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St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA)Mineola, IA

Pastor Luke Kuenzli

Order of Service and Worship TextsFor Virtual and In-person Worship

Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran WorshipSetting 9 and from Sundays & Seasons

February 2021 during COVID-19 pandemic

THIS SUNDAY: February 21, 2021 – First Sunday in Lent10:30 – In-person Worship with YouTube Live stream11:30 – Community Prayer and Listening regarding American Flag and Worship.

In-person or virtual at: meet.google.com/vfp-cudm-dfw

ACCOMPANIST: Barb MassREADER: Linda Schoening

USHERS: Rob and Susan Simmon

Tues – 1:00 Quilting Mon/Wed/Fri – Preschool 9:00-11:30Wed, Feb 24

Wed/Thurs – Virtual Communion (times below)

NEXT SUNDAY: February 28, 2021 – Second Sunday in Lent10:30 – In-person Worship with YouTube Live stream

Virtual Communion:During Sunday worship (when worship is virtual-only) ORWhen Sunday worship is in-person: (meeting address is the same each week) Wednesdays at 11am: meet.google.com/ixe-mnpg-eej AND Thursdays at 6:30pm: meet.google.com/uwh-pewk-hms ORby other arrangement with Pastor Luke.

If worshipping from home, pick up a prepackaged communion cup/wafer at the North entrance, near the Church office. (or use your own bread and wine/grape juice).

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St. John Lutheran ChurchMineola, Iowa Phone (712) 526-2268Website: stjohnluthchurchmineola.orgPastor Luke Kuenzli

February 21, 2021 10:30amFirst Sunday of Lent.

We are called to glorify God, grow in faith,

and build community.Mission Statement

Food DriveThe Women of St. John are having a food drive and collecting

for Mills County Ministerial Association food pantry all through the month of February.

Kid-friendly cereals, canned tuna, chicken, pears, peaches and mixed fruits, dry pastas, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products ALWAYS welcome and needed.

Items will be collected in the shopping cart. Only food items

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION – COVID-19 Virtual and In-Person

Covid-19 Precautions for in-person worship We will require masks be worn while you are in the building (Ages 2 and

up). Refusal to wear a mask will result in your being asked to leave. We will be practicing social distancing of 6 feet. Closed pews are cordoned

off and labelled. Please don’t gather in the hallway or enter any closed spaces. Restrooms will

be limited to single-person/family use at any given time. Those who do not comply with social distancing policies will be asked to leave.

There will not be prolonged singing or unison speaking, communion, or fellowship time. Virtual communion will be held midweek.

We continue to advise (not require) that persons in the vulnerable population groups of 65+ years of age and anyone with underlying medical conditions remain home.

We ask that anyone with any respiratory symptoms (cough, sniffles, sneezing, sore throat) or fever please remain home. You will be asked to leave if you are displaying such symptoms.

We ask that if you are traveling to areas of high virus activity, you remain home for the Sunday following your travels.

Hand sanitizers are located throughout the open areas. Feel free to use them!

Have you been engaging in our Virtual Worship? Do you want this virtual ministry to continue? Would you support such an effort financially?

Council is looking at proposals to upgrade our technology to “transfigure” our current, clunky, temporary set-up into a permanent solution. This would include: - an installed Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera (PTZ 20x HD SDI) - an audio mixing board (Mackie SR32-4-VLZ Pro) - a dedicated livestream processing unit (AJA Helo) - a PC for running the camera and livestream - a new AV Station in the balcony, with wiring run to that locationTotal Cost (mostly labor) is estimated at $16,000.

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Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Setting 9) (*Stand)

Prelude Welcome/Announcements

GATHERING

*Confession and ForgivenessBlessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,the keeper of the covenant,the source of steadfast love,our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

God hears us when we cry, and draws us close in Jesus Christ. Let us return to the one who is full of compassion.Silence is kept for reflection.

Fountain of living water,pour out your mercy over us.Our sin is heavy, and we long to be free.Rebuild what we have ruinedand mend what we have torn.Wash us in your cleansing flood.Make us alive in the Spiritto follow in the way of Jesus,as healers and restorers of the world you so love. Amen.

Beloved, God’s word never fails.The promise rests on grace:by the saving love of Jesus Christ,the wisdom and power of God,your sins are ☩ forgiven, and God remembers them no more.Journey in the way of Jesus. Amen.

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Gathering Hymn “O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days” #319Those at home may sing along.

