Gathering. Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 17, :15 am & 10:15 am. PRELUDE Echo Fantasia Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck WELCOME

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1 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 17, :15 am & 10:15 am Bible Verse of the Month: Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8) Gathering PRELUDE Echo Fantasia Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck Please use the prelude as a quiet time to prepare yourself for worship. WELCOME You are invited to stand. CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, the one who fashions us, the one who heals us, the one who reforms us again and again. Amen. Let us confess our sin, calling for God's transforming power. You may kneel or remain standing Source of all life, we confess that we have not allowed your grace to set us free. We fear that we are not good enough. We hear your word of love freely given to us, yet we expect others to earn it. We turn the church inward, rather than moving it outward. Forgive us. Stir us. Reform us to be a church powered by love, willing to speak for what is right, act for what is just, and seek the healing of your whole creation. Amen. God hears our cry and sends the Spirit to change us and to empower our lives in the world. Our sins are forgiven, God s love is unconditional, and we are raised up as God s people who will always be made new, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2 You are invited to stand and face the processional cross. GATHERING HYMN Holy God, We Praise Your Name Hymn #414 GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. HYMN OF PRAISE 2

3 PRAYER OF THE DAY O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Please be seated. RENEWAL FOR GROWTH Word LESSON Romans 14:1-12 This Christian community has significant struggles with diversity. Here Paul helps us understand that despite different practices in worship and personal piety, we do not judge one another. All Christians belong to the Lord Jesus Christ who died for all of us and will judge each of us. LESSON Romans 14:1-12 Holy Bible pg. 170 (NT) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. You are invited to stand. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 3

4 The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. GOSPEL Matthew 18:21-35 When Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness, Jesus responds with a parable that suggests human forgiveness should mirror the unlimited mercy of God. GOSPEL Matthew 18:21-35 Holy Bible pg (NT) The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive Hymn #605 BLESSING OF BACKPACKS AND CARING ADULTS PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. After sharing the Peace, please be seated. Offering MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Blessing of the Pets, Retreat, Pancake Breakfast OFFERING Cantate Domino (8:15 a.m.) Hans Leo Hassler Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, and bless His name: announce His salvation from day to day. Announce among the nations His glory, and his wonders to all peoples. On Eagle s Wings (10:15 a.m.) arr. Mark Hayes You are invited to stand. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Response: Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer. Meal WELCOME TO THE LORD S TABLE 4

5 THE GREAT THANKSGIVING is a meal prayer. Eucharist is the Greek word for thanksgiving. Before we come forward to eat as a congregation and family of God, we give thanks to God. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. WORDS OF INSTITUTION THE LORD S PRAYER is the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples to pray found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Please be seated. THE DISTRIBUTION Bethany welcomes all to receive the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion. An usher will direct you forward for communion. There are several stations across the front of the seating sections. Groups are welcome to visit a communion station together. You will receive a piece of bread in your hand, please dip the bread into the cup of wine. Those who are not receiving communion are invited to receive a blessing. Note that the communion station at the center has gluten-free bread and alcohol-free wine. LAMB OF GOD 5

6 COMMUNION MUSIC Sing to the Lord (8:15 a.m.) Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck COMMUNION HYMN Let Us Break Bread Together Hymn #471 You are invited to stand. BLESSING Sending BENEDICTION Please face the cross as it recesses. SENDING HYMN How Firm a Foundation Hymn #796 DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God! POSTLUDE Toccata in E Minor Johann Pachelbel Liturgical Text and Worship Notes: From Sundays and Seasons.com 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS

7 WORSHIP LEADERS PASTORS ORGANIST ASSISTING MINISTER Pastor Gary Sandberg, Pastor Russ Britton, Pastor Brigette Weier Rick Seaton Marie Friedemann LECTOR (Coordinator: Ron Gusé) MUSICIANS ACOLYTES COMMUNION ASSISTANTS (Coordinators: Karen Tennien, 8:15 a.m. Alison Betts, 10:15 a.m.) SACRISTAN (Coordinator: Dave Malucky) USHERS (Coordinators: Dave Okes, 8:15 a.m. Andy Gift, 10:15 a.m.) SOUND TECHNICIANS (Coordinators: Forrest Guittar, Laura Romig) ALTAR GUILD (Coordinator: Linda Sather) NURSERY ATTENDANTS Koren Holden (8:15 a.m.) Martin Johnson (10:15 a.m.) Chancel Choir, James Kim, Director (8:15 a.m.) John Wollan (10:15 a.m.) Joe Miller, Morgan Rewerts (8:15 a.m.) Emma Ackerman, Bella Clark (10:15 a.m.) Jeanette Arps Manos, Marie Friedemann, Mel Stolzenburg, Bev Van Kirk (8:15 a.m.) Larry Daub, Nickie Fowler, Marie Friedemann, Anada Gusé, Carol Ann Watson (10:15 a.m.) Dave Malucky Bev Beattie, Jeff Finnin, Ken Griepentrog, Noel Hasselgren, David Malucky, Mark Mertz, Frank Osminer (8:15 a.m.) David Clausen, Clark Colton, Kenneth Hansen, David Laverty, Gail Luttinen, Diane McAllen, Steve Rogge (10:15 a.m.) David Lawal, Jacob Lusk Deb Distler, Kathy Good, Gail Hipke, Carol Rankin Kathy Shearer, Lori Braden 7

8 HURRICANE DONATIONS CAN BE MADE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: Visit ELCA.org and donate to Lutheran Disaster Response. LDR is supported by the Lutheran church bodies so that 100% of your donations will go directly to relief Write a check (made out to Bethany with Hurricane Relief in the note) and return it in a Second Mile Giving envelope found in your pew rack Donate at the kiosk. 8

9 Worship Schedule Sundays: 8:15 & 10:15 a.m. ~ Wednesdays: 6:30 p.m. Also available: Watch live streaming and archived services at We welcome our new worshipers today! Please fill out a Connection Card found in the pew rack and join in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. To learn more about Bethany s Bible studies and various ministries, pick up a Life Together at Bethany booklet at the Welcome Center or download it from our website - Bethany hosts New Worshiper Information Sessions quarterly and then receives new members. The next session is October 1 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 209. Schedule a home visit with a pastor to discuss how Bethany s ministries might connect with your faith journey. Contact Sarah at sarah@bethany-denver.org. Welcome Drew Culp, our Faith Formation Intern for the program year! You will see Drew in all areas of Faith Formation here at Bethany. Be sure to say hello! WE RE HIRING Bethany Lutheran Church is currently seeking: A full time Faith Formation Administrative Assistant & Evangelism Coordinator A full time Faith Formation Director of Youth Full job descriptions can be found online at under "Welcome." Contact Pastor Brigette at brigette@bethanydenver.org with any other questions or to apply. TODAY AT BETHANY Today we will bless backpacks or book bags of our children, youth, and anyone who would like a blessing! Please write a sentence of blessing on the square of paper that you received from the ushers for our young people as they begin a new school year. They will be in the aisles after the hymn of the day and you will be able to place the words of blessings into their backpacks. We will also bless our Sunday School, Youth and Adult Faith Formation caring adults! Stop in the Fellowship Hall today for a pancake breakfast by the Boy Scouts. A freewill offering will be taken. Please be generous! More Adult Faith Formation classes begin this week. All classes run from 9:20-9:55 a.m. on Sunday mornings unless otherwise noted. Sundays, starting TODAY: Ever Reforming with Karl Evans and Marie Friedemann in room 210 Today s Text with the preaching pastor in room 212 Mondays, starting September 18: The Y ear Long Discipleship class will be held from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in room 212, provided there are a minimum of eight people registered for the course. Wednesdays, starting September 20: Holding Your Family Together with Keith Langford from 7:07-8:00 p.m. in room 212 Senior High Youth Group starts tonight in the Great Hall at 6:00 p.m.! Come for pizza, salad, information on the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston (June 24-July 2, 2018), camp, the rest of the year, and more! We will play some games, as well. Parents: please attend the dinner with the informational meeting on summer trips. Refuge will start next week, September 24 at 6:00 p.m. Invite a friend! Rehearsals for Celebration Youth Choir begin today! Rehearsals run weekly on Sundays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. All new singers are welcome! Bethany Goes To Camp! Today is the last day to register for the Bethany Lutheran Church Retreat from September 29 - October 1 at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Final payments are also due at registration. Please go to the Welcome Center to pick up a brochure for registration information or contact Pastor Russ (russ@bethany-denver.org) for more info. 9

