding prayers end with these words.) P. These and all our prayers, O God, we now commend into your hands, and into your steadfast love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. C. Amen (All recite the Lord's Prayer together) 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 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.

P. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord's face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. In the name of the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit. C. Amen

ELW 782 "My Shepherd, You Supply My Need" 1. My Shepherd, you supply my need; most holy is your name. In pastures fresh you make me feed, beside the living stream. You bring my wand'ring spirit back when I forsake your ways, and lead me, for your mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace. 2. When I walk through the shades of death, your presence is my stay; one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away. Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread; my cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head. 3. The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; oh, may your house be my abode and all my work be praise. Here would I find a settled rest, while others go and come; no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.

A. Go in peace. Share the good news! C. Thanks be to God!

ELW 726 -- Light Dawns on a Weary World (Tune: Temple of Peace) 1. Light dawns on a weary world when eyes begin to see all people's dignity. Light dawns on a weary world: the promised day of justice comes. Refrain: The trees shall clap their hands; the dry lands, gush with springs; The hills and mountains shall break forth with singing! We shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace, As all the world in wonder echoes shalom. 2. Love grows in a weary world when hungry hearts find bread and children's dreams are fed. Love grows in a weary world: the promised feast of plenty comes. (Refrain) 3. Hope blooms in a weary world when creatures, once forlorn, find wilderness reborn. Hope blooms in a weary world: the promised green of Eden comes. (Refrain)

Psalm 37: 3-5 (NRSV) 3. Put your trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and find safe pasture. 4. Take delight in the Lord, who shall give you your heart's desire. 5. Commit your way to the Lord; put your trust in the Lord, and see what God will do.

ELW 887 -- This Is My Song (Tune: Finlandia) 1. This is my song, O God of all the nations, A song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine; But other hearts in other lands are beating With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine. 2. My country's skies are bluer than the ocean And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too, and clover, And skies are everywhere as blue as mine. So hear my song, O God of all the nations, A song of peace for their land and for mine.

ELW 769 -- If You But Trust in God to Guide You (Tune: Wer Nur Den Lieben Gott) 1. If you but trust in God to guide you with gentle hand through all your ways, You'll find that God is there beside you when crosses come, in trying days. Trust then in God's unchanging love; Build on the rock that will not move. 3. The Lord our restless hearts is holding, in peace and quietness content. We rest in God's good will unfolding, what wisdom from on high has sent. God, who has chosen us by grace, Knows very well the fears we face.

Confession and Absolution C. Lord, we are a restless people. As the weight of the world increases we look everywhere for release. Our confession is that we have not found solutions to our problems or deliverance from our burdens. Our desire is peace. Our hearts need a resting place where the worries of life are dissolved and where the sin of our life is forgiven. Lord, give us peace and forgive our sin. P. Our God is a God of peace. God says, "Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest." The peace which we long for is ours through Christ Jesus. The weight of our sin is taken away in His death and resurrection. We can know peace because of God's great love for us.

WOV 667 -- Stay Here (Tune: Stay Here) Stay here and keep watch with me. The hour_ has come. Stay here and keep watch with me. Watch_ and pray.