ORDER OF WORSHIP
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
August 11, 2024
Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephesians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other.
WELCOME &
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Martin Luther's Morning Prayer
Martin Luther / Carl Schalk
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.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
ELW 618
Guide me ever, great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your pow'rful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain
where the healing waters flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliv'rer, strong deliv'rer,
shield me with your mighty arm,
shield me with your mighty arm.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will raise forevermore,
I will raise forevermore.
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 (ELW 163)
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. Gracious God, your blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread that gives life to the world. Give us this bread always, that he may live in us and we in him, and that, strengthened by this food, we may live as his body in the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:4-8
First Kings chapter 18 describes the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The contest proves that the Lord is God, and afterward Elijah orders the killing of the Baal prophets. Angered by the deaths of her prophets, Queen Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah. This reading finds Elijah fleeing, fatigued, and in utter despair.
4[Elijah] went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors." 5Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, "Get up and eat." 6He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. 7The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, "Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you." 8He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 34:1-8 (sung responsively by full verse)
Refrain:
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
1I will bless the Lord | at all times;
the praise of God shall ever be | in my mouth.
2I will glory | in the Lord;
let the lowly hear | and rejoice.
3Proclaim with me the greatness | of the Lord;
let us exalt God’s | name together.
4I sought the Lord, who | answered me
and delivered me from | all my terrors. R
5Look upon the Lord | and be radiant,
and let not your faces | be ashamed.
6I called in my affliction, and | the Lord heard me
and saved me from | all my troubles.
7The angel of the Lord encamps around those who | fear the Lord
and de- | livers them.
8Taste and see that the | Lord is good;
happy are they who take ref- | uge in God! R
SECOND READING: Ephesians 4:25—5:2
Christians are called to be imitators of God. This does not mean Christians are perfect. Rather, the Spirit is at work in our lives so that our actions and attitudes genuinely reflect the love and forgiveness we have received through Christ and his death.
4:25So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not make room for the devil. 28Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
5:1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW 175) (sing twice)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go? Alleluia!
You have the words of eteral life. Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 6:35, 41-51
After feeding more than five thousand people in the wilderness, Jesus teaches them regarding the true significance of this remarkable sign.
The holy gospel according to John..
Glory to you, O Lord.
35Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 41Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42They were saying, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" 43Jesus answered them, "Do not complain among yourselves. 44No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Joyce Gulliford
HYMN OF THE DAY
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.
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
One in the communion of saints and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we join our voices in prayer
O Lord, Hear My Prayer
ELW 751
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
Come and listen to me.
A brief silence.
Reignite the prayer of the church. By your Spirit, (and remembering Clare of San Damiano, who was known for her powerful prayer,) root your church around the globe in prayer and spiritual practices. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We rely on the goodness of your creation in everything we do. We pray for trees that offer shade and for our fellow creatures that depend on the trees for shelter and food. Sustain the work of all who advocate for forests and wilderness areas. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Guide our leaders and nations with a spirit of justice and mercy. Let no evil come out of our mouths, but rather let us extend grace. We pray for our enemies. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Sustain feeding ministries and organizations such as ELCA World Hunger and our local food pantries (especially). We work and pray for a day when hunger is no more. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We pray for this congregation and for all who are gathered. Be present among anyone who cannot be with us today. Be with all who are hurting, grieving, or ill (especially). Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We remember the saints who have gone before us in faith. Trusting in the promise of the resurrection, we find hope in your communion of saints of all times and all places. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We lift up these prayers to you, gracious God. Receive them into your holy keeping.
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
Give Me Jesus
African American Traditional
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards be Fruitful
ELW 182
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 the dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer now.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
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
I Am the Bread of Life
ELW 485
"I am the Bread of life.
You who come to me shall not hunger,
and who believe in me shall not thirst.
No one can come to me unless the Father beckons."
Refrain
"And I will raise you up,
and I will raise you up,
and I will raise you up on the last day."
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.
