the stories of our lives together with the eternal truths...
TRANSCRIPT
AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SUN CITY
WELCOME! If this is your first time at American Lutheran Church, we are glad you
have chosen to visit us. You are welcome to worship alongside us anytime as we weave
the stories of our lives together with the eternal truths of God’s love. Please fill out the
Welcome Pad placed in your pew. God’s joy, peace, and blessings be yours!
Activation—Come Down
From the Mountain
Pastor Judith Rainforth February 22, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
February 23, 2020 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Transfiguration of our Lord
OUR MISSION
To proclaim the love of Jesus Christ,
invite others to participate in our faith community,
and be a blessing to all in word and deed.
Today’s festival is a bridge between the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle that comes to
a close today and the Lent-Easter cycle that begins in several days. On a high mountain
Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of
glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. We turn this week to
Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches
put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today’s liturgy. This word of joy will be
omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter.
American Lutheran Church of Sun City
17200 N. Del Webb Blvd
Sun City, AZ 85373
Phone: 623-974-2512 Fax: 623-974-2515
www.alcsuncity.org
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
(Saturday) Christine Kyhn, Guest Organist
Blessed Assurance arr. Brent Olstad
John Whitthart, Saxophone
(Sunday) Gammal Fäbodpsalm från Dalarna Oskar Lindberg
Mark Gould, Guest Organist
Cry Out and Shout Kurt Nystedt
Celebration Choir
WELCOME, MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS, and PRAYER CONCERNS
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
P: In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
P: Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are united by a common faith in Jesus Christ.
The power at work in this community does not come from our own strength but from
God’s Spirit working in us. Claiming God’s promises, we remember again God’s
gracious love for us and recommit ourselves to a joyful life together in Christ.
Baptism is a sign of God’s faithful covenant promises, under which we live as a
congregation each day. Let us remember now our baptism and be thankful.
OPENING HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling LBW 315
Verse 1
Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n, to earth come down!
Fix in us thy humble dwelling, all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation, enter ev’ry trembling heart.
Verse 2
Breathe, oh, breathe thy loving Spirit into ev’ry troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit; let us find thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
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Verse 3
Finish then thy new creation, pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee!
Changed from glory into glory, till in heav’n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise!
APOSTOLIC GREEETING
P: 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.
P: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism, the love of God poured into our hearts,
and the victory of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we gather this day with faith,
confidence, and joy to worship in the name of (+) the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
OPENING INVOCATION
P: This is the day the Lord has made,
C: let us rejoice and be glad in it!
P: Jesus Christ, you come to transfigure us and renew us in the image of God:
C: shine in our darkness.
P: Jesus Christ, light of our hearts, you know our thirst:
C: lead us to the wellspring of your gospel.
P: Jesus Christ, light of the world, you shine in every human being:
C: enable us to discern your presence in each person.
P: Jesus Christ, friend of the poor:
C: open in us the gates of simplicity so that we can welcome you.
P: Jesus Christ, gentle and humble of heart:
C: renew in us the spirit of childhood.
P: Jesus Christ, you send your church to prepare your path in the world:
C: open for all people the gates of your kingdom. Amen.
P: This is the day the Lord has made,
C: let us rejoice and be glad in it!
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HYMN OF PRAISE Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness ELW 843
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ORDER OF CONFESSION
P: 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.
P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Most merciful God,
C: we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have
sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by
what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have
not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in
your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
P: Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his sake, forgives
us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his
authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all of your sins, in the
name (+) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Let us pray. O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries
of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice from the bright cloud
declaring Jesus your beloved Son, you foreshadowed our adoption as your children.
Make us heirs with Christ of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness, through
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
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ANTHEM
(Saturday) Jesus Loves Me arr. Brent Olstad
John Whitthart
(Sunday) Fairest Lord Jesus arr. Jack Schrader
Celebration Choir
THE FIRST LESSON Exodus 24:12-18 At Mount Sinai, Moses experienced the presence of God for forty days and forty nights. The
“glory of the Lord” settled on the mountain, and on the seventh day God called out to Moses. On
the mountain God gave Moses the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments.
L: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God!
PSALM 2 Spoken responsively
1Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together,
against the Lord and against the Lord’s anointed? 3“Let us break their yoke,” they say; “let us cast off their bonds from us.”
4God whose throne is in heaven is laughing; the Lord holds them in derision.
5Then in wrath God speaks to them, and in rage fills them with terror.
6“As for me, I have anointed my king upon Zion, my holy mountain.”
7Let me announce the decree of the Lord, who said to me, “You are my son; this day have
I begotten you.” 8Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the
earth for your possession. 9You shall crush them with an iron rod and shatter them like a piece of pottery.
10 And now, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the Lord with fear, and with trembling bow in worship;
12 lest the Lord be angry, and you perish in a sudden blaze of wrath. Happy are all
who take refuge in God!
