Worship Outline and Sermon

Worship Outline: September 14, 2025 - Time after Pentecost (Service of the Word)

Introduction to the day

The grumbling of the religious leaders in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God seeks and saves the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As the writer of 1 Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God.

Time for Quiet Reflection and Prayer

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Musical Call to Worship - Aritith and Vi

(*=stand, as able)

*Opening Song Word of God, Come Down on Earth

(# 510)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNvBo6Dalcg

Word of God, come down on earth,

Living rain from heav’n descending;

Touch our hearts and bring to birth

Faith and hope and love unending.

Word almighty, we revere you;

Word made flesh, we long to hear you.

Word eternal, throned on high,

Word that brought to life creation,

Word that came from heav’n to die,

Crucified for our salvation,

Saving Word, the world restoring,

Speak to us, your love outpouring.

Word that speaks God’s tender love,

One with God beyond all telling,

Word that sends us from above

God the Spirit, with us dwelling,

Word of truth, to all truth lead us;

Word of life, with one bread feed us.

*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.

*Canticle of Praise Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

(# 834, st. 1 and 4)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txDfarp0ev8

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!

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 splendour of light hideth thee!

(Text: Walter Chalmers Smith, alt. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. John Roberts. Text and music: public domain.)

*Prayer of the Day

O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion, you lead back to yourself all those who go astray. Preserve your people in your loving care, that we may reject whatever is contrary to you and may follow all things that sustain our life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

First Reading: Psalm 51:1-10

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love.

(Ps. 51:1)

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my offenses,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are justified when you speak and right in your judgment.
5 Indeed, I was born steeped in wickedness,
a sinner from my mother’s womb.
6 Indeed, you delight in truth deep within me,
and would have me know wisdom deep within.
7 Remove my sins with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be purer than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my wickedness.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Hymn Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling (# 608)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c2FH0Gkg4E

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

Calling for you and for me.

See, on the portals he’s waiting and watching,

Watching for you and for me.

Refrain:

“Come home, come home!

You who are weary, come home.”

Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

Calling, “O sinner, come home!”

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,

Pleading for you and for me?

Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,

Mercies for you and for me?

Refrain:

Oh, for the wonderful love he has promised,

Promised for you and for me!

Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,

Pardon for you and for me.

Refrain:

(Text and music: Will L. Thompson, public domain.)

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

The letters to Timothy and Titus are called the pastoral epistles because they contain advice especially intended for leaders in the church. Here the mercy shown to Paul, who once persecuted the church, is cited as evidence that even the most unworthy may become witnesses to the grace of God.

12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. 16 But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience as an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*Gospel Acclamation (said)

Alleluia. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and your neighbour as yourself. Alleluia. (Luke 10:27)

*Gospel: Luke 15:1-10

The Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus tells two stories that suggest a curious connection between the lost being found and sinners repenting. God takes the initiative to find sinners, each of whom is so precious to God that their recovery brings joy in heaven.

1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [Jesus.] 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

8 “Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

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

Sermon – Pastor Matthew

*Hymn of the Day Borning Cry (# 732)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki5XGHVrBSA

“I was there to hear your borning cry,

I’ll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized

To see your life unfold.

I was there when you were but a child,

With a faith to suit you well;

In a blaze of light you wandered off

To find where demons dwell.”

“When you heard the wonder of the Word

I was there to cheer you on;

You were raised to praise the living Lord,

To whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time

And you join your hearts as one,

I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme

From dusk till rising sun.”

“In the middle ages of your life,

Not too old, no longer young,

I’ll be there to guide you through the night,

Complete what I’ve begun.

When the evening gently closes in

And you shut your weary eyes,

I’ll be there as I have always been,

With just one more surprise.”

I was there to hear your borning cry,

I’ll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized

To see your life unfold.”

Offering (please be seated)

As the gifts are collected and brought forward, please join in singing:

Offertory Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

(# 836, st. 2 and 3)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG8FesR2VhU

All thy works with joy surround thee,

Earth and heav’n reflect thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around thee,

Center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,

Chanting bird, and flowing fountain

Call us to rejoice in thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,

Ever blessing, ever blest,

Wellspring of the joy of living,

Ocean-depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our brother,

All who live in love are thine;

Teach us how to love each other,

Lift us to the joy divine!

(Text: Henry van Dyke. Music: Ludwig van Beethoven, adapt. Text and music: public domain.)

Offering Prayer

Lord of the harvest, we return to you a portion of what you have given to us. Multiply what we have gathered to bless all who are suffering and in need, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Prayers of Intercession

Gracious God, we come to you in prayer for the church, the world, and all in need.

A brief silence.

Merciful God, pour out your grace upon your church. Be with the children, youth, and young adults in our congregations, as together we share your gospel of love and mercy. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Merciful God, we ask forgiveness for the ways we have neglected and harmed this earth and its creatures. Confirm our commitment to care for all you have made, and grant us wisdom and strength to take action toward restoring your creation to its fullness. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Merciful God, govern all who hold positions of power and authority. Instruct them to make just decisions that serve the common good. Make them instruments of your mercy in the world, working to heal divisions and promote peace. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Merciful God, we lift up all who suffer. Bring healing, comfort, and peace to those who are sick, grieving, or in pain. Give us compassionate hearts to accompany those who are hurting and courage to work for justice and mercy. Those we remember include … God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Merciful God, listen to our silent prayers … God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Merciful God, we remember in love those who have departed this life. Console those who mourn, and give them the hope of resurrection. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

We entrust these prayers to you, O God, in the name of Jesus Christ, our redeemer and friend.

