EPIPHANY 3 January 24, 2021

As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of the call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.

OPENING SONG “My Faith Looks Up To Thee”

INVOCATION P In the name of the Father, and the Son T and the Holy Spirit. C Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS P As we approach the mystery of God, let us come in confession, trusting the love of Christ crucified and risen. Silence is kept for reflection. P God who searches us and knows us, C you have shown us what is good, but we have looked to other lights to find our way. We have not been just in our dealings with others. We have chosen revenge over mercy. We have promoted ourselves instead of walking humbly with you. With what shall we come before you? Forgive us our sin, and show us your salvation in the face of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

1 KYRIE Lord, Lord have mercy Let Your light shine upon us Christ, Christ have mercy Let Your love be in this place Hear us as we sing, Let Your joy and peace fill our hearts Accept the gifts we bring That we would know Lord, Lord have Mercy Unending Grace

ABSOLUTION P Beloved of God, you have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, poured out for you in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Rejoice and be glad, for all of your sins are forgiven. In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE “10,000 Reasons” Chorus Verse 2 Bless the Lord oh my soul You're rich in love Oh my soul And You're slow to anger Worship His Holy name Your name is great Sing like never before And Your heart is kind Oh my soul For all Your goodness I'll worship Your Holy name I will keep on singing Verse 1 Ten thousand reasons The sun comes up For my heart to find It's a new day dawning (chorus) It's time to sing Your song again Verse 3 Whatever may pass And on that day And whatever lies before me When my strength is failing Let me be singing The end draws near When the evening comes And my time has come (chorus) Still my soul will sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years And then forevermore (chorus) PRAYER OF THE DAY P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Let us pray. C Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

2 FIRST READING Jonah 3:1-5, 10 The book of Jonah is a comedy starring a reluctant prophet who is given a one-sentence message: Nineveh will be destroyed in forty days. Much to Jonah’s dismay, the people of Nineveh repent. The point of the story is to get the reader to wrestle with the question “On whom should God have mercy?” 1The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2“Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” 3So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. 10When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it A The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Paul does not disapprove of marriage or other human social institutions. He does, however, want Christians to live in the present in fervent anticipation of God’s future, which even now has dawned through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 29Brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, 30and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, 31and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. A The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: “Arise Shine” Arise, shine; your light has come. The angel said, The people dwelling in darkness “A baby will be born have seen a great light. And you will call his name Emmanuel. The people dwelling in darkness And you will call his name Emmanuel. have seen a great light. “He will save the world from its sin. Open up your heart and let the Christ child in. Open up your heart and let the Christ child in.”

3 HOLY GOSPEL Mark 1:14-20 A The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John. C Glory to you, O Lord. Before Jesus calls his first disciples, he proclaims a message that becomes known as “the gospel” or good news from God. God is ready to rule our lives. Those who realize this will respond with repentance and faith. 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea— for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. A The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.

SONG OF THE DAY “In Christ Alone” Verse 1 Verse 3 In Christ alone my hope is found, There in the ground His body lay. He is my light my strength my song. Light of the world by darkness slain! This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Then bursting forth in glorious day, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm Up from the grave He rose again! What heights of love, what depths of peace, And as He stands in victory, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease. Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; My Comforter, my All in all, For I am His and He is mine, Here in the love of Christ I stand. Bought with the precious blood of Christ Verse 2 Verse 4 In Christ alone, who took on flesh, No guilt in life, no fear in death, Fullness of God in helpless babe! This is the pow’r of Christ in me; This gift of love and righteousness, From life’s first cry to final breath, Scorned by the ones He came to save. Jesus commands my destiny. ‘Till on the cross as Jesus died, No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, The love of God, personified. Can ever pluck me from His hand; For ev’ry sin on Him was laid; ‘Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the death of Christ I live. Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand!

MESSAGE Rev. Justin Vetrano

APOSTLES’ CREED C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. He will come again 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. * The term catholic presented in this way is defined as universal.

4 SHARING OF THE PEACE P The peace of the Lord be with you always. C And also with you.

SONG OF PREPARATION “Offering Song” Over the skies of Bethlehem I bring an offering of worship to my King appeared a star No one on earth deserves the While angels sang to lowly shepherds praises that I sing Three Wiseman seeking truth Jesus may you receive the honor they traveled from afar that you're due Hoping to find the child from heaven O Lord I bring an offering to you Falling on their knees they bow before the humble Prince of Peace

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH P Guided by Christ made known to the nations, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all people in need. A brief silence. A For the church throughout the world, for pastors and teachers, for deacons and deaconesses, and for musicians and servers, that all proclaim the good news of God’s reconciling love, let us pray. C Have mercy, O God. A For those who provide leadership in our cities and around the world, for nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, that God inspire all people in the just use of wealth, let us pray. C Have mercy, O God. A For those who are sick, distressed, or grieving; for the outcast and all who await relief, especially those we name with our lips and in our hearts. (pause) That in the midst of suffering, God’s peace and mercy surround them, let us pray. C Have mercy, O God. A For our congregation and community, for families big and small, and for the organizations within our congregation, that God’s steadfast love serve as a model for all relationships, let us pray. C Have mercy, O God. A In thanksgiving for our ancestors in the faith whose lives serve as an example of gospel living, that they point us to salvation through Christ, let us pray. C Have mercy, O God. P Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, spoken or silent, for the sake of the one who dwells among us, your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. C Amen