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THE SECOND LESSON 2 Peter 1:16-21 At the transfiguration, God’s voice was heard declaring Jesus to be the beloved Son. By the
activity of Holy Spirit, God’s voice continues to be heard through the word of scripture. L: This is the Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God!
ALLELUIA
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL
READING OF THE GOSPEL Matthew 17:1-9 Shortly before he enters Jerusalem, where he will be crucified, Jesus is revealed to Peter, James,
and John in a mountaintop experience of divine glory called the transfiguration.
RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
HYMN OF THE DAY Arise, Your Light Has Come! ELW 314
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SERMON Activation—Come Down From the Mountain
Pastor Judith Rainforth
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CONFESSION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator 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 again
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.
OFFERTORY
(Saturday) O, How I Love Jesus (Dance) arr. Christine Kyhn
Christine Kyhn, Guest Organist
(Sunday) Adagio in A minor J. S. Bach
Mark Gould, Guest Organist
OFFERTORY RESPONSE Create in Me
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OFFERTORY PRAYER P: Let us pray. Merciful Father,
C: we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us—ourselves, our
time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake
of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS
P: Trusting that God hears us, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need. (Following each petition)
P: Hear us, O God.…
C: Your mercy is great.
P: Confident that you are able to accomplish more than we even dare to ask, we bring
these prayers before you, believing in your saving grace revealed in Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING AND RESPONSE Threefold Amen (All sing)
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CLOSING HYMN Songs of Thankfulness and Praise LBW 90
THE DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord!
C: Thanks be to God
POSTLUDE
(Saturday) Christine Kyhn, Guest Organist
(Sunday) Toccata in D minor Pachelbel
Mark Gould, Guest Organist (Sunday)
Liturgy, hymns and praise songs are reprinted with permission from OneLicense.com; Paperless Hymnal
CCLI License #511983; Augsburg Fortress License #9786000167707, and Digital Songs and Hymns, LLC.
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All are invited to partake in Holy Communion in the Chapel.
Next Week’s Lessons:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
Please join us for coffee in the Fellowship Hall between services.
LAY READERS: Saturday: 4:00 – Jan Powell
Sunday: 8:30 – Andrea George
10:30 – Debra Hjortland
Today’s Altar flowers are provided by:
Sheila Harmell in honor of mother Ferne’s birthday, in honor of Erv Langholz’s birthday,
and aunt and uncle’s anniversary.
Terri Polk and Jim Becker in memory of sister Mari and our loving parents.
Altar Flowers delivered by: Bud and Phyllis Bartel
WEEKLY PRAYER AND MEDITATION GROUP
Pastor Judith Rainforth will lead a weekly prayer and meditation group on Tuesdays at
11:15 a.m. until noon in the Chapel of American Lutheran Church. All are welcome!
3RD
TUESDAY BOOK CLUB “Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them” meets Tuesday,
March 17, at 6:30. Interested? Contact Dianne Garvey – 575-551-4207.
SUN CITY PARTNERS IN MINISTRY
This week we pray for Sun City Christian Church
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN FOOD PACK
Saturday, March 21, 9-11 and 12-2 at Community of Grace Lutheran Church,
10561 SW Pinnacle Peak Road. For more information, contact Judie VanDevere,
623-337-7747 or Ann Skidmore, 623-606-7464.
Last reservations taken February 29.
FINE ARTS SERIES BROCHURES are available in the Narthex on the Music Bulletin
Board or in the church office. Pick one up today, or check it out on the ALC website.
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Upcoming Concerts:
February 23 Sun Cities Community Orchestra, 3 p.m.
February 28 Phoenix Chorale, 7:30 p.m.
February 29 Monroe Crossing, 6:30 p.m. (Note time change!)
March 8 Ottawa University Choir, 3 p.m.
March 14 Arizona Masterworks Chorale, 7 p.m.
March 18 Sun City Choraliers, 4:15 p.m.
March 29 Sun City Handbell Ringers, 3 p.m.
SUN CITIES COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
Directed by ALC member George Zoske, the Orchestra will perform at ALC on Sunday,
February 23, 3 p.m. They are joined by Dan Reed on trumpet and vocalist Janet MacDonald,
ALC Choir Director. Plan on attending this entertaining concert!
WOMEN’S JOURNALING RETREAT
Pastor Judith Rainforth will lead a retreat at “Spirit in the Desert” on March 2. Bus
leaves at 8 a.m., returns by 4 p.m. Dress for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes for
a walk through the labyrinth or prayer paths. $25 includes lunch, transportation, and
materials.
FELLOWSHIP OF FRIENDS Set amidst the decade of the roaring twenties, and offering one show-stopping hit after
another, Chicago is sure to give you the old “Razzle Dazzle!” Thursday, April 2.
Dinner at 5:30; Show at 7:30. Sign up in the Courtyard on Saturday or between services.
$65. Bus transportation available.
