St Ansgar Lutheran Church, London

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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.

LENT 2, MARCH 1, 2026.

St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Outline for Worship (with Sermon)
Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Second Sunday in Lent
ELW Holy Communion Setting 5

GATHERING

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin,
whose mercy endures forever.
C: Amen.

P: Let us confess our sin before God, who removes our guilt and
blots out all offenses.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Gracious God,
C: have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.

P: For seeking worldly delights that deceive us and dishonour you:
Gracious God,
C: have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.

P: For desiring self-reliance instead of hungering for your word:
Gracious God,
C: have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.

P: For failing to recognize your coming reign, and for hindering
the work of the Spirit: Gracious God,
C: have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.

P: For drawing from the well of self-serving ambition, and for
disdaining the living water Christ offers: Gracious God,
C: have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.

P: For disregarding voices from the margin, and for distrusting signs
of your healing and hope in the world: Gracious God,
C: have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.

P: For dwelling in tombs of self-pity and discontent, and for disregarding
Christ’s call to come forth to life: Gracious God,
C: have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.

P: God’s steadfast love, grace, and forgiveness abound.
Through faith, the free gift of God, you have been clothed in the
righteousness of Christ.
In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. The Spirit of
the One who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, pours God’s
love into your hearts, and gives you life and peace.
C: Amen.

ENTRANCE HYMN – Lift High the Cross (ELW #660)

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.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Let us pray.
P: O God, our leader and guide, in the waters of baptism you bring us to
new birth to live as your children. Strengthen our faith in your promises,
that by your Spirit we may lift up your life to all the world through your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.

WORD

FIRST READING: Genesis 12:1-4a
1 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred
and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you
a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you
will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses
you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
4a So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him.

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

Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills;
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
3 The Lord will not let your foot be moved
nor will the one who watches over you fall asleep.
4 Behold, the keeper of Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep;
5 the Lord watches over you;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will preserve you from all evil
and will keep your life.
8 The Lord will watch over your going out and your coming in,
from this time forth forevermore.

SECOND READING: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor
according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works,
he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what
does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned
to him as righteousness."4 Now to one who works, wages are not
reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who without
works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as
righteousness. 13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did
not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through
the righteousness of faith. 14 If it is the adherents of the law who are to
be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath;
but where there is no law, neither is there violation. 16 For this reason
it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be
guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law
but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of
all of us, 17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations")
-- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the
dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
C: Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

GOSPEL
P: The Holy Gospel according to John 3:1-17
C: Glory to you, O Lord.

1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.
2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you
are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs
that you do apart from the presence of God." 3 Jesus answered him,
"Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being
born from above." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born
after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's
womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one
can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.'
8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you
do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone
who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?"
10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not
understand these things? 11 "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we
know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our
testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe,
how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has
ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven,
the Son of Man. 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.

