Order of Worship
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 26, 2021
+GATHERING+
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity + one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sins to the one who welcomes us with an open heart.
Silence is kept for reflection.
God our comforter:
like lost sheep, we have gone astray.
We are surrounded with abundance and see scarcity.
We turn away from injustice and oppression that we don’t want to see.
We exploit the earth and its resources with our apathy and greed.
Free us from our sin, gracious God.
Listen when we call out to you for help.
Lead us by your love to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Amen.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
By the gift of grace in + Christ Jesus, God makes you righteous.
Receive with glad hearts the forgiveness of all your sins.
Amen.
HYMN
Dearest Jesus, at Your Word (vs 1,4) ELW 520
Dearest Jesus, at your word
we have come again to hear you;
let our thoughts and hearts be stirred
and in glowing faith be near you
as the promises here given
draw us wholly up to heaven.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
praise to you and adoration!
Grant us what we need the most:
all your gospel's consolation
while we here on earth await you,
till in heav'n with praise we greet you.
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.
Generous God, your Son gave his life that we might come to peace with you. Give us a share of your Spirit, and in all we do empower us to bear the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+WORD +
READING Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
7:1 So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. 2On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, "What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled." 3Then Queen Esther answered, "If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me — that is my petition — and the lives of my people — that is my request. 4For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king." 5Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, "Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?" 6Esther said, "A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!" Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen. 9Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, "Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman's house, fifty cubits high." And the king said, "Hang him on that." 10So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.
9:20Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, 22as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 19:7-14 (read responsively by full verse)
7The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure,
making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
GOSPEL: Mark 9:38-50
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus teaches his disciples about ministry that involves service and sacrifice. His disciples are slow to realize that these words apply to them as well as to others.
The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.
38John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." 39But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40Whoever is not against us is for us. 41For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
42If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 47And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
49For everyone will be salted with fire.
50Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
HYMN
Where Cross the Crowded Ways, of LIfe, (vs. 1,3,6) ELW 719
Where cross the crowded ways of life,
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear your voice, O Son of Man.
From tender childhood's helplessness,
from human grief and burdened toil,
from famished souls, from sorrow's stress,
your heart has never known recoil.
Till all the world shall learn your love,
and follow where your feet have trod;
till glorious from your heav'n above
shall come the city of our God.
+ WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS +
PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS
Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism and for these people, one with us in the body of Christ, whom we welcome as new members into the life and ministry of this congregation. Tom and Kim come to our congregation by transfer from Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Rochester, N.Y., Mary Buschbacher comes to our congregation by transfer from Mulberry United Methodist Church in Mulberry, Florida, and Sue Wallace comes to our congregation by affirmation of her faith in Christ.
APOSTLES’ CREED
With the whole church, let us together confess our Christian faith.
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.
ADDRESS AND QUESTIONS
In baptism, we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God as followers and disciples of Jesus. We each are called to live among God’s faithful people, hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Sisters and brother in Christ, do you intend to continue in the covenant of your baptism among God’s people in this place?
I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.
People of God, do you intend to continue in the covenant of your baptism among God’s people in this place; to live among God’s faithful people, hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth. And do you promise to support and pray for these new members in their life in Christ as they become part of this circle of disciples?
We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
WELCOME
Let us welcome these sisters and brother in Christ to this community of faith.
We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.
HYMN
All Are Welcome ELW 641
Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children
tell how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Made children and heirs of God’s promise, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
We pray for the church and its ministry. Bless the newly baptized and encourage them in their journey of faith. Sustain all members of the body of Christ in lives of prayer, service, and worship.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for natural wonders of your creation. Restore damaged forests, water-ways and natural habitats and lead us to be good stewards of what you have provided.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those in authority. Give them wise minds and compassionate hearts. Strengthen in them a desire to protect the vulnerable and care for those underserved.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are struggling with cancer, dementia, or any other disease, particularly Alena, Jenna, Marilyn, Margaret, Anna Mae, Julie, Alan, Ken, Carol, Anne, Allen, JoAnn, Beth, Betty, Dione, Dottie, Theresa, Dottie, Tim, Glenn, Ruth, Henry, Mary, Greg, Ann Joyce, Barbara, & Shelby. Provide them with peace and resilience for the days ahead. Sustain caregivers with energy and patience.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We pray for the worship leaders of this congregation: musicians, readers, acolytes, and ushers. Bless us through their ministry and grant them the passion to continue in their service.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We give you thanks for your disciples, Tom and Kim and Mary and Sue, whom you have drawn to yourself by the love of Jesus Christ and whom we have welcomed into this community of faith. Keep us close together in your Spirit, in the breaking of bread and the prayers, and in service to others.
Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We give thanks for all your saints, those we have loved and known and those from every time and place. Continue to guide us by their example and reassure us of your promised salvation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Receive these prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
GREETING OF PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
During this time of pandemic, we are not passing offering plates during our worship service. Instead, they are placed at the back of the sanctuary. You may place your offerings there either before or after the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
OFFERING PRAYER
God of abundance, you cause streams to break forth in the desert and manna to rain from the heavens. Accept the gifts you have first given us. Unite them with the offering of our lives to nourish the world you love so dearly; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
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.
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; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection openn.ed 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.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy God, you alone are holy, you alone are God. The universe declares your praise: beyond the stars; beneath the sea; within each cell; with every breath.
We praise you, O God.
Generations bless your faithfulness: through the water; by night and day; across the wilderness; out of exile; into the future.
We bless you, O God.
We give you thanks for your dear Son: at the heart of human life; near to those who suffer; beside the sinner; among the poor; with us now.
We thank you, O God.
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 his love for us on the way, at the table, and to the end, we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We pray for the gift of your Spirit: in our gathering; within this meal; among your people; throughout the world.
Blessing, praise, and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your Spirit, in your church, without end.
Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the Table ELW 481
Come to the table of mercy,
prepared with the wine and the bread.
All who are hungry and thirsty,
come, and your souls will be fed.
Come at the Lord's invitation;
receive from his nail-scarred hand.
Eat of the bread of salvation;
drink of the blood of the Lamb.
DISTRIBUTION
In Holy Communion, the baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord's Table where we receive Jesus' very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the head of the aisle receiving the host and then moving to receive wine or grape juice by the individual cup. The ushers will direct you. Gluten free bread is available. If you wish to commune but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. For those who do not wish to commune, they are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing from Pastor.
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord of life, in the gift of your body and blood you turn the crumbs of our faith into a feast of salvation. Send us forth into the world with shouts of joy, being witness to the abundance of your love in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+SENDING+
BENEDICTION
SENDING HYMN
How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (vs 1,3) ELW 580
How clear is our vocation, Lord,
when once we heed your call
to live according to your word
and daily learn, refreshed, restored,
that you are Lord of all,
and will not let us fall.
We marvel how your saints become
in hindrances more sure;
whose joyful virtues put to shame
the casual way we wear your name,
and by our faults obscure
your pow'r to cleanse and cure.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE All The People Said Amen (Matt Maher, Paul Moak, and Trevor Morgan)
COMMEMORATIONS
Michael and All Angels Michael the archangel, captain of the heavenly hosts, is remembered on this day along with the other angels and archangels. The word "angel" means messenger, and in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, these beings have a fully spiritual nature and no physical body.
Jerome, translator, teacher, died 420 Jerome was a biblical scholar and translator, but rather than translating the original Hebrew and Greek scriptures into classical Latin, he worked in the commonly-spoken Latin of the day, creating a version called the Vulgate.
Dearest Jesus, at Your Word, Text: Tobias Clausnitzer, 1619-1684, sts. 1-3; Gesangbuch, Berlin, 1707, st. 4; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, adapt; Music: Johann R. Ahle, 1625-1673. Public domain.
Liturgical Text, Music, and Images from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006 and 2020 Augsburg Fortress and SundaysandSeasons.com. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
Where Cross the Crowded Ways, of LIfe, Text: Frank M. North, 1850-1935, alt.; Music: W. Gardiner, Sacred Melodies, 1815. Public domain.
Come to the Table, Text: Claire Cloninger, b. 1942; Music: Martin J. Nystrom, b. 1956. Text and Music © 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Curb Word Music, Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord , Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000, Text © 1982 Hope Publishing Company, Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved; Music: C. Hubert H. Parry, 1848-1918. Public domain.
All Are Welcome. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and music © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.
All The People Said Amen, Text and Music: Matt Maher, Pasul Moak, and Trevor Morgan, © 2013 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing | Thankyou Music | Valley Of Songs Music | Trevor Morgan Music. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
