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THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Joy over the lost who are
found
The color green, used for the vestments and paraments in the season
after Pentecost, symbolizes growth and life in the Holy Spirit.
FIRST READING: God ‘repents’ or ‘changes his mind’ about the disaster that
he plans to bring upon his rebellious people. What it looks like for God to
change his mind is left to our imagination. Perhaps it is from the human
perspective only that God seems to change his mind, but what is certain from
our perspective is that despair over our plight is changed into hope for the
future. Sin and evil, judgment and wrath do not have the last word. God turns
toward his people so his that people might turn to him.
SECOND READING: Paul’s letters to Timothy are the ‘passing of the torch’ to
the next generation of Christian leaders. In this reading, Paul briefly recounts
his story: he was lost and was found by God in Jesus Christ. In Paul’s
understanding, he was called not only to teach with words, but to be a living example
of those who are ignorant of God’s will and who may be saved by God’s mercy.
GOSPEL: Today we hear two of the three parables of the lost from Luke
15. (The third, the parable of the lost sons, was read in Lent.) Jesus answers
the objections of the Pharisees who grumble against him because he associates
with known sinners. Using homespun images easily grasped by his hearers (and
us) Jesus explains the divine joy that is present when sinners turn back to
God. The implication is clear: those who grumble should instead embrace God’s
joy when the lost are found.
OPENING MUSIC
Jesus Sinners Will Receive -
Gunter Raphael
Now
that the Daylight Fills the Sky - Carl Schalk
BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Stand
The
sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.
Blessed
be God: Father, X Son, and Holy
Spirit;
And blessed
be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen
Since we have a great high
priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with
confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find
grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Let
us confess our sins in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence for
reflection and self-examination.
I
confess to God Almighty, before the whole company of heaven, and to you, my
brothers and sisters, that I have sinned in thought, word, and deed by my fault,
by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault; wherefore I pray God Almighty
to have mercy on me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to everlasting life.
Amen
The almighty and merciful Lord grant you
pardon, forgiveness,
and remission of all your sins. Amen
I confess to God Almighty, before the whole
company of heaven,
and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I
have sinned in thought,
word, and deed by my fault, by my own fault,
by my own most
grievous fault; wherefore I pray God Almighty
to have mercy on
me, forgive me all my sins, and bring me to
everlasting life. Amen
The
almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, forgiveness, and remission of all
your sins. Amen
THE HOLY COMMUNION
I will go
to the altar of God;
the God of my joy and gladness.
WHymn Now that the
Daylight Fills the Sky Green LBW 268
1 Now
that the daylight fills the sky,
we
lift our hearts to God on high,
that
he, in all we do or say,
would
keep us free from harm today;
2 Would
guard our hearts and tongues from strife;
from
anger’s din would shield our life;
from
evil sights would turn our eyes,
and
close our ears to vanities;
3 So
we, when this new day is gone
and
night in turn is drawing on,
with
conscience by the world unstained
shall
praise his name for vict’ry gained.
4 “All
praise to you, creator Lord!
All
praise to you, eternal Word!
All
praise to you, O Spirit wise!”
we
sing as daylight fills the skies.
Text: Latin hymn, 7th or 8th cent.; tr.
John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, 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.
Patiently you seek the lost, O God,
and exultant you bring home the found.
Touch our hearts with grateful wonder
at the tenderness of your forbearing love.
Grant us delight in the mercy that has found
us
and bring all to rejoice at the feast of
forgiveness.
We ask this 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
God makes us hear of joy and gladness.
Let
us hear the Word of the Lord.
Psalm 51:9a
Sit
First READING Exodus
32:7-14
7The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you
brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have
been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for
themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and
said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land
of Egypt!’ ” 9The Lord said to
Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. 10Now
let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume
them; and of you I will make a great nation.”
11But Moses implored the Lord
his God, and said, “O Lord,
why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the
land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should
the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them
in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from
your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. 13Remember
Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own
self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of
heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants,
and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” 14And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster
that he planned to bring on his people.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to
God.
