THE TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST                   NOVEMBER 15/16, 2008                                                                                               

 

“CONNECTING PEOPLE TO JESUS AND TO ONE ANOTHER TO SERVE THE WORLD”

 

Blessed to Give

Is it truly more blessed to give than to receive?  Let’s face it, we are a consumer-driven society.  We like stuff!  But God encourages us to discover the joy of giving!  Today we’re going to talk about Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Pray that God would open our hearts to this important message of giving to and caring for others – and to find joy in doing it!

 

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is being celebrated today.  It is the belief of the Lutheran Church, based on Jesus’ own words, that in this Sacrament His body and blood are really present and that forgiveness of sins and the assurance of salvation are offered to all who come confessing their sins and believing in Him.  Communion is therefore offered to those who share this confession of faith.  Children who are not yet confirmed are invited to come forward with their parents to receive a blessing.  Guests who may have questions about Communion at Mt. Calvary are encouraged to talk to the pastor.

 

PRELUDE  (8:00 am service)                       “We Gather Together”                      Praises Ring

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING

 

ANTHEM  (10:45 am service)                 “Seek Ye First”             Joyful Noise & Cheerful Chimes

 

OPENING HYMN:                     “With the Lord Begin Your Task”                       Hymn #869

 

THE INVOCATION

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

 

THE CONFESSION OF SINS AND ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

 

(Please kneel)

Most merciful God,

We confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean.  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. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment.  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.

Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins.  As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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HYMN OF PRAISE:                          “This Is the Feast”

 

THE PRAYER OF THE DAY

Everlasting God, You did not hesitate to give Your all for us.  Awaken in us the desire to give our all for You and for Your kingdom, that we may be faithful stewards of all Your gifts; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

 

(Please be seated)

 

THE OLD TESTAMENT READING:  Zephaniah 1:7-16  (The “great day of the Lord is near.”  That day – Judgment Day – will be a day of great distress for all who have rejected God.)

 

  7 Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has consecrated those he has invited.  8 On the day of the LORD's sacrifice I will punish the princes and the king's sons and all those clad in foreign clothes.  9 On that day I will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold, who fill the temple of their gods with violence and deceit.  10 "On that day," declares the LORD, "a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, wailing from the New Quarter, and a loud crash from the hills.  11 Wail, you who live in the market district; all your merchants will be wiped out, all who trade with silver will be ruined.  12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, `The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.'  13 Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished.  They will build houses but not live in them; they will plant vineyards but not drink the wine.  14 "The great day of the LORD is near--near and coming quickly.  Listen! The cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter, the shouting of the warrior there.  15 That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom,    a day of clouds and blackness, 16 a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers.

 

THE EPISTLE READING:  1 Thessalonians 5:1-11   (When Jesus comes again, the “sons of the light” will not be surprised.  In the meantime, Paul gives instructions for godly living.)

 

1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

    4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 

 

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THE ALLELUIA VERSE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HOLY GOSPEL IS ANNOUNCED: 

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the twenty-fifth chapter.

 

 

 

 

THE GOSPEL:  Matthew 25:14-30  (Jesus compares the wait for Judgment Day to a master who gives his servants various amounts of “talents” to be stewards of until His return.)

 

   14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

    19 "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. `Master,' he said, `you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'

    21 "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

    22 "The man with the two talents also came. `Master,' he said, `you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'  23 "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' 24 "Then the man who had received the one talent came. `Master,' he said, `I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'

    26 "His master replied, `You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

    28 " `Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

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This is the Gospel of the Lord.

 

 

 

 

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

 

THE HYMN OF THE DAY:                  “Freely, Freely”

 

God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name; I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name;

And in Jesus’ name I come to you to share His love as He told me to.

 

He said, “Freely, freely you have received;  Freely, freely give.

Go in My name and, because you believe, others will know that I live.”

 

All pow’r is giv’n in Jesus’ name;  in earth and heav’n in Jesus’ name;

And in Jesus’ name I come to you to share His pow’r as He told me to.

 

He said, “Freely, freely you have received;  Freely, freely give.

Go in My name and, because you believe, others will know that I live.”

