St Stephen Lutheran Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Sunday Worship

Please note that beginning NEXT WEEKEND, Sunday worship will begin at 10:30 a.m.

THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The color green, used for the vestments and paraments in the season after Pentecost, represents growth and life in the Holy Spirit.

The disciples cannot understand Jesus’ true identity until his death on the cross and his resurrection. The nature of Jesus’ kingship is different from our expectations. Jesus is not an earthly king who will defeat political enemies. Instead, he has his sights set on even more powerful enemies: the unholy trio of sin, evil, and death.

Peter’s rebuke of Jesus anticipates his denial of Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest. In both instances, he fears death, believing that this is the worst that can happen to him, and to Jesus. And yet we must remember that Jesus has called him and that call is still valid. When we deny our baptismal callings, we may remember that our cross is still by the side of the road, waiting for us to take it up and follow him.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in Discipleship: ‘The cross is neither misfortune nor harsh fate. Instead it is that suffering which comes from our allegiance to Jesus Christ alone…The cross is not suffering that stems from natural existence; it is suffering that comes from being Christian…(disciples) have their own cross ready, assigned by God and measured to fit. They must all bear the suffering and rejection measured out to each of them. Everyone gets a different amount. God honors some with great suffering and grants them the grace of martyrdom, while others are not tempted beyond their strength. But in every case, it is the one cross.’

Jeremiah’s cross was to preach God’s Word of judgment to a people who didn’t want to hear it. In Romans, Paul urges behavior appropriate to a Christian who has been justified by God’s grace in Jesus Christ and set free from the law of sin and death. Much of this behavior could be interpreted as ‘cross-bearing:’ the call to humility, the laying aside of revenge; the blessing of enemies.

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 Prelude from Suite No. 5 in C minor J.S. Bach

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

Sit

OPENING HYMN Lift High the Cross

Please meditate on the text of the hymn as it is played:

Refrain:

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

Till all the world adore his sacred name.

1 Come, Christians, follow where our captain trod,

Our king victorious, Christ, the Son of God. Refrain

2 Led on their way by this triumphant sign,

The hosts of God in conqu’ring ranks combine. Refrain

3 All newborn soldiers of the Crucified

Bear on their brows the seal of him who died. Refrain

4 O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,

As thou hast promised, draw us all to thee. Refrain

5 So shall our song of triumph ever be:

Praise to the Crucified for victory! Refrain

Text: George W Kitchin, 1827-1912; Michael R. Newbolt 1874-1956

Tune: Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875-1947

Stand

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.

O God, whose word burns like a fire within us,

grant us a bold and faithful spirit,

that in your strength we may be unafraid to speak your word

and follow where you lead.

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen

CALL TO THE WORD
O LORD, your love is before our eyes.

Let us hear the Word of the Lord. Psalm 26:3

Sit

First READING Jeremiah 15: 15-21

¹⁵O Lord, you know;
remember me and visit me,
and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors.
In your forbearance do not take me away;
know that on your account I suffer insult.
¹⁶Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart;
for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
¹⁷I did not sit in the company of merrymakers,
nor did I rejoice;
under the weight of your hand I sat alone,
for you had filled me with indignation.
¹⁸Why is my pain unceasing,
my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook,
like waters that fail.
¹⁹Therefore thus says the Lord:
If you turn back, I will take you back,
and you shall stand before me.

If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless,
you shall serve as my mouth.
It is they who will turn to you,
not you who will turn to them.
²⁰And I will make you to this people
a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you,
but they shall not prevail over you,
for I am with you
to save you and deliver you,
says the Lord.
²¹I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked,
and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

PSALM 26: 1-8

The psalm is read responsively between the pastor and the people.

¹ Give judgment for me, O Lord, for I have lived | with integrity;*

I have trusted in the Lord and | have not faltered.

² Test me, O | Lord, and try me;*

examine my heart | and my mind.

³ For your love is be- | fore my eyes;*

I have walked faith- | fully with you.

⁴ I have not sat | with the worthless,*

nor do I consort with | the deceitful.

⁵ I have hated the company of | evildoers;*

I will not sit down | with the wicked.

⁶ I will wash my hands in inno- | cence, O Lord,*

that I may go in procession | round your altar,

⁷ singing aloud a song | of thanksgiving*

and recounting all your won- | derful deeds.

⁸ Lord, I love the house in | which you dwell*

and the place where your glo- | ry abides.

SECOND READING Romans 12:9-21

⁹Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; ¹⁰love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹²Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. ¹³Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. ¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. ¹⁸If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Stand

VERSE

Alleluia. Your words became a joy to me,

and the delight of my heart. Alleluia. Jeremiah 15:16

Gospel Matthew 16:21-28

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

Glory to you, O Lord.

²¹From that time on, [after Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah,] Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. ²²And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” ²³But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

²⁴Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ²⁵For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. ²⁶For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
²⁷“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. ²⁸Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sit

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said

Please meditate on the text of the hymn as it is played.

1 “Take up your cross,” the Savior said,

“if you would my disciple be;

forsake the past, and come this day,

and humbly follow after me.”

