Author: dianeb

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
331 Weldon Street
Latrobe, PA 15650
724-537-4450 www.trinitylatrobe.com
Pastor Jason Felici & Pastor Jess Felici
Pastor Emeritus Jeffrey Schock
First Sunday in Lent
February 21 & 22, 2026

Welcome to Worship!

Pastors:
Rev. Jason Felici
Rev. Jess Felici

Phone: 724-537-4450
E-mail: office@trinitylatrobe.com

The worship bulletin is intended to help guide us through our worship. Sections in bold print are for congregation response.Throughout the bulletin you will note two symbols that denote when the congregation is invited to stand (▲) or be seated (▼) as your body allows. Large print copies of our worship service and wireless sound enhancers are available.
We believe our risen Lord Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine of Holy
Communion and we extend our Lord’s invitation to all who are baptized to share
in this meal.
Non-communing children and adults are welcome to come forward for a blessing. Please contact an usher if you need communed in the pew.
A large print copy of our worship service and wireless sound enhancers are available
in the front narthex.

First Sunday in Lent
February 21 & 22, 2026
Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 8:15am (Broadcast, 98.7FM, 107.5FM, 1480AM, 910AM;
Livestream @www.trinitylatrobe.com), Sunday 10:45am

Service of Holy Communion
(ELW Setting 2)

Today's gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive the bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead.

Prelude and Silent Prayer

Welcome and Announcements

GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

▲ Confession and Forgiveness
(All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the
presiding minister begins.)

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin,
whose mercy endures forever. Amen.
Let us confess our sin before God, who removes our guilt
and blots out all offenses.
(please kneel or be seated as your body allows)
Silence is kept for reflection.
Gracious God,
have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For seeking worldly delights that deceive us and dishonor you: Gracious God,
have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For desiring self-reliance instead of hungering for your word: Gracious God,
have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For failing to recognize your coming reign, and for hindering the work of the Spirit: Gracious God,
have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For drawing from the well of self-serving ambition, and for disdaining the living water Christ offers: Gracious God,
have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For disregarding voices from the margin, and for distrusting signs of your healing and hope in the world: Gracious God,
have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For dwelling in tombs of self-pity and discontent, and for disregarding Christ’s call to come forth to life: Gracious God,
have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
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. Amen.

▲Gathering Hymn “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” ELW #325

▲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

▲Prayer of the Day

Let us pray. Lord God, our strength, the struggle between good and evil rages within and around us, and the devil and all the forces that defy you tempt us with empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and when we fall, raise us again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Word
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

▼Children’s Message

▼First Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

Genesis 2 provides a different creation story from Genesis 1, In the verses we won’t read this morning, God allows Adam to name all the animals (except himself), but finds none that would be a “helper as his partner.” Apart from this reference to Eve, the only one referred to in the Old Testament as “helper” is God.

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’ ” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die, 5 for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

▼Psalm 32 (Leader/Assembly; Saturday, spoken; Sunday, sung)

Singing this psalm immediately after telling how humanity has fallen short of God’s hopes right from the beginning celebrates the power and dependability of God’s patient forgiveness and forbearance.

1 Happy are they whose transgressions | are forgiven, and whose sin is | put away! 2 Happy are they to whom the Lord im- | putes no guilt, and in whose spirit there | is no guile! 3 While I held my tongue, my bones with- | ered away, because of my groaning | all day long. 4 For your hand was heavy upon me | day and night; my moisture was dried up as in the | heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not con- | ceal my guilt. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” Then you forgave me the guilt | of my sin. 6 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in | time of trouble; when the great waters overflow, they | shall not reach them. 7 You are my hiding-place; you preserve | me from trouble; you surround me with shouts | of deliverance. 8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that | you should go; I will guide you | with my eye. 9 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no | understanding; who must be fitted with bit and bridle, or else they will | not stay near you.” 10 Great are the tribulations | of the wicked; but mercy embraces those who trust | in the Lord. 11 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice | in the Lord; shout for joy, all who are | true of heart.

▼Second Reading: Romans 5:12-19

Several times in his writings, Paul compares and contrasts Jesus with Adam, Moses, or other figures from the Old Testament. The contrast he draws here supports his affirmation, earlier in chapter 5, that we may have absolute confidence in the renewed relationship with God Christ established for us.

