Ji
January 21, 2021
CALL TO WORSHIP
We have heard a prophet’s cry; the appointed hour has come.
We have heard a prophet’s cry; the realm of heaven has entered our midst.
We have heard a prophet’s cry; let us turn our nets and follow the Lord.
We have heard a prophet’s cry; let us set our hearts and hopes on God!
We have heard it spoken that almighty power belongs to God, and that to God belongs steadfast love. So, to this power we appeal; with this love we plead. We have floundered too long in shifting sands; we need a rock on which to stand. We have shivered too often through bone-chilling storms; we need a refuge where we might find warmth. For you along we wait, O Lord. To you alone we pray, our Rock and our Redeemer.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Please stand.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose voice is upon the waters, whose mercy is poured out upon all people, whose goodness cascades over all creation. Amen
Let us confess our sin, trusting in the abundant grace of God.
Holy God, you search us and know us. You are acquainted with all our ways. We confess that our hearts are burdened by sin—our own sins and the broken systems that bind us. We turn inward, failing to follow your outward way of love. We distrust those who are not like us. We exploit the earth and its resources and fail to consider generations to come. Forgive us, gracious God, for all we have done and left undone. Even before the words are on our tongues, you know them; receive them in your divine mercy. Amen.
How vast is God’s grace! Through the power and promise of Christ Jesus, our sins are washed away and we are claimed as God’s own beloved. Indeed, we are forgiven. In the wake of God’s forgiveness, we are called to be the beloved community living out Christ’s justice and the Spirit’s reconciling peace. Amen
GATHERING SONG (ELW 597) My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
1 My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
no merit of my own I claim,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in ev'ry high and stormy gale
my anchor holds within the veil. Refrain
3 His oath, his covenant, his blood
sustain me in the raging flood;
when all supports are washed away,
he then is all my hope and stay. Refrain
4 When he shall come with trumpet sound,
oh, may I then in him be found,
clothed in his righteousness alone,
redeemed to stand before the throne! Refrain
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.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
Come, let us join our cheerful songs with angels round the throne;
ten thousand thousand are their tongues, but all their joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry, “to be exalted thus!”
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply, “for he was slain for us!”
Jesus is worthy to receive honor and pow’r divine;
and blessings, more than we can give, be, Lord, forever thine.
Let all creation join in one to bless the sacred name
of God who sits upon the throne, and to adore the Lamb
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray.
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.
Please be seated.
FIRST READING: Jonah 3: 1-5, 10
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So 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. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
When 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.
PSALM 62: 5-12
For God alone I wait in silence; truly, my hope is in God.
God alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall never be shaken.
In God is my deliverance and my honor; God is my strong rock and my refuge.
Put your trust in God always, O people, pour out your hearts before the one who is our refuge.
Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath; those of low estate cannot be trusted.
Placed on the scales together they weigh even less than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, that power belongs to God.
Steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord, for you repay all according to their deeds.
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31
Brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and 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, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia! Lord and Savior: open now your saving word.
Let it burn like fire within us; speak until our hearts are stirred.
Alleluia! Lord, we sing for the good news that you bring.
GOSPEL: Mark 1: 14--20
The holy gospel according to Mark
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Please be seated.
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY (ELW 661) I Love to Tell the Story
1 I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know it's true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else would do.
Refrain
I love to tell the story;
'twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
2 I love to tell the story:
how pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story,
for some have never heard
the message of salvation
from God's own holy word. Refrain
3 I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
I'll sing the old, old story
that I have loved so long. Refrain
Please stand.
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 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
Please be seated.
Guided by Christ made known to the nations, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all the people in needed.
For the Church throughout the world, may the good news be proclaimed. May your people hear the news of Your reconciling love. This love flows over and through Your creation, each living thing needing the other to steward Your gifts. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
For those who provide leadership, whether in government, our state, our counties, give them wisdom and courage. For our congregation and community, for families big and small, may God’s steadfast love be a model for all of our relationships. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
For our families and friends, especially those who struggle with health issues, in their bodies, in their spirits, or in their souls, we place them in your healing hands. You bring comfort when least expected and peace into anxious moments. We take a moment to lift up the names of those who are in our thoughts this morning (silent reflection) God’s mercies never end. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, spoken and silent, for the sake of the one who dwells among us, Your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen
OFFERING.
