Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 9, :00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

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1 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 9, :00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Introduction to the Day James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don t deserve the goods meant for God s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings her or his need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.

2 Welcome to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church! If you are a visitor, please know that the restrooms are out the door in the back of the right side of the worship space, up the ramp to the left, across that room, and down the hall to the offices on the right side before you get to the offices. If you need the nursery, go out the door in the back of the right side of the worship space, down the steps to the right, and through the door at the bottom of the steps to your right. It has a sign on it. There is a changing table and a rocker available there. The nursery is not staffed. Communion Statement The belief of this congregation is that participation in the Lord s Supper is the reception of the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us to eat and drink (Luther s Small Catechism, ELW p. 1166). We believe that a person who has faith in these words, given for you and shed for you for the forgiveness of sin, is really worthy and well prepared. However, a person who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, because the words for you require truly believing hearts (Luther s Small Catechism, ELW p. 1166). Prayers for before worship and before receiving communion can be found on page 72 in the front of Evangelical Lutheran Worship. At this service, communion is distributed at the foot of the chancel steps. You will be given a piece of bread to eat, then you will be given a small cup filled with wine to drink. When you are done with the small cup, please put it in the tray held by the next person you see, which will either be empty or have other empty small cups in it. Prayers for after receiving communion and after worship can be found on pages 72 and 73 in the front of Evangelical Lutheran Worship. May the Spirit bless our time of worship. 2

3 GATHERING PRELUDE: "Dominus regit me" John B. Dykes, arr. K. Norris Please stand. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen. In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 3

4 GATHERING SONG Earth and All Stars! (ELW 731) 1 Earth and all stars! Loud rushing planets! Sing to the Lord a new song! Hail, wind, and rain! Loud blowing snowstorm! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain Refrain God has done marvelous things. I too sing praises with a new song! 2 Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals! Sing to the Lord a new song! Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 3 Engines and steel! Loud pounding hammers! Sing to the Lord a new song! Limestone and beams! Loud building workers! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 4 Classrooms and labs! Loud boiling test tubes! Sing to the Lord a new song! Athlete and band! Loud cheering people! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 5 Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom! Sing to the Lord a new song! Daughter and son! Loud praying members! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 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. 4

5 KYRIE 5

6 THE FEAST 6

7 The Lord be with you. And also with you. PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord. Amen. Please be seated. WORD CHILDREN'S MESSAGE FIRST READING: Isaiah 35:4-7a These verses are a word of hope to the exiles in Babylon. Chapter 34 portrays God s vengeance on Edom, Israel s age-old enemy, which makes the path from Babylon to Zion safe for the exiles return. The desert itself will flow with water to give drink to the returning exiles. A reading from Isaiah: 7

8 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7a the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. PSALM Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. 3 Put not your trust in rulers, in mortals in whom there is no help. 4 When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish. 5 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help, whose hope is in the LORD their God; 6 who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps promises forever; 7 who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger. The LORD sets the captive free. 8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. 8

9 9 The LORD cares for the stranger; the LORD sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. 10 The LORD shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah! SECOND READING: James 2:1-10 [11-13] Faithful Christians do not show partiality to the rich and powerful of the world, especially at the expense of the poor and weak. Likewise, faith does not pay mere lip-service to God s will. Instead, a living Christian faith expresses itself in acts of compassion and mercy for those in need. A reading from James. 1 My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, Have a seat here, please, while to the one who is poor you say, Stand there, or, Sit at my feet, 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? 7 Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? 8 You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as 9

10 transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? 17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand for the gospel. GOSPEL: Mark 7:24-37 In Mark s gospel, encounters with women usually signify turning points in Jesus ministry. Here, a conversation with a Syrophoenician woman marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles. The holy gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. 24 [Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, 25 but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children s food and throw it to the dogs. 28 But she answered him, Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children s crumbs. 29 Then he said to her, For saying that, you may go the demon has left your daughter. 30 So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. 31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 10

11 32 They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34 Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. 35 And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 They were astounded beyond measure, saying, He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Please be seated. SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY: Light Dawns on a Weary World (ELW 726) Please stand. 1 Light dawns on a weary world when eyes begin to see all people's dignity. Light dawns on a weary world: the promised day of justice comes. Refrain The trees shall clap their hands; the dry lands, gush with springs; the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing! We shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace, as all the world in wonder echoes shalom. 11

