22 Jul BULLETIN – SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2022
WELCOME to MESSIAH & ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCHES
The Reverend Nancy Brody, Pastor
Greta Wright, Music Director
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Page 56
ENTRANCE HYMN For the Beauty of the Earth #561
1 For the beauty of the earth,
for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:
Refrain
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.
2 For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night
hill and vale and tree and flow’r,
sun and moon and stars of light: Refrain
3 For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight: Refrain
4 For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above;
for all gentle thoughts and mild: Refrain
5 For yourself, best gift divine
to the world so freely giv’n;
agent of God’s grand design,
peace on earth and joy in heav’n: Refrain
APOSTOLIC GREETING Page 57
KYRIE and HYMN OF PRAISE Pages 57-60
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty and ever-living God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and you gladly give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour upon us your abundant mercy. Forgive us those things that weigh on our conscience, and give us those good things that come only through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
FIRST READING GENESIS 18:20-32
Then the Lord said, “How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know.” So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake.” Abraham answered, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” Again he spoke to him, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” He said, “Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”
PSALM 138
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name, because of your steadfast love and faithfulness; for you have glorified your name and your word above all things. Your steadfast love endures forever; do not abandon the works of your hands.
When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.
All the rulers of the earth will praise you, O Lord, when they have heard the words of your mouth.
They will sing of the ways of the Lord, that great is the glory of the Lord.
The Lord is high, yet cares for the lowly, perceiving the haughty from afar. Your steadfast love endures forever; do not abandon the works of your hands.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.
You will make good your purpose for me; O Lord, your steadfast love endures forever; do not abandon the works of your hands.
SECOND READING COLOSSIANS 2:6-19
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it. Therefore, do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Page 62
GOSPEL LUKE 11:1-13
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.” And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
SERMON followed by meditation
HYMN of the DAY What a Friend We Have in Jesus #439
1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
oh, what needless pain we bear–
all because we do not carry
ev’rything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged–
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness–
take it to the Lord in prayer.
3 Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
PROFESSION of FAITH/APOSTLE’S CREED Page 65
PRAYERS of INTERCESSION
Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, we draw near in prayer. A brief silence.
With that same extraordinary love, make the church bold. Make it brave enough to take risks. For the sake of the gospel, equip us to be your extravagant love in the world. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Speaking of that world…all of nature and everything else created by you. Lord, make every body of water sparkle. Provide rain where needed. Clean water necessary for plants to grow and animals to thrive. Enable conservation officers and volunteer efforts to protect and defend them. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We pray for intercession on behalf of the vulnerable. Inspire rulers and governing authorities with your sense of justice. Guide the work of legislators and public officials, that they advocate for the well-being of those they serve. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Persistent in prayer, we pray for our neighbors in need. To all who have hunger, give daily bread. To all who have bread, give hunger for justice. Open us to the cries of those who suffer (especially those on our prayer list). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Abounding in thanksgiving, we pray for this congregation. Bless the comings and goings of its members. Call us together frequently to times of service, praise and blessing. Help us share joys and sorrows, always calling upon your holy name. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Buried with Christ in baptism and raised with him to new life, we give thanks for your saints who rest in your eternal presence. Join our voices with theirs as we sing of your great glory. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We trust that you hear and receive the prayers of your children. You are our merciful God who forever holds us in steadfast love through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen.
PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY Page 75
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 Shall We Gather at the River WOV#690
1 Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
2 On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. Refrain
3 Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we ev’ry burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. Refrain
4 Soon we’ll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. Refrain
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.
BRUNCH IS ON!!!
On August 7th, there’s a lot to look forward to: Recognition of graduates plus we’ll also celebrate a baptism and Holy Communion at the 10:00 am worship service. Please come to church, and stay for brunch.
MESSIAH SUNDAY SCHOOL ON BREAK
The Messiah Education Committee has declared August as No-Show Sunday School Month! ….. (meaning there will be none.) We will take a summer break until September when classes will resume again on the second and fourth Sundays of each month for adults and youth starting at 9:00 AM. Children’s Sunday School is held during the 10:00 AM worship service right after the children’s sermon. Potty-trained children ages 2 up to 5th grade are escorted from the sanctuary by their teacher.
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!
LOWER SUSQUEHANNA SYNOD 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 4:00 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 & five Board Members.
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 yourkit 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!
MESSIAH WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Messiah will hold outdoor worship services on the third Sunday during the summer months in St Peter Pavilion. This will continue through August.
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 a way to give online. Our 10:00 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.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JULY
24: DEADLINE FOR AUGUST NEWSLETTER ITEMS
31: 8th Sunday of Pentecost; 10:00 AM Combined worship service at Messiah
LET US PRAY
Prayer knits the waiting, expectant community together. It isn’t just for those being prayed for. It’s an act of faith where others are lifted up and entrusted to God.
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.