Let us pray.
O God,
receive these gifts as you receive us: like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.
Nourish us anew in your tender care, and empower us in faithful service to tend to others with this same love, through Jesus Christ, our saving grace. Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
.
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;
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:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heav’n 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.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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.
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Beloved: here is bread; here is wine. Here is Jesus. Come and be fed.
Please stand.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray
Christ Jesus, at this table we have feasted on your very life and are strengthened for our journey.
Send us forth from this banquet nourished in body and in spirit to proclaim your good news
and serve others in your name. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
SENDING OF COMMUNION
Gracious God, loving all your family with a father’s tender care:
As you sent the angel to feed Elijah with heavenly bread,
assist those who set forth to share your word and sacrament
with those who are sick, homebound, and imprisoned.
In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those who will receive this sacrament,
and give us all the comfort of your abiding presence
through the body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
God, the creator, strengthen you; Jesus, the beloved, fill you; and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, ☩ keep you in peace. Amen
SENDING SONG (ELW 439) Soon and Very Soon
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Remember in your prayers: Sion Church, our Call Committee, Jim Wallenberg, Sheldon Carlson and Luella Quiner, all World Leaders, Our Armed Forces, Law Enforcement and all First Responders
Regarding Prayer List: Remember on the Sion Website, under “Announcements”, we will continue to post the complete list of family and friends in need of prayers. If you have any changes to pass along, please let Geri know.
And speaking of the Sion Lutheran Website…I am now updating the website on a weekly basis. If you check the “Announcements” page, you will find not only the current prayer list but also I try to post the Sunday readings (and sometimes the entire readings). And THANK YOU, Larry Wilebski, for allowing us to use your wonderful photos.



 
January 21, 2021
CALL TO WORSHIP
We have heard a prophet’s cry; the appointed hour has come.
We have heard a prophet’s cry; the realm of heaven has entered our midst.
We have heard a prophet’s cry; let us turn our nets and follow the Lord.
We have heard a prophet’s cry; let us set our hearts and hopes on God!
We have heard it spoken that almighty power belongs to God, and that to God belongs steadfast love. So, to this power we appeal; with this love we plead. We have floundered too long in shifting sands; we need a rock on which to stand. We have shivered too often through bone-chilling storms; we need a refuge where we might find warmth. For you along we wait, O Lord. To you alone we pray, our Rock and our Redeemer.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Please stand.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose voice is upon the waters, whose mercy is poured out upon all people, whose goodness cascades over all creation. Amen
Let us confess our sin, trusting in the abundant grace of God.
Holy God, you search us and know us. You are acquainted with all our ways. We confess that our hearts are burdened by sin—our own sins and the broken systems that bind us. We turn inward, failing to follow your outward way of love. We distrust those who are not like us. We exploit the earth and its resources and fail to consider generations to come. Forgive us, gracious God, for all we have done and left undone. Even before the words are on our tongues, you know them; receive them in your divine mercy. Amen.
How vast is God’s grace! Through the power and promise of Christ Jesus, our sins are washed away and we are claimed as God’s own beloved. Indeed, we are forgiven. In the wake of God’s forgiveness, we are called to be the beloved community living out Christ’s justice and the Spirit’s reconciling peace. Amen
GATHERING SONG (ELW 597) My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
1 My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
no merit of my own I claim,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
Refrain
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand.
2 When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in ev'ry high and stormy gale
my anchor holds within the veil. Refrain
3 His oath, his covenant, his blood
sustain me in the raging flood;
when all supports are washed away,
he then is all my hope and stay. Refrain
4 When he shall come with trumpet sound,
oh, may I then in him be found,
clothed in his righteousness alone,
redeemed to stand before the throne! Refrain
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.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
Come, let us join our cheerful songs with angels round the throne;
ten thousand thousand are their tongues, but all their joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry, “to be exalted thus!”
