SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
World Communion Day
October 3, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We have come to praise God from whom all blessing flow.
The firmament, the covering of earth and seas, is the roof of our sanctuary.
And so, we dwell in the house of God all the days of our lives as one people.
We sing songs of praise and give thanks for God’s steadfast hope in us.
Who today will bless Gods for God’s surpassing greatness?
Let everything that breathes worship and praise God!
*HYMN “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
OPENING PRAYER
Dear God, we exalt you. From the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas to the life-sustaining plains of the Serengeti, the mystery of your glory is revealed. From the vineyards to the wheat fields, the mystery of your glory is revealed. In the eyes of the young and the wisdom of those who have sojourned with you, the mystery of your glory is revealed. Your glory is over all the earth and we bless your holy name. Today we honor the victory of your right hand. Your victory is the promised peace which rescues those you love. Your peace comes from a level playing field, where love is higher than the heavens and faithfulness reaches the clouds. Great is your love, and great is your faithfulness to us, and for this we give you thanks, for this too is the mystery of your glory. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
When we come together and confess, we recognize our humanity and pray for peace over our brokenness. Together, let us pray the prayer of confession:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Jesus, we ask that you take these prayers to the heart of God. We know the ways in which sin distances us from God. We confess our reticence to claim the sin in our lives. Today may we move past the prideful notions of our piety and look closer at what we don’t do. For sometimes the greatest sin of all is our own complicity with what is wrong in the world. We want to love as you commanded, Jesus, but too often catch ourselves justifying the injustice of hunger, poverty, war, and all the prejudices we didn’t know we had. Forgive us so that we may catch ourselves righting our wrongs. Forgive us so that the lessons we learn at the Spirit’s nudging may help bring the peace and love you seek in our families, the church, and the world. Help us to be more holy in our hearts. Amen. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Christ is our peace and reconciles us to God. In our confession, we are promised God’s mercy and are assured that God’s grace will follow us all the days of our lives. What wondrous love is this? In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy Spirit, settle our hearts and minds as we read the scriptures today. Help us to hear them in a new way. May our meditations and actions be acceptable to God and may the peace of Christ be with us. Amen.
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in Thee, Lord. Psalm 34:8
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12
1 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3 He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
2:5 Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. 6 But someone has testified somewhere,
“What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
or mortals, that you care for them?
7 You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned them with glory and honor,
8 subjecting all things under their feet.”
Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, 9 but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying,
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Mark 10:2-16
2 Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
10 Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Your Word, O Lord is truth; sanctify us in the truth. John 17:7
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “When Children are Blessed” Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #304 “Jesus Loves Me”
Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me, this I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, "Let them come to Me." [Refrain]
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSIONS
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Heavenly Father, we often hear that children are a gift from God. Knowing that each person is created with unique fingerprints and DNA, we are reminded that we, too, are your gift to others. You have given us this gift of life and our many possessions. During these offertory moments, we joyfully and faithfully return this money that ultimately belongs to you. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Mark 10:2-16 David S. Bell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Continued Health Requests:
-Ginny C
-Rick S’s father (and family as caregivers)
-Dick S
-Jane (Bob B’s daughter)
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Heather (Ella’s daughter)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew L
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
For continued recovery
-LaVonne B
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We pray for the Watson, Boe, McCann families and for all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C
For our confirmand’s journey: Gayle F has completed her confirmation journey. Gayle will be received into church membership on Sunday, November 7th during worship. Please pray for her and her family.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For our farmers and workers during harvest season, our teachers and students in this new school year.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters.
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
On this day around the world, the table has been set, and at this moment we are one family at one table. Imagine the world seated with Christ at a sumptuous feast. Today we have a glimpse of that with World Communion Sunday. We are all welcome to this, Christ’s table.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Embracing God, we give thanks for being brought together by your Spirit. In your presence, we come to know the true depths of your love for us. And it is good. In your presence, our eyes are opened and we see the best of your creation. And it is good. In your presence, the fullness of grace teaches us to love one another as you love us. And that is good. We come together at this table to remember this sacrament.
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.
