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HOPE is called by God to look beyond ourselves. We walk together in faith, treasuring all people and sharing

with them the love, hope, and acceptance that is in Christ”.

Sunday, October 31, 2021 23rd Sunday After Pentecost

Reformation Sunday

GATHER

Prelude

Invocation

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

whose teaching is life, whose presence is sure, and whose love is endless. Amen.

Confession and Forgiveness Let us confess our sins to the one who welcomes us with an open heart. Silence is kept for reflection. God our comforter: like lost sheep, we have gone astray. We gaze upon abundance and see scarcity. We turn our faces away from injustice and oppression. We exploit the earth with our apathy and greed. Free us from our sin, gracious God. Listen when we call out to you for help. Lead us by your love to love our neighbors as ourselves. Amen. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

By the gift of grace in ☩ Christ Jesus, God makes you righteous.

Receive with glad hearts the forgiveness of all your sins. Amen. Sharing of the Peace The peace of the Lord be with you all. And also with you.

We safely share a sign of Christ’s peace with one another in our gathered spaces and digitally with those on our heart this day.

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Gathering Hymn ELW 504

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.

Kyrie (spoken) We gather in peace to pray to the Lord Lord, have mercy. For You to enter our hearts and invigorate our spirits, we pray Christ, have mercy. For all of your creation, for the well-being of your Church throughout the world, and for unity of all, we pray Lord, have mercy. For genuineness in our praise and a rekindling of this community, we pray Christ have mercy Help, guide, and lead us, gracious Lord. Amen.

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Canticle of Praise

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Prayer of the Day Let us pray Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WORD

First Reading from the book of Jeremiah 31:31-34 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt - a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the | earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths | of the sea; though its waters | rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be shaken; God shall help it at the break of day. The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake; God speaks, and the earth melts away. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Come now, regard the works of the LORD, what desolations God has brought upon the earth; behold the one who makes war to cease in all the world; who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire. “Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Second Reading from the book of Romans 3:19-28 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel The holy gospel according John 8: 31-36 Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and

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have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Children’s Time Pastor Annie

Message Pastor Annie

Hymn of the Day ELW 517

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 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.

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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 Set free from sin and death and nourished by the word of truth, we join in prayer for all of God’s creation. A brief silence. We pray for all who long for a word of truth and for the radical grace that flows from the cross. Inspire congregations to freely and boldly proclaim your love for all people with persistence and hope. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. We pray for your creation, for mountains, rivers, streams, cities, homesteads, and neighborhoods. Write in our hearts a new love and care for creation. Give us the will to curb wasteful habits and to hold accountable those who neglect the vulnerable. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. We pray for all who aspire to public office and for all who will vote on Tuesday at local polling places. Pour wisdom and understanding upon all who govern so that communities of justice and peace may thrive. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. We pray for all who long for healing in mind, body, or spirit especially those on our prayer list, those battling Covid-19, those tormented by mental illness, and those we name before you now either aloud or in the silence of our hearts...(brief pause). Strengthen hospitals, clinics, counseling centers, nursing homes, and recovery centers to be holy spaces of renewal that all might live the abundant life you intend. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. We pray for all who seek to grow in faith and love of you. Guide the teaching and learning in Faith Adventures, Confirmation, and Adult Forums here at HOPE and in schools, seminaries, and universities. As we grow in knowledge, may our understanding of the wideness of your grace, deepen. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. We give thanks for all the saints and reformers who have gone before us who dwell in your holy habitation. Give us courage through their example to challenge unjust systems and work toward life-giving reformation both within and outside of your Church. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Confident that you hear us, O God, we boldly place our prayers into your hands; through Jesus Christ, our truth and life. Amen.

MEAL

Offering Your gifts enable our ministry to continue especially as we gather in multiple ways during this season! Here are ways to share God’s abundance: GIVE ONLINE: http://www.hopelutheranrf.com/giveonline/ Give by Text to: 833-961-2156. Learn how here. Give by Mobile App: Search "GivePlus Church" on Apple or Android devices and follow instructions MAIL YOUR OFFERING: HOPE Lutheran, 3337 Kingsbarn Ave., River Falls, WI 54022

During this time the Pastor sets the table for Eucharist. You are invited to help set the table in your own space making sure your bread/crackers, wine/fruit juice is ready and poured. Pastor will give further instructions.

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Offertory ACS 1023

Offering Prayer God of abundance, you cause streams to break forth in the desert and manna to rain from the heavens. Accept the gifts you have first given us. Unite them with the offering of our lives to nourish the world you love so dearly; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

COMMUNING TOGETHER

As many of us make the faithful choice to worship safely from home in care of our neighbor, we acknowledge that this time is unprecedented. As Lutherans we confess that it is necessary to be gathered together as the body of Christ to celebrate this Holy Meal. So, in this time we trust that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is faithfully present with us across time and space to unite us from our many tables into one body with Him. We acknowledge this is an extraordinary way to celebrate the Eucharist in an extraordinary time and, in hope, we commit to our joyful return to one table together when it is safe to do so.

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The 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… 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

Words of Institution

The 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 All who hunger and thirst, come. The table is ready. Thanks be to God.

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Lamb of God

All are welcome to the table at HOPE! Please come forward by row. You will receive an individual wafer and cup at this time and gluten-free wafers are available upon request. We ask you to please be mindful of physical distancing as you come forward, particularly as you receive both elements. Pastor is also happy to come to you from where you are seated.

Simply raise your hand and an usher will assist you.

Communion Hymn ELW 515

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Post Communion Blessing

Post Communion Prayer Lord of life, in the gift of your body and blood you turn the crumbs of our faith into a feast of salvation. Send us forth into the world with shouts of joy, bearing witness to the abundance of your love in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

SENDING

Announcements

Blessing People of God, you are Christ’s body, bringing new life to a suffering world.

The holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

bless you now and forever. Amen.

Sending Hymn ELW 652 vs. 1, 3-5

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Sending Go in peace. The living Word dwells in you. Thanks be to God.

Special thanks to today’s worship leaders:

Pianist: Betty Lou Oppegard Assisting Minister: John Hamilton Reader: Ushers: Nancy Sailer Communion Prep: Lynda Meyers Communion Assistants: Lynda Meyers Fellowship Host: A/V Support: Ryan Brill, Don Leisz, Lisa Ziebarth Music in this service has been broadcast and re-printed under One License #A-731585. Liturgy and prayers have been reprinted with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License number SB155603

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Looking Ahead at HOPE Monday

November 1st 1:00 – Congregational Life Ministry Meeting 7:00 – Worship Ministry Meeting

Tuesday November 2nd

11:00 – Coffee & Faithful Conversation 7:00 – Communication Ministry Meeting

Wednesday November 3rd

6:00 - Worship & Opening 6:00 - 7:00 Faith Adventures 6:00 - 7:30 Confirmation

Thursday November 4th

7:00 – Mission Ministry Meeting

Sunday November 14th

9:30 – Sunday Service 10:45 – Property Ministry Meeting

Please lift up the following people in prayer Keith Brill (Ryan’s grandfather) Family of Darcy Livingston (Naomi & Jerry Brand’s Daughter) Vernie Hagestuen and family (Nancy Sailer’s Aunt & family) Teajai Schmidt (Boock family friend) Linda Hidding (Nancy Sailer’s cousin) Jean Loudon and Family Mary Thompson and Family Tom Roycraft (Father of Emily Roycraft & Grant Klacan’s future father-in-law) Katie Drablos (cousin of Linda Jacobson)

Rev. Sarah Mayer-Flatt (Friend of Pastor Annie) Dave Hallquist (Friend of Bill Montgomery) Kris Miner (Friend of Faye Perkins) Barb Grubba (friend of Naomi & Jerry Brandt) Lee Hill (friend of Naomi & Jerry Brandt) Duane Hall (friend of the Brohaughs) Judy Karshbaum Gary Siebold Oak and Kirsten Reile (Nancy Sailer’s Cousin)

David Hendrickson Jim and Ila June Pratt Jerry Brandt Jon Boyce Jay and Jeri Jorgenson (friends of the Bohnerts) Fred Schmidt and family (Relatives of the Boocks) Steve & Beth Pugh (friends of Karen & Jeff Rodewald) Rod Cina (son of Mary Solum)

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As we plan for the start of indoor worship on Sunday November 7th (which happens to be the end of Daylight savings time), here's the rules and bullet points that HOPE's Council has approved. We understand that every business and church is not setting their rules the same way. However, we are choosing our rules for the safety of all for a 1 hour service event.

1. Masks will be required, regardless of Covid vaccination status. 2. Over the last year plus we were served very well by having a matrix that our

wonderful 'Covid subcommittee' put together. Similarly, we are going to follow a matrix by St. Croix County for our mask wearing recommendation.

o Follow: https://infogram.com/st-croix-county-covid-19-dashboard-1h9j6qggxzn754g?live

o See the "Current Level of Community Transmission" rate near the bottom of that page.

o Follow the "fully vaccinated" line. o As of last week, we are still in the "High" category.

3. Anyone who is not vaccinated, though eligible, we kindly ask to worship from home for now. Our services will continue to be broadcast via YouTube. We believe this is the safest path for children and other high risk groups.

o We will never ask about vaccination status. 4. If you are having any Covid style symptoms we kindly ask you to worship from home

that week. 5. No registration will be needed to attend service. 6. We ask that you follow spacing guidelines within the church. 6ft between family units. 7. Singing will be allowed, while still masked.

o Worship leaders can choose for themselves whether to be masked or not. o Congregation will be 12-15ft back from worship leaders. o We may do less singing.

8. Service attendees will pick up communion elements when they arrive at service. Communion will be taken from your seats.

9. The Property Ministry will be setting up an air quality check inside the church. 10. We will address Christmas services as we get closer to Christmas. 11. This process will continually be assessed by Council. If you have comments, please

contact anyone on the Executive Committee: Keith Getschel, Ryan Brill, Alyssa Boock, and/or Ryan Leitch.

GREEN. ENERGY. FORUM - A presentation and discussion of CO2 reduction reviewing data from the UCC solar system and the potential reduction using ground source heat pump. Forum will be held following services Sunday, November 14.

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Farm Fresh Eggs! - Help support our youth going to the National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis in July, 2022. Eggs are raised at Jeff & Karen Rodewald’s with a suggested donation of $3/dozen. They are located just inside the church with a donation jug sitting next to them. 100% of your donation will go to help defray expenses in sending our youth to this amazing event!

SAVE THE DATE FOR ALL SAINTS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7!

The first Sunday of November is All Saints Sunday, a day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. We bring our grief to the table and find there a foretaste of the feast to come! During our worship together we will give special recognition to the names of all people we have lost since last All Saints Sunday. Names of ANYONE are welcome! This is also a great opportunity to invite a friend who has suffered a loss this year. Can we include their beloved’s name and share in their grief and hope this year? If you would like your beloved to be included in that list of names, please send it to Olive in the church office (hopelutheranoffice.rf@gmail.com) by Sunday, October 31.

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGE ADDRESSES NEEDED! Congregational Life will once again be sending small surprises to our college students before their first semester finals! Please provide your/your college student’s address NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 so we can send them in time! Simply email the church office at: hopelutheranoffice.rf@gmail.com Thank you!