Time After Pentecost

TIME AFTER PENTECOST

August 29, 2021 10:45 AM Worship in the Park Holy Communion

First Lutheran Church, Kearney, NE

0 GATHERING SONGS Sound