24 Sep BULLETIN – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2022
WELCOME to MESSIAH & ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCHES
The Reverend Nancy Brody, Pastor
Greta Wright, Music Director
Sunday, September 25, 2022
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Page 56
ENTRANCE HYMN Lord, Speak to Us, that We May Speak #403
1 Lord, speak to us, that we may speak
In living echoes of your tone;
As you have sought so let us seek
Your straying children , lost and lone.
2 Oh, lead is, Lord, that we may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet;
Oh, feed us, Lord, that we made feed
Your hung’ring ones with manna sweet.
3 Oh, teach us, Lord, that we may teach
The precious truths which you impart;
And wing our words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
4 Oh, fill us with your fullness, Lord,
Until our very hearts o’er flow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell , your praise to show.
APOSTOLIC GREETING Page 57
KYRIE and HYMN OF PRAISE Pages 57-60
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, rich in mercy, you look with compassion on this troubled world. Feed us with your grace, and grant us the treasure that comes only from you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
FIRST READING AMOS 6:1a, 4-7
Alas for those who are at ease in Zion, and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory, and lounge on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall; who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and like David improvise on instruments of music; who drink wine from bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile, and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.
PSALM 146
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
Put not your trust in rulers, in mortals in whom there is no help.
When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish.
The Lord gives justice to those who are oppressed. Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help, whose hope is in the Lord their God;
who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps promises forever;
who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger. The Lord sets the captive free.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord cares for the stranger; the Lord sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked.
The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah! The Lord gives justice to those who are oppressed.
SECOND READING 1 TIMOTHY 6:6-19
Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Page 62
GOSPEL LUKE 16:19-31
[Jesus said:] “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”
SERMON
HYMN of the DAY O Jesus, I Have Promised #503
1 Oh Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end
Remain forever near me, my master and my friend,
I shall not fear the battle if you are by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if you will be my guide.
2 Oh, let me feel you near me; the world is ever near.
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me, around me and within;
But, Jesus, then draw nearer, to shield my soul from sin.
3 Oh, let me hear you speaking, in accents clear and still
Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self will.
Now speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
Now speak and make me listen, O Guardian of my soul.
4 O Jesus, you have promised to all who follow you
That where you are in glory your servant shall be too.
And Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow, my master and my friend.
PROFESSION of FAITH/APOSTLE’S CREED Page 65
PRAYERS of INTERCESSION
As grains of wheat become flour, then bread, gather our prayers for the church, those in need, and all of creation. Stir us up and make us one. A brief silence.
God of all wealth and mercy, fill churches with righteousness, faith, love, endurance, compassion and gentleness. By your Spirit, empower us to be rich in good works and ready to share. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of all wealth and mercy, protect the earth and its creatures. Provide water, food, shelter, and favorable habitats, especially for threatened and endangered species. Preserve ice caps, glaciers, parks, and beaches. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of all wealth and mercy, make justice the predominate way of being among nations, local governments, and courtrooms. Guide lawyers and those who hold public office to act with compassion and discernment. Promote candidates who reflect your values. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of all wealth and mercy, give food to the hungry; set the captives free. Lift up those who are bowed down. Watch over the stranger. Tend to those who are ill (especially those on our prayer list). Stir us to act in the best interest of the poor, our neighbors regardless of proximity. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of all wealth and mercy, enliven our worship and praise. Inspire congregation members and all who contribute to the maintenance, ministries and meaning of this holy space. Help us make a godly positive impact upon the community and larger world. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of all wealth and mercy, enfold the saints who have died in the arms of your loving care. May holy angels comfort the grieving and accompany us to eternal life with them in the light of your presence. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of all wealth and mercy, you have gathered us and our prayers together in sweet communion with your Holy Spirit. We offer ourselves and these our prayers to you through Jesus Christ, our Savior and compassionate intercessor. Amen.
PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY Page 75
LORD’S PRAYER
BENEDICTION Page 74
CLOSING HYMN Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise #526
1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise!
2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
3 To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life though livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.
4 Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light;
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render; oh, help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
DISMISSAL Page 74
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 Ray and Helen Snyder in memory of Andrew & Sara Yeager.
Altar flowers at Messiah have been presented by Michael and Pam Jury in celebration of God’s love.
SUBS & SANDWICHES FOR SALE
St. Peter’s is taking orders for R&K subs and sandwiches. Orders are due Sunday, September 25 with delivery on Thursday, October 6 after 3 PM at St. Peter’s pavilion. For more information or to place an order, please call Diane Keister at 717- 896-3842.
TEEPEE TROT
The 2nd annual TeePee Trot 5K run/walk will be held on October 1st at 8:00 a.m. at Lake Tobias. Registration is $30 and includes a race T-shirt, designed by Pastor Brody’s husband Steve, as well as an admission pass to Lake Tobias!
Anyone interested in participating or making a $30 donation to receive this year’s T-shirt can pick up a registration form at either church or visit the race website at sites.google.com/view/teepee-trot-5K/home.
Half of the race proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of J. R. Tobias. Last year the race made a little over $2,700! We are looking for donations and volunteers to help run the event. If interested please contact Katie Jury at KAJ1211@comcast.net.
Volunteers will be needed on the day of the race.
PIONEER FESTIVAL
The Ladies Aid Pioneer Festival is set for Saturday, October 1st from 11 AM to 4 PM at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Pavilion D and E. The Park is located off Rte. 225, 3 miles north of Halifax. The Ladies Aid will be selling open kettle soups by the quart or bowl (Chicken Corn/Ham and Bean Soup), hot dogs with sauerkraut, barbeque, chips, baked goods, soda, juice boxes, bottled water, and coffee. Free children’s activities include hay rides, Primitive Shelter and Animal Skins, butter making, pioneer crafts, and obstacle course ( weather permitting), Quill and ink printing, and other activities. Bring the entire family and spend the day.
The Teepee Trot 5K and Kids’ Giraffe Fun Run at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park begins at 8 AM. Proceeds will benefit both Messiah church and the Alzheimer’s Association. Other partners include Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Friends of Fort Halifax Park, Halifax Area Historical Society, and Graceful Acres.
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 link 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.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER
25 – 16th Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM at St. Peter Pavilion
Worship Service at Messiah
St. Peter sub order due
Assemble Personal Care Kits during the adult Sunday School hour @ Messiah.
26 – 7:00 PM Bell Choir rehearsal
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR OCTOBER
1 – 8:00 AM TeePee Trot
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Pioneer Festival
2 – 17th Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM Worship @ St. Peter Pavilion, including Holy Communion
10:00 AM Worship @ Messiah including Holy Communion