Lutheran Church of the Ascension

ORSHIP W

Savannah, Georgia

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost June 20, 2021 at 8:30 am & 11:00 am Welcome to Lutheran Church of the Ascension. We’re glad you are here or joining us via the internet. As we share in worship today, we pray that all will hear the good news of God’s unfailing love and grace for all creation. WiFi: To use a device for this bulletin, use Ascension Church with the password 120BullStreet. Children are fully welcome in worship. If needed, there is a staffed nursery available for those 4 and under. The nursery is located through the double doors next to the piano, down the hall, and on the left. Connect Cards are in the pew racks. You can use these to update contact information for the office staff; or, if you are visiting with us, we’d love to stay in touch with you. Please fill out the card and drop it in the offering plate, and keep the ink pen. Holy Communion: Christ welcomes you to this meal of the baptized. All visitors who commune in their home church are welcome. All others are invited to receive a blessing. Parking: Parking in the public garage at Drayton and State Streets on Sundays, you may present this church bulletin to have the parking fee for up to 3 hours waived. On street parking in downtown Savannah is free on Sundays. Please note, only the front doors on Wright Square are open. Large print worship bulletins are available at the resource table. Please participate!The parts of this service are said by the following people: P – Pastor, A — Assisting Minister,C – Congregation Covid-19 Statement: The congregation council and worship team strongly encourage masks during worship for your safety and the safety of those around you. We are open for corporate worship based on the most current guidelines from our local, state, and national government as advised by public healthcare officials. We will revisit these weekly. Even as we stay faithful to our Lutheran worship tradition, you will notice several changes that promote safe physical distancing. Please follow the direction of the ushers. We ask that you refrain from handshaking, kissing, hugging, and to keep at least six feet from those not in your family unit. Please do not come to worship if you are sick, and we advise anyone in a high risk group to use the utmost caution. Please pray for the following: Pam Rollins, Ron Gerken, Hazel Benton, Butch Cooper, Joe Tillman, Mike Sueirro, Jack & Elsa Ohsiek, Page Parks, Diana Langer, Mark Berry, Jim Mroz, John Tomasovich. Prayers for the family of K.T. Burdette upon her death. Prayers for the family of Joyce Pervier upon her death.

Leading Worship Today: Presiding/Preaching The Rev. William Bruggeman Assisting Minister Kathy Wordell (8:30) Kiersten Scooler (11:00) Organist Angela Fisher Ushers Jay Gehler (8:30) Bart De Graaf, Doug Herolt (11:00) Sextons Emma-Louise Ramus, Hallie Worthington Live Stream Jim Scooler

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! Now we are in the storm, the boat almost swamped; but Jesus is here now, and when we call him, he will calm the storm. Even the wind and waves listen to him as they would to their creator. We also listen to him and are called to believe in the power of God’s word in him, a power greater than all that we fear.

+ GATHERING +

Prelude Partita on Hyfrydol Arr. Charles Callahan

We stand as able. Confession and Forgiveness P Blessed be the holy Trinity, Father, Son ☩ and Holy Spirit, the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy. C Amen. P Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance, let us confess our sin. We kneel as able and pause as we call to mind those things we need to confess.

P God, our provider, C help us. It is hard to believe there is enough to share. We question your ways when they differ from the ways of the world in which we live. We turn to our own understanding rather than trusting in you. We take offense at your teachings and your ways. Turn us again to you. Where else can we turn? Share with us the words of eternal life and feed us for life in the world. Amen. P Beloved people of God: in Jesus, the manna from heaven, you are fed and nourished. By Jesus, the worker of miracles, there is always more than enough. Through Jesus, ☩ the bread of life, you are shown God’s mercy: you are forgiven and loved into abundant life. C Amen. We stand.

There is still no conclusive data about the risk of singing in public. If you choose to sing, please consider wearing your mask.

Gathering Hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save Hymn 756

Greeting P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C And also with you.

Prayer of the Day P Let us pray. O God of creation, C eternal majesty, you preside over land and sea, sunshine and storm. By your strength pilot us, by your power preserve us, by your wisdom instruct us, and by your hand protect us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We sit.

+ WORD +

Children of God Moment Children are invited to come forward and stand on a blue X. Parents are invited to accompany their child.

First Reading: Job 38:1-11 A reading from Job: 1The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: 2“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

4“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone 7when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

8“Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?— 9when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band, 10and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, 11and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped’?”

