Salem Lutheran Church 401 S. Lake St. Lake Mills IA 50450 Welcome to the House of the Lord Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 9, 2018-8:30 a.m. *Larger print bulletins are available from the ushers. GATHERING PRELUDE My Faith Looks Up to Thee Olivet BELL ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING HYMN We Come to the Hungry Feast ELW #479 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, the one who fashions us, the one who heals us, the one who reforms us again and again. INTRODUCTION 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. Let us confess our sin, calling for God's transforming power. Silence for reflection and self-examination. Source of all life, We confess that we have not allowed your grace to set us free. We fear that we are not good enough. We hear your word of love freely given to us, yet we expect others to earn it. We turn the church inward, rather than moving it outward. Forgive us. Stir us. Reform us to be a church powered by love, willing to speak for what is right, act for what is just, and seek the healing of your whole creation.
God hears our cry and sends the Spirit to change us and to empower our lives in the world. Our sins are forgiven, God s love is unconditional, and we are raised up as God s people who will always be made new, in the name of Jesus Christ. HYMN OF PRAISE KYRIE 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 The Lord be with you. And also with you. 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.
WORD FIRST READING Isaiah 35:4-7a 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. Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. PSALMODY Psalm 146 Today s psalm will be spoken responsively beginning with the lector 1 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. 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, 14-17 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 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. Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION GOSPEL Mark 7:24-37 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. 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.
SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY Healer of our Every Ill ELW #612 THE PRAYERS Freed by God in Christ to live and love and serve, we pray for the church, those in need, and all of God s beloved creation. A brief silence. Gracious God, you call your church to proclaim the love of Christ to a needy world. Embolden us to be your risen body by welcoming strangers and serving our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, Creative God, small sprouts and tall trees proclaim your majesty. Give us clear eyes to see nature s beauty and wise minds to protect our home, this earth, from misuse and harm. Lord, in your mercy, Sovereign God, you draw order from chaos. Watch over the nations of the world. Bless citizens and leaders who strive toward the beloved community for which you long. Lord, in your mercy, Loving God, you give us all that we need. When your children suffer from hunger, poverty, loneliness, persecution, injury, or illness, send generous helpers and companions. We pray especially for.... Lord, in your mercy, Welcoming God, you set a table for us. Embolden this congregation to seek new ways of inviting others to the feast of all creation. Lord, in your mercy, You bless us with throngs of saints who witness to your compassion. With gratitude, we recall the lives and deeds of those who proclaim lovingkindness to a needy world. Lord, in your mercy, RESPONSE TO THE WORD CREED AND CONFESSION I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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. Into your wide embrace, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your boundless mercy through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING MUSICAL OFFERING
OFFERING HYMN SENDING HYMN Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing ELW #886 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. LORD S PRAYER Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray: 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. SENDING BLESSING God, creator of all things, speaking reformation into being; Jesus Christ, savior of the world, raising the dead; Holy Spirit, living voice, calling and enlightening the church: Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. DISMISSAL Go in peace. Sound the good news. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Preaching: Pastor Joel Guttormson Assisting: Melinda McVey McCluskey Organist: Ruth Sheldon Ushers: Dolly Gregor & Margaret Okland Acolytes: Thea Hoffman, Kelsey Kirschbaum Reader: Carlton Shaw Altar Guild for September: Sharon Casey, Jean Rondeau The radio broadcast this morning is give in memory of loved ones from Marilyn Pederson. The 8:30 a.m. worship service is broadcast weekly on KIOW-FM 107.3.
Reserve your special date to sponsor the 2018 8:30 a.m. worship service broadcast on KIOW (107.3 FM) radio in Forest City. The service can also be heard at 8:30 a.m. on cable channel 2. We also have a sponsorship program for the live internet broadcast of the 8:30 a.m. worship service. Sponsorship is available for $40 per Sunday. Call the office to reserve a date. Readings for next week: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 116:1-9, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 WHO: WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: WHY: faith formation kickoff celebration All Ages Welcome Rally Sunday Kick Off Party TODAY from 9:15-10:15am Salem Lutheran Church Playground Area (East side of Church) To register for Faith Formation, create crafts, play games, win prizes, take some silly photos, have a snack, and praise GOD for a great year of Faith Formation yet to come! Volunteers Needed! Rally Sunday Kickoff will be held on Sunday, Sept 9 th from 9:15 to 10:15am on the East Side of the Church near Playground. We will be kicking off the Faith Formation year with snacks, crafts, carnival games/prizes, photo booth, and more! Looking for volunteers to help at the different stations. Please contact Jennifer Sauer if you can help 641.903.1847. Thank you! Rally with One in Christ Lutheran Parish! One in Christ Lutheran Parish is celebrating their 15 year anniversary