Those in-person, please listen and meditate on the words as one person sings.

Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

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.

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Kyrie (sung or hummed quietly) p. 193

Salutation The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Prayer of the Day (spoken quietly)Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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WORDFirst Reading: A reading from Genesis 9:8-17.

8God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9“As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. 11I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

...Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!

Psalm 25:1-10 Two lectors read responsively by whole verse.1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.2My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3Let none who look to you be put to shame;

rather let those be put to shame who are treacherous.4 Show me your ways, O LORD , and teach me your paths. 5Lead me in your truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.6Remember, O LORD , your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting. 7Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions;

remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your goodness, O LORD.

8You are gracious and upright, O LORD ; therefore you teach sinners in your way. 9You lead the lowly in justice and teach the lowly your way.10All your paths, O LORD , are steadfast love and faithfulness

to those who keep your covenant and your testimonies.

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Second Reading: A reading from 1 Peter 3:18-2218Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in

order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

…Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!

*Lenten Acclamation (sung or hummed quietly)

*Announcement of the Gospel The holy gospel according to Mark 1:9-15. Glory to you, O Lord.

*The Gospel is proclaimed 9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John

in the Jordan. 10And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 12And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

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

Sermon Pastor Luke Kuenzli

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You’ve probably all seen it on TV shows or in movies. You’ve probably

heard friends talk about their experiences with it. You’ve been to many for your

family members. But very few of you will actually remember the moment it

happened for you… Baptism. The ritual by which we are brought into the Christian

Church, made part of the body of Christ, claimed as God’s beloved children

through Jesus Christ’s own death and resurrection.

For most of us, it doesn’t end up being quite as exciting as Jesus’ baptism

was… no voice from above, no Holy Spirit in visible form, no tearing open of the

heavens – these glorious appearances of God’s presence are known as theophanies.

For us, all that we see and hear are words spoken, promises made, water poured, a

candle lit, and lots of smiling faces as the congregation welcomes another member

into the community of the faithful.

Oftentimes in TV or movies, a baptism – especially when it is for a grown

adult or someone at death’s door – is seen as an ending to suffering, the beginning

of a new and improved life in which everything goes right. Matthew, Mark, and

Luke all present a different reality for Jesus – and if this is true for Jesus Christ,

then we can assume that it is also the case for us. When Jesus was baptized, sure,

all those cool theophanic elements occurred: the heavens opened, the Spirit

descended, the voice of God declared Jesus the Beloved Son with whom God is

well pleased! … … … … and immediately, the Spirit drove Jesus out into the

wilderness, where he stayed for forty days, tempted by Satan.

Matthew and Luke give more detail, but Mark gives us the gist of it.

Baptism is indeed an ending and beginning, but not in the ways so often portrayed

in popular culture. In Baptism, we are called into a live of striving against evil, a

life of resisting temptation, a life in which we will at times feel lonely, parched,

and famishing. Jesus’ life after Baptism didn’t get easier or better – in fact, it got

much harder, with the beheading of the very man who baptized him, with constant

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threats from those who felt threatened by his teachings, with Jesus’ eventual arrest

and trial and finally, his crucifixion. Baptism, for Jesus and for us, is the beginning

of a life-long struggle.

The Apostle Paul tells us that the Great Flood is a precursor to, a

“prefiguring of,” baptism. When we hear Noah’s story, what we remember is that

Noah was saved, along with him family and 2 of each animal. We remember the

rainbow of promise set in the clouds, that God would never again punish the earth

with a flood to destroy all flesh. But that last part – the “destroy all flesh” part…? –

well, that’s a part of the story, too, as is the widespread human wickedness that we

are told caused God to make the hard decision to start over with Noah, in the first

place.

We often speak about baptism as a washing away of our sins, and it is this,

but how many of you have ever washed something once and never had it become

soiled again after that. Paul says that baptism saves us “not as a removal of dirt

from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Baptism saves us as an appeal for a good conscience.

And a good conscience is something that is in need of constant renewal, regular

attention, and wisdom from beyond the self.

That’s what these forty days of Lent are about. Our fasting, prayer, and

almsgiving; our self-examination and repentance – this season is a built-in

reminder which serves to call us back to resisting the lure of evil, the wiles of

Satan, and the temptation of power. It is a reminder of our need to appeal to God

for a good conscience. The baptismal imagery that so characterizes the Lenten

journey reminds us that being a Child of God means being a part of God’s Family.

