Worship Service: September 12, 2021, 16 Pentecost

Gathering

Prelude

“Will You Come & Follow Me”

Opening Hymn #553 (green hymnal)

“Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng!” (v. 1-4)

1  Rejoice, O pilgrim throng!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
your festal banner wave on high,
the cross of Christ your king.

Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

2  With voice as full and strong
as ocean’s surging praise,
send forth the sturdy hymns of old,
the psalms of ancient days. Refrain

3  With all the angel choirs,
with all the saints on earth
pour out the strains of joy and bliss,
true rapture, noblest mirth. Refrain

4  Yet, on and onward still,
with hymn and chant and song,
through gate and porch and columned aisle
the hallowed pathways throng. Refrain

Confession and Forgiveness

L: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence for self-examination.

C: I confess to God Almighty,
before the whole company of heaven,
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed by my fault, by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault;
wherefore I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me,
forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.

L: At the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, by his authority, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are forgiven of all your sins. Amen.

L: I confess to God Almighty,
before the whole company of heaven,
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed by my fault, by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault;
wherefore I pray God Almighty to have mercy on me,
forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life. Amen.

C: At the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, by his authority, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are forgiven of all your sins. Amen.

Greeting and Prayer of the Day

L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C: And also with you.

L: Let us pray. O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

C: Amen.

The Word

Blessing of the Lector

L: Let us pray. God Almighty, we ask your blessing upon Kathy as she reads to us the scriptures. May the words of her mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer.

C: Amen.

First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Lord GOD has given me
  the tongue of a teacher,
 that I may know how to sustain
  the weary with a word.
 Morning by morning he wakens—
  wakens my ear
  to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord GOD has opened my ear,
  and I was not rebellious,
  I did not turn backward.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
  and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
 I did not hide my face
  from insult and spitting.

The Lord GOD helps me;
  therefore I have not been disgraced;
 therefore I have set my face like flint,
  and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
  he who vindicates me is near.
 Who will contend with me?
  Let us stand up together.
 Who are my adversaries?
  Let them confront me.
9a It is the Lord GOD who helps me;
  who will declare me guilty?

  The word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Psalmody

“Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds” (Psalm 78)
Tune: GRÄFENBERG

1  Let children hear the mighty deeds
Which God performed of old,
Which in our younger days we saw,
And which our parents told.

2  So make to them His glories known,
His works of pow’r and grace;
And we’ll convey His wonders down
Through ev’ry rising race.

3  Our sons and daughters we shall tell
And they again to theirs
That generations yet unborn
May teach them to their heirs.

4  To learn that in our God alone
Their hope securely stands,
That they may never doubt His love
But walk in His commands.

Second Reading: James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
  How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

  The word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel: Mark 8:27-38

L: The holy gospel according to St. Mark, the 8th chapter.

C: Glory to you, O Lord.

27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

L: The gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to you, O Christ.

Children’s Sermon

Sermon

Silence for meditation

Hymn of the Day

“Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said”
Tune: BRESLAU

1      “Take up your cross,” the Savior said,
        “if you would my disciple be;
        forsake the past, and come this day,
        and humbly follow after me.”

2      Take up your cross; let not its weight
        pervade your soul with vain alarm;
        his strength shall bear your spirit up,
        sustain your heart, and nerve your arm.

3      Take up your cross, nor heed the shame,
        nor let your foolish heart rebel;
        for you the Lord endured the cross
        to save your soul from death and hell.

4      Take up your cross and follow Christ,
        nor think till death to lay it down;
        for those who humbly bear the cross
        one day will wear the glorious crown.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
 creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
 He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
  and born of the virgin Mary.
 He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
  was crucified, died, and was buried.
 He descended into hell.
 On the third day he rose again.
 He ascended into heaven,
  and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
 He will come again 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.

Blessing of Sunday School Teachers

L: A reading from Romans 12: “For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.” You who are serving as Sunday School teachers and assistants, have gifts for teaching and a passion for children and youth. We thank you for your heart for the young people of this congregation and your willingness to serve. We wish to install you and to bless you at the beginning of this educational year.

   Will you seek to teach the Word of God faithfully, to love your students and co-workers, and to fulfill your responsibilities to the best of your ability in Jesus’ name?

Teachers/Assistants: I will, and I ask God to help and guide me.

L: Students, will you honor your teachers and be diligent in your study of the Holy Scriptures?

Students: I will, and I ask God to help and guide me.

L: Then the Lord give you the strength to lead and prosper the work of your hands. The congregation is invited to lift a hand in blessing toward our sisters and brothers. Let us pray.

