Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
October 17, 2021 – 10:30 am

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136

Introduction

Today’s gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who’s number one, which leads Jesus to say something about God’s take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great. When we pray “your kingdom come” we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression. We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service.
Sharing the Glory
When you picture Jesus in power and glory, what comes to mind? Maybe a heavenly vision of an enthroned Christ, surrounded by saints and angels and the whole heavenly host? This is the kind of image that must have been in the minds of the disciples James and John in today’s gospel when they came to ask Jesus if they could be seated at his left and right side in his glory. Yet, Jesus redirects their desire for glory toward a different picture—active service to those around them.
The picture of Jesus’ power in the gospels is not one of king but of servant Lord. We do not see Jesus seated on a throne, issuing orders, and being served, but as an unassuming man, living among people, listening to their needs, and sharing God’s healing mercy with them. Throughout his life, Jesus revealed his power and glory through the love and compassion he showed to those who were suffering, through forgiveness for those overwhelmed with guilt, and by speaking truth to worldly powers. Jesus calls his followers to share in his power and glory by being at his left and right hand as he stoops to wash feet, as he touches those considered unclean, as he is mocked by worldly powers. This is where true glory and power are found.
Christ gathers his followers together in one body for worship today in order to serve them with his word, with the waters of rebirth, and with his own body and blood. In these simple acts, his glory and power are present. They call us to carry Christ’s love out into the world, sharing it in our homes, at our jobs, and with the people around us who need to know God’s power in their life.

PRELUDE

GATHERING

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, whose teaching is life, whose presence is sure, and whose love is endless.
Amen.

Let us confess our sins to the one who welcomes us with an open heart.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God our comforter:
like lost sheep, we have gone astray. We gaze upon abundance and see scarcity. We turn our faces away from injustice and oppression. We exploit the earth with our apathy and greed. Free us from our sin, gracious God. Listen when we call out to you for help. Lead us by your love to love our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. By the gift of grace in Christ Jesus, God makes you righteous. Receive with glad hearts the forgiveness of all your sins.
Amen.

GATHERING 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.

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

Kyrie eleison, Lord, have mercy.
Christe eleison, Christ have mercy.
Kyrie eleison, Lord have mercy.

CANTICLE OF PRAISE

Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours is the promise, the blessing, the birth.
Ours the rejoicing for Word given frame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.

Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the hosannas, the dying, rebirth.
Ours the rejoicing for nature reclaimed;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.

Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the annointing, the radiant worth.
Ours the rejoicing for spirits aflame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Sovereign God,
you turn your greatness into goodness for all the peoples on earth. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

WORD

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

FIRST READING Isaiah 53:4-12

This reading is from the last of four passages in Isaiah that are often called “servant songs.” Christians are probably most familiar with this servant song. In light of Christian faith, the servant’s healing ministry and redemptive suffering are understood to be fulfilled in the life and death of Christ.

A reading from the book of Isaiah.
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people.
They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the LORD shall prosper.
Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING Hebrews 5:1-10

Using imagery from scripture and from Jewish worship practices, Jesus is presented as the great high priest who was obedient to God’s saving plan. Through his suffering and death he has become the source of eternal salvation.

A reading from the book of Hebrews.
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia, Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL Mark 10:35-45

On the way to Jerusalem the disciples ask Jesus to grant them seats of honor. Jesus responds by announcing that he and his followers will “rule” through self-giving service.

The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

YOUTH MESSAGE

MESSAGE – Pr. Jamie Vannoy

HYMN OF THE DAY – “Lord, I Need You”

Lord, I come, I confess.
Bowing here, I find my rest.
And without you, I fall apart.
You’re the one that guides my heart.

Lord, I need you, oh, I need you.
Every hour I need you.
My one defense, my righteousness;
O God, how I need you.

Where sin runs deep, your grace is more.
Where grace is found is where you are.
And where you are, Lord, I am free.
Holiness is Christ in me.
Where you are, Lord, I am free.
Holiness is Christ in me.

