St Ansgar Lutheran Church, London

Home	About Us	Our Location	Sunday Morning	Contacting Us	Pastor's Message	Calendar	Useful Links	Photo Gallery

Sunday Morning

We invite you to join us for the following worship services:

Sundays
10:30 a.m. Worship service

Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and other locations in the church for
your use.

Washrooms will be available for use.

In the service: The service will be shown on the screen. The offering will not be gathered and presented, but there will be an offering plate at the back of the sanctuary where you can put your offering as you enter or leave. Pastor David distributes the communion wafers and an Assisting Minister distributes wine or grape juice in individual glasses.

We have coffee and fellowship time available again in Luther Hall after the service.

We will continue to evaluate our worship service procedures on a monthly basis.

PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD, FEBRUARY 2, 2025

St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Outline for Worship (with sermon)
Sunday, February 2, 2025 – Presentation of Our Lord
Based on ELW Setting Four

GATHERING

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, our creator, our protector,
our wellspring of life.
C: Amen.

P: Trusting that God receives our words and the meditations of our hearts,
let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Merciful God,
C: you speak blessing and compassion into the world.
Forgive us for the ways we act with judgement, cruelty, or indifference.
We ignore the needs of our neighbours; we resist your call to oppose
injustice; we give in to scarcity and fear; we assume the worst about
one another.
Cleanse us from our faults and release us from their grasp.
Show us your lovingkindness. Restore our hearts and repair your world,
that we may live in Christ’s ways.
Amen.

P: God proclaims these words of assurance: “Do not fear,
for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine.”
In ☩ Christ, you are forgiven. In the Spirit, you are made free.
Refreshed by the waters of mercy, live anew as beloved children of God.
C: Amen.

ENTRANCE HYMN - I Love to Tell the Story (ELW #661)

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

KYRIE
A: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C: Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE (sung) (ELW p. 149)
P: This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
C: Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power and riches and wisdom and strength,
and honour and blessing and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing and honour and glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God,
for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Let us pray.
P: Almighty and ever-living God, your only-begotten Son was presented this
day in the temple. May we be presented to you with clean and pure hearts
by the same Jesus Christ, our great high priest, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen

WORD

FIRST READING: Malachi 3:1-4
1 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the
Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the
covenant in whom you delight--indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when
he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like washers' soap; 3 he will sit
as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi
and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD
in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing
to the LORD, as in the days of old and as in former years.

A: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM 84
1 How dear to me is your dwelling,
O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest where
she may lay her young,
by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
4 Happy are they who dwell in your house!
They will always be praising you.
5 Happy are the people whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims’ way.
6 Those who go through the balsam valley will find it a place of springs,
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.
7 They will climb from height to height,
and the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
8 LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob.
9 Behold our defender, O God;
and look upon the face of your anointed.
10 For one day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than
dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is both sun and shield, bestowing grace and glory;
no good thing will the LORD withhold from those who walk with integrity.
12 O LORD of hosts,
happy are they who put their trust in you!

SECOND READING: Hebrews 2:14-18
14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise
shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who
has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives
were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not
come to help angels but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had
to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might
become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make
a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself
was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

A: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
C: Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
P: The Holy Gospel according to Luke 2:22-40
C: Glory to you, O Lord.

22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses,
they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written
in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"),
24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord,
"a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem
whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to
the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed
to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the
Lord's Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when
the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under
the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 "Master, now
you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes
have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of
all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
33 And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said
about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child
is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will
be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed--and a sword
will pierce your own soul, too." 36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter
of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her
husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of
eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and
prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came and began to praise God and
to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they
returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and
became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favour of God was upon him.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON
Today’s sermon was adapted from sermon by Pastor Jonathan Linman
Faith-La Fe Lutheran Church (ELCA), Phoenix, Arizona
Luke 2:22-40
Let us pray: May the words of my mouth, and the prayers of our hearts,
always be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength, and our Redeemer.
AMEN

