THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Time after Pentecost, Lectionary 24

September 14 and15, 2019 PRELUDE Chorale Prelude on Wenn wir im höchsten Nöten sein J. S. Bach
Holy Communion (Now the Feast) When in the hour of utmost need
We know not where to look for aid,
When days and nights of anxious thought
Nor help nor counsel yet have brought,

Then this our comfort is alone,

That we may meet before Thy throne,
And cry, O faithful God, to Thee,
INTRODUCTION For rescue from our misery.

The grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes in today’s gospel is actually
our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our WELCOME
God wills to seek and to save the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only
hope. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and INVOCATION
worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners.” Thanks be to God. In the name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
CHILDREN are always welcome to our Worship Service. Rainbow bags and
a cry room are available. A staffed nursery is also available if needed. An GATHERING SONG: Great is They Faithfulness (ELW 733)
usher will gladly provide you with assistance.
GREETING
As a worship courtesy, we ask that you please turn off or set to vibrate all
cellular telephones and pagers during the worship service. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of
the Holy Spirit be with you all!
We ask that all present today please fill out the Attendance and Communion And also with you!
registration card found in your bulletin and place it in the offering plate so
that we may record your presence with us.

PRAYER UPON ENTERING THE PEW

Most gracious God, according to your wisdom the deep waters are opened
up and clouds drop gentle moisture. We praise you for the return of
planting and harvest seasons, for the fertility of the soil, for the harvesting
of the crops, and for all other blessings that you in your generosity pour out
on all people. Give us a full understanding of your mercy, that our lives
may show respect and care for your creation; through Jesus Christ, our
Savior and Lord.
Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE PRAYER OF THE DAY
Now the Feast and Celebration (ELW 167)
O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion, you lead back to yourself
all those who go astray. Preserve your people in your loving care, that we
may reject whatever is contrary to you and may follow all things that
sustain our life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

Please be seated.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

FIRST READING: EXODUS 32:7-14

While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the people grow restless and make a
golden calf to worship. Today’s reading shows Moses as the mediator
between an angry God and a sinful people. Moses reminds God that the
Israelites are God’s own people and boldly asks mercy for them.
7
The LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you
brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have been
quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for
themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it,
and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the
land of Egypt!’ ” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how
stiff-necked they are. 10Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot
against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great
nation.”
11
But Moses implored the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does
your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land
of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should the
Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them
in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn
from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your
people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you
swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your
descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I
will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” 14And the
LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his
people.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.
PSALM 51:1-10 formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received
mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our
Refrain: Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came
into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. 16But for that
very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ
might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who
Tone: would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17To the King of the ages,
immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen.

1 The word of the Lord.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your | steadfast love;
Thanks be to God.
in your great compassion blot out | my offenses.
2
Wash me through and through | from my wickedness,
Please stand for the reading of the gospel.
and cleanse me | from my sin.
3
For I know | my offenses,
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
and my sin is ev- | er before me.
4
Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil | in your sight;
so you are justified when you speak and right | in your
judgment. R
5
Indeed, I was born | steeped in wickedness,
a sinner from my | mother’s womb.
6
Indeed, you delight in truth | deep within me,
and would have me know wisdom | deep within.
7
Remove my sins with hyssop, and I | shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be pur- | er than snow.
8
Let me hear | joy and gladness;
that the body you have broken | may rejoice. There is joy in the presence of the an- | gels of God* over one sinner | who
9
Hide your face | from my sins, repents. (Luke 15:10)
and blot out | all my wickedness.
10
Create in me a clean | heart, O God, GOSPEL: LUKE 15:1-10
and renew a right spir- | it within me. R As the Gospel is announced, worshippers are invited to trace a cross upon
their foreheads, then over their lips, and then over their hearts, silently
SECOND READING: 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17 praying, “May the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ be ever on my mind, on
The letters to Timothy are called the Pastoral Epistles because they contain my lips, and in my heart.
advice especially intended for leaders in the church. Here the mercy shown
to Paul, who once persecuted the church, is cited as evidence that even the The holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke.
most unworthy may become witnesses to the grace of God. Glory to you, O Lord.
12
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because
he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13even though I was
Jesus tells two stories that suggest a curious connection between the lost Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
being found and sinners repenting. God takes the initiative to find sinners, On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at
each of whom is so precious to God that his or her recovery brings joy in the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and
heaven. the dead.
1
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of
[Jesus.] 2And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying,
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life
“This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
everlasting. Amen.
3
So he told them this parable: 4“Which one of you, having a hundred
sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5When he has
found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6And when he comes
Sustained and nurtured by our generous God, we gather as one to pray for
home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice
with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7Just so, I tell you, there the church, the world, and all of God’s creation.
will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety- Please kneel or sit as you are able.
nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
8
“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does Each petition ends with:
not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? Lord, in your mercy,
9
When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, hear our prayer.
saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10Just
so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one Assured by your promise to hear us, we lay our prayers before your throne
sinner who repents.” of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ. CONFESSION OF SIN AND PROCLAMATION OF FORGIVENESS

