TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 22, 2017

In today’s first reading God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine

purposes. When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus, he tells them to give the emperor what

belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. To gather for worship reminds us that

our ultimate allegiance is to God rather than to any earthly authority. Created in the

image of God, we offer our entire selves in the service of God and for the sake of the

world.

10:45 A.M. Traditional Worship

Advent Lutheran Church

Murfreesboro, TN

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Welcome to Advent Lutheran Church!

HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATED WEEKLY

We welcome to the Lord’s Table all who are baptized

and believe that the crucified and risen Christ is

present in this meal. At the table of our Lord Jesus

Christ, God nourishes faith, forgives sin, and calls us

to be witnesses to the Gospel. Red wine is contained

in the chalice (common cup), as well as in the

communion trays. White grape juice is available in

the center of the communion trays. When Holy

Communion is served you are invited to come

forward and kneel at the altar railing, or stand, if you

are unable to kneel. If you do not wish to receive

Holy Communion, you are still invited to come

forward for a blessing.

As the ministers give the bread and wine, they say

these words to each communicant:

The body of Christ, given for you.

The blood of Christ, shed for you.

The communicant may say: Amen.

Please put your cell phones on a setting that is most

worshipful for you. If you would like to take notes

on your device, look up Scripture (enetbible.com),

live tweet the sermon, or post a sermon note on

Facebook, you are welcome to do so.

Vision Statement:

God’s purpose for Advent Lutheran Church is to

welcome and accept all people,

discover the path God has chosen for each of us,

and develop our faith through a closer walk with Him.

We are a community

of faith that expresses

itself through the

views of the

Evangelical Lutheran

Church in America.

We strive to live out

God’s grace by

worshiping God,

sharing time together

in fellowship, and

reaching out to our

neighbors. We have a

place for you here in

the mission and

ministry of Advent

Lutheran Church.

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+ GATHER +

Prelude

Welcome / Announcements

Centering Song “Change My Heart, O God” ELW 801

Stand

Confession and Forgiveness

Blessed be the ☩ holy Trinity,

the one who fashions us,

the one who heals us,

the one who reforms us again and again.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin, calling for God's transforming power.

Silence for reflection and self-examination.

Source of all life,

we confess that we have not allowed

your grace to set us free.

We fear that we are not good enough.

We hear your word of love freely given to us,

yet we expect others to earn it.

We turn the church inward,

rather than moving it outward.

Forgive us. Stir us.

Reform us to be a church powered by love,

willing to speak for what is right,

act for what is just,

and seek the healing of your whole creation. Amen.

God hears our cry and sends the Spirit to change us

and to empower our lives in the world.

Our sins are forgiven, ☩ God’s love is unconditional,

and we are raised up as God’s people

who will always be made new,

in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Gathering Song “All My Hope on God Is Founded” ELW 757

Greeting Page 98 “The grace of our Lord…”

Prayer of the Day

Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your

image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what

is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Sit

+ WORD +

First Reading: Isaiah 45:1-7

The prophet announces that Cyrus the Persian emperor is the one the Lord has

anointed to end Israel’s exile. The Lord makes this choice so that the whole world will

recognize this Lord as the only God. Persia had a god of light and a god of darkness;

the Lord claims sovereignty over both light and darkness.

1Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus,

whose right hand I have grasped

to subdue nations before him

and strip kings of their robes,

to open doors before him—

and the gates shall not be closed:

2I will go before you

and level the mountains,

I will break in pieces the doors of bronze

and cut through the bars of iron,

3I will give you the treasures of darkness

and riches hidden in secret places,

so that you may know that it is I, the LORD,

the God of Israel, who call you by your name.

4For the sake of my servant Jacob,

and Israel my chosen,

I call you by your name,

I surname you, though you do not know me.

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5I am the LORD, and there is no other;

besides me there is no god.

I arm you, though you do not know me,

6so that they may know, from the rising of the sun

and from the west, that there is no one besides me;

I am the LORD, and there is no other.

7I form light and create darkness,

I make weal and create woe;

I the LORD do all these things.

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

Psalm 96:1-13

1Sing to the Lord| a new song;

sing to the Lord, | all the earth.

2Sing to the Lord, bless the name | of the Lord;

proclaim God’s salvation from | day to day.

3Declare God’s glory a- | mong the nations

and God’s wonders a- | mong all peoples.

4For great is the Lord and greatly | to be praised,

more to be feared | than all gods.

5As for all the gods of the nations, they | are but idols;

but you, O Lord, have | made the heavens.

6Majesty and magnificence are | in your presence;

power and splendor are in your | sanctuary.

7Ascribe to the Lord, you families | of the peoples,

ascribe to the Lord hon- | or and power.

8Ascribe to the Lord the honor due the | holy name;

bring offerings and enter the courts | of the Lord.

9Worship the Lord in the beau- | ty of holiness;

tremble before the Lord, | all the earth.

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10Tell it out among the nations: “The | Lord is king!

The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the

peo- | ples with equity.”

11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the | earth be glad;

let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that | is therein.

12Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy at your com- | ing, O Lord,

for you come to | judge the earth.

13You will judge the | world with righteousness

and the peoples | with your truth.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Most likely this letter is the first written by Paul. Paul is giving pastoral encouragement

and reassurances to new Christians living in an antagonistic pagan environment. Their

commitment of faith, love, and hope makes them a model for other new Christian

communities.

1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace.

2We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers,

constantly 3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of

love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we know, brothers and

sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our message of the gospel

came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full

conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your

sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you

received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example

to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8For the word of the Lord has sounded

forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God

has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9For the people of those

regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned

to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from

heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is

coming.

