Worship Outline and Sermon 

Worship Outline: July 21, 2024, Time after Pentecost (Holy Communion)

Introduction to the day

Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.

(* = please stand, as able)

Quiet Time for Reflection and Prayer

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

*Confession and Forgiveness

Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance, let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God, our provider,

we question your ways; we turn to our own understanding rather than trusting in you. Turn us again to you. Share with us the words of eternal life and feed us for life in the world. Amen.

Beloved people of God: in Jesus, you are fed and nourished. Through Jesus, ☩ the bread of life, you are shown God’s mercy: you are forgiven and loved into abundant life.

Amen.

*Opening Song Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (# 859)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ynssy4UWF4

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the God of creation!

My heart is longing to offer up sweet adoration.

Melody make: dulcimer, harp, now awake.

Sound forth your praise ev’ry nation.

Praise the Almighty, o’er all life so wondrously reigning,

And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.

Have you not seen? All that is needful has been

Sent by God’s gracious ordaining.

Praise the Almighty, who prospers your work and defends you;

See from the heavens the showers of mercy God sends you.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do;

Infinite Love here befriends you.

Praise the Almighty! In wonder my spirit is soaring!

All that has life and breath, come now with praises outpouring.

Let the amen sound from God’s people again,

Gladly forever adoring!

(Text: Joachim Neander; tr. composite. © 2001, Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved. Music: ‘Ernewerten Gesangbuch’, Part II, Stralsund, 1665, public domain.)

*Greeting (p. 98)

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 (p. 101, sung)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMZrlPTt4aI

Refrain:

This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

Whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Power and riches, wisdom and strength,

And honour and blessing and glory are his.    

Refrain:

Sing with all the people of God,

And join in the hymn of all creation:

Blessing and honour, glory and might

Be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.

Refrain:

For the lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia.

Refrain:

*Prayer of the Day

Let us pray. 

O God, powerful and compassionate, you shepherd your people, faithfully feeding and protecting us. Heal each of us, and make us a whole people, that we may embody the justice and peace of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

First Reading:  Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)

 1 The Lord is my shepherd;
  I shall not be in want.
 2 The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures
  and leads me beside still waters.
 3 You restore my soul, O Lord,
  and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
 4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no      evil;
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
  you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
  and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

     The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness ( # 733)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wicUNwaE6GM

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with thee;

Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;

As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be; 

Refrain:

Great is thy faithfulness!

Great is thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed thy hand hath provided;

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Refrain:

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain:

(Text: Thomas O . Chisholm. Music: William M. Runyan. Text and Music: © 1923, ren. 1951, Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved.)

Second Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

The author of this letter reminds his audience that originally they were not part of God’s chosen people. Through Jesus’ death, however, they are included in God’s household of faith, whose cornerstone is Jesus Christ.

   11 Remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands—12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

     The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*Gospel Acclamation (p. 102, sung)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO3nbnAe3Do

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

*Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56

The holy gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord.

When Jesus sends his disciples out to teach and heal, they minister among large numbers of people. Their work is motivated by Christ’s desire to be among those in need.

  30 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

  53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54 When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, 55 and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

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

Sermon – Pastor Matthew  

*Hymn of the Day I Love to Tell the Story ( # 661)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-YgXvw4cJU

I love to tell the story

Of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and his glory,

Of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story,

Because I know it’s true;

It satisfies my longings

As nothing else would do.

Refrain:

I love to tell the story;

‘twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story:

How pleasant to repeat

What seems, each time I tell it,

More wonderfully sweet!

I love to tell the story,

For some have never heard

The message of salvation

From God’s own holy word.

Refrain:

I love to tell the story,

For those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting

To hear it like the rest.

And when, in scenes of glory,

I sing, the new, new song,

I’ll sing the old, old story

That I have loved so long.

Refrain:

(Text: Katherine Hankey. Music: William E. Fischer. Text and music: public domain.)

*Apostles’ Creed (p. 105)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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.

*Prayers of Intercession

One in the communion of saints and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we join our voices in prayer.

A brief silence.

