Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Third Sunday After Pentecost June 10, 2018 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Introduction to the Day A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in light of charges that he is possessed. He is possessed, not by a demon, but by the Holy Spirit. We who have received the Holy Spirit through baptism have been joined to Christ s death and resurrection and knit together in the body of Christ. Those with whom we sing and pray this day are sisters and brothers of the Lord. With them we go forth in peace to do the will of God. GATHERING Please stand. Prelude: Hermas Mark Sedio Confession and Forgiveness In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 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 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. 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. Gathering Song: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (ELW 504) 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. 2
Canticle of Praise The Lord be with you. And also with you. Prayer of the Day Let us pray. All-powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil in the strength of the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Please be seated. WORD Special Music: Lord, Here Am I Jay Althouse Soloist: Ron Albert Children s Message 3
First Reading: Genesis 3:8-15 Immediately after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they hide from God. Neither takes responsibility for their sin, instead blaming each other, the snake, and even God. The curse on the snake was understood as a messianic prophecy by the early church, who associated Eve s offspring with Christ. A reading from Genesis: 8 [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORDGod called to the man, and said to him, Where are you? 10 He said, I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat? 12 The man said, The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate. 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, What is this that you have done? The woman said, The serpent tricked me, and I ate. 14 The LORD God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 130 (Read Responsively) 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; 2 O LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. 3 If you were to keep watch over sins, O LORD, who could stand? 4 Yet with you is forgiveness, in order that you may be feared. 5 I wait for you, O LORD; my soul waits; in your word is my hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than those who keep watch for the morning, more than those who keep watch for the morning. 7 O Israel, wait for the LORD, for with the LORD there is steadfast love; with the LORD there is plenteous redemption. 8 For the LORD shall redeem Israel from all their sins. 4
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-15:1 Life in the present is transitory and cannot compare with the eternal home God has prepared for us. So we do not despair no matter what life might bring because we know that as God raised Jesus from the dead, God promises to bring us into eternal life. A reading from 2 Corinthians: 13 Just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture I believed, and so I spoke we also believe, and so we speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. 15 Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand to welcome the gospel. Gospel Acclamation 5
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35 In response to charges that he is possessed, Jesus wonders aloud how anyone who is demon-possessed can cast out demons. Those who do the will of God are possessed by the Holy Spirit, sisters and brothers of Christ. The holy gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus went home;] 20 and the crowd came together again, so that [Jesus and the disciples] could not even eat. 21 When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, He has gone out of his mind. 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons. 23 And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. 27 But no one can enter a strong man s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. 28 Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin 30 for they had said, He has an unclean spirit. 31 Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you. 33 And he replied, Who are my mother and my brothers? 34 And looking at those who sat around him, he said, Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Please be seated. Sermon The assembly is seated. Silence for reflection follows the sermon. The assembly stands to proclaim the word of God in song. Hymn of the Day: In Christ There Is No East or West (ELW #650) 6
Young People Coming to Adulthood Following the hymn of the day, the young people gather at the front of the congregation and the assembly is seated. Introduction The pastor says the following: In response to Jesus invitation, Let the children come unto me and do not hinder them, these young persons have been baptized into Christ and clothed with Christ. As members with us in the baptismal priesthood of Christ, they have been called to be disciples of Christ and servants of God in the world. As these young people stand on the verge of adulthood, we ask God to guide them into maturity and to walk with them as they begin to discern where adulthood may lead. The deacon introduces the young people: These persons seek the prayers and support of the community as they grow into maturity by the grace and power of God. Affirmation of Identity The deacon addresses each young person in turn: Who are you? Each young person responds in turn: My name is. I am a woman/man. A young woman/man, but still a woman/man. My roots are family names of maternal and paternal grandparents. My people and my community need me. My church and my family need me. My friends and the whole creation need me. I ask the Holy Spirit of God and the people of Christ to strengthen, lead, and guide me; in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. Invitation to Vocation Each young person is invited to express hopes and intentions for the call of God in their adult lives; these may include a desired occupational direction, where their next level of education may take them, or the occupation they are entering. The pastor invited each young person to share: Name, what do you desire for your future? Each young person responds in turn: I desire, and I ask the God of our ancestors and the people of Christ to strengthen, lead, and guide me. After all the young people have expressed their hopes and intentions, the pastor continues: St. Paul writes in Romans 12, For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of one another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. 7
