March 1, 2025
3:00 PM
Celebration of Name Change
Psalm 139 by Mark Lawrence
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
The Rev. Jessica Goodrich
The Rev. Cassandra Hartnett
Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us.
GATHERING MUSIC Love > Fear The Many
Come As You Are The Many
You Will Be Found Justin Paul & Benj Pasek
from the musical Dear Evan Hansen
Chorus:
Even when the dark comes crashin’ through, when you need a friend to carry you
And when you’re broken on the ground, you will be found
So let the sun come streaming in; ‘cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again
Lift your head and look around, you will be found; you will be found
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather in the name of our Triune God:
the extravagant Creator who filled the skies with countless stars,
the lavish Christ who poured out his life for us,
the prodigal Spirit who calls us to surpassing celebration
whenever anyone comes home
to who they truly are.
Amen.
God who sees,
it was you who formed my inward parts.
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made!
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
Intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made!
You knew every day that was formed for me
before the days themselves existed.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made!
GATHERING HYMN Sing a New World into Being Mary Louise Bringle
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Transfiguring God, you know who we are and who we may become. You traced our tendons in the hidden darkness of the womb, and keep vigil with our inmost thoughts in the depth of the night. You know us fully, and love us fiercely. Fill us with such trust in this love that we may go where you call us, bearing the names that you give us: beloved children of God. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
FIRST READING JEREMIAH 1:1–8 Rev. Laura Everett
Executive Director, Massachusetts Council of Churches
When Jessica first began to think about attending seminary, she emailed and talked with the pastor of the church she grew up in, Rev. Paul Doellinger at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in N. Tonawanda, NY. He referenced this Scripture passage, where God calls Jeremiah to the role of prophet. It seems fitting to include it in this service today!
A reading from Jeremiah.
1The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, a member of the priestly family in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. 2The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in the days of King Josiah son of Amon of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3It came also in the days of King Jehoiakim son of Josiah of Judah, and ended during the eleventh year of the reign of King Zedekiah son of Josiah of Judah when, in the fifth month, the inhabitants of Jerusalem went into exile.
4Now the word of the LORD came to me saying,
5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
6Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” 7But the LORD said to me,
“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’;
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you.
8Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
says the LORD.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
PSALM 139:1–18 Erika Bloom
A reading from Psalms.
1O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
7 Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and night wraps itself around me,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.
17 How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 I try to count them—they are more than the sand;
I come to the end—I am still with you.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING GALATIANS 3:26-29 Kate Storm
This passage includes words that were often spoken when someone was baptized in the early church. They show that our differences fade away in our shared identity as children of God.
A reading from Galatians.
26 In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. 27 As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. 29 Furthermore, if you belong to Christ, you are the offspring of Abraham, which means you inherit all that was promised.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL PROCESSIONAL Halle, Halle, Hallelujah
GOSPEL LUKE 9:28-35
This is called the story of the transfiguration. With echoes of God’s appearance to Moses on top of Mt. Sinai, Jesus’ appearance is transformed in a flash of light. On top of the mountain, God affirms Jesus’ identity, and the disciples are stunned speechless.
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the ninth chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.
28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, how good it is for us to be here! Let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” Peter didn’t really know what he was saying.
34 While Peter was speaking, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him!”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Nicole Harvell
HYMN OF THE DAY O God, You Search Me ACS 1082
THE GIVING AND BLESSING OF A NAME
The Lord be with You.
And also with you.
Let us pray. Holy One of Blessing, in baptism you bring us to new life in Jesus Christ and you name us Beloved. We give you thanks for the constant renewal of that life and love in us. We gather together today to affirm and celebrate the new name of one of your children. Be with us, strengthen us, and uphold us all in the gifts and promises of our baptism. Amen.
Hear these words from Scripture.
ISAIAH 45:3-4a Danica Wiles
3I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. 4For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name.
GENESIS 32:24-30 Bruce Grams
24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” 27So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” 29Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.”
MATTHEW 16:17-19 Rev. Victoria Larson
17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Participants gather around the baptismal font. The presiding minister addresses the candidate.
In Baptism we promise: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
In the words of Isaiah: “Thus God says: maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. Happy is the mortal who does this, the one who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and refrains from doing any evil. Do not let the foreigner joined to God say, ‘God will surely separate me from the people’; and do not let the eunuch say, ‘I am just a dry tree.’ For thus says God: to the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast to my covenant, I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.”
Today we remember the name given to this child of God at birth—the name Jeffrey Paul. Jeffrey’s parents gave their child the gift of a name, the gift of life, and the gift of love. We honor their gifts, and we give thanks that while names change, and children grow and transform, love endures.
We see the forty-one years lived as Jeffrey, and the roles lived out of child, sibling, husband, and father. We recognize the grief, sorrow, and pain that may be wrapped into the loss of this name.
And we acknowledge a new name—a name which signifies all that Jeffrey has always been, is now, and is still becoming.
By what name shall you now be known?
Individual: My name is Jessica Paige.
