SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
12th Sunday after Pentecost
August 28, 2022
PRELUDE:
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
God welcomes us all.
Whoever we are, wherever we are, however we are,
God welcomes us all.
*HYMN #410 (Red) ‘God is Calling Through a Whisper’
God is calling through the whisper of the Spirit’s deepest sighs,
through the thrill of sudden beauties that can catch us by surprise.
Flash of lightning, crash of thunder; hush of stillness, rush of wonder:
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling through the voices of our neighbors’ urgent prayers,
through their longing for redemption and for rescue from despair.
Place of hurt or face of needing; strident cry or silent pleading:
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling through the music of sublime and human arts,
through the hymns of earth and angels, and the carols of our hearts.
Lift of joy and gift of singing; days and nights our praises bringing:
God is calling—and we hear!
God is calling—and we hear!
CALL TO CONFESSION
We turn away from God, often not knowing any better. Yet God keeps inviting us and keeps reaching to us in love. In penitence and faith, let us turn towards God and seek forgiveness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, in Jesus you show us a way that is humble and that seeks the good of others. We confess that we go our own way; we elevate ourselves and ignore the needs of others. Free us from the temptation to pursue our own pleasure only. Help us to live in harmony with all your people, sharing one world and eating around one table, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
With abundant grace and mercy that reaches wide, God gathers us and cleanses us, making us new, making us whole. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
*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 OF ILLUMINATION
Eternal God, in the order of your creation, you have given your people righteousness, justice, peace and love. Through your Holy Word, enlighten us. Keep us always in your Word and Light, so that our lives bring honor and glory to you, through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:4
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Proverbs 25:6-7
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (The Message) (read responsively)
1-3 Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love.
Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed.
Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them.
Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you.
Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.
5-7 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things.
Be relaxed with what you have.
Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
7-8 Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness.
There should be a consistency that runs through us all.
For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow,
He’s always totally himself.
15-16 Let’s go outside, where Jesus is,
Where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders.
This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City
about to come.
Let’s take our place outside with Jesus.
Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the
Common good;
Share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship--
a different kind of “sacrifice”—that takes place
in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.
Luke 14:1-14
1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. 2 Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had edema. 3 And Jesus asked the experts in the law and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him and sent him away. 5 Then he said to them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a Sabbath day?” 6 And they could not reply to this.
7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
12 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers and sisters or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God. Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: ‘The Good Seat’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
*HYMN #803 (Red) ‘My Shepherd Will Supply My Need’
My Shepherd will supply my need; Jehovah is his name.
In pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake his ways,
and leads me, for his mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death your presence is my stay;
one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
my cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
no more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The risen Christ is the Savior of all people. Those joined to him by faith are set right with God and commissioned to serve as God’s reconciling community. Christ is head of this community, the church, which began with the apostles and continues through all generations.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.10
INVITATION TO OFFERING
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord. Romans 12:1
SPECIAL MUSIC Bonnie Foster, pianist
*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
Generous God, we humbly offer these gifts in response to your Living Word. You remind us that extending radical hospitality has all to do with your love and nothing to do with our social status. If we loved those outcast in our society like we have been loved by you, our world would be a place of true acceptance and abounding joy. May it be so today! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Luke 14:1, 7-14 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Roger J (recovery)
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew-for continued strength)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dawn G, Scott & Jennifer H (Skylar, Saige, Ramsie), Dean & Sharon H
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota , 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.
Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
*HYMN #306 (Red) ‘Blest Be the Ties that Bind’
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
we pour our ardent prayers.
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes;
our mutual burdens bear.
And often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.
From sorrow, toil, and pain,
and sin, we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CARD SHOWER FOR TERI B’S MOTHER: Bev will be celebrating her 87th birthday on September 1st. Cards and best wishes may be mailed to her at:
Bev Erdahl
c/o Avantara Huron
1345 Michigan Ave
Huron, SD 57350
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will meet on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM at the church. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
Happy are those whose God is the Lord—God is our help and hope!
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 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 Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993;
12th Sunday after Pentecost
August 28, 2022
PRELUDE:
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
God welcomes us all.