Presentation of Our Lord
I begin with a word about what we celebrate today: the festival of
the Presentation of Our Lord commemorates, as we just heard in the
gospel reading, the event of Jesus being presented by his parents,
dedicating him to God, in the Jerusalem temple according to Jewish custom
forty days after his birth (for us, forty days after Christmas). This public
appearance at the holy temple, the focal point of ancient Judaism,
revealed Jesus to God’s own people and as a light to the nations.
With the theme of light in mind, this day is also known as Candlemas –
or Candle Mass – when the new year’s candles are blessed.
As a liturgical festival, Presentation dates from the end of the fourth century.
This festival came to include a procession of lighted candles into the church,
even as Christ, the light of the world, was presented and publicly revealed
in procession in the temple at Jerusalem.
Thus, the presentation of Jesus in the temple is in keeping with this season
after Epiphany, which is really a series of Sundays of many epiphanies as
we hear again bible stories which reveal more and more about the true
identity of Jesus.
Today’s epiphany focuses specifically on the revelation of Jesus to the
ancient prophets, Simeon and Anna. So, let’s delve into the details of that
encounter as described by Luke. Considering the particulars of this holy
encounter between the holy family and Simeon, I have good news and
bad news.
I’ll tell you the good news first, and it’s summed up in the song of Simeon,
commonly known by the Latin, nunc dimittis: Here’s what Luke records that
Simeon proclaimed upon seeing Jesus: “Master, now you are dismissing
your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen
your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Here, Simeon reveals that God’s promise to him has been fulfilled, that he
would not die before seeing with his own eyes God’s chosen one, the Messiah.
The appearance of Jesus is an embodiment of God’s salvation in the presence
of all peoples, yes, the people of Israel, but also Christ’s light as revelation
for the Gentiles, that is, people of all nations. Such light and such glory make
for good news in a world full of dark shadows and shame, the very opposite
of glorious light.
So, that’s the good news. Now the bad news, again in the words of Simeon:
“This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a
sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed
– and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Here, Simeon foreshadows how the nature of Jesus’ ministry of proclaiming
the dominion of God, of speaking the truth to everyone, especially those
in power, and healing people and exorcising demons, will have the effect
of bringing down the powerful while lifting up the lowly. The light and truth
of Jesus’ presence will expose the falsehoods that lurk in the night’s shadows
of our hearts and minds. And directing hard words to Mary, Jesus’ mother,
Simeon also calls attention to how Jesus’ earthly life will end in suffering,
sorrow, and death – “and a sword will pierce your own soul too,” Simeon says
to Mary.
That’s bad news for the powerful and deceitful. It’s bad news for Mary as a
mom who loves her son. And it’s sorrow for Jesus, our “merciful and faithful
high priest” who on the cross in the “service of God” made a “sacrifice of
atonement for the sins of the people” as we heard in today’s second reading
(Hebrews 2:17).
But this bad news ultimately also brings more good news. In fact, the bad
news of Jesus’ death becomes the world’s most profound good news. In Jesus’
death and his subsequent resurrection, it is revealed that the light of Christ
cannot be extinguished. The light shines forever, still introducing light
wherever it’s needed to expose sin and to eradicate that darkness such
that all people, even oppressors, can be given light and life and freedom
and salvation. Thanks be to God.
So, the festival of the Presentation of Our Lord joins Christmas and Easter,
and links Bethlehem with Jerusalem, and weds the manger to the cross and
empty tomb.
And the long and the short of it is that today we celebrate once again the
light of Christ in and for the world. The light of Christ is here in our church,
candlelight always illuminating our proclamation of the Word and celebration
of the sacraments. It’s here, Sunday after Sunday that the words of the
prophet Malachi are fulfilled in our hearing and before our faces: “the Lord
whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.” (Malachi 3:1a)
But as we celebrate the song of Simeon this day, let’s not forget about the
prophetess Anna. Her role is essential in that she reveals what we are called
to be and to do once we, too, like her, have received the light of Christ and
are given the gift of faith.
Luke tells us that Anna, upon witnessing Simeon’s proclamation of the child
Jesus as the Christ, “began to praise God and to speak about the child to all
who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)
That’s our calling, folks! To praise God in our worship and in our lives. And to
speak to all in our acquaintance about Christ, the light to the nations and the
redeemer not just of Jerusalem, but of the whole world.
An early saint of the church, St. Sophronius, preached a sermon on the
Presentation in the 7th Century, a passage from which sums up our calling
to be like Anna in our words and deeds. Sophronius proclaimed: “Everyone
should be eager to join the procession and to carry a light. Our lighted
candles are a sign of the divine splendour of the one [Jesus Christ] who
comes to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe
radiant with the brilliance of his eternal light. Our candles also show how
bright our souls [are] when we go to meet Christ...” (quoted in Pfatteicher, 71).
By the power of the Spirit that inspired both Simeon and Anna, we become
living candles in our words and deeds, sources of illumination that ever reveal
the light of Christ in our world of shadows.
And know this too: when we, as those living candles, leave this place and go
home and into the world, the light of Christ goes with us and is revealed in
our own homes and lives to lighten the shadows that bring trouble and grief,
to warm our hearts so that we may continue to know and to share the sacred
glow of our Lord and Saviour. Thanks be to God for the light of Christ that is
never extinguished!
AMEN

