| October 5, 2025
9:00am 17th Sunday after Pentecost 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. |
The Mulberry Tree painting by Vincent van Gogh Luke 17:3-10 |
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GATHERING |
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PRELUDE Adagio Cesar Franck
All Praise to Thee, Eternal God S.M.D. Gattermann
Yeon Soh, Organ
WELCOME
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God;
who created us as bold witnesses to the power of love,
whose mercy extends beyond our imagination.
Amen.
In hope, let us trust God with the truth of our shortcomings.
Silence is kept for reflection.
God, lift us up with your justice.
Too often, we act out of fear and insecurity, keeping score and judging others,
or out of self-interest, neglecting the needs of our neighbor.
Lift us up with your justice.
God, lift us up with your compassion.
Too often, we listen to the voices of shame and isolation,
who trick us into believing we are stuck in the tomb, who tell us not to ask for help.
Lift us up with your compassion.
People of God, hear these words of assurance:
We are never alone in our broken places, because Christ promises to roll away the stone.
By grace, we are freed and lifted up, forgiven our sins and sent to live again.
In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, we join in community and proclaim:
God, you lift us up in new life! Amen.
GATHERING HYMN Great is Thy Faithfulness ELW 733
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.
HYMN OF PRAISE
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. Benevolent, merciful God: When we are empty, fill us. When we are weak in faith, strengthen us. When we are cold in love, warm us, that with fervor we may love our neighbors and serve them for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Injustice and violence in the time leading up to the Babylonian exile move this prophet to lament: How can a good and all-powerful God see evil in the world and seemingly remain indifferent? God answers by proclaiming that the righteous will live by faith.
A reading from Habakkuk.
1 The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.
2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing
and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
4 So the law becomes slack,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked surround the righteous;
therefore judgment comes forth perverted.
2:1I will stand at my watch post
and station myself on the rampart;
I will keep watch to see what he will say to me
and what he will answer concerning my complaint.
2 Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
3 For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.
4 Look at the proud!
Their spirit is not right in them,
but the righteous live by their faithfulness.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Jess
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join!
SECOND READING 2 Timothy 1:1-14
This letter written to Timothy is a personal message of encouragement. In the face of hardship and persecution, Timothy is reminded that his faith is a gift of God. He is encouraged to exercise that faith with the help of the Holy Spirit.
A reading from Second Timothy.
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 6 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.
8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, in the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, 12 and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day the deposit I have entrusted to him. 13 Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL Luke 17:3-10
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus instructs his followers about the power of faith and the duties of discipleship. He calls his disciples to adopt the attitude of servants whose actions are responses to their identity rather than works seeking reward.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus said to his disciples, 3 “Be on your guard! If a brother or sister sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day and turns back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 The Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
7 “Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here at once and take your place at the table’? 8 Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me; put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’ ”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jess
HYMN OF THE DAY God of the Fertile Fields ACS 1063
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
Renewed in God’s everlasting grace, let us pray for the church, the world, and all creation.
A brief silence.
O God of the church, you give the church a treasure in Jesus Christ. Draw us into the gift of faith passed down from generation to generation, especially as we prepare to affirm the baptism of our confirmands who presented faith statements last week. Remind your people that faith the size of a mustard seed is enough. God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God of creation, you nourish the earth with grace and mercy. Bring favorable weather during the harvest season and sustain all creation along with all who labor in the field. Ensure the welfare of animal companions whose presence offers comfort, safety, and joy.
God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God of nations and communities, you govern and guard the world. Guide leaders and those in authority to make just and righteous laws that protect the dignity of all. Bring peace to countries affected by war and violence, especially the people of Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia.
God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God of those in need, you care for those who are sick, oppressed, bereaved, lonely, and poor. Come to the help of all in need especially Nancy, Bert, Michael, Bill, the friends and family of Ralph Johansson, Shannon, Doug, Erin, Lloyd & Sue, Amy & Cory, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Help us to trust that you will come to us at the right time. God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God of this congregation, you nurture our faith. Thank you for those of all ages who teach, lead, and learn in this congregation and beyond, especially those we celebrate with altar flowers today: David and Liza Hubbard on their 25th wedding anniversary, and Doris Johansson on her 88th birthday. Give growth to the seeds of faith watered by faithful examples of baptismal living.