Whoever we are, wherever we are, however we are,
God welcomes us all.
*HYMN #410 (Red) ‘God is Calling Through a Whisper’
God is calling through the whisper of the Spirit’s deepest sighs,
through the thrill of sudden beauties that can catch us by surprise.
Flash of lightning, crash of thunder; hush of stillness, rush of wonder:
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling through the voices of our neighbors’ urgent prayers,
through their longing for redemption and for rescue from despair.
Place of hurt or face of needing; strident cry or silent pleading:
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling—can you hear?
God is calling through the music of sublime and human arts,
through the hymns of earth and angels, and the carols of our hearts.
Lift of joy and gift of singing; days and nights our praises bringing:
God is calling—and we hear!
God is calling—and we hear!
CALL TO CONFESSION
We turn away from God, often not knowing any better. Yet God keeps inviting us and keeps reaching to us in love. In penitence and faith, let us turn towards God and seek forgiveness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, in Jesus you show us a way that is humble and that seeks the good of others. We confess that we go our own way; we elevate ourselves and ignore the needs of others. Free us from the temptation to pursue our own pleasure only. Help us to live in harmony with all your people, sharing one world and eating around one table, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
With abundant grace and mercy that reaches wide, God gathers us and cleanses us, making us new, making us whole. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
*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 OF ILLUMINATION
Eternal God, in the order of your creation, you have given your people righteousness, justice, peace and love. Through your Holy Word, enlighten us. Keep us always in your Word and Light, so that our lives bring honor and glory to you, through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:4
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Proverbs 25:6-7
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (The Message) (read responsively)
1-3 Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love.
Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed.
Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them.
Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you.
Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.
5-7 Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things.
Be relaxed with what you have.
Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
7-8 Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness.
There should be a consistency that runs through us all.
For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow,
He’s always totally himself.
15-16 Let’s go outside, where Jesus is,
Where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders.
This “insider world” is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City
about to come.
Let’s take our place outside with Jesus.
Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the
Common good;
Share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship--
a different kind of “sacrifice”—that takes place
in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.
Luke 14:1-14
1 On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. 2 Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had edema. 3 And Jesus asked the experts in the law and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the Sabbath or not?” 4 But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him and sent him away. 5 Then he said to them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a Sabbath day?” 6 And they could not reply to this.
7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host, 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
12 He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers and sisters or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God. Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: ‘The Good Seat’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
*HYMN #803 (Red) ‘My Shepherd Will Supply My Need’
My Shepherd will supply my need; Jehovah is his name.
In pastures fresh he makes me feed, beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back when I forsake his ways,
and leads me, for his mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death your presence is my stay;
one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
my cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
no more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The risen Christ is the Savior of all people. Those joined to him by faith are set right with God and commissioned to serve as God’s reconciling community. Christ is head of this community, the church, which began with the apostles and continues through all generations.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.10
INVITATION TO OFFERING
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord. Romans 12:1
SPECIAL MUSIC Bonnie Foster, pianist
*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
Generous God, we humbly offer these gifts in response to your Living Word. You remind us that extending radical hospitality has all to do with your love and nothing to do with our social status. If we loved those outcast in our society like we have been loved by you, our world would be a place of true acceptance and abounding joy. May it be so today! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. (Luke 14:1, 7-14 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Roger J (recovery)
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew-for continued strength)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dawn G, Scott & Jennifer H (Skylar, Saige, Ramsie), Dean & Sharon H
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota , 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.
Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
*HYMN #306 (Red) ‘Blest Be the Ties that Bind’
Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
we pour our ardent prayers.
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes;
our mutual burdens bear.
And often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.
From sorrow, toil, and pain,
and sin, we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CARD SHOWER FOR TERI B’S MOTHER: Bev will be celebrating her 87th birthday on September 1st. Cards and best wishes may be mailed to her at:
Bev Erdahl
c/o Avantara Huron
1345 Michigan Ave
Huron, SD 57350
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will meet on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM at the church. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
Happy are those whose God is the Lord—God is our help and hope!
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 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 Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993;