A The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Psalmody: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 Spoken responsively A You stilled the storm and silenced the waves of the sea. C You stilled the storm and silenced the waves of the sea. A 1Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good, for God’s mercy endures forever. 2Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that God redeemed them from the hand of the foe, 3gathering them in from the lands; from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. 23Some went down to the sea in ships, plying their trade in deep waters. C You stilled the storm and silenced the waves of the sea. 24They beheld the works of the Lord, God’s wonderful works in the deep. 25Then God spoke, and a stormy wind arose, which tossed high the waves of the sea. 26They mounted up to the heavens and descended to the depths; their souls melted away in their peril. 27They staggered and reeled like drunkards, and all their skill was of no avail. 28Then in their trouble they cried to the Lord, and you delivered them from their distress. 30Then were they glad when it grew calm, when you guided them to the harbor they desired. 31Let them give thanks to you, Lord, for your steadfast love and your wonderful works for all people. 32Let them exalt you in the assembly of the people; in the council of the elders, let them sing hallelujah! C You stilled the storm and silenced the waves of the sea.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 A reading from 2nd Corinthians: 1As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 3We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4but as servants of God we have commend- ed ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, im- prisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as hav- ing nothing, and yet possessing everything. 11We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. 12There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. 13In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also. A The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

We stand to welcome the gospel. Gospel Acclamation

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 P The Holy Gospel according to Mark. C Glory to you, O Lord. hen evening had come, [Jesus said to the disciples,] “Let us go across to the other side.” 36And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that W 38 the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” P The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ. We sing the acclamation and we sit.

Sermon “Peace! Be still!” Pastor Bruggemann

We stand to proclaim God’s word through song. Hymn of the Day Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me Hymn 755

Apostles’ Creed A We have been made God’s people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith. 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 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. *or, descended to the dead.

The Prayers A Let us come before the triune God in prayer. A brief silence. We kneel as able.

Following each petition, we pray: A Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer.

The prayers conclude with: P We lift our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your abiding grace. C Amen. We stand.

+ MEAL +

Sharing of the Peace P May the peace of the Lord be with you always. C And also with you. Sharing the peace in worship is a reminder that we are to forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven us. You may greet one another by saying, “Peace be with you,” or similar words. During Covid-19 times please do not shake hands or hug. An alternative is bowing to each other (from a safe distance) which is an ancient expression of the early church. We sit.

Offering An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During the pandemic you are invited to join the generosity of your fellow members in continuing Ascension’s legacy of ministry. If you are present for worship offering plates are located in the center aisle. (Plates will not be passed.) Here are the ways you can contribute remotely: 1. Going online to the “give” tab at ascensionsavannah.org (or here if you are joining our streaming worship) 2. Texting 844-266-6120 to give 3. “Simply Giving” offered by Thrivent Financial. (Please email or call the office to set up) 4. Direct deposit from your bank

Musical Offering Saraband (after Felix Mendelssohn) Gordon Young We stand. Offering Hymn

Offering Prayer A Let us pray. Jesus, Bread of life, you have set this table with your very self, and called us to the feast of plenty. Gather what has been sown among us, and strengthen us in this meal. Make us to be what we receive here, your body for the life of the world. C Amen. Great Thanksgiving The presider greets the people and invites all present to give thanks.

P It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Thanksgiving at the Table P Holy God, our Maker, Redeemer, and Healer, in the harmonious world of your creation, the plants and animals, the seas and stars were whole and well in your praise. When sin had scarred the world, you sent your Son to heal our ills and to form us again into one. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Remembering, therefore, his acts of healing, his body given up, and his victory over death, we await that day when all the peoples of the earth will come to the river to enjoy the tree of life. C Come, Lord Jesus. P Send your Spirit upon us and this meal: as grains scattered on the hillside become one bread, so let your Church be gathered from the ends of the earth, that all may be fed with the Bread of life, your Son. C Come, Holy Spirit. P Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church. C Amen. 11

The Lord’s Prayer P Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: C 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. We sit.

Receiving the Sacrament Christ welcomes you to the meal of the baptized! All who commune in their home congregation are welcome. We will commune by stations at the head of the aisle, with the left side going first. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers, keeping distance from those not with you. To receive the sacrament, extend your hand and the pastor will place the bread and wine in your palm without making contact. Gluten-free wafers are available. Return to you seat using the side aisle. If you would like to receive a blessing, cross your arms. If you cannot come forward, please notify an usher and the sacrament will be brought to you.

Meditation I Heard the Voice of Jesus (Kingsfold) Eugene Englert

When all have returned to their places, we stand. Communion Blessing P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. C Amen.

Communion Prayer A Let us pray: Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life. In your name we pray. C Amen.

+ SENDING +

We sit. Ministry Opportunities

We stand. Blessing P Receive God’s blessing. The blessing of God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, be upon you now and forever. C Amen.

Sending Hymn When Peace Like a River Hymn 785

Dismissal A Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. C Thanks be to God.

Postlude Trumpet Tune Raymond H. Haan Please exit with the back rows going first, keeping distance from those not seated with you. Do not crowd the staircases and refrain from conversation until outside the building.

The altar flowers are givenby Gina and Chris Hazel to the glory of God, in honor of all fathers, and in memory of their beloved father, Dick Oetgen. The flowers at the baptismal font are given by Audra and Jay to the glory of God and in memory of their fathers, Frederick Gehler and John Nelson. 13

ANNOUNCEMENTS Ways to Access Online Worship, 15 Minute Faith Formation, & Bible Study Our online gatherings continue to be streamed on our Facebook page and added to our website and to YouTube shorty after they broadcast. To find our YouTube channel, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCxEJ2-tdx0pKFm7vseXWv_Q or simply go to youtube.com and search for Ascension Savannah. Again, we are so appreciative of your flexibility and support as we adjust and improve. Worship will continue to be available on site at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Thank you for continuing to adhere to the guidelines we have put in place. Please email Audra Gehler if you have questions.