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply, “for he was slain for us!”
Jesus is worthy to receive honor and pow’r divine;
and blessings, more than we can give, be, Lord, forever thine.
Let all creation join in one to bless the sacred name
of God who sits upon the throne, and to adore the Lamb
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray.
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.
Please be seated.
FIRST READING: Jonah 3: 1-5, 10
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So 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. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
When 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.
PSALM 62: 5-12
For God alone I wait in silence; truly, my hope is in God.
God alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall never be shaken.
In God is my deliverance and my honor; God is my strong rock and my refuge.
Put your trust in God always, O people, pour out your hearts before the one who is our refuge.
Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath; those of low estate cannot be trusted.
Placed on the scales together they weigh even less than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, that power belongs to God.
Steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord, for you repay all according to their deeds.
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31
Brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and 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, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia! Lord and Savior: open now your saving word.
Let it burn like fire within us; speak until our hearts are stirred.
Alleluia! Lord, we sing for the good news that you bring.
GOSPEL: Mark 1: 14--20
The holy gospel according to Mark
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Please be seated.
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY (ELW 661) I Love to Tell the Story
1 I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know it's true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else would do.
Refrain
I love to tell the story;
'twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
2 I love to tell the story:
how pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story,
for some have never heard
the message of salvation
from God's own holy word. Refrain
3 I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
I'll sing the old, old story
that I have loved so long. Refrain
Please stand.
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 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
Please be seated.
Guided by Christ made known to the nations, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all the people in needed.
For the Church throughout the world, may the good news be proclaimed. May your people hear the news of Your reconciling love. This love flows over and through Your creation, each living thing needing the other to steward Your gifts. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
For those who provide leadership, whether in government, our state, our counties, give them wisdom and courage. For our congregation and community, for families big and small, may God’s steadfast love be a model for all of our relationships. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
For our families and friends, especially those who struggle with health issues, in their bodies, in their spirits, or in their souls, we place them in your healing hands. You bring comfort when least expected and peace into anxious moments. We take a moment to lift up the names of those who are in our thoughts this morning (silent reflection) God’s mercies never end. Let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, spoken and silent, for the sake of the one who dwells among us, Your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen
OFFERING.
Let us pray.
O God,
receive these gifts as you receive us: like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.
Nourish us anew in your tender care, and empower us in faithful service to tend to others with this same love, through Jesus Christ, our saving grace. Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
.
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;
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:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heav’n 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.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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.
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Beloved: here is bread; here is wine. Here is Jesus. Come and be fed.
Please stand.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray
Christ Jesus, at this table we have feasted on your very life and are strengthened for our journey.
Send us forth from this banquet nourished in body and in spirit to proclaim your good news
and serve others in your name. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
SENDING OF COMMUNION
Gracious God, loving all your family with a father’s tender care:
As you sent the angel to feed Elijah with heavenly bread,
assist those who set forth to share your word and sacrament
with those who are sick, homebound, and imprisoned.
In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those who will receive this sacrament,
and give us all the comfort of your abiding presence
through the body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
God, the creator, strengthen you; Jesus, the beloved, fill you; and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, ☩ keep you in peace. Amen
SENDING SONG (ELW 439) Soon and Very Soon
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Remember in your prayers: Sion Church, our Call Committee, Jim Wallenberg, Sheldon Carlson and Luella Quiner, all World Leaders, Our Armed Forces, Law Enforcement and all First Responders
Regarding Prayer List: Remember on the Sion Website, under “Announcements”, we will continue to post the complete list of family and friends in need of prayers. If you have any changes to pass along, please let Geri know.
And speaking of the Sion Lutheran Website…I am now updating the website on a weekly basis. If you check the “Announcements” page, you will find not only the current prayer list but also I try to post the Sunday readings (and sometimes the entire readings). And THANK YOU, Larry Wilebski, for allowing us to use your wonderful photos.



 