Child of God, you have heard the whisper of the Spirit calling you to this transformation. Please share with us the commitments you make as you take on this new name.
Individual: I, Jessica Paige, lay down the name I was given at birth and take up the new name God has given me, fully embracing all of who I am now and all that has come before. I commit to continue this journey, following the lead of the Holy Spirit who is beckoning me forward. I commit to bringing all of myself into communion with this world, trusting that my wholeness will make space for wholeness in others. I will continue to love God and love my neighbor as myself, now resting in the surety of God’s love for me exactly as I am.
As you make these commitments, it’s important to know that you are not doing this alone.
The minister addresses the sponsors.
Will you do all in your power to assist Jessica, to maintain justice, to do what is right, to honor God and hold fast to God’s covenant of love?
Sponsors: We will, with the help of God!
The minister addresses the assembly.
To all who are active in ministry here at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, will you receive Jessica as your pastor? Will you work together as pastor and people to live out and proclaim God’s grace and love?
People of Good Shepherd: We will, with the help of God!
And to everyone gathered today, and those gathered online, will you rejoice with Jessica Paige for all that God has done for her, and all that is left to be revealed? Will you walk with her and hold her in love, calling Jessica Paige by name as God has called her?
All: We will, with the help of God!
CHORAL ANTHEM Give Me A Name Text by Hannah C. Brown
Music by William B. Bradbury
- Give me a name that’s fresh and free
and fitting for who I will be;
God, bless with holy pow’r and grace
my self, my scars, my form, my face. - Give me a heart that’s brave and new
a tenderness that’s tried and true;
God, save my soul from shame and scorn;
I need your love to be reborn. - Give me a joy that’s sure and sweet
to share myself, sincere, complete.
God, spur me on to spark and shine,
show forth in me with light divine. - Give me a path beyond the past
to venture forth at peace at last;
God, help me trust your ceaseless claim:
just as I am, I bear your name.
The candidate, sponsors, family, and presiding minister move to the center of the sanctuary. They lay hands upon the candidate’s shoulders. Everyone gathers around, touching the shoulder of someone near them, for this prayer of blessing.
Dynamic and holy God, we remember how you changed the names of Abraham and Sarah, as they set out to follow you. We know that you changed the name of Jacob, after a long night of wrestling with you. We now declare publicly and affirm the name you have bestowed upon Jessica Paige. This name symbolizes all that she is and all that she is becoming, through the grace of God.
Jessica Paige, receive the blessings of God, In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The one receiving a name and blessing stands at the front and faces the assembly.
Jessica, walk in the Spirit, this day and always, knowing that God has made an everlasting covenant with you that shall never be cut off.
When Christians gather together for worship,
it is our job and our joy to pray for the needs of the whole world. Let us pray.
God of welcome, we pray for your Church.
Open the doors of every community to those who seek you.
Open the hearts of all Christians to practice radical welcome and true hospitality in Jesus’ name.
God of welcome, we pray for your Church.
God of all nations, we pray for peace and justice throughout the world. Shape those in authority so their actions reflect your compassion for the little, the lost, and the least. Defend the vulnerable, connect the isolated, empower the voiceless.
God of all nations, we pray for peace and justice.
God of change, we pray for creation. As winter turns into spring, we pray for blossoming plants, for waking animals, for thawing waters. In this tender time of transition, make us mindful of creation’s urgent need for protection.
God of change, we pray for creation.
God of the outcast, we pray for the poor. Comfort and provide for all in search of work, food, housing, and healthcare. We pray for those who are incarcerated. We pray for all who yearn for stability and dignity.
God of the outcast, we pray for the poor.
God of healing, we pray for the sick, whether they are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. Heal them, comfort them, uphold them. We especially pray for those we name now, either aloud or in the silence of our hearts. (Pause for names.) Abide with each one with your spirit of peace.
God of healing, we pray for the sick.
God of diversity, we pray for the queer community. Strengthen its members. Protect them from abuse. Stay with them in the times of shadow when they question their identity or their value. Reassure them that your love can reach them wherever they go.
God of diversity, we pray for the queer community.
God of encouragement, we pray for this congregation. Guide them as they walk with Jessica through her transition. Nurture mutual gratitude, understanding, and compassion between pastors and people, and fill them with profound joy in accompanying one another.
God of encouragement, we pray for Good Shepherd.
God of resurrection, we remember with gratitude our beloved dead. Keep them in your holy presence until we meet at last at the banquet that has no end.
God of resurrection, we remember our beloved dead.
Receive these prayers into your hands, O God, for the sake of him whose wounded hands bless us and keep us: Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Peace
The peace of God be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code at the end of the bulletin)
Friends, before you existed, God knew you through and through. God called you holy, and set you aside as a gift to the world. God equipped you with everything you need to make a difference: the things you have, the time you have, and the person who you are.
We celebrate God’s generosity to us by returning to God some of what we were first given in this time of offering.
OFFERING Anthem
The Rejoicing Charles Callahan
Yeon Soh, organ
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS Born, Reborn
OFFERING PRAYER
Jeremiah resisted when God told him all that he would do, saying, “I’m only a child.”
