| August 30, 2026 – 9:30am
14th Sunday 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. |
“Get Thee Behind Me, Satan!” painting by James Tissot Jesus rebukes Peter Matthew 16:21-28 |
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GATHERING |
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Prelude Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier Johann G. Walther
Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten Johann L. Krebs
Yeon Soh, Organ
WELCOME
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose compassion endures forever. Amen.
Let us confess our sin to God.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Compassionate God, we confess to you all our sins.
Our burden is heavy, and we cannot free ourselves.
In your mercy, call us back to you. Your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
Restore us to dwell in your peace.
In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.”
In the name of God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, your sins are forgiven.
Rest in God’s love. Amen.
GATHERING HYMN Lift High the Cross ELW 660
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. O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Jeremiah 15:15-21
Jeremiah’s delight in the word of the Lord is contradicted by the heaviness of God’s hand upon him and God’s seeming unfaithfulness. God’s tough love to Jeremiah says that if he repents, he will be allowed to continue in his strenuous ministry. Jeremiah is strengthened by the simple words, “I am with you.”
A reading from Jeremiah.
15 O 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.
16 Your 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.
17 I 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.
18 Why is my pain unceasing,
my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook,
like waters that fail.
19 Therefore 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.
20 And 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.
21 I will deliver you out of
the hand of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp
of the ruthless.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Romans 12:9-21
Paul presents benchmarks for faithful relationships with Christians and non-Christians. Love is the unflagging standard of our behavior. When we encounter evil, we do not resort to its tactics but seek to overcome it with good. While Christians cannot control the actions and attitudes of others, we seek to live at peace with all people.
A reading from Romans.
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
Children’s Message Pastor Jess
GOSPEL Matthew 16:21-28
After Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:16), Jesus reveals the ultimate purpose of his ministry. These words prove hard to accept, even for a disciple whom Jesus has called a “rock.”
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.
21 From 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. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For 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. 28 Truly 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.
Sermon Pastor Jess
HYMN OF THE DAY Lamb of God Twila Paris
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
With bold trust in God’s unfailing provision,
we pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation.
A brief silence.
For the church in every land, that its mission and ministry is anchored in the love of Christ. When threats or challenges arise, teach us to take up our cross and follow you in faith.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the well-being of your creation, that all that lives and grows on the earth may thrive. Bring relief to those in Nepal ravaged by overwhelming floods this week. Bring rain to lands filled with wildfire, comfort to those afflicted by storms, and courage to each one of us to make changes in our everyday lives that help us live more sustainably on our planet.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the nations and all in authority, that they seek to live in peace with one another. Bless the work of international and diplomatic organizations and all who work to bring peace to a world scarred by violence. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For all those in need, that they be satisfied. Ensure all your children have safe access to food, water, shelter, and medical care. Bring healing to all who bear wounds in body, mind, and spirit especially Lou, Olivia, Warren, Linda, Bob, Bert, Bill, Rick, Jennifer, John, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For all those returning to school this week. Give students a hunger and thirst for curiosity and learning. Fill teachers, bus drivers, lunch aides, and school janitors with patience and the knowledge that their work makes a difference in the lives of children. Guide this upcoming school year with an abundance of grace. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the congregation gathered here to serve you, that they remain strong in faith and united in purpose. Guide our committees, study groups, and other meetings toward honesty and humility, always seeking genuine love. We especially give thanks this day for Paul and Susan Francese’s 63rd wedding anniversary through altar flowers given by Caryn Francese.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
For the faithful departed, that their witness continues to strengthen and guide the church. Renew our hope in your promises in this life and the life to come.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Receive our prayers and answer, O God, as you have promised. All this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Peace
The peace of the Lord 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)
OFFERING ANTHEM The Lily of the Valley arr. by Mark Hayes
Yeon Soh, Piano
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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; who, sharing our life, lived among us to reveal your justice and love, that our brokenness should be healed through the coming of your light. 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
Holy Maker, Redeemer, and Healer, in the harmonious world of your creation,
the plants and animals, the seas and stars were whole and well in your praise.
When sin had scarred the world, you sent your Son
to heal our ills, and form us again into one.
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 acts of healing, his body given up, and his victory over death,
we await that day when all the peoples of the earth will come to the river to enjoy the tree of life.
Send your Spirit upon us and this meal, so that as grains scattered on the hillside become one bread, your Church may be gathered from the ends of the earth,
and all may be fed with the Bread of life, your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty God,
with the Holy Spirit, in your holy community, 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
Come and share in God’s feast of love!
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 MUSIC Special Music New Direction
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. 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 SONG I Will Follow Tomlin, Ingram, and Morgan
Dismissal
Go in peace. Share the good news! Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Need You Now Plumb
New Direction
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Bruce Grams
Lector Patricia Fontes
Ushers Gail Walker
Organist Yeon Soh
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati
Linda Frederico, Jim Molloy, Joshua Nadar, Matt Overholt, Holly Pavlak
Altar Care Holly Pavlak and Linda Frederico
Livestream Operator Bill Whalen
Hospitality Pat Fontes
Upcoming Commemorations
Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, bishop, renewer of the church, died 1872
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Grundtvig was, with Søren Kierkegaard, one of the two great Danish theologians of the nineteenth century. As a pastor, he battled the prevalent idea that Christianity was more a philosophy than divine revelation. He wrote over a thousand hymns.
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| From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2026 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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