Welcome & Announcements
Prelude
Confession and Forgiveness:
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, whose steadfast love endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not followed your path, but have chosen our own way. Instead of putting others before ourselves, we long to take the best seats at the table. When met by those in need, we have too often passed by on the other side. Set us again on the path of life. Save us from ourselves and free us to love our neighbors. Amen.
Hear the good news! God does not deal with us according to our sins, but delights in granting pardon and mercy. In the name of + Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. You are free to love as God loves.
Amen.
Opening Hymn: ELW 624 “Jesus, Still Lead On”
Jesus, still lead on, till our rest be won; and, although the way be cheerless,
we will follow, calm and fearless; guide us by your hand to the promised land.
If the way be drear, if the foe be near, let no faithless fears o’ertake us,
let not faith and hope forsake us; safely past the foe to our home we go.
When we seek relief from a long-felt grief, when temptations come alluring
make us patient and enduring; show us that bright shore where we weep no more.
Jesus, still lead on, till our rest be won; heav’nly leader, still direct us,
still support, console, protect us, till we safely stand in the promised land.
Apostolic 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.
Hymn of Praise:
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest;
glory to God, glory to God, and peach to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest;
glory to God, glory to God, and peach to God’s people on earth.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest;
glory to God, glory to God, and peach to God’s people on earth.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father, Amen.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest; glory to God, glory to God, and peach to God’s people on earth, and peach to God’s people on earth.
Prayer of the Day:
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may be ready to receive you wherever you appear, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6
1After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4But the word of the LORD came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation:
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
Alleluia. You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 12:22-41
This is the Holy Gospel according to Luke, the 12th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
22He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 26If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. 38If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
39“But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
41Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?”
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Children’s Message
Sermon
Hymn of the Day: ELW 638 “Blessed Assurance”
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long:
this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long:
this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long:
this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Apostle’s Creed:
Let us confess our faith using the Apostle’s 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:
Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, let us come near to the Holy One in prayer.
Prayers continue with each petition ending:
Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Receive the prayers of your children, merciful God, and hold us forever in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our holy Wisdom.
Amen.
Sharing of the Peace:
May the peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
The minister and congregation greet one another in the name of the Lord. Please share the peace at whatever level of physical contact with which you are comfortable.
Offering:
https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/468062
Offertory Hymn:
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and dreams of all; united them with the prayers we offer now.
Grace our table with your presence, Lord, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
Offering Prayer:
Let us pray.
God of abundance: you have set before us a plentiful harvest. As we feast on your goodness, strengthen us to labor in your field, and equip us to bear fruit for the good of all, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving:
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.
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; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. 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 Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory,
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.
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 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.
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.
Lord’s Prayer:
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us saying:
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.
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.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace.
Communion
Table Blessing:
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer:
Let us pray.
Life-giving God, through this meal you have bandaged our wounds and fed us with your mercy. Now send us forth to live for others, both friend and stranger, that all may come to know your love. This we pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Welcome & Blessing of Vicar Katy:
O God, who through the Holy Spirit illumines the mind and sanctifies the lives of those who are called to be pastors, deacons, and teachers: look with your favor upon all seminaries for the instruction and discipline of those who are to serve in the Sacred Ministry of your Church; and bless your people in this ministry site who by word and example aid your servant, Katy, in learning to apply the principles of ministry that have been taught in school. Grant, as we diligently work together, submitting ourselves in obedience to your Son and guided by your Spirit, that our lives may be enriched and our ministries fulfilled with joy – to the glory of your Name.
Amen.
The Apostle Paul writes, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God that inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
(1 Cor. 12:4-7)
It is the duty of the vicar, under the direction of the supervisor, to be completely involved in the life and work of the ministry in this congregation, so that experiential knowledge of what the ministry entails may be gained. In a very real sense you are an un-ordained partner in this ministry.
I ask you, Katy, are you ready to assume your responsibilities of ministry here and will you seek under God’s hand to fulfill that ministry to God’s glory? If so, answer “I am ready, God helping me with God’s Grace.”
Intern: I am ready, God helping me with God’s Grace.
It is your duty as members of this congregation to accept this vicar (and spouse) as a fellow worker within our church family, to invite and welcome her into your homes, and in every way possible strengthen and encourage her in this year of service in a new and strange area.
Now I ask you, will you receive this servant of God as a fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ and uphold and support her in every way? If so, answer, “Yes, by God’s help.”
Yes, by God’s help.
Almighty God, by Whose call we are at work, bless us in our labors together. Let us pray.
Almighty God, we humbly ask you to bless this congregation, and to further with your continual help those who labor in it; grant them lowliness in spirit, steadfastness of faith, perseverance in all good works, and bring all at least to your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Benediction:
The God of peace, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you, comfort you, and show you the path of life this day and always.
Amen.
Sending Hymn: ELW 856 “How Great Thou Art”
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander, I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
But when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross my burden gladly bearing he bled and died to take away my sin;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, “My God, how great thou art!”
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, how great thou art! How great thou art!
Dismissal:
Go in peace. Love your neighbor.
Thanks be to God!
Postlude
Prayer Requests: Family and friends of Grace Yost, Bud Hoover, Kim Pham, Walt Bingaman, Mark Rabuck, Shirley Russell, Russ Wynn, Viv Marsh, Gladys Fawcett, Alice Snyder, Marie Tanner, Grace Yost, Peg Swinehart, Martha Ketchem, Bob Keifer.
Portions reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright 2006. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress, license #SBL09796L. Music reprinted from the ELW, by permission of OneLicense, license #A712349. Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.