MONROE CROSSING
ALC welcomes the Monroe Crossing back for another great concert!!! Plan on attending
on Saturday, February 29, 6:30 p.m. for an evening of great entertainment and lively
music. Daughter and son-in-law of American Lutheran member Ardith Fuglie are part of
this nationally-known bluegrass ensemble.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALIVE—February 26
Ash Wednesday
5:15: Catered dinner—Shepherd pie, beets, Ramen noodle salad, apple pie.
6:00: Ash Wednesday Service--Sanctuary
4:30: Debbie Nelson continues a
seven-week video Bible study
“The Gospel According to Matthew”
Choir Room
4:30: Hal Lind,
You Can Always Be in Touch
with Almost Anyone,
Anywhere in the World!
Sanctuary
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LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE SOUTHWEST
Refugees, foster children, older adults, and families in poverty greatly in benefit from our
generosity. Donating goods makes a difference! Donations of needed items for asylum
seekers and refugees will begin Ash Wednesday. Bins will be available in both the
Narthex and Fellowship Hall. Items needed include—diapers, yarn, dual-duty thread
in black or white, toiletries, fabric, bed sheets, towels, and used sewing machines.
Because of our generosity:
Refugees who arrive in Arizona begin their lives in furnished apartments.
Foster children who leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back
can get started in a safe and loving home.
Old adults on a limited income have the personal hygiene and cleaning supplies
that they need to live happily and healthfully.
Families visiting the food pantry or family resource center might get a bus pass
or gas care to help get to a job interview or doctor’s appointment.
Contact Jackie Huget, 398-8982, or John/Vicki Tate, 224-1750, for more information.
Women’s Ministry Fair
Stop by the tables in Fellowship Hall between services on Sunday, February 23 for
information about the many interesting and worthwhile projects supported by the
Women’s Ministries at American Lutheran. Members of the various Women’s groups
will be on hand to share!
Contact Jackie Huget, 398-8982,
or John/Vicki Tate, 224-1750, for
more information.
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Sunday, February 23
Transfiguration of Our Lord
8:30/10:30 Worship-1
9:30 Coffee Fellowship-5
9:30-10:30 Women’s Ministry Fair-5
3:00 Sun Cities Com. Orchestra-1
Monday, February 24 9:00 Sewing/Crafts/Prayer Shawl-5
1:00 Global Health Ministries-5 1:00 WNA Events Committee-19
2:30 Intercessors – 11
3:00 Personnel Committee- 19
7:00 AA-10
Tuesday, February 25
9-4:30 ACS Training—6
10:00 Pastor Bible Study-5
10:00 ALC Grief Support Group-4
11:15 Prayer and Meditation-2 12:00 Cactus Conference Pastors-19
1:30-4 Church Council - 9
2-3:00 Genesis Bells
3:30 Christo Bells-1
6:30 Al-Anon-9
Wednesday, February 26
Ash Wednesday
1:30 Staff Meeting-19
4:30 WNA Education-1/9
5:15 WNA Dinner-5
6:00 Ash Wednesday Service-1
6:00 AA-9
Thursday, February 27
8:00 Men’s Bible Study-6
8:00 Outreach Crew-9
9:00 Ushers Meeting-5
9-11 Choraliers-12 9-12 SM Training-6 1:30-2:15 Ah-Men Singers-1
1:45-2:15 Grace Notes-12
2:30-4:00 Celebration Choir- 12/1
Friday, February 28
8:00 Bulletin Crew-10 9-11 Friday Morning Bible Study -9
7:30 Phoenix Chorale – 1
(phoenixchorale.org. for tickets)
Saturday, February 29
4:00 Worship-1
6:30 Monroe Crossing-1
Sunday, March 1
First Sunday in Lent
1st Sunday Food Gathering
8:30/10:30 Communion Worship-1
9:30 Coffee Fellowship-5
PASTORAL STAFF
Rev. Lowell D. Nelson Senior Pastor
Rev. Gary R. Ulrich Pastor of Care Ministry
Rev. Judith Rainforth Pastor [email protected]
Rev. Gary R. Garvey Visitation Pastor [email protected]
MUSIC MINISTRY
Linda Shirck Interim Organist
Janet MacDonald Choir Director
George Zoske Director of Christo Bells
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Julie Ochs Finance Coordinator [email protected]
Toni Molck Operations Coordinator
Oddesy Hernandez Communications/Media
Lori Kellar Wellness Ministry
Bettie Jo Gomez Receptionist
Dave Tigges Property / Grounds
Rolfe Blaess Sound
LOCATION LEGEND: 1 – Sanctuary 2 – Chapel 3 – Narthex 4 – Lounge 5 – Fellowship Hall
LOCATION LEGEND: 6 – Multi-Purpose Room 7 – Education A 8 – Education B
9 – Education A & B 10 – Education C
LOCATION LEGEND: 11 – Ed. D/ Library 12 – Choir Room 14 – Office Workroom 15 – Senior Pastor 16 – Pastor of Care
LOCATION LEGEND: 17 – Pastor of Outreach 18 – Business
Administrator
19 – Admin. Meeting Room
20 – Columbarium