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THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Faith amid the conflicts of the
time
The color green, used for the vestments and paraments in the season
after Pentecost, symbolizes growth and life in the Holy Spirit.
FIRST
READING – Before the Babylonian exile, Jeremiah speaks God’s Word to the
rebellious people of Israel. They have listened to false prophets who have
proclaimed only God’s unconditional favor, while keeping silent about or
excusing the people’s sins. But, Jeremiah reminds them, God’s Word is not a
false ‘peace,’ but it is truth – like fire which melts away the dross and a
hammer which breaks apart that which has hardened and calcified.
SECOND
READING – The writer of the letter to the Hebrews encourages us by recounting
the faith of the Israelites. These faithful were of the eras of Exodus, the conquest
of Canaan, the prophets, and the Maccabean revolt (which is recorded in what
Lutherans call the ‘Apocrypha’), Though God commended
their faith, they nevertheless did not receive the fullness of the
promises, for God’s story is not yet complete. The fulfillment waits for others
to finish their race in faith. The final words of our reading encourage us to
complete our race of faith, following
Christ the ‘pacesetter,’ the one who perfects the faithful.
GOSPEL – There
are times when the promised ‘peace’ Jesus comes to bring seems far off. Churches, nations, and even families are rent by division. This reality
is unsettling, but Jesus did not come to bring cheap grace and easy answers. The
‘baptism’ which Jesus must undergo is not the baptism which he received in the
Jordan at the hands of John, but it is baptism of fire in his passion and
death, which proves his worth and purity. He is brought through the fire to the
joy of resurrection. We too are purified by faithfully living with trust in Jesus
amid the ambiguities of our time.
OPENING MUSIC
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
I will go to the altar of God;
the God of my joy and gladness.
WHYMN
Come, Thou Almighty King Green
LBW 522
1 Come, thou almighty King,
help us thy name to sing;
help us to praise;
Father all-glorious,
o’er all victorious,
come and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.
2 Come, thou incarnate Word,
gird on thy mighty sword;
our prayer attend.
Come and thy people bless,
and give thy word success,
and let thy righteousness
on us descend.
3 Come, holy Comforter,
thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour!
Thou, who almighty art,
now rule in ev’ry heart,
and ne’er from us depart,
Spirit of pow’r.
4 To thee, great One in Three,
eternal praises be
hence evermore!
Thy sov’reign majesty
may we in glory see,
and to eternity
love and adore.
Text: source unknown, c. 1757, alt.
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
HYMN OF PRAISE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
To set the earth ablaze, O God,
your Son
submitted to a baptism unto death,
and from
his cup of suffering
you call
the Church to drink.
Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus
and give us strength in the time of trial
to run the race that lies before us.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen
and like
a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Let us hear the Word of the Lord. Jeremiah 23:29
Sit
FIRST READING Jeremiah
23:23-29
23Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? 24Who can hide in
secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. 25I have heard what the
prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, “I have dreamed, I
have dreamed!” 26How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn
back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? 27They
plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one
another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. 28Let the
prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my
word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the Lord. 29Is not my word like
fire, says the Lord, and like a
hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Antiphon Ps.
82:8
1 God
takes his stand in the coun- | cil of heaven;*
he
gives judgment in the midst | of the gods:
2 "How long will you |
judge unjustly,*
and
show favor | to the wicked?
3 Save the weak | and the
orphan;*
defend
the hum- | ble and needy;
4 rescue the weak | and the
poor;*
deliver
them from the power | of the wicked.
5 They do not know, neither do
they understand;
they go | about in darkness;*
all
the foundations of the | earth are shaken.
6 Now I say to you, | 'You are gods,*
and
all of you children of | the Most High;
7 nevertheless, you shall | die like mortals,*
and
fall like | any prince.'"
8 Arise, O God, and | rule the
earth,*
for
you shall take all nations | for your own.
SECOND READING Hebrews
11:29—12:2
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it
were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. 30By
faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. 31By
faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient,
because she had received the spies in peace.
32And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—33who
through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut
the mouths of lions, 34quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies
to flight. 35Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were
tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection.
36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and
imprisonment. 37They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two,
they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats,
destitute, persecuted, tormented—38of whom the world was not worthy.
They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
39Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did
not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something
better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.
12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by
so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin
that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set
before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,
who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne
of God.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks
be to God.
Stand
VERSE
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] 49“I
came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I
have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it
is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the
earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one
household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they
will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
54He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the
west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. 55And
when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’;
and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the
appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the
present time?”
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sit
SERMON
Stand
WHYMN OF THE DAY
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast
in Your Word Green LBW 230
1 Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.
2 Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise
eternally.
3 O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife
and lead us out of death to life.
Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr.
Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.
CONFESSION OF FAITH 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.
