ORDER OF WORSHIP
Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost
October 13, 2024

A rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.

  + GATHERING +

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE 

Pass It On
Kurt Kaiser

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

Gather Us In
ELW 532

Here in this place the new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
gather us in, the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.

We are the young, our lives are a myst'ry,
we are the old who yearn for your face;
we have been sung throughout all of hist'ry,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,
gather us in, the proud and the strong;
give us a heart, so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.

Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away—
here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

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  

Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours is the promise, the blessing, the birth.
Ours the rejoicing for Word given frame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.

Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the hosannas, the dying, rebirth.
Ours the rejoicing for nature reclaimed;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.

Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the anointing, the radiant worth.
Ours the rejoicing for spirits aflame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.  
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us your gift of faith, that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to what lies ahead, we may follow the way of your commandments and receive the crown of everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

+ WORD +  

First Reading:    Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Amos was a herdsman by profession and a prophet by God’s call. During a time of great prosperity in the northern kingdom of Israel, the prophet speaks to the wealthy upper class. He warns his listeners that fulfilling God’s demand for justice brings blessing, while corruption and oppression incur God’s wrath.

 ⁶Seek the LORD and live,
 or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire,
 and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.
 ⁷Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood,
 and bring righteousness to the ground!
 ¹⁰They hate the one who reproves in the gate,
 and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.
 ¹¹Therefore because you trample on the poor
 and take from them levies of grain,
 you have built houses of hewn stone,
 but you shall not live in them;
 you have planted pleasant vineyards,
 but you shall not drink their wine.
 ¹²For I know how many are your transgressions,
 and how great are your sins —
 you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,
 and push aside the needy in the gate.
 ¹³Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time;
 for it is an evil time.
 ¹⁴Seek good and not evil,
 that you may live;
 and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you,
 just as you have said.
 ¹⁵Hate evil and love good,
 and establish justice in the gate;
 it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts,
 will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23   

Shepherd Me, O God
ELW 780

Refrain
     Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
     beyond my fears, from death into life.

God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want,
I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters of peace.    Refrain

Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul,
you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,
my spirit shall sing the music of your name.    Refrain

Though I should wander the valley of death,
I fear no evil, for you are at my side,
your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.    Refrain

You have set me a banquet of love 
in the face of hatred,
crowning me with love beyond my pow'r to hold.    Refrain

Surely your kindness and mercy follow me 
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.    Refrain

SECOND READING:    Hebrews 4:12-16
We cannot hide our thoughts, desires, and actions from God, to whom we are completely accountable. Nevertheless, Jesus understands our human weakness and temptations, because he also experienced them. Therefore we can approach the throne of grace to receive divine mercy from Christ.

¹²Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
¹⁴Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION    

Nothing in all creation
can separate us from the love of God.
Nothing in all creation
can separate us from the love of God.

GOSPEL:   Mark 10:17-31
Jesus has been teaching his disciples about what is most valued in God’s eyes. Now, a conversation with a rich man brings his message home to the disciples in a way that is surprising but unforgettable.

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

¹⁷As [Jesus] was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ¹⁸Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'" ²⁰He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth." ²¹Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." ²²When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
²³Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" ²⁴And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" ²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."
²⁸Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you." ²⁹Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, ³⁰who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age — houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions — and in the age to come eternal life. ³¹But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

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

SERMON     Pastor Jeanette Sweet

HYMN OF THE DAY

Seek Ye First
WOV 783

Challenged by God’s Word in Christ, let us pray for the church, the world, and the whole creation.

     A brief silence.

