WELCOME to each of you gathered for worship this morning. Please take a
moment to complete the attendance sheet and place it in the offering plate
when it is passed.
Love Lutheran Church
3730 MacArthur Blvd.
New Orleans, La 70114
504-362-1967
Love Lutheran e-mail addresses: lovelutheran68@gmail.com
Love Lutheran Website: www.lovelutheran.org
Love Lutheran is a Member of the ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website at: www.elca.org
Gulf Coast Synod website at: www.gulfcoastsynod.org
Follow us on Facebook: Love Lutheran Church New Orleans
- + +
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“Sharing God’s love and His promise for tomorrow
Engaging with God’s children to carry the light of
Jesus Christ from the altar through the door.”
Louis Sanders – Council President
Bruce Soltis – Vice-President
Dr. Eric Hahn – Secretary
Anni Hahn – Treasurer
PRESIDING AT WORSHIP: Pastor Lisa Gaye
LECTOR: Ealine Teague - + +
IN OUR PRAYERS
Congregation Prayers:
Mary S.
Melissa G.
Sharon S.
Dianne R.
Lyn W.
Robert O.
Kevin T.
Ken and Sandy F.
Phillip B.
Denise D. R.
Jamie J.
Hans H.
Rick and Gabe L.
Laurie S.
Andrew D.
Arlene O.
Jean F.
Trish F.
Terrie and Willie C.
Wayne Prayers:
Sarah S.
Joyce B.
Jodee J.
Lu C.
Janice B.
Dixie A.
Alex A.
Adam A.
Julien A.
Alisha A.
Loretta W.
Ron P.
Dixie Prayers:
Sarah S.
Joyce B.
Jo Ellen Smith Nursing
Home
Elaine Prayers:
David and Kim T.
Joshua and Savannah T.
David T. Jr.
Steven and Jackie T.
Terri M.
Jackie P.
Shirley L.
Louis M.
Lane and Ronnie W.
Landen T.
Elaina C. and Children
Diangelo
Leya and Aaliyah
Gwenn J. and Family
Lisa and Claude M.
Claude and Elaine J.
Pastor Lisa Prayers:
Community and World
For those who work and live in nursing homes
Staff of United Churches of Algiers Emergency Fund
Our military serving here and abroad
We pray also for Love Lutheran Church and for all those in need of healing power of
God’s love.
Ask and it will be given to you: Our Lord invites us to bring all our cares and concerns
to him and trust in his mercy and grace. If you have prayer concerns please let Pastor
Gaye know by noon on Wednesday so that your prayer request may be included in the
prayers of the people at Sunday worship. Please inform Pastor Gaye if your prayer
request needs to be extended longer than two weeks. - + +
LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Interim Clergy: Rev. Lisa Gaye Adult Bible Study: 9:00 A.M.
Office: 504-362-1967 Worship: 10:00 A.M.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany February 4, 2024
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Stand as you are able)
BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
P: In the name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
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 one another.
(Silence is kept for reflection)
P: Most merciful God,
C: We confess that we are captive 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.
P: In the mercy of Almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you, and
for his sake God forgives you all your 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.
OPENING HYMN: #ELW 617 “We Come to You for Healing, Lord”
(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)
THE GREETING
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.
THE KYRIE
THE HYMN OF PRAISE: “Now the Feast and Celebration”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Let us pray.
C: Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the
faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your
good news may be made known to the ends of your creation,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
(You may be seated)
First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31
The Judeans in exile have a good reason to be hopeful: the one who will
bring them to freedom is the God who created the world, the God who
subdues the rulers of the earth and gives strength to those who are weary.
21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from
the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like
grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads
them like a tent to live in; 23 who brings princes to naught, and makes the
rulers of the earth as nothing. 24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows upon them,
and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 25 To whom
then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up
your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host
and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in
strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is
disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The
LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does
not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives
power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint
and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for
the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like
eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm: Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
The Lord heals the brokenhearted. (Ps. 147:3)
1 Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is
gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their
names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond
measure.
