The color green, used for the vestments and
paraments in the season after Pentecost, represents growth and life in the Holy
Spirit.
In
a succession of short parables, set in the agricultural, domestic,
maritime,
and business spheres with which his hearers would have been
familiar,
Jesus speaks of the presence and growth of the kingdom.
Note
that none of these parables are explained. Instead,
the
hearers are asked if they understand and they respond ‘Yes.’ Being in
Jesus’
presence, mediated through Scripture, under the guidance of
the
Church’s tradition over the centuries, allows us also to discern the
meaning
of what Jesus says. We too know of the mystery of God’s
kingship
over the world and what that means for our lives.
Selections
from 1st Kings and the Psalms connect to the Gospel
reading
in the theme of ‘wisdom.’ According to 1st Kings, Solomon was
famous
not only in Israel but also in the rest of the ancient world for his
wisdom.
This wisdom was scientific (according to the times) and philosophical as well
as ‘the wisdom to discern between good and evil.’
The
psalmist sings of wisdom, praising God for the Torah
(commandments)
and asking for God to help him to keep them. We
may
think that God’s law to be kept, but we rarely say that we love
God’s
law. But the psalmist ‘longs for God’s commandments;’ and calls
them
‘wonderful.’ What is it like to have this kind of heartfelt and zealous desire
to keep God’s Word?
Romans
8 concludes with St Paul’s triumphant assertion that neither the sin that keeps us from fulfilling God’s
law nor the powers of
death
which is the wages of sin nor the spiritual powers of evil who assail us can
separate us from what God has done for us through the loving act of Jesus
Christ our Lord. This text is often used at funerals because it is powerful to
remind us of God’s love in the shadow
of
death; it is also important when we are perplexed by life. We can go
forward
with confidence and faith, because God has indeed given us all
that
we need.
Preparation for Worship
Upon reaching your place,
you may wish to read Psalm 84 in silence:
1 How dear to me is
your dwelling, O | Lord of hosts!*
My soul has a desire and longing
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in
the | living God.
2 The sparrow has
found her a house
and
the swallow a nest where she may | lay her young,*
by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King | and my God.
3 Happy are they who
dwell | in your house!*
They will always be | praising
you.
4 Happy are the
people whose strength | is in you,*
whose hearts are set on the |
pilgrims' way.
5 Those who go
through the desolate valley
will find it a | place of springs,*
for the early rains have covered
it with | pools of water.
6 They will climb
from | height to height,*
and the God of gods will reveal
him- | self in Zion.
7 Lord God of hosts, | hear my prayer;*
hearken, O | God of Jacob.
8 Behold our defend-
| er, O God;*
and look upon the face of | your
anointed.
9 For one day in
your courts
is better than a thousand in | my own
room,*
and to stand at the threshold of
the house of my God
than to dwell in the tents | of
the wicked.
10 For the Lord God is both | sun and shield;*
he will give | grace and glory;
11 no good thing will
the | Lord withhold*
from those who walk | with
integrity.
12 O | Lord of hosts,*
happy are they who put their |
trust in you!
You
may pray the following prayers:
Holy
Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God: hear our prayer and send your holy
angel from heaven to guard, protect, visit, and defend all those who assemble
together in this house; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Most
gracious God, incline your merciful ears to our prayers and enlighten our
hearts by the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may approach your Holy
Mysteries with believing hearts and love you with an everlasting love.
OPENING MUSIC
God of Grace and God of
Glory
Austin
Lovelace
Please
meditate on the text of the hymn as it is played:
1 God
of grace and God of glory,
on
your people pour your pow’r;
crown
your ancient church’s story;
bring
its bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant
us wisdom, grant us courage
for
the facing of this hour,
for
the facing of this hour.
2 Lo!
The hosts of evil round us
scorn
the Christ, assail his ways!
From
the fears that long have bound us
free
our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant
us wisdom, grant us courage
for
the living of these days,
for
the living of these days,
3 Cure
your children’s warring madness;
bend
our pride to your control;
shame
our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich
in things and poor in soul.
Grant
us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest
we miss your kingdom’s goal,
let
we miss your kingdom’s goal.
4 Save
us from weak resignation
to
the evils we deplore;
let
the gift of your salvation
be
our glory evermore.
Grant
us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving
you whom we adore,
serving
you whom we adore.
Text: Harry E. Fosdick, 1878-1969
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Stand
The sign of the cross may be made
by all in remembrance of their Baptism.