Creator God, we are amazed at your holy and diverse creation. You made us in your image and offered us every good gift in the garden, yet we took for ourselves forbidden fruit, thinking we could be like you. In so doing, we rejected your intended diversity for us, a human sin that we still can’t shake. Prophets came through the ages to help us mend our ways. And still we fought and tried to conquer others to make all manners of nations live like one another. Jesus came and finally showed us how to truly love. He sat with sinners and tax collectors, he touched diseased bodies with gentleness, he lifted others from their deathbed and, even with his dying breath, promised rest to a thief on the cross. Gracious God, you gave us your Son. He died and rose again on the third day so that we might have life everlasting. With the ancestors, on this World Communion Sunday your people cry out:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The grains have been harvested and the bread has been baked. The grapes have been collected from the vine and the juice has been pressed. They come together on this table for a holy purpose. Holy Spirit come, breathe your blessings on these common elements of bread and juice. Bring us to the table with Christ. Hear us as we now declare the mystery that is our faith:
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Our Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
And now as children of God across all of the earth today, we pray the prayer that our Lord Jesus taught us to pray saying:
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
WE SHARE THE BREAD AND THE CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Holy Triune God, we thank you for this meal that proclaims the peace and healing of the nations. We thank you for this meal where a little is enough to change our lives; where a little is more than enough to feed those whose hearts yearn for communion in community. May this bread and fruit of the vine nourish us so that we may grow in the faith and knowledge that in you, we are one. Amen.
*HYMN (insert) “God Will Take Care of You”
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you, through ev'ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you, God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM at the Center Meeting Room. Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
MISSION/FINANCE MEETING on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
ROZANNE IS ON VACATION Thursday Oct. 7 through Tuesday Oct. 12.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE NEXT WEEK
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING after worship next Sunday, Oct. 10, to elect church officers, 2022-2024.
SESSION MEETING is Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:00 PM in person at the church.
REV. NORLITA IS ON VACATION Friday Oct. 15 through Thursday Oct. 21.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for October: Chad B, Jan J, Rose P, Michele K, Maria M, Mike M, Tami W, Maxine D, Rick S
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for October: Dave & Lee P, Roger & Marvis J, Kelly & Tami Watson
BENEDICTION
And now a blessing: Jesus is our peace! He came to proclaim to all, near and far. With this blessing, we have grace and relationship with God at Christ’s welcome table. May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Alleluia!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.
World Communion Day
October 3, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We have come to praise God from whom all blessing flow.
The firmament, the covering of earth and seas, is the roof of our sanctuary.
And so, we dwell in the house of God all the days of our lives as one people.
We sing songs of praise and give thanks for God’s steadfast hope in us.
Who today will bless Gods for God’s surpassing greatness?
Let everything that breathes worship and praise God!
*HYMN “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the little bitty baby in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
OPENING PRAYER
Dear God, we exalt you. From the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas to the life-sustaining plains of the Serengeti, the mystery of your glory is revealed. From the vineyards to the wheat fields, the mystery of your glory is revealed. In the eyes of the young and the wisdom of those who have sojourned with you, the mystery of your glory is revealed. Your glory is over all the earth and we bless your holy name. Today we honor the victory of your right hand. Your victory is the promised peace which rescues those you love. Your peace comes from a level playing field, where love is higher than the heavens and faithfulness reaches the clouds. Great is your love, and great is your faithfulness to us, and for this we give you thanks, for this too is the mystery of your glory. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
When we come together and confess, we recognize our humanity and pray for peace over our brokenness. Together, let us pray the prayer of confession:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Jesus, we ask that you take these prayers to the heart of God. We know the ways in which sin distances us from God. We confess our reticence to claim the sin in our lives. Today may we move past the prideful notions of our piety and look closer at what we don’t do. For sometimes the greatest sin of all is our own complicity with what is wrong in the world. We want to love as you commanded, Jesus, but too often catch ourselves justifying the injustice of hunger, poverty, war, and all the prejudices we didn’t know we had. Forgive us so that we may catch ourselves righting our wrongs. Forgive us so that the lessons we learn at the Spirit’s nudging may help bring the peace and love you seek in our families, the church, and the world. Help us to be more holy in our hearts. Amen. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Christ is our peace and reconciles us to God. In our confession, we are promised God’s mercy and are assured that God’s grace will follow us all the days of our lives. What wondrous love is this? In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy Spirit, settle our hearts and minds as we read the scriptures today. Help us to hear them in a new way. May our meditations and actions be acceptable to God and may the peace of Christ be with us. Amen.