Please be seated. If we have died with Christ, we will also live with Christ.
Let us confess our sin to the one who is faithful.
SERMON Pastor Libby Buuck
Silence for reflection.
Please stand for the hymn.
God our helper,
HYMN OF THE DAY Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound (ELW 779) we confess the many ways
we have failed to live as your disciples.
APOSTLES’ CREED We have not finished what we began.
As they recite the creed, worshippers are invited to bow beginning with the We have feasted with friends but ignored strangers.
words “born of the virgin Mary,” until the words “he descended to the We have been captivated by our possessions.
dead.” Lift our burdens, gracious God.
Refresh our hearts and forgive our sin.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Raise us to the new life you have chosen for us
in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived Amen.
by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius
There is rejoicing in heaven when sinners repent. OFFERING PRAYER
Put your trust in these promises:
God will never leave you or forsake you. Blessed are you, O God, for the greening earth given for all,
You who were lost have been found. for the talents we are given to share, and for this bread and wine.
For the sake of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Transform us to be the body of Christ, that, feasting on this food and drink,
Rejoice with the angels at this good news. our lives may reflect your generosity; through Christ our Lord.
Amen. Amen.

PEACE DIALOGUE

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Please rise and greet one another in the peace of the risen Christ.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFERTORY Meditation on Dona Nobis Pacem arr. Wells

OFFERTORY HYMN: As the Grains of Wheat (ELW 465)

PREFACE
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY 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 life given for us
and his rising from the grave,
we await his coming again to share with us the everlasting feast.
By your Spirit nurture and sustain us with this meal:
strengthen us to serve all in hunger and want,
and by this bread and cup make of us the body of your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.
Amen.

LORD'S PRAYER

Risen 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
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
Worshippers are invited to bow with the consecration of the Lord’s body from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
and blood, each time the words “Do this for the remembrance of me,” are forever and ever. Amen.
spoken.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Holy God,
our Bread of life, our Table, and our Food, God invites you to this table of bounty.
you created a world in which all might be satisfied by your Come, the banquet is ready.
abundance.
You dined with Abraham and Sarah, promising them life, Lutherans believe, teach and confess that we receive the true Body and
and fed your people Israel with manna from heaven. Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. If you desire to pick up the cross and
You sent your Son to eat with sinners live in Christ, we hope you will receive with us. Even if you do not feel
and to become food for the world. prepared to receive the sacrament today we hope you will join us at the
In the night in which he was betrayed, table. Simply hold your hands over your heart and the pastor will give you
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; a blessing. Pastor will be glad to discuss Holy Communion and Holy
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Baptism with you!
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,
COMMUNION SONG DURING DISTRIBUTION:
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling (ELW 608)
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Amen.

LAMB OF GOD O Christ, Lamb of God

POST COMMUNION BLESSING

May the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless you and
keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS

God of blessing, Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, martyr, died around 258

at this table we have seen you face to face, Monday, September 16, 2019
and in the gift of Christ’s body and blood, Cyprian served as a bishop during a time of great persecution of Christians.
our hearts have been refreshed. He insisted on receiving back those who had left the faith under duress. He
Send us now to shine with your goodness also provided medical care during a severe epidemic.
and bear witness to the one we have received:
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, died 1179
Amen. Tuesday, September 17, 2019
A mystic who was widely influential within the church, Hildegard advised
BLESSING and reproved kings and popes, wrote poems and hymns, and produced
treatises in medicine, theology, and natural history. She was also a
Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, musician and artist.
with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
Almighty God ☩ bless you with grace, mercy, and peace, Dag Hammarskjöld, renewer of society, died 1961
now and forever. Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Amen. A Swedish diplomat, Hammarskjöld served as the second Secretary
General of the United Nations until his death in a plane crash while trying
HYMN: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (ELW 834) to negotiate peace in present-day Zambia. His journal, published as
Markings, revealed the depth of his Christian faith.
DISMISSAL
Nelson Wesley Trout, bishop, died 1996 (TFF)
Go in peace. Live in love as Christ loved us. Friday, September 20, 2019
Thanks be to God. A native of Ohio, Trout served parishes in several parts of the United States
before being elected bishop of the South Pacific District of the American
POSTLUDE Chorale Partita on Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Wells Lutheran Church, the first African American Lutheran to serve in such a
capacity.

The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Saturday, September 21, 2019
honor of Kristina Tucker’s 29th birthday on September 13th.
Matthew (or Levi) was a tax collector in Capernaum for the Roman
government. Tax collectors were frequently despised for dishonesty and for
Presented by Beth and Terry Tucker assisting the occupiers. Jesus nevertheless showed love for them, and chose
Matthew to be a disciple.