12 Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned 13 for sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam, who is a pattern of the one who was to come.
15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. 16 And the gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17 If, because of the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. 19 For just as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

(continued)

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

▲Gospel Acclamation

▲Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

Both Moses (Ex. 34:28) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8) fasted for forty days before experiencing the presence of God and beginning a new stage of their ministry.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew the 4th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.

1 Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

(continued)

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

▼Sermon Pastor Jason Felici

▲Hymn of the Day “Oh, Love, How Deep” ELW #322

▲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 the People (please kneel or remain seated as your body allows)

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

▲The Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

(share God’s peace with one another and then be seated)

Meal
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

▼Gathering of Gifts

As we move to the time in our worship where we offer our gifts to God’s church, a portion of your offering supports hosting Addiction Support Groups. Our AA meetings provide a safe place for those seeking to overcome addiction and find wholeness to be met with support and community.

If you prefer, scan the QR code to give online. You may then place a giving card from the pew in the offering plate as it passes by.

▼Anthem “Forty Days and Forty Nights” Bell Choir

▲Offertory “Create in Me a Clean Heart” ELW #188

(continued)

Offering Prayer

Let us pray. 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. Amen.

▲Great Thanksgiving

▲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. You call your people to cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast, that, renewed in the gift of baptism, we may come to the fullness of your grace. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

▲Holy, Holy, Holy

▲Thanksgiving at the Table

Blessed are you, O God of the universe.
Your mercy is everlasting
and your faithfulness endures from age to age.
All creation sings your praise.
Sun, moon, and stars reflect your glory.
Mountains, lakes, and forests declare your wonders.
With Sarah and Abraham we go out in faith, trusting your promise.
With Miriam and Moses we celebrate our deliverance from bondage.
With Naomi and Ruth we bind ourselves together in covenant love.
With Jonathan and David we delight in the gift of deep and abiding friendship.
With Mary and Elizabeth we welcome your presence in the birth of Jesus,
the Holy One.
With Lazarus, Martha, and Mary we give thanks for the blessings of family.
With disciples and followers we marvel at the reign of God come near.
With saints through the ages we ponder the mystery of Christ’s dying and rising.
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 for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
With hearts full of memories and hopes,
we break this bread and share this cup,
remembering the death and resurrection of Christ,
and his promise to be with us always
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
O Divine Lover, you are the breath within us.
You are our heart’s desire.
You are our priceless treasure.
You are the garden of paradise.
Come down, O Love divine.
Come among us, O passionate Fire.
Come within us, O Spirit of unity.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts,
which we are about to receive from your bounty.
Bless our table and the feast we share.
Bless us with gladness of heart.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit.
At this table make us your body.
Form us to be people of justice and peace.
Fill us with gratitude and generosity
that we may bear the fruit of love in word and deed.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Praise to you, Author of creation.
Praise to you, O Beloved One.
Praise to you, O Giver of all good things.
Praise to you, blessed and holy Trinity,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

(continued)

Throughout the bulletin you will note two symbols that denote when the congregation is invited to stand (▲) or be seated (▼) as your body allows.

(continued)

▲Lord's Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

▲Invitation to Communion

Come to the table.
Feast on God’s goodness and mercy.

▲Lamb of God

▼Distribution of Communion
To receive communion, please come down the center aisle, take a cup from the tray and gather at the altar rail. Receive the bread into your hand. Wine will be poured into your cup. The communion wine is gluten free. Gluten free wafers are available upon request. For those unable to receive wine, communion cups with water are available. Leave the altar rail, place your cup on the tray and return to your pew via the side aisles. If you would like to receive communion in the pew, please contact an usher. Non-communing children and adults are welcome to come forward for a blessing.

▲Table Blessing

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.

▲Prayer after Communion

Let us pray. God of our salvation, we give you thanks for this meal that restores our souls, reconciles us to you, and strengthens us for the journey. Through the body and blood of your Son, may we become Christ’s body in the world, bearing witness to your love for all creation,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

Sending
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

▲Blessing

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

▲Sending Hymn “Chief of Sinners Though I Be” ELW #609

▲Dismissal

Go in peace. Believe the good news.
Thanks be to God.

