Reformation Day, October 31, 2021

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am

Livestream at 8:25am
Bulletin for the service

Prayer of the Day

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.

Scripture

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36

Sermon

“Be Still! The Son Speaks”
John 8:31-36; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28

The nations rage and the kingdoms shake. Be still, then, and know that I am God. The covenant breaks through our hardness of hearts. I will remember your sin no more. Our mouths move, boasting of ourselves and seeking justification. Be silent, for you have all fallen short. We have never been slaves to anyone! You are slaves to sin, but I will set you free.

On this Reformation Sunday, the readings give voice to the storms the threaten, within and without. We cannot save ourselves; not from the powers around us or the evil inside us. But God is with us. Christ comes to us, this Son who dies to set us free. So stop. Be still. Silent. We have no words that will suffice. Instead we hear the new Word that gives life. Put to death with Christ, we rise to the freedom of new life, unbounded by death and threatened no more. We are safe in the refuge, the fortress, that is nothing less than the presence of God Most High.

Hymns

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Thy Strong Word, LBW 233
Salvation Unto Us Has Come, LBW 297
The Church of Christ In Every Age, LBW 433

WOV, With One Voice
LBW, Lutheran Book of Worship

ACS, All Creation Sings

In our prayers we remember ELCA Metro Chicago Synod.