Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz, Pastor
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
July 6, 2025
God is the source of our nourishment. Jesus’ invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink” is a repeated one. In holy communion, in the word read and proclaimed, in the assembly of the people of God, the dominion of God has come near. Rejoice! Your name is written in heaven.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Here I Am, Lord
arr. Douglas E. Wagner
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of the Father,
and of the + Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Baptized into Christ, let us confess our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Merciful God,
you free us to love others,
but we neglect our neighbors and follow our own way.
You lead us by the Spirit of joy and peace,
but we turn away from the abundant life you offer.
You surround us with patience, kindness,
and generosity,
but we grow weary in doing what is right.
You call us to practice justice and mercy,
but we remain entangled in systems of oppression
that we do not always see.
In your mercy, forgive us.
Heal us, free us from sin,
and show us the path of life.
Amen.
You belong to Christ, and through faith, you are united in God’s mercy.
In the cross of Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit,
your sins are forgiven.
Clothed in Christ, renewed by grace, you are made whole for the life of the world.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
In Christ Called to Baptize
ELW 575
In Christ called to baptize,
we witness to grace
and gather a people
from each land and race.
In deep, flowing waters,
we share in Christ's death,
then, rising to new life,
give thanks with each breath.
In Christ called to banquet,
one table we share,
a haven of welcome,
a circle of care.
Although we are many,
we share in one bread.
One cup of thanksgiving
proclaims Christ, our head.
In Christ called to witness,
by grace we will preach
the life-giving gospel;
God's love we will teach.
By grace may our living
give proof to our praise
in costly compassion
reflecting Christ's ways.
Unite us, anoint us,
O Spirit of love,
for you are within us,
around us, above.
Equip us for service
with gifts you bestow.
In Christ is our calling.
In Christ may we grow.
APOSTOLIC 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 Now the Feast and Celebration
In peace, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
For the Reign of God,
and for peace throughout the world,
for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
For your people here, who have come to give you praise,
for the strength to live your Word,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, and defend us, O God.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE Now the Feast and Celebration
Refrain
Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!
Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain,
whose blood has freed and united us
to be one great people of God. Refrain
Power and riches, wisdom and might,
all honor and glory to Christ forever. Refrain
For God has come to dwell with us,
to make us people of God;
to make all things new. Refrain
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray together.
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, you are the city that shelters us, the mother who comforts us. With your Spirit accompany us on our life’s journey, that we may spread your peace in all the world, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 66:10-14
10 Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her,
all you who love her;
rejoice with her in joy,
all you who mourn over her—
11 that you may nurse and be satisfied
from her consoling breast;
that you may drink deeply with delight
from her glorious bosom.
12 For thus says the Lord:
I will extend prosperity to her like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream;
and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm,
and dandled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,
so I will comfort you;
you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
14 You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice;
your bodies shall flourish like the grass;
and it shall be known that the hand of the Lord is with his servants,
and his indignation is against his enemies.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 66:1-9 (Read Responsively)
1 Be joyful in God, all you lands;
be joyful, all the earth.
2 Sing the glory of God’s name;
sing the glory of God’s praise.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
Because of your great strength your enemies cringe before you.
4 All the earth bows down before you,
sings to you, sings out your name.”
5 Come now and see the works of God,
how awesome are God’s deeds toward all people.
6 God turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot,
and there we rejoiced in God.
7 Ruling forever in might, God keeps watch over the nations;
let no rebels exalt themselves.
8 Bless our God, you peoples;
let the sound of praise be heard.
9 Our God has kept us among the living
and has not allowed our feet to slip.
SECOND READING: Galatians 6:7-16
7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Now the Feast and Celebration
Alleluia. alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
GOSPEL: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
The holy gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ ”
16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
The word of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
HYMN OF THE DAY
God’s Work, Our Hands
ACS 1000
God's work, our hands: working together,
building a future, repairing the world,
raising up homes, planting new gardens,
feeding the hungry and shelt'ring the cold.
Bless, God, our hands as we work in your name,
sharing the good news of your gospel.
God's work, our feet: trav'ling together,
following Jesus to places unknown,
walking as friends, marching for freedom,
running the race with God's future the goal.
Bless, God, our feet as we follow your way,
sharing the good news of your gospel.
God's work, our voice: singing together,
praising, proclaiming to all who will hear,
praying for peace, shouting for justice,
claiming God's love for the lost and the least.
Bless, God, our voice as we speak in your name,
sharing the good news of your gospel.
God is at work in and around us:
seedlings are sprouting and bread's on the rise!
Washed and set free, humbled and honored,
gifted by grace, we respond in God's love.
Bless, God, our lives as we answer your call,
sharing the good news of your gospel.
APOSTLE’S CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the 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 INTERCESSION
Drawn into the embrace of the holy Trinity, we lift our prayers for the wholeness of the church, the world, and all creation.
A brief silence.
