A Service of Holy Communion
with the
Rite of Installation
for
The Rev. Dr. Olga--Maria Cruz
Come, Holy Spirit
Fill the hearts of your faithful
Kindle in us the fire of your love.
Grace Lutheran Church
Lakeland, Florida
June 8, 2025
3:00 p.m.
+ GATHERING +
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC Grace Worship Band
A New Hallelujah
Michael W. Smith
You Are My All in All
Dennis Jernigan
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Newton, Tomlin, & Giglio
Grace Bells
It Is Well with My Soul
arr. Sandra Eithun
PRELUDE
Be Thou My Vision
arr. Albin C. Whitworth
Gene Hodges
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
We stand and turn to face the baptismal font. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
In the name of the One
who was, who is, and who is to come.
Amen.
Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection,
and called to live the baptized life,
let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.
Holy God,
we give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that make a people your own,
that restore to wholeness,
and empower us to be witnesses in your name.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that strengthen believers
and give new life to beloved servants of your church;
waters that extend your boundless love
and cross barriers of our own making.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that open the hearts of believers
and give a voice in the night to those in captivity;
waters that set your people on a new path,
rejoicing in the Spirit’s power.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One,
that our every day is shaped by these waters
that give us our very lives in you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW 705
God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow'r;
crown your ancient church's story;
bring its bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days,
Cure your children's warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.
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.
KYRIE (page 138)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
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.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE (page 140)
Refrain
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God. Refrain
Power and riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor, blessing, and glory are his. Refrain
Sing with all the people fo God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. Refrain
For the Lamb who was slain
has begun his reign. Alleluia. Refrain
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ you gave the holy apostles many gifts and commanded them to feed your flock. Inspire all pastors to proclaim your Word diligently and your people to receive it willingly, that finally we may receive the crown of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 40:1-11
The reading concludes:
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 22
Refrain
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
1I was glad when they | said to me,
“Let us go to the house | of the Lord.”
2Now our | feet are standing
within your gates, | O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem is built | as a city
that is at unity | with itself;
4to which the tribes go up, the tribes | of the Lord,
the assembly of Israel, to praise the name | of the Lord. R
5For there are the | thrones of judgment,
the thrones of the | house of David.
6Pray for the peace | of Jerusalem:
“May they pros- | per who love you.
7Peace be with- | in your walls
and quietness with- | in your towers.
8For the sake of my kindred | and companions,
I pray for | your prosperity.
9Because of the house of the | Lord our God,
I will seek to | do you good.” R
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
The reading concludes:
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW 393, v6)
O risen Christ, ascended Lord,
all praise to you let earth accord:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
You are, while endless ages run,
with Father and with Spirit one.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
GOSPEL: Mark 4:1-9
The Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.
The reading concludes:
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Bishop Pedro Suárez
HYMN OF THE DAY
The Church of Christ, In Every Age
ELW 729
The church of Christ, in ev'ry age
beset by change, but Spirit-led,
must claim and test its heritage
and keep on rising from the dead.
Across the world, across the street,
the victims of injustice cry
for shelter and for bread to eat,
and never live before they die.
Then let the servant church arise,
a caring church that longs to be
a partner in Christ's sacrifice,
and clothed in Christ's humanity.
For he alone, whose blood was shed,
can cure the fever in our blood,
and teach us how to share our bread
and feed the starving multitude.
We have no mission but to serve
in full obedience to our Lord;
to care for all, without reserve,
and spread his liberating word.
STATEMENT OF OUR FAITH
With the Church across all time and in all places, we confess our faith using the words of the Nicene Creed.
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
+ RITE OF INSTALLATION +
The assembly stands.
Bishop Suárez addresses the assembly.
Having been authorized by the church to install, Olga-Maria Cruz, our co-worker in the gospel, as Pastor, I now ask for certification of this call.
Congregation President
After prayerful deliberation, we, of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, have called The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz as pastor. I present her and this letter certifying the call.
The assembly is seated.
ADDRESS AND QUESTIONS
A reading from John 20:21-23:
Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
A reading from Matthew 28:18-20:
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
A reading from 1 Timothy 4:12-16:
Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Attend to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Presiding Minister Bishop Suárez
Olga-Maria, a servant of Christ and God’s people, in the presence of this assembly will you commit yourself to this new trust and responsibility, in the confidence that it comes from God through the call of the church?
I will, and I ask God to help and guide me.
Will you preach and teach in accordance with the holy scriptures and with the confessions of the Lutheran church? Will you carry out this ministry in harmony with the constitutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?
I will, and I ask God to help and guide me.
Will you be diligent in your study of the holy scriptures and in your use of the means of grace? Will you love, serve, and pray for God’s people, nourish them with the word and sacraments, and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living?
I will, and I ask God to help and guide me.
Will you give faithful witness in the world, that God’s love may be known in all that you do?
I will, and I ask God to help and guide me.
Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them.
Amen.
The assembly stands.
People of God, will you receive Pastor Cruz as a messenger of Jesus Christ sent to serve all people with the gospel of hope and salvation? Will you regard her as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God?
We will, and we ask God to help and guide us.
Will you pray for her, help and honor her for her work’s sake, and in all things strive to live together in the peace and unity of Christ?
We will, and we ask God to help and guide us.