God of grace, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
O God of ages past, thank you for the witness of those who have died in faith. May the faith of those who now rest in your merciful arms, like Lois and Eunice of the early church, shape our faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. God of grace, receive our prayer.
We offer our prayers, O God, trusting in your everlasting grace and mercy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
ANTHEM I Know My Faith Is Founded arr. Mark Schweizer Chancel Choir
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS Let the Vineyards be Fruitful, Lord
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. Gracious God, you are the giver and provider of all things. We give thanks for who you are and what you have given. Receive these gifts we offer, and transform them into seeds of love that lift up our world. Amen.
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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
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ: our Good Samaritan, who greets brokenness with compassion and need with abundance; the Sun of righteousness, who lifts us to life with unfailing hope. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Sanctus
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
To you, O Lord, we lift up our souls
and gather around this meal you prepare again and again, in your unfailing faithfulness.
Your Spirit meets us here, in hope incarnate at the table.
We remember how that same Spirit hovered over the waters of creation,
until you scattered the stars in the night sky, and formed us from the dust in your own image,
teaching us to care for all the beauty you make.
We lift our gifts up to you.
We remember how the generations of prophets, seekers, teachers, and dreamers
grasped your abundant hope even in their despair,
and followed your calling from bondage to freedom, from death to resurrection.
We lift our need up to you.
And we remember the story of your beloved son, Jesus,
whose love stretched beyond human boundaries, even as he lived a human life.
He sought out the lost and the broken, naming them beloved, beautiful and brave.
With Jesus’ help, we lift our hearts up to you.
At his table, we tell the story of the night in which he was betrayed,
when 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.
Obedient to his command, we lift up all that we are in gratitude for your presence.
Send your Spirit on this bread and cup, so that in this meal,
we taste and see your love reaching down to dwell among us.
Make us one community at this table, and make us one with you: Creator, Son and Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
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
You are invited to this table, where the lowly are lifted up and God comes to dwell among us!
Taste and see the transformation love prepares.
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.
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS My God, How Wonderful Thou Art ELW 863
We Walk by Faith ELW 635
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray. Holy Spirit, in this meal you have welcomed us into your presence, nourished us with words of mercy, and fed us at your table. In our daily lives, strengthen us to love you with all our heart, serve our neighbors with a willing spirit, and seek your justice and peace; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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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 HYMN Founded on Faith ACS 1048
Dismissal
Go in peace. Lift each other with God’s love! Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Psalm XX Benedetto Marcello
Yeon Soh, Organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Becky Nanof
Lector Lou Banderet
Communion Presenters Ellen Cloutier and Carie Corbett
Ushers Jamie Sutherland and John Moran
Altar Care Cherie Lynch Conway and Mary Callahan
Livestream Operator Ernie Zimmermann
Upcoming Commemorations
William Tyndale, translator, martyr, died 1536
Monday, October 6, 2025
Tyndale was ordained a priest in England, and wished to translate the Bible into English. He was opposed in this by King Henry VIII, causing him to flee to Germany. He completed the New Testament in 1525, but before he could finish the Old Testament, he was tried for heresy and burned at the stake.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, pastor in North America, died 1787
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Divided Lutherans in America asked leaders in Europe to send someone who could take charge and unite their work. Muhlenberg was sent, and was effective in organizing the American Lutherans. Among other accomplishments, his liturgical principles became the basis for the Common Service of 1888.
Massie L. Kennard, renewer of the church, died 1986 (TFF)
Friday, October 10, 2025
A native of Chicago, Kennard was a major figure in supporting and working toward ethnic and racial inclusiveness in the former Lutheran Church in America. Ordained in 1958, he served in positions including Director for Minority Concerns of the Division for Mission in North America.
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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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