You send your church into the world with a message of peace. Center the whole church in this peace, and strengthen our faith by the example of (Jan Hus and) all those who creatively and faithfully proclaim your good news. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
All the earth sings out your name. Inspire your people to drink deeply from the beauty of (local natural beauty and) all your creation. When ecosystems are wounded, bring your healing. When our actions endanger the survival of other species, curb our greed and waste. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
You call us to work for the good of all. Give resolve to those who lead, that they do not grow weary in doing what is right. Guide them to seek peace between nations and freedom for all people. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
As a mother comforts her child, so you comfort us. Bring this comfort to those in any pain especially those we name before you now, whether silently or aloud, including: Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Barbara, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Barbara, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Tom & Leona, Avery, Doris, John, Tim, Arleen, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max & Michelle. Carry your people when grief is heavy, and lift burdens of shame and self-doubt. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Your harvest is plentiful, O God. Make us laborers and companions with one another in this assembly. Send your peace to rest upon us, heal divisions among us, and open our hearts to receive one another as gifts from you. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
You have written our names in heaven, O God, and we rejoice. We thank you for those who have lived and died in your love. Accompany us on our life’s journey and draw us at last to life forever in you. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Gather all our prayers in your mercy, O God, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The 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.
OFFERTORY
The Call
R. Vaughan Williams
OFFERING SONG
As the Grains of Wheat
ELW 465
Refrain
As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill
were gathered into one to become our bread;
so may all your people from all the ends of earth
be gathered into one in you.
As this cup of blessing is shared within our midst,
may we share the presence of your love. Refrain
Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come
when all creation shares this feast with you. Refrain
OFFERING PRAYER
Creator God,
in your wisdom you bring forth all that is good
and the harvest is plentiful.
Strengthen us at your table with these gifts of the earth
and our labor,
that we may work for the good of all;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Now the Feast and Celebration
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 our duty and delight
that we should everywhere and always
offer thanks and praise to you, oh God,
through 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 the church on earth,
all creation and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS Now the Feast and Celebration
Holy, holy, holy are you,
God of power and might;
heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in your name,
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son,
who reached out to heal the sick and suffering,
who preached good news to the poor,
and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
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, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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 kingdom of God is set before you.
Eat and rejoice.
Thanks be to God.
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 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.
LAMB OF GOD Now the Feast and Celebration
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you break the chains of hatred and fear:
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you are the way of justice and peace:
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you are the way of mercy and love.
have mercy on us, have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace, grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMN
Spirit of Gentleness
ELW 396
Refrain
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,
blow through the wilderness calling and free;
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,
stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing:
"Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings." Refrain
You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. Refrain
You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still;
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. Refrain
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow all the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise. Refrain
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly
ELW 461
All who hunger gather gladly;
holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wand'ring.
Here in truth we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness,
all around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, never strangers;
seeker, be a welcome guest.
Come from restlessness and roaming.
Here in joy we keep the feast.
We that once were lost and scattered
in communion's love have stood.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, sing together,
Jesus Christ is living bread.
Come from loneliness and longing.
Here in peace we have been fed.
Blest are those who from this table
live their days in gratitude.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Mothering God,
you gathered us to your table
and we drank deeply of your grace.
Send us out by your Spirit
to love our neighbors as ourselves
and proclaim your love in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Go to the World
ACS 991
Go to the world! Go into all the earth.
Go preach the cross where Christ renews life's worth,
baptizing as the sign of our rebirth.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Go to the world! Go into ev'ry place.
Go live the word of God's redeeming grace.
Go seek God's presence in each time and space.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Go to the world! Go struggle, bless, and pray;
the nights of tears give way to joyous day.
As servant church, you follow Christ's own way.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
"Go to the world! Go as the ones I send,
for I am with you till the age shall end,
when all the hosts of glory cry, Amen!"
Alleluia. Alleluia.
BENEDICTION
The love of God abound in you;
the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ fill your hearts;
and the life of the Spirit
bless you and give you peace.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. The Spirit of Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Lift High The Cross
arr. Lani Smith
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.
Here I Am, Lord, Music: Daniel L. Schutte, b. 1946. Music © 1981 OCP Publications, Inc. Arr. Douglas E. Wagner, b. 1952. Arr. in Sing a New Song © 2000 Hope Publishing Company. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
In Christ Called to Baptize, Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Text © 1995 Pilgrim Press. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. John Roberts, 1807–1876, alt. Public domain.
Now the Feast and Celebration, Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and music © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
God's Work, Our Hands, Text Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954. Music: David N. Johnson, 1922-1987. Text © 2019 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, admin. Augsburg Fortress, Music © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin.Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Call, Words: George Herbert, 1593-1633. Public domain. Music: Ralph Vaughn Williams,1872-1958. Music © 2002 Hal Leonard Corporation. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved
Spirit of Gentleness, Text and music: James K. Manley, b. 1940, Text and music © 1978 James K. Manley, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly, Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Music: W. Moore, Columbian Harmony, 1825; arr. hymnal version, Text © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Arr.© 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Go to the World, Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Text © GIA Publications, Inc. Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Music © Oxford University Press. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Lift High the Cross, Music: Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875-1947, arr. Lani Smith, 1934-2015. Arr. © 1988 Lorenz Publishing Co. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
