Sunday, July 26, 2020 @10AM
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Meditation on “Jesu, Meine Freund”
Welcome and Announcements
Gathering Hymn: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” – LBW # 526,
vs 1- 4
Confession & Forgiveness
Greeting & Kyrie
Canticle of Praise: “Glory to God…”
Prayer of the Day
First Reading, Deuteronomy 7:6-9
Psalm # 125
Second Reading, Romans 8:28-39
Holy Gospel, Matthew 13:44-52
Sermon
Hymn of the Day: “Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer” – LBW # 343,
vs 1 - 3
Apostle’s Creed
Prayers of the Church
The Lord’s Prayer
Blessing
Dismissal
Sending Hymn: “Built on a Rock” - LBW # 365, vs 1 – 3
Postlude: Voluntary on “Kirken”
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Service Supplement
(Congregational
responses are in bold print)
Prelude Meditation on “Jesu, Meine Freund”
Welcome and Announcements Pastor John
Gathering Hymn “Immortal,
Invisible, God Only Wise” LBW
# 526, vs 1 – 4
Immortal,
invisible, God only wise, In light inaccessible hid
from our eyes, Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty,
victorious, thy great name we praise!
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as
light, Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; Thy justice like mountains high soaring
above Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To
all, life thou givest, to both great and small; In
all life thou livest, the true life of all; We
blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, And wither
and perish, but naught changeth thee.
Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light; Thine angels
adore thee, all veiling their sight; All laud we would render; oh, help us to
see 'Tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
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…O God, your
almighty power is most clearly shown in your mercy and pity. Multiply your
grace that we may run to your promises and be made to share in your heavenly
joy, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. He lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
First Reading Deuteronomy 7:6-9
God declares the Israelites a
holy people, his treasured possession. They were chosen; not because of their
great multitude or power and might, but because of God’s love and faithfulness
to the covenant he made with their ancestors.
6Moses said to the Israelites, “For you are a people
holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for
his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the
earth. 7It was not because you were more in number than any other
people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest
of all peoples, 8but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping
the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with
a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of
Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9Know therefore that the Lord your God is
God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love
him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations ….” This is the word
of the Lord, thanks
be to God.
Psalm # 125
Those who
trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides
forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people
from this time forth and forevermore.
Those who
trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but stands fast
forever.
The hills
stand about Jerusalem; so does the Lord stand round
about his people, from this time forth forevermore.
The scepter of
the wicked shall not hold sway over the land allotted to the just, so that the just shall not put their hands
to evil.
Show your
goodness, O Lord, to those who are good and to those who are true of heart.
As for those
who turn aside to crooked ways, the Lord will lead them away with the
evildoers; but peace be upon Israel.
Second
Reading Romans 8:28-39
Paul drove home the immensity of the gospel in his
elaborate and poetic recounting of the power of the love of God in Christ Jesus
over all things in creation, including death. God’s power makes everything work
together for the good of those who love him, thus fulfilling his purposes for
humanity and the entire creation.
28We know that
for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are
called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he
also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he
might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he
predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and
those whom he justified he also glorified. 31What then shall we say
to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who
did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with
him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge
against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn?
Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at
the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall
separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it
is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day
long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For
I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things
present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.
Holy Gospel Matthew 13:44-52
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew
the 13th Chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus used a series of parables to help his disciples
understand the nature of the kingdom of heaven, comparing it to a hidden
treasure, a pearl of priceless value, and a fishing net from which the good and
bad fish are sorted. These parables point out the fate of the righteous as well
as the wicked. Jesus minced no words as he described the eternal punishment in
store for those who are evil and defy the will of God in the world.