For the whole Church and this
congregation, that amid the conflicts and trials through which we pass, we may
cling to you in faith, awaiting the salvation which only you can give; Lord, in
your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For our bishop, Dan; our pastors Maurice
and Harvey, and all ordained to the holy ministry: that those who have a word
from you may speak it faithfully; Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For all who serve in government
and in our armed forces: that they may competently and honorably exercise their
responsibilities; Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For those who are without adequate
food, clothing, and shelter: that they may put their trust in you and receive
signs of your powerful coming of justice; Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
For those who grieve the death of
loved ones; for the sick in body, mind, or spirit, and for those we name before
you aloud upon our lips and in the silence of our hearts…
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
In thanksgiving for those who have
run the race of faith: that, encouraged by their good example, we may also lay
aside every weight and look to Jesus our Savior, seeking that heavenly country
which awaits us; Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Into your hands, Father, we commend
all for whom we pray, trusting in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Amen
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
The people exchange the sign of peace with the simple words, Peace be with you.
Sit
The Lord’s Table is prepared.
Stand
O Bread of Life from Heaven (LBW 222), stanza 1
1 O Bread of life from heaven,
O Food to pilgrims given,
O Manna from above:
feed with the blessed sweetness
of your divine completeness
the souls that want and need your love.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
through your goodness we have this bread to set before you,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
through your goodness we have this wine to set before you,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become for us the cup of salvation.
Blessed be God for ever.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
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
This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
Happy are we who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word and I shall be healed.
John 1:29; Revelation 19:9; Luke 7:6-7
O Bread of Life from Heaven, stanza 2
2 O Fount of grace redeeming,
O River ever streaming
from Jesus’ wounded side:
come now, your love bestowing
on thirsting souls, and flowing
till all are fully satisfied.
Sit
DISTRIBUTION
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.
Please come forward, take a communion cup from the tray, and kneel at the altar rail on your ‘side’ of the worship space. Please make an effort to leave some distance between your family unit and the next family unit. When your side has finished communing, please place your empty cup in the tray provided.
WDISTRIBUTION HYMN
God the Father, Be Our Stay Green LBW 308
1 God
the Father, be our stay;
oh,
let us perish never!
Cleanse
us from our sins, we pray,
and
grant us life forever.
Keep
us from the evil one;
uphold
our faith most holy,
and
let us trust you solely
with
humble hearts and lowly.
Let
us put God’s armor on,
with
all true Christians running
our
heav’nly race and shunning
the
devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen!
Amen! This be done;
so
sing we, “Hallelujah!”
2 Jesus,
Savior, be our stay;
oh,
let us perish never!
Cleanse
us from our sins, we pray,
and
grant us life forever.
Keep
us from the evil one;
uphold
our faith most holy,
and
let us trust you solely
with
humble hearts and lowly.
Let
us put God’s armor on,
with
all true Christians running
our
heav’nly race and shunning
the
devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen!
Amen! This be done;
so
sing we, “Hallelujah!”
3 Holy
Spirit, be our stay;
oh,
let us perish never!
Cleanse
us from our sins, we pray,
and
grant us life forever.
Keep
us from the evil one;
uphold
our faith most holy,
and
let us trust you solely
with
humble hearts and lowly.
Let
us put God’s armor on,
with
all true Christians running
our
heav’nly race and shunning
the
devil’s wiles and cunning.
Amen!
Amen! This be done;
so
sing we, “Hallelujah!”
Text: adapt. Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Richard Massie, 1800-1887, 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
O Bread of Life from Heaven, stanza 3
3 We love you, Jesus, tender,
in all your hidden splendor
within these means of grace.
Oh, let the veil be riven,
and our clear eye in heaven
behold your glory face to face.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sit
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE FAITH FAMILY
Stand
Silence for meditation.
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
WCLOSING HYMN
Judge
Eternal, Throned in Splendor Green LBW 418
1 Judge
eternal, throned in splendor,
Lord
of lords and King of kings,
with
your living fire of judgment
purge
this land of bitter things;
solace
all its wide dominion
with
the healing of your wings.
2 Still
the weary folk are pining
for
the hour that brings release;
and
the city’s crowded clangor
cries
aloud for sin to cease;
and
the homesteads and the woodlands
plead
in silence for their peace.
3 Crown,
O God, your own endeavor;
cleave
our darkness with your sword;
feed
the faint and hungry peoples
with
the richness of your Word;
cleanse
the body of this nation
through
the glory of the Lord.
Text: Henry S. Holland, 1847-1918
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
From
Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2022 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.
Prayer
of the Day from Opening Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language: Norwich,
UK: Canterbury Press, 2001.
Pinart, Robert and Dieter Goldruhle. Fire, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=57017 [retrieved August 8, 2022]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lincoln_Bay_window_-_National_Cathedral_-_DC.JPG.
Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org
St Stephen Lutheran Church
55 Forsythe Road
Pittsburgh PA 15220
(412) 279-5868
office@ststephenpittsburgh.org
Saturday Evening Worship – 6:30 pm
Sunday Morning Worship – 9:30 am