THE BROADCAST THIS WEEKEND is dedicated to the Glory of God in loving memory of my dad, Pastor Hans Andrae, given by Christina Andrae.

THE BROADCAST THIS WEEK is dedicated to the Glory of God in loving memory of my dad, Robert A. Heintzelman, given by daughter, Connie A. Fyalkowski and Family.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS THIS WEEKEND are dedicated to the Glory of God in loving memory of my husband, Bill Yurek, given by Polly Yurek.

Preaching: Pastor Jason Felici Presiding: Pastor Jess Felici

Serving this Weekend
Director of Music: Debbie Morley
Lectors: Saturday 5:30pm: Rick Conrad
Sunday 8:15am: Ted Benning
Sunday 10:45am: Karen Clair
Liturgical Deacons: Saturday 5:30pm: Darlene Hoffmann
Sunday 8:15am: Rose McLain, Dean Reed
Sunday 10:45am: Lindsay Deemer, Sandy Redinger
Ushers: Saturday 5:30pm: Tom & Beth Dlugos, Donna Showalter
Sunday 8:15am: Keith Bronson, Jr., Keith Bronson, Sr.,
Sandy Kisick, Melinda Terney
Sunday 10:45am: BJ & Amber Hebenthal, Anna Hudec,
Becky Tomlinson
Acolytes: Saturday 5:30pm: Kelly Stanko
Sunday 8:15am:
Sunday 10:45am: Will H., Nico S.
Tellers: Sunday 8:15am: Jason Sheppard, John Hugo,
Kathy & Mark Jones
Sunday 10:45am: Eleanor Fagan, Susan Vargo, Anna Hudec
Will & Linda Brigaman
Acolytes Scheduled for Next Week February 28 & March 1
Saturday 5:30pm: Kelly Stanko
Sunday 8:15am:
Sunday 10:45am:

Liturgy reprinted from “Evangelical Lutheran Worship”, copyright 2006 Augsburg Fortress, used by permission of license #SBT004670 and One License A-709549; Prayers are from “Sundays & Seasons”, copyright 2025 Augsburg Fortress. Introductions to the readings are written by The Rev. Mark Oldenburg, Ph.D., Steck-Miller Professor Emeritus of the Art of Worship, United Lutheran Seminary.

Preaching: Pastor Jason Felici Presiding: Pastor Jess Felici

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.

▼Anthem 10:45am “The Beatitudes” Lovelace Men’s Choir

▲Apostles’ Creed

(please stand or remain seated as you are comfortable)

☩ ☩

☩

▼Anthem “Christmas Canon” Hopson Choir

▼FORMATTED

▼Sermon Pastor Jess Felici

Throughout the bulletin you will note two symbols that denote when the congregation is invited to stand (▲) or be seated (▼) as your body allows.

▼Sacrament of Holy Baptism (Sunday, 8:15am) ELW page 227

Sermon Pastor Jess Felici

THE BROADCAST THIS WEEK is dedicated to the Glory of God in memory of our parents, Tim Hall, Jim & Marian Parizek, given by Rob & Linda McDowell.

▲Kyrie

(please be seated)

10:45am “Make Us to Be” Ramseth Youth Choir

10:45am “Hope Abides” Austin Choir Chimes
“Fanfare and Alleluia” Wagner Trinity Ringers

▼

▼Communion Hymn “Beautiful Savior” ELW #838

▼10:45am

▲Nicene Creed

The prelude is a signal to end our conversation and
prepare our hearts and minds for worship

▼

▼

▲

formatted

(please be seated)

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.

(please kneel or be seated as your body allows)

Prayers of the People (please kneel or sit as you are comfortable)

(Sunday, Assembly please sing refrain)

(please be seated)

(at the end of the Baptism, please sing “You Have Put on Christ” to welcome the newly Baptized)

☩

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.

▼Sermon Pastor Jess Felici

(share God’s peace with one another and then be seated)

(please be seated)

(continued)

(please turn and follow the cross in procession)

Congregation: Please sing the refrain.

▲

(please be seated)

▲

▼Communion Hymns

(continued)

Kyrie

(please be seated)

Meal
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

(continued)

(continued)

(please turn and follow the cross in procession)

Hymn of Praise

#