Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 24, 2017 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission (FLAMe) 503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 625-2112 email: zionelc@zionsandusky.org website: www.zionsandusky.org Pastor Eric L. Bodenstab Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost Deacon, Carolyn Steinfeldt September 24, 2017 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Worship INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY Matthew narrates one of Jesus controversial parables, in which Jesus says the reign of God is like workers who get paid the same no matter when they start. When God changes his mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Luther wrote, in the presence of God s mercy we are all beggars. ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING PRELUDE: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us Paul Manz Please stand CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 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. 2
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. GATHERING SONG: HYMN #893 Before You, Lord, We Bow 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. KYRIE CANTICLE OF PRAISE 3
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PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Please be seated WORD (8:00) SENIOR CHOIR: Praise the Lord, ye Heavens Adore Him David Dunbar Text adopted from the Psalms CHILDREN S MESSAGE First Reading: Jonah 3:10-4:11 Page 845 in the NRSV pew Bible After Jonah s short sermon in 3:4, the Ninevites all repented and God decided to spare the city. Jonah objected to this and became even more angry when God ordered a worm to destroy a plant that was providing shade. The book ends with a question that challenges any who are not ready to forgive: You, Jonah, are all worked up about a bush, but should not I be concerned about a hundred and twenty thousand Ninevites who do not know the difference between their right and left hands? The reading concludes: The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. PSALM 145:1-8 I will exalt you, my God and king, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day will I bless you and praise your name forever and ever. R 3 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised! There is no end to your greatness. 4 One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your power. R 5
5 I will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty and all your marvelous works. 6 They shall tell of the might of your wondrous acts, and I will recount your greatness. R 7 They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; they shall sing joyfully of your righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. R SECOND READING: Philippians 1:21-30 Page 1069 in the NRSV pew Bible Paul writes to the Philippians from prison. Though he is uncertain about the outcome of his imprisonment, he is committed to the ministry of the gospel and calls on the Philippians to live lives that reflect and enhance the gospel mission. The reading concludes: The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW #509) 6
The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. GOSPEL: Matthew 20:1-16 Pages 897 in the NRSV pew Bible Jesus tells a parable about God s generosity, challenging the common assumption that God rewards people according to what they have earned or deserve. The reading concludes: This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Please be seated SERMON Please stand HYMN OF THE DAY #707 Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us 8:00 - 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. 10:30 BAPTISM Please use the baptism bulletin for this portion of the service then place in the hymnal rack on pew. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Please be seated 7
MEAL OFFERTORY: Prelude on Dennis Neil Harmon Please stand OFFERTORY HYMN #639 When We Are Living OFFERTORY PRAYER Let us pray. Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: ourselves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. THE GREAT THANKGIVING DIALOGUE PREFACE 8
SANCTUS THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord... to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. 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 DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION 9
LAMB OF GOD COMMUNION HYMN #656 Blest Be the Tie That Binds Please stand POST COMMUNION CANTICLE: 10
