Sunday, June 28, 2020
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Meditation on Azmon
Welcome and Announcements
Gathering Hymn: “Where the Cross…” – LBW # 429, vs 1- 4
Confession & Forgiveness
Greeting & Kyrie
Canticle of Praise: “Glory to God…”
Prayer of the Day
First Reading, Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm # 119:153-160
Second Reading, Romans 7:1-13
Holy Gospel, Matthew 10:34-42
Sermon
Hymn of the Day: “Just As I Am, Without One
Plea” – LBW # 296, vs 1 - 6
Apostle’s Creed
Prayers of the Church
The Lord’s Prayer
Blessing & Response
Dismissal
Sending Hymn: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” - LBW # 389, vs
1 – 4
Postlude: Voluntary on Webb
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Service Supplement
(Congregational
responses are in bold print)
Prelude Meditation
on Azmon
Welcome and Announcements Pastor John
Gathering Hymn “Where the Cross…” LBW # 429, vs 1 – 4
Where cross the crowded ways of life, where sound the cries of race and clan, above the noise of selfish strife, we hear your voice, O Son of man.
In haunts of wretchedness and need, on shadowed thresholds dark with fears, from paths where hide the lures of greed, we catch the vision of your tears.
From tender childhood's helplessness, from human grief, burdened toil, from famished souls, from sorrow's stress, your heart has never known recoil.
The cup of water given for you, still holds the freshness of your grace; yet long these multitudes to view, the strong compassion in your face.
Confession & Forgiveness
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who
forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. Amen.
God of all mercy and consolation, come to
the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us
the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your
forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of
God and of one another. Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we
have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us
our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to
do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and
serve
you in newness of life through
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even
when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you
have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty
God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in
your hearts through faith. 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
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…”
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. 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. 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.
Prayer of
the Day
Let us pray… Lord of all power
and might, you are the author and giver of all good things. Graft into our
hearts a love of your name. Increase in us true faith, nourish us with what is
good, and watch over all who are in your care. Grant this, we pray, through
your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and forever. Amen.
First Reading Jeremiah 28:5-9
The prophets, Jeremiah and
Hananiah, disagreed over the nature of what was coming for the exiles and what
was the true path to peace. While Hananiah predicted a rapid and easy peace,
Jeremiah insisted that peace would only come through repentance and God’s
forgiveness. Time would reveal the true prophet.
5The prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in
the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house
of the Lord, 6and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the Lord do
so; may the Lord make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring
back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all
the exiles. 7Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and
in the hearing of all the people. 8The prophets who preceded you and
me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many
countries and great kingdoms. 9As for the prophet who prophesies
peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that
the Lord has truly sent the prophet.” This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to
God.
Psalm # 119:153-160
The virtues
of following God’s laws and precepts are extolled as the psalmist asked for
God’s reviving power in his life.
Behold my
affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.
Plead my cause
and redeem me; according to your promise, give me life.
Deliverance is
far from the wicked, for they do not study your statutes.
Great is
your compassion, O Lord; preserve my life, according to your judgments.
There are many
who persecute and oppress me, yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
I look with
loathing at the faithless, for they have not kept your word.
See how I love
your commandments! O Lord, in your mercy, preserve me.
The heart
of your word is truth; all your righteous judgments endure forevermore.
Second Reading: Romans 7:1-13
Paul used the analogy of marriage to explain to the
Roman church what it means to have died to the law through the body of Christ
and now belong to Christ. The Law is holy, but knowledge of the law is what
brings about an awareness of our sinfulness. In Christ, believers have died to
the law and now live under grace.
1Do you not know, brothers — for I am speaking to those
who know the law — that the law is binding on a person only as
long as he lives? 2For a married woman is bound by law to her
husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is
released from the law of marriage. 3Accordingly, she will be called
an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if
her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. 4Likewise, my
brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you
may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that
we may bear fruit for God. 5For while we were living in the flesh,
our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear
fruit for death. 6But now we are released from the law, having died
to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit
and not in the old way of the written code. 7What then shall we say?
