SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
13th Sunday after Pentecost/Communion
Labor Day Weekend
September 4, 2022
PRELUDE:
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
With endless creativity, God forms and shapes our lives.
Each of us bears the image of our maker.
Each of us is made in love.
*HYMN #720 (Red) ‘Jesus Calls Us’ (verses 1 and 4)
Jesus calls us: o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea;
day by day his sweet voice, soundeth
saying "Christian, follow me."
Jesus calls us: by thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Jesus calls us to follow him, knowing that the path is difficult and that sin lurks at every turn. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us seek forgiveness, that we may follow more nearly in the way of Jesus.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, you have given us a firm foundation in Jesus Christ, yet we have chosen to build on sinking sand. The works of our hands crumble around us, and our best efforts are not good enough; sin is real, and we are powerless before it. Forgive us for thinking we know best. Mend our broken values and create in us hearts that seek your purposes, so that what we build with our lives may give you glory.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Jesus accompanies us on life’s journey, offering abundant mercy and bountiful forgiveness along the way. 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
Faithful God, how blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Sanctify us by your Word and Spirit so that we may glorify you in the company of the faithful; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:4
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (The Message) (read responsively)
15 Look at what I’ve done for you today; I’ve placed in front of you
Life and Good, Death and Evil.
16 And I command you today:
Love God, your God. Walk in his ways.
Keep his commandments, regulations, and rules so that you will live, really live,
live exuberantly, blessed by God, your God,
in the land you are about to enter and possess.
17-18 But I warn you: If you have a change of heart,
refuse to listen obediently, and willfully go off to serve and worship other gods,
you will most certainly die.
You won’t last long in the land
that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.
19-20 I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today:
I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse.
Choose Life
so that you and your children will live.
And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself,
a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Luke 14:25-35 (The Message)
25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.
28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
31-32 “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?
33 “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.
34-35 “Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it’s useless, good for nothing.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God. Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: ‘God’s House Plans’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
*HYMN ‘O Blest the House’
Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,
Where Jesus Christ Is All-in-All!
For if he were not dwelling there,
How dark and poor and void it were!
Oh, blest that house where faith is found,
And all in charity abound
Top trust their God and serve him still
And do in all his holy will!
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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours, O Lord,
And of your own we give you.
*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
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it,
The world, and those who live in it.
Accept these gifts we humbly give, O Lord. Help us to use them in building your house. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
- Betty G
-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: Dean & Sharon H, Nelda H, Dennis H & Carolyn C
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.
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
Jesus said: I am the bread of life. All who come to me shall not hunger, and all who believe in me shall not thirst.
With Christians around the world and throughout the centuries,
We gather around these symbols of bread and wine—simple elements that speak of nourishment and transformation.
THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Let us pray.
Loving God, we thank you that you are as close to us as breath, that your love is constant and unfailing. We thank you for all that sustains life, and especially for Jesus Christ, who teaches us how to live out an ethic of justice and peace, and for the promise of transformation made manifest in his life, death and resurrection.
We ask you to bless this bread and this cup. Through this meal, make us the body of Christ, that we may join with you in promoting the well-being of all creation.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION:
We remember on the night when Jesus and the disciples had their last meal together, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and gave it to the disciples, saying “This is my body, which is broken for you. Take and eat it, and as often as you do, remember me.”
In the symbol of the broken bread, we participate in the life of Christ and dedicate ourselves to being his disciples.
In the same way he took the cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to the disciples, saying: “Drink this, all of you. This cup is the new covenant, poured out for you and for many. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
In the symbol of the cup, we participate in the new life Christ brings. We thank you, O God through Your Holy Spirit, for the gifts we receive as sure provisions, manna in the wilderness, the source of our unending joy. So as your children we 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 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.
SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We give thanks, loving God, that you have refreshed us at your table. Strengthen our faith; strengthen our nation, increase our love for one another. As we have been fed by the seed that became grain, and then became bread, may we go out into the world to plant seeds of justice, transformation, and hope. Amen.
Litany of Labor
Let us pray to the Lord of all creation, from whom comes life and work and purpose.
Almighty God,
when you formed us lovingly out of the dust of the earth,
you breathed into us the breath of life and gave us work and purpose for living.
You placed Adam in the garden of Eden to till and keep it.
Through our work, you made us co-creators with you, shaping the world in which we live.
You gave dignity to our labor by sending your Son to labor with us.
By our labor, you enrich the world.
By our labor, we enjoy the fruits of creation.
By our labor, we find direction and purpose.
By our labor, our families are made secure.