PSALM 51:1-11
Antiphon Ps.
51:1
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your |
lovingkindness;*
in
your great compassion blot out | my offenses.
2 Wash me through and through | from my wickedness,*
and
cleanse me | from my sin.
3 For I know | my transgressions,*
and
my sin is ev- | er before me.
4 Against you only | have I sinned*
and
done what is evil | in your sight.
5 And so you are justified | when you speak*
and
upright | in your judgment.
6 Indeed, I have been wicked | from my birth,*
a
sinner from my | mother's womb.
7 For behold, you look for truth | deep within me,*
and
will make me understand | wisdom secretly.
8 Purge me from my sin, and I | shall be pure;*
wash
me, and I shall be | clean indeed.
9 Make me hear of | joy and gladness,*
that
the body you have broken | may rejoice.
10 Hide your face | from my sins,*
and
blot out all | my iniquities.
11 Create in me a clean | heart, O God,*
and
renew a right spir- | it within me.
Antiphon
SECOND READING 1 Timothy 1:12-17
12I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has
strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service,
13even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of
violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and
the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in
Christ Jesus. 15The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the
foremost. 16But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in
me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me
an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17To
the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory
forever and ever. Amen.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks
be to God.
Stand
VERSE Romans 15:4 Setting
by Robert J. Powell
Alleluia. Whatever was written in former days was written for
our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the
Scriptures we might have hope. Alleluia.
Gospel Luke 15:1-10
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1Now all the
tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus.] 2And
the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes
sinners and eats with them.”
3So he told them this parable: 4“Which one of you,
having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine
in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5When
he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6And when
he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them,
‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7Just
so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents
than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
8“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them,
does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds
it? 9When she has found it, she calls together her friends and
neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had
lost.’ 10Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Praise to
you, O Christ.
Sit
Sermon
Stand
WHYMN OF THE DAY
Jesus Sinners Will Receive Green LBW 291
St. 1 and 3/ Choir
1 Jesus
sinners will receive;
may
they all this saying ponder
who
in sin’s delusions live
and
from God and heaven wander!
Here
is hope for all who grieve:
Jesus
sinners will receive.
2 We
deserve but grief and shame,
yet
his words, rich grace revealing,
pardon,
peace, and life proclaim.
Here
our ills have perfect healing;
we
with humble hearts believe
Jesus
sinners will receive.
3 When
their sheep have lost their way,
faithful
shepherds go to seek them;
Jesus
watches all who stray,
faithfully
to find and take them
in
his arms, that they may live--
Jesus
sinners will receive.
4 Come,
O sinners, one and all,
come,
accept his invitation;
come,
obey his gracious call,
come
and take his free salvation!
Firmly
in these words believe:
Jesus
sinners will receive.
5 Jesus
sinners will receive.
Even
me he has forgiven;
and
when I this earth must leave,
I
shall find an open heaven.
Dying,
still to him I cleave--
Jesus
sinners will receive.
Text: Erdmann Neumeister, 1671-1756; tr. Evangelical
Lutheran Hymn-Book, 1912, 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
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Let
us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people
according to their needs.
We pray for the Church. We are born children of a
fallen humanity; in the waters of baptism we are made children of God and
inheritors of eternal life. Help us to live in the covenant you have made with
us. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
We pray for our congregation. Center us on Christ;
that we may be salt and light, a seasoning of the world and a beacon to guide home
the lost. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
We pray for our bishop, Dan; our pastors, and all ministers
of the Word. Give them the spirit of joy as they preach the Word which both
judges and saves. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
We pray for those who are lost in the darkness of
ignorance or error. Keep them from despair or presumption, and bring them to
your house to delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your
holy name. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
We pray for the peace of the world; for good
government and health of community; for the relief of those stricken by
disaster and war; for those who live in poverty; for migrants and refugees, and
for all in any need of body, mind or spirit. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
We pray for the ill of our congregation; the
grieving; the dying, and all who need our prayers:
The pastor reads the names and situations submitted
for prayer.