But God is a God of abundance. In God’s hands, a mustard seed becomes a tree.
Five little loaves feed thousands. Little children grow into prophets.
Let us pray. Empowering God,
we return to you a part of what you have given to us.
It may seem small: grow it until it towers.
It may seem little: expand it to feed multitudes.
It may seem insignificant: use it, and use us, wherever we are needed,
until the whole world rejoices in your justice and love. Amen.
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is both right and good to give thanks to you, merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ, whose transfiguring brightness on the mountaintop illuminates the hope of resurrection, and whose death on the cross reveals your undying love. And so, with earth and angels, with the church that rehearses your song and the choirs that sing it in heaven, we give thanks to you, praising your name and joining the unending hymn:
Sanctus
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy One, what wonders you create!
In the beginning, you made darkness and light,
dawn and twilight.
You made seas and dry land,
marshes and coasts.
You delight in transition and transfiguration.
Holy One, what wonders you call forth!
In every generation, you are making all things new.
You called Abram and Sarai from their homeland,
and renamed them the parents of nations.
You shepherded your people out of exile,
and showed them the strength you build from brokenness.
Whenever your people discover who they are called to be,
you delight in transition and transfiguration.
In the fullness of time, you came to us in Jesus Christ,
who crossed the boundary between heaven and earth
to live among us,
walking with those on the margins,
loving without limit or measure.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
We wait for Jesus to return to us,
transforming the earth and all its creatures
into a kin-dom where we are face to face with God;
where there is no difference that can divide us,
no hatred that cannot be turned to love,
no death that can take us from one another.
And as we wait, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
God, send your Spirit into our waiting.
Strengthen us through this meal for the winding road
from here to the fulfillment of our hope.
Lead us in pursuit of justice, love, and mercy.
All praise and glory and honor are yours,
Holy God, now and forever.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, using the words from the New Zealand Prayer Book.
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and testing, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and forever. Amen.
COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus Christ, who is both host and meal, invites you to the table.
Behold what you are.
Become what you receive.
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for God’s presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you to the rail, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
Agnus Dei
COMMUNION HYMNS
Build a Longer Table ACS 1062
Taste and See ELW 493
Led by Knute Ogren
COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
Let us pray.
Christ our Bread,
at this table, you fed us with one bread and cup.
As you send us out into a world that is preoccupied with division,
help us see in one another the same family that you united at this table,
made one in your love. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
Beloved people of God, receive this blessing:
May God, who created twilight and dawn, be with you in the midst of every change.
May Christ, who births hope in our hearts, delight in all that is born within you.
May the Holy Spirit, who descends on us as flame, grant you courage
to live as the people God calls you to be. Amen.
SENDING SONG Born This Way Lady Gaga
Verse 1:
My mama told me when I was young, we are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on, in the glass of her boudoir
There’s nothing wrong with lovin who you are, she said; ‘cause He made you perfect babe
So hold your head up, girl, and you’ll go far; listen to me when I say
Chorus:
I’m beautiful in my way, ‘cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track baby, I was born this way
Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set
I’m on the right track baby, I was born this way
Ooh there ain’t no other way, baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Ooh, there ain’t no other way, baby I was born this way
Right track baby, I was born this way
Verse 2:
Give yourself prudence and love your friends, subway kid rejoice the truth
In the religion of the insecure I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin, believe capital HIM
I love my life, I love this record; and mi amore vole fe yah
(chorus)
Verse 3:
No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life,
I’m on the right track baby, I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige; chola or orient made
I’m on the right track baby, I was born to be brave
(chorus)
Dismissal
Go in peace. Live out the truth of who you are!
Thanks be to God!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this service possible!
Presiding Ministers Bishop Nathan Pipho & Rev. Cassandra Hartnett
Preacher Rev. Nicole Harvell
Crucifer Elliot Overholt
Torchbearers Elizabeth Fontes & Kyre Goodrich
Book Bearer Yuuki Gibson
Ushers Paul Bigwood, Caryn Francese, & David Kaiser
Worship Assistant Randy Koopman
Lectors Rev. Laura Everett, Erika Bloom, & Kate Storm
Danica Wiles, Bruce Grams, & Rev. Victoria Larson
Communion Presenters Stephanie Leclair & Ellen Cloutier
Communion Bread Bakers The Henderson Family
Music Director Kirby Stalley
Organist Yeon Soh
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Lawrence & Michelle Kati,
Matt Overholt, & Holly Pavlak
Guest Musician Knute Ogren
Livestream Operator Ernie Zimmermann
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| From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2023 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27028. New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Thanks to Rev. Victoria Larson for her help in writing much of today’s liturgy! Give Me A Name by Hannah C. Brown © 2023 GIA Publications, Inc. Giving and Blessing of a Name liturgy is adapted from the work of Rev. Christopher Bruesehoff, Austen Hartke, and Transmission Ministry Collective – www.transmissionministry.com CCLI#1313879. OneLicense # A-716488 Celebration of Name Change 3.1.2025.docx |
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