Grace Lutheran Church

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 26, 2018 9:30 a.m. Grace Lutheran Church 313 S. Prospect Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 356-6232 office@gracelutherancu.org www.gracelutherancu.org Pastor: Chris Repp

Welcome to Grace! We're glad you've joined us as we gather to be encountered by God in Word and Sacrament. We believe that God is at work here to create and sustain faith in God s promise of love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We use a rich, traditional pattern of worship that dates back to the early days of Christianity. We recognize it comes with a bit of a learning curve, but we re convinced that it s worth the effort. Don t feel like you have to get everything the first time. We ll carry you until you get a feel for it. Helpful information for first-time visitors: Restrooms are in the hall to the left of the entrance, on the right opposite the elevator. Our staffed nursery for children 4 and younger is on the right past the restrooms. Clipboards with crayons and activity sheets are on a table in the Narthex (Lobby). Other activities for young children are in the pink and blue totes. Our pastor enjoys meeting visitors. Please introduce yourself. Please sign the Friendship Register located on the pew, next to the center aisle, and pass it to the person next to you during the Offering portion of the service. We provide Name Tags for frequent visitors as well as members. If you would like one, please contact our Office Assistant (office@gracelutherancu.org). Key to the order of service: Regular type: spoken by a leader Bold type: spoken by the people Regular Italics: sung or chanted by a leader Bold Italics: sung or chanted by the people Small Red Italics: liturgical directions indicates that the sign of the cross may be made ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Red Hymnal) Favorite Hymn request As We Gather: In today s gospel many people take offense at Jesus invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John s gospel for Peter s confession of faith. To whom can we go? asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. You have the words of eternal life. In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel. Note: This bulletin is available electronically on the worship menu of the Grace web site. Large-print bulletins are available from the ushers.

Gathering Prelude Epistle Sonata in C, K. 336 W.A. Mozart The assembly stands. Confession and Forgiveness All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the pastor begins. Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, full of compassion and mercy, abounding in steadfast love. Trusting God s promise of forgiveness, let us confess our sin against God and one another. Silence for reflection and self-examination. Eternal God our creator, in you we live and move and have our being. Look upon us, your children, the work of your hands. Forgive us all our offenses, and cleanse us from proud thoughts and empty desires. By your grace draw us near to you, our refuge and our strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. God s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. In the mercy of almighty God, Christ died for us while we still were sinners; and for his sake, God forgives you all your sins. Gathering Hymn When Morning Gilds the Skies ELW 853

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. Prayer of the Day Let us pray. Holy God, your word feeds your people with life that is eternal. Direct our choices and preserve us in your truth, that, renouncing what is false and evil, we may live in you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. The assembly is seated. Word First Reading Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 In the Near East, covenant means agreement or alliance. It describes relationships and is the primary word used to characterize the relationship between God and Israel. By delivering Israel, God has already begun the relationship. Joshua calls upon the people to respond. 1 Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. 2a And Joshua said to all the people, 14 Now therefore revere the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. 16 Then the people answered, Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; 17 for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom 2

we passed; 18 and the LORD drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Psalmody Psalm 34:15-22 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and God s ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to erase the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears them and delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those whose spirits are crushed. 19 Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the LORD delivers them from every one. 20 God will keep safe all their bones; not one of them shall be broken. 21 Evil will bring death to the wicked and those who hate the righteous will be punished. 22 O LORD, you redeem the life of your servants, and those who put their trust in you will not be punished. Second Reading Ephesians 6:10-20 Like a general giving a rousing speech to troops before battle, this letter closes by calling on Christians to be equipped for spiritual warfare against evil. The full armor of God includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the gift of salvation, and the word of God inspired by the Spirit. 10 Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 3

