Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
July 10, 2022, 10:30 AM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road Kettering, Ohio 45429
(937) 298-0136
INTRODUCTION
To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind is to reflect God’s mercy in responding to one’s neighbor. That mercy found its most profound expression in the “gospel that has come to you”—namely the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That gospel mercy comes to us again today: at the font, at the altar, and from the pulpit. It is very near to you.
A Matter of Proximity
Most people consider clarifying questions to be helpful things. That is, of course, unless the questions are attempts to find loopholes or ways around doing what is moral and just. Today we find that Jesus is not a fan of loopholes when it comes to serving our neighbors. In fact, the tale he weaves for the listeners today is shocking on its face. To suggest that the outsider, a Samaritan, saves the day in the story probably went a bit too far for those first hearers. Perhaps that’s true for hearers today too, when we truly listen. The Samaritan is an unlikely hero.
This parable, often called “The Good Samaritan,” highlights proximity as a tool in extending God’s grace in the world. Those who do not want to help the injured person pass on the other side of the street. Perhaps the physical distance helps them feel disconnected from moral responsibility.
But notice the extreme proximity that the merciful Samaritan employs: he gets near to treat the beaten man’s wounds, puts his own wine on the injuries as a sanitary agent, puts the man on his own beast, and pays for the man’s needs with his own money. For Jesus, being a neighbor doesn’t just mean tending to those who happen to be next to us. For Jesus, being a neighbor means leaning in, especially when others want to avoid the situation altogether.
To truly attend to the needs of the world we must come in close proximity to need. After all, Jesus himself, fully God, became fully human to get in proximity to us. And like the Samaritan, this wandering preacher from a nowhere town with a ragtag group of followers will save the day for us all. God in Jesus is the unlikely hero who draws close to our need.
GATHERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
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.
Silence 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.
GATHERING HYMN – “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”
Joyful, joyful we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love!
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before thee,
praising thee, their sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
drive the gloom of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.
All thy works with joy surround thee,
earth and heav’n reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird, and flowing fountain
call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
wellspring of the joy of living,
ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine!
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
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the people of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
Whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor,
blessing, and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O Lord God,
your mercy delights us, and the world longs for your loving care. Hear the cries of everyone in need, and turn our hearts to love our neighbors with the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Moses calls the people who are about to enter the promised land to renew the covenant God made with their ancestors. Through this covenant God gives life and asks for obedience. God’s commandment is neither burdensome nor too far off, but dwells in the people’s hearts.
A reading from the book of Deuteronomy.
The LORD your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil. For the LORD will again take delight in prospering you, just as he delighted in prospering your ancestors, when you obey the LORD your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Colossians 1:1-14
The letter to the Colossians was written to warn its readers of various false teachings. The first part of the letter is an expression of thanks for the faith, hope, and love that mark this community, including a prayer for strength and courage.
A reading from Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
GOSPEL READING Luke 10:25-37
Jesus is challenged to explain what is involved in obeying the greatest commandment. He tells a parable rich in surprises: those expected to show pity display hard hearts while the lowly give and receive unexpected and lavish mercy.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
The gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY – “Because of Your Love”
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
As we come into your presence,
We remember every blessing
That you’ve poured out so freely from above;
Lifting gratitude and praises
For compassion so amazing,
Lord, we’ve come to give you thanks
For all you’ve done.
Because of your love, we’re forgiven;
Because of your love, our hearts are clean;
We lift you up with songs for freedom;
Forever we’re changed because of your love.
Yeah, yeah.
As we come into your presence,
We remember every blessing
That you’ve poured out so freely from above;
Lifting gratitude and praises
For compassion so amazing,
Lord, we’ve come to give you thanks
For all you’ve done.
Because of your love, we’re forgiven;
Because of your love, our hearts are clean;
We lift you up with songs for freedom;
Forever we’re changed because of your love.
Instrumental
Because of your love, we’re forgiven;
Because of your love, our hearts are clean;
We lift you up with songs for freedom;
Forever we’re changed because of your love.
Yeah…
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 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
United in Christ and guided by the Spirit, we pray for the church, the creation, and all in need.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
God of grace,
hear our prayer.
God of every time and place, in Jesus’ name and filled with your Holy Spirit, we entrust these spoken prayers and those in our hearts into your holy keeping.
Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
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.
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 on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. 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:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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.
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
In Christ’s presence there is fullness of joy.
Come to the banquet.
HOLY COMMUNION – Receiving the Lord’s tangible presence.
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Each person may respond: Amen.
COMMUNION STATEMENT
If you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Redeemer and would like to receive Holy Communion, then come forward to receive the elements. If you would just like to come forward and receive a blessing, then you may do that also.
NOTE: We invite everyone to come forward for Holy Communion. If you have a gluten allergy, gluten-free wafers are available upon request when receiving Communion. Also, if you prefer not to receive wine at Communion, apple juice is available upon request.
LAMB OF GOD
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 peace.
COMMUNION HYMN – “When Peace like a River”
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
He lives–oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;
even so it is well with my soul.
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Life-giving God, through this meal you have bandaged our wounds and fed us with your mercy. Now send us forth to live for others, both friend and stranger, that all may come to know your love. This we pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
SENDING
BLESSING
The God of peace, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you, comfort you, and show you the path of life this day and always.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN – “Only a God Like You”
For the praises of man
I will never ever stand;
For the kingdoms of this world
I’ll never give my heart away
Or shout my praise.
My allegiance and devotion,
My heart’s desire and all emotion
Go to serve the Man
Who died upon that tree.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
To only my Maker, my Father, my Savior,
Redeemer, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder –
To only a God like you
Do I give my praise.
For the praises of man
I will never ever stand;
For the kingdoms of this world
I’ll never give my heart away
Or shout my praise.
My allegiance and devotion,
My heart’s desire and all emotion
Go to serve the Man
Who died upon that tree.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
To only my Maker, my Father, my Savior,
Redeemer, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder –
To only a God like you
Do I give my praise.
Only the God who left his throne above,
He came to live with us,
Came to be one of us;
To only the One
Who stopped to heal that blind man,
Took the time to save that one lost lamb;
To only the King who wore that crown of thorns
So I could wear the crown of life;
And to only the One who conquered sin and death
So we could be set free,
So we could stand here and sing.
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you.
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you.
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you.
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you,
Only a God like you.
To only my Maker, my Father, my Savior,
Redeemer, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder –
To only a God like you
Do I give my praise.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Love your neighbor.
Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
Make a commitment not only to 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
Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, died around 540
Monday, July 11, 2022
Benedict is known as the father of the Western monastic movement. Educated in Rome, he went to live as a hermit, and eventually gathered a community of monks around him. He wrote a rule for living in monasteries that is used by Benedictines and adapted by others.
Nathan Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, died 1931
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
A winner of the Nobel Prize for peace for his efforts to unite peoples after the First World War, Söderblom also called attention to the revival of early church worship principles, and helped to lay the groundwork for the World Council of Churches.
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 Curches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.