Compassionate God, embolden the church to seek all who are lost, clothe those who are naked, and mend what is broken. May we be generous bearers of your eternal love. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Sustaining God, as we approach harvest time, we pray for farmers, field workers, and those who process crops. Keep us mindful of environmental threats to the nourishing food that feeds the world. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Steadfast God, inspire world leaders to share resources and work collectively to end global poverty, starvation, and preventable disease. Direct us to seek justice and equity, that all may live in peace. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for those who are afflicted, tormented, grieving, oppressed, and lonely especially Rita, Mary, Anne, Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Doris, Jan, June, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, 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, and Max.Deliver the strength of your love and compassion to all who need it today. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Generous God, we give thanks for the first nations and tribes who inhabited this land. We lament the harm done by colonization. Call us to deeper appreciation and care for the languages, rituals, and history of all Indigenous people. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

     Here other intercessions may be offered.

 Ever-living God, we rejoice to be heirs of the eternal life made real in Jesus' death and resurrection. We give thanks for saints of all times and places, first and last, who still inspire us to faithful living. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Lord, we thank you for Grace’s Call Committee, for their diligence and faithfulness as servants of Christ.  Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them. Blessing, strengthening and empowering them for the task of calling a new pastor.  God of grace,
hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in the saving grace you freely give, both now and forever.
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

The First Song of Isaiah
Jack Noble White

 

OFFERTORY

Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus

Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. 
Blessed are you, O God, source of every gift of your creation. By these gifts and with our lives, help us to serve one another and all in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

    HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

DIALOGUE

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

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:

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

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   

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

When the Poor Ones
ELW 725

When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving
when the thirsty pass the cup, water to share;
when the wounded offer others strength and healing:

Refrain
   We see God, here by our side, walking our way;
   we see God, here by our side, walking our way.

When compassion gives the suff'ring consolation;
when expecting brings to birth hope that was lost;
when we choose love, not the hatred 
all around us:    Refrain

When our spirits, like a chalice, brim with gladness;
when our voices, full and clear, sing out the truth;
when our longings, free from envy, seek the humble:    Refrain

When the goodness poured from heaven 
fills our dwellings;
when the nations work to change war into peace;
when the stranger is accepted as our neighbor:    Refrain

 

We Come to the Hungry Feast
ELW 479

We come to the hungry feast
hungry for a word of peace.
To hungry hearts unsatisfied
the love of God is not denied.
We come, we come to the hungry feast.

We come to the hungry feast
hungry for a world released
from hungry folk of ev'ry kind,
the poor in body, poor in mind.
We come, we come to the hungry feast.

We come to the hungry feast
hungry that the hunger cease,
and knowing, though we eat our fill,
the hunger will stay with us; still
we come, we come to the hungry feast.

TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Holy God, you have welcomed us to this meal and fed us with dignity at your table. Send us now to welcome others and to be at peace with one another,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

+ SENDING +  

SENDING HYMN      

You Servants of God
ELW 825

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Follow Jesus.
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE  

All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises
Paul Baloche

 

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Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761.  All rights reserved.

Pass It On, Words and music: Kurt Kaiser, © 1969 Bud John Songs, Inc. admin. Capitol CMG Publishing,   Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477.  All rights reserved.

Gather Us In, Text and music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950, Text and music © 1972 GIA Publications, Inc, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved. 

Shepherd Me, O God, Text and music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950.  Text and music © 1999 GIA Publications, Inc, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved. 

Seek Ye First, Words and music: Karen Lafferty, © 1972 CCCM Music; Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing,  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477.  All rights reserved..

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.

The First Song of Isaiah, Text and music: Jack Noble White, Text: © 1976, CPP/Belwin Music/Alfred Publishing, 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.

When the Poor Ones, Text: José Antonio Olivar, b. 1939; tr. Martin A. Seltz, b. 1951. Music: Miguel Manzano, b. 1934. Text and music © 1971, 1998 J.A. Olivar, Miguel Manzano, and San Pablo Internacional -- SSP, admin. OCP Publications. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

We Come to the Hungry Feast, Text and music: Ray Makeever, b. 1943, Text and music © 1982 Ray Makeever, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

You Servants of God, Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt. Music: attr. Johann Michael Haydn, 1737-1806.  Public domain.

All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises, Words and Music: Paul Baloche, © 2003 Integrity's Hosanna! Music. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477.   All rights reserved.