6 The LORD lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the
ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in
the speed of a runner;
11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in
his steadfast love.
20c Praise the LORD!
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
God entrusted Paul with the responsibility of bringing the gospel to diverse
people. Wence the focus of Paul’s ministry is not his own rights or privileges
as an apostle but the privilege of serving God by freely sharing the good
news of Christ with others.
16 If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an
obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I
am entrusted with a commission. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that
in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make
full use of my rights in the gospel. 19 For though I am free with respect to
all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the
law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law)
so that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I
became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am
under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak
I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all
people, that I might by all means save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the
gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
(Stand as you are able)
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
The Holy Gospel according to Mark Glory to you, O Lord.
Everywhere Jesus goes, many people expect him to set them free from
oppression. Everywhere he goes, he heals people and sets them free.
Disease, devils, and death are running for their lives. The forces that
diminish human life are rendered powerless by Jesus.
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and
Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed
with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31 He came and took her
by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to
serve them. 32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were
sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered around
the door. 34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and
cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak,
because they knew him. 35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he
got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon
and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to
him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38 He answered, “Let us go on to the
neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is
what I came out to do.” 39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the
message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
(You may be seated)
SERMON
(Stand as you are able)
HYMN OF THE DAY: #ELW 314 “Arise, Your Light Has Come!”
(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)
THE 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 into hell.
On the third day he rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
And 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 Christian church.
The communion of saints
The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting. Amen.
(You may be seated)
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
A: As we celebrate Christ embodied in human form, we pray for God’s
blessing on the church, the world, and all of creation.
(A brief silence)
A: Everlasting God, you bring your healing powers to the church. Give your
church a spirit of unity and prayer, that we discern your way for us in the
world. God of grace,
C: receive our prayer.
A: Creator of the ends of the earth, you make the grass grow and send rain
for the soil. Bring your creation into harmony and balance. Give animals
their food and provide healthy shelter for your people. Inspire us to
honor the miraculous beauty of all you have made. God of grace,
C: receive our prayer.
A: God without equal, your steadfast love endures forever. Bring the
leaders, elected officials, and peacekeepers of our towns and countries
into understanding and unity. Guide them to serve with compassion and
understanding. God of grace,
C: receive our prayer.
A: God who strengthens, you lift up with your hand any who are suffering.
Heal those who are brokenhearted and strengthen the weak and all in
need (especially…). God of grace,
C: receive our prayer.
A: God who gives power to the faint, challenge us to share the faith stories
of what God has done in our lives. Open us to receive the unique ways
God is at work in your people, especially those whose perspectives
challenge our own. God of grace,
C: receive our prayer.
(Here other intercessions may be offered spoken aloud or in our hearts.)
(After each petition we respond:)
A: God of grace,
C: receive our prayer.
A: God who calls each star by name, we remember all who have died.
Shelter all who mourn with your mercy and care, and give us hope in your
promised salvation. God of grace,
C: receive our prayer.
P: Knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we offer these prayers and the
silent prayers of our hearts in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
C: Amen.
P: Lord Jesus, you said to your apostles: I leave you my peace, my peace I
give you. Look not on the sins, but on the faith of your church, and grant
us peace and unity of your kingdom where you live forever and ever.
C: Amen.
P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: And also with you.
(You may be seated)
THE OFFERING
(Stand as you are able)
THE OFFERTORY: “As the Grains of Wheat”
THE OFFERTORY PRAYER
A: Let us pray, Merciful God,
C: everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. We joyfully
release what you have entrusted to us. May these gifts be signs
of our whole lives returned to you, dedicated to the healing and
unity of all creation, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
PROPER PREFACE
P: It is truly good, right, and salutary, that we should at all times, and in all
places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God,
and now we praise you that You sent us Your only begotten Son and that
in Him, being found in fashion as a Man, You manifested the fullness of
Your glory.
Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven,
we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and
saying:
THE SANCTUS:
(printed on the following page)
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
P: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed,
took bread and when He had given thanks,
He broke it and gave it to His disciples saying:
‘Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of Me.’
