17 Jul BULLETIN – SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022
WELCOME to MESSIAH & ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCHES
The Reverend Nancy Brody, Pastor
Greta Wright, Music Director
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Page 56
ENTRANCE HYMN Let the Whole Creation Cry #242
1 Let the whole creation cry,
“Glory to the Lord on high!”
Heav’n and earth, awake and sing,
“Praise him, our almighty king!”
Praise him, angel hosts above,
ever bright and fair in love;
sun and moon, lift up your voice;
night and stars, in God rejoice.
2 Warriors fighting for the Lord,
prophets burning with his word,
those to whom the arts belong
add their voices to the song.
Kings of knowledge and of law,
to the glorious circle draw;
all who work and all who wait,
sing, “The Lord is good and great!”
3 Men and women, young and old,
raise the anthem loud and bold,
and let children’s happy hearts
in this worship take their parts;
from the north to southern pole
let the mighty chorus roll:
“Holy, Holy, Holy One; glory be to God alone!”
APOSTOLIC GREETING Page 57
KYRIE and HYMN OF PRAISE Pages 57-60
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Dear Lord, you’ve sat us down and brought us into your presence. Bring us even closer so that we’re at your feet. Open our ears and help us focus. Calm us from busy-ness, from worry and distraction. May we feast upon your Word, a meal prepared by you. Help us find nourishment, comfort, and all we need for our journey in this land. Amen.
FIRST READING GENESIS 18:1-10a
The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.”
PSALM 15
Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? Who may abide upon your holy hill?
Those who lead a blameless life and do what is right, who speak the truth from their heart; Lord, who may abide upon your holy hill?
They do not slander with the tongue, they do no evil to their friends; they do not cast discredit upon a neighbor.
In their sight the wicked are rejected, but they honor those who fear the Lord. They have sworn upon their health and do not take back their word.
They do not give their money in hope of gain, nor do they take bribes against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be overthrown.
Lord, who may abide upon your holy hill?
SECOND READING COLOSSIANS 1:15-28
[Christ Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him—provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Page 62
GOSPEL LUKE 10:38-42
Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
SERMON followed by Meditation
HYMN of the DAY O Christ, Our Hope #300
1 O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire,
creation’s mighty Lord,
redeemer of the fallen world,
by holy love outpoured,
by holy love outpoured:
2 How vast your mercy to accept
the burden of our sin,
and bow your head in cruel death
to make us clean within,
to make us clean within.
3 But now the bonds of death are burst,
the ransom has been paid;
you now ascend the Father’s throne
in robes of light arrayed,
in robes of light arrayed.
4 Oh, let your mighty love prevail
to purge us of our pride,
that we may stand before your throne
by mercy purified,
by mercy purified.
5 Christ Jesus, be our present joy,
our future great reward;
our only glory, may it be
to glory in the Lord,
to glory in the Lord!
6 All praise to you, ascended Lord;
all glory ever be
to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
through all eternity,
through all eternity!
PROFESSION of FAITH/APOSTLE’S CREED Page 65
PRAYERS of INTERCESSION
United in Christ and guided by the Spirit, we pray for the church, the creation, and all in need. A brief silence.
Ever-present God in Christ, you always come to where we are. As your church, we gather to hear your word, share nourishment, and receive your blessing. Teach us to be gracious host and guests, as we have been welcomed by you. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Ever-present God in Christ, you create all things visible and invisible. Teach humans to honor and protect what sustains life. Help us value life hidden from our eyes or blocked from our minds: the atmosphere and molecules, microscopic elements, and the breath of your Spirit. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Ever-present God in Christ, you reconcile all things. Motivate those with money and power to end enslavement, dehumanization, or brutality of any kind. Protect and improve the lives of Indigenous and other exploited people. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Ever-present God in Christ, you bring peace of mind and body. Assure all who are worried or distracted of your constant presence. Soothe the inner spirit and physical dwellings of those who suffer. Sustain everyone on our prayer list and those who care for them. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Ever-present God in Christ, you invest much time and effort into being known. Inspire the worshiping communities of St. Peter and Messiah Lutheran to do likewise, to sit at your feet like Mary and be hospitable like Martha when preparing food. Bless our attempts to minister. Bring others into our church homes. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Ever-present God in Christ, you are always with us and extend an open invitation to the company of saints. Continue to gather us at tables and in homes, taking in your eternal presence and wisdom. Keep our hearts and memories connected with those who have left our presence, but are nearer to you than ever. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Ever-present God in Christ, you exist in every time and place. In your name and filled by your Holy Spirit, we entrust our prayers to your keeping. Amen.
OFFERING
OFFERTORY Page 75
THE LORD’S PRAYER Page 76
BLESSING
The God of peace, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you, comfort you, and show you the path of life this day and always. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN My Faith Looks Up to Thee #479
1 My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray
take all my guilt away,
oh, let me from this day
be wholly thine!
2 May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire;
as thou hast died for me,
oh, may my love to thee
pure, warm, and changeless be,
a living fire!
3 While life’s dark maze I tread
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
4 When ends life’s transient dream,
when death’s cold, sullen stream
shall o’er me roll;
blest Savior, then, in love
fear and distrust remove;
oh, bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul!
