Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
A Service of Holy Communion
September 3, 2023
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Gracious God,
have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, let us sing to the Lord.
Let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation.
Come, let us worship and bow down
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For the Lord is our God
and we are the people of God’s pasture
and the sheep of God’s hand.
GATHERING HYMN
God Is Here!
ELW 526
God is here! As we your people
meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure
what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us,
all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of the Spirit
into open minds and hearts.
Here are symbols to remind us
of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table, font, and pulpit;
here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching,
here in silence, as in speech,
here, in newness and renewal,
God the Spirit comes to each.
Here our children find a welcome
in the Shepherd's flock and fold;
here as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant
seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living
to believe and to adore.
Lord of all, of church and kingdom,
in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel;
help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day's dedication,
all we have to give, receive;
we, who cannot live without you,
we adore you! We believe!
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 (p. 204)
Come, let us join our cheerful songs with angels round the throne;
ten thousand thousand are their tongues, but all their joys are one.
“Worthy the Lamb that died,” they cry, “to be exalted thus!”
“Worthy the Lamb,” our lips reply, “for he was slain for us!”
Jesus is worthy to receive honor and pow’r divine;
and blessings, more than we can give, be, Lord, forever thine.
Let all creation join in one to bless the sacred name
of God who sits upon the throne, and to adore the Lamb.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
PSALM 119:1-8, 105-112 (read responively by full verse)
1Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD.
2Blessed are those who keep his decrees,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways.
4You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous ordinances.
8I will observe your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.
105Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
107I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word.
108Accept my offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your ordinances.
109I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111Your decrees are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW 205)
Alleluia! Lord and Savior: open now your saving word.
Let it burn like fire within us; speak until our hearts are stirred.
Alleluia! Lord, we sing for the good news that you bring.
GOSPEL: Matthew 16:21--28
After Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:16), Jesus reveals the ultimate purpose of his ministry. These words prove hard to accept, even for a disciple whom Jesus has called a “rock.”
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
21From that time on, on, [after Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah,] Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." 23But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
27For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
THE STORY OF NEHEMIAH
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
ELW 517
Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise eternally.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife
and lead us out of death to life.
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
Remembering the caring and generous works of God, we pray for the church, creation, and the needs of our neighbors.
Lord, Listen to Your Children Playing
ELW 752
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to your children praying,
send us love, send us pow'r, send us grace.
God of life, your words are the joy at the heart of your church. Draw the seeker to you, place messages of hope and healing in the mouths of your witnesses, and open your children to your truth when we stumble. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of steadfast love, renew the earth by your Spirit, that lands and oceans reveal the beauty of your creation. Challenge us to live humbly and peaceably as part of your world. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of patience, lead those who govern to hold fast to what is good. Guide them to show honor to the people in their care. Overcome evil in all nations and grant peace to peoples and places mired in conflict. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of deliverance, remember all who are suffering, lonely, and in pain, particularly, Arlene, Sherry, Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Kaden, Michael, Julie, Carol, Anne, Lydia, Paul, Wil, Amy, Betty, Bob, Jane, Marian L., Scott, Ron, Flo, Doris, Dottie, Theresa, Marian, Tim, Betty, Julie, Henry, Mary, Greg, Ann Joyce, and Max. Liberate your people being insulted, persecuted, or in the grasp of the ruthless. Give endurance to workers who persevere on this Labor Day and insure fair wages and safe working environments. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of justice, equip this congregation to boldly follow you in uncertain times and to remain faithful in prayer when facing challenges. Show us how best to love and care for one another and our communities. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Other petitions may be offered.
God of glory, we give thanks for the saints who now dwell with you in splendor. Nurture us in faith until the day we join their heavenly song. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Remember us according to your steadfast love as we offer these and the prayers of our heart, trusting in your compassion made known through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during 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.
MUSICAL OFFERING
OFFERING SONG
Praise God, From Whom All Blessing Flow
ELW 885
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole creation. Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, that all may know your care; and prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
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 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:
SANCTUS (page 207
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heav’n 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.
LORD'S PRAYER
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.
DISTRIBUTION
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 where we receive the host. Then to Pastor’s side is first, a chalice for intinction and second, a common cup for drinking, and a third chalice of juice. Gluten free bread is available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
AGNUS DEI (page 208)
O Lamb of God, you bear the sin of all the world away;
you suffered death our lives to save: have mercy now, we pray.
O Lamb of God, you bear the sin of all the world away;
you set us free from guilt and grave: have mercy now, we pray.
O Lamb of God, you bear the sin of all the world away;
eternal peace with God you made: give us your peace, we pray.
HYMN DURING COMMUNION
Beautiful Savior
ELW 838
Beautiful Savior,
King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love thee,
truly I'd serve thee,
light of my soul, my joy, my crown.
Fair are the meadows,
fair are the woodlands,
robed in flow'rs of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer,
he makes our sorrowing spirit sing.
Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight,
bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer
than all the angels in the sky.
Beautiful Savior,
Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine!
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.
Amen.
Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise (ELW 204)
Thankful hearts and voices raise;
tell ev'ryone what God has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice
and bear Christ's holy name.
Send us with your promises
and lead your people forth
in joy with shouts of thanksgiving.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son. By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
O Living Bread from Heaven
ELW 542
O living Bread from heaven,
how well you feed your guest!
The gifts that you have given
have filled my heart with rest.
O wondrous food of blessing!
O cup that heals our woes!
My heart, this gift possessing,
in thankful song o'er flows.
My Savior, you have led me
within your holiest place,
and here yourself have fed me
with treasures of your grace;
for you have freely given
what earth could never buy,
the bread of life from heaven,
that now I shall not die.
You gave me all I wanted;
this food can death destroy.
And you have freely granted
the cup of endless joy.
My Lord, I do not merit
the favor you have shown;
and all my soul and spirit
bow down before your throne.
Oh, grant me then, well-strengthened
with heav'nly food, while here
my course on earth is lengthened,
to serve you, free from fear;
and bring me home to praise you
where none can peace destroy,
where I will ever raise you
glad songs in endless joy.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
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.
God Is Here!, Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000, Text © 1979 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.
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word, Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.. Music:J. Klug, Geistliche Lieder, 1543.. Public domain.
Lord, Listen to Your Children Playing, Text and music: Ken Medema, b. 1943. Text and music © 1973 Hope Publishing Company, . Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Praise God, From Whom All Blessing Flow, Text: Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, alt.. Music: Louis Bourgeois, attr. , c.1510-1561. Public domain.
Beautiful Savior, Text: Gesangbuch, Münster, 1677; tr. Joseph A. Seiss, 1823-1904. Music: Silesian folok tune, 19th cent. Public domain.
Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise, Music: Richard. W. Hillert, 1923-2010. Text and music © 1978, 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
O Living Bread from Heaven ,Text: Johann Rist, 1607-1667; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.. Music: Samuel S. Wesley, 1810-1876.. Public domain.