12 2 Love grows in a weary world when hungry hearts find bread and children's dreams are fed. Love grows in a weary world: the promised feast of plenty comes. Refrain 3 Hope blooms in a weary world when creatures, once forlorn, find wilderness reborn. Hope blooms in a weary world: the promised green of Eden comes. Refrain Refrain The trees shall clap their hands; the dry lands, gush with springs; the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing! We shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace, as all the world in wonder echoes shalom. APOSTLES' CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 12

13 PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each petition ends: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. The prayer concludes: Into your wide embrace, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your boundless mercy through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ s peace, and may say, Peace be with you, or similar words. Please be seated. MEAL OFFERTORY: Amazing Grace Southern Harmony, 1854 Please stand as the offering is brought forward. 13

14 OFFERING HYMN: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful (ELW #184) OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. God of life, you give us these gifts of the earth, these resources of our life and our labor. Take them, offered in great thanksgiving, and use them to set a table that will heal the whole creation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Light. Amen. GREAT THANKSGIVING 14

15 DIALOGUE 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. PREFACE It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: 15

16 THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE Holy God, you alone are holy, you alone are God. The universe declares your praise: beyond the stars; beneath the sea; within each cell; with every breath. We praise you, O God. Generations bless your faithfulness: through the water; by night and day; across the wilderness; out of exile; into the future. We bless you, O God. We give you thanks for your dear Son: at the heart of human life; near to those who suffer; beside the sinner; among the poor; with us now. We thank you, O God. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Remembering his love for us on the way, at the table, and to the end, we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We pray for the gift of your Spirit: in our gathering; within this meal; among your people; throughout the world. Blessing, praise, and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your Spirit, in your church, without end. Amen. 16

17 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. COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION COMMUNION SONG. 17

18 DISTRIBUTION HYMN: Healer of Our Every Ill (ELW 612) Refrain Healer of our ev'ry ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow. 1 You who know our fears and sadness, grace us with your peace and gladness; Spirit of all comfort, fill our hearts. Refrain 2 In the pain and joy beholding how your grace is still unfolding, give us all your vision, God of love. Refrain 3 Give us strength to love each other, ev'ry sister, ev'ry brother; Spirit of all kindness, be our guide. Refrain 4 You who know each thought and feeling, teach us all your way of healing; Spirit of compassion, fill each heart. Refrain SONG AFTER COMMUNION: Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise (Nelson) (ELW 207) Thankful hearts and voices raise; tell ev'ryone what God has done. Let ev'ryone who seeks the Lord rejoice and bear the name of Christ. Send us with your promises and lead your people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia, alleluia. 18

19 PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray. Holy and compassionate God, in bread and wine you give us gifts that form us to be humble and courageous. May your words come to life in our serving and in our witness, that we might speak a living voice of healing and justice to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer. Amen. Please stand. SENDING ANNOUNCEMENTS BLESSING Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. SENDING SONG: Lead Me, Guide Me (ELW 768) DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE: "Postlude in Classic Style Gordon Young From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.] 19

20 Worship leaders today are: Presiding Minister: Rev. Dr. Eric L. Bodenstab Assisting Minister: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Organist: Jean Bossetti Lector: (8:00) Dick Long (10:30) Suella Davis Children s Message: Carolyn Steinfeldt Prayers of the People: Marj Burton Serving Bread: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Communion Assistants: (8:00) Tom & Cindy Patterson (10:30) Earl & Bea Rosen Sound Board: (8:00) Janet Stradtman (10:30) Tim Kostel Ushers: (8:00) Randy Koch, Diane Ernst, Dan Owens, Andrew Castello, Savannah Castello and Patty Pascoe (10:30) Bill Bossetti, Elaine Conley, Greg & Tami Schultz, and Chet Leser Gathering Hosts: (8:00) Alan & Kaye Kuzell (10:30) Jim & Barb Thom Greeters: Bill & Joyce Dahnke Altar Guild: Anna Johnson One side vase is given in memory of the birthday of Geraldine Butler by her family. One side vase is given by Phyllis Tucker in loving memory of her husband, Monte. The center vase is given in loving memory of Laura Stellhorn by Beth Lenhart. Attendance/Offering September 1 st & 2 nd (195) General Fund Offering received $9, Weekly budgeted amount $7, Midweek General Fund Offering received $10, Weekly budgeted amount $7, Total General Fund amount received $19,

