December 27, 2020

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1st Sunday after Christmas | December 27, 2020 | Recorded December 26, 2020 Commemoration of Salem 100th Anniversary Pianist: Bonnie Collins Special Music: Linda Bechtold Lay Reader: Mitch Jorgenson

Prelude

Welcome L Welcome to Salem Lutheran Church in Longville MN. Today marks the 100 year anniversary of Salem and although we are not able to meet in person to celebrate this day YET, we can acknowledge and give thanks to God for not only the past 100 years but for next 100 as well.

Please note the new PDF service outline on the website page you find the worship video, so you can follow the service and respond where we would if we were worshiping in person.

We will also invite you to pause the video in few moments to gather a few items for worship. If you will be participating in Holy Communion virtually, you will need bread or crackers, and wine or grape juice. Please pause your video now and join us when you are ready.

Salem was organized in a little log cabin on the east shore of Lake Inguadona on December 27, 1920. Alverna Vangen ((V)Fang -in) Anderson wrote, “As I recall, there were fourteen people gathered in the living room of the log cabin…Since the meeting was for the organization of a church, and the members present were all in accord, the business meeting was soon accomplished and officers elected. After a prayer service, everyone enjoyed coffee, cake and conversation.

100 years later…This is still the rhythm of our story, except these past 9 ½ months due to Covid, we continue to gather for worship and prayer, coffee, donuts and conversation.

Call to Worship: Philippians 1:2-6 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Gathering Prayer1 L Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the 14 people gathered in the log cabin 100 years ago, to begin your work through Salem, we continue today. We thank You that we are all One in Christ, and we pray that as members of Your body, Your Holy Spirit would knit us together in the bonds of unity and love.

Lord, You have promised that You are the One that would build Your Church and we ask that You would continue to equip each of us, both individually and corporately with the talents and gifts that root us in Christ, to Love, Grow and Serve your kingdom come.

Protect us from sinful natures that seeks to destroy and cause divisions among Your body. Help us to be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, gentle and gracious toward each other and the world you love. Let us not be motivated by selfishness but in humility may we seek to regard the needs of others before our own.

We give you thanks for the countless men and women who have served as pastors, council members, teachers, organists, choir directors and musicians, ministry team members, and laity. Give wisdom to those you have called to serve as Salem’s leadership, and a teachable spirit to those that listen.

And we give you thanks that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is with us all this day and for ever. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Special Music: “Gesu Bambino“ – Bonnie Collins Confession and Forgiveness L Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who was in the beginning, who makes a dwelling among us, who covers us with justice and mercy. Amen

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence is kept for reflection. God of goodness and lovingkindness, C we confess that we have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have turned away from your invitation to new life. We have turned away from the lowly and downtrodden. In your abundant mercy, forgive us our sins, those we know and those known only to you, for the sake of the one who came to live among us, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

L Hear the good news of peace and salvation! God forgives us all our sins, not through our own work, but through ☩ Jesus Christ, made known to all people. With all who come to the manger, rejoice in this amazing gift of grace. Amen

Sharing of Peace L In a moment we will invite you to pause your video and share God’s peace with one another. If you are with loved ones, share the peace with one another with the intention that as you have been forgiven and given peace with God, so you forgive one another and offer them the gift of peace as well. If you are by yourself, we invite you to close your eyes and allow whoever God brings to your awareness to be present with you and offer from your heart forgiveness and the gift of peace you have been given from God.

L The peace of the Lord is with you. C And also with you.

L Please pause your video now and share that peace with one another.

Psalm 148 1Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise God in the heights. 2Praise the Lord, all you angels; sing praise, all you hosts of heaven. 3Praise the Lord, sun and moon; sing praise, all you shining stars. 4Praise the Lord, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. 5Let them praise the name of the Lord, who commanded, and they were created, 6who made them stand fast forever and ever, giving them a law that shall not pass away. 7Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps; 8fire and hail, snow and fog, tem-pes-tu-ous wind, doing God’s will; 9mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; 10wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds; 11sovereigns of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world; 12young men and maidens, old and young together. 13Let them praise the name of the Lord, whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over earth and heaven. 14The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for all faithful servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near the Lord. Hallelujah!

