St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Sunday, August 23, 2020 @ 8AM

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude: Meditation on Freu Dich Sehr”

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” LBW # 369, vs 1- 5

Confession & Forgiveness

Greeting & Kyrie

Canticle of Praise: “Glory to God…”

Prayer of the Day

First Reading, Isaiah 51:1-6

Psalm # 138

Second Reading, Romans 11:33-12:8

Holy Gospel, Matthew 16:13-20

Sermon

Hymn of the Day: “Faith of Our Fathers” – LBW # 500, vs 1 - 3

Apostle’s Creed

Prayers of the Church

The Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Dismissal

Sending Hymn: “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” - LBW # 293, vs 1 – 4

Postlude: Voluntary on Kirken Den Er Et Gammelt

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Service Supplement

(Congregational responses are in bold print)

Prelude                                              Meditation on Freu Dich Sehr”

 

Welcome and Announcements            Pastor John

 

Gathering Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation”  LBW # 369, vs 1 – 5

The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord; She is his new creation By water and the Word. From heav'n he came and sought her To be his holy bride; With his own blood he bought her, And for her life he died.

 

Elect from ev'ry nation, Yet one o’er all the earth; Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth. One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food, And to one hope she presses With ev'ry grace endued.

 

Though with a scornful wonder This world sees her oppressed, By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed, Yet saints their watch are keeping; Their cry goes up: “How long?” And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song.

 

Through toil and tribulation And tumult of her war, She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore; Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest, And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest.

 

Yet she on earth has union With God, the Three in One, And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won. O blessed heav'nly chorus! Lord, save us by your grace, That we, like saints before us, May see you face to 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…Care for your Church, O Lord, with perpetual mercy. Since we totter and are sure to fall without your grace, remove what will harm us and arrange what will make us whole. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

First Reading                                      Isaiah 51:1-6

God reminds Israel from where they came. They were chosen and descended from Abraham and Sarah, whom God called and multiplied into a great nation. This is good news for those who are in the desert wastelands, those who need comfort, and those who aren’t sure where to turn. God’s salvation is forever.

 

1“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. 2Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him. 3For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. 4Give attention to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law will go out from me, and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples. 5My righteousness draws near, my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and for my arm they wait. 6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.” This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

 

Psalm # 138

The Lord will take notice and save the psalmist from whatever he is concerned about. Whether it is an enemy’s wrath, the struggle with poverty, or any other sort of trouble, the Lord will rescue with his right hand.

 

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.

I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your Name, because of your love and faithfulness;

For you have glorified your name and your word above all things.

When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.

All the kings of the earth will praise you, O Lord, when they have heard the words of your mouth.

They will sing of the ways of the Lord, that great is the glory of the Lord.

Though the Lord be high, he cares for the lowly; he perceives the haughty from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.

The Lord will make good his purpose for me; O Lord, your love endures forever; do not abandon the works of your hands.

 

Second Reading                                 Romans 11:33-12:8

St. Paul offers the church in Rome some fatherly advice for the Christian journey. He urges them not to be conformed to the world or the pressure put on them by the culture that surrounds them, but rather to be transformed by the renewing of their minds that are set on Christ Jesus. Each member of the Body of Christ has been given a specific function within the body to be exercised for the good of all.

 

33Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

 

1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.

 

Holy Gospel                                       Matthew 16:13-20

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the 16th Chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.

 

Jesus has just been tested by the religious leaders, and when he meets up with his disciples, he asks them two poignant questions: “Who do people say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers correctly, even if he only understands for that moment: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

 

13When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them,  “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon                                             Pastor John

 

Hymn of the Day “Faith of our Fathers”          LBW # 500, vs 1 – 3

Faith of our fathers, living still In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword. Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy Whene'er we hear that glorious word.

 

(Refrain): Faith of our fathers, holy faith, We will be true to thee till death.

 

The martyrs, chained in prison dark, Were still in heart and conscience free; And blest would be their children's fate If they, like them, should die for thee. (Refrain)

 

Faith of our fathers! we will love Both friend and foe in all our strife; Proclaim thee, too, as love knows how, By saving Word and faithful life. (Refrain)

 

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): Filled by the Spirit, let us join the whole people of God in Jesus Christ in praying for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation. A brief silence.

(W): Loving Lord, help us to take up our cross and follow Christ, turning away from the ways of the world in order to put Jesus first in our lives. Conform our lives to his and continue to form us for service in your kingdom. Grant that we would boldly confess in Christ when called up to do so. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): God of light, grant your grace and mercy to all students, teachers, administrators and aids who are returning to school. Ensure that each child is prepared to learn and grow. Bless all those who teach and learn, that your knowledge enlightens their lives. Be with parents as they work together with their children on schoolwork, that it is a fruitful endeavor that brings them closer rather than a struggle that divides. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): God of all glory, grant that those who hold offices of authority would govern with equity and honesty, serving the needs of their constituents and acting fairly amongst all peoples. Let their hearts be attuned to your Holy Spirit as you work in their lives to accomplish your will. Bring about peace in your world and allow countries to work together to tackle the world’s trials. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): God of healing and wholeness, grant new life to those who are in pain, help end their suffering and create rejuvenation. Give your peace to those who are distraught or dejected, that they might have the strength to face the day, trusting in your mercy and healing power. Be with all caregivers and give them patience and the love of Christ as they care for those they love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(P): Into your loving hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. 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  My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” LBW # 293, vs 1 – 4

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; No merit of my own I claim, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

 

(Refrain): On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.

 

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; In ev'ry high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil. (Refrain)

 

His oath, his covenant, his blood Sustain me in the raging flood; When all supports are washed away, He then is all my hope and stay. (Refrain)

 

When he shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in him be found, Clothed in his righteousness alone, Redeemed to stand before the throne! (Refrain)

 

Postlude                                             Voluntary on Kirken Den Er Et Gammelt

 

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Sick/Shut-in List: Will Scheler, Casey Joyce, Scott Miller, Dennis Warwick, Bud Adams, Shirley Maddox, Jessica Zaruba, Rosemarie Buckingham, Jim & Joyce Glovier, Jerry Hower, Ken Krach, Jane Newberry, Jim Books, Charlotte Logue & Irene Sifel.