 

Words & Music by Carol Owens © 1972 Bud John Songs, Inc.  Used by permission, CCLI 1629398

 

THE MESSAGE                             “More Blessed to Give”                          based on Acts 20:35

 

THE NICENE CREED:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

 

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.  He suffered and was buried.  And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

 

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.  And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.  Amen.

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THE PRAYERS:      After each petition, the Worship Leader will say, “Lord in Your mercy,” and the congregation will respond, “Hear our prayer.”     

 

THE GATHERING OF THE TITHES AND OFFERINGS

 

++  For Personal Reflection  ++

“Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  (2 Corinthians 9:6)

 

VOLUNTARY  (8:00 am service)                          “Simple Gifts”                            Praises Ring

 

OFFERTORY:                          “We Give Thee But Thine Own”                            (Hymn #781)

 

We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gift may be;

All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee.

 

May we Thy bounties thus as stewards true receive

And gladly, as Thou blessest us, to Thee our firstfruits give.

 

THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION

 

THE PREFACE

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 Him thanks and praise.

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE 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.

 

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

 

THE SHARING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE DISTRIBUTION    (The center cup in each tray is white grape juice for

                                         those allergic to alcohol or pregnant moms.)

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THE DISTRIBUTION HYMNS: “Just As I Am  (8:00 am service)                  Praises Ring

                                                   “Forgive Us, Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness”   Hymn #788

                                                   “You Are the Way; through You Alone”             Hymn #526

                                                   “Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness”               Hymn #636

 

THE POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

 

THE BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you.  The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.  The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

Amen.

 

THE CLOSING HYMN:                        “Abide, O Dearest Jesus”                          Hymn #919

 

A MOMENT FOR SILENT PRAYER

 

THE POSTLUDE

 

Divine Service, Setting One from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted with permission.

Divine Service Two, First Setting from Lutheran Worship © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted with permission.

All scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Pledge Sunday – This weekend we are collecting all of our 2009 pledges.  You may place your Pledge Card in the sealed envelope in the offering plate.  If you forgot your Pledge Card or did not receive one in the mail, there are extras on the table by the mailboxes at the main entrance.  You may fill one out and bring it next weekend, which is when we will dedicate our pledges to the Lord.

 

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service – We will gather for worship on Wednesday evening, November 26th (Thanksgiving Eve) for a 7:00 pm worship service to give thanks to God for the many blessings He has showered upon us over the past year.  Don’t miss this opportunity to return thanks to God!

 

Thanksgiving Offering – Please bring nonperishable food items to the service on Thanksgiving Eve.  We will receive these food items as part of our offering during the worship service and bless their use to God’s glory.  It appears that local food pantries may be in great need this holiday season and this is one opportunity for us to care for our neighbor!

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Is Your Church Membership Directory information correct?  We’re doing a new pictorial directory and will also be doing one of the non-pictorial (free) ones.  If you need to correct anything, please be sure and let the church secretary (Jack) know pretty soon.

 

This week’s Altar Flowers are provided by Pruett & JoAnn Burge in honor of the birthdays of their son Brian, their grandson Tyler and their granddaughter Ava.

 

Social Ministry will be giving out Thanksgiving "baskets" to those in need in our community on November 22nd. If you would like to donate money, please make the check out to Mt. Calvary with "Thanksgiving Baskets" in the memo line.  If you would like to donate canned goods, please place them in the box by the sofa in the narthex.

 

The Progressive Dinner is coming!  Set aside Sunday, December 7th   to spend with your church family.  The Board of Fellowship will begin selling tickets after all services on Sunday, November 16th. You may also get tickets in the church office from Jack. Menu: Baked Swiss Chicken, Ham, Garlic Potatoes, seasoned Green beans, fresh rolls. Slow down for the Christmas season and spend some time connecting with one another.  Hope to see everyone there. 

 

HELP NEEDED:  The Board of Fellowship needs host homes for the Progressive Dinner on December 7th.  You can select either appetizers or dessert to host.  If you have any questions, or if you would like to be a host home, please call Carrie Riley @ 329-9610 or e-mail her at criley6@cox.net .