2nd Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 4When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Gospel Reading L The Holy Gospel according to St Luke the 2nd chapter. C Glory to you, O Lord.

22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, [Joseph and Mary] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

L The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.

Message

Tribute to 100 Year Anniversary of Salem Lutheran Church – “Sheltered in the Arms of God” – Linda Bechtold

Apostles’ Creed L With the whole church, let us confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed. C 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 into hell. 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 Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession Following each prayer petition L Hear us, O God. C Your mercy is great.

Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. A brief silence. Gracious God, we pray for your church throughout the world but especially we pray for Salem. We give you thanks for the vision and courage of the charter members of Salem and for the pastors, organists, choir directors and choirs, council members and council presidents, staff and members who have served you through Salem. Give us vision and courage toyou’re your hope for Salem in the future and grace to try and fail and then try and fail some more as we live as your beloved daughters and sons. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

All creation is holy to you, O God. You cause the earth to bring forth its shoots and gardens to spring up. Protect hibernating animals and frozen lands that wait earnestly for longer days of awakening and growth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

The nations are upheld by your hand, O God. Inspire leaders to serve with compassion and integrity. Send your spirit of discernment upon legislators grappling with complex decisions for the sake of the common good. We pray for the men and women who serve in the military and their families, especially those who are in dangerous situations. We pray for those who work in law enforcement and the communities they swore to protect, fire fighters, EMT’s, First Responders and advocates. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Send the spirit of your Son into our hearts, O God. Come quickly to hearts that race with fear, hearts that break with grief, and hearts that long for wellness and healing, especially those who live with mental illness…addiction…chronic pain and disease, those on our prayer chain, those with COVID 19…Reese Erickson, Steve Antonson, Lois Allen, Carol Overgaard, Noel Mills, Ron Tormondson, Larry Nelson, Anastasia Miller, Ellen Wright, and those we name out loud or in our hearts…). And bless caregivers with strength, rest and renewal. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bless your sons and daughters, O God. We pray for those without home, adequate income, family or friends, food, clean water or health care. WE pray for those who live with abuse, are neglected or who are bullied, suffer discrimination or injustice. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Embrace all who mourn in your loving and tender arms. Especially the family and friends of Kathy Brooks…Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus. Amen

Offering Prayer L Let us pray. Gracious God, 100 years ago, you stirred the hearts of the men and women Gathered in a tiny cabin to start a church, A place where your word would be heard, Sacraments celebrated, and fellowship shared. 100 years later, you stir our hearts To continue the ministry you call Salem to. Stir our hearts to give generously and unconditionally That the ministry you call us to, through Salem continue another hundred years. That you holy name be magnified throughout the earth, Amen.

Offering

Celebration of Holy Communion L The Lord be with you. C And also with you.

L Lift up your hearts. C We lift them to the Lord.

L Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give our thanks and praise.

L 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. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory, that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. 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 death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen

Lord’s Prayer L Let us speak together the prayer our Savior 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

Sharing of Elements We believe that this is not just a symbolic remembering of the Last Supper our Lord shared with his disciples but that Christ is truly present in, with and under the bread and wine.

In a few moments we will invite you to pause the video and share with one another the bread and wine, the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus, with the words, “The body of Christ given for you.” “The blood of Christ shed for you.” If a member of your family is not yet taking communion, share a blessing with them by making the sign of the cross on their forehead and saying words such as, “ ______, Jesus loves you so much, may God bless you and keep you in God’s loving arms, now and forever. Amen.” When you are done, un-pause the video and join us for the rest of the service.

Post Communion Blessing & Prayer L May the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, strengthen, keep and unite us, now and forever. Amen

Let us pray, God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Announcements

Blessing and Sending

1 Adapted from a prayer from: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-Anniversaries