POST COMMUNION PRAYER Let us pray. We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SENDING BLESSING Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. CLOSING HYMN #669 DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve the Lord! Thanks be to God. Rise Up, O Saints of God! POSTLUDE: Rise Up, O Saints of God! Ronald Nelson Copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress LiturgiesAnnual License #SAS000001. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Kyrie from Deutsche Messe used with the approval of the Committee on Divine Worship, Adaption Copyright @1985, 1989, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc. Worship leaders today are: Presiding Minister: Rev. Dr. Eric Bodenstab Assisting Minister: Carolyn Steinfeldt Organist: Ron Borchardt Senior Choir Director: Ron Albert Lector: (8:00) Addison Stradtman (10:30) Mike Bailey Children s Message: Hope Bailey Prayers of the People: Marjorie Burton Serving Bread: Carolyn Steinfeldt Communion Assistants: (8:00) Jenn Long & Tricia Stradtman (10:30) Chet Leser & George Clements Sound Board: (8:00) Dean Meyers (10:30) Bob Butler Ushers: (8:00) Randy Koch, Andy Castello, Joyce Leimbach, and Diane Ernst (10:30) Lyle Marquardt, Gary Yontz, Ron Dahs, George Clements, and Elaine Conley, and Bill Bossetti Gathering Hosts: (8:00) Chris Antel (10:30) Patti Keller & Mike Gast Greeters: Jeannie Johnson Altar Guild: Anna Johnson 11
One side vase is given by Carla Mitchell in memory of the birthday of Pam Lindsley. The center vase is given by Earl & Sue Van Barg in honor of their 45 th wedding anniversary. At the 10:30 worship service, Zion welcomes into the family of faith through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism: Aubrey Jane Dingess, daughter of Michael & Ashley Dingess. Aubrey s baptismal sponsors (godparents) are Lindsay Johnson, Josh York, and Adam Gahm. We also welcome Brady Michael Johnson, son of Christopher & Lindsay Johnson. Brady s baptismal sponsors are Ashley Dingess and Ryan Brunner. Attendance/Offering September 16 th & 17 th (243) General Fund Offering received $5,709.00 Midweek General Fund Offering received $1,356.00 Weekly budgeted amount $7,480.77 - Total General Fund amount received $7,065.00 EVENTS TODAY! Pastor s Sunday Morning Adult Forum 9:15 a.m. Sunday Mornings in the Library By heart Conversations with Martin Luther s Small Catechism September 24 th The Ten Commandments October 1 st The Apostles Creed October 8 th The Lord s Prayer October 15 th The Sacrament of Holy Baptism and Confession October 22 nd The Sacrament of the Altar October 29 th Daily Prayer and the Household Charts SCAASP NEWS: TODAY following the 10:30 worship service, we will have a general meeting/orientation for Team Zion in the Library for current members and anyone interested in joining us for the 2017-2018 school year (even if it is behind the scenes). There are so many ways to be involved! Come to the meeting and discover your calling! Bring a favorite snack to share and get ready to let the good times roll! TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. upstairs in Room 204 Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue 6:30-8 pm in Zion Basement. 12
Readings for September 30 th Oct. 1 st : Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32, Psalm 25:1-9, Philippians 2:1-13, and Matthew 21:23-32 Common Lectionary Text Study with Pastor Eric and Pastor Katie Suggitt at Mr. Smith s Coffee House, 140 Columbus Ave. in Downtown Sandusky, every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. Join together to study the readings for the coming Sunday. Everyone is welcome! Care & Share Volunteers - Friday, September 29, 2017 Pat Bricker-Cook, Laura Stellhorn, Ron & Carol Albert THANK YOU Zion members for your continued support of Care and Share through your gifts of food and monetary gifts. Since Care and Share started we have had support of volunteers (who are aging) and we have been shifting times trying to cover our open hours. Through these changes we have developed a need for volunteers on Tuesdays to serve from 9:00 to 11:00 and 1:00 to 3:00; we have found that four is the best number to cover each shift. Some of our volunteers for Fridays consist of two couples working together or just four individuals. If you could help in any way it would be greatly appreciated. We have a great team on Fridays and want to keep that. Any additional help would be appreciated! Please call Linda Miller-Moore at 419-624-1411 so that we can extend Zion's support of this community support group! A special thank you to everyone who helped with the First Responders Breakfast last Saturday. Our heartfelt thanks to those who contributed money, goods, and time for set up as well as serving on Saturday. Disaster Relief: If you would like to assist financially to victims of the hurricanes, you can go to our website main page and click on the link ELCA Disaster Relief and it will walk you through the steps to make a donation on line. If you prefer to send a check you may do so by making checks payable to Lutheran Disaster Response. Write Hurricane Response on your check s memo line and send to: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America P.O. Box 1809 Merrifield, VA 22116-8009 Ministry Opportunity: We have a great need for someone to head up the Helping Hearts ministry. Please prayerfully consider this vitally important ministry opportunity. Contact the church office if you are interested. Thank you! 13