Lord, I need you, oh, I need you.
Every hour I need you.
My one defense, my righteousness;
O God, how I need you.

Teach my song to rise to you
When temptation comes my way.
And when I cannot stand, I’ll fall on you.
Jesus, you’re my hope and stay.
And when I cannot stand, I’ll fall on you.
Jesus, you’re my hope and stay.

Lord, I need you, oh, I need you.
Every hour I need you.
My one defense, my righteousness;
O God, how I need you.

Lord, I need you, oh, I need you.
Every hour I need you.
My one defense, my righteousness;
O God, how I need you.

My one defense, my righteousness;
O God, how I need you.

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

Set free from sin and death and nourished by the word of truth, we join in prayer for all of God’s creation.

A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Hear us, O God,
your mercy is great.

Confident that you hear us, O God, we boldly place our prayers into your hands; through Jesus Christ, our truth and life.
Amen.

MEAL

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

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, our duty and our joy, the we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty an 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 God of might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

Blessed are you, O God of the universe. Your mercy is everlasting, and your faithfulness endures from age to age.

All creation sings your praise. Sun, moon, and stars reflect your glory. Mountains, lakes, and forests declare your wonders.

With Sarah and Abraham we go out in faith, trusting your promise.
With Miriam and Moses we celebrate our deliverance from bondage.
With Naomi and Ruth we bind ourselves together in covenant love.
With Jonathan and David we delight in the gift of deep and abiding friendship. With Mary and Elizabeth we welcome your presence in the birth of Jesus,
the Holy One.
With Lazarus, Martha, and Mary we give thanks for the blessings of family.
With disciples and followers we marvel at the reign of God come near.
With saints through the ages we ponder the mystery of Christ’s dying and rising.

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.

With hearts full of memories and hopes, we break this bread and share this cup, remembering the death and resurrection of Christ, and his promise to be with us always as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

O Divine Lover, you are the breath within us. You are our heart’s desire. You are our priceless treasure. You are the garden of paradise.

Come down, O Love divine. Come among us, O passionate Fire. Come within us, O Spirit of unity.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit.

Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty. Bless our table and the feast we share. Bless us with gladness of heart.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit.

At this table make us your body. Form us to be people of justice and peace. Fill us with gratitude and generosity that we may bear the fruit of love in word and deed.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit.

Praise to you, Author of creation.
Praise to you, O Beloved One.
Praise to you, O Giver of all good things.
Praise to you, blessed and holy Trinity,
one God, now and forever.
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

All who hunger and thirst, come. The table is ready.

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, grant us peace.

COMMUNION HYMN – “Gather Us In”

Here in this place the new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
gather us in, the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.

We are the young, our lives are a myst’ry,
we are the old who yearn for your face;
we have been sung throughout all of hist’ry,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,
gather us in, the proud and the strong;
give us a heart, so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.

Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away—
here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

HOLY COMMUNION

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Each person may respond: Amen.

TABLE BLESSING

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen your and keep you always in his grace.
Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Lord of life,
in the gift of your body and blood you turn the crumbs of our faith into a feast of salvation. Send us forth into the world with shouts of joy, bearing witness to the abundance of your love in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING

People of God, you are Christ’s body, bringing new life to a suffering world. The holy Trinity, one God, bless you now and forever.
Amen.

SENDING HYMN – “To Be Your Presence”

To be your presence is our mission here,
to show compassion’s face and list’ning ear,
to be your heart of mercy ever near,
alleluia!

To be your presence is our mission bold,
to feed the poor and shelter homeless cold,
to be your hands of justice, right uphold,
alleluia!

To be your presence is our mission blest,
to speak for all the broken and oppressed,
to be your voice of hope, your love expressed,
alleluia!

We are your heart, O Christ, your hands and voice,
to serve your people is our call and choice,
and in this mission we, the church, rejoice,
alleluia!

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. The living Word dwells in you.
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 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

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.