In the name of the Father, and of
the X 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
If we say we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God
who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
(1
John 1:8-9)
Silence for reflection and
self-examination.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we
are in bondage 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. Amen
Almighty God, in his mercy, has
given his Son to die for us and, for his sake, 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 X Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
THE HOLY COMMUNION
APOSTOLIC 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 Corinthians 13:13)
KYRIE
ELEISON
In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation, let us pray to the
Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all, let us pray to the
Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and
praise,
let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen
HYMN OF
PRAISE
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his
people on earth.
(Luke 2:14)
Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father:
We
worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you
for your glory.
Lord
Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb
of God:
You
take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
You
are seated at the right hand of the Father;
receive our
prayer.
For
you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you
alone are the Most High,
Jesus
Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of
God the Father. Amen
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
God of eternal wisdom,
you alone impart the gift of right judgment.
Grant us understanding hearts,
that we may value wisely the
treasure of your kingdom
and gladly forgo all lesser
gifts
to possess that kingdom’s
incomparable joy.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen
CALL TO THE WORD
When
God’s word goes forth it gives light;
it
gives understanding to the simple.
Let us hear the
Word of the Lord. Psalm 119:130
Sit
First READING 1 Kings 3:5-12
5At Gibeon the
Lord appeared to Solomon in a
dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” 6And
Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my
father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness,
and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great
and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. 7And
now, O Lord my God, you have
made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little
child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8And your servant is
in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous
they cannot be numbered or counted. 9Give your servant therefore an
understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and
evil; for who can govern this your great people?”
10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11God
said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long
life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself
understanding to discern what is right, 12I now do according to your
word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been
before you and no one like you shall arise after you.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 119:129-136
The psalm is read responsively between the pastor and the people.
129 Your de- | crees are wonderful;*
therefore I obey them with | all
my heart.
130 When your word goes forth | it gives light;*
it
gives understanding | to the simple.
131 I open my | mouth and pant;*
I long for | your commandments.
132 Turn to | me in mercy,*
as
you always do to those who | love your name.
133 Steady my footsteps | in your
word;*
let no iniquity have dominion |
over me.
134 Rescue me from those | who oppress me,*
and
I will keep | your commandments.
135 Let your countenance shine up- |
on your servant*
and teach | me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed | streams of tears,*
because
people do not | keep your law.
SECOND READING
Romans
8:26-39
26The Spirit
helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that
very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who
searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit
intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28We know that all things work together for good for those who
love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom
he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in
order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30And
those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also
justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who
is against us? 32He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him
up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33Who
will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who
is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the
right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35Who will separate
us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor
height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to
God.
Stand
VERSE
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
John 6:68
Gospel Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
The
Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
31[Jesus] put before
[the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed
that someone took and sowed in his field;32it is the smallest of all
the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a
tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
33He told [the disciples] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven
is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until
all of it was leavened.”
44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which
someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and
buys that field.
45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of
fine pearls; 46on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold
all that he had and bought it.
47“Again, the kingdom of
heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every
kind; 48when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the
good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49So it will be at the end
of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50and
throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing
of teeth.
51“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52And
he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom
of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what
is new and what is old.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sit
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY Jesus,
Priceless Treasure
Please meditate on the text of the hymn as
it is played.
source of
purest pleasure,
truest friend
to me:
ah, how long
I’ve panted,
and my heart
has fainted,
thirsting,
Lord, for thee!
Thine I am, O
spotless Lamb;
I will suffer
nought to hide thee,
nought I ask
beside thee.
2 In thine arm I
rest me;
foes who
would molest me
cannot reach
me here.
Though the
earth be shaking,
ev’ry heart
be quaking,
Jesus calms
my fear.
Sin and hell
in conflict fell
with their
bitter storms assail me,
Jesus will
not fail me.
3 Hence, all
fears and sadness,
for the Lord
of gladness,
Jesus, enters
in.
Those who
love the Father,
though the
storms may gather,
still have
peace within.
Yea, whate’er
I here must bear,
still in thee
lies purest pleasure,
Jesus,
priceless treasure!
Text: Johann Franck, 1618-1677; tr. Catherine Winkworth,
1829-1878, alt.
Stand
CONFESSION
OF FAITH
The pastor and people confess the faith of the Church in
the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
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 into hell.
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. Amen
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ
Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
A brief silence is kept.
Father, make your people desire
your kingdom above all else, and help us to seek the growth of your Spirit in
our lives. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Bless all pastors and teachers of
the Word, that they may be given understanding to discern what is right and to
proclaim it to your people. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Give freedom and justice to all
people, that they may enjoy the necessities of life and serve you with hearts
and minds free from fear. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Let your Spirit intercede with
sighs too deep for words for all people who are ill in body, mind, and spirit,
who struggle with doubt, who live with grief and anxiety, and for all whom we
name before you.
