Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

March 14, 2021

WELCOME! We are pleased to have you join us this morning to worship the Risen Savior and celebrate the forgiveness that we have through Him.

AS WE GATHER – We continue our “A Walk Through the Bible” one year series. Between now and next June we will do just what the title says. We began with the account of creation in Genesis and we will end in June with the last book of the Bible, Revelation.

After Jesus and His disciples finish their celebration of Passover, Jesus takes them to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Judas brings a great crowd with him and betrays Jesus, telling them where they can find Him and arrest Him. Yet even in this time of evil, Jesus shows mercy and love to one who is wounded.

FACE MASKS – In order to protect one another during the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks must be securely worn over the nose and mouth upon entering the building, throughout the entire worship service, and until you exit the building. Thank you!

PRELUDE Prelude on O Savior, Precious Savior - arr. Hildebrand

WELCOME Pastor: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HYMN O Lord, throughout These Forty Days

INVOCATION Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Pastor: If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, People: O Lord, who could stand? Pastor: But with You there is forgiveness; People: therefore You are feared.

(Silence for reflection and confession)

Pastor: O almighty God, merciful Father, People: I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess to You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserve Your punishment now and forever. But I am heartily

sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor sinful being. Pastor: Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God to all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen.

PSALM Psalm 13 Pastor: How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? People: How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Pastor: Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, People: lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. Pastor: But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. People: I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me. All: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY Pastor: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Let us pray. O Lord, you prayed in the garden for Your disciples, yet they deserted You and fled. Keep us strong in days of temptation, that we would hold strong to You and not flee. Use Your Word now

to build us up in our faith that we would trust You always; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. People: Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 53:6-8a All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8By oppression and judgment he was taken away Reader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

ANTHEM For God So Loved the World - Joseph M. Martin Diane Mineau, Kim Denton, Frank Rice, Michael Mineau

HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 26:36-56

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-sixth chapter. People:

36Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and 4

troubled. 38Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” 47While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord. People:

NICENE CREED All: 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 worshiped 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. (“men” = mankind)

HYMN OF THE DAY Go to Dark Gethsemane

Text and tune: Public domain

SERMON Rev. Mark Mueller

OFFERING (You can give at www.blcdelmar.com/give or mail your check to: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054)

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Pastor: Gathered by the love and remembrance of Jesus, we offer our prayers to God.

Silence for reflection

Pastor: O Lord, in these Lenten days set our minds on Your things rather than the things of man, that we may deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Your Son through this life into the joys of His resurrection. Lord, in Your mercy, People: Hear our prayer. Pastor: O Lord, keep us from being ashamed of the Son of Man when we face persecution for His name in this world, that He may not be ashamed of us when He comes in Your glory with the angels. Be near to all those who are facing martyrdom for Christ and sustain them unto the end, that they may be crowned with life before You. Lord, in Your mercy, People: Hear our prayer. Pastor: O Lord, since all kingship belongs to You and You rule over the nations, we pray that You would bless Joseph, our president, and all those who govern us in Your stead, that we may be ruled wisely and in accord with Your will. Lord, in Your mercy, People: Hear our prayer. Pastor: O Lord, through Your Holy Spirit pour Your love into the hearts of those who are afflicted in any way, (especially ______), that their sufferings may produce endurance, endurance character and character a hope that will not put them to shame. Grant them health and healing in accord with Your perfect will, and sustain them in all their trials. Lord, in Your mercy, People: Hear our prayer. Pastor: O Lord, as we remember with thanksgiving the multitude of nations that rejoice in heaven before You with their father Abraham, we pray that You would sustain us in that same justifying faith, that as his offspring we may share in the everlasting covenant You made with him. Lord, in Your mercy, People: Hear our prayer.

Pastor: All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, Jesus, our Savior, who has taught us to pray:

THE LORD'S PRAYER (Matthew 6:9–13) All: 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 Pastor: 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. Numbers 6:24–26 People:

HYMN In the Cross of Christ I Glory

DISMISSAL Pastor: Go in peace as you serve the Lord. People: Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE Toccata in E minor - Pachelbel

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SERVING TODAY: ALTAR - Linda Zwicklbauer MUSIC DIRECTOR - Ruth Rice ORGANIST - Rhonda Ballou USHER - Ray Brands