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in Thee, Lord. Psalm 34:8
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12
1 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3 He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
2:5 Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. 6 But someone has testified somewhere,
“What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
or mortals, that you care for them?
7 You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned them with glory and honor,
8 subjecting all things under their feet.”
Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, 9 but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying,
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Mark 10:2-16
2 Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
10 Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Your Word, O Lord is truth; sanctify us in the truth. John 17:7
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “When Children are Blessed” Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #304 “Jesus Loves Me”
Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me, this I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, "Let them come to Me." [Refrain]
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
“I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSIONS
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Heavenly Father, we often hear that children are a gift from God. Knowing that each person is created with unique fingerprints and DNA, we are reminded that we, too, are your gift to others. You have given us this gift of life and our many possessions. During these offertory moments, we joyfully and faithfully return this money that ultimately belongs to you. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Mark 10:2-16 David S. Bell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Continued Health Requests:
-Ginny C
-Rick S’s father (and family as caregivers)
-Dick S
-Jane (Bob B’s daughter)
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Heather (Ella’s daughter)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew L
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
For continued recovery
-LaVonne B
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We pray for the Watson, Boe, McCann families and for all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C
For our confirmand’s journey: Gayle F has completed her confirmation journey. Gayle will be received into church membership on Sunday, November 7th during worship. Please pray for her and her family.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For our farmers and workers during harvest season, our teachers and students in this new school year.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters.
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
On this day around the world, the table has been set, and at this moment we are one family at one table. Imagine the world seated with Christ at a sumptuous feast. Today we have a glimpse of that with World Communion Sunday. We are all welcome to this, Christ’s table.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Embracing God, we give thanks for being brought together by your Spirit. In your presence, we come to know the true depths of your love for us. And it is good. In your presence, our eyes are opened and we see the best of your creation. And it is good. In your presence, the fullness of grace teaches us to love one another as you love us. And that is good. We come together at this table to remember this sacrament.
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.
Creator God, we are amazed at your holy and diverse creation. You made us in your image and offered us every good gift in the garden, yet we took for ourselves forbidden fruit, thinking we could be like you. In so doing, we rejected your intended diversity for us, a human sin that we still can’t shake. Prophets came through the ages to help us mend our ways. And still we fought and tried to conquer others to make all manners of nations live like one another. Jesus came and finally showed us how to truly love. He sat with sinners and tax collectors, he touched diseased bodies with gentleness, he lifted others from their deathbed and, even with his dying breath, promised rest to a thief on the cross. Gracious God, you gave us your Son. He died and rose again on the third day so that we might have life everlasting. With the ancestors, on this World Communion Sunday your people cry out:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The grains have been harvested and the bread has been baked. The grapes have been collected from the vine and the juice has been pressed. They come together on this table for a holy purpose. Holy Spirit come, breathe your blessings on these common elements of bread and juice. Bring us to the table with Christ. Hear us as we now declare the mystery that is our faith:
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Our Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
And now as children of God across all of the earth today, we pray the prayer that our Lord Jesus taught us to pray saying:
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
WE SHARE THE BREAD AND THE CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Holy Triune God, we thank you for this meal that proclaims the peace and healing of the nations. We thank you for this meal where a little is enough to change our lives; where a little is more than enough to feed those whose hearts yearn for communion in community. May this bread and fruit of the vine nourish us so that we may grow in the faith and knowledge that in you, we are one. Amen.
*HYMN (insert) “God Will Take Care of You”
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you, through ev'ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you, God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM at the Center Meeting Room. Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
MISSION/FINANCE MEETING on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
ROZANNE IS ON VACATION Thursday Oct. 7 through Tuesday Oct. 12.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE NEXT WEEK
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING after worship next Sunday, Oct. 10, to elect church officers, 2022-2024.
SESSION MEETING is Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:00 PM in person at the church.
REV. NORLITA IS ON VACATION Friday Oct. 15 through Thursday Oct. 21.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for October: Chad B, Jan J, Rose P, Michele K, Maria M, Mike M, Tami W, Maxine D, Rick S
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for October: Dave & Lee P, Roger & Marvis J, Kelly & Tami Watson
BENEDICTION
And now a blessing: Jesus is our peace! He came to proclaim to all, near and far. With this blessing, we have grace and relationship with God at Christ’s welcome table. May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Alleluia!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.