The people offer silent or spoken intercessions and
thanksgivings.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
We give you thanks for the glory
promised to us, when evil will be no more, when we will see what we have
believed: that nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus
our Lord. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Into your hands, Father, we
commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Amen
PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also
with you.
The people exchange a sign of peace
with the simple words, Peace be with you.
Sit
The Lord’s Table is prepared.
Stand
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
Lord,
come to us and cleanse us,
come to
us and heal us,
come to
us and strengthen us,
and grant that,
having received you,
we may never be
separated from you,
but continue
yours forever.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Great Thanksgiving begins with the Preface, leading
into the Sanctus:
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 him thanks and praise.
It is indeed right and salutary that we should at
all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, Holy Father,
through Christ our Lord.
You
destined us to be conformed to the image of him who gave himself for us and
intercedes for us according to your holy will, and from your love nothing in
heaven or on earth can separate us.
And so with
the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their
unending hymn:
Holy,
holy, holy LORD, God of power and might!
Heaven
and earth are full of your glory;
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
Hosanna in the highest! (Isaiah 6:3, Matthew 21:9)
The
pastor leads the people in praying the Eucharistic canon:
You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful
God;
you are most holy, and great is the majesty of your
glory.
You
so loved the world that you gave your only Son,
that
whoever believes in him
may
not perish but have eternal life.
Having
come into the world, he fulfilled for us your holy will
and
accomplished our salvation.
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.
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 salutary command,
his life-giving Passion and
death,
his glorious resurrection and
ascension,
and his promise to come again,
we give thanks to you, Lord God
Almighty,
not as we ought, but as we are
able;
and
we implore you mercifully
to accept our praise and thanksgiving,
and, with your Word and Holy Spirit,
to
bless us, your servants,
and
these your own gifts of bread and wine;
that
we and all who share
in
the body and blood of your Son
may
be filled with heavenly peace and joy,
and,
receiving the forgiveness of sin,
may
be sanctified in soul and body,
and
have our portion with all your saints.
All
honor and glory are yours, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church, now and
forever. Amen
In the presence of Christ, we pray to his Father using the words he gave
us.
Christ is in our midst.
By the power of the
Spirit,
we pray to his
Father, saying:
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 (Matthew
6:9-15)
We adore Christ with the words of
the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God).
Behold, the treasure hidden in a field;
Behold, the pearl of great price. (Matthew 13:44a, 46a)
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Grant us peace.
(John 1:29, see also Luke 17:13)
DISTRIBUTION
Admission to the Sacrament is by
invitation of the Lord, presented through the Church to those who are baptized.
They may receive the Lord’s Body and Blood who
are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
who commune in their home churches, and who believe that Jesus Christ,
crucified and risen, is truly present in, with, and under the forms of bread
and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
The communicants
will be invited forward one family unit at a time. Please do not come forward
until the pastor directs you to come forward, do not approach all the way to
the table until the pastor has retreated, and please do not remove your mask until you
have reached the table with the elements on it.
When the pastor says ‘The body of Christ,
given for you,’ eat the bread. When the pastor says, ‘The blood of Christ, shed
for you,’ drink the wine. Please take
the plate and the glass(es) and place them on the table that is indicated.
Please put your mask on before returning to your seat.
Please meditate
on the text of the hymn as it is played.
Be Thou My Vision
1
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art--
thou my best thought by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
2
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
thou my great Father, I thy true son;
thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
3
Be thou my battle shield, sword for my fight;
be thou my dignity, thou my delight,
thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tow'r:
raise thou me heav'n-ward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
4
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
thou mine inheritance, now and always:
thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
5
High King of heaven, my victory won,
may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'n's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
(Irish
hymn, tr. Mary E. Byrne)
When all have
received, the congregation stands at the direction of the pastor.
The body and blood of our Lord
Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen
Lord, now you let your servant
go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the
salvation
which you have prepared in the
sight of every people:
A light to reveal you to the
nations
and the glory of your people
Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to
the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is
now,
and will be forever. Amen Song
of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)
O Christ, Lamb of God pure and holy,
O Wisdom, Word, and Power of God,
Grant that we may more perfectly partake of
you
in the days which know no ending in your
kingdom;
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen
BENEDICTION
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 X give you
peace.
Amen
DISMISSAL
Go
in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be
to God!
CLOSING MUSIC Sent
Forth By God’s Blessing
1
Sent forth by God’s
blessing, our true faith confessing,
the people of God from
his dwelling take leave.
The Supper is ended; Oh,
now be extended
the fruits of this
service in all who believe.
