ORDER OF WORSHIP
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 7, 2025
Called to contemplate the cost of discipleship, we might be helped by translating Paul’s request to Philemon into our prayer of the day: Refresh my heart in Christ. Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of Christ in holy communion and recalling God’s grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life”—to choose life in God as our own.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
In Christ Alone
arr. Benjamin Culli
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
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.
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.
Direct us, O Lord God, in all our doings with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally, by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
15 “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16 If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you do not hear but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today that you shall certainly perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him, for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 1 (Read Responsively)
1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked,
nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful!
2 Their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and they meditate on God’s teaching day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season,
with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper.
4 It is not so with the wicked;
they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes,
nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked shall be destroyed.
SECOND READING: Philemon 1-25
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To our beloved coworker Philemon, 2 to our sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that the partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good that we share in Christ. 7 I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.
8 For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, 9 yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. 10 I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. 15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22 One thing more: prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to 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 14:25-35
The Holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
25 Now large crowds were traveling with him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? 35 It is useful neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; they throw it away. If you have ears to hear, then hear!”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Silence is kept for reflection.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
ELW 802
Let us ever walk with Jesus,
follow his example pure,
through a world that would deceive us
and to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in his footsteps treading,
trav'lers here, our home above,
full of faith and hope and love,
let us do our Savior's bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide;
I shall follow where you guide.
Let us suffer here with Jesus,
and with patience bear our cross.
Joy will follow all our sadness;
where he is there is no loss.
Though today we sow no laughter,
we shall reap celestial joy:
all discomforts that annoy
shall give way to mirth hereafter.
Jesus, here I share your woe;
help me there your joy to know.
Let us gladly die with Jesus.
Since by death he conquered death,
he will free us from destruction,
give to us immortal breath.
Let us mortify all passion
that would lead us into sin;
and the grave that shuts us in
shall but prove the gate of heaven.
Jesus, here with you I die,
there to live with you on high.
Let us also live with Jesus.
He has risen from the dead
that to life we may awaken.
Jesus, you are now our head,
we are your own living members;
where you live, there we shall be
in your presence constantly,
living there with you forever.
Jesus, let me faithful be;
life eternal grant to me.
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
Gracious God, we come to you in prayer for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
We pray for the church to follow in your ways, that it may be a witness to your love for all people. Help us choose all that is life-giving, and confront the forces of death. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We pray for creation, that it may be cherished and nurtured. Sustain farmlands, animals, and waters; restore places affected by calamities; and shield coastlands from rising seas. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We pray for those in authority. Grant them wisdom to govern justly, and compassion to care for the marginalized. Equip them for actions that further the common good. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We pray for those who are sick, hungry, unhoused, or lonely—especially Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Barbara, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Barbara, Scott, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Tom & Leona, Avery, Doris, John, Abby, Tim, Arleen, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max & Michelle. May they find healing through your love and the care of those around them. Lead us to be your hands and feet in the world. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered, whether silently or aloud.
We pray for this congregation, that we may be united in love and faith. Refresh our hearts in Christ, and deepen our support of one another. We pray that our sharing of faith may transform lives. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We thank you for those who have died and now dwell with the saints. Surround them with your divine mercy, that they find peace and rest in your loving embrace. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We entrust these prayers to you, O God, in the name of Jesus Christ, our redeemer and friend.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
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
Lift High the Cross
arr. Duane Funderburk
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 calls us to follow his way
of humble service and love.
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 HYMNS
O Jesus, I Have Promised
ELW 810
O Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end;
remain forever near me,
my master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle
if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if you will be my guide.
Oh, let me feel you near me;
the world is ever near.
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
but, Jesus, then draw nearer
to shield my soul from sin.
Oh, let me hear you speaking
in accents clear and still
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will.
Now speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
now speak and make me listen,
O Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, you have promised
to all who follow you
that where you are in glory
your servant shall be too.
And Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end;
oh, give me grace to follow,
my master and my friend.
Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether
ELW 470
Draw us in the Spirit's tether,
for when humbly in your name
two or three are met together,
you are in the midst of them.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Touch we now your garment's hem.
As disciples used to gather
in the name of Christ to sup,
then with thanks to God the giver
break the bread and bless the cup,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
so now bind our friendship up.
All our meals and all our living
make as sacraments of you,
that by caring, helping, giving,
we may be disciples true.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We will serve with faith anew.
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
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song
ELW 808
Lord Jesus, you shall be my song as I journey;
I'll tell ev'rybody about you wherever I go:
you alone are our life and our peace and our love.
Lord Jesus, you shall be my song as I journey.
Lord Jesus, I'll praise you as long as I journey.
May all of my joy be a faithful reflection of you.
May the earth and the sea and the sky join my song.
Lord Jesus, I'll praise you as long as I journey.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant,
to carry your cross and to share all your burdens and tears.
For you saved me by giving your body and blood.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant.
I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey;
but courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side.
And with all of the family you saved by your love,
we'll sing to your dawn at the end of our journey.
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. Charles Ore
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.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
In Christ Alone, Music: Keith Getty, b. 1974, and Stuart Townend, b. 1963, Setting: Benjamin M. Culli, b. 1975. Music © 2001, Setting © 2021 Thankyou Music, admin Capitol CMG Publishing. Streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. 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.
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.
Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus, Text: Sigismund von Birken, 1626-1681; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, alt. Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music:Georg G. Boltze, 18th cent. Public domain.
Lift High the Cross, Text: George W. Kitchin, 1827-1912; rev. Michael R. Newbolt, 1874-1956. Music: Sydney H. Nicholson,1875-1947. and Duane Funderburk, b. 1954. Arr. Duane Funderburk. Text and Music and Arr. © 1974 Hope Publishing Company. 2023 edition licensed Jubal House, admin Fred Bock Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
O Jesus I Have Promised, Text: John E. Bode, 1816-1874, alt. Music: Neuvermehrtes Gesangbuch, Meiningen, 1693. Public Domain.
Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether, Text: Percy Dearmer, 1867-1936, alt. Text from Songs of Praise Enlarged Edition © Oxford University Press 1931. Music: Harold Friedell, 1905-1958. Music © 1957, 1985 H.W. Gray, admin CPP/Belwin. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song, Text and Music: Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus and L'Arche Community; tr Stephen Somerville, b. 1931.Text and music © Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Tr. © 1970 Stephen Somerville, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Lift High the Cross, Tune: Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875-1947, Arr. Charles W. Ore, b. 1936. Tune © 1974 Hope Publishing Company, Arr. © 1982 Concordia Publishing House in Eleven Compositions for Organ, Set III. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
