ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH 118 State Street Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for those in our own circle of influence, how we treat those who are in need, and how we respond to those with whom we disagree will make a bigger difference in our quality of life and the lives of those we love than who will get elected president. Bottom line, if the possible result of this election scares you, then you have given away too much of your own power, and you have placed your trust and hope in the wrong place. Don't put your trust in human leaders; no human being can save you. (Psalm 146:3 Good News Translation) Be of good faith. Exercise your right to vote. And remember from whence your help comes, your help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. (Psalm121:2 paraphrase) pr Larry Hawkins (stepping down :-) ) Presiding Minister Director of Music Assisting Minister Eucharistic Minister Cantor Acolyte Lector Greeters Ushers Altar Guild Offering Counters Worship Leaders The Reverend Larry Hawkins Alex Ashman Karl Hawkins Ken Umbenhauer Wayne Noss Eric Smith Lennie Whitcomb Cheryl and Ed Smith Doug Kakuk and John Wesley Guy Kehler and Lindsay Mills Mike Ennis and Clair Gunnet, Jr. Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost October 16, :00 a.m. PHONE AND INTERNET INFORMATION Church phones: Office: Kitchen: addresses: Church Office churchoffice@stmikehbg.com Pastor Hawkins pastor@stmikehbg.com Web site:

2 Welcome to St. Michael Church PRAYERS BEFORE WORSHIP God of all the ages, you have revealed your grace in our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we wait patiently on your mercies, strengthen us to live in your justice, that with open hearts we may hear and accomplish your will, through Christ, who lights the way to life everlasting. Amen. Unchanging God, your steadfast love never ceases and your mercies never come to an end. We pray that you will send your strength and stability to us amidst all the changes of our lives. Look in special compassion on those whose lives are threatened by any form of evil, terrorism or war. Through our worship, empower us to be agents of stability, love and healing. Amen WORSHIP NOTES Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is the encouragement of the Christ of the gospel today. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ s table. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed. Persons with impairments - St. Michael offers to anyone with a hearing difficulty a small, remote personal speaker. We invite our guests who may need this to ask an usher for one. We welcome any comments concerning St. Michael's efforts to accommodate persons with impairments or disabilities. An enlarged copy of the bulletin is available. Please see an usher if you would like to use one. SOUL FOOD Part Two of our four-part discussion of racism will be on Sunday October 30 th after worship. We will have our traditional Pork and Sauerkraut meal (Thank you Lindsay Mills!) followed by our discussion of Christians and Racial Justice, Part 2. Our study guide can be downloaded here: Limited copies are available in the narthex. THANKSGIVING FOOD COLLECTION FOR LOAVES OF LOVE Today, Sunday, October 16th is World Food Day, the day when people around the world take action against hunger. ELCA World Hunger supports projects in 60 countries including the United States. For years the congregation of St. Michael has actively participated in the effort to help eradicate hunger in the Harrisburg area by supporting many local food pantries and providing food for needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. With Thanksgiving being just around the corner, our congregation will again be having a special food collection for Loaves of Love. This year Loaves of Love has again requested Stove Top Stuffing for turkey but for a change, instead of cranberry sauce, Ramen Noodles. Ramen Noodles is one of those favorite foods that isn't supplied by the PA Food Bank. As always Loaves of Love is very appreciative of our ongoing support and generosity. Let's see if this Thanksgiving we can supply 70 boxes of stuffing and 70 packs of Ramen Noodles. The last day for collection will be Sunday, November 6th with distribution on Wednesday, November 9th. Final Page Food for Thought (Steping up on my soapbox ) I have a strong opinion about the upcoming election. I will vote and I hope my candidate is the one to fill the office of The President of the United States. I have deep concerns about the direction this election will set for our nation, and for the world. At the same time, I firmly believe that there is far too much weeping and gnashing of teeth going on about the upcoming election, especially among those of us who claim to be Christian. While it is true that in the course of history national leaders have caused great distress, and done great harm, it is also true that our system of government has enough checks and balances built into it that none of the current candidates is going to have a free run of their agenda once they are in office. The world is not coming to an end based on the results of this election, and if you think it is, you have made an idol of the office of the presidency, and of our government itself. We need to wake up and realize that how we treat each other, how we care 2 15