That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would
not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law
had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8But sin, seizing an
opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness.
For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9I was once alive apart from
the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10The
very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11For
sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it
killed me. 12So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and
righteous and good. 13Did that which is good, then, bring death to
me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in
order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might
become sinful beyond measure. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.
Holy Gospel: The
Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the 10th Chapter. Glory to
you, O Lord. Matthew 10:34-42: Jesus told the disciples that
his ministry; and that of the disciples who will participate in it, will be
fraught with opposition and division. Conflict will touch their closest
relationships as the call placed upon each of their lives draws them closer to
Christ and away from what once was important. Jesus also promised that those
who welcome his disciples will be given a heavenly reward. Serving the lowliest
of people is as simple as giving a cup of cool water.
34Jesus said to the disciples, “Do not think that I have
come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For
I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36And a person’s
enemies will be those of his own household. 37Whoever loves father
or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter
more than me is not worthy of me. 38And whoever does not take his
cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life
will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 40Whoever
receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41The
one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s
reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous
person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42And whoever gives
one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple,
truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” This is the gospel of
the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon Pastor
John
Hymn of the Day “Just As I Am…” LBW # 296,
vs 1 - 6
Just as
I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that
thou bidd'st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come,
I come.
Just as I am, and
waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To thee, whose blood can cleanse
each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings
and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight,
riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need, in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I
come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive, Wilt
welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of
God, I come, I come.
Just as I am; thy love unknown Has
broken ev'ry barrier down; Now to be thine, yea,
thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Apostle’s
Creed
Let us join together in confessing our faith with the saints who
have gone before us, in the words of the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe
in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe
in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the
Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He 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,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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
Church
(P):
Strengthened by the Spirit who gives us words to speak and hearts that care, let
us bring our hopes and needs to God who listens. A brief silence.
(W): Gracious Father,
give speech and wisdom to those whom you have called to teach your sacred Word,
especially pastors and teachers. Fill them with your Spirit and inspire them
with your power that they may speak for you. Open the ears and hearts of all
who hear the message of your love, that your promise would engender faith
within them. Lord
in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(W): Lord of creation, you are the source of all blessings. We ask that
you grant favorable growing conditions to those who farm the land and provide
food for your children around the world. Bring rain to areas of drought and
sunshine to nurture growth and make farms fruitful. Protect all who work around
heavy machinery, on farms, construction sites, and garages. Lord
in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(W): Gracious Lord, in
Christ you have set us free from the power of sin and death and raised us to
new life in him. Teach us to treasure the freedoms and independence which we
are privileged to enjoy in this country. Help us to use them for the good of
all. We remember today all those who have faithfully
served our country in the armed forces, as well as our founding fathers who
worked diligently for a free society. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(W): God of compassion, strengthen with your healing power those whose
names we bring to you in prayer. Look upon those who are sick and surround them
with your love. Send them men and women skilled in using your good gifts of
medicine to bring wholeness of life. By your Spirit, move us to be among the
instruments you use to bring joy to those who suffer. Lord
in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(P): We lift our
prayers to you, God of mercy, confident that all things are in your hands. In
Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Lord,
remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray…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.
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.
Dismissal (WA)
Go
in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.
Sending Hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up…” LBW # 389, vs 1 – 4
Stand
up, stand up for Jesus, As soldiers of the cross, Lift
high his royal banner; It must not suffer loss. From vict'ry
unto vict'ry His army he shall lead, Till ev'ry foe is vanquished And
Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand
up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey; Stand forth
in mighty conflict In this his glorious day. Let all his faithful serve him Against
unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger, And
strength to strength oppose.
Stand
up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in his strength alone; The
arm of flesh will fail you, You dare not trust your own. Put on the Gospel
armor; Each piece put on with prayer. Where duty calls or danger, Be never wanting there.
