Fifth Sunday in Lent 2023
March 26, 2023 – St. John American Lutheran Church + ELCA + Sioux Falls SD
In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be raised with him to new life.
GATHERING MUSIC
Sarah Jorgensen (Saturday)
Amber Holtberg (Sunday)
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRAYER CONCERNS
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
L Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who journeys with us these forty days, and sustains us with the gift of grace.
C Amen.
L 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.
C Amen.
L Let us acknowledge before God and one another our need for repentance and God’s mercy.
Silence for reflection and prayer.
L Holy God,
C we confess that we are held captive by sin. In spite of our best efforts, we have gone astray. We have not welcomed the stranger. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. We sinned against you and those around us. Restore us, O God. Wake us up and turn us from our sin. Renew us each day in the light of Christ. Amen.
L Hear the good news: God so loved the world that God gave the only Son, so that all may receive life. This promise is for you! God embraces you with divine mercy, ☩ and forgives you in Christ’s name.
C Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE
No. 324 (Red Hymnal)
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
GREETING AND PRAYER OF THE DAY
L The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C And also with you.
L Almighty God,
C your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe on us the power of your Spirit, so that we may be raised to new life in Christ and serve you in righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
SCRIPTURES
HYMN OF THE WORD
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Holy Bible p. 704/705)
Psalm 130 (Holy Bible p. 500)
Romans 8:6-11 (Holy Bible p.919)
No. 517 (Red Hymnal)
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
The congregation stands for the reading of the Gospel.
GOSPEL John 11:32-44 (p.874)
SERMON Pastor Lon Kvanli
HYMN OF THE DAY
No. 338 (Red Hymnal)
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
PROFESSION OF FAITH: APOSTLES’ CREED
C I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 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 life everlasting. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
After each petition, the leader says, “Lord, in your mercy.” Congregational response is, “Hear our prayer!”
OFFERING & OFFERTORY St. John Adult Choir
“You Say”
Director, Sarah Jorgensen - Piano, Amber Holtberg - Guitar, Dan Hooks
OFFERTORY PRAYER
L God of good gifts,
C receive these and all our offerings as we present them in faithful service for the sake of your gospel. Prepare our hearts to receive you in this meal as you pour out your very presence through Christ Jesus, the wellspring of eternal life. Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
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, … we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
C Holy, holy, holy Lord, 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. (Red, pp. 152-153)
WORDS OF INSTITUTION & LORD’S PRAYER
L In the night in which he was betrayed…
C Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
HYMNS DURING DISTRIBUTION
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER
#754, #329, #484
L The God who faithfully brings forth justice and breaks the oppressor’s rod bless, strengthen, and uphold you, today and always.
C Amen.
L Embodied God,
C at your table, we have tasted the goodness of Jesus. With the eyes of our hearts open to your promise, empower us to hear the needs of our neighbors and touch the world with your love. Amen.
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL HYMN No. 319 (Red Hymnal)
O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days
SILENT PRAYER & EXTINGUISHING OF ALTAR CANDLES
DISMISSAL
L Go in peace. Serve in love.
C Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Sarah Jorgensen (Saturday) Amber Holtberg (Sunday)
Portions of the liturgy are reprinted from EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 2006, by permission of Augsburg Fortress Press.