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Love your neighbor.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission. Prayers adapted from Sundays and Seasons, copyright © 2019, Augsburg Fortress. Used with permission. Psalm readings from Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright © 1978. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual Subscription #SB160715 Other quotations from Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, National Council of Churches in Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Altar flowers at St Peter have been presented by Sallianne Bechtel, in memory of loved ones.
Altar flowers at Messiah have been presented by Darla and Rusty Smith, in memory of loved ones.
BACK to SCHOOL CARNIVAL
Our church has been invited to participate in a free Back to School Carnival event being hosted at Uplift Community Church. The idea put forth by the Vision and Outreach Committee of Messiah is to offer a dartball game with prizes. Volunteers are needed to man the booth from 3-6pm on August 13th and also to help set up and tear down. If you are not already committed to help at the Enders Reunion, please consider helping out at the carnival. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with partners within our ministerium, witness and minister to the community. Please let Pastor Brody know if you’re available asap. She’ll have to decline the invitation unless a few volunteers step up.
PERSONAL CARE KITS
When natural disasters strike or war drives families from their homes, as we see over and over in the news, our hearts ache with compassion. But what can we do?
Making Lutheran World Relief (LWR) kits is a simple, tangible way to offer comfort to those suffering and express love to our neighbors in need.
Messiah ladies are again collecting personal care kits to be shipped to and distributed by Lutheran World Relief. These kits provide the basic needs for personal hygiene.
Each kit includes the following items:
- One light weight bath-size towel (52X27”), dark colors are recommended
- 2 bars of bath-size soap (4-5oz each)
- 1 adult toothbrush in the original packaging, or sealed in a business envelope—no plastic wrap
- 1 study comb
- 1 metal nail clipper
Please consider purchasing the needed items for one or more kits. There are baskets at the front of the church for each item—no need to remove tags or wrappings. Please have your kit items to the church by September 18th. We will be assembling the kits September 25th during the adult Sunday School hour. Thank you for participating in this LWR ministry!
2022 SCHOOL KITS
Each of the congregations of our conference has been asked to contribute items to make this project possible. Our two churches have been asked to provide 700 SPIRAL notebooks (70-sheet, wide- or college-ruled, approximately 8 x 10½”; no loose-leaf paper, please). Please consider donating notebooks for this project. Donation boxes will be located at each church in July. Thank you for your kindness!
MESSIAH SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
On the second and fourth Sundays of each month, adults and youth will gather for Sunday School starting at 9:00am. Children’s Sunday School will be offered during the 10am worship service at Messiah. On the second and fourth Sundays of each month, right after the children’s sermon, potty trained children ages 2 up to 5th grade will be escorted from the sanctuary by their teacher.
MESSIAH WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Starting June 19, Messiah will have worship service on the third Sunday during the summer months outdoors in St Peter Pavilion. This will continue in the months of June, July and August.
NEXT BRUNCH PLANNED for AUGUST 7th
Graduates will be recognized on August 7th at the 10:00 am worship service. The Ladies Aid will present a gift to each and following the service, council members would like to host another brunch. Will you plan to come? Please let Pastor Brody know if so. Thanks! If not enough people commit, another date will be proposed.
LOWER SUSQUEHANNA, SYNODICAL WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION
The 34th annual convention of the Lower Susquehanna, Synodical Women’s Organization will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church Shippensburg, PA, 8:15 am to 4 pm. Cost for registration is $30.00. There will be a continental breakfast & Lunch will be provided. The Theme for this year is “Let Your Light Shine” (based on Psalm 80:3). Speaker is Rev. Drahas Oslik. Also participating is Rev. Beth Martini, Assistant to the Bishop, and Rev. Pam Illick, Chaplain, Pastor at St. Paul, Enola. Registration forms are in the Narthex of Messiah. Deadline for the registration is to be postmarked by Wednesday, July 20. In addition to the Speaker, there will be an election of officers & board members of the WELCA, Lower Susquehanna Organization. If anyone would like to be nominated for any of the offices or the board, please contact Sandy Dreibelbis, there is a nomination form to be completed. Open offices are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary & 5 Board Members.
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our website: halifaxmessiah.church for weekly updates and archived materials, bulletins with hymn lyrics, articles, descriptions of various programs and ministries, newsletters, recorded services, text versions of sermons, a monthly calendar, and how to give online.
Our 10 AM (and joint services) are available every week as a live streamed event via Facebook and available later in the day on YouTube. Please let us know if you watch online, have any questions, or would like to meet with the pastor in person.
We give thanks and feel blessed that you have chosen to worship with us today.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
Please fill out prayer request cards from now on and provide your name, the person for whom you are requesting prayer, their contact information and a few details.
Continuing to add names verbally will lead to persons being left off the prayer list. And without written notes, the pastor cannot remember/connect names with specific needs for prayer.
Filling out a card will allow the pastor to make contact, initiate pastoral care, and request permission to place a person’s name on the prayer list. Alternatively, you may email or text as long as you provide the same details. Following this plan will assure consistency, improve communication and help those for whom we pray. Please email concerns and/or requests including your name and theirs, contact information, and a few specifics to: elsiebbrody@gmail.com Or text (443)-974-5558. Thank you.