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Sunday Morning Worship 10 03 2021
Pam Smith
Pam Smith
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Notes
Playlist

Order of Worship
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 3, 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  
     For the Beauty of the Earth    
          ELW 879   (vs 1,2,4,5)    

For the beauty of the earth,
for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:

Refrain
    Christ, our God, to thee we raise
    this our sacrifice of praise.

For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flow'r,
sun and moon and stars of light:    Refrain

For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above;
for all gentle thoughts and mild:    Refrain

For each perfect gift of thine,
peace on earth and joy in heav'n;
for thyself, best gift divine,
to our world so freely giv'n:    Refrain

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.
Sovereign God, you have created us to live in loving community with one another. Form us for life that is faithful and steadfast, and teach us to trust like little children, that we may reflect the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

+WORD +

READING    Genesis 1; (selected verses) 2:1-3

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while the Spirit of God swept over the face of the waters.
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.  And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation.” And it was so. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.”  And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. And God saw that it was good.
Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.” So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and it was so.
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PSALM 8    (read responsively by full verse)
1O  Lord our Lord,
 how majestic is your name in all the earth!—
2you whose glory is chanted above the heavens out of the mouths of infants and children;
you have set up a fortress against your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger.
3When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
 the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
4what are mere mortals that you should be mind-ful of them,
human beings that you should care for them? 
5Yet you have made them little less than divine;
 with glory and honor you crown them.
6You have made them rule over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet:
7all flocks and cattle,
 even the wild beasts of the field,
8the birds of the air, the fish of the sea,
and whatever passes along the paths of the sea.
9O Lord our Lord,
 how majestic is your name in all the earth!

GOSPEL:      Mark 10:2-16
Jesus announced and enacted in history the new reality of God’s surprising activity. These two stories demonstrate this new reality: Women and children are accepted and valued, not dismissed as inferior to adult men.

The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

2Some Pharisees came, and to test [Jesus] they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" 3He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" 4They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her." 5But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. 6But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 7'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
10Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."
13People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." 16And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

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

SERMON

HYMN    
     Now We Join in Celebration     
          ELW 462

Now we join in celebration
at our Savior's invitation,
dressed no more in spirit somber,
clothed instead in joy and wonder;
for the Lord of all existence,
putting off divine transcendence,
stoops again in love to meet us,
with his very life to feed us.

Lord, as round this feast we gather,
fill our hearts with holy rapture!
For this bread and cup of blessing
are for us the sure possessing
of your loving deed on Calv'ry,
of your living self, our vict'ry,
pledge of your unfailing presence,
foretaste here of heav'nly gladness.

Lord, we share in this communion
as one fam'ly of God's children,
reconciled through you, our brother,
one in you with God our Father.
Give us grace to live for others,
serving all, both friends and strangers,
seeking justice, love, and mercy
till you come in final glory.

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

Made children and heirs of God’s promise, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

   A brief silence.

Holy One, you have raised up faithful leaders throughout history. Empower those discerning a call to ministry and all seminarians, that they continue to be formed for the sake of the gospel.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

You have established a diverse and beautiful creation. Revive declining species and preserve endangered lands. Cultivate in us a sense of wonder for the world you created.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

You desire for us not to be alone and to live in community with one another. Strengthen relationships between nations and peoples, that we celebrate and support one human family.
Lord, in your mercy,  
hear our prayer.

You share in our experiences and struggles. Bless all who live with any mental or physical disability, particularly Alena, Jenna, Marilyn, Margaret, Anna Mae, Julie, Alan, Ken, Carol, Anne, Allen, JoAnn, Beth, Meagan, Betty, Dione, Dottie, Theresa, Dottie, Tim, Glenn, Ruth,  Henry, Mary, Greg, Ann Joyce, Barbara,  Shelby, and the Spresser family.  Inspire creative communities, spaces, and environments that are accessible and hospitable.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

You have established and nurtured relationships that extend beyond those gathered here today. Bless members who can no longer travel to worship with us  and remind us of their continued role in this community of faith.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

You promise eternal life to all your children. Thank you for the people of faith who have gone before us. Strengthen our trust we have in you.
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     
     The Church's One Foundation  
          ELW 654   (vs 1,2,5)

The church's one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the word.
From heav'n he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.

Elect from ev'ry nation,
yet one o'er all the earth,
her charter of salvation
one Lord, one faith, one birth:
one holy name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with ev'ry grace endued.

Yet she on earth has union
with God, the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
Oh, blessed heav'nly chorus!
Lord, save us by your grace,
that we, like saints before us,
may see you face to face.
 

DISMISSAL 

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

COMMEMORATIONS

Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, died 1226
Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching "using words if necessary." Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, pastor in North America, died 1787
Divided Lutherans in America asked leaders in Europe to send someone who could take charge and unite their work. Muhlenberg was sent, and was effective in organizing the American Lutherans. Among other accomplishments, his liturgical principles became the basis for the Common Service of 1888.

For the Beauty of the Earth, Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917, alt.; Music: Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872. 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.

Now We Join in Celebration, Text: Joel W. Lundeen, Text © Joel W. Lundeen, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274.  All rights reserved. Music: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662.  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.

The Church's One Foundation.  Text: Samuel J. Stone, 1839-1900.  Music: Samuel S. Wesley, 1810-1876.  Public domain.