Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 a.m.:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84732463674?pwd=eHVQQ1dENWpTcFZVOE9JZFdXbkxhZz09
For those not using computer for the worship service:
PhoneNumber: 1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 847 3246 3674
Password: 352758
August 9, 2020
WELCOME to our worship service! Though we are not able to gather together in person, we are still a portion of the body of Christ, a portion of God’s people. Rejoice!
Scripture theme: Perhaps in the middle of this pandemic we’d like to see some of the power and majesty of God that would “fix” everything. Yet Elijah, in the First Reading, doesn’t find God in any of the fireworks, but in a “low whisper,” and there is promise of rescue. On the other hand, Jesus walks on water in the Gospel, and shows himself to be I Am. St. Paul, in the Second Reading, contrasts life under Mosaic Law with gospel. Under the law, one has to perform—to climb up to heaven, as it were. But Paul reminds his readers that already in the First Testament the word of God’s promises were “near you, in your mouth and in your heart.”
The Eucharist: All baptized Christians who believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and wine of the Holy Communion are welcome at his table.
In the Name of Jesus
Gathering
Welcome
A time of silence.
Confession
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ✝ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever.
C: Amen.
P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
Silence for reflection.
P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Gracious God,
C: 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.
P: 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.
C: Amen.
Hymn: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me
Words: Julie von Hausmann, 1825-1901
Music: so nimm denn meine hände, Friedrich Silcher, 1789-1860
Lord, take my hand and lead me upon life’s way;
direct, protect, and feed me from day to day.
Without your grace and favor I go astray;
so take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.
Lord, when the tempest rages, I need not fear;
for you, the Rock of Ages, are always near.
Close by your side abiding, I fear no foe,
for when your hand is guiding, in peace I go.
Lord, when the shadows lengthen and night has come,
I know that you will strengthen my steps toward home,
then nothing can impede me, O blessed Friend!
So, take my hand and lead me unto the end.
Greeting
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you.
Prayer of the Day
P: Let us pray. O God our defender,
C: storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Word
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9-18
9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
10 He said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 11 And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lordwas not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 15 And the Lord said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."
R: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Pause to contemplate the Word.
Psalm of Response: Psalm 85:8-13
P: Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
C: for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;
but let them not turn back to folly.
P: Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
C: that glory may dwell in our land.
P: Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;
C: righteousness and peace kiss each other.
P: Faithfulness springs up from the ground,
C: and righteousness looks down from the sky.
P: Yes, the Lord will give what is good,
C: and our land will yield its increase.
P: Righteousness will go before him
C: and make his footsteps a way.
Second Reading: Romans 10:5-15
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteous-ness based on faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 "or 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"
R: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Pause to contemplate the Word.
Gospel: (Introduced as follows:)
P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 14th chapter.
C: Glory to you, O Lord!
Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
P: The Gospel of our Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ!
Sermon
Hymn of the Day : Eternal Father, Strong to Save
Words: William Whiting, 1825-1878, alt.
Music: melita, John B. Dykes, 1823-1876
Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm has bound the restless wave,
who bade the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Savior, whose almighty word
the winds and waves submissive heard,
who walked upon the foaming deep,
and calm amid the storm did keep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Holy Spirit, who did brood
upon the chaos dark and rude,
and bid its angry tumult cease,
and give, for wild confusion, peace:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Trinity of love and pow’r,
all trav’lers guard in danger’s hour
from rock and tempest, fire and foe,
protect them wheresoe’er they go:
thus evermore shall rise to thee
glad hymns and praise from land and sea.
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 Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, 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, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.
Prayer
Prayers of the Congregation
P: We bring our prayers to God on behalf of the church, the world, and all in need.
Silence
P: There is so much violence, war, and turmoil in our world, we fear for our own and the world’s future.
C: The pandemic, protests turning violent in our streets, war in Syria and Afghanistan drag on. Lord, save us!
P: In the face of international and personal struggles, we are afraid. Give us your Spirit, Lord Jesus, that we may have peace in our hearts.
C: Bless the proclamation of your word in all churches so that people may hear in the low whisper, or see in the stretched-out hand how beautiful is the message you send to us.
P: Lord Jesus, you walked on water, demonstrating your power over forces and powers far beyond our own strength. You used your power to reach out to rescue and save Peter.
C: We give thanks that you use your power over all the forces of nature, that in spite of droughts, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires you continue to feed a hungry world.
P: In your mercy stretch out your strengthening, healing hand to all those who suffer from any natural disasters.
C: Likewise uphold and comfort all who struggle with the disasters of human making, especially broken relationships, and the results of the pandemic which cause loss of jobs.
