Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 18, 2016 Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church 460 West Annapolis Street - West Saint Paul, MN 55118 Church Office: (651) 457-9232 Fax: (651) 457-1893 E-mail: stjlc@saintjameslutheran.com Visit our web site: www.saintjameslutheran.com Pastor Michael Albrecht 651-457-6796 malbrecht@saintjameslutheran.com Pastor Dale Critchley 651-689-3253 dcritchley@saintjameslutheran.com Terese Thune Youth Director 651-336-2117 tthune@saintjameslutheran.com Pastor Ralph Rokke 651-457-3955 rrokke@saintjameslutheran.com Pastor Richard Stadler 651-338-8621 rstadler@saintjameslutheran.com Shirley Hess Parish Nurse 651-210-3380 pnstjlc@saintjameslutheran.com
WELCOME TO WORSHIP! Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 18, 2016 In today s Gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable about a dishonest steward who mismanaged his boss money. It seemed like he got away with it. But Jesus said that if you are dishonest with somebody else s money, who will give you your own? The Lord makes clear that no one can be selfish and dishonest with earthly wealth and expect to have treasure in heaven. May the Lord make us honest and faithful in managing earthly wealth, and at the same time, enable us to gain treasure in heaven by trusting in Christ and by living honest, generous lives. GUESTS AND VISITORS, we are delighted that you are worshiping with us today! Please take a moment to fill out one of the Welcome to our Church cards that are available in the pew racks and place it in the offering. Also, stop by the Visitor Welcome Center as you leave and pick up a small gift. Thank you for coming, and please come back and visit again soon. You are always welcome here at Saint James. LARGE PRINT COPIES OF THE SERVICE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX. PREPARING FOR WORSHIP You are invited to Meditate on the words of I Corinthians 3:10-15, found on page 870 of the pew Bibles. This passage tells us that Christ is the foundation of our lives, but we are privileged to build on the foundation. We can build lives that glorify God with valuable and God-honoring thoughts, words, and deeds that are like gold, silver, and precious stones, or we can build carelessly with thoughts, words and deeds that are worth little or nothing like wood, hay, or stubble. How we build is the measure of our faithfulness as stewards. SPECIAL POCKET HEARING SYSTEMS are available from the ushers for anyone desiring an amplified broadcast of the service. THE NURSERY is not staffed but is available for parents who have young children who become noisy or restless during the service. We are thankful for families who teach their children to worship by bringing them to church. But when the little ones become noisy, feel free to use the narthex of the nursery to settle them down. The service is on closedcircuit TV in both locations. PRE-SERVICE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, forgive us for clinging too much to earthly things. May our treasures be in heaven. Make us honest and generous people who seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at your right hand. We pray it in his blessed name, Amen 2
THE ORDER OF SERVICE ORGAN PRELUDE: Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now Paul Manz OPENING HYMN: Christian Worship #234, stanzas 1, 2, and 5 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Those able, please stand for stanza 5. PASTORAL GREETING Pastor Rokke INVOCATION: Congregation responds by singing A-men. INTROIT: Psalm 113 P: Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! C: Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! P: From the rising of the sun to its setting, C: the name of the Lord is to be praised! P: The Lord is high above all nations, C: and his glory above the heavens! P: Who is like the Lord our God, C: who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? P: He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, C: to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. P: He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. C: Praise the Lord! CONFESSION OF SINS P: Dear Friends, let us humble ourselves before God and confess our sins to him. C: Lord of Life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless worrying and selfish pride, for sins of habit and sins of choice, for the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do, You should cast me away from Your presence forever. O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus sake, Amen. Those able, please kneel. We freely confess our sinfulness because we are confident that God will forgive us. 3
ABSOLUTION P: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. In His great mercy, God made us alive in Christ, even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through His called and ordained servant: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. HYMN OF THANKS AND PRAISE: Christian Worship # 275, sts 1 & 3 Blest Be the God of Israel Blest be the God of Israel, Who comes to set us free; He visits and redeems us; He grants us liberty. The prophets spoke of mercy, Of freedom and release; God shall fulfill his promise, And bring his people peace. Please be seated. Amos was a prophet in Israel about 790 B.C. It was a time of prosperity, but the Israelites were greedy, materialistic, and they oppressed the poor. Amos condemned them for making themselves rich at the expense of others. He quotes God as saying, Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. On prisoners of darkness The sun begins to rise, The dawning of forgiveness Upon the sinner s eyes. He guides the feet of pilgrims Along the paths of peace. Oh, bless our God and Savior With songs that never cease. PRAYER OF THE DAY: Congregation sings: A-men. OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Amos 8:4-7 4 Hear this, you who trample on the needy and bring the poor of the land to an end, 5 saying, When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances, 6 that we may buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and sell the chaff of the wheat? 7 The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. Reading Response P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God! 4