In the use of these differing gifts within the family, the school, the church, the society, and the world of work, we recognize the gift of vocation, our calling to various places of responsibility. Know that each one affords an opportunity to serve. As it is written in 1 Peter 4, Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Call to Maturity in Christ The young people face the congregation and the deacon says: We are called to the unity of the faith and of knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by trickery and scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the bead of the body, into Christ. (based on Eph. 4:13-16) Sisters and brothers in Christ, today we have heard wonderful things from you. You have shared your hopes and dreams with this community. We invite you to a more mature and responsible participation in the world, to live in word and deed the faith that we confess. We receive you with open hearts and arms, in the name of Jesus. The congregation offers its acclamation with applause and shouts of thanksgiving. After the acclamation, the pastor leads the following prayer: Lord God of our ancestors, we thank you for what you have done and will continue to do with your daughters and sons. Walk with them in life, and keep the evil one from obstructing their path. You see all; you know where the water is deep. Keep them from danger. Order their steps and guide their feet while they run the race of faith. May the good work that you have begun in them be brought to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. The congregation stands and sings O Jesus, I Have Promised (ELW #810) and the service continues with the prayers of the people. Each petition ends: Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Prayers of Intercession The prayers conclude: By the sure guidance of your Holy Spirit, O God, we lift up our prayers in trust and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 8
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Peace The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ s peace, and may say, Peace be with you, or similar words. Then assembly is seated. MEAL Offertory: In Christ There Is No East or West Ronald Nelson Offering Hymn: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful (ELW #184) Offering Prayer Let us pray. Merciful God, you open wide your hand and satisfy the need of every living thing. You have set this feast before us. Open our hands to receive it. Open our hearts to embrace it. Open our lives to live it. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Great Thanksgiving 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 Holy, Holy, Holy 9
Thanksgiving at the Table Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord be all glory and honor, now and forever. 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. Please be seated. Communion Distribution 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). Communion Song Distribution Hymn: Lead Me, Guide Me (ELW #768) 10
Prayer after Communion Let us pray. Jesus Christ, host of this meal, you have given us not only this bread and cup, but your very self, that we may feast on your great love. Filled again by these signs of your grace, may we hunger for your reign of justice, may we thirst for your way of peace, for you are Lord forevermore. Please stand. SENDING Announcements Blessing Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Sending Song: On Our Way Rejoicing (ELW #537) Dismissal Go in peace. The Spirit sends us forth to serve. Thanks be to God. Postlude: Recessional A Mighty Fortress Wilbur Held From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved Worship leaders today are: Presiding Minister: Rev. Dr. Eric L. Bodenstab Assisting Minister: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Organist: Ron Borchardt Lector: (8:00) Addison Stradtman (10:30) Alaina Keegan Children s Message: Dale Cerny Prayers of the People: (8:00) Betty Bickley (10:30) Ann Cerny Serving Bread: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Communion Assistants: (8:00) Kris Stradtman and Andrew Castello (10:30) Chet Leser and Suzanne Jeffrey Sound Board: (8:00) Dean Meyers (10:30) Bob Butler Ushers: (8:00) Bill Wood, Chris Antel, Bill Biehl, Andy Castello, John Castello, and Terry Pearston (10:30) Gary Gangluff, Gisela Ohly, George & Betty Bickley, and Julie Kessler Gathering Hosts: (8:00) Ron & Carol Albert (10:30) Sandy Like Greeter: Lyle Marquardt Altar Guild: Hope Bailey and Barb Newton 11
Please continue to pray for direction and guidance for our graduates as they embark on the next step of life s journey. Graduating from High School: Brianna Armstrong is graduating from Perkins and will be attending Lorain Community College. Jacqueline Butler is graduating from Edison with academic honors and will be attending Tusculum University in Greenville, TN where she will be playing golf for the University. Emilio Calderon is graduating from Perkins and is currently undecided. Annabelle Gross is graduating from Perkins and will be attending Grove City College. Jenna Hofer is graduating from Sandusky and will be attending BGSU Firelands. Madeline Kaseman is graduating from Perkins and will be attending BGSU Firelands. Heather Leedy is graduating from Sandusky and will be attending Cleveland State University. Jaret Ohlemacher is graduating from Sandusky and will be entering the work force. Sara Schultz is graduating from Margaretta and will be attending BGSU. Hali Stull is graduating from St. Mary s Central Catholic. She will be attending Centre College in Danville, KY. Dawson Varuola is graduating from Sandusky High School and will be attending Ohio State University. Alexis Yontz is graduating from Sandusky and is currently undecided. Graduated from College: Elisha Hofer graduated December 2017 from Ashland University with a BSBA and is currently the owner and operator of D Elish ous Desserts. Jeremy Meyers graduated from Owens Technical Community College with his RN degree and will be working full-time at St. Luke s Hospital in Toledo. 12