“In the same way also, He took the cup after supper, gave thanks,
and gave it to them saying: ‘Drink of it all of you;
this cup is the New Testament in My blood,
which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins.
Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim
the Lord’s death until he comes.
P: We say together
C: Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. Amen
P: Let us pray:
C: 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.
THE COMMUNION
P: The gifts of God for the people of God, feed on them in your heart with
thanksgiving.
C: Amen
(You may be seated)
The Communion follows:
the congregation sings “Lamb of God”
(printed on the following page)
(Stand as you are able)
COMMUNION HYMN: #ELW 787 “On Eagle’s Wings”
(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
A: Let us pray.
Giver of every gift, Christ’s body is our food, and we are Christ’s body.
Raise us to life by your power for the benefit of all and to your glory, now
and forever.
C: Amen.
THE BENEDICTION
P: God who names you, Christ who claims you, and the Holy Spirit who
dwells in you, (+) bless you and remain with you always.
C: Amen.
SENDING HYMN: #ELW 842 “Oh, Worship the King”
(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)
DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace. You are God’s beloved.
C: Thanks be to God. - + +
Readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible with Apocrypha.
Copyrighted elements of Revised Common Lectionary, liturgical texts, and liturgical music used
by permission of Augsburg Fortress under license number SB144485. All music and portions of
the liturgical music reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-705233. All rights
reserved. Clipart and images as reprinted from Churchart.com license.
Scripture Next Sunday: Transfiguration of Our Lord
2 Kings 2:1-12;
Psalm 50:1-6;
2 Corinthians 4:3-6;
Mark 9:2-9
Hymns
We Come to You for Healing, Lord 617
Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., b. 1923 MARTYROM
Music: Hugh Wilson, 1764-1824 CM
Text © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc.
314 Arise, Your Light Has Come!
Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947 FESTAL SONG
Music: William H. Walter, 1825-1893 SM
Text © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc.
787 On Eagle’s Wings
(continued on the following page)
Text: Michael Joncas, b. 1957 ON EAGLE’S WINGS
Music: Michael Joncas Irregular
Text and Music © 1979 OCP Publications
842 Oh, Worship the King
Text: Robert Grant, 1779-1838, alt. HANOVER
Music: William Croft, 1678 – 1727 10 10 11 11
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In the event of an emergency you may contact Pastor Gaye at the church office
(504) 362-1967.
Cell Phones: We are requesting that members and visitors please silence
your cell phones to “off” while in the sanctuary and we are in worship service.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sunday, 11 February 2024 – Installation of Church Council Members
Wednesday, 14 February 2024 – Ash Wednesday Service 12:30 PM
Sunday, 25 February 2024 – Guest Musicians Jazz Trio
Sunday, 25 February 2024 – Special Congregational Meeting for Annual
Budget after church service
Please consider a donation to the Memorial Engelbracht Guest Musician Fund.
Donation envelopes can be found in the rear of the church.
If you wish to help to aid in the recovery of victims of disaters, donations can
be made through Lutheran Disaster Relief at LDR.com.
The Gulf Coast Synod seeks individuals from the Bayou Conference to serve
on the Lutheran Disaster Relief Team. Let Pastor know if you are interested
in serving on this team.
“Souper” Bowl of Caring– We are collecting soup cans and monetary
donations from now until the Super Bowl for the United Churches of Algiers
Emergency Fund Food Bank. Please consider picking up an extra soup can to
donate when grocery shopping. The food bank would greatly appreciate all
the donations our church can collect. Collection basket is in the Narthex. - + +
Daily devotional website as suggested by
Pastor Lisa Gaye
https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/
Meditation on the Lessons – Take Home
Prayer:
O Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scripture to be
written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them,
read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest your word, that
we may embrace and hold fast the blessed hope of
everlasting life, which you have given us in our savior
Jesus Christ, Amen.
- Identify a passage from scripture today that touches your life.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit as you write: “From what I’ve heard and shared,
what do I believe God wants me to do or be? Is God inviting me to change in
any way?