Steps Toward Greater Unity Join our Fall series of guided discussions in Lutheran-Catholic unity as we look to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation next month. Pastor Eric and Father Joe will guide discussions that affirm and celebrate our Lutheran and Catholic communities and at the same time examine three areas of church practices yet to be reconciled. All are welcome to join this new sets of discussions based on a resource document provided by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Declaration of the Way: Church, Ministry, and Eucharist may be purchased as a paperback for a donation of $8.50 at the Zion church office, or downloaded for free under its title on line at www.zionsandusky.org to support each of the dialogues below: Sunday, October 8 at 6:30-8 pm in Sts. Peter and Paul Gathering Space Reading on the Ministry TBA Sunday, October 22 at 6:30-8 pm in Zion Basement Reading on the Eucharist TBA In affirming many points of agreement between Lutherans and Catholics in our previous study we have developed friendships with fellow Catholics that support Christ's prayer "that they may be one." Please join us! Lutheran World Relief For families who have lost everything due to a natural disaster or violence, small items of comfort a warm quilt, a bar of soap, a set of pencils let them know someone overseas cares. Quilts are tangible reminders to people around the world that you care. LWR quilts and kits convey a priceless message of love and commitment to people in desperate need. Imagine the comfort that comes from a hug at the time when you need it most. That s the feeling you can share with a LWR Quilt. Through a simple combination of fabric and thread, you can reach out to people in their time of greatest need with a strong message of hope you are not alone. First and foremost, recipients use their LWR Quilts to shield against the cold and rain, and for warm bedding. But their versatility also makes Quilts useful as simple tents, floor coverings, or a wrap to hold a baby on a mother s back. The weekend of 9/30-10/1 and 10/7-8, offering envelopes will be provided in the bulletin. Prayerfully consider your contribution to help cover the shipping cost of the quilts & kits. Make your check payable to Lutheran World Relief and note quilt shipping in the memo line. 14
On Sunday, October 1 st, the Sandusky Area Crop Hunger Walk will be taking place. We will start at 2:00 p.m. at the Columbus Ave. Methodist Church. So far our walkers are Chris Antel, Sarah Mears, and Virginia Lillian. Please consider walking with us or donating money to our walkers. Water bottles will be in the Gathering Room for all to take. If you have any questions regarding the walk please see Connie Castello or Elaine Conley. Woodlawn: One Hope. One Truth. One Way. October 1, 2017 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Please join us for the story of Birmingham in 1973 torn apart by racism and hate. The story tells how God worked through the Woodlawn High School football team to unite the city and ignite a spiritual awakening. The story of a revival was nothing short of a miracle. Exclusive footage, powerful scenes, and teaching by Pastor Dave Stone and Dr. Tony Evans. Dartball will be starting back up on October 16 th at 7:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Dean Meyers at 419-378-1896. Firelands Symphony Orchestra Sandusky State Theater Saturday, October 7, 2017 7:30 p.m. Mendelssohn s Symphony No. 5 Recognizing the 500 th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation Debut of the Firelands Symphony Chorale and director Michael Shirtz Featuring Classical Guitarist: Jason Vieux Mark your calendars now : Sunday, October 29 th 4:00 p.m. Great Hymns of Faith Choral Festival Celebrating the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation. Join in celebrating the spirit of unity and faith through singing! Cost of tickets - $10 For tickets: contact sanduskystate.com @ 877-626-1950 15
It s easy to join our mailing list! Get your Zionews, updates, announcements such as funerals, etc. Just send your email address by text message. Text ZIONLUTHERAN to 22828 to get started. (message and data rates may apply.) Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church This week in Ministry: Sunday, September 24 8:00 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Adult Forum & Children of Zion Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship/Baptism 11:45 a.m. Coffee & Conversation F.L.Y. with Jenn Parkison @ Shade Mylander Plaza Noon SCAASP Orientation Meeting Library 6:30 p.m Lutheran/Catholic Dialogue Basement 6:30 p.m. Game Night Upstairs Rm. 204 Monday, September 25 5:30 p.m. Temple Care Takers Library 6:30 p.m. Quilters Basement 7:00 p.m. Firelands Chorus Sanctuary Tuesday, September 26 8:30 a.m. Eastern Conference Leaders Meeting at Grace Lutheran, Castalia 9:00 a.m. Quilters Basement 1:00 p.m. Lectionary Study @ Mr. Smith s 6:30 p.m. Luther Film at