ORDER OF WORSHIP
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 30, 2026
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven
arr. Michael Burkhardt
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,
who forgives all our sin,
whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves.
We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we
may delight in your will and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.
God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin,
and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.
Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit,
that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
For the Beauty of the Earth
ELW 879
For the beauty of the earth,
for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:
Refrain
Christ, our God, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.
For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flow'r,
sun and moon and stars of light: Refrain
For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind's delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight: Refrain
For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above;
for all gentle thoughts and mild: Refrain
For each perfect gift of thine,
peace on earth and joy in heav'n;
for thyself, best gift divine,
to our world so freely giv'n: Refrain
TEMPLE TALK RJ Fellhauer
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 147)
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.
O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING:
Jeremiah 15:15-21
15 O Lord, you know;
remember me and visit me,
and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors.
In your forbearance do not take me away;
know that on your account I suffer insult.
16 Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
17 I did not sit in the company of merrymakers,
nor did I rejoice;
under the weight of your hand I sat alone,
for you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unceasing,
my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook,
like waters that fail.
19 Therefore thus says the Lord:
If you turn back, I will take you back,
and you shall stand before me.
If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless,
you shall serve as my mouth.
It is they who will turn to you,
not you who will turn to them.
20 And I will make you to this people
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you,
but they shall not prevail over you,
for I am with you
to save you and deliver you,
says the Lord.
21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 26:1-8 (We will read the Psalm responsively by half verse.)
1 Give judgment for me, O Lord, for I have lived with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
2 Test me, O Lord, and try me;
examine my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes;
I have walked faithfully with you.
4 I have not sat with the worthless,
nor do I consort with the deceitful.
5 I have hated the company of evildoers;
I will not sit down with the wicked.
6 I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord,
that I may go in procession round your altar,
7 singing aloud a song of thanksgiving
and recounting all your wonderful deeds.
8 Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
and the place where your glory abides.
SECOND READING:
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (WOV page 17)
Alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 16:21-28
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 16th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.
21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
27 “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
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
Spirit Open My Heart
ACS 1043
Refrain
Spirit, open my heart to the joy and pain of living.
As you love may I love, in receiving and in giving.
Spirit, open my heart.
God, replace my stony heart
with a heart that's kind and tender.
All my coldness and fear
to your grace I now surrender. Refrain
Write your love upon my heart
as my law, my goal, my story.
In each thought, word, and deed,
may my living bring you glory. Refrain
May I weep with those who weep;
share the joy of friend and neighbor.
As I live from day to day,
love will be my finest labor. Refrain
APOSTLES' 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
With bold trust in God’s unfailing provision, we pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation.
A brief silence.
For the church in every land, that its mission and ministry is anchored in the love of Christ. When threats or challenges arise, help us to take up our cross and follow you faithfully. Please bless presiding Bishop Curry, Bishop Suárez, and our synod staff.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the well-being of your creation, that all that lives and grows on the earth may thrive. Bring relief to areas ravaged by droughts, floods, fires, storms, and other disasters, and please bless the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, Inspiritus, and other relief agencies. Please bless Leigh, and Julie, and all who have had to evacuate their homes. Bring them safety, health, and restoration.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the nations and all in authority, that they seek to live in peace with one another. Bless the work of international and diplomatic organizations and all who work to bring peace to a world scarred by violence.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For all those in need, that they be satisfied. Ensure all your children have safe access to food, water, shelter, and medical care. Bring healing to all who bear wounds in body, mind, and spirit, especially Mary, Anne, Mabel, June, Willah, Ann, Julie, Christen, Carol, Judy, Jeff, Philip, Gloria, Brian, James & Gray, Rich, Wil, Amy, Al, Al, Sharon, Bob & Jane, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Barbara, Monica, Avery, Michael, Art, John, Abby, Colline, Tim, Arleen & Richard, Betty, Linda, Sue, Natalie, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Beverly & Ray, Helen & Ron, and Max. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the congregation gathered here to serve you, that they remain strong in faith and united in purpose. Guide our committees, study groups, and other meetings toward honesty and humility, always seeking genuine love.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
For the faithful departed, that their witness continues to strengthen and guide the church. Renew our hope in your promises in this life and the life to come.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Receive our prayers and answer, O God, as you have promised. All this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
GREETINGS OF 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
Evening Prayer
from Hansel and Gretel, Act II
Englebert Humperdinck
Arthur Pranno & Stephanie Iverson
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 182
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,
that we may be fed, we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer now.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
OFFERING PRAYER
Loving God,
we offer at your table the gifts of our hearts.
Help us take heart in you and share freely of your love,
so that all creation can taste your abundance.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
through the Spirit abiding with us now and forever.
Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 152)
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 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 (page 153)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
Lord God of pow'r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
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 handed over,
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.
All baptized children of God are invited to the Lord’s Table, where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We partake at the communion rail; gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and we will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. Anyone may remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer, following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Heaven has come near. Come, share in the feast!
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
LAMB OF GOD (page 154)
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.
COMMUNION HYMNS
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.
Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
ELW 659
Will you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey,
we are trav'lers on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
till we've seen this journey through.
Will you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant, too.
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.
Compassionate God,
through the gifts of bread and wine
our hearts are filled
with the abundance of your love.
Strengthen us that we,
through this holy meal,
may share your love freely,
as you have shared with us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
through the Spirit nourishing us
now and forever.
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
May the mercy of our God,
+ Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer,
be with you now
and remain with you always.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Lift High the Cross
arr. Charles W. Ore
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, With One Voice, All Creation Sings, and sundaysandseasons.com, © 1995, 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.
Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven, Tune: LAUDA ANIMA, Music: John Goss, 1800-1880, arr. Lani Smith, 1934-2015. Music © 1975 Lorenz Publishing Company. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
For the Beauty of the Earth, Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917, alt. Music: Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872. Public domain.
Spirit, Open My Heart, Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Text © 1996 Pilgrim Press. Music: Irish melody, adapt. Alfred V. Fedak, b. 1953. Music © 2011 Alfred V. Fedak. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel, Act II, Music: Engelbert Humperdinck, 1865-1921. 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. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: Georg G. Boltze, 1721-1794. Public domain.
Will You Let Me Be Your Servant, Text: Richard Gillard, b. 1953. Music: Richard Gillard, arr. Betty C. Pulkingham, 1928-2019. Text and music © 1977 Scripture In Song, admin. Capitol CMG Publishing. Words and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song, Text: Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus and L'Arche Community; tr. Stephen Somerville, b. 1931. Music: Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus and L'Arche Community. 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: CRUCIFER, Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875-1947, Arr. Charles W. Ore, b. 1936. Arr. © 1982 Concordia Publishing House in Eleven Compositions for Organ, Set III. Music streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