For providing varieties of work and for blessing us by our labor:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who plow the field and those who make the plow;
for farmers and farm workers, for steelworkers and machinists;
for those who work with their hands and those who move the earth:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who tend the sick and those who seek new cures;
for doctors and nurses, for scientists and technicians;
for those who keep notes and those who transcribe:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who think and those who create;
for inventors and explorers, for artists and musicians;
for those who write books and those who entertain:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who work in offices and those who work in warehouses;
for secretaries and receptionists, for stockers and bookkeepers;
for those who market products and for those who move them:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who inspire our minds and those who motivate us;
for teachers and preachers, for public servants and religious servants;
those who help the poor and those who work with our children:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those whose labor is tidiness and cleanliness;
for janitors and sanitary workers, for drycleaners and maids;
for those who produce cleaning products and those who use them:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who sail the waves and those who fly the skies;
for captains and attendants, for astronauts and deep sea divers;
for those who chart and those who navigate:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
You bless us all with skills and gifts for labor.
You provide us opportunities to use them,
for the benefit of others as well as ourselves.
Guard and protect those who labor in the world.
Bless the work of our hands, O Lord.
Look kindly upon the unemployed and the disabled.
Give health to the sick, hope to the bereaved.
Keep us from laboring only for greed.
Make us loving and responsible in all that we do.
Creator Lord, you are the source of all wisdom and purpose, you are the blessing of those who labor.
Be with us in our labor to guide and govern our world.
Give all men and women work that enhances human dignity and bonds us to one another.
Give us pride in our work, a fair return for our labor, and joy in knowing that our work finds its source in you;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
*HYMN #717 (Red) ‘For the Life that You Have Given’ (sing 2 times)
For the life that you have given,
for the love in Christ made known,
with these fruits of time and labor,
with these gifts that are your own;
here we offer, Lord, our praises,
heart and mind and strength we bring;
give us grace to love and serve you,
living what we pray and sing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Allison M, Chelsea B, Arlyce T, Susan S, Jeannie M, Ella L, Lynn R, Emma M
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES: Tom & Jeannie M, Dick & Judy S, Art & Marjorie V
PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS SPECIAL OFFERING DONATIONS will be accepted from September 4 through October 2. Please use the envelopes provided on the lectern at the sanctuary door or write ‘Special Offering’ on the memo line on your check. Thank you for your generosity!
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS: At this time, due to lack of demand and lack of children, we are suspending Sunday School. Hopefully we can reestablish Sunday School again in the future.
THE CHURCH OFFICE is closed Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting 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 will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 6 at 6:30 PM.
DEACON MEETING will be held on Wednesday, September 7th, 11:30 AM at the Mission Coffee House.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
SESSION MEETING will be Thursday, September 7, at 7:00 PM at the church.
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 another. 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; —written by The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and posted on Liturgy by TLW.
13th Sunday after Pentecost/Communion
Labor Day Weekend
September 4, 2022
PRELUDE:
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
With endless creativity, God forms and shapes our lives.
Each of us bears the image of our maker.
Each of us is made in love.
*HYMN #720 (Red) ‘Jesus Calls Us’ (verses 1 and 4)
Jesus calls us: o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea;
day by day his sweet voice, soundeth
saying "Christian, follow me."
Jesus calls us: by thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Jesus calls us to follow him, knowing that the path is difficult and that sin lurks at every turn. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us seek forgiveness, that we may follow more nearly in the way of Jesus.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, you have given us a firm foundation in Jesus Christ, yet we have chosen to build on sinking sand. The works of our hands crumble around us, and our best efforts are not good enough; sin is real, and we are powerless before it. Forgive us for thinking we know best. Mend our broken values and create in us hearts that seek your purposes, so that what we build with our lives may give you glory.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Jesus accompanies us on life’s journey, offering abundant mercy and bountiful forgiveness along the way. 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
Faithful God, how blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Sanctify us by your Word and Spirit so that we may glorify you in the company of the faithful; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:4
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (The Message) (read responsively)
15 Look at what I’ve done for you today; I’ve placed in front of you
Life and Good, Death and Evil.
16 And I command you today:
Love God, your God. Walk in his ways.
Keep his commandments, regulations, and rules so that you will live, really live,
live exuberantly, blessed by God, your God,
in the land you are about to enter and possess.
17-18 But I warn you: If you have a change of heart,
refuse to listen obediently, and willfully go off to serve and worship other gods,
you will most certainly die.
You won’t last long in the land
that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.
19-20 I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today:
I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse.
Choose Life
so that you and your children will live.
And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself,
a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Luke 14:25-35 (The Message)
25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.
28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
31-32 “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?
33 “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.
34-35 “Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it’s useless, good for nothing.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God. Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: ‘God’s House Plans’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
*HYMN ‘O Blest the House’
Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,
Where Jesus Christ Is All-in-All!
For if he were not dwelling there,
How dark and poor and void it were!
Oh, blest that house where faith is found,
And all in charity abound
Top trust their God and serve him still
And do in all his holy will!
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.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours, O Lord,
And of your own we give you.
*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
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it,
The world, and those who live in it.
Accept these gifts we humbly give, O Lord. Help us to use them in building your house. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
- Betty G
-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: Dean & Sharon H, Nelda H, Dennis H & Carolyn C
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.