Silence is kept for reflection.

HYMN OF THE DAY – Where Charity and Love Prevail (ELW #359)

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.

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
A: With the Spirit of Christ shining upon us, let us boldly pray for the church,
the world, and all of creation.
A: God of our church, send forth your Spirit as we pray for our Bishops Susan
and Carla. Empower them with your wisdom to lead the church. We also pray
for our neighbours in the Anglican Church of Canada, Interim Priest-in-Charge
Rev. Jordan Murray and the people of St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, London,
and Bishop of Huron, Todd Townshend. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: God of generations, you instilled in Anna and Simeon faith, dreams, and the
welcome of a child. Bless elders who embody faith and hope; bless the newly
baptized. Energize us to share faith from generation to generation. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: God of creation, in you the sparrow finds a home and we find lush valleys
and living water. Bless the birds of the air, the animals of the valley, and renew
our stewardship of this bountiful creation. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: God of the nations, strengthen our resolve to care for all children and strive
for peace among nations. Refine our nation where we have failed to root out
racism and guide us in truth-telling and reconciliation. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: God of hope, many long to see your presence revealed among challenging
circumstances. We hold in prayer all longing for sustainable housing, secure
employment, access to medical care, and health and wellness, especially Beth,
Jean, Mary Margaret, Kristine, Shirley, Karen, Pastor Bob, Debbie, Emma,
Cathy, and those others who are in our hearts. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: God of the people, you are made known in caring ministries. Bless those who
serve as communion servers, homebound visitors, baptismal sponsors, and as
prayer support. Reveal yourself in the neighbourly care we give and receive.
God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: Merciful God, we pray for peace as war continues to rage in Ukraine and
in Israel and Gaza. Shelter all living in fear; protect those seeking refuge in
neighbouring countries; sustain families separated by the horrors of war;
tend to those who are injured; comfort all who mourn their dead. Direct your
people into the way of peace. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: God of life, we thank you for Jesus’ life and for his death that has
destroyed death. We remember the dearly departed, as they dwell with
you in your holy courts now and forever. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: We entrust our prayers to you, O God, in the sure and certain hope that
your promise is revealed among the people.
C: Amen.

PEACE
P: The peace of Christ be with you always.
C: And also with you.

LORD’S PRAYER
P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to 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.

SENDING

BLESSING
P: The Spirit of the triune God + bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion,
and send you in love.
C: Amen.

SENDING HYMN – How Firm a Foundation (ELW #796)

DISMISSAL
A: Go in peace. Live in hope.
C: Thanks be to God.

DISMISSAL HYMN – The Lord Now Sends Us Forth (ELW #538)
Verse 1
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live. Repeat (2X)

Verse 2
The angels are not sent
into our world of pain
to do what we were meant
to do in Jesus' name;
that falls to you and me
and all who are made free.
Help us, O Lord, we pray,
to do your will today. Repeat (2X)