10 THIS WEEK Ron Swanson's Committal Service with full military honors will be held at Fort Logan Cemetery, shelter A, on Wednesday, September 20 at 3:00 p.m. Operation One Nation will lay flowers on Ron s grave, and honor him with a brief period of silence and respect following the service. It s not too late to join children s choir or bell choir! All rehearsals are held on Wednesday nights. Visit the Welcome Center, or contact Juli at juli@bethany-denver.org for more information. Thursday Women s Study Group: This women s Bible Study meets each Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in room 208 beginning September 21. Our new theme will be Waiting, a study on patience, hope, and trust. Need more information? Call Ginny at Usher Appreciation Brunch: Please join us on Saturday, September 23 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in room 315/316. Veteran ushers, new ushers, and those interested in becoming an usher are all invited! RSVP to Dave at daveokes@allstate.com or (8:15 a.m.), or Andy at andy@andygift.com or (10:15 a.m.) as soon as possible! NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 Bethany s Blessing of the Pets Service will be held next Sunday, September 24 at 12:15 p.m. in the Courtyard. Bring your dog, cat, iguana, hamster, gerbil, fish or whatever to receive a blessing. God created us all! Preschool and Kindergarten Families: The second class of the Confession and Forgiveness milestone is next Sunday, September 24. Please meet in the Chapel at 9:20 a.m. After the class, the preschoolers and kindergarteners will lead confession and forgiveness in the 10:15 a.m. worship. See you there! Professional Countertenor, Mikah Meyer, will be at Bethany on September 24 as part of his world record, 3-year road trip to all 417 National Park Service sites. To keep this project going, he "sings for his supper" and receives donations to fuel him to the next park. Come hear Mikah sing at both services, and attend his adult education class in room 208 on faith, the great outdoors, and acceptance for LBGT people in Christianity. LOOKING AHEAD Help erace World Hunger at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp s 10th Annual Grace Race on Saturday October 7! This event is held in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network and sponsored by several congregations (including Bethany Lutheran!). We are aiming for 400 participants for this year s race. Register online at 5k/ or contact Pastor Russ for more information at russ@bethany-denver.org. NEW Joy of Living Women s Bible Study, Treasures from the Parables begins September 28. This group meets on Thursdays twice per month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Bethany through April Contact Darla at mstestdoc@aol.com or for more information and books. Faithful Readers Bookclub: Join us as we read and discuss a new book selection each month. We will be discussing September s book, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, on Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bethany Library. All are welcome to join at any time; we have a new selection each month. For more information, contact Judi Burchfield at judi@bethany-denver.org or The Women of Bethany will be sponsoring a food breakdown on October 15. Join us in the Fellowship Hall during our fellowship time to help bag beans and rice for Metro Caring. The Men s Ministry will help with the heavy lifting. Donate to this event at the kiosk under Food Breakdown or by making a note on your check. Your donations help purchase more food and feed more people. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Our Quilts of Many Colors: The Bethany Patchers are hosting a blessing and sale of quilts on October 15, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Proceeds will help the Patchers buy more materials to meet their goal of sending 100+ quilts to Lutheran World Relief, which provides quilts to the world s poorest people. Theater & Theology: The next play on the schedule is Smart People on Tuesday, October 24. The lives of four Harvard intellectuals collide over race, sexual 10