21 NEXT WEEK S READINGS Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 116:1-9, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 CARE & SHARE VOLUNTEERS FOR MONDAY, September 10 th Roger & Barb Newton, Mike Bailey and Vicki Boesch NEW BEGINNINGS: The Fall ministries begin today. Check out the possibilities both old and new, to see where you might connect! The Fall Small Group with Pastor Eric will be meeting every Wednesday from 12:15 1:00 p.m. beginning September 12 th through October 31 st. Please bring your lunch and meet in the Stellhorn Library as we discuss the ELCA Social Statements. Are you interested in singing about God s creation all year? Come and meet Zion s Cherub Choir! Ages preschool through 6 th grade are welcome! Our first practice will be Thursday, September 13 th from 5:30-6:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in the sanctuary. 21

22 During the month of September 2018, we are sponsoring Officer Bronson Lillo and ask that you commit to pray for him and his family on a daily basis. If you wish to drop off an encouraging note or card, stop by the Adopt A Cop table located in the Gathering Room and drop it in the bin. All correspondence will be delivered at the end of the month, so this is a unique opportunity to personally share our support with local Law Enforcement. Thank you for being God s voice and hands extended into the community! Officer Bronson Lillo Ofc. Bronson Lillo was hired as a full time officer on 10/22/15 for the Sandusky Police Department. He was assigned to the patrol division and is now currently one of the department s Community Impact Officers. He was born and raised in the Willard area. He got into law enforcement to serve the community and enjoys interacting with the public. You can usually find him walking in the downtown area as well as in the parks along the west side of the city. Please join us for a Meet & Greet on September 16th at 11:45 am (following 10:30 service) with Officer Lillo. ******************************************************** Our officers deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness in giving the cereal/granola/protein bars. If you would like to donate a box for the Grab and Go basket, please place at the Adopt-A-Cop table or bring into the church office. 22

23 Saturday, September 29 th 8:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 502 Bardshar Rd., Sandusky, OH Take a few hours out of your busy schedule for a time of prayer, devotion, fellowship, and growing in God s word. In-Kind Gifts: School Supplies for Sandusky area children in need. Registration and coffee hour starts at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $5.00 (paid at the door includes coffee hour and lunch) Please RSVP by September 23 rd to Elaine Conley at or canread78@yahoo.com Bonnie Bauerle is celebrating her 90 th birthday on October 1 st. Her family would like to celebrate her day with a Card Shower from you! She came from a generation where cards were a way to celebrate important life events. Please join in celebrating her birthday by sending a birthday wish to: Bonnie Bauerle th Ave. South Escanaba, MI

24 To view the full calendar of events and the current weekly announcements please visit our website at Zionsandusky.org This week in Ministry: Sunday, September 9 8:00/10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Inter-generational Activities In the Gathering Room 3:00 p.m. Confirmation Upstairs Monday, September 10 4:30 p.m. Sandusky Concert Assoc. Meeting Room 204 5:30 p.m. Temple Care Takers Library 6:00 p.m. Firelands Chorus Board Mtg. Room 203 6:30 p.m. Quilters Basement 6:30 p.m. Troop 8 Scouts Basement 7:00 p.m. Firelands Chorus Sanctuary Tuesday, September 11 9:00 a.m. Quilters Basement 1:00 p.m. Lectionary Study at Mr. Smith s Coffee House. Wednesday, September 12 7:30 a.m. Lectionary Study Library 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 12:15 p.m. Small Group Study - Library 7:00 p.m. Council Library Thursday, September 13 5:30 p.m. Cherub Choir Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. JOY Time St. Paul Lutheran 7:00 p.m. Senior Choir - Basement Friday, September 14 Saturday, September 15 6:00 p.m. Worship Pastor, Eric. L. Bodenstab Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon 503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH (419) zionelc@zionsandusky.org Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission (FLAMe) Our 10:30 a.m. service is broadcast each Sunday over