August 18, 2024
Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
Holy Communion
Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table, and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), today invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. John’s gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord’s supper, but here we can't help hearing Jesus’ words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
You Servants of God
arr. Lani Smith
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
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.
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.
CANTICLE 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.
Ever-loving God, your Son gives himself as living bread for the life of the world. Fill us with such a knowledge of his presence that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life to serve you continually, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
+ READINGS +
FIRST READING: Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who invites people to partake of her banquet. Just as ordinary food is necessary for physical life, Wisdom’s food—insight and understanding—is necessary for fullness of life with God. Partaking of Wisdom’s banquet is the way to life.
1Wisdom has built her house,
she has hewn her seven pillars.
2She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,
she has also set her table.
3She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls
from the highest places in the town,
4"You that are simple, turn in here!"
To those without sense she says,
5"Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6Lay aside immaturity, and live,
and walk in the way of insight."
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm: 34:9-14
9Fear the Lord, you saints of the Lord,
for those who fear the Lord lack nothing.
10The lions are in want and suffer hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
11Come, children, and listen to me;
I will teach you reverence for the Lord.
12Who among you takes pleasure in life
and desires long life to en- joy prosperity?
13Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from lying words.
14Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
SECOND READING: Ephesians 5:15-20
True wisdom integrates our new reality in Christ with our Christian fellowship and daily conduct. Because we are filled with the Spirit, Christians regularly rejoice together, give thanks to God for one another, and care for one another. In this way we revere our Lord Jesus Christ.
15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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: John 6:51-58
In John’s gospel, the feeding of the five thousand leads to extended teaching in which Jesus identifies himself as the true “bread of life.” Finally, in these verses, he makes a connection that would not be understood until after his death, in light of the church’s celebration of holy communion.
The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said,] 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."
52The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53So Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Joyce Gulliford
HYMN OF THE DAY
By Your Hand You Feed Your People
ELW 469
By your hand you feed your people,
food of angels, heaven's bread.
For these gifts we did not labor,
by your grace have we been fed:
Refrain
Christ's own body, blessed and broken,
cup o'er flowing, life outpoured,
given as a living token
of your world redeemed, restored.
In this meal we taste your sweetness,
bread for hunger, wine of peace.
Holy word and holy wisdom
satisfy our deepest needs. Refrain
Send us now with faith and courage
to the hungry, lost, bereaved.
In our living and our dying,
we become what we receive: Refrain
APOSTLES’ CREED (page 105)
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
Calling on the spirit of Wisdom to guide our hearts and our minds, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
Wisdom has built her house. May the church be a house of wisdom for all who enter. May we continue to grow and stretch in ways we never thought possible. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Wisdom has mixed her wine. May the harvest seasons be plentiful this year. We pray for orchards, vineyards, farms, and all of creation. Protect and conserve the earth. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Wisdom has employed her laborers. Be with all who seek adequate employment. Guide our economic and governmental leaders to support the people of our world with fair wages and safe working conditions. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Wisdom has invited her guests. Make your presence known to all who feel lost, abandoned, or hurting at this time. Direct your spirit of care to all who seek healing and comfort especially Rita, Mary, Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Doris, Jan, June, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, Paul, Wil, Amy, Michael, Bob & Jane, Mary, Scott, Marie, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Avery, Doris, John, Tim, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, Blanche, Max. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Wisdom has set her table. May this congregation be a welcome table to all who seek the refuge of God. Break down walls and barriers that prevent us from offering a seat at this table to anyone who comes. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Wisdom has shown her path of insight. May we journey on her paths, looking toward a bright future while remembering from where we have come. We give our thanks for those who have gone before us. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We lift up these prayers to you, gracious God. Receive them into your holy keeping.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE 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.
OFFERTORY DUET
Adore te devote
arr. David Lasky
Gene Hodges
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
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.
"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 (page 145)
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
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
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 communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are 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
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
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
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
Voices Raised to You
ELW 845
Voices raised to you we offer;
tune them, God, for songs of praise.
Hearts and hands we bring in tribute
for your gifts through all our days.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Triune God, to you we sing!
All creation joins to praise you;
earth and sky your works display.
Art and music, gifts you lend us,
we return to you today.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
God, creator, source of life!
Christ, the song of love incarnate,
touching earth with heaven's grace,
for your living, suff'ring, dying,
for your rising, hear our praise!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ, redeemer, Lord of life!
Spirit, flaming through creation,
kindle faith within each heart.
Lift our voices high in chorus;
through our hands your love impart.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Spirit, helper, breath of life!
How can any praise we offer
measure all the thanks we owe?
Take our hearts and hands and voices—
gifts of love we can bestow.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Triune God, to you we sing!
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
Rigaudon
Gordon Young
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.
O Living Bread from Heaven ,Text: Johann Rist, 1607-1667; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.. Music: Samuel S. Wesley, 1810-1876.. Public domain.
By Your Hand You Feed Your People, Text: Susan R. Briehl, b. 1952, Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and music © 2002 GIA Publications Inc. 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. 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
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.
Voices Raised to You, Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., 1923-2007. Text © 1997 GIA Publications Inc. Music: Carolyn Jennings, b. 1936. Music © 1996 Carolyn Jennings admin Augsburg Fortress | Setting © 2009 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved..