The seed of his
teaching, receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action
for God and for all.
His grace did invite us,
his love shall unite us
to work for God’s
kingdom and answer his call.
2
With praise and
thanksgiving to God ever living
the tasks of our
everyday life we will face.
Our faith ever sharing,
in love ever-caring,
Embracing his children
of each tribe and race.
With your feast you feed
us, with your light now lead us,
Unite us as one in this
life that we share.
Then may all the living,
with praise and thanksgiving
give honor to Christ and
his name that we bear.
Text: Omar Westendorf, b. 1916, alt.
Please maintain social distance and remain
masked while exiting the building. Please sanitize your hands before leaving
the building.
OUR STEWARDSHIP of GOD’S GIFTS
Last Weekend’s Attendance: 7 + 16 = 23
Offering: 7/19/2020
Towards
Budget: $
1,470.00
Itemized Non Budget:
Flowers: $ 20.00
Water Mission: $ 10.00
Total: $
1,500.00
The Altar
Flowers are given to the Glory of God by Carol Ann Romaine in honor of her son Brian.
V IN YOUR PRAYERS
Linda Armento,
at home
Ruth Duessel, at
Concordia, Rebecca
Pastor Carl
Hendrickson, at home
Elsie Kemmler and Bill Roth at Concordia, South Hills
David Noel, at Kane Rehab, Scott Township
Geneva Schrag, at Consulate Health Care, Canonsburg
William Wetzel
at Concordia, Cabot
A FEW REMINDERS AS WE RESUME
PUBLIC WORSHIP SERVICES:
·
If
you wish to attend worship, you will need to pre-register every week
by either calling the office or sending an email.
·
Registration
ends Saturday at 12 noon.
·
Masks
are required to be worn while in the building.
·
Upon
entering and leaving the church, you must sanitize your hands or wash them with
soap and water.
·
Everyone
must sign in when entering the church. This way we can keep track of who was in
the church and when.
WORSHIP SERVICES are held every Saturday evening at 6:30 PM and Sunday morning
at 9:30 AM. Pastor Frontz will also livestream Compline (Prayer at the Close of
the Day) on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. and Vespers (Evening Prayer) on Wednesday at 7
p.m. These can be accessed on the church’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ststephenpittsburgh).
PASTOR
FRONTZ will
be on vacation from Monday, July 27, and returning Thursday, August 6. If there
is a pastoral emergency, please contact one of the Elders, who will contact the
pastor who is on call.
THERE WILL BE NO LIVESTREAMS on
the following dates: Wednesday, July 29, and Sunday, August 2. We apologize for the inconvenience. A recorded liturgy for
Sunday prayer will be provided so that you may worship online if you cannot be
at church on August 2. Thank you for your understanding.
FOOD BANK SUNDAY is next weekend.
Please consider bringing any non-perishable food items to church next
weekend to be donated to the food pantry of St Andrew Lutheran Church in East
Carnegie. Monetary donations are also accepted. Thank you.
KINDLY REMEMBER TO PAY FOR THE
FLOWERS you
ordered for the weekend Altar and for the special occasions. Altar flowers are $20/vase. Checks can be
made out to St. Stephen Lutheran Church
with a notation “flowers” and placed in the offering plate
DAILY
DEVOTIONS, including THE WORD IN SEASON, PORTALS OF PRAYER AND CHRIST IN OUR
HOME (July,
August, and September 2020) are available on the table in the Narthex. Take one
or more to share with family and friends. If you are able, a donation would be
welcomed to help defray the cost to the congregation for these resources. Thank
you!
2020 ‘DAILY TEXTS’ are available in the Narthex. A donation of
$10 per book would be appreciated
to help cover the cost of the books. Thank you.
PLEASE ALERT Pastor Frontz anytime you
are hospitalized by calling him on his cell: (570) 447-8758. Hospitals DO NOT contact the church.
THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE NALC
NEWSLETTER is
available in the Narthex.
ST STEPHEN COUNSELING CENTER A site of Pittsburgh Pastoral
Institute/PPI) For marriage, family, teen
and individual counseling – for first appointment call PPI at 412-661-1239. St.
Stephen Center is
412-279-5452. Counseling opens doors to hope.
Counselor: Caroline Graham-McGuire.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
From
Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted
by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #20540.
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.
Attribution
various - Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn or Gerard Dou. Parable of the hidden
treasure, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt
Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55010 [retrieved
July 20, 2020]. Original source:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parable_of_the_hidden_treasure_Rembrandt_-_Gerard_Dou.jpg.Prayer
of the Day from Opening Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language,
copyright
1997 International Commission on English in the Liturgy. All rights reserved.
Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org