P: You have blessed many of us with length of days, sustaining us through all the difficulties that come in life. We give thanks especially for the 100 years you have given to Alcine. Through good times and times of turmoil and struggle, you have sustained her life. Your grace that has upheld her life has been a witness to our lives.
C: Now, O Lord, if memory fades, eyesight grows dim, hearing fails, and limbs no longer support us, continue to reach out to rescue and save, and finally embraces us in your kingdom.
A time for other intercessions
P: In this time of turmoil from both the pandemic and demonstrations over racial issues, give wisdom, courage and strength to our leaders at city, state and national levels.
C: Help them to find ways to resolve the combined health, justice, equity, and economic problems facing us.
P: Hear our prayers, O God, and respond according to your mercy demonstrated in your Son Jesus Christ.
C: Amen.
Meal
Great Thanksgiving
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places gives thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ, who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, Holy, Holy
C: 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.
P: Holy, mighty and merciful Lord,
C: heaven and earth are full of your glory.
P: In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering,
C: who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
P: We give thanks that 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.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection and ascension,
C: we await his coming in glory.
P: Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
C: and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
P: to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever.
C: Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
P: Let us pray with confidence in the words our Savior gave us:
C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Communion
We share the bread and wine, the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
After all have communed:
P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C: Amen.
Prayer
P: Let us pray. O God,
C: we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son. By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sending
Blessing
P: The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus.
C: Amen.
P: The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
P: The God of all grace ✝ bless you now and forever.
C: Amen.
Sending Hymn: My Life Flows On in Endless Song
Words and music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
My life flows on in endless song; above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
Refrain
What though my joys and comforts die? The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.
Refrain
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?
Refrain
Announcements of our life together
Dismissal
P: Go in peace. Christ is with you.
C: Thanks be to God!
To God Alone Be Glory
Acknowledgments: The order of our service is Setting One, pp.166-209 (adapted) of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Leaders Desk Edition, copyright © 2006 ELCA, and published by Augsburg Fortress. All Scripture passages are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Announcements
To assist you with preparation for worship the Scripture readings for next Sunday are:
Isaiah 56:1,6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28.
Serving Today
First Reading – Merlean Locke
Second Reading – Ron Stephens
This week at Good Shepherd:
Bible Study Wednesday 10:30 call in 712-770-4995 participant code 287179
Happy Birthday to our August babies - Alcine Wyatt 10th, Ron Stephens 11, Kathleen Smith 16thand Micah Barnes 22nd. God’s abundant blessings to you all on your special day and always.
Happy 100th Birthday to our beloved Alcine Wyatt, born August 10, 1920 in Homer, Louisiana to parents Clarence and Rosie Grigsby. They raised ten children and two nephews. The family had a self-sustaining farm and all were nurtured in the community Methodist church. Several of her brothers and sisters have been blessed to achieve 100 years of age or more. Alcine and husband Fred Wyatt married and relocated to Seattle, Washington in 1946. They moved into her current home in 1950, she has witnessed and embraced the many changes in the Central area. In the late 1960’s, after visiting the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd she and Fred decided to attend confirmation classes. They were fortunate to be in class with good friends Freddie Banks and Ella Smith. The church family has nourished and sustained her spiritually and physically since. She and her family are in deep appreciation. Alcine had three daughters, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Over the last 50 plus years we at Good Shepherd have been blessed by the beauty and grace of Mrs. Wyatt. She has always been a strong prayer warrior as she worked tirelessly in so many organizations serving, and devoting herself to supporting the lives of all of us. We thank God for her and pray God’s continued blessing on her and her family. We Love you Mrs. Alcine Wyatt!
Stewardship: Last Week’s Attendance 23 - Offering and Donations NA
Sick and shut-in members:
Please remember in your prayers,
Wanda Allen 222 25th Ave., Sea 98122
Bill Johnson, 2717 Dexter Ave. N., Sea 98109
Joy Bauer, 1061 Shelton Ave. NE Renton 98056
Alcine Wyatt, 811 27th Ave., Sea 98122
Ella Smith, 4832 35th Ave. SW Sea 98126
Ruby Buxton 315 31st Ave., Sea 98122
Sharee Daniels, 6731 N 17th Street, Tacoma 98406
Orelia Jarrow 3621 33rd Ave. S. #335 Sea 98144
Jerelene Armstead 5145 S. Fountain Sea 98178
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Our Mission Statement:
Led by the Holy Spirit, the mission of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
is to give glory to God for the building of His Kingdom, by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
worshipping the Triune God, and reaching out in love to the community.