 

BAZAAR Information:  Friday, November 21st is the date to drop off labeled baked goods & white elephant items for the bazaar.  Items should be brought to the Michael Fellowship Hall. If you can't bring items on Friday, early Saturday morning will be okay.  The bazaar will be from 8:30 am til 1 pm, so the early attenders get first choice and the best selections.  You can have breakfast or lunch there and help our Youth get some practice in the kitchen.  If you have a problem dropping off items, please call any member of the Ladies Guild.  Questions call:  Maureen Young:  987-5821

 

PROJECT LINUS thanks everyone who donated blankets/quilts.  Mt. Calvary donated a total of 52 and it was amazing.  The Ladies Guild also thanks everyone who helped in this on-going project.  We'll start all over again for next year.

 

The costume committee for Rough Wood and Rusty Nails needs clothes hangers to hang costumes on.  There will be a box close to the mailboxes to put the hangers in.  Please do not leave the hangers anywhere else.  The box will be there two Sundays only – Nov 23rd and 30th.  Thank You

 

Adult Senior Fellowship - Hey retirees and seniors: come join us this Thursday November 20th at 11 am in the Fellowship Hall for a great time.  We will listen to God speak to us through His Word.  We will enjoy talking with each other and have fun playing a game or an ice breaker.  We’ll have a great potluck lunch.  Come and bring a special friend.  You’ll all be welcome.

 

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The Prime Timers annual Christmas Dinner Party will be held on Thursday, December 18th at Robins Horizon Club (formerly The Officers' Club) in the Georgia Room. Social Hour is at 6 pm. Dinner will be served at 7 pm. Prices: PRIME RIB $20.14   CHICKEN $19.94 (2 Beef = $40.28, 2 Chicken = $39.88, 1 Beef & 1 Chicken = $40.08). Make checks out to Edna Hicks for EXACT amount and write on the memo line MEMO...BEEF or CHICKEN.  Your check must be given to Edna Hicks, Marie White, or Don Netzinger no later than December 10th.  Sign-up sheet is outside the secretary's office.  We need an EXACT COUNT and check if you need a pass for the base.  Use the MAIN GATE to enter the base. See you there! Bring a wrapped White Elephant Gift.

 

 

PRAYER CONCERNS

Sue Glaser, who had knee surgery Thursday

Cynthia Nelson, who had a biopsy following a mammogram.

Family of Esther Shaw (Joe Shaw’s mother), who died this past Tuesday.

Bill Zeuner, for healing of a staph infection in his leg.

Janice Houston, Jim Aden’s sister, who is very ill.

Jean Keefer, Jack Morse’s sister, who is recovering from surgery.

Joan Bareither, for continued healing of incisions and brain tissue, restoration of communication

skills, an uplifted spirit and renewed strength.

Dominic Luppino, who has heart and liver problems.

Jay Locke, who is undergoing chemotherapy.

 

Keep in your prayers: Jim Zeitler (brother-in-law of Melinda Hopf), Suanne Conner (Fred & Barb Pirkle’s daughter), Nell Tallent (Judy Watson’s mother), Lynn Warner, Wilma Fishbeck, Carol Combs, Lyn Schultz, Delores Lewis, Richard O’Daniel,  Naomi Clark (friend of Pat Hickman), Betty Kroeger (Nancy Hoar’s mother), Jean Dimeler, Scarlette Harper (friend of the Dawsons), Joe Hill (Cynthia Nelson’s father),  Kim Gourley, Paul Rider, Roger Webb (Cynthia Nelson’s uncle), Brad Squires (friend of Linda Shaw), David & Jonathan McLendon (friends of Christi Haas), Jo Ann Smith,  Annamarie VonDebschitz, Charleen Beahm, Robbie Hooley, John Gerstenberger, Dottie Skogen, Tom Willey (Sydney Williams’ uncle), John Lewis (Julie Dimes’ father), Joan McNeer, Sam Meador (neighbor of Sue Glaser), Melinda Hopf, Jo Nelson, Sonya Popken, Gail Calhoun (Sonya Popken’s mom) and R. P. Rider (Paul’s grandson), that help may be found for their continuing health problems.

