Fourth Sunday in Lent

Fourth Sunday in Lent March 10, 202

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 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

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.
Fourth Sunday in Lent March 10, 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 335 “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”
(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: O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up
this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death.
Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(You may be seated)
First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9
Though God provides food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness, they
whine and grumble. They forget about the salvation they experienced in the
exodus. God punishes them for their sin, but when they repent God also
provides a means of healing: a bronze serpent lifted up on a pole.
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the
land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5 The people
spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of
Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we
detest this miserable food.” 6 Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents
among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against
the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from
us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the LORD said to Moses, “Make
a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall
look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a
pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the
serpent of bronze and live.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
You deliver your people from their distress. (Ps. 107:19)
1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures
forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from
trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the
north and from the south.
17 Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their
iniquities endured affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them
from their distress;
20 he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from
destruction.
21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful
works to humankind.
22 And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs
of joy.
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
While we were dead in our sinfulness, God acted to make us alive as a gift of
grace in Christ Jesus. We are saved not by what we do but by grace through
faith. Thus our good works are really a reflection of God’s grace at work in
our lives.
1 You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once lived,
following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air,
the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3 All of us
once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of
flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone
else. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he
loved us 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive
together with Christ–by grace you have been saved– 6 and raised us up with
him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that
in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in
kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved
through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God– 9 not the
result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made
us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand
to be our way of life.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
(Stand as you are able)
Gospel: John 3:14-21
The Holy Gospel according to John Glory to you, O Lord.
To explain the salvation of God to the religious leader Nicodemus. Jesus
refers to the scripture passage quoted in today’s first reading. Just as those
who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed, so people will be saved
when they behold Christ lifted up on the cross.
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son
of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone
who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed,
God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order
that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are
not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already,
because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And
this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved
darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do
evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not
be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it
may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
(You may be seated)
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY: #ELW 660 “Lift High the Cross”
(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)
(Stand as you are able)
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: Trusting in God’s promise to reconcile all things, let us pray for the
church, the well-being of creation, and a world in need.
(A brief silence)
A: Gracious God, your love unites. Give vision to the global church and
foster cooperation in mission. Increase interreligious understanding and
ecumenical dialog. Make your church a sanctuary for all fleeing
persecution, disaster, and war. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Creating God, your love enlivens. Restore balance to the earth’s fragile
habitats. Preserve wilderness lands, rainforests, and wildlife. Cleanse
oceans and rivers. Make us good stewards of the earth. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Righteous God, your love liberates. We give thanks for those who
courageously witness to your liberating love. Free all people from the
evils of racism, religious strife, and hatred. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Merciful God, your love heals. Care tenderly for all whose loved ones
perished from disease in every nation. Strengthen health care workers,
first responders, and caregivers. Relieve all who live with chronic illness
and pain (especially…). Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Incarnate God, your love enlightens. Open our hearts and minds to fresh
understandings of our faith. Deepen our love for you and for one
another. Trust and pray for our enemies. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
(Here other intercessions may be offered spoken aloud or in our hearts.)
(After each petition we respond:)
A: Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
A: Abiding God, your love saves. Those who died in the faith are made alive
in Christ. We give thanks for your promise that we also will be raised to
newness of life. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
P: Accompany us on our journey, God of grace, and receive the prayers of
our hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
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 You bid Your people cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for
the paschal feast. Renew our zeal in faith and life, and bring us to the
fullness of grace that belongs to the children of God..
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 599 “Lord Jesus, Think on Me”
(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
A: Let us pray.
Generous God, at this table we have tasted your immeasurable grace,
now make us one loaf to feed the world: in the name of Jesus, the Bread
of life.
C: Amen.
THE BENEDICTION
P: Beloved, we are God’s own people, holy, washed, renewed. God bless
you and keep you, shower you with mercy, fill you with courage, and (+)
give you peace.
C: Amen.
SENDING HYMN: #ELW 714 “O God of Mercy, God of Light”
(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)
DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace. Share your bread.
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: Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jeremiah 31:31-34;
Psalm 51:1-12;
Hebrews 5:5-10;
John 12:20-33
Hymns

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:
• Wednesday, 20 March 2024 – Church Council Meeting, 6pm
• Sunday, 24 March 2024 – Palm Sunday Service, receive a beautiful palm
• cross, Guest Musician Erin Slatton
• Friday, 29 March 2024 – Good Friday Service, 12:30pm
• Sunday, 31 March 2024 – Easter 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.
• Volunteer at ELCA Youth Gathering: Would you like to volunteer at the 2024
• ELCA Youth Gathering AND get the chance to attend the Young Adult
• Gathering? Apply as a Servant Companion to get the best of both worlds in
• New Orleans. The general deadline is January 15. Questions? Contact Rev.
• Andrew C. Patty, Servant Companion Manager for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering.
• “Souper” Bowl of Caring– We had a very successful collection of soup cans and monetary donations that were collected for this year. The United
• Churches of Algiers Emergency Fund Food Bank is very appreciative of our continued efforts to support them and the community.
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 6700 Westbank Expressway, Marrero, LA
• 70072, (504) 347-4121: As in past years, you and your Love Lutheran
• friends are invited to worship and fellowship with us throughout the Lenten
• Season. All midweek Wednesday services will begin at 7 PM and there will be simple suppers (soup, salad, light meal) beginning at 6:15. Our Seder
• Passover dinner worship meal will be March 28 at 6:30 PM. Please feel welcome to join us in any and all of our worship events.
  
• 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.

1. Identify a passage from scripture today that touches your life.
2. 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?