Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
ELCA Bold Women’s Day Service
February 27, 2022
10:30 a.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus will be unable to avoid reflecting that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see the glory of the Lord in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by the Spirit of God.
Glimpses of Glory
Sometimes transformation happens before our very eyes without us even noticing it.
God’s glory was on full display for the disciples that day on the mountaintop, and as people of faith, we profess that God’s transforming power is still at work among us today. But if we are waiting for a dazzling mountaintop moment, we just might miss God’s glorious work happening in and around us in real time. These are the pivotal moments that change our perspective, invite us to embark on a new adventure in discipleship, and expand our capacity for love of God and neighbor. These are the moments when Christ is revealed to us. With generations before us, we too are invited to enter the mysteries of faith.
Perhaps Christ is revealed in the chaos of a children’s choir, in kneading bread that will nourish bodies, in the careful stitches of quilters that will bring warmth to a cold night. Perhaps you have glimpsed God’s glory in the casseroles lovingly prepared for funerals, in a baby shower for teenage parents, in a meal shared among unlikely table mates. Maybe you have been surprised to find Jesus’ love in the eyes of a stranger. Maybe you have experienced God’s transformative power in the hard work of justice, in the learning and unlearning and courageous reimagining of new ways of being so that all of God’s creation might flourish. Perhaps today you will meet God in the proclamation, in bread broken and wine poured, in water splashed gently onto a forehead.
God is here. Christ is among us. The Spirit leads us in every time and place. Where do you see God’s glory on display in your life and community?
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
GATHERING SONG “Arise Your Light Has Come”
Arise, your light has come! The Spirit’s call obey;
show forth the glory of your God which shines on you today.
Arise, your light has come! Fling wide the prison door;
proclaim the captive’s liberty, good tidings to the poor.
Arise, your light has come! All you in sorrow born,
bind up the brokenhearted ones and comfort those who mourn.
Arise, your light has come! The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing, God’s pow’r will make us strong.
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
LITANY OF THANKSGIVING
Lord our God, we give thanks for the witness of bold women. In early times, today and into the future, bold women show us how to live as God’s beloved children in God’s beloved creation. We live into our baptismal call to work for justice and peace for all God’s creatures. Together, we say:
Thank you, God!
For Katharine von Bora Luther, who ran to embrace change in her world, we say:
Thank you, God!
For Katharina Schutz Zell, a publishing ‘Church Mother’ who married to bring voice to God’s truth in her time, we say:
Thank you, God!
For Argula von Grumbach, who wrote letters and poems defending the Reformers as bearers of the true faith, we say:
Thank you, God!
For Olimpia Fulvia Morata, blessed by God as a child to study and boldly proclaim the Gospel, we say:
Thank you, God!
Each of us has been surrounded by bold women on our way, if only we look for them. For whom do you thank the Lord today? Name her aloud and let us thank God for her witness.
When all have spoken, the leader concludes:
Thank you, God, for the witness of all bold women yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We praise you for their witness to your love and mercy. Strengthen us to live out our baptismal call to serve you and our neighbor with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our strength.
Thank you, God! Alleluia, Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
God of tender care, like a mother, you never forget your children, and you know already what we need. In all our anxiety give us trusting and faithful hearts, that in confidence and boldness we may embody the peace and justice of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Joel 2:27-32
A reading from the prophet, Joel.
You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is no other. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. Then everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 2 Peter 1:17-21
A reading from the second letter of Peter.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL READING Matthew 28:1-10
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
MESSAGE
RECOGNITION OF BOLD WOMEN OF THE CONGREGATION
The Pastor will ask all the women of the of the congregation (present or at home) to stand.
Women of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church take a moment to look around at each other. Whether you’ve been here a long time or a short time you have been a very important part of our ministry and to our community. This is something that the whole Church has not always been good at recognizing but today we are.
Sisters, both your work and your rest are in God. Will you endeavor to pattern your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, in gratitude to God and in service to others, at morning and evening, at work and at play, all the days of your lives?
I will and I ask god to help me.
Almighty God, by the power of the Spirit you have knit those your servants into the one body of your Son, Jesus Christ. Look with favor upon them in their commitment to serve in Christ’s name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian Vocation of witness to the world and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY “Signs and Wonders”
Signs and wonders lead the dancing
from the heart God frees from fear:
wings of angels greet the maiden,
and God finds a dwelling here;
boldly may we lift our hands,
bow the head, and voice Amen;
Thus does glory shine at midnight:
open hearts invite the starlight.
Hope and freedom join the circle:
Mary to the garden came,
saw the radiance of the marvel,
heard the Risen call her name;
boldly may we heed Christ’s call,
step beyond the garden wall:
beautiful the feet proceeding
with good news of death’s defeating.
Cast aside all fear and hiding;
hand in hand we dance the round.
God is with us, Christ, abiding,
and the Spirit’s gifts abound.
Called by God to holiness,
let us boldly serve and bless;
and to hearts that sigh and hunger
may our lives dance signs and wonders.
APOSTLES’ CREED
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 power of 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 catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
God our Creator, you made us in your image.
And you call us from wherever we are in time and place to be your disciples.
Through your Holy Spirit, we are empowered to bring the Gospel to all your people
by your grace, you listen to our prayers.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
In your mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Make us your bold and faithful servants, this day and forevermore through Jesus Christ, our savior and Lord. Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
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. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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:
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. Hosanna in the highest.
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
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 heav- enly 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
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to God’s table. There is a place for you and enough for all.
Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN “Be Thou My Vision”
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art:
thou my best thought both by day and by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my soul’s shelter,and thou my high tow’r,
raise thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,
thou mine inheritance, now and always:
thou and thou only, the first in my heart,
great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.
Light of my soul, after victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, O heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
LAMB OF GOD
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
SONG AFTER COMMUNION: The Canticle of Simeon
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of ev’ry people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We give you thanks, gracious God, for we have feasted on the abundance of your house. Send us to bring good news and to proclaim your favor to all, strengthened with the richness of your grace in your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus.
Amen.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The God of all grace bless you now and forever.
Amen.
SENDING SONG “To Be Your Presence”
To be your presence is our mission here,
to show compassion’s face and list’ning ear,
to be your heart of mercy ever near,
alleluia!
To be your presence is our mission bold,
to feed the poor and shelter homeless cold,
to be your hands of justice, right uphold,
alleluia!
To be your presence is our mission blest,
to speak for all the broken and oppressed,
to be your voice of hope, your love expressed,
alleluia!
We are your heart, O Christ, your hands and voice,
to serve your people is our call and choice,
and in this mission we, the church, rejoice,
alleluia!
DISMISSAL
Go with Christ into a weary world.
Share the good news.
Created, saved and gifted by God; we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah, thanks be to God!
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
Make a commitment to not only worship each week but also try to find a way to serve in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD
Upcoming Commemorations
George Herbert, hymnwriter, died 1633
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
An excellent scholar, Herbert served briefly in the English parliament, then became a parish priest. He was known for devoted care of his parishioners, as well as for writing poetry and hymns, including “Come, my way, my truth, my life.” He died at age 40.
John Wesley, died 1791; Charles Wesley, died 1788; renewers of the church
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
These brothers led a revival originally intended to remain within the Church of England, one that involved frequent communion and advocacy for the poor. Except for a brief time in America, they worked in England. Charles was also a prolific hymn writer. After their deaths, their work led to the formation of the Methodist Church.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.