15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. The assembly stands. Gospel Acclamation Gospel John 6:56-69 The hard saying that offends Jesus disciples is his claim that his followers must eat his flesh and drink his blood. The followers who return to their old lives know something about how odd this sounds. Simon Peter, on the other hand, knows something about the scarcity of living, gracious words. He asks the most important question: To whom shall we go? The Holy Gospel, according to John, the 6 th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said,] 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever. 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, This teaching is difficult; who can accept it? 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I 4

have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father. 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, Do you also wish to go away? 68 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. The assembly is seated. Children s Sermon Sermon Pastor Chris Repp Pastor Chris Repp The assembly stands. Hymn of the Day You Are the Way ELW 758 5

Apostles Creed With the whole church, let us confess our faith. 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. Prayers of Intercession Trusting in our loving and almighty God who abundantly provides the bread of life to all who hunger, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. Each petition concludes: let us pray. Have mercy, O God. The prayers conclude: Almighty and loving God, we look to you in hope and trust, knowing that you will do far more than we can ask or imagine, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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. After the Peace, the assembly is seated. 6

Meal Offering An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. At this time, please fill out the Friendship Register and pass it to the person next to you if you have not already done so. When all have signed the Register, please return it to the center aisle for later collection. Offertory What a Friend We Have in Jesus arr. Patricia Sanders Cota Bells: Kevin Vail, Paul Tessene, Helen Repp, Ja Net Miller, Dave Larson, and Eileen Herrstrom The assembly stands as the offering is brought forward. 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 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. 7

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: THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all. 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. 8

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 death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. THE LORD S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. The gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. The assembly is seated. Communion We believe that Christ is truly present for us in the bread and wine of Holy Communion, forming us into his body for the sake of the world. We welcome to the Lord s table all baptized Christians. Those who are not baptized we invite to explore with us the Christian faith and consider baptism. Those who do not commune are invited to come forward to receive a blessing. Please hold this bulletin in your hands as a sign to the pastor that you would like a blessing. To receive communion, please join the line on your side of the aisle and proceed to the pastor. (Note: gluten-free, dairy-free, wheat-free wafers are available. Just ask the pastor.) To receive wine, take an empty glass from the acolyte and proceed to a deacon with a pouring chalice. (Pre-poured glasses of grape juice are also available from the acolytes). Place your used glass in the basket provided near the stairs on the side you leave. Please notify an usher if you need to have communion brought to you in your seat. 9

Lamb of God Communion Hymns He Comes to Us as One Unknown ELW 737 Here is Bread ELW 483 The assembly stands. The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. 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. 10

Sending (Sending Of Communion) A prayer may be said for the sending of communion to those who are absent. Blessing The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Sending Hymn All My Hope on God Is Founded ELW 757 Announcements Dismissal Go in peace. The Spirit sends us forth to serve. Thanks be to God. Postlude Canzon Hans Leo Hassler 11

Worship Support The ministry of the church is carried out by all of its people, and Christian worship is a communal activity of the whole assembly. We give thanks to the following for their worship leadership and support today. Presiding Minister: Assisting Minister: Reader: Deacons: Acolytes: Pastor Chris Repp Becky Kasten Carol Shupp Becky Kasten Mike Miller Tucker Loven Nolan Miller Director of Youth and Congregational Life: Caitlyn Reinders Communications Specialist: Virginia Lehmann Office Assistant: Chris Alcorn Director of Music: Jon Arnold Organist: Mike Keeley Sound Technician: Kevin Vail Ushers: George & Bev Kieffer Greeters: Frank & Carol Shupp Counters: Paula Miller Carol Larson Communion Bread: Natalie Pankau Nursery Coordinator: Paula Miller Nursery Assistants: Melissa Goldman Jillian Devine, and Jonlyn Miller Coffee Hour: Claire Vail Chancel flowers are given by John & Bonnie Hummel to the glory of God and in celebration of our 65 th anniversary. Hymns and portions of the liturgy are reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 2006, and from Sundays and Seasons, 2018, by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS026105, and ONE LICENSE, License #A-725811. 12