The people may offer spoken or silent petitions or
praises.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
We pray in thanksgiving for those who were lost who
have been found, and we pray that we may share in the joy of those who stand in
awe in the presence of your love; 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
Stand
OFFERTORY Romans 14:6-8 Setting
by Robert J. Powell
Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord.
Those also who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God.
None of us lives alone, and none of us dies alone. If we live, we live to the
Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we
die, we are the Lord’s.
Hear us, O Lord Jesus Christ, from your
dwelling place,
from the glorious throne of your kingdom, and
come and cleanse us.
You
are seated on high with the Father,
and you dwell also with us here, although
unseen.
By your mighty hand render us worthy to receive
in holy communion
your spotless body and your precious blood.
Amen
GREAT THANKSGIVING
It is indeed right and salutary that we should at
all times and all in places offer thanks and praise to you, holy Father,
through Christ our Lord: who like a tender shepherd seeks the lost sheep; who
like a patient woman searches out the lost coin; who came into the world to
save sinners and by his death and resurrection restores our joy. And so, with
the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their
unending hymn:
The pastor leads the people in praying the Eucharistic canon:
Lord, you are holy indeed.
All creation gives you thanks and praise.
In the wonder of your love for us,
you created
life through your Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ
our Lord,
by the power of
the Holy Spirit.
From every time and place
you gather a
people to yourself,
so that those
you claim as your own
may glorify
your wondrous grace and mercy.
As we now gather this Table to celebrate the Supper of
your Son,
we ask that by
the power of your Spirit
these gifts of bread and wine may be for us
the body and
blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
That same Lord Jesus, on the
night he was betrayed,
took bread; when he had given thanks,
he broke it and gave it to the disciples, and
said;
Take and eat, for this is my body, which is
given for you.
Do this for my remembrance.
When supper had ended, he took
the cup;
when he had given thanks, he gave it to them
and said:
All of you, drink from this,
for this cup is my blood of the new covenant,
shed for you and for all people for the
forgiveness of sins.
Do this for my remembrance.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has
died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Mighty Lord, Gracious Father:
As we call to
mind the death your Son endured for us,
his glorious
resurrection and ascension,
and his promise
to come again,
we offer you
our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.
Grant that we who gather for this holy supper
may be filled with
the Holy Spirit,
united in Christ
as his living body in the world,
awaiting the
world to come where his love will be fulfilled.
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 bread that comes down from
heaven
and gives
life to the world.
Lord, give us this bread always.
John 6:33, 34
We adore Christ, present in bread and wine.
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
Around You, O Lord Jesus Green LBW 496
St. 2/ Choir
1 Around you, O Lord
Jesus,
your own you gather
still
to share the feast
you give us
with grace our lives
to fill.
You say to us so
lovingly,
“Take, eat! This is
my body!
Take, drink! This is
my blood!”
2 We hear your
invitation,
and heed, O Lord,
your call;
your word of
consolation
is spoken here to all.
It draws us to your
loving heart;
it brings to us your
blessing,
which never will
depart.
3 We are your own
forever;
until our final
breath
we will be true and
never
in joy, in grief, in
death
depart from you, for
you are still
among your people
dwelling,
as you have said you
will.
Text: Frans Mikael Franzén, 1772-1847; tr.
composite
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
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We give you thanks, almighty God,
that you have refreshed us through the healing power of
this gift of life;
and we pray that in your mercy
you would strengthen us through this gift,
in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one
another;
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen
Sit
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR THE FAITH FAMILY
Stand
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
Praise
God. Praise Him Green LBW 529
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.
Additional
material from Foretaste of the Feast to Come: Devotions on Holy Communion, by
Philip Pfatteicher, copyright 1987 Augsburg Publishing House.
Eucharistic Canon reprinted by
permission from A Little Book of Canons, Rod L. Ronneberg, STS, copyright
1997 and 2010.
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 – 10:30 am