THIS WEEK AT BLC TODAY: 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship 10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship 11:30 a.m. – Joining Jesus Meeting (Lounge) MONDAY: 7:00 p.m. – Women’s Bible Study (in-person and via Zoom) 7:00 p.m. – Church Council TUESDAY: 10:00 a.m. – Joining Jesus Meeting 7:00 p.m. – Confirmation Class WEDNESDAY: 7:00 p.m. – Bible Study (Zoom) FRIDAY: 7:30 p.m. – Contemporary Easter Service Recording SATURDAY: 7:30 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study SUNDAY: 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship (with Holy Communion) 10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship (with Holy Communion) 11:30 a.m. – High School Bible Study (Lounge)

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QUARANTINE REMINDER: If you have any reason to believe that, in the past 10 days you have been in close contact to a person who is COVID positive, please do not enter the building. Please keep up the good work in keeping one another safe.

STAY CONNECTED:

In-person worship: If you wish to attend worship in person, remember to contact the Church Office (518-439-4328 or [email protected] during the week to reserve a seat (8:30 AM Traditional; 10:30 AM Contemporary).

Online worship: Worship services are broadcast live every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. (traditional) and at 10:30 a.m. (contemporary) at www.blcdelmar.com/live-stream. And if you can’t join us live, you can access all recorded worship services at any time on our website www.blcdelmar.com/live-stream or YouTube Channel: BLCDelmar

Online Daily Devotion: Our vicar, Jessy Wilson, provides a daily devotion of readings from the Bible that encourages and assures us of God’s unending love for us. You can

access them on the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Facebook page or on our YouTube Channel: BLCDelmar

For Children: Each week we are having Sunday School online for children 3 yrs. old through sixth grade. Go to our webpage: www.blcdelmar.com and click the Sunday School tab.

BIBLE STUDIES:

Women’s Monday Night Bible Study - Join us for a Women of Faith study, “Giving God Your Future”. In this 12-week class, we will examine what Scripture teaches about yielding our will to God’s and depending solely on His strength. It will help us to understand the causes and effects of our unwillingness to give God our all, to examine our alibis, to trust His promises as the only one who knows His plan for us, and to rid ourselves of the desire to control our lives. We will discover how we, like Christ, can truly pray, “Not my will, but Yours, be done”.

We continue to meet in person with a limited number of attendees each Monday night at 7:00 pm in the Lounge, following mask and spacing protocols. To inquire about space availability, please call Dorothy Schultz at 518-458-7231.

Our online class will also continue virtually each week at 7:00 pm. Please call Dawn Snay at 518-368-8138 if you would like to join the online group. All are welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study – Want to learn more about both the big picture of the Bible and how all the books and stories fit together? Our “Walk Through the Bible” program continues, and there is a weekly adult Bible study that explores in more detail the Bible passage for the coming Sunday. Ask questions, join with your BLC family. Click the Zoom link we will send you each week and join us Wednesday evenings at 7PM.

Saturday Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study: The Saturday morning Men's Breakfast and Bible Study group is successfully hosting their virtual Bible study using ZOOM. The next meeting is March 20th. If you would like to be included in the study, send your email to Mike Mineau at [email protected] and he'll include you in the meeting notice.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES:

Maundy Thursday – April 1 at 7:30 PM The service will be in-person with Holy Communion and the traditional “stripping of the altar”. Registration is required

Good Friday – April 2 at 7:30 PM The service will be the traditional Tenebrae service of hymns and readings. Registration is required

Easter Sunday – ONLINE ONLY As we did last Easter and Christmas, Easter services will again be online only. This will allow our choirs to participate and bless the service with special music. We also will not be forced to turn anyone away. You may go to our website anytime Easter morning and participate in the service of your choice (traditional or contemporary).

If you would like to join us in-person for the recording of the Easter services:  Easter Contemporary Worship will be recorded Friday, March 19th at 7:30. Call the church office to register.  Easter Traditional Worship (minus the special music) will be recorded on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:30PM. Call the church office to register.

While we again have had to make changes to our holiday worship (and pray this is the last time), our joy is the same:

“Christ is risen! Halleluiah! He is risen, indeed! Halleluiah!”

BLC QUILTERS RETURNING! – After a long winter, our BLC Quilters will start meeting together again on Wednesday, April 7th from 9:30 a.m. – noon. Tables and chairs will be spaced apart and facemasks are required at all times. Please come and enjoy some time with fellow quilters!

FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES - As part of the confirmation instruction of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, we have made the First Communion portion of the study a separate component. This was done as a recognition that every person comes to the understanding and desire for communion at different times in their lives. Your child has the option of receiving the Lord’s Supper at the completion of Confirmation instruction or after instruction in Holy Communion during the sixth, seventh or eighth grade years.

The next set of First Communion classes will be offered on Saturdays April 10th and 17th from 9:30 – 11:00. a.m. As this class will only be two sessions, attendance at both sessions is mandatory. If you are unable to attend on these dates, classes will again be offered in the fall.

Upon completion of the classes, we will hold the Rite of First Communion as a part of our Sunday Worship on April 18th.

Attendance by at least one parent is required for both weeks of First Communion instruction. This will show support for your child while also reinforcing your faith and allowing for mutual discussion prior to the Rite of First Communion.

Please call or email the Church Office (518-439-4328 or [email protected]) if your child is planning to attend these classes. If you have any questions or concerns about this or anything else, please contact Pastor Mueller ([email protected]).

FROM OUR MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM - On Sunday, April 11th, the Tingles will be presenting a video to our congregation. Wayne and Megan would love to hear from BLC’s members and friends. If you could take less than five minutes to complete our SurveyMonkey below, it would be greatly appreciated! The Tingles will tailor their video message and answer our questions on their mission work in Nicaragua. With the impact of COVID-19 around the world, it’s encouraging to see how God’s work endures. The Mission team, looks forward to your participation in this survey and rejoicing in God’s grace.

Here is the link for the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8RBWHGH [surveymonkey.com]

MARCH ALWAYS BRINGS OUT A “LITTLE BIT OF IRISH” IN EVERYONE as folks all over the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The BLC Seniors’ Ministry Team invites you to share some Irish fun with us on Tuesday, March 23 at 1:00 PM in the Contemporary space. You’ll enjoy “A Touch of Ireland” via a 52-minute DVD narrated tour, followed by an Irish sing-along. Our tour includes visits to some of the most interesting and unique places in a land that is both ancient and picturesque. There is truly no place like it!

Then we’ll join our voices in song with Diane (Bailey) Mineau in such Irish favorites as “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”, “Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra” “Danny Boy” and others. ALL 14

ARE WELCOME – you do not have to be a Senior or even Irish! Please reserve a space by contacting Dorothy Schultz at 518-458-7231 or at [email protected]. Masks required. Seating according to Covid protocol. We hope to see many of you there!

LIBRARY NEWS - You may now check books out of our Library. Please be sure to sign the card in the back of the book and leave it in the basket on the table. If you are not on our mailing list, we ask that you write your name and address on the paper in front of the suggestion box, and place it in that box. Please accompany all children under the age of 10 and sign out their books for them. We also would ask that you return books within a couple of months so others may borrow them.

Please return all books borrowed before and during the pandemic so we can complete our inventory.

There are free books in Fellowship Hall for you to take. These are ones we have removed from the Library. We hope you can make use of them.

SPRING WOMEN’S RETREAT!

Ladies, are you done with winter and looking forward to warmer days? Well, spring is just around the corner and what better time to get together for a Women’s Retreat? After the success of our fall retreat at beautiful Camp Pinnacle in Voorheesville, we thought it would be great to praise God and enjoy His creation this spring! Please mark your calendars for Friday-Saturday, May 14-16, 2021. Our theme this year is “The Fruits of the Holy Spirit”. We will explore each of the fruits and how we can share them in our lives.

The staff at Camp Pinnacle are mindful of being safe, and they take all steps to ensure our health. We will safe distance in our small groups and at meal times. The bedrooms are spotless, and each has its own bathroom. This retreat is open to all girls and ladies age 16 and older. You do not need to be a member of BLC to attend. More information and signups will be coming in April. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Ellen McCormack at 518-459-3036 or email [email protected] Plan on coming for the day or one or two overnights. Invite a friend! You won’t be disappointed, but we will if you don’t come!

EASTER FOOD BASKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR FOOD PANTRY - If you or someone you know would benefit from a Food Basket at Easter time, please contact Marlene Brookins (518-439-9132) or the Church Office (518-439-4328 or [email protected]) no later than March 25th (all requests are kept confidential).

Baskets will be available for pick up from March 31st thru April 2nd here at BLC.

