ORDER OF WORSHIP
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 12, 2025
It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
"Liebster Jesu"
arr. Paul Fey
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
+ All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
our maker, our helper, and our keeper.
Amen.
Trusting in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin
in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Merciful and loving God,
we are your stiff-necked people. We trample on the needy.
We grumble about your grace to others.
We turn away from the poor.
Have mercy on us and forgive our sins.
Rejoice over us as ones who were lost and have been found.
Amen.
Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful.
Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.
You who were lost have been found.
In the name of Jesus, your sins are forgiven!
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
ELW 864
Praise, my soul, the God of heaven;
joyfully your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore God's praises sing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praises everlasting ring!
God be praised for grace and favor
to our forebears in distress.
God be praised, the same forever,
slow to chide and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Glorious is God's faithfulness!
Frail as summer's flow'r we flourish,
blows the wind and it is gone;
but, as mortals rise and perish,
God endures unchanging on.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise the great Eternal One!
Angels sing in adoration,
in God's presence, face to face.
Sun and moon and all creation,
all who dwell in time and space.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!
TEMPLE TALK Tom Hager
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 (page 193)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray together.
Almighty and most merciful God, your bountiful goodness fills all creation. Keep us safe from all that may hurt us, that, whole and well in body and spirit, we may with grateful hearts accomplish all that you would have us do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c
1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from a skin disease. 2 Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his skin disease.” 7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his skin disease? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.”
8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and halted at the entrance of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God and would wave his hand over the spot and cure the skin disease! 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.
15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel; please accept a present from your servant.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 111 (read responsively by whole verse)
1 Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are your works, O Lord, pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Majesty and splendor mark your deeds, and your righteousness endures forever.
4 You cause your wonders to be remembered; you are gracious and full of compassion.
5 You give food to those who fear you,
remembering forever your covenant.
6 You have shown your people the power of your works in giving them the lands of the nations.
7 The works of your hands are faithfulness and justice; all of your precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever,
because they are done in truth and equity.
9 You sent redemption to your people and commanded your covenant forever; holy and awesome is your name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice this have a good understanding. God’s praise endures forever.
SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 The saying is sure:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
he cannot deny himself.
14 Remind them of this, and warn them before the Lord that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 198)
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
GOSPEL: Luke 17:11-19
The Holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men with a skin disease approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’s feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? So where are the other nine? 18 Did none of them return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
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
Baptized and Set Free
ELW 453
We are people created,
chosen by God.
Then we're washed, ever gently,
in mercy and love.
Sin has power no more.
Jesus opened the door
to a fountain bringing healing,
and wholeness and more.
We are fed and we're nourished,
filled and refreshed.
Then our hunger returns and
again we are blessed.
For whatever the need,
God is greater indeed:
endless ocean, always deeper
than all of our need.
We are nourished by water,
all living things,
and by life that the Spirit
abundantly brings.
As we journey toward home,
may your presence be known:
precious river, ever-flowing,
now carry us home.
Now with praise and thanksgiving,
we join the song.
All are welcome! We gather
to sing loud and strong.
Not enslaved, but set free!
From now on, all will be
one in Jesus, one in water,
baptized and set free!
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
Renewed in God’s everlasting grace, let us pray for the church, the world, and all creation.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, you lead your people to faith. Remind the church that your word flows into the world. By your Spirit, teach the church to share the word of God for the sake of the world. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Creating God, you provided cleansing and healing waters for Naaman. Water the earth’s lands in parched places. Restore clean water to all communities, and guide the work of all who advocate for safe and abundant water supplies. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
\Righteous God, you bring justice and wholeness throughout the world, and your righteousness endures forever. By your spirit, guide leaders of all nations and lands to right relationship with you and with one another, especially Gaza, Ukraine, and France. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Merciful God, you know the needs of your people. Show mercy to those suffering in the world. Comfort those in need of your healing, especially Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Ann, Julie, Rita, 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, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max & Michelle. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered, whether silently or aloud.
Life-giving God, you free us by your word. Help us, by your Spirit, to be transformed to live your word of freedom honestly and uprightly in our teaching, preaching, and serving. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Holy God, thank you for the witness of those who have died in faith. Guide us to trust in the baptismal promise of resurrection in Christ. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We offer our prayers, O God, trusting in your everlasting grace and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
THANKSGIVING
+ 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
Wade in the Water
Hogan
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 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
Lord of the harvest,
we return to you a portion of what you have given to us.
Turn us to set our hope not on the uncertainty of riches,
but on you, who richly provides for us.
Multiply what we have gathered
to bless all who are suffering an in need,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 199)
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
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
Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them.
Come to the meal of mercy.
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 (page 201)
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 sins of the world:
grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
In This Feast of Love
ACS 962
In this feast of love,
in this feast of love,
Lord, you share your blood and your body,
Jesus, Lamb of God.
In this bread and wine,
in this bread and wine,
you have promised, Lord, to be with us,
Lamb of God divine.
Grant us peace, O Lord,
grant us peace, O Lord;
fill us with the joy of your Spirit,
ever-living Word.
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!
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.
O God,
through this meal you have strengthened us
and appointed us to be your servants.
Send us to do good and to share our possessions
with all in need.
With gratitude we pray.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW 858
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear now to his temple draw near,
joining in glad adoration!
Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things is wondrously reigning
and, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
if with his love he befriend you.
Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the amen sound from his people again.
Gladly forever adore him!
BENEDICTION
The God of righteousness,
who gives justice to the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry,
who sets the prisoners free,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Do not lose heart.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Praise to the Lord
arr. Franklin D. Ashdown
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.
Prelude on the hymn "Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier", Music: Paul Fey, b. 1998. Music © 2023 Paul Fey. All rights reserved.
Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven, Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847, alt. Walter R. Bouman, 1927-2005. Music: Dale Wood, 1934-2003. Text and music © 1974 Augsburg Publishing House., Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Baptized and Set Free, Text and music: Cathy Skogen-Soldner, b. 1956. Text and music © 1999 Augsburg Fortress, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Wade in the Water, Text: Traditional spiritual, ed. John Purifoy, b. 1952. adapt. Janet Klevberg Day, b. 1962. Music: Traditional spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan, 1957-2003. Words and Music © 1997, arr © 2009 Hal Leonard Corporation. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
In This Feast of Love, Text: Jarkko Maukonen; tr. Mark Sedio, b. 1954. Music: Jarkko Maukonen; arr. Mark Sedio. Text and music © 2017, 2020 Jarkko Maukonen, admin. Augsburg Fortress. 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.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Text: Joachim Neander, 1650-1680; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt. Music: Ernewerten Gesangbuch, Part II, Stralsund, 1665. Public domain.
Praise to the Lord, Tune: John Goss, 1800-1880, Arr. Franklin D. Ashdown, 1942-2023. Arr. © 2004 The H.W. Gray Company, admin Warner Bros. Publications U.S. Inc. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
