First Lutheran Church

Christmas II

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Pete Randall

Introduction to Today’s Service:

Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.

Lessons & Carols

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Pam Mansbach

Readers: Pam Mansbach, Ida Kurinskas, Jill Wiley, Kristin MacNevin, Marcia Anderson, Nina Sousa, Brant Cruz

Today’s Guest Musicians: Your Favorite Brass Quintet

Craig Shadday – trumpet

Lucas Swanson – trumpet

Susan Winterbottom-Shadday – horn

Garrett Stephan – trombone

Evan Gravell – tuba

Historical Note:

The tradition of the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols dates from 1880. It was introduced by the Bishop of Truro, The Rt. Rev. E. W. Benson. In 1918, the service was adopted by King’s College, Cambridge, where over the last century it has become justly famous.

Christmas Day

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Layreader: Nina Sousa

Introduction

As on the first day of creation, on this Christmas Day the Word illumines the world, shining forth to bring all things into being. Today we celebrate the incarnate Word, God becoming flesh to live among us in the person of Jesus Christ then and now. Emboldened by the good news of Christ’s birth, along with the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and all witnesses to the light of Christ, we declare to the world that we have indeed seen and been transformed by the arrival of “the salvation of our God.” O come, let us adore!.

Christmas Eve

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Katarina Sousa

Layreader: Nina Sousa

Introduction

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Advent IV & Christmas Pageant

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Jeanne Govoni

Acolytes: Juliette & Matthew Carlson

Introduction

Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.”.

Advent III

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Chris Newman

Introduction

Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.

Advent II

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Bill Kiesel

Introduction

Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the LORD of hosts.Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”

Advent I

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Sue Newberg

Introduction

Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.

Christ the King | Baptism

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Bill Keisell

Introduction

Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, the people still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king’s title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the “one like a human being” (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel’s vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love.

Pentecost XXVI

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Bill Keisell

Introduction

November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.

Pentecost XXV

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Pete Randall

Introduction

Widows are visible everywhere in today’s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows’ houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn’t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.

All Saints Sunday

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Chris Newman

Introduction

Of all three years of the lectionary cycle, this year’s All Saints readings have the most tears. Isaiah and Revelation look forward to the day when God will wipe away all tears; in John’s gospel, Jesus weeps along with Mary and all the gathered mourners before he demonstrates his power over death. On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of Isaiah’s feast to come.

Reformation Sunday

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Jeanne Govoni

Lector: Dennis Govoni

Crucifer: Juliette Carlson

Acolyte: Matthew Carlson

Introduction

Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.

First Holy Communion & Pentecost XXII

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Dawn Cafelle

Introduction

Today’s gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who will be closest to Jesus, leading to Jesus teaching his followers about God’s take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great. When we pray “your kingdom come” we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression. We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service. Our First Holy Communicants today are Keira and Mya Fitzgerald and Penny MacNevin. Congratulations!.

PET BLESSING & PENTECOST XXI

Officiants Today

Presiding: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Peter Randall

Introduction

The annual feast of St. Francis of Assisi is traditionally held on October 4. Francis is known on most church calendars as a “church reformer.” In the 13th century, Francis rebuilt the church in its outward form of mission to the outside world. Francis and his followers chose to live in nature rather than permanent physical structures. Francis embraced all of creation from birds to wolves to Brother Son to Sister Moon. Popular culture has embraced his countercultural identity in his association with Creation Theology and most closely identified him with popular blessings of animals and pet companions. Our relationship to creation and especially our pet companions point to our relationships with Jesus. It is no coincidence that Pope Francis I took the name of Francis on his consecration as Pontiff in 2013 given their shared humility and identity with the marginalized.