| August 10, 2025
10:15am Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 12 Step Week 9 Mend Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
Jesus and Zacchaeus by Soichi Watanabe |
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GATHERING |
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GATHERING SONG He Is Exalted
He is exalted, the King is exalted on high; I will praise Him
He is exalted, forever exalted and I will praise His name
He is the Lord, forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and earth rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted, the King is exalted on high!
(repeat)
He is exalted, the King is exalted on high!
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, and standing in need of God’s grace,
let us confess that need in community with one another.
A brief silence is held for reflection.
God our redeemer,
We admit that human power is not enough to heal us,
human will is not enough to sustain us,
and human love is not enough to repair us.
Where we are fearful and searching,
when we long for something more to soothe the ache of brokenness,
your grace is our source of peace and wholeness.
Help us to trust you with our mistakes and our need.
Teach us to reconcile who we have been with who you call us to be.
Love us out of sin and into new life.
People of God, hear this good news—
that when we believed all hope was lost, Jesus defied the grave.
We are already and always made new.
Let us worship together in gratitude, and in freedom.
Amen.
CONGREGATION SONG Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant humble and meek, Lord let me lift up those who are weak
And may the prayer of my heart always be
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today.
(repeat)
Prayer of the Day The Ninth Step Prayer
Let us pray. God, we pray for the right attitude to make our amends, being ever mindful not to harm others in the process. We ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends too. Most important, we will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others and growing in spiritual progress. Amen.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Psalm 34:1-14
A reading from Psalms.
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Look to him, and be radiant,
so your faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord
and was saved from every trouble.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him and delivers them.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
9 O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
for those who fear him have no want.
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Which of you desires life
and covets many days to enjoy good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
A reading from Second Corinthians.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we no longer know him in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Jess
GOSPEL Luke 19:1-10
The Holy Gospel according to Luke.
1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jess
CONGREGATION
SONG Zacchaeus Was a Tax Man text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
sung to the tune of The Church’s One Foundation
1. Zacchaeus was a tax man who one day climbed a tree,
For he was short in stature and said he could not see.
And yet he had a problem that mattered even more:
He didn’t see the suffering his greed had caused the poor.
2. O Lord, you saw Zacchaeus — so wealthy, yet alone.
You said, “Come down — and hurry! I’m coming to your home.”
For you broke bread with sinners and saw within each one
A person loved and treasured — God’s daughter or God’s son.
3. It wasn’t just the treetop that helped Zacchaeus see;
Your love and welcome showed him how different life could be.
He said that he’d start over and work to make things fair;
He’d speak the truth, bring justice, and find new ways to share.
4. O Christ, you bid us welcome and help us all to see!
May we respond by building a just society.
Then children won’t be hungry and all will share your bread.
Then those who now must struggle will live in joy instead.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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 PEOPLE
Change My Heart, O God
Change my heart O God, make it ever true
Change my heart O God, may I be like You
In solidarity with all creation, we join our voice to the voice of the whole church and pray for the needs of the world.
Keep the heart of your church set firmly in you so that your people are ready to respond with faith and love for the sake of the world. Give perseverance and hope to Christians who are persecuted for their faith around the world.
Worlds were prepared by your word. Speak healing and protection upon the earth, especially where life and habitats are threatened. Keep us mindful of how our everyday actions impact the health of our planet.
You know the actions and deeds of the nations. Turn humanity away from instruments of war and violence. Fashion the hearts of world leaders to work for peace. Break our hearts with
the reality of starvation and famine killing those in Gaza, so that we are willing to advocate for their needs.
Let your lovingkindness be on those in need especially Nancy, Bert, Michael, Bill, Butch, Jennifer, Gretchen, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction, all those affected by mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Assure all who are afraid that your promises are sure. Bless Lou Banderet as he celebrates the gift of another year of life, remembered through altar flowers given by his wife Marilyn.
Calm the fears of migrants and refugees who set out, not knowing where they go. Provide shelter, sustenance, and protection from harm. Bless the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and all those working to show hospitality and welcome.