Refrain
"I am the resurrection,
I am the life.
If you believe in me,
even though you die, you shall live forever." Refrain
Yes, Lord, I believe
that you are the Christ,
the Son of God,
who have come into the world. Refrain
LORD'S PRAYER (sung)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and 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 pow'r,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen.
DISTRIBUTION
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God. We commune at the altar rail. The ushers will direct you down the center aisle. Please go to an open spot at the altar rail. After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking. A third chalice of grape juice is also offered. Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers. 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.
SANCTUS (ELW 195)
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.
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION
Taste and See
ELW 493
Refrain
Taste and see, taste and see
the goodness of the Lord.
Oh, taste and see, taste and see
the goodness of the Lord, of the Lord.
I will bless the Lord at all times.
Praise shall always be on my lips;
my soul shall glory in the Lord;
for God has been so good to me. Refrain
Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us all praise God's name.
I called the Lord, who answered me;
from all my troubles I was set free. Refrain
Worship the Lord, all you people.
You'll want for nothing if you ask.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
in God we need put all our trust. Refrain
Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup
ELW 492
Refrain
Eat this bread, drink this cup.
Taste and see the goodness of God.
Bread of life, cup of love,
we rejoice in your presence.
I will bless the Lord at all times,
praise with heart and voice;
in my God I glory forever:
listen and rejoice! Refrain
Look upon the Lord, be radiant,
never turn away.
God will save in ev'ry affliction,
hear us when we pray. Refrain
Angels fold their wings around us,
guard through good and ill.
Those who seek the Lord will lack nothing;
taste, and have your fill. Refrain
Saints of God, bow down and worship,
bless the holy name.
Rise to tell God's greatness forever,
wondrous deeds proclaim! Refrain
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
POST COMMUNION HYMN
Blessed Be God, the Source of All Life
ELW 210
Blessed be God, the source of all life,
the word of salvation, the spirit of mercy.
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 HYMN
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 blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, be upon you now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. You are the body of Christ!
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
We've Come This Far by Faith
Albert A. Goodson
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.
Martin Luther's Morning Prayer, Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546, Public domain, paraphrase by Carl Schalk © 2011 Carl Schalk, Music: Carl Schalk, 1929-2021, Music © 2011 Carl Schalk, Text and music admin Birnamwood Publications, div. MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer, Text: William Williams, 1717-1791; tr.William Williams and Peter Williams, 1722-1796, alt. Music: John Hughes, 1873-1932. Public domain.
Glory to God, Music: Thomas Pavlechko, b. 1962. Music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Psalm 34, Text from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006. Music: St. Martin’s Psalter, Thomas Pavlechko, © Thomas Pavlechko, 2004, 2012, admin.Augsburg Fortress. . Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Alleluia 7, Music: Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994 and the Taizé Community. Music ©1984 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. 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.
O Lord, Hear My Prayer, Text: Taizé Community, adapt. Music Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994. Text and music © 1982, 1991 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Give Me Jesus, Text and music: African American traditional. Public domain.
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Richard W. Hillert, 1923-2010. Text and music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
I Am the Bread of Life, Text and music: Suzanne Toolan, RSM, b. 1927. Text and music © 1966, 1970, 1993 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved
The Lord's Prayer (major key version), Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr., 1944-2013, Used by permission.
Lamb of God, Music: Bread of Life, Jeremy Young, b. 1948. Music © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Taste and See, Text and music: James E. Moore, Jr., b. 1951. Text and music © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc.. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup, Text:and music Jeremy Young, b. 1948, refrain; With One Voice, stanzas, based on Ps. 34, Text and music © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Blessed be God, The Source of all Life, Text: Holy Baptism and Related Rites, Renewing Worship 3, Text © 2002 Augsburg Fortress. Music:Carl Schalk, 1929-2021. Music © 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
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.
We've Come This Far by Faith, Text and music: Albert A. Goodson, 1933-2003. Text and music © 1965, ren. 1993 Manna Music, Inc. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