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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

*Blessing

The God of righteousness, who gives justice to the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry, who sets the prisoners free, ☩ bless you now and forever. Amen.

*Sending Song What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine

(# 774)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnZqJjWLkDw

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,

leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

leaning on the everlasting arms?

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:

(Text: Elisha A. Hoffman. Music: Anthony J. Showalter. Text and music: public domain.)

*Dismissal

Go in peace. Live by the Spirit.

Thanks be to God!

Sermon: September 14, 2025 - Time after Pentecost

Text: Luke 15:1-2

It seems that every time the Pharisees and scribes find themselves eating dinner with Jesus they end up grumbling. It never has anything to do with the food or beverages, or the entertainment, or the conversation. Most times, like in this passage from Luke, the religious leaders end up whining because Jesus is on the guest list. Related to that, they whisper, loud enough for Jesus himself to hear, that he has brought the wrong people along with him, uninvited persons who could never get on the guest list if they tried; or at least if the Pharisees and scribes had anything to do with it.

Jesus could have ignored this and enjoyed the festivities. Or he could have just gotten up, taken his new friends and gone elsewhere to eat and party. Yet, as so often happens in the Gospel, instead of shying away from an uncomfortable situation, Jesus makes it into a teaching moment. The others are fussing over boundaries, who’s in and who’s out in God’s sight and in their own. Jesus turns these arguments upside down and instead points to a new reality, the vision of God where all have a place, where all are needed to make the circle whole. In Creator’s community, not one is to be forgotten; all are loved and valued; lost, found, and included. This is good news not only for those around the table that day, but also for you and me gathered here this morning.

When I was watching commentary on the killing of Charlie Kirk last Wednesday, it struck me that one of the speakers, whose name I can’t remember, used an image that explains this ancient table scene. While he was applying it to the events in the U.S., in it I heard parallels to our Canadian situation. He asserted that people in this modern society have created silos, walls between each other. We no longer seek to speak with one other, to listen to each other, to attempt to try to understand each other, or even to respect each other’s differences. Instead, we erect boundaries to keep out those who are unlike us, those who we consider beneath us in power, those who make us uncomfortable. Examples he cited included, in addition to politics, education, type of work, gender, racial background, wealth, religion, where one lived, and so on. Each of the groups stays in their own silo, not only out of the feeling that they alone are the best, but also because of the fear of being made weak by the others. Those other people, those they consider less than themselves, persons they might even call ‘monsters’, can have no place at their table. For, if they do, whatever happens next won’t be good. (CNN)

That reminds me of the old joke about an Anglican who dies and goes up to heaven. St. Peter shows them all around, all the wonderful places in which they will be able to spend eternity. But then they come across a walled enclosure, taller than anyone can climb, without windows or doors. From inside the Anglican hears singing and laughter, but it’s more muted than elsewhere. ‘Who’s inside there?’, they ask. St. Peter wearily replies, ‘Oh, that’s the Lutherans. They think they’re the only ones here.’

We might well argue that we’re not like that, that we are tolerant, that we’re open to new ideas, that we’re not afraid to listen to, and to argue with, others. We don’t always need to have the final word. After all, some of our best friends are …(well, you know who.) Certainly, if we saw Jesus at the other end of the table, instead of grumbling, we’d rush right over and join in the party. We’d show the others our openness, our daring, our love.

However, I believe there are those times when we do find ourselves sitting at the other end of the table, hiding in our silos, grumbling about ‘those people’. At these moments, Jesus speaks to us in these parables, asking us not to sit in judgment, but rather to repent, to turn back to seeing the world through God’s eyes. God’s Sprit invites us to embrace those who are not like us, to listen and to learn. God comes to the other end of the table and brings us together in joy and love. Creator helps us to share the joy of being included, of being forgiven and loved, and of forgiving and loving others.

I also hear Jesus in these parables asking us to focus on another reality, including perhaps yours and mine. While we might assume we have a place at the table, and can learn to make room for others, our experience in this broken world can be that we often find ourselves lost, cut off from the others, forgotten. Through the harsh reality of life, we can discover ourselves separated from others on the basis of who we are, or who we are not. We can come to believe what the others say, that we have no place at all in this world, or with God. Life goes on, but we can wander lost, or even seemingly not missed by the others. We find ourselves all alone, without hope.

Except, except, says Jesus, not in God’s eyes. Creator promises to look for us, to find us, to bring us back, and to celebrate with us. As we hear in our second reading, by grace, through love, God takes away the labels others put on us, the distance others place between us, our own feelings of inadequacy and not belonging. God tears down the walls that speak to us of death rather than of life. So also the psalm today proclaims God recreates in us a clean spirit, seeking that we might again experience wholeness.

Through Christ, the time for grumbling, for silos, for separation, is in its last days. The time for celebration, for community, for love received and shared, has begun. Come, sit at end of the table where Jesus is hanging out, with a multitude of all kinds of God’s children, including, but not limited to, people like you and me. Amen.

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