St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Sunday, September 27, 2020 @ 8AM & 10AM

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude: Meditation on Divinum Mysterium

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” LBW # 369, vs 1- 4

Confession & Forgiveness

Greeting & Kyrie

Canticle of Praise: “Glory to God…”

Prayer of the Day

First Reading, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

Psalm # 25:1-10

Second Reading, Philippians 2:1-18

Holy Gospel, Matthew 21:23-32

Sermon

Hymn of the Day: “You Servants of God” – LBW # 252, vs 1 - 4

Apostle’s Creed

Prayers of the Church

The Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Dismissal

Sending Hymn: “On What Has Now Been Seen” - LBW # 261, vs 1 – 3

Postlude: Voluntary on “Ville du Havre”

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Service Supplement

(Congregational responses are in bold print)

Prelude                                             Meditation on Divinum Mysterium

 

Welcome and Announcements            Pastor John

 

Gathering Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation”  LBW # 369, vs 1 – 4

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.

 

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 Almighty and most Merciful God, through your bountiful goodness, keep us from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that you would have us do. Grant this, we pray, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

First Reading                                      Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

The Word of the Lord came to the prophet Ezekiel, to set Israel straight on who was just and who was unjust. Israel was turning from righteousness, not God. It was Israel who acted in wickedness. “Turn to me and repent,” said the Lord, “and you will not die.” The Lord wants all to live, and to live in righteousness in him.

 

1The word of the Lord came to me: 2“What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.

 

25“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? 26When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die. 27Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. 28Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 29Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ O house of Israel, are my ways not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? 30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. 31Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.” This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

 

Psalm # 25:1-9

The psalmist cried out to the Lord, “Teach me your paths and make me know your ways!” He sang that the Lord instructs his people in his ways that they may not sin. He leads those who are humble, those who keep his covenant. His faithfulness is sure and certain.

 

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.

Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.

Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way.

He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly.

All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

 

Second Reading                                 Philippians 2:1-18

St. Paul admonished the Christians in Philippi to be of the same mind as Christ, putting away all quarrels so that they may be found innocent in the sight of God. In a creed-like statement, Paul talked about how Christ emptied himself, taking on the form of a human, a servant who was obedient unto death on a cross.

 

1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.

 

Holy Gospel                                       Matthew 21:23-32

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the 21st Chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. The religious leaders approached Jesus as he was teaching in the temple. They wanted to know by whose authority he was speaking. Jesus turned things around by posing a question of his own concerning the source of John the Baptist’s ministry. The leaders were caught in a conundrum because of the popular opinion that John was a prophet.

 

23When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. 28What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon                                             Pastor John

 

Hymn of the Day “You Servants of God”   LBW # 252, vs 1 – 4

You servants of God, your master proclaim, And publish abroad his wonderful name; The name, all-victorious, of Jesus extol; His kingdom is glorious and rules over all!

 

Our God rules on high, almighty to save; And still he is nigh, his presence we have. The great congregation his triumph shall sing, Ascribing salvation to Jesus, our king!

 

Salvation to God who sits on the throne! Let all cry aloud and honor the Son. The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim, Fall down on their faces, and worship the Lamb.

 

Then let us adore and give him his right, All glory and pow'r and wisdom and might, All honor and blessing, with angels above, And thanks never ceasing, and infinite love!

 

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): Holy Spirit, giver of all spiritual gifts, grant us faith to follow Christ in all we do. Teach us your ways that we may be obedient to your will and open to your leading in our lives. Let us not make empty promises of following Jesus, but instead help us to show up daily and serve the world you love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Dear Lord, your Spirit has called us together as your people in this place. Help us to be of the same mind as Christ Jesus our Lord, willing to empty ourselves for each other, the mission, and most of all for you. Grant us wisdom to work together for the sake of the Gospel and not for our own agendas. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Almighty God, sovereign Lord, all rulers, powers, and dominions are subject to you. Grant that the leaders of all nations would govern with wisdom, justice, and equity for the good of all. Bring about your lasting peace, especially in places where violence is a daily reality. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Compassionate God, our joys and sorrows are fully known to you. You grieve with us in our pain and sorrow and rejoice in our times of grace-filled joy. Bring healing to all those who are suffering from physical illness or injury, the pain of broken relationships, the sorrow of shattered hopes, and any kind of loss. 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  On What Has Now…”     LBW # 261, vs 1 – 3

On what has now been sown Your blessing, Lord, bestow; The pow'r is yours alone To make it sprout and grow. O Lord, in grace the harvest raise, And yours alone shall be the praise!

 

To you our wants are known, From you are all our pow'rs; Accept what is your own And pardon what is ours. Our praises, Lord, and prayers receive And to your Word a blessing give.

 

Oh, grant that each of us, Now met before Thee here, May meet together thus When you and yours appear, And follow you to heav'n, our home. E'en so, Amen! Lord Jesus, come!

 

Postlude                                            Voluntary on “Ville du Havre”

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Announcements

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!

 

Services at St. Matthew: We will be holding all of our services here on the grounds of St. Matthew for the rest of the fall and winter seasons. We will continue with the 8am and 10am services until October 11th with the 8am service inside and the 10am service outside. On October 18th, we will go to three services all inside. The times will be 8am, 9:30am, and 11am. We will require masks and social distancing at all three services.

 

Fellowship for St. Matthew: With 100% of our services moving inside, we are asking for thoughts on between service fellowship. Please contact Irene with your constructive thoughts. Please call the office for Irene’s contact information.

 

Women’s Prayer Meeting and Bonfire: We will be holding a Women’s Prayer Meeting and Bonfire on Friday, October 2nd from 6:30pm to 8pm at Irene Markley’s home. All women are encouraged and invited to attend but carpooling will be necessary. Please contact Irene to confirm attendance and get address. Again, please call the office for Irene’s contact information.

 

Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 1st after late service. This meeting will be held outside, weather permitted. We have reserved Sunday, November 8th as a rain date. Due to the virus, we will not hold the meeting inside unless all outside options are extinguished.

 

Two Constitutional Amendments will be voted on at our Annual Congregational Meeting this November. At the NALC Convocation in August, they voted to change the Annual Convocation to a Biennial Convocation, which requires a vote from each congregation in the NALC. There is also a change to the process of determining the number of delegates that each congregation is allowed. Please pick up an informational packet on the proposed amendments. If you have questions on the amendments, please feel free to contact Pastor John.

 

First Communion Classes will start on Sunday, October 11th at 9:45am in person in the Education Building. The classes will run for six consecutive weeks. First Communion Sunday will be held on Sunday, November 29th at the 11am service. If your child is in 4th grade or higher and has not taken communion yet, please feel free to join our class. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend the classes. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the office.