5 Service of the Sacrament PREFACE P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Lift up your hearts. C We lift them to the Lord. P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God C It is right to give Him thanks and Praise. P Holy God, Creator of all and Source of life, at the birth of time your word brought light into the world. In the fullness of time, you sent your Word, Jesus Christ, born of Mary, to shine in our darkness and to make us your daughters and sons. Remembering, therefore, his birth and life among us, his death and resurrection, we await his coming again when all things will be restored in him. Now with all of your creation, with Heaven and Earth, with the angels and all the Saints we proclaim your blessed glory, evermore praising you and singing…

SANCTUS means “holy” Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory; Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he, who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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.

FRACTION

COMMUNION SONG “Faithful Now” Verse 1 Chorus Verse 2 I am holding onto faith, ‘cause I 'Cause You make mountains And I am standing know You'll make a way move, on Your word And I don't always understand You make giants fall And calling Heaven down to And I don't always And You use songs of praise to earth get to see shake And You will fight enemies, and But I will believe it, prison walls this I will believe it And I will speak to my fear, I will will end in victory preach And I will believe it, to my doubt yes I will believe it That You were faithful then, You'll be faithful now

6 DISMISSAL P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in body and soul to life everlasting. C Amen.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER P Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of heaven to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection that we may show your glory to all the world; through the same Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. C Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BLESSING P The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord look upon you with His favor and grant you peace. In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen.

CLOSING SONG “Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us” Verse 1 Verse 3 Savior, like a shepherd lead us; You have promised to receive us, Much we need Your tender care. Poor and sinful though we be; In Your pleasant pastures feed us, You have mercy to relieve us, For our use Your fold prepare. Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free. Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours. Early let us turn to You. Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours. Early let us turn to You. Verse 2 Verse 4 We are Yours; in love befriend us, Early let us seek Your favor, Be the guardian of our way; Early let us do Your will; Keep Your flock, from sin defend us, Blessèd Lord and only Savior, Seek us when we go astray. With Your love our spirits fill. Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Hear us children when we pray. You have loved us, love us still. Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Hear us children when we pray. You have loved us, love us still SENDING P Jesus said, “I have come that you may have LIFE and have it abundantly.” Go in peace, serve the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

ALTAR FLOWERS To the Glory of God & in honor of the birthday of our beloved granddaughter Sydney Vetrano. Love, Nana & Pop Pop To the Glory of God & in honor of our beautiful daughter-in-law Neina Vetrano on the occasion of her birthday. Love, Nana & Bob

7 IN-PERSON WORSHIP ON PAUSE We have made the difficult decision to pause in our in-person worship. With the increasing infection rates, we need to be vigilant in keeping everyone safe and healthy. Hopefully, this will last only a few weeks, while we get out of this holiday surge and the vaccine becomes more readily available. So, for now, please join us online.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE – Online Only Wednesday, 7:15pm – Compline Thursday, 7:15pm – Divine Service Friday, 7:15pm – Evening Prayer Sunday, 10:30am – Divine Service. JOIN US ONLINE LIVE or LATER. facebook.com/thelifeny/live

WORSHIP SERVICE BULLETINS Bulletins are available online. Go to thelifeny.org/bulletins

HELP THE HUNGRY: DONATE TO THE LIFE FOOD DRIVE THE LIFE continues to collect nonperishable food items, which we deliver to Lutheran Social Services (LSS), for distribution through their Food Pantry. Please consider donating food for the elderly, unemployed, and families with children on Long Island. Donations may be dropped off at any time in the covered bin by the church office glass doors. For more information, please contact Pastor Vetrano, 516-902-7602.

TELL US YOUR STORY THE LIFE is putting together a journal to chronicle how the pandemic has impacted the lives of each family in our congregation. We encourage everyone to contribute your story for THE LIFE Journal of 2020. Send your story, up to 500 words and photo to Deacon Paulina Janssen-Mesloh at [email protected]. You may also contact Deacon Paulina by email with any questions.

BABY ITEMS for LSS The LSS Layette Program expresses thanks for THE LIFE’s recent donations. Due to space constraints and current needs, they especially suggest we focus on new items, newborn to 2T; solid-colored pants, cotton stretches with feet, plain long sleeve onesies, baby towels, burp clothes, bottles and small items like pacifiers and bibs. Please label your donations “BABY” and place in outside bin. If you have questions, contact Roxanne Oellrich at [email protected].

WINTER COAT DRIVE With winter weather upon us, we have extended our winter jacket drive for children in our local schools. If you would like to help, purchase a jacket for a boy or girl in any size— S, M, L or XL—and leave it in the bin outside the back of church. Thank you for your generosity.

ONLINE GIVING If you’d like to contribute offerings to the church conveniently from home, here’s a link to our online giving, thelifeny.org/giving-et or you can text your donation to 516-302-4488. ANYTHING YOU NEED? With the limited hours being kept at church, should you need Pastor Vetrano, please feel free to text or call anytime at 516-902-7602.

8