this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Mills School auditorium. The service will be followed by a catered meal, then a short blue-grass concert and some family games, concluding with an ice cream social. All are invited to attend. Salem will NOT have a 10:30 a.m. worship service September 9th so we can help the OIC Parish celebrate. This service will be similar to the service that was held when the parish was started. Faith Formation September 16 1 st Day of Faith Formation September 16 Play and Pray September 16 4 year olds Whirl Story Bibles September 30-3rd Grade Bibles Classes begin and will meet Oct 7, 14, and 21 October 28 Reformation Sunday, 3rd grade Bibles Monday Mornings on Lake Street There s a pot of coffee and goodies available on Monday mornings in the Lounge at Salem from 8 10:00 a.m. Stop by and visit, have a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a goody, visit with friends. Bring a friend! Call the office if you would like to provide goodies some Monday! Free-will donation. SALEM AT THE MOVIES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 AT 10:30 AM & 5:30 PM Has God left the building? Join in this conversation Monday, September 10, in our chapel, either at 10:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. as we preview the documentary movie, When God Left the Building. Director Thom Schultz documents the demise of a congregation that couldn t change to uncover why churches once the heart and soul of their communities are now shrinking in both size and influence. What he discovers gives unprecedented insight and serves as a powerful wake-up call. SAVE THESE DATES Confirmation Information September 5 at 5:00 p.m. - Acolyte Training for 7 th and 8 th graders September 12 at 5:00 p.m. First Confirmation Class October 12-13 Middle School Lock-in at UNI details to come Salem s Clothes Closet is open Mondays from 1:00 3:00 p.m. Donations of new socks & underwear are needed. Thank you for your help. Church Dashboard for Contributions 9/6/2018 Last Sunday, 9/2/18: $4,670 Year-to-date as of 9/6/18: $181,018 - Last year as of 9/6/17: $191,547 Difference year-to-date: -$10,529 (or) -5.5% Attendance: Those worshiping September 1/2: 99 Ongoing Financial Needs: Remember whether you are at worship or on vacation, Salem still needs to keep working. We need $6,500-$7,000 per week to do the Lord s work. Senior Choir practice will begin Wednesday, September 5 th at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room. All are welcome to attend. Contact Kathy Nelson with any questions. The Creature Praise Choir will begin rehearsals on Sunday, September 16 th at 9:30 a.m. in the choir room. Youth Grades 3-7 are welcome to attend. Contact Kathy Nelson with any questions.
THIS WEEK AT SALEM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 You can just about feel it in the slightly shorter days Generosity Season is almost here. What is Generosity Season? That s what we call the part of the calendar stretching from back-toschool time through Christmas. As summer ends, so does the summer slump, leading to more generosity from members returning from summer trips and activities. Next, there s fall with its festivals and pumpkin sales, followed by Thanksgiving, a time of reflection and generosity. And, then, of course, comes Christmas, the most generous time of the year. GivePlus Text maximizes our church s ability to accept generous gifts during this season. Stop by the church office or visit our website to learn more. We thank you and all givers for supporting our mission. Lake Mills Fall Carnival Monday, September 17 4-6 PM Carnival games provided by local churches Face painting, story walk, crafts! Hot Apple Cider and Bars Pumpkin painting for the first 150 kids! Prizes for pumpkin creations! Sponsored by Lake Mills Parks and Rec, Lake Mills Public Library, area churches, area banks, Three Oaks Greenhouse, Lake Mills Care Center and the Lake Mills Chamber Development Corp. Mary Beth Carlson in Concert Music to relax refresh inspire! Join us at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church 3906 Bluebill Ave Joice IA 50446 Saturday, September 22 1:00 p.m. luncheon with musical program to follow at 1:45 p.m. Tickets are free, but RSVP is appreciated by September 15th to joicebethel@gmail.com OR 641.797.2303. For more information visit www.marybethcarlson.com Rally Sunday 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Faith Formation Kickoff Celebration Salem Church Playground Area (East side of Church) Coffee Fellowship Fellowship Hall 10:00 a.m. One in Christ 15 th Anniversary Service LMHS Auditorium 10:30 a.m. NO SERVICE TODAY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 8:30 a.m. Monday Mornings on Lake Street Coffee Lounge 10:30 a.m. Salem at the Movies When God Left the Building - Chapel 1:00 p.m. Mission Quilters Fellowship Hall 2:00 p.m. Food Shelf Open 3:15 p.m. Daisy Scouts Room #4 5:30 p.m. Salem at the Movies When God Left the Building - Chapel TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 10:00 a.m. Care Givers Support Group - Lounge 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting 1:00 p.m. Bloodmobile Fellowship Hall WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 5:00 p.m. 1st Confirmation Class Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Choir Choir Room THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 3:15 p.m. Brownie Scouts Room #4 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 5:30 p.m. Casual Communion Service - Chapel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 8:30 a.m. Traditional Communion Service - Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. Creature Praise Choir Choir Room; Coffee Fellowship Fellowship Hall 9:45 a.m. 1st Day of Faith Formation Chapel 9:35 a.m. Play & Pray - Lounge 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Communion Service Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. Youth Board Meeting - Library Salem Contact Information: Pastor Joel Guttormson: 641.596.0535 Email: joelguttormson@gmail.com Pastor Melinda McVey McCluskey: 563-581-9965 Email: melindamcmc@gmail.com Ashley Hoffman, Communications: Email: salemlminfo@gmail.com Ruth Sheldon, Organist: 641.592.0184 Salem Office: 641.592.1771 Email: salem@wctatel.net