A Big Thank You! A big thank you to Sarah McCallar for directing this year’s Faith Camp, June 7- 11 at Captain Butler’s. Sarah energetically carried out Pastor Todd’s plans for a successful week for dozens of Ascension and community children. She worked countless hours doing everything from prepping art projects, polishing musical numbers for the finale production, or keeping watch over children enjoying Richardson Creek. Sarah’s vision and enthusiasm are a gift to Ascension. Sarah, her husband Jim, and her 3rd grade son, Jay, have been members for many years. Please share your thanks when you see them!

Angela Fisher We welcome Angela Fisher as our guest organist while Cantor Tom is on vacation. Angela is the Assistant Organist at St. John’s Church on Madison Square, where she continues her education under the tutelage of Organist/Choirmaster Steven Branyon, and sings in the choir. She manages Paul Fisher Studio where her husband teaches voice and piano. She has honed skills in drapery and home furnishings and enjoys her 3 grandchildren whenever possible.

Annual Meeting- Update Sunday, June 27 between the 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services Our summer annual meeting has been rescheduled to Sunday, June 27. We will convene the meeting in Crumley Hall beginning at 9:45 a.m. with a light breakfast. We ask everyone to follow safety guidelines while gathering in person. Our agenda will include a presentation of the annual report and voting on new council members. Information will be available to all members prior to the meeting. Please contact Swann Seiler if you have any questions.

Welcome Pastor Summer Sunday, June 27, 5:00 p.m., Captain Butler’s, Whitemarsh Church Council invites the congregation to Captain Butler’s to welcome our Interim Pastor Paul Summer and his wife Debra. We will be providing a supper following a social hour while maintaining safety protocols. Please RSVP to Audra or call 912.232.4151.

Summer Visits with Pastor Summer For pastoral visits, contact the church office and suggest a time and place like your place of work, at home, a restaurant, at church or a walk around the park squares. Or, maybe at a family or social gathering, a place where you volunteer or a special event. Contact Audra at the Church Office at 912.232.4151 or email Audra to schedule your visit .

Ascension Staff The Rev. Paul Summer, Interim Pastor (Designee 6/21) Audra Gehler, Parish Administrator Thomas J. White, Cantor Renee Cardillo, Financial Officer Paul Ramus, Facilities Manager Huong Doan, Nursery Attendant Edie Hockspeier, Organist-Choirmaster Emerita

Church Council Members Executive Team Swann Seiler, President Dan Pioske, Vice President Mark Berry, Secretary Susan Heun, Treasurer Noble Boykin, Beth Brodley, Michael Hazuda, Jane Moore, Mark Smith, Kathy Wordell

The Lutheran Church of the Ascension 120 Bull Street on Wright Square Savannah, Georgia 31401

For information: [email protected] Church Office: 912.232.4151 Visit: www.ascensionsavannah.org

Sunday Worship: Together Revised (5/4/21) Before Worship • If you are feeling ill or have any symptoms, please stay home. • Masks are still strongly encouraged as you move about the building. • Only the Wright Square entrance will be open and one of our staff greeters will open the door for you when you arrive. • The elevator will transport one family from the same house or no more than one person at a time. The operator will be the only one touching the buttons, door, and gate. Please go to the back of the elevator when you enter. • The nursery is open and is located upstairs. You will find it right outside of the sanctuary, across the hall from the upstairs bathroom. • If you prefer to pick up your own bulletin, please do so from the table. Ushers will be in the upper narthex handing them out, too. • Hand sanitizer will be at the top of both stairs and at the main entrance. During Worship • Glass doors in the back will be closed as worship begins, and reopened at the conclusion. • The bulletin will include everything, even hymns and announcements. For those who want to use the hymnals or sing harmony, hymn numbers will be referenced. • After worship, recycle your bulletin in the designated bins or take it home. We will not reuse them. • The bulletin will also be available online for you to bring a tablet or smart phone if you prefer (WiFi: Ascension Guest, Password: 120BullStreet). • Rows will be labeled 8:30 or 11:00 to allow space between worshipers. • Children’s time will be held at the head of the center aisle with children physically distanced. • Baskets will be placed in the center aisle for offering. • Peace will be shared verbally, with no time designated to greet one another. • Communion will be distributed at the head of the aisle. As you come forward please maintain appropriate distance. Communion can be brought to you if you prefer. After Worship • Worshipers will exit on their own, keeping appropriate distance from others. Please do not crowd the staircases and refrain from conversation until outside the building. • We will not hold fellowship hour. Please visit with one another on the patio/sidewalk on Bull Street or in Wright Square.

Music printed by permission from ONE LICENSE with license #A-707835 and Augsburg Fortress Hymn license # SAS02244L. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-707835. All rights reserved © 2021