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

SERMON
John 3:1-17
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

A young man came to the door of a monastery with a big, fat duck in his arms.
His uncle, who happened to be one of the monks, answered the door.
“Here uncle Stanislav, a gift for you and the other monks.” Well, Stanislav took
the duck and plucked it, stuffed it, basted and baked it, and he and the other
brothers ate very well that night.
Several days later, another knock came on the monastery door. “I am a friend
of the nephew who brought you the big, fat duck. I’m a bit down on my luck,
and I wonder if I might impose on you for a bite to eat and place to sleep for
the night?”
“Of course you can, my son, you are most welcome here.” So that night,
he joined the monks for warm duck soup. A few days later, another knock.
“Hello, I am a friend of the friend of the nephew who brought you the duck.
Could I impose on you for a bit of hospitality?” He too was welcomed,
and he ate more of the duck soup.
A few more days went by and there was another knock. “I am a friend of the
friend of the friend of the nephew who brought you the duck.” That night at
dinner he was presented with a steaming bowl of hot water. He tasted it,
looked up, perturbed. “What is this?” “This?” asked Brother Stanislav.
“Oh this. Why this is the soup of the soup of the soup of the duck that my
nephew brought.”
Theologically speaking, second-hand, third-hand, fourth-hand faith can end
up being a watered-down faith. Living by the faith of the faith of the faith that
we once owned in confirmation class or from a Bible study or prayer group
can become bland and tasteless as time passes.
Yet this is precisely the problem that this morning’s Gospel lesson appears
to address. Under the cover of darkness, a man comes to Jesus, a man named
Nicodemus. This is not a lost soul. Nicodemus is no local thug, nor a desperate
man. Nicodemus is a powerful figure in the community, powerful and influential.
He was a member of the Sanhedrin, and well off financially speaking. He was a
leader in his community. He believed that his faith required that he do something,
not just believe something, and what he believed determined how he lived.
Like most of us, Nicodemus was a thinker who did not just believe anything
some religious leader said. What he heard must agree with the scriptures he
studied and with his religious roots. Nicodemus was a model Jewish person,
one all together guy.
So, what is someone like this doing sneaking up to Jesus at night when
nobody is looking? Our Gospel lesson does not tell us. But there are some clues
left for us. Nicodemus is placed in the dark by John for more than one reason.
He is in the dark about Jesus, and that bothers him. Maybe Nicodemus’ faith
has sort of leveled off. He has gone on in his faith for so long that he lived on
the faith of the faith of the faith that he once owned for so many years. Now that
faith seems more like an empty ritual. Suddenly Jesus, a new teacher in town,
starts teaching new and relatable lessons that made sense. And Jesus knew
the Torah.
Then there were the signs. Such disturbing signs. Some of Nicodemus’ fellow
Jewish leaders had been terribly disturbed at some of the goings-on, especially
the massive crowds following Jesus to hear him speak about the “good news.”
Part of Nicodemus wants to reject Jesus and his teachings. But the signs!
Who can deny anyone who can do these signs? He has heard the stories of
crippled hands being made strong, and withered arms made being made straight,
of lame people walking, and of blind eyes being restored to sight. There are
too many unique things about Jesus that just can’t be ignored.
Nicodemus stays in the shadows and begins a conversation with Jesus.
“Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do
these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him,
“Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born
from above.” Now this really confuses Nicodemus. “Born again?” What does
that mean? Nicodemus thinks Jesus is telling him to go all the way back to the
beginning and start over again.
But is this what Jesus wants? To just throw everything out the window and go
back in time? To sum our entire life up with some experience, that negates
everything we have ever experienced. Jesus moves quickly to correct Nicodemus.
“You must be born from above.” Then Jesus introduces the Spirit. “The wind
blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know
where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of
the Spirit.”
The Nicene Creed says that the Holy Spirit is “the Lord and Giver of Life.”
That means that anytime the Spirit is around, life and renewal happen.
To those gathered on the Day of Pentecost, the mighty wind of the Spirit
swept through the room and empowered them to change the world. When the
Spirit begins to blow on us, renewal and spiritual rebirth happen. Without the
Spirit in our lives, we become hardened. But with the Spirit coming from beyond
our abilities and talents, coming to us from outside ourselves, every day
becomes an opportunity to renewed and experience a spiritual rebirth.
Think about what the Spirit’s wind is like in each of our lives now. Is it still as a
summer night, a few little gusts of wind perhaps, or is it dead calm? Or is the
Spirit’s wind howling full sail ahead? Look up and wait for the mighty wind of
the Spirit. Are you like Nicodemus, whose life is all together and well ordered?
Yet deep down inside aren’t we all looking for something more? Invite the Lord
and Giver of Life into your heart.
Pope Paul began Vatican II with a simple prayer. He prayed, “Come, Holy Spirit
and renew us by a new Pentecost.” Let that prayer be our prayer to God.
“Come, Holy Spirit and saturate our lives with the mighty wind of your Spirit.”
Not once, twice, or three times, but each and every day of our lives. We will
never have to worry about having a watered-down faith.
AMEN

Silence is kept for reflection.

HYMN OF THE DAY – God Loved the World (ELW #323)

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: Reconciled by God’s mercy and sustained by God’s presence, let us pray for
the world and its needs.

A: God of our church, send forth your Spirit as we pray for our Bishops Larry
and Carla. Empower them with your wisdom to lead the church. We also pray
for the Thames Ministry area, especially the people of St. John’s Lutheran
Church, Aylmer. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Faithful One, you renew us by grace. As you have inspired faith through
the work of church artists and hymnwriters throughout the ages, give your
church the means to praise your beauty today. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Living One, you delight in this world. The sun and moon, the wind and the
water declare your goodness. Preserve this earth and protect conservationists,
scientists, and all who labour in service to creation. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Ruling One, you bless us to be a blessing. Open the hearts of all leaders
to seek the flourishing of every person and lend your help to all who wait
for justice, deliverance, and peace. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Compassionate One, you send your Son to save. Declare your word of
acceptance to any who feel condemned and lift up any brought low by hatred and
exclusion. Tend to all who are struggling with illness or loss. We pray especially
for Beth, Jean, Mary Margaret, Kristine, Karen, Emma, Cathy, Lene, Grethe,
Lyra, Bud, Pastor Bob, and those others who are in our hearts. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Guiding One, you watch over our going out and coming in. Bless newcomers
and new members in this assembly and accompany those who have recently
left this community to journey elsewhere. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

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. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Eternal One, you neither slumber nor sleep. Be our keeper in life and death.
Thank you for our beloved who have died, and for your promise which saves
this whole world by your love. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Receive our prayers, O God, through Jesus Christ, our strength and salvation.
C: Amen.

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

OFFERING PRAYER
A: O God, maker of heaven and earth, your steadfast love embraces
all creation. You send rain and sunshine to nourish the earth and bring
forth its bounty. Through these gifts of bread and wine, draw us into the
death and life of your Son, who calls us to bear witness to his saving work.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
C: Amen.

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.

BLESSING
P: Receive the blessing of the holy Trinity: God, who calls all things into
existence; Jesus Christ, who redeems us; and the Holy Spirit, whose breath
sustains creation, ☩ bless you now and always.
C: Amen.

SENDING HYMN - In the Cross of Christ I Glory (ELW #324)

DISMISSAL
A: Go in peace. Believe the good news.
C: Thanks be to God.

DISMISSAL HYMN – Go Now in Peace
Go now in peace, never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others, so all the world can see.
God will be there, watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.