Attendance/Offering June 2-3 (227) General Fund Offering received $8,646.00 Midweek General Fund Offering received $2,360.00 Weekly budgeted amount $7,480.77 - Total General Fund amount received $11,006.00 One side vase is given in appreciation of the many Zion Volunteers One side vase is given in honor of the birthdays of Denny & Kathy Joiner The center vase is give in memory of the anniversary of Jean & Edward Gast by son, Terry Gast Would you like give a side ($20) or center ($25) vase in honor or memory of a loved one? These dates/arrangements are available: June 17 side and center, June 24 side and center, July 1 side and center, July 8 both side vases and center. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board. Lectionary Study: Readings for June 17 th : Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:1-4,12-15, 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 [11-13] 14-17, and Mark 4:26-34. Every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Eric and Pastor Katie Suggitt lead a Common Lectionary Text Study at Mr. Smith s Coffee House. All are welcome! Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m., in the Stellhorn Library. VBS Workdays will be June 18 th and 19 th from Noon 7 p.m. If you are willing and able, we have projects to be tackled in preparation for this year s VBS. Please come out and lend a hand or two! Vacation Bible School 2018 At God s Good Creation, kids explore the love God has for all of creation and our role in taking care of it. Experience as you hear, touch, see, and taste; sing fun songs and explore God s story through some fantastic games and crafts. There might even be some surprises! So, mark your calendars we will be expecting you as we gather on: July 23-27 th from 9 a.m. until Noon. All children ages 3 and older are invited to be part of this year s God s Good Creation VBS. To register, pick up a VBS registration on the media wall in the hallway just outside of the church office or you can download a form from the website at zionsandusky.org 13
USHERS NEEDED- Illness and age continue to prevent longtime ushers from continuing to serve. We re in need of help for the 8:00 service for the third quarter beginning in July. If you can commitment to serve for several Sundays, the full third quarter, or even as a substitute on call, please contact Randy Koch at 419-366-2060, or the Zion office at 419-625-2112. Randy Koch Seventh Annual Back to School Rally August 4 th from 12-3 p.m. Downtown Sandusky at the Sandusky Bay Pavilion (Next to Damon s). We will need volunteers to help run the Zion booth. We will begin collecting school supplies at the end of May. We will be collecting scissors, pencils, 24 pack crayons, and any size uniform polo. We will pack backpacks on July 30 th at Father s Heart Church. Time TBA. On June 24 th at the 10:30 a.m. service, we will have a time of prayer and blessing for our youth and adults that will be attending The Gathering in Houston. SAVE THE DATE- July 22, 2018 for the Block Party with Zion ELC, First Congregational United Church, and St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The party starts at 12:30 p.m. and goes until 3:30 p.m. Save the date and look for more information in the bulletin, Zionews, and Facebook! Mark it down! Annual Church Picnic August 19 th at 12:30 at the picnic shelter at Shoreline Park. Bring your favorite dish to share and your table service. Beverages will be provided. We are still collecting shoe boxes for Humane Society cats. Put them in the basement storeroom. Bath towels and large bars of soap for Personal Care Kits are still needed. If you would like to donate please place them on the cart by the elevator. More kits will be assembled this fall. 14
To view the full calendar of events and the current weekly announcements please visit our website at Zionsandusky.org This week in Ministry: Sunday, June 10 8:00/10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Adult Forum - Library 6:00 p.m. The Gathering Final Bible Study at St. Paul Monday, June 11 4:00 p.m. Foundation Mtg. Pastor s Office 5:30 p.m. Temple Caretakers Library 6:30 p.m. Quilters Basement 7:00 p.m. Life Tree Café at Zion Huron Tuesday, June 12 9:00 a.m. Quilters - Basement 1:00 p.m. Lectionary Study at Mr. Smith s Coffee House. Wednesday, June 13 7:30 a.m. Lectionary Study Library 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Library 7:00 p.m. Vacationland Band - Basement Thursday, June 14 6:00 p.m. Joy Time at St. Paul Friday, June 15 Lifeline Screening - basement Care & Share Volunteers: Kay Eash, Vickie Boesch, Bruce Bravard, and Lyle Marquardt Saturday, June 16 3:00 p.m. Small Group Prayer Walking meet at Zion. 6:00 p.m. Worship Pastor s Small Group for June will continue to meet on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Eric will be out of the office June 12-26 th If you, a family member, or a friend is in need of Pastoral care, or is hospitalized, please call the church office at 419-625-2112. Pastor, Eric. L. Bodenstab Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon 503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 625-2112 zionelc@zionsandusky.org www.zionsandusky.org Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission (FLAMe) Follow us at ZionELCSandusky Our 10:30 a.m. service is broadcast each Sunday over station WLEC, 1450 AM 15
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