3 The readings for Sunday, October 23, are Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22, Psalm 84:1-7, II Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, and Luke 18:9-14. We remember the following members and friends of St. Michael in prayer this week: Kevin Sheets, Clarence and Barbara Hawkins, Roy Smith, Art Cover, Jay, and Diana Pate. ALTAR FLOWERS are sponsored to the Glory of God by Lennie Whitcomb celebrating Lennie and Mary s anniversary. BULLETINS are sponsored to the Glory of God by Guy Kehler and Lindsay Mills celebrating Annie Young s baptismal anniversary ALL SAINTS DAY We will celebrate the Festival of All Saints Sunday, November 6. A display is set up in the upper narthex remembering all those persons who have lived and died in the faith. You are welcome to share your photos of those who have blessed your life. Also, the Book of the Names of the Dead is available for you to list the names of loved ones. These names will be lifted up during the Intercessory Prayers for the Festival of All Saints Day. PORK AND SAUERKRAUT DINNER - On Reformation Sunday, October 30, join us in Fellowship Hall after service for our annual Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner. There will be roasted pork, homemade sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, apple sauce and desserts. There will be a free will offering for the pastoral care fund. GREAT PUMPKIN CHASE The 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Chase, hosted by St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, will be held on Sunday October 9 a.m. This 5k race/walk & one mile fun run is a non-profit fund raising event with ALL proceeds benefiting four local outreach initiatives, including Health Ministries of Christ Lutheran, Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven, Downtown Daily Bread and Beacon Clinic of Hope. To participate in this event or to make a donation, please go to the web site at hbgpumpkinchase@gmail.com. PRISON WORK RELEASE WORSHIP SERVICE CELEBRATION On Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 4:00 p.m., the Prison Action Committee invites you to join in a celebration of God's work in the lives of those transitioning back into the community. Jonathan Queen, a native of Harrisburg who spent 10 years in federal prison, will be the guest speaker. As a returning citizen, Jonathan has graduated from seminary and is serving as youth pastor at a church in Maryland. The celebration will be held in the sanctuary of Christian Churches United, 413 South 19th Street, Harrisburg. A CELEBRATION OF WORD AND SACRAMENT PRELUDE +++GATHERING+++ CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the only Sovereign, who dwells in light; Christ Jesus, who came to save sinners; the Holy Spirit, who lives within us. Amen. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence is kept for reflection. God of overflowing grace, we come to you with repentant hearts. Forgive us for shallow thankfulness. Forgive us for passing by the ones in need. Forgive us for setting our hopes on fleeting treasures. Forgive us our neglect and thoughtlessness. Bring us home from the wilderness of sin, and strengthen us to serve you in all that we do and say; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. There is joy in heaven over every sinner who repents. By the grace of God in Christ Jesus, who gave himself up for us all, your sins are forgiven and you are made free. Rejoice with the angels and with one another! We are home in God s mercy, now and forever. Amen. GATHERING HYM If You But Trust In God To Guide You elw 769 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. 14 3

4 HYMN OF PRAISE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION BLESSING +++SENDING+++ God Almighty send you light and truth to keep you all the days of your life. The hand of God protect you; the holy angels accompany you; and the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever. Amen. SENDING SONG What A Fellowship, What A Joy Divine elw 774 DISMISSAL Go in peace. Remember the poor. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS ONGOING MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Helping Hands Ministry Sunday, Thursday and Friday at 4:00 p.m. Loaves of Love Ongoing food collection Communion for the Pates Third Sunday of the month Community Aid Collection Box CALENDAR FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 16 Pastor s Day Off Monday Choir Practice Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. 4 13

5 COMMUNION HYMN I Received The Living God PRAYER OF THE DAY +++WORD+++ FIRST READING Genesis 32:22-31 SONG AFTER COMMUNION 22 The same night [Jacob] got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24 Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, Let me go, for the day is breaking. But Jacob said, I will not let you go, unless you bless me. 27 So he said to him, What is your name? And he said, Jacob. 28 Then the man said, You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed. 29 Then Jacob asked him, Please tell me your name. But he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved. 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. PSALM Psalm 121 The refrain is sung by the cantor, repeated by the assembly. The psalm is sung antiphonally by the cantor and assembly, beginning with the cantor. The assembly sings the refrain where marked. 12 5

6 both now and forever. Amen I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heav- en and earth. The Lord will not let your foot be moved nor will the one who watches over you fall asleep. Behold, the keep- er of Israel will neither slum- ber nor sleep; R the Lord watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will preserve you from all evil and will keep your life. The Lord will watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth for- evermore. R 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. COMMUNION Communion is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ's love. To receive communion the assembly approaches the altar rail by the center aisle in two rows. The pastor will place the host (bread) in your hand, an assisting minister will have the wine. You may receive the wine either by common cup, or from the pouring chalice. To receive from the pouring chalice take a glass from the tray at the front of the center aisle. After you use the glass you may place it in the tray on the window sill as you return to your seat by the side aisle. SECOND READING II Timothy 3:14 4:5 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. 6 COMMUNION SONG Lamb Of God 11

7 The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE Holy God, our Bread of life, our Table, and our Food, you created a world in which all might be satisfied by your abundance. You dined with Abraham and Sarah, promising them life, and fed your people Israel with manna from heaven. You sent your Son to eat with sinners and to become food for the world. 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, therefore, his life given for us and his rising from the grave, we await his coming again to share with us the everlasting feast. By your Spirit nurture and sustain us with this meal: strengthen us to serve all in hunger and want, and by this bread and cup make of us the body of your Son. Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, 10 The word of God is liv- ing and active,* able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. GOSPEL Luke 18:1-8 The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. 1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, Grant me justice against my opponent. 4 For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming. 6 And the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY Day By Day elw 790 7

8 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. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Hear us, O God./Your mercy is great. OFFERING PRAYER DIALOGUE The presiding minister greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks. PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The assembly shares the Lord s peace with those nearby. MUSICAL OFFERING +++MEAL+++ OFFERING HYMN Let The Vineyards Be Fruitful PREFACE...we praise your name and join their unending hymn: 8 9