CREATED, SAVED AND GIFTED BY GOD, WE SEEK, SERVE AND SHARE JESUS CHRIST
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 9, 2020
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.
Take Heart
We who gather for worship each week know what it is like to feel terrified. We may not be on a literal boat being tossed by the waves, as are the disciples in the gospel story today, but our lives are often rocked by the circumstances we experience. Sometimes the howling wind that buffets our boat is a terrifying health diagnosis. The waves that batter us about might be financial ruin, marital struggles, the demands of caregiving, or a myriad of other issues. We are not strangers to feeling out of control or scared.
Some of us barely made it here today. We are out of energy and exhausted by living in fear. Jesus meets us in the midst of our worry and says, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matt. 14:27). He sings it to us in the hymns of our faith, speaks it to us in scripture, and feeds us with it in the meal.
As we turn to a hymn and open our weary lips to sing, Jesus is present in the words and melodies that God’s people have been singing for a very long time. We sing these hymns in the chapters of our lives when the seas are calm, and when we are certain we are about to capsize.
When someone stands to read a piece of scripture we have heard dozens of times, Jesus comes to us afresh as we hear that word with troubled or peaceful hearts. Christ meets us in the ancient texts that never get old, offering us stability when our little boats seem dwarfed by the raging sea.
We approach the table, steady or perhaps trembling; when we feel beloved and when we are deeply aware of our captivity to sin. Each time, we reach out with our cupped beggar hands, and Jesus offers himself to us: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS – Pr. Jamie Vannoy
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, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.
Amen.
Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.
ilence is kept for reflection.
Reconciling God,
we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.
Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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.
KYRIE
Gathered in peace, gathered in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
For peace from above and for the saving power of God, let us pray. Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
For peace in the world, for the Church,for the unity of all, let us pray. Lord, have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
For this holy place, and for all who gather here in praise, let us pray. Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
This is the feast! Come and celebrate the victory for our God! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This is the feast!
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb once slain, whose blood was shed to give freedom for all. Power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and blessing; come give glory to Christ!
Yes, this is the feast! Come and celebrate the victory for our God! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This is the feast!
Sing out with joy, all people of God! Join in the hymn of creation! Blessing and honor, glory and might to God and the lamb forevermore!
Yes, this is the feast! Come and celebrate the victory for our God! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This is the feast!
This is the feast of praise and rejoicing, for the Lamb, the one who was slain, will come forth now and begin God’s reign! Sing all you people, sing Alleluia!
Yes, This is the feast! Come and celebrate the victory for our God! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This is the feast!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING 1 Kings 19:9-18
On Mount Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of God’s presence— earthquake, wind, and fire—Elijah now experienced God in “sheer silence.” God assured Elijah that he is not the only faithful believer. Seven thousand Israelites are still loyal. God instructed Elijah to anoint two men as kings and to anoint Elisha as his own successor.
A reading from the book ofFirst Kings.
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. At [Horeb, the mount of God,] [Elijah] came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” Then the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING – Romans 10:5-15
A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic efforts. It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ. This proclaimed word creates our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence Christian proclamation is an indispensable component of God’s saving actions.
A reading from the book of Romans.
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by
Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life! Alleluia. Alleluia!
GOSPEL – Matthew 14:22-33
Matthew’s gospel typically portrays Jesus’ disciples as people of “little faith” who fail despite their best intentions. In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt.
The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
MESSAGE – P. Jamie Vannoy
Hymn of the Day – How Can I Keep From Singing
My life flows on in endless song; above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die? The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
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 power of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,
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,
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 INTERCESSION
Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes: Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you through Jesus Christ our lord.
Amen.
Meal
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
It is indeed right and good that we should everywhere and always offer thanks and praise to you, holy God, mighty and immortal, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this day broke the bonds of death, opening to us the way of everlasting life and giving us a foretaste of the feast to come.
And so with the Church on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, hosanna in the highest!
Blessed are you, Holy God, from the rising of the sun to its setting, we bless your holy name. You set creation’s table with the bounty of your goodness and satisfy the needs of every living thing. You gather the peoples of the earth to feast on your promise and your presence made known to us in your Son, Jesus.
In the night in which he was bretrayed, 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 to all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgviness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.
As often as we share this meal, we proclaim his death unitl he comes:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come, Christ will come again.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon these gifts and this company, making us one in Christ Jesus. Through him all glory and honor is yours, gracious Father, with your Spirit, both now and forever.
Amen, Amen, Alleluia! Amen, Amen!
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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 tempta- tion, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Friends of Jesus, come to the table. Receive nourishment for your journey. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. mpower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life.
Amen.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us your peace, grant us your peace.
BLESSING
Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love.
Amen.
Special Music – Blessed Be Your Name
Blessed be your name In the land that is plentiful,
Where your streams of abundance flow, Blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name When I’m found in the desert place,
Though I walk through the wilderness, Blessed be your name.
Ev’ry blessing you pour out I’ll Turn back to praise.
When the darkness closes in, Lord, Still I will say:
Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be your glorious name.
Blessed be your name When the sun’s shining down on me,
When the world’s all as it should be, Blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name On the road marked with suffering,
Though there’s pain in the offering, Blessed be your name.
Ev’ry blessing you pour out I’ll Turn back to praise.
When the darkness closes in, Lord, Still I will say:
Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be your glorious name.
You give and take away, You give and take away,
My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be your name.
You give and take away, You give and take away,
My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord; Blessed be your glorious name.
Make a commitment to not only worship each week but also try to find a way to serve in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD
UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS
Lawrence, deacon, martyr, died 258
Monday, August 10, 2020
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
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
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 Thursday, August 13, 2020
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
Friday, August 14, 2020
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
Saturday, August 15, 2020
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.
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” CCLI Song # 1558110 Stuart Townend
© 1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2273011
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
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.