EPISTLE LESSON: I Timothy 2:1-15 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. God wants all people to trust in Christ and be saved. He wants us to lead quiet and peaceable lives in godliness and honesty. We pray that he will give us leaders that make that possible. Reading Response P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God! VERSE RESPONSE: (p. 40 in Christian Worship) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 16:1-15 He also said to the disciples, There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager. 3 And the manager said to himself, What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses. 5 So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, How much do you owe my master? 6 He said, A hundred measures of oil. He said to him, Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty. 7 Then he said to another, And how much do you owe? He said, A hundred measures of wheat. He said to him, Take your bill, and write eighty. 8 The master commended the dishonest manager Those able, please stand for the Gospel. Jesus teaches about money. He says that money may be gathered for a while through greedy and dishonest means, but it won t last. It s far better to live as a child of God and have treasure in heaven. We are God s children by grace through faith in Jesus. 5
for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. 10 One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Reading Response P: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ! NICENE CREED Children are invited to come forward during the sermon hymn for the Children s Message. Those able, please rise for the Hymn of Rededication. SERMON HYMN: Christian Worship # 471 Renew Me, O Eternal Light SERMON Title: Living in Two Economies Text: Luke 16:1-15 THE OFFERING: Sicilienne Von Paradis HYMN OF REDEDICATION: Christian Worship # 470 Praise to You and Adoration Please be seated. PRAYER FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS LORD S PRAYER FIRST BLESSING 6
LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENT The Sacrament of the Altar is a special blessing for God s people: our sins are forgiven, our faith is strengthened, and our resolve to live for the Lord is renewed. We believe the word of Jesus that under the bread and the wine we receive the Real Presence of our Savior, His Body and His Blood, for the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. All who are baptized and confirmed and confess this understanding of the Lord s Supper are welcome to receive the sacrament with us. We enjoy fellowship in a close communion with each other as we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord together. Visitors who wish to continue to commune with us on a regular basis, or those who have questions are encouraged to speak with one of the pastors. Non-alcoholic white wine is available in each tray for anyone who prefers it. Gluten-free wafers are also available. To indicate that you prefer gluten-free, please raise your index finger when the wafers are brought to you. Parents are welcome to bring their non-confirmed children with them to the altar. The pastor will pronounce a blessing on them. Parents should instruct such unconfirmed children not to stand on the cushions and to keep their hands folded, so the pastor will know who should not receive the sacrament. PREFACE: P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them to the Lord. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is right to give Him thanks and praise. P: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, for the countless blessings You so freely bestow on us and all creation. Above all, we give thanks for Your boundless love shown to us when You sent Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into our flesh and laid on Him our sin, giving Him into death that we might not die eternally. Because He is now risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity, all who believe in Him will overcome sin and death and will rise again to new life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying: 7
SANCTUS PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Blessed are You, O Lord our God, king of all creation, for You have had mercy on us and have given Your only-begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. We give You thanks that in His most Holy Supper You reveal Your glory to us. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood so that we may one day behold Your glory face to face. Amen THE WORDS OF OUR LORD P: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat: this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me. P: In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. PAX DOMINI P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: Amen. AGNUS DEI 8
HYMNS DURING DISTRIBUTION Christian Worship #451 Precious Lord, Take My Hand Christian Worship #375 The King of Love My Shepherd Is Christian Worship #353 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness Christian Worship #326 May the Grace of Christ Our Savior Please be seated. HYMN OF THANKSGIVING: Nunc Dimittis 9
Those able, please stand. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. BENEDICAMUS P: Let us bless the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. BENEDICTION P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. C: (sings) A-men A-men A-men ORGAN POSTLUDE: Grand Choeur Salomě 10
SERVING IN OUR WORSHIP TODAY Pastor Ralph Rokke (preaching) Organist Tom Rowland Communion Assistants: (8:00) Dick Miller and Sean O Malley (10:30) John Fahey and Rey Varela Ushers: (8:00) Loren Bahls and Team #5 (10:30) Virginia Genz and Team #6 Audio Video Team: Hannah Critchley, Sharon Ferrara, Glenn & Wendy Gatzke, Jerry Hinz, Len & Diane Munson, Becky Martinez, Jerry Peterson, Lorna Redding, Leif Thune and Gil Ude Screen Slide Production: Ami Heesch PEOPLE TO PRAY FOR Let us remember to pray for some of our veteran members: Wilmer Unruh, Elaine Wachholz, Iona Wagenknecht, Audrey Ward, Ralph & Ruth Wassmann MISSIONS TO PRAY FOR This week please pray for Lady of Peace Home in St. Paul, providing residential care for terminal cancer patients. FLOWERS The flowers in the chancel vases are given in loving memory of Betty Sander, who entered her eternal home 28 years ago on September 16 th, provided by her family. If you would like to order FLOWERS to be placed in the chancel, please contact Altar Guild Flower Chairwoman Kathy Stadler at 651-450-6452 or stadlerk@comcast.net. THE SAINT JAMES FOUNDATION The 20/20 Vision of The Saint James Lutheran Church Foundation is to have one million dollars in the Foundation by the year 2020. Good progress has been made. As of August 31, 2016, the Foundation s value is $760,533.66. When the goal is reached, money will be given each year to Saint James to use for Christian ministry. Continued growth of the Foundation will also be sought. Remember the Foundation in your will and with special gifts. Your gift can make a difference for generations to come. Stewardship Thought He who is not generous with what he has, deceives himself when he thinks he would be generous if he had more. Living as a Local Missionary Give your coworker(s) a small gift, like a snack (bonus points for homemade!) along with a small devotional resource. 11