The Food Pantry is running low on the following items:

Pasta Peanut butter Jelly Canned fruit Canned vegetables Compleat Meals Cleaning supplies Toilet paper

Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

The prayer list is your personal invitation to join in the daily prayer ministry of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. It is for daily prayers of praise, thanksgiving and intercession on behalf of others, personal needs, church concerns, decisions and other important matters. Please use the BLC information cards to add a name to the prayer list or email the church office at [email protected]

IN MARCH WE PRAY FOR... BLC MEMBERS: Desiree Luft, Lois Gall, John & Dorothy MacMillen, Paul & Ann Kleinke, Sandy Pangburn, Ruth Rice, Kathy Palmer, Bud Bauss, Dorothy Gochee

FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Adelle, Carly & Family, Zak, Laurie & Charles, Dan Hillman – loved ones of MaryLou & Steve Wahl Jonah, Paul & Kristen, Bill Kelly, Grace – loved ones of Kathy Zimmerman Walter Luft, Katerina Luft, Bill Beers, the Luft family Joe Coluccio, Marianne Terry, Raymond, Stan – friend and family of Pat Harbeck Lori – daughter of Diane Bollman-Buyer Kay, Bill W. – family of Sue Plank Jean, Frank, Aram & Mara, Jean – family of Sue & Dave Dietsche Norma June – mother of Trish Eberwein Karen, Tim – family of Kathy Barra Matt; Jacob – family of Marcia Luther Jeremy, Jen, Phil, Ed, Joe, Claire – friends and sister-in-law of John Matthews Marie Tompkins, Shirley Wilde – sister and friend of Arlene Abelman Tom Frazier – father of Lori Haertel Marg and Nevin Weaver – friends of Judy Nestlen Alan Whitney, Mike Lee – loved ones of Bruce & Joann Susser Rich Stoffels – nephew of Sandy & Al Pangburn Suzy Tiedemann – daughter of Frank and Ruth Rice Cody McNally – son of Sue McNally and brother of Brendan McNally Irene and Gordon – friends of Marie Gauger Joshua Lang – friend of the Licht family Paul & Pauline Taylor – friends of Jackie Schrom Matt Buhrke – son of Deborah Fansler Marvin Staats – cousin of Hope DeBacco Thomas McCormick – father of Joe McCormick Laura Aarnio – sister-in-law of Kate Aarnio Cousin of Bud LaQuire Kevin Ricciardelli – son of Mike and Sheryl Ricciardelli Reagan Rafferty – granddaughter of Pat Harbeck Father of Melissa Derenches Tina N.; Tina C. – daughter and step-sister of Tim and Char Gaylord

LONG TERM PRAYER CONCERNS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: John Matthews Betty, Ray, Richard Lostritto, Russ Bennett, Ellen Segendorph, Susan Davis, Dorothy– friends and family of Lois Miller Richard Buyer – husband of Diane Bollman-Buyer Paul Dietz – cousin of Ruth Rice Sean Murray – family friend of the Cartwright Family Ginny D – friend of Linda Greenman Melville Dwayne Herron – friend of Sue Vail Gary Mabee – family member of Barb & Tom Mabee Dmitri and family – loved ones of Eric & Dolores Jerabek Scott Bailey – brother of Diane Mineau Lisa – friend of Bonnie & Chuck Naylor Anita - friend of Sue Haswell Rick – friend of Chuck & Bonnie Naylor Floyd Sykes Tom Riescher, Gene Salvino – family of Marlene Brookins Lisa Cantina – niece of Dorothy Cartwright Richard Mabee – brother of Tom Mabee

PRAYERS OF COMFORT: Our prayers are with Marylyn and Sal Praga as they mourn the passing of Marylyn’s mother, Cathy Pierce, this past week.

PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE MILITARY: Petty Officer James Collins, son of Bill & Barb Collins; Pfc. Paul Thompson – friend of Ralph & Dorothy Schultz; , Jens Berdahl – son of friends of Sue Haswell; Alex McCoy, son-in-law of David and Susan Plank; Lt. Commander Dean Horton & family – son of Fred & Carol Horton; SSGT Jamison Kuhn (US Air Force) - grandson of Doug & Barb Kuhn; Kevin Mahoney – friend of Judy Nestlen; Jacob Adams (US Navy) – nephew of Val & Tom Newell; Senior Airman Daniel Thien (USAF)– son of Ted & Lisa Thien; Pfc (Army) Dennis Robinson, friend of J. Matthews; Colonel Michael Taylor – grandson of John and Dorothy MacMillen; Sergeant Alex Kessler – best friend of Trent Haertel; John Hillman – nephew of MaryLou Wahl