   Gracious God, as you have called workers to varied tasks in the world and in your church, so you have called these servants to this ministry of teaching and have provided this congregation with faithful teachers for your church. By your Holy Spirit give all teachers insight into your holy Word, lives that are examples to us all, and the courage to know and do the truth. Grant them joy that they be enriched by their leadership and stir up each of us to a life of fruitful service. Strengthen the faith and guide the lives of our young people; grant them an eagerness to learn and joy in your truth, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

Dedication of Sunday School Classroom Murals

L: Let us pray. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You made the whole earth for your glory; all creation praises you. We lift our voices to join the songs of heaven and earth, of things seen and unseen. You stretched out the heavens like a tent; you divided the day from the night; you appointed times and seasons for work and rest. You blessed your people through all generations and guided them in life and death. We praise you for Bridget Cathcart, who led this endeavor, and for all who worked alongside her to complete these murals.

   We give you thanks, O God, as we dedicate these Sunday School classroom murals for your glory and praise. When our children and youth see these creations, draw them closer to you and into a deeper understanding of your vision for all creation. When our teachers and students gather under these works of art, form them into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

A: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

After each petition:

A: Lord, in your mercy,

C: Hear our prayer.

After the last petition:

A: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

Peace

L: The peace of Christ be with you always.

C: And also with you.

Thanksgiving

Offering Prayer

A: Let us pray.

C: God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Thanksgiving for the Word

A: Let us pray. O God of justice and love, we give thanks to you that you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, awaken us to the needs of others, and at the end bring all the world to your feast; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever.

C: Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

A: 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.

Sending

Announcements for God’s Mission in the World

General Order of Blessing: Haiti Relief Supplies

L: A reading from Matthew 25:  34 ”Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. 40 And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” By giving money and supplies for the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti, you have cared for your Lord. Let us bless these supplies in order that those who receive them might experience Jesus. Let us pray.

   Almighty God, Strong Tower to all, all things in heaven and on earth bow to and obey you, be now and evermore the sure defense and strong refuge of those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Guard and defend them. Restore their strength. Give them hope. Bless these supplies that we now send in order that they might be a sign of your presence and provision so that all who receive them know that the name given to all for health and salvation is the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

Blessing

L: Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn #558 (green hymnal)

“Earth and All Stars!” (v. 1, 3, 5-6)

1  Earth and all stars! Loud rushing planets!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Oh, victory! Loud shouting army!
Sing to the Lord a new song!

Refrain
He has done marvelous things.
I too will praise him with a new song!

3  Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos!
Sing to the Lord a new song!  Refrain

5  Classrooms and labs! Loud boiling test tubes!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Athlete and band! Loud cheering people!
Sing to the Lord a new song!  Refrain

6  Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Daughter and son! Loud praying members!
Sing to the Lord a new song!  Refrain

Dismissal

A: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Postlude

“Go Out in Power”
Handt Hanson


Worship Leaders

The Rev. Emily Beckering, Pastor *away
Kris Keith, Music Director
Kate Wollenburg, Organist
Nancy Erbeck, Worship Leader
Terry McDowell, Assisting Minister
Kathy Hirt, Reader

Upcoming Events

Sunday, September 12: 16 Pentecost

9 am Rally Day! (Breakfast, teacher meet-and-greet)
10:30 am Worship Service (in-person/livestreamed)
After Worship: Social Concerns Committee
2 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal

Tuesday, September 14

6:30 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal

Wednesday, September 15

6:00 pm Bible Study (in-person/Zoom)
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Thursday, September 16

10:30 am Bible Study (in-person/Zoom)
6:30 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal

Sunday, September 19: 17 Pentecost

9 am Sunday School / Adult Forum (in-person/Zoom)
10:30 am Worship Service (in-person/livestreamed)
2 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal

Monday, September 20

**Epistle Articles Deadline**

7 pm Council Meeting

Tuesday, September 21

6:30 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal

Wednesday, September 22

5 pm Reading Bridal District “Fall in Love” Bridal Show
7:00 pm Bell Choir

Thursday, September 23

10:30 am Bible Study (in-person/Zoom)
6 pm BSA Troop Meeting
6:30 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal

Friday, September 24

7 pm Youth Group

Copyright Notices

“Will You Come and Follow Me”: Text and music ©1987 Iona Community / WGRG (North America)

“Let Us Break Bread Together”: Arr. © 1972 Contemporary Worship 4, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

“Earth and All Stars!”: Text by Herbert F. Brokering and music by David N. Johnson © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

“Go Out in Power”: Text and music by Handt Hanson © 1985 Changing Church Forum, Inc.

Hymns/anthems: Music reprinted and streamed by permission under ONE LICENSE #A-726103 and CCLI Licenses #21045423 and #21045416. All rights reserved.

Liturgical texts and service music: From SundaysandSeasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS010308.