SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
17th Sunday after Pentecost
9-27-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Listen, O people, to holy teaching; tune your ears to hear God’s word.
We gather to proclaim our sacred story, to tell of God’s wondrous deeds.
Come, O people, into holy space to worship the Lord, our sustainer and guide.
Let us turn to God in prayer and praise.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly cares, but to love that which is above, and even now, while we live among transient things, to hold fast to those things that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
It is only by the power of God that we are able to stand against evil.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Loving Lord, you desire that we have the same mind as Christ and imitate his compassionate service. But our minds are fixed on attitudes and ambitions that draw us away from you. We labor for ourselves and attend to the needs of a precious few before considering how our time and talents could bless the world. We look up to the rich and famous and overlook the lowly rather than affirming the dignity of all. Transform us, we pray. By your grace, give us the same mind and the same love as our Lord Jesus Christ, and work within us until our actions bear witness to the faith our tongues confess.
(Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Now stand firm in your faith, covered by the saving grace of God and ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
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
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace, 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
Exodus 17:1-7
1From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16(read responsively)
1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
12 In the sight of their ancestors he worked marvels
in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
13 He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
and made the waters stand like a heap.
14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
and all night long with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks open in the wilderness,
and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock,
and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
Philippians 2:1-13
1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Matthew 21:23-32
23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
The Parable of the Two Sons
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God . Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: “The Two Sons” Rev. Norlita Kaul
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
We Offer Ourselves to God: Special Music
“Open My Eyes” Susan Smith, Dick Smith, Judy Smith, Rev. Kaul, and Bonnie Foster on piano
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
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
Faithful God, we gratefully acknowledge that you are the giver of all things. You call us to share these gifts so that we may experience the joy and humility of giving to others. We pray that this very act of offering our gifts to you will enable us to be obedient disciples of your work. We are blessed to receive and to offer the message of salvation. Jesus Christ is Lord. Praise your holy name! Amen.
Philippians 2:1-13 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing”
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it
Mount of God's unchanging love!
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I've come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(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 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, and David S. Bell.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOMINATING COMMITTEE will meet in the sanctuary after worship today, Sunday, Sept. 27.
PASTOR KAUL’S VACATION begins tomorrow, Monday Sept. 28 through Sunday Oct. 18. Pastor will be back in the church office on Monday Oct 19. If any spiritual care needs arise, please contact a Session member.
SHARE THE WARMTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. The truck is out at First Bank & Trust-Main branch to collect new and used winter clothing items from Sept. 2-Oct. 9. Please message us if you have a group that is willing to volunteer to sort and bag items before the event. Call Share the Warmth at 692-8863 or sign up at the volunteer link for this event at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044daaab29abfc1-share. We anticipate helping over 1,500 people this year and we cannot do it without you! Thank you, Brookings Salvation Army
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will meet at Hillcrest Park Shelter at “9:30ish”. Use the parking lot off 15th Avenue and 4th Street between the school and pool. BYOB (bring your own beverage). Questions about weather? Call Nancy (697-3073) or Dolores (695-3723).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will begin meeting next Thursday July 30th at 9:30am at Hillcrest Park Shelter between the School and Tennis Courts. Bring a lawn chair, beverage of choice, and BYOB Bring your own Bible….and Prayer Notebook. We’ll be studying the book of Second Peter. Questions about weather? Call Lee (692-7757).
Come Join Us, all are welcome!
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Nancy T. (recovery)
-Andrew L’A. (recovery)
-Bob & Jan J. (recoveries)
-Sharon W. (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B. (Coming home—thanksgiving/joy)
-Jan B. (recovery)
-Judy S. (hand issues)
-Rocky (Judy M’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann, wife of Rev. Terry D.
-2 unspoken requests
* We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, Jenner, Larson, and Koepsell families
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of each month.
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
17th Sunday after Pentecost
9-27-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Listen, O people, to holy teaching; tune your ears to hear God’s word.
We gather to proclaim our sacred story, to tell of God’s wondrous deeds.
Come, O people, into holy space to worship the Lord, our sustainer and guide.