We celebrate the ancestors in the faith who built their lives on your promises, especially Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr. Sustain us in living out our faith in the promise of what is to come.
Gather all our prayers in your mercy, O God. Grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change; courage to change the things we can; and wisdom to know the difference; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
GIFTS Rescue Lauren Daigle CCLI#7117256
(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of this bulletin)
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MEAL |
DIALOGUE
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 our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
SANCTUS Holy, Holy Setting Six
Holy, holy, holy Lord. 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
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
You are indeed holy, redeeming God,
and it is in your name that we journey to gather at your table.
Like Adam, tempted in the Garden of Eden,
We admit our mistakes, and believe you can help us.
Like Jonah, desperate to avoid his calling in Ninevah,
We yield to your loving will, and search our wandering hearts.
Like David, struggling between selfish desires and the wisdom of a king,
We confess that we cannot do this alone, and release the belief that we should.
And we tell the story of your son, Jesus,
who renewed the lives of lowly fisherman, and remembered the dignity of the poor.
He mended those who were wounded, and attended to those who had been overlooked.
He prayed for your will to be done, and on the cross, shared a love that conquers death.
And on 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 in 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 in remembrance of me.
As we follow in his steps and take our place at the table he prepares,
we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again!
Send your Holy Spirit on this bread and cup.
Make them signs of your abundant grace in a broken world.
Use them to sustain your people in joy, as we seek your justice and truth.
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit!
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
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.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth
as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
We come to this table not because we are perfect, but because here God promises to love us and make us new. Here God invites the lost and the broken and the outcast to claim a seat at the table. Come, taste and see God’s welcome for us all.
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
COMMUNION SONG New Wine Hillsong
CCLI#7102397
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SENDING |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen.
SENDING SONG Mighty To Save
Verse 1:
Everyone needs compassion, love that’s never failing; let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Saviour; the hope of nations
Chorus:
Saviour he can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save He is mighty to save
Forever, author of salvation; He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave
Verse 2:
So take me as You find me, all my fears and failures; fill my life again
I give my life to follow, everything I believe in; now I surrender
(chorus X2)
Dismissal
Go in peace. Serve the Lord! Thanks be to God!
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Jenn Morazes
Ushers Katie Hallett
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati, Jim Molloy, Matt Overholt, Mary Overholt
Altar Care Elaine Martin and Stephanie Leclair
Livestream Operator Justin Mayotte
Upcoming Commemorations
Lawrence, deacon, martyr, died 258
Sunday, August 10, 2025
As one of the seven deacons of the church at Rome, Lawrence was responsible for the church’s financial matters and for the care of the poor. Asked by the emperor to gather the church’s treasure, he presented a collection of orphans, lepers, and the like. The enraged emperor had him put to death.
Clare, Abbess of San Damiano, died 1253
Monday, August 11, 2025
A contemporary of Francis of Assisi, Clare and a growing number of companions established a women’s Franciscan community, called the Order of Poor Ladies, or Poor Clares. She inspired other women to pursue spiritual goals.
Florence Nightingale, died 1910; Clara Maass, died 1901; renewers of society
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Nightingale was born in England, and horrified her wealthy family by deciding to become a nurse. She led a group of nurses in ministering in the midst of the Crimean War, and worked for hospital reform. Maass, a native of New Jersey, was also a war nurse, and volunteered as a subject for research on yellow fever. She died of the disease.
Maximilian Kolbe, died 1941; Kaj Munk, died 1944; martyrs
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Father Kolbe was a Franciscan priest arrested by the Nazis and confined in Auschwitz. Kolbe gave generously of his meager resources, and finally volunteered to be starved to death in place of another man. A Danish Lutheran pastor and playwright, Munk strongly denounced the Nazis who occupied Denmark in the Second World War. His sermons and articles helped to show the anti-Christian nature of the movement.
Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Friday, August 15, 2025
The church (including Martin Luther) honored Mary with the title theotokos, meaning “God-bearer,” for her role in giving birth to the Son of God. Her song, the Magnificat, speaks eloquently of God’s lifting the lowly and feeding the hungry.
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Copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028. New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. |
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