the Sandusky Cinemark Wednesday, September 27 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study Library 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 2:30 p.m. Book Connection - Library Thursday, September 28 9:00 a.m. Card Making Room 205 5:30 p.m. Cherub Choir Sanctuary 5:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl - Library 7:00 p.m. Sr. Choir Practice - Basement Friday, September 29 5:30 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, September 30 6:00 p.m. Worship Jenn Parkison at Youth Discipleship Network Retreat. If you, a family member, or a friend is in need of Pastoral care, or is hospitalized, please call Pastor Eric 419-503-5288 or the church office at 419-625-2112. The full church calendar for the month can be viewed on the church website: Zionsandusky.org In the sacrament of Holy Communion the crucified and risen Christ is present, giving his true body and blood as food and drink. All are invited to the table. Children are welcome to come forward for a blessing as well. Holy Communion is offered at all services. Our 10:30 a.m. service is broadcast each Sunday over station WLEC, 1450 AM. Adult Forum Bible Study at 9:15 a.m. in the Stellhorn Library. Children of Zion at 9:15 a.m. in the Basement. 16
F.L.Y. (Firelands Lutheran Youth) Announcements: Philippians 4: 6-7: Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Have you ever shaken a soda can? Have you tried to open it while it is under pressure? Do you think there is a safe way to open it after it has been shaken up? There is a method, a way of gently tapping the can to settle the pressure back down. Are there times when you feel like you are the can and the pressure just keeps building? How do you deal with the stress in your life? We will always live with some amount of stress and pressure. How we handle it will make a difference in whether your pressure explodes or settles. We know there are things that we will worry about. There are things in life that will shake us up like a can of soda. God s Word tells us that in every situation, talk to Him about it, present your request to Him knowing He is in authority. Thank Him for who He is and what He has already done. (That will start releasing the pressure.) When we focus on God it takes the focus away from what is shaking us up at the moment. Then what happens? God gives us a promise. When we do our part by bringing the anxiety, stress, worry to Him and praise and thank Him, He says His peace that is beyond understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Next time you start to worry about something, I want to remember this verse. This verse gives you a clear formula for how to deal with worry. That s it! Seem too easy? Well, when you have a God who s got your best interests in mind, who you can talk to at any time, it really is. Beginning September 24 th at 11:45 a.m., join Jenn Parkison for Coffee and Conversation ( a youth Bible Study). We will meet at the Schade- Mylander Plaza in downtown Sandusky. If it is raining, we will meet at Kroger in the seating area by Starbucks. Please bring a Bible, an open mind, a willingness to learn, and friends and your own beverage! Jenn will be bringing a sweet treat to get things started. Woodlawn: One Hope. One Truth. One Way. October 1, 2017 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Please join us for the story of Birmingham in 1973, torn apart by racism and hate. The story tells how God worked through the Woodlawn High School football team to unite the city and ignite a spiritual awakening. The story of a revival that was nothing short of a miracle. 17
Children s Announcements: Today s lesson is found in Matthew 20:1-16. Jesus tells a story about a man who hired workers to work in his vineyard. (A vineyard is a field where grapes grow. Grapes grow in a vineyard like corn grows in a cornfield.) Some worked all day and some only a few hours or an hour and they were all paid the same amount of money. The owner was being fair to the ones who worked all day and generous to those who started working later in the day. This story teaches us that God is fair and generous. Generous means giving more than someone deserves. God gives us so much. He gives us friends and family, a place to learn about Him, fun times, and all kinds of blessings! God gives us things even when we don t earn or deserve them. We can choose to be happy when we see God being generous to others. Sometimes we complain because something doesn t seem fair. We can get jealous because someone got special attention or a special gift. Instead of feeling jealous, ask God to help you remember all the blessings He has generously given to you. Find the words from today s lesson in the letters below. Thank God for giving you friends and people who make you laugh. Children of Zion meet every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. in the basement. Cherub Choir rehearsals: We meet every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. 18