We do not walk alone, but in the community of faith.

I’ve indicated to you already that through this season, I’ll be reading from

“The Book of Joy,” a conversation between Tibetan Buddhist Spiritual Leader the

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Dalai Lama, and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with narration and

commentary from editor Douglas Abrams. In the opening pages of the book’s

introduction, the ideas of suffering and struggle as a truth of life, as well as the

importance of community, are already apparent. Abrams says of these two

octogenarian giants:

“the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop are two of the great spiritual masters of our time, but they are also moral leaders who transcend their own traditions and speak always from a concern for humanity as a whole. Their courage and resilience and dogged hope in humanity inspire millions as they refuse to give in to the fashionable cynicism that risks engulfing us. Their joy is clearly not easy or superficial but one burnished by the fire of adversity, oppression, and struggle…” (The Book of Joy, p.3)

I’ll be exploring some of this more in my next sermon in two weeks –

we’ll have a very special guest preacher next week, someone I’ve know my entire

life, the Rev. Tim Kuenzli – but the questions that form the first section of The

Book of Joy revolve around the Archbishop’s and the Dalai Lama’s teachings on

how to be joyful even in the face of daily trouble, to deny nothing of our reality,

and yet to transcend the inescapable pain and suffering of others or of our selves.

I believe that this is what Lent inspires us to do – to acknowledge the

broken beauty and the beautiful brokenness of life together in such a way that we

honor all of the truth of experience even as we resist the control that either beauty

or brokenness can exert over us. Lent reminds us that God, not our experiences,

not our beliefs, not our efforts… but only God is control. The baptismal life, the

Christian life, is one that seeks to dwell in trust that God’s will is done on earth as

it is in heaven.

I want to conclude by saying this: if you feel bad, or ashamed, or otherwise

humiliated by the idea that even the best Christians, even you, need to be

reminded of what it means to follow Christ… don’t. To be human is to be

forgetful, emotional, transient in our thoughts and feelings. It is to continue to

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learn and grow and change our mind about what we think we know. And if that

isn’t permission enough to be reminded of faithfulness, then look to God’s own

example in Genesis.

The rainbow is not a reminder to us that God won’t again destroy all flesh

by a flood – though it does serve to remind us of God’s covenant. No, God set the

bow in the clouds with the express purpose of reminding God’s own self of the

covenant that God, God’s own self, made with all living creatures!

“When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I

will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature

of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all

flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting

covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

If after his baptism, even Jesus was tempted, then we too are allowed to

feel the lure and pull of temptation – and we are called to resist for the sake of

maintaining a joyful balance with God’s good creation and God’s good creatures.

To co-opt a popular phrase, “The struggle is real.” If even God may need the

occasional reminder to follow through on a commitment to sustaining life even

when things get ugly, then it is perfectly OK for us to need reminders, too, to

follow through on our baptismal promises.

Our God, in taking on human flesh in Jesus Christ, has embraced the full

human experience so that we might know the depths of God’s love, the promise

of salvation in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, the gift of the Holy Spirit

who guides us into every temptation with the power to overcome them. Victory,

indeed, is ours through God who loves us. Amen.

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Hymn of the Day “Goodness is Stronger Than Evil” #721Those at home may sing along.


Text from An African Prayer Book selected by Desmond Tutu, © 1995 by Desmond Tutu. Used by permission of Doubleday a div. of Random House, Inc. and Lynn C. Franklin

Associates, Ltd. Music © 1996 Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc., exclusive agent. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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*Apostles’ CreedI 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 to the dead. 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.

Installation of CouncilThe assembly is seated. The presiding minister addresses the assembly.The following people have been elected by the congregation to positions of leadership. We give thanks for their willingness to serve. In baptism we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God; we rejoice now that these sisters and brothers will lead us in our common life and our mutual mission as a congregation.

The offices and names of those who are to be installed are read.Newly elected members: Chris Clayton, Trustee; Marge Kahl, TreasurerRe-elected members: Chris Mead, Trustee; Frank Lilly & Carol Tedder (Pres.), DeaconsContinuing members: Kris Sorensen, Secretary; Terry Tedder, Trustee; Leslie Speck & Dave Stickrod (V.P.), Elders

The presiding minister addresses those being installed.A reading from First Corinthians: There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

You have been elected to positions of leadership and trust in this congregation.

You are to see that the words and deeds of this household of faith bear witness to God, who gathers us into one together with the whole church.