11 politics and arrogance in this sexy, serious and very, very funny show (Variety). Ticket are $35 and should be purchased at the Welcome Center by October 1. MORE WAYS TO CONNECT & SERVE Confirmation families: Did you miss orientation last Wednesday? You can watch the informational meeting by going to and looking up September 13, Confirmation Meeting.. Please watch this important message on our program shifts for the coming year. Contact Pastor Brigette with questions. Bell Ringers Needed: Bethany s adult handbell choir, Carillons, is looking for two new ringers. Weekly rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. starting after Labor Day. Ringers must be able to read music, but that is the only requirement. Interested? Contact Jeff at jeff@bethany-denver.org for more information. God s Word for the Week: Bible Study, Room 2l0. Mondays at 9:00 a.m. & Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. Centering Prayer: Thursdays in the Library at 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. XYZ, or extra Years of Zip, is open to all seniors on Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall. From 9:30-11:30 a.m., attendees play bridge or hand & foot, or simply socialize. There is a brief Worship service at 11:30 a.m., directly followed by a hot lunch ($5.00 per person). No sign up required! Contact Kathy at kshearer073@gmail.com with any questions. Deborah Circle: This women s Bible Study offers lively discussions, fellowship, and thoughtful reflections centered around WELCA s excellent magazine, Gather (you can subscribe to Gather at We meet from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Contact Gail at with questions. Flowers Today are given by Bill & Barb Schuster in celebration of their 66th wedding anniversary, and by Joyce Laudert in thanksgiving for Bethany. Sign up to donate flowers at the Welcome Center. $35 donation. Life and Safety Extension Cords Needed! Bethany s Life Safety Committee volunteers meet and greet worshipers on Sunday mornings and would like to expand their numbers. If you would like to plug in to this opportunity, please contact David at or Janet at Fall Ushers Needed! With our new service times here, ushering is the perfect way for you to start your new fall routine. If interested, contact Dave at or daveokes@allstate.com (8:15 a.m.) or Andy at or andy@andygift.com (10:15 a.m.). ACCESSIBILITY AT BETHANY Hearing Assistance: Please see the Sound Tech in the sound booth if you need a hearing assistant device. Please see the ushers for a large print bulletin. 11

12 RENEWAL FOR GROWTH KICKS OFF TODAY! Bethany s Renewal for Growth kicks off today. By now, you all should have received a brochure outlining the campaign, along with a pledge commitment form and a letter from Pastor Gary. Work associated with the campaign is underway because of early, lead gifts received from some of you. Our new organ console will soon be installed and the pipes have been cleaned. We now have architectural plans for the refurbished Fellowship Hall as well. Next steps include refurbishment of the Sanctuary and other maintenance needs. We re thankful to our lead donors, but, it s going to take a full-scale effort by the congregation to reach our goal. What does that look like? We d like to see a commitment from 500 families. Why 500? As you re probably aware, on Sunday, October 29 we ll be celebrating the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. Beginning today, and every Sunday through Reformation, there will be a table set up in the Fellowship Hall where you can view the architectural plans and drawing of the refurbished facility. We ll have people available each Sunday at the table to answer your questions and accept your commitment card. You can also pick up a copy of the brochure if you didn t get one. In conjunction with our 500 th anniversary theme we have a 500-piece puzzle of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany where Luther posted his 95 theses. In the coming Sundays, we ll add a puzzle piece for each family making a commitment. Between now and Reformation Sunday, we ll look to complete the puzzle. We need your piece to complete it! Bethany Lutheran Church 4500 East Hampden Avenue Cherry Hills Village, CO