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

Stand

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Gospel Acclamation “Alleluia” page 102

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-22 After Jesus begins teaching in the temple, religious leaders try to trap him with

questions. First they ask if God’s people should pay taxes to an earthly tyrant like

Caesar.

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

Glory to you, O Lord.

15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap [Jesus] in what he said. 16So they sent

their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you

are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to

no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it

lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said,

“Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin used for the

tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20Then he said to them, “Whose head is this,

and whose title?” 21They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give

therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are

God’s.” 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Children’s Sermon

Sermon

Stand

Hymn of the Day “Lift Every Voice and Sing” ELW 841

Apostles’ Creed page 105

Prayers of Intercession

Call to Prayer “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” ELW 751 O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call, answer me.

O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: come and listen to me.

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Open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all of God’s

creation.

A brief silence.

Trusting in God, we pray for the church. Fill all worshipers with your Holy Spirit.

Grant them generous hearts to share God’s splendor revealed to them in Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

We pray for creation: for the power of sun, wind, and water, for the riches buried in

rock and soil, for the magnificence of life in forms too many to number. Lord, in your

mercy,

hear our prayer.

We pray for the nations: for leaders of governments, for fair commerce between

nations, for treasurers, boards of directors, and all who justly distribute monetary

resources. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

We pray for the poor and outcast, for those who cannot afford food, medicine, clothing,

and shelter, for the communities and agencies who serve the needy and advocate on

their behalf. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Trusting in God’s healing power, we pray for this congregation: for the unemployed

and overworked, for all who are burdened by debt, for the sick and those in particular

need (especially). Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We give thanks for the saints of every time and place. By your Spirit, grant us sure

confidence in the everlasting glory you promise. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting the power

of Christ and the gifts of the Spirit. Amen.

Prayer Response “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” ELW 751 O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: when I call, answer me.

O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer: come and listen to me.

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Peace The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

The ministers and congregation may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Peace be with you.

Sit

+ MEAL +

Offering Please be sure everyone on your row has had an opportunity to sign the attendance book. Anthem “Psalm 96” Dave & Jean Perry

Stand

Offering Song “We Are an Offering” ELW 692

Offering Prayer God of life,

you give us these gifts of the earth,

these resources of our life and our labor.

Take them, offered in great thanksgiving,

and use them to set a table that will heal the whole creation;

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Light. Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

Dialog page 107 “The Lord be with you…”

Preface page 108 “It is indeed right…”

Holy, Holy, Holy page 108

Thanksgiving at the Table God of our weary years, God of our silent tears…

For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup we proclaim the

Lord’s death until he comes.

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

Remembering, therefore, his death and resurrection…

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Lord’s Prayer page 163

Invitation to Communion

Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread,

and make us one with you.

Thanks be to God.

Sit

Communion When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say

The body of Christ, given for you.

The blood of Christ, shed for you.

and each person may respond Amen.

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Music During the Distribution of Communion

“Lamb of God” ELW 195

“In the Singing” ELW 466

“Around You, O Lord Jesus” ELW 468

Stand

Post-Communion Blessing May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

strengthen you and keep you in His grace. Amen.

Prayer after Communion Holy and compassionate God,

in bread and wine you give us gifts

that form us to be humble and courageous.

May your words come to life

in our serving and in our witness,

that we might speak a living voice

of healing and justice to all the world,

through Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

SEND +

Blessing God, creator of all things, speaking reformation into being;

Jesus Christ, savior of the world, raising the dead;

Holy Spirit, living voice, calling and enlightening the church:

Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,

bless you now and forever. Amen.

Children are welcome to play a percussion instrument

from the front pew during our sending song!

Sending Song “God of Grace and God of Glory” ELW 705

Dismissal Go in peace. Sound the good news.

Thanks be to God.

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Copyright © 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress

Liturgies Annual License #SAS006768. + 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. + Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts,

admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.

Rev. Michael Jannett, Pastor ~ pastor@TheAdventChurch.com

Gretchen Person, Organist

Nikki Spence, Nursery Attendant ~ Nikki@TheAdventChurch.com

1700 Irby Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37127

(615) 893-9705 Office

Office email: office@TheAdventChurch.com

www.TheAdventChurch.com

WORSHIP

ASSISTANTS

October 22 October 29

8:45 10:45 8:45 10:45

ASSISTING

MINISTER Lara Gehrke Kelly Jannett Ali Clark

Leigh Ann

Maxwell

READER Chad Gehrke Jack Nelson Angie Haston Karis Peringson

COMMUNION

ASSISTANTS Jamie Olsen

Catherine

Burnette Angie Haston Kelly Jannett

USHERS Bob & Angie

Haston

Don & Anna

Dean Heiney

Madeline

Seymour

Gregg Killian

Ernie & Pauline

Perefege

GREETERS Gary & Amy

Ellis

Ernie &

Pauline

Perefege

Anderson

Family

Don & Anna

Dean Heiney

ACOLYTE Sydney Lively Ansley Jannett Abby Walker Izzy Lysyczyn

ALTAR CARE Jamie Olsen Catherine

Burnette Cathy Lively Lori Sultzer

CANTOR Richard Bates Ellen Francis Ellen Francis

OFFERING

COUNTERS

Julie Seymour

Lori Sultzer

Nicole Stegner

Jeff Lysyczyn

Nicole Stegner

Jeff Lysyczyn

If you are unable to serve on your scheduled day, please find your own replacement and then

contact the Church Office @ 893-9705 or e-mail office@TheAdventChurch.com. with the

name of the person taking your assignment.