Third Sunday after Trinity
June 9, 2024

A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in response to the charges that he is possessed. He is possessed, not by a demon, but by the Holy Spirit. We who have received the Holy Spirit through baptism have been joined to Christ’s death and resurrection and knit together in the body of Christ. Those with whom we sing and pray this day are Jesus’ family. With them we go forth in peace to do the will of God.

+ GATHERING +

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE 

God of Grace God of Glory
arr. Hal Hopson

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS  

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,
the God of manna,
the God of miracles,
the God of mercy.
Amen.

Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance,
let us confess our sin.

     Silence is kept for reflection.

God, our provider,
help us.
It is hard to believe there is enough to share.
We question your ways when they differ from the ways
of the world in which we live.
We turn to our own understanding
rather than trusting in you.
We take offense at your teachings and your ways.
Turn us again to you.
Where else can we turn?
Share with us the words of eternal life
and feed us for life in the world.
Amen.

Beloved people of God:
in Jesus, the manna from heaven,
you are fed and nourished.
By Jesus, the worker of miracles,
there is always more than enough.
Through Jesus, the bread of life,
you are shown God’s mercy:
you are forgiven and loved into abundant life.

GATHERING HYMN

God of Grace, and God of Glory
ELW 705

God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow'r;
crown your ancient church's story;
bring its bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days,

Cure your children's warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.

Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.

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   (page 138)

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. 
Lord, have mercy

For this holy house, and for all who offer their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. 
Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE    (page 139)

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace 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.

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.

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.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-living God, throughout time you free the oppressed, heal the sick, and make whole all that you have made. Look with compassion on the world wounded by sin, and by your power restore us to wholeness of life, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

WORD +  

FIRST READING:    Genesis 3:8-15
Immediately after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they hide from God. Neither takes responsibility for their sin, instead blaming each other, the snake, and even God. The curse on the snake was understood as a messianic prophecy by the early church, who associated Eve’s “offspring” with Christ.

⁸[Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord GOD walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord GOD among the trees of the garden. ⁹But the Lord GOD called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" ¹⁰He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." ¹¹He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" ¹²The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate." ¹³Then the Lord GOD said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me, and I ate." ¹⁴The Lord GOD said to the serpent,
 "Because you have done this,
 cursed are you among all animals
 and among all wild creatures;
 upon your belly you shall go,
 and dust you shall eat
 all the days of your life.
 ¹⁵I will put enmity between you and the woman,
 and between your offspring and hers;
 he will strike your head,
 and you will strike his heel."

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PSALM 130   (read responsively by full verse)

  ¹Out of the depths
  I cry to you, O Lord;
 ²O Lord, hear my voice!
  Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
 ³If you were to keep watch over sins,
  O Lord, who could stand?
 ⁴Yet with you is forgiveness,
  in order that you may be feared. R
 ⁵I wait for you, O Lord; my soul waits;
  in your word is my hope.
 ⁶My soul waits for the Lord more than those who keep watch for the morning,
  more than those who keep watch for the morning.
 ⁷O Israel, wait for the Lord, for with the Lord there is steadfast love;
  with the Lord there is plen-teous redemption.
 ⁸For the Lord shall redeem Israel
  from all their sins.

SECOND READING:     2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1
Life in the present is transitory and cannot compare with the eternal home God has prepared for us. So we do not despair no matter what life might bring because we know that as God raised Jesus from the dead, God promises to bring us into eternal life.

^4:13But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture — "I believed, and so I spoke" — we also believe, and so we speak, ¹⁴because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. ¹⁵Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
¹⁶So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, ¹⁸because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
^5:1For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION     (page 142)

Alleluia, Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the word of eternal life, alleluia.

GOSPEL:  Mark 3:20-35
In response to charges that he is possessed, Jesus wonders aloud how anyone who is demon-possessed can cast out demons. Those who do the will of God are possessed by the Holy Spirit, siblings of Christ.

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

[Jesus went home;]²⁰ The crowd came together again, so that [Jesus and the disciples] could not even eat. ²¹When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, "He has gone out of his mind." ²²And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons." ²³And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. ²⁶And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. ²⁷But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.
²⁸Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; ²⁹but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin" — ³⁰for they had said, "He has an unclean spirit."
³¹Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. ³²A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you." ³³And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" ³⁴And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

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

SERMON    Pastor Jeannine Sweet

HYMN OF THE DAY    

Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW 665

Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered
our human story; God in him is centered.
He comes to us, by death and sin surrounded,
with grace unbounded.

See how he sends the pow'rs of evil reeling;
he brings us freedom, light and life and healing.
All men and women, who by guilt are driven,
now are forgiven.

Come, celebrate; your banners high unfurling,
your songs and prayers against the darkness hurling.
To all the world go out and tell the story
of Jesus' glory.

Tell how the Father sent the Son to save us.
Tell of the Son, who life and freedom gave us.
Tell how the Spirit calls from ev'ry nation
God's new creation.

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

We come before the triune God to pray for our communities, ourselves, and our world.

     A brief silence.

GREETING OF PEACE

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

We prepare now to receive our offerings as we return to God a portion of what God has entrusted to us.

  + 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

Now Sing Before the Lord
W. A. Mozart, arr. Wagner

OFFERING SONG  

Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 184

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;
unite them with the prayers we offer.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.

OFFERING PRAYER

Jesus, Bread of life, you have set this table with your very self,
and called us to the feast of plenty. Gather what has been sown
among us, and strengthen us in this meal. Make us to be what
we receive here, your body for the life of the world.
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.
You reveal your glory
as the glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit:
equal in majesty, undivided in splendor, one Lord, one God,
ever to be adored in your eternal glory.
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 144)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow'r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. 
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest. 
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 
Hosanna in the highest.

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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.

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.

INVITATION TO 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 where we receive the host. Then to either side of the pastor is first, a chalice for intinction and second, a common cup for drinking. Please indicate to Pastor if you prefer grape juice as a chalice for intinction is available as well. 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 146)

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.

COMMUNION 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.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life.
In your name we pray.
Amen.

+ SENDING +  

SENDING SONG

Go, My Children, With My Blessing
ELW 543

“Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river
I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.”

“Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure.
Here you heard my dear Son’s story,
here you touched him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.”

“Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me.
Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.
Here my Spirit’s power filled you,
here my tender comfort stilled you.
Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.”

BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Be grace to the world!
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

And Crown Him Lord of All!
G. M. Martin

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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 of Grace and God of Glory.  Text: Harry E. Fosdick, 1878-1969.  Music: John Hughes, 1873-1932.  Public domain.

Rise, Shine, You People!, Text: Ronald A. Klug, b. 1939, alt.  Music: Dale Wood, 1934-2003.   Text and music © 1974 Augsburg Publishing House., Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Ronald A. Nelson, b. 1927.  Text and music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  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.

Go, My Children, with My Blessing.  Text: Jaroslav. J. Vajda, b. 1919, alt.  Text © 1983 Concordia Publishing House.  Music: Welsh traditional, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958.  Arr. © Oxford University Press. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.