 

     All those battling cancer, including  Anne Engle, Kathy King (daughter of former member Mary Jean Boyette), Kim Wilkinson (Deb Fingle’s cousin), Beth Mastenbrook, Danny Grube, Pastor Gerhard Michael (District President), Pat Wacker, Karen Sudduth (Pastor Brighton’s cousin), Jan Hatcher (co-worker of Linda O’Donnell), Barbara Arnold (Cindy Schafer’s sister), Sam Jackson, Bruce Oswalt (Krystal Ferguson’s father).

 

     Denver Yarbrough, Lance Mabee, Michael Brummage, Gil Holcomb, Brandis Holcomb,  John McIlvoy, Tim Tucker, Robbie Lehane,  James Robinson, David Fitzgerald, Jason Rigby & Mark Ellis for safety and good health as they serve our country in dangerous areas.

 

 

 

 

SERVING US THIS WEEK

 

PREACHER: Pastor David Brighton. ELDERS:  Jim Speer (Sat 7 pm), Bob Yeager (8 am) & Steve Soisson (10:45 am).  ORGANISTS: Sat – Joseph O’Berry, Sun – Debi Cole. USHERS: Early – Laird Van Gorder, Ron Combs, Arland Schulz & Louis Foss. Late – Alan Griswold, Don Netzinger, DJ Nelson, James Easterling & Gary Schafer.  ACOLYTES: Cameron Mastenbrook (Sat 7 pm), Joshua LeBorious (8 am) & Taylor Peterson (10:45 am).  ALTAR GUILD:  Deb Fingles, Jeannie Hawkins, Kim McQueen & Pat Aldredge.  LAY READERS: Stephanie Lopez (Sat 7 pm), Bob Yeager (8 am) & Cindy Schafer (10:45 am).

 

SERVING US NEXT WEEK

ELDERS:  Jim Speer (Sat 7 pm), Van Bareither (8 am), Bob Yeager (10:45 am)

& Dave Miller (11 am)

ACOLYTES: Layne Kesler (Sat 7 pm), Ashlyn West (8 am) & Willow Gragg (10:45 am)

ALTAR GUILD: Deb Fingles, Jeannie Hawkins, Kim McQueen & Pat Aldredge

GREETERS:  Jack & Janet Morse (8 am) and Barb Mabee (10:45 am)

LAY READERS: Bob Zuntag (Sat 7 pm), Kathy Robinson (8 am), Roger Moeller (10:45 am)

& Felipe Gamboa (11 am)

 

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

 

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK

 

Saturday – 39   Early – 86   Late – 143   Contemporary – 61   Total - 329

 

THIS WEEK AT MOUNT CALVARY

                                    Today            Pledge Sunday

                                                          8:30 – 10:45 am    Omelette Brunch (MFH)

                                                          12:15 – 3 pm   8th Grade Confirmation Workshop

                                                          12:15 pm        RW Town Scene Rehearsal (MFH)

                                                            6:15 pm        ChristCare Leader Training

                                                            6:30 pm        High School TAG Night

                                    Monday            6:20 pm        Evangelism Callers (Education Wing)

                                                            7:00 pm        Handbell Choir (Sanctuary)

                                    Tuesday          11:45 am        Prayer Group (Bride’s Room)

                                                            7:00 pm        “Fan Into Flame” Teleconference

                                    Wednesday       9:30 am        Craft & Chat

                                                          12:15 pm        Prayer Group (Bride’s Room)

                                                          5:30 – 8 pm     Olympic Skate Center Fall Festival

                                                            7:30 pm        Festival Choir Rehearsal

                                    Thursday         10:00 am        Ladies Bible Study (Cry Room)

                                                          11:00 am        Senior Fellowship (MFH)

                                    Friday               8:00 pm        High School Lock-In thru Sat 8 am (Annex)

                                    Saturday               8:30 am – 1 pm     BAZAAR

                             Next Sunday         NEW MEMBER SUNDAY

                                                            9:15 am        Town Scene Rehearsal (MFH)

                                                            6:30 pm        SLDT #3 Meeting