2 Take up your cross; let not its weight

pervade your soul with vain alarm;

his strength shall bear your spirit up,

sustain your heart, and nerve your arm.

3 Take up your cross, nor heed the shame,

nor let your foolish heart rebel;

for you the Lord endured the cross

to save your soul from death and hell.

4 Take up your cross and follow Christ,

nor think till death to lay it down;

for only those who bear the cross

may hope to wear a golden crown.

Text: Charles W. Everest, 1814-1877, 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

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Made one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Father for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence is kept.

For the Church, that sharing in the cross of your Son, your people may share with him in the glory of his Resurrection. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For this congregation, that the body of believers gathered here may love one another with mutual affection. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For all ministers of Word and Sacrament; that they may preach the message of the cross, foolishness to those who are perishing but the power of God to those who are being saved. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For all who suffer for the cross of Christ, that they may bless those who persecute them and look to the day of their vindication. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For our country and for the people of Belarus, China, Lebanon, Venezuela… that they may live in safety, justice, and freedom. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For the government and the armed forces; that they may defend the weak and be faithful in the exercise of their offices. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For all those affected by fire, flood, and famine; especially for those who have lost loved ones, property, or livelihood. Grant them shelter, food, and security by the willing hands of those who serve you. Make us all mindful of their needs and our abundance. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

We give thanks for the signs of your mercy in the Word and in the world. We pray those signs of mercy upon the sick in body, mind, and spirit, for those who grieve, for those whose faith is wavering or has gone cold; and for all those we name before you…

The People may offer silent or spoken intercessions and thanksgivings.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all who have followed in the way of your cross and now see you in the glory of your kingdom. Grant that we, who are signed with the Holy Cross and who have been joined to your people in baptism, may see with them the dawning day of your justice and mercy. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Into your hands, Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your steadfast love, 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.

OFFERTORY Allemande from Suite No. 6 in D Major J.S. Bach

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, O Lord, holy Father, through Christ our Lord:

Who walked the way of obedience to the Father, and calls those who would follow him to take up the cross; he will come in glory and power to judge the living and the dead and to save and deliver his people.

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).

Lord, I love the house in which you dwell;

And the place where your glory abides.

(Psalm 26:8)

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.

O Jesus, I Have Promised

1 O Jesus, I have promised

to serve you to the end;

remain forever near me,

my master and my friend.

I shall not fear the battle

if you are by my side,

nor wander from the pathway

if you will be my guide.

2 Oh, let me feel you near me;

the world is ever near.

I see the sights that dazzle,

the tempting sounds I hear.

My foes are ever near me,

around me and within;

but, Jesus, then draw nearer

to shield my soul from sin.

3 Oh, let me hear you speaking

in accents clear and still

above the storms of passion,

the murmurs of self-will.

Now speak to reassure me,

to hasten or control;

now speak and make me listen,

O Guardian of my soul.

4 O Jesus, you have promised

to all who follow you

that where you are in glory

your servant shall be too.

And Jesus, I have promised

to serve you to the end;

oh, give me grace to follow,

my master and my friend.

Text: John E. Bode, 1816-1874, alt.

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 (Numbers 6:24-26)

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God!

CLOSING MUSIC On Our Way Rejoicing

1 On our way rejoicing

gladly let us go.

Christ our Lord has conquered;

vanquished is the foe.

Christ without, our safety;

Christ within, our joy;

who, if we be faithful,

can our hope destroy?

Refrain

On our way rejoicing;

as we forward move,

hearken to our praises,

O blest God of love!

2 Unto God the Father

joyful songs we sing;

unto God the Savior

thankful hearts we bring;

unto God the Spirit

bow we and adore,

on our way rejoicing

now and evermore. Refrain

Text: John S. B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt.

OUR STEWARDSHIP of GOD’S GIFTS

Last Weekend’s Attendance: 11 + 16 = 27

Offering: 8/23/2020

Towards Budget: $ 1,284.00

Itemized Non Budget:

Total: $ 1,284.00

The Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God by Divya Bejjam in honor of her uncle’s birthday.

V IN YOUR PRAYERS

Linda Armento, at home

Mary Jo Bondi, 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).

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our guest musician this morning, Michael Frontz.

10:30 AM SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES will resume next Sunday, September 6. Please mark your calendars. Thank you.

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.

THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING will be on Sunday, September 20, at 7 PM.

THE GARDEN needs to be weeded again. Imagine that! If you have time, please stop by the church and pull a few weeds. You need not do it all. You’ll feel good and the garden will look nice!

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.

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.

Text Box: THIS WEEK FOR THE FAITH FAMILY
Sun/ Aug 30 WORSHIP 9:30 AM
Prayer at the Close of the Day (livestream) 9:30 PM Wed/ Sept 2 Evening Prayer (livestream) 7:00 PM
Sat/ Sept 5 NA Meeting 11:00 AM
SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP 6:30 PM
Food Bank
Sun/ Sept 6 WORSHIP 10:30 AM
Prayer at the Close of the Day (livestream) 9:30 PM Food Bank

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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.

Opening Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language,

Unidentified. Burning Bush, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=55951 [retrieved August 24, 2020]. Original source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/glasgowamateur/6814957598.

Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org