Olga-Maria, the office of pastor is now committed to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
BLESSING
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do God’s will, working in you that which is pleasing in God’s sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
PRESENTATION
Pastor Cruz stands and is escorted to the places where the word is proclaimed and sacraments are administered. A verse will be sung as Pastor Cruz processes from place to place.
Lord, you give the great commission:
"Heal the sick and preach the word."
Lest the church neglect its mission,
and the gospel go unheard,
help us witness to your purpose
with renewed integrity:
With the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
At the baptismal font, representatives of the congregation say:
You have been called to be among us to baptize, to teach, and to forgive sins.
Lord, you call us to your service:
"In my name baptize and teach."
That the world may trust your promise,
life abundant meant for each,
give us all new fervor, draw us
closer in community:
With the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
At the pulpit, a representative of the congregation; says:
You have been called to be among us to proclaim the good news of the Gospel.
Lord, you bless with words assuring:
"I am with you to the end."
Faith and hope and love restoring,
may we serve as you intend
and, amid the cares that claim us,
hold in mind eternity:
With the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
At the table, a representative of the congregation says:
You have been called to be among us to preside at the Lord’s Supper.
Lord, you make the common holy:
"This my body, this my blood."
Let us all, for earth's true glory,
daily lift life heavenward,
asking that the world around us
share your children's liberty:
With the Spirit's gifts empow'r us
for the work of ministry.
Bishop Suárez
People of God, I present to you Olga-Maria Cruz, your Pastor. Let us welcome Pastor Olga-Maria Cruz in the name of Christ.
The assembly may offer acclamation with applause.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Each petition concludes with, “Hear us, O God.”
The assembly responds, “Your mercy is great.”
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
Today’s offering will be given to the Florida-Bahamas Synod Disaster Response fund.
ANTHEM
Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace
St. Francis of Assisi / arr. Mary McDonald
Grace Choir
OFFERING SONG
Create in Me
ELW 188
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.
OFFERING PRAYER
Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth. Day by day you shower us with blessings. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us glad and generous hearts, ready to praise you and to respond to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 144)
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 our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. Fulfilling the promise of the resurrection,
you pour out the fire of your Spirit, uniting in one body people of every nation and tongue. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS (page 144)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow'r and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son,
who reached out to heal the sick and suffering,
who preached good news to the poor,
and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
In the night in which he was handed over,
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 for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever.
Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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 isthe kingdom,
and the power, and the glory
forever and ever.
Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION
SANCTUS (page 146)
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace.
MUSIC DURING COMMUNION
Here Is Bread
ELW 483
Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal
ELW 464
Bread of Life from Heaven
ELW 474
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
O God, in this holy communion you have welcomed us into your presence, nourished us with words of mercy, and fed us at your table. Amid the cares of this life, strengthen us to love you with all our heart, serve our neighbors with a willing spirit, and honor the earth you have made; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Go to the World
ACS 991
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you
with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor
and give you peace.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
The Church’s One Foundation
Samuel Wesley, , arr. Don Hustad
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
A New Hallelujah, Words and Music: Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, & Debbie Smith, Words and music © 2003 Smittyfly Music | Word Music, LLC | This Is Your Time Music | Leadership Songs | Integrity's Hosanna! Music, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
You Are My All in All, Words and music: Dennis Jernigan, b. 1959. Words and music © 1991 Shepherd's Heart Music, Inc. Words and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), Words and music: John Newton, Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio. Words and music © 2006 worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Vamos Publishing. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
It Is Well With My Soul, Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876, arr. Sandra Eithun. Handbell Music © 2020 Sandra Eithun. Used by permission.
Be Thou My Vision, Music: Irish traditional. Public domain. Arr. Albin C. Whitworth. b. 1938. Music © 1984 Beckenhorst Press. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
God of Grace and God of Glory, Text: Harry E. Fosdick, 1878-1969. Music: John Hughes, 1873-1932. Public domain.
Psalm 122: Let Us Go Rejoicing, Music: Michael Joncus, b.1951, alt. Music © 1987, GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Church of Christ, in Every Age, Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Text © 1971 Hope Publishing Company. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: William Knapp, 1698-1768. Public Domain.
Lord, You Give the Great Commission, Text: Jeffery Rowthorn, b. 1934. Text © 1978 Hope Publishing Company. Music: Cyril V. Taylor, 1907-1991. Music © 1942, ren.1970 Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Make Me An Instrument of Thy Peace, Text: St. Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226. Music: Mary McDonald, b. 1956. Music © 1986 Purifoy Publishing, admin. Lorenz Publishing Company. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Create in Me a Clean Heart, Music: J. A. Freylinghausen, 1670-1739. Public domain.
Here Is Bread, Text and Music: Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Text and music © 1991 Make Way Music, admin. Music Services. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal, Text: Ray Makeever, b. 1943; Rusty Edwards, b. 1955. Music: Ray Makeever, arr. Rusty Edwards. Text and music © 1996 Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Bread of Life from Heaven, Text: Susan R. Briehl, b. 1952. Music: Argentine traditional, refrain; Marty Haugen, b.1950, stanzas. Text and music © 2001 GIA Publications, Inc. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Go to the World, Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Text © GIA Publications, Inc. Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Music © Oxford University Press. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Church’s One Foundation, Music: Samuel Wesley, 1810-1876, arr. Don Hustad, 1918-2013. Music © 1960 in Organ Preludes Old and New, Hope Publishing Company. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