44Jesus said to
the disciples, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which
a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has
and buys that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a
merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of
great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 47Again,
the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered
fish of every kind. 48When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down
and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49So it
will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil
from the righteous 50and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that
place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51Have you
understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52And he said
to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven
is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and
what is old.” This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon Pastor
John
Hymn of the Day “Guide Me Ever,
Great Redeemer” LBW # 343, vs
1 – 3
Guide me ever, great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but you are mighty; Hold me with your pow'rful
hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, Feed me now
and evermore, Feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain Where the healing waters flow; Let
the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong deliv'rer, strong deliv'rer, Shield me with your mighty arm, Shield me with your mighty
arm.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid
my anxious fears subside; Death of death and hell's destruction, Land me safe
on Canaan's side. Songs and praises, songs and
praises, I will raise forevermore, I will raise forevermore.
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): Holy Lord, bless your holy Church
with a bold witness for Jesus Christ, trusting in and knowing that we are your
treasured people who you have entrusted with the priceless treasure of your
Word and Sacraments. May we value our life in Christ above all else and
willingly share your grace and mercy with all who hunger for new life. Lord in your mercy, hear
our prayer.
(W): Spirit of love, pour out the
bounties of your grace upon all who are married. Keep them together, strong in
faith, certain in hope, and abounding in love, that two lives united by you
into one, may bear witness to your blessings of forgiveness, joy, and unity in
faith. Be with all those who are preparing for marriage and may we, in your
church, encourage and uphold the sanctity of this life-long bond. Lord in your mercy, hear
our prayer.
(W): Abiding Father, our lives are filled with challenges
that are hard to understand and questions that are difficult to answer. We
thank you for your constant presence that gives us hope to face each
day. Bring your healing touch to all who are hurting. Pour out your
healing spirit on all who are in need. 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
Let
us pray the prayer our Savior 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.
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
Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks
be to God.
Sending Hymn “Built on a Rock” LBW
# 365, vs 1 – 5
Built on the Rock, the Church shall stand even when
steeples are falling; Crumbled have spires in ev'ry
land; Bells still are chiming and calling, calling the young and old to rest, Calling
the souls of those distressed, longing for life everlasting.
Not in our temples made with hands God the Almighty is
dwelling; High in the heav'ns His temple stands, All earthly temples excelling. Yet He who dwells in heaven
above Designs to abide with us in love, Making our body his temple.
We are God's house of living stones, Built for His own
habitation; He fills our hearts, His humble thrones, Granting us life and
salvation. Were two or three to seek his face, He in their midst would show his
grace, Blessing upon them bestowing.
Yet in this house, an earthly frame, Jesus the
children is blessing; Hither we come to praise his
name, Faith in our Savior confessing. Jesus to us his Spirit sent, Making with us his covenant, Granting his children the
kingdom.
Through all the passing years, O Lord, Grant that,
when church bells are ringing, Many may come to hear God's Word Where he this
promise is bringing: I know my own, my own know me; You, not the world, my face
shall see; My peace I leave with you. Amen.
Postlude Voluntary on “Kirken”
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Please visit the “Messages” page of
our website at www.stmatthewbq.org for latest on our
services or listen for our “One Call” announcements for updates and events.
Not receiving the “One Call”?
Please call the office and provide a good number for our list. Thank you!
2020 Virtual VBS: “Jesus’
Instruction Book of Life” will start on Monday, July 13th
and run for 5 weeks on Facebook. The lessons will be on our private “St Matthew
Lutheran Church Sunday School” page. To register for the VBS please visit our
website www.stmatthewbq.org and click on the
“Ministries” tab at the top of the page, and visit our “Parish Education” page
for information on our virtual VBS this Monday on Facebook. To receive an
invite for our private Facebook page, please contact the office at
(410)335-4210.
Family Night: We are holding a
Boat and Tubing Night on July 28th at 5:30pm at Harwood Park
Community Center located at 6700 North River Road. Jeff and Irene Markley have
graciously given their boat, tubes and services to us
for the evening. Bring your own dinner and snacks and join us for an evening on
the water. Please feel free to bring outside games or activities to keep
occupied while others are tubing. Please contact the office if you will be
joining us for this event.