For the church of Jesus Christ in this and every land: Through the One who is the cornerstone of a firm foundation, join us together and build us up as a temple of mercy and peace. In your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For the creation: Like a shepherd tends her sheep, raise up from among us caretakers of all you have made. Bring relief in the aftermath of severe storms, tornadoes, and extreme heat. In your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For the leaders of nations: Where peace seems far off, bring it near. Where justice seems fleeting, bring it to light. Where discord seems relentless, bring harmony. In your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For the health and well-being of family, friends, and neighbors: Heal those who are sick. Give courage to all who struggle with addiction. Touch with your tender care all who reach out to you in pain. Protect those who lack adequate shelter. Those we remember include … In your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For the silent prayers of our hearts: Surround us with your compassion … In your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For all those vacationing in the Thunder Bay and Pass Lake areas: Aid them to find rest and renewal and have safe travels. In your mercy,

hear our prayer.

In thanksgiving for those who have died: Make us certain that in Christ we are no longer strangers and aliens but citizens with the saints in the household of God. In your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and merciful: into your outstretched arms we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in the one who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

*Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Our Offerings are brought forward (please be seated)

Offerings can be placed in the plate at the entrance to the sanctuary, before or after worship. As the gifts are brought forward, please join in singing:

Offertory All People That on Earth Do Dwell (# 883, st. 1-2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK07O65XTic

All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;

Him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell;

Come ye before him and rejoice.

Know that the Lord is God indeed;

Without our aid he did us make.

We are his folk, he doth us feed,

And for his sheep he doth us take.

(Text: William Kethe. Music: Louis Bourgeois. Text and music: public domain.)

Offering Prayer

Jesus, Bread of life, you have set this table with your very self, and called us to the feast of plenty. Gather what has been sown among us, and strengthen us in this meal. Make us to be what we receive here, your body for the life of the world. Amen.

*Great Thanksgiving (p.107, sung)

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise. 

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG49pxojgjk

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

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.

Invitation to Communion

Christ has set the table with more than enough for all. Come! The body and blood of Christ given and shed for you.

Communion

If watching online, when the presiding minister says, ‘The body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you,’ we welcome all to take and eat a piece of bread, remembering and giving thanks for the promises given us in Christ Jesus. Please also do so, taking a glass of wine or another beverage.

   During Communion, please join in singing: 

Around You, O Lord Jesus (# 468, st. 1-2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-fjAVusRvs

Around you, O Lord Jesus,

Your own you gather still

To share the feast you give us

With grace our lives to fill.

You say to us so lovingly,

“Take, eat! This is my body!

Take, drink! This is my blood!”      

We hear your invitation,

And heed, O Lord, your call;

Your word of consolation

Is spoken here to all.

It draws us to your loving heart;

It brings to us your blessing,

Which never will depart.

(Text: Franz Mikael Franzén; tr. composite. © 1978, Augsburg  Fortress. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved. Music: H. Thomissön, ‘Den Danske Psalmebog’, 1569, public domain.)

Prayer after Communion

Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life. Amen.

*Blessing

The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, ☩ be upon you now and forever. Amen.

*Sending Song Let All Things Now Living (# 881)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D_ko1g-X4g

Let all things now living

A song of thanksgiving

To God the creator triumphantly raise,

Who fashioned and made us,

Protected and stayed us,

Who still guides us on to the end of our days.

God’s banners are o’er us,

God’s light goes before us,

A pillar of fire shining forth in the night,

Till shadows have vanished

And darkness is banished,

As forward we travel from light into light.    

God rules all the forces:

The stars in their courses

And sun in its orbit obediently shine;

The hills and the mountains,

The rivers and fountains,

The deeps of the ocean proclaim God divine.

We too should be voicing

Our love and rejoicing;

With glad adoration a song let us raise

Till all things now living

Unite in thanksgiving:

“To God in the highest, hosanna and praise!”

(Text: Katherine K. Davis, alt. © 1939, renewed 1966 by E. C. Schirmer Music Company, a division of ECS Publishing.  Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved. Music: Welsh folk tune, public domain.)

*Dismissal

Go in peace. You are the body of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

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