Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 11, 2022
10:30 a.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
The grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God wills to seek and to save the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.
Peripheral Vision
“Look straight forward and raise your hand on the side where you see the blinking light in the corner of your eye.” Maybe you have taken a peripheral-vision test at an optometrist’s office or at a DMV while renewing your driver’s license. Peripheral vision, like peripheral hearing and other sensory parallels, is the ability to perceive things that occur outside the center of one’s focus.
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who seems to have good peripheral senses. He loses one sheep out of a hundred and immediately notices and sets off to look for it. This story may be so familiar that it is easy to take his actions for granted. But should we? It seems that many people looking at such a large group of nearly identical animals would have a difficult time noticing the disappearance of just one.
Yet this is precisely what Jesus does throughout his ministry. He is always noticing people on the margins of society whom others don’t see—whether because of disease, profession, gender, economic status, or past wrongs. Again and again he is criticized by other religious leaders for moving beyond the people they are focused on and toward others they see as peripheral. As Jesus’ followers, we are called to let him shift our attention to people who need the love and attention of God—even when it takes us beyond the comfort of our normal focus.
Today, as you gather to worship, ask yourself: Who is missing from the picture? Who is at the periphery of your assembly? Who is Jesus inviting to this table? In your church, in your com- munity, in your neighborhood, or in your work, who does Jesus see that you have missed, and what would it look like to seek after them?
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
GATHERING SONG “Come as You Are”
Come out of sadness from wherever you’ve been.
Come, broken-hearted, let rescue begin.
Come, find your mercy. O sinner, come, kneel;
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal,
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.
Lay down your burdens, lay down your shame.
All who are broken, lift up your face.
O wanderer, come home;
You’re not too far.
So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart,
Come as you are.
There’s hope for the hopeless
And all those who’ve strayed.
Come, sit at the table; come, taste the grace.
There’s rest for the weary,
Rest that endures;
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t cure.
Lay down your burdens, lay down your shame.
All who are broken, lift up your face.
O wanderer, come home;
You’re not too far.
So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart,
Come as you are.
Come as you are.
Fall in his arms.
Come as you are.
There’s joy for the mourning. O sinner, be still.
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal,
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.
So, lay down your burdens, lay down your shame.
All who are broken, lift up your face.
O wanderer, come home;
You’re not too far.
So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart,
Come as you are.
Come as you are.
Come as you are.
Come as you are.
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 church 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
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion,
you lead back to yourself all those who go astray. Preserve your people in your loving care, that we may reject whatever is con- trary to you and may follow all things that sustain our life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Exodus 32:7-14
While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the people grow restless and make a golden calf to worship. Today’s reading shows Moses as the mediator between an angry God and a sinful people. Moses reminds God that the Israelites are God’s own people, and boldly asks for mercy for them.
A reading from the book of Exodus.
The LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’ ” The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.” But Moses implored the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, ‘I will multiply your de- scendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” And the LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 Timothy 1:12-17
The letters to Timothy and Titus are called the pastoral epistles because they contain advice especially intended for leaders in the church. Here the mercy shown to Paul, who once perse- cuted the church, is cited as evidence that even the most unworthy may become witnesses to the grace of God.
A reading from Paul’s letter to the 1 Timothy.
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL READING Luke 15:1-10
Jesus tells two stories that suggest a curious connection between the lost being found and sin- ners repenting. God takes the initiative to find sinners, each of whom is so precious to God that their recovery brings joy in heaven.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus.] And the Phari- sees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found;
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me,
And like a flood his mercy rains,
Unending love, amazing grace.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me,
And like a flood his mercy rains,
Unending love, amazing grace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine,
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine,
Will be forever mine.
You are forever mine.
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me,
And like a flood his mercy rains,
Unending love, amazing grace.
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me,
And like a flood his mercy rains,
Unending love, amazing grace.
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
As scattered grains of wheat are gathered together into one bread, so let us gather our prayers for the church, those in need, and all of God’s good creation.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
God of grace, hear our prayer.
Gathered together in the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit, gracious God, we offer these and all our prayers to you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
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. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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 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. Hosanna in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
Amen, amen. 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
Christ invites you to this table. Come, taste and see.
COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Amen.
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 “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me.
See, on the portals he’s waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me.
“Come home, (Come home,)
come home! (come home!)
You who are weary, come home.”
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, “O sinner, come home!”
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me?
“Come home, (Come home,)
come home! (come home!)
You who are weary, come home.”
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, “O sinner, come home!”
Oh, for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me.
“Come home, (Come home,)
come home! (come home!)
You who are weary, come home.”
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, “O sinner, come home!”
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
SONG AFTER COMMUNION: The Canticle of Simeon
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of ev’ry people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of the abundant table, you have refreshed our hearts in this meal with bread for the jour- ney. Give us your grace on the road that we might serve our neighbors with joy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
God, who gives life to all things and frees us from despair, bless you with truth and peace. And may the holy Trinity, one God, guide you always in faith, hope, and love.
Amen.
SENDING “The Old Rugged Cross”
On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suff’ring and shame;
and I love that old cross
where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
Oh, that old rugged cross
so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God
left his glory above,
to bear it to dark Calvary.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
In the old rugged cross,
stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see;
for ’twas on that old cross
Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
To the old rugged cross
I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Christ will call me some day
to my home far away,
where his glory forever I’ll share.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace, with Christ beside you.
Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah, thanks be to God!
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
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
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, died 407
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
John was a priest in Antioch and an outstanding preacher. His eloquence earned him the nickname “Chrysostom” (“golden mouth”). Appointed bishop of Constantinople, seat of the empire, he criticized corruption in the court. As a result, he was exiled by the empress.
Holy Cross Day
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Helena, mother of Constantine, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and found what may be the actual site of Jesus’ crucifixion. Her son built two churches there, and the dedication of one of them gave rise to this celebration of our Lord’s victory on the cross.
Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, martyr, died around 258
Friday, September 16, 2022
Cyprian served as a bishop during a time of great persecution of Christians. He insisted on receiving back those who had left the faith under duress. He also provided medical care during a severe epidemic.
Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, died 1179
Saturday, September 17, 2022
A mystic who was widely influential within the church, Hildegard advised and reproved kings and popes, wrote poems and hymns, and produced treatises in medicine, theology, and natural history. She was also a musician and artist.
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.