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
Jesus said: I am the bread of life. All who come to me shall not hunger, and all who believe in me shall not thirst.
With Christians around the world and throughout the centuries,
We gather around these symbols of bread and wine—simple elements that speak of nourishment and transformation.
THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Let us pray.
Loving God, we thank you that you are as close to us as breath, that your love is constant and unfailing. We thank you for all that sustains life, and especially for Jesus Christ, who teaches us how to live out an ethic of justice and peace, and for the promise of transformation made manifest in his life, death and resurrection.
We ask you to bless this bread and this cup. Through this meal, make us the body of Christ, that we may join with you in promoting the well-being of all creation.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION:
We remember on the night when Jesus and the disciples had their last meal together, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and gave it to the disciples, saying “This is my body, which is broken for you. Take and eat it, and as often as you do, remember me.”
In the symbol of the broken bread, we participate in the life of Christ and dedicate ourselves to being his disciples.
In the same way he took the cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to the disciples, saying: “Drink this, all of you. This cup is the new covenant, poured out for you and for many. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
In the symbol of the cup, we participate in the new life Christ brings. We thank you, O God through Your Holy Spirit, for the gifts we receive as sure provisions, manna in the wilderness, the source of our unending joy. So as your children we 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 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.
SHARING OF THE BREAD AND CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We give thanks, loving God, that you have refreshed us at your table. Strengthen our faith; strengthen our nation, increase our love for one another. As we have been fed by the seed that became grain, and then became bread, may we go out into the world to plant seeds of justice, transformation, and hope. Amen.
Litany of Labor
Let us pray to the Lord of all creation, from whom comes life and work and purpose.
Almighty God,
when you formed us lovingly out of the dust of the earth,
you breathed into us the breath of life and gave us work and purpose for living.
You placed Adam in the garden of Eden to till and keep it.
Through our work, you made us co-creators with you, shaping the world in which we live.
You gave dignity to our labor by sending your Son to labor with us.
By our labor, you enrich the world.
By our labor, we enjoy the fruits of creation.
By our labor, we find direction and purpose.
By our labor, our families are made secure.
For providing varieties of work and for blessing us by our labor:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who plow the field and those who make the plow;
for farmers and farm workers, for steelworkers and machinists;
for those who work with their hands and those who move the earth:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who tend the sick and those who seek new cures;
for doctors and nurses, for scientists and technicians;
for those who keep notes and those who transcribe:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who think and those who create;
for inventors and explorers, for artists and musicians;
for those who write books and those who entertain:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who work in offices and those who work in warehouses;
for secretaries and receptionists, for stockers and bookkeepers;
for those who market products and for those who move them:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who inspire our minds and those who motivate us;
for teachers and preachers, for public servants and religious servants;
those who help the poor and those who work with our children:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those whose labor is tidiness and cleanliness;
for janitors and sanitary workers, for drycleaners and maids;
for those who produce cleaning products and those who use them:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
For those who sail the waves and those who fly the skies;
for captains and attendants, for astronauts and deep sea divers;
for those who chart and those who navigate:
We give you thanks, O Lord.
You bless us all with skills and gifts for labor.
You provide us opportunities to use them,
for the benefit of others as well as ourselves.
Guard and protect those who labor in the world.
Bless the work of our hands, O Lord.
Look kindly upon the unemployed and the disabled.
Give health to the sick, hope to the bereaved.
Keep us from laboring only for greed.
Make us loving and responsible in all that we do.
Creator Lord, you are the source of all wisdom and purpose, you are the blessing of those who labor.
Be with us in our labor to guide and govern our world.
Give all men and women work that enhances human dignity and bonds us to one another.
Give us pride in our work, a fair return for our labor, and joy in knowing that our work finds its source in you;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
*HYMN #717 (Red) ‘For the Life that You Have Given’ (sing 2 times)
For the life that you have given,
for the love in Christ made known,
with these fruits of time and labor,
with these gifts that are your own;
here we offer, Lord, our praises,
heart and mind and strength we bring;
give us grace to love and serve you,
living what we pray and sing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Allison M, Chelsea B, Arlyce T, Susan S, Jeannie M, Ella L, Lynn R, Emma M
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES: Tom & Jeannie M, Dick & Judy S, Art & Marjorie V
PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS SPECIAL OFFERING DONATIONS will be accepted from September 4 through October 2. Please use the envelopes provided on the lectern at the sanctuary door or write ‘Special Offering’ on the memo line on your check. Thank you for your generosity!
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS: At this time, due to lack of demand and lack of children, we are suspending Sunday School. Hopefully we can reestablish Sunday School again in the future.
THE CHURCH OFFICE is closed Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting 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 will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 6 at 6:30 PM.
DEACON MEETING will be held on Wednesday, September 7th, 11:30 AM at the Mission Coffee House.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
SESSION MEETING will be Thursday, September 7, at 7:00 PM at the church.
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 another. 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; —written by The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and posted on Liturgy by TLW.