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You are to seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support, so that the mission of Christ is carried out in this congregation, in the wider church, in this community, and in the whole world.You are to be faithful in your specific area of serving, that the Spirit who empowers you may be glorified.You are to be examples of faith active in love, fostering peace, harmony, and mutual understanding in this congregation.The presiding minister addresses those being installed.On behalf of your sisters and brothers in Christ, I ask you: Will you accept and faithfully carry out the duties of the offices to which you have been elected?Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.

The assembly stands. Those being installed face the assembly. The presiding minister addresses the assembly.People of God, I ask you: Will you support these, your elected leaders, and will you share in the mutual ministry that Christ has given to all who are baptized? Response: We will, and we ask God to help us.

Those being installed face the presiding minister, who addresses them.I now declare you installed as council members of this congregation.

Almighty God bless you, and direct your days and your deeds in peace,that you may be faithful servants of Christ. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession Relying on the promises of God, we pray boldly for the church, the world, and all

in need. A brief silence.

In Jesus your realm has come near to us in every place and time. Give your church throughout the world a spirit of humility and repentance; teach us to trust always in the good news of your salvation. We pray especially for Calvary Baptist Church in Glenwood and their leadership; for Bethany Lutheran and Immanuel Lutheran in Kimballton and TEEM Candidate Sam Jacobs; and for the work of Lutheran Services in Iowa. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You have made a covenant of mercy with every living creature. Protect all the earth’s creatures from destruction. Empower the work of biologists, conservationists, and science educators. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

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All your paths are steadfast love and faithfulness. Direct the words and actions of leaders in our community and throughout the world, that they may maintain justice for the lowly. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Even in the wilderness you are with us. Walk alongside migrants and refugees crossing dangerous lands. Tend to those whose lives feel desolate. Give healing and strength to all who suffer, especially Eileen Fleming, Randy Williams, Terry Tedder, Calvin Deitchler, Landon Angeroth, . Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

In the covenant of baptism you claim us as beloved children. Nurture us in our baptismal identity and teach us to live within it for the sake of others. Strengthen this congregation in every ministry of care and concern. Bless our council members as they lead us, and guide us all to listen and pray together with open hearts and minds today. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

In baptism you join us to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We praise you for all those who have died trusting in your faithfulness. Bring us with them to the fullness of your reign. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We entrust ourselves and all our prayers to you, O faithful God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sharing of the PeaceThe peace of the Lord be with you all. And also with you.Please greet one another with a socially distanced sign of Christ’s Peace.

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THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving for the WordGracious God, who has named and claimed us, calling us your beloved children, you know the secrets of our hearts. When we sin and stray from your paths, you astound us with your saving grace. For this Word of life, we give you thanks. Loving Jesus, living Word, in you the kingdom of God has come near; through you all that was lost has been found. Help us to boldly follow wherever you may lead, trusting your promise that we need not fear, for you are with us. For this Word of life, we give you thanks. Holy Spirit, the mystery in which we dwell, into our scarcity, your abundance flows.Enliven all communities with your good news. Guide us to love and serve Jesus,giving ourselves away for the sake of the world.For this Word of life, we give you thanks. All glory to you, holy God, now and forever. Amen.

Lord’s PrayerGathered together by the Holy Spirit, we pray as Jesus taught us: (spoken

quietly)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.

Sending

BLESSINGYou are what God made you to be: created in Christ Jesus for good works,chosen as holy and beloved, freed to serve your neighbor.

God bless you ☩ that you may be a blessing,

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in the name of the holy and life-giving Trinity. Amen.

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Sending Song “Lead Me, Guide Me” #768Those at home may sing along.


Text and music © 1953 Doris Akers. All rights administered by Unichappell Music, Inc. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.

Dismissal Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God.

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Scripture quotations from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved

worldwide.

Service adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006. All rights reserved.And/or from Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #46263.

“O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days” Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A.

“Goodness is Stronger Than Evil” Text from An African Prayer Book selected by Desmond Tutu, © 1995 by Desmond Tutu. Used by permission of Doubleday a div. of Random House, Inc. and

Lynn C. Franklin Associates, Ltd. Music © 1996 Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc., exclusive agent. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

“Lead Me, Guide Me” Text and music © 1953 Doris Akers. All rights administered by Unichappell Music, Inc. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Used by

permission from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A.

Permission to stream music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A. All rights reserved.

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