Let us turn to God in prayer and praise.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly cares, but to love that which is above, and even now, while we live among transient things, to hold fast to those things that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
It is only by the power of God that we are able to stand against evil.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Loving Lord, you desire that we have the same mind as Christ and imitate his compassionate service. But our minds are fixed on attitudes and ambitions that draw us away from you. We labor for ourselves and attend to the needs of a precious few before considering how our time and talents could bless the world. We look up to the rich and famous and overlook the lowly rather than affirming the dignity of all. Transform us, we pray. By your grace, give us the same mind and the same love as our Lord Jesus Christ, and work within us until our actions bear witness to the faith our tongues confess.
(Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Now stand firm in your faith, covered by the saving grace of God and ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
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
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace, 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
Exodus 17:1-7
1From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16(read responsively)
1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
12 In the sight of their ancestors he worked marvels
in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
13 He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
and made the waters stand like a heap.
14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
and all night long with a fiery light.
15 He split rocks open in the wilderness,
and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
16 He made streams come out of the rock,
and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
Philippians 2:1-13
1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Matthew 21:23-32
23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
The Parable of the Two Sons
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God . Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: “The Two Sons” Rev. Norlita Kaul
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
We Offer Ourselves to God: Special Music
“Open My Eyes” Susan Smith, Dick Smith, Judy Smith, Rev. Kaul, and Bonnie Foster on piano
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
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
Faithful God, we gratefully acknowledge that you are the giver of all things. You call us to share these gifts so that we may experience the joy and humility of giving to others. We pray that this very act of offering our gifts to you will enable us to be obedient disciples of your work. We are blessed to receive and to offer the message of salvation. Jesus Christ is Lord. Praise your holy name! Amen.
Philippians 2:1-13 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing”
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it
Mount of God's unchanging love!
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by Thy help I've come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(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 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, and David S. Bell.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOMINATING COMMITTEE will meet in the sanctuary after worship today, Sunday, Sept. 27.
PASTOR KAUL’S VACATION begins tomorrow, Monday Sept. 28 through Sunday Oct. 18. Pastor will be back in the church office on Monday Oct 19. If any spiritual care needs arise, please contact a Session member.
SHARE THE WARMTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. The truck is out at First Bank & Trust-Main branch to collect new and used winter clothing items from Sept. 2-Oct. 9. Please message us if you have a group that is willing to volunteer to sort and bag items before the event. Call Share the Warmth at 692-8863 or sign up at the volunteer link for this event at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044daaab29abfc1-share. We anticipate helping over 1,500 people this year and we cannot do it without you! Thank you, Brookings Salvation Army
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will meet at Hillcrest Park Shelter at “9:30ish”. Use the parking lot off 15th Avenue and 4th Street between the school and pool. BYOB (bring your own beverage). Questions about weather? Call Nancy (697-3073) or Dolores (695-3723).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will begin meeting next Thursday July 30th at 9:30am at Hillcrest Park Shelter between the School and Tennis Courts. Bring a lawn chair, beverage of choice, and BYOB Bring your own Bible….and Prayer Notebook. We’ll be studying the book of Second Peter. Questions about weather? Call Lee (692-7757).
Come Join Us, all are welcome!
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Nancy T. (recovery)
-Andrew L’A. (recovery)
-Bob & Jan J. (recoveries)
-Sharon W. (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B. (Coming home—thanksgiving/joy)
-Jan B. (recovery)
-Judy S. (hand issues)
-Rocky (Judy M’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann, wife of Rev. Terry D.
-2 unspoken requests
- Those who wait:
- This Week’s Prayer Families: Nelda; Dennis & Carolyn; MK (our organist)
- Our homebound or in care members: Barb B., Delores K., Nona M., Helen P., Rozella P., Cliff R., Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W.
- Those who mourn:
* We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, Jenner, Larson, and Koepsell families
- Prayers for our sister church First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. Christ’s churches in Brookings.
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing.
- Victims of wildfires, hurricanes, tropical storms and floods; the first responders/shelter workers serving in these areas during our pandemic.
- Prayers for our nation as it moves forward after a Supreme Court Justice’s passing.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- BIRTHDAY for this upcoming week – Chad Broksieck
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY for September!
- ANNIVERSARY for this upcoming week – Dave & Lee Peterson
- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for September!
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of each month.
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.