Stand
up, stand up for Jesus, The strife will not be long; This
day the din of battle, The next the victor's song. The soldiers, overcoming, Their crown of life shall see, And with the King of glory Shall
reign eternally.
Postlude Voluntary
on Webb
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Youth Clothing Drive is still on and
will be collecting items until July 12th. Call the church to
schedule your drop off.
Current weekly services are as follows:
Daily Message with Pastor John: Monday through Saturday on Facebook @ Kathy Joy’s
“St. Matthew Lutheran Church” page. Although there is not a set time for this,
he usually does the video around 9am and can be viewed at any time. The link to
the daily video is posted to the “Messages” page of our website by mid-day
Monday through Friday at www.stmatthewbq.org. Saturday’s video
is not posted to the website until 5pm.
Saturday Evening Conference Call Service: This is a Vespers service and can be joined by
calling 425-436-6332 and use access code 779113. The service is at 6pm every
Saturday night. The service is recorded and posted to our website shortly
following its completion. To listen to the Saturday Night Conference Call
Service, go to the “Messages” page at www.stmatthewbq.org and scroll down to the link at the end of the
paragraph that talks about the call service.
Sunday Morning YouTube Service: This is a modified version of the Service of the Word
service. To view this service, go to www.YouTube.com/channel/UC8a7C3r5VvjzfcIPTGxdvca on Sunday mornings at 8am, or view it on Facebook at
8am at Kathy Joy’s “St. Matthew Lutheran Church” page. A bulletin can be viewed
on the “Messages” page of our website at www.stmatthewbq.org.
Sunday Morning modified “Service of the Word” gathering: Join us in person on Sunday mornings at 10am at 3301
Edwards Lane, Baltimore, MD 21220 through the month of June (weather permitted)
for a modified “Service of the Word” service. As we gather to worship together
in person, we are currently unable to pass the plate or distribute communion.
An offering box will be available at the registration area.
Future services physically held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church: As of today, we will hold an indoor traditional worship
service with communion at church on June 28th at 8am for those who have
disabilities or are intolerant of heat. Please call the office by Wednesday,
June 24th to request seating. Our capacity with social distancing is
approximately 30 people. In the meantime, please enjoy one or more of our
services stated above. Remember, all of our services have a link provided on
the “Messages” page of our website at www.stmatthewbq.org.
Listening for the Promise
Weekly Devotional
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - June 28,
2020
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39
Within their immediate context, these words of Jesus have meaning for our family and friends. In the preceding verses, Jesus says that he did not come to bring peace but a sword. His law and gospel will produce division between people, and this is by design. Indeed, he says that he came to set family members against each other. Since our love for Jesus should exceed our love for all others, he tells us that we must choose him over family and friends in such cases. The one who finds his life (in his family and friends instead of Christ) will lose it.
However, the reverse is also true. The one who loses his life (among family and friends) for Christ’s sake will find it. Then, in the very next verse, Jesus tells us that our new life in him will include a whole new set of relationships. “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” While we will lose some relationships, we will gain others. Some will reject us, but others will receive us!
Many of us have experienced this reality first-hand. There are issues in our society that divide. Close friendships can be suddenly severed in anger and bitterness. Following Christ has never been easy, and as time goes on it seems that we still have to discern his holy will for his people since people with varying political views, scriptural views, and theological understandings don’t always agree or get along. What one calls “orthodox” another calls “heretical.” As Jesus told us, he did not come to bring peace but a sword. And his word is the sword that divides. (Hebrews 4:12)
In the theology of the cross, we view the events of our lives through the paradigm of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Our conversion at baptism is a death of our old self and a rising of our new self. In our return to baptism, our old self is drowned through daily repentance so that our new self can arise. And since this has social implications as well, we must sometimes die to old relationships so that new ones can arise.
Prayer: For your sake, O Lord, we must sometimes lose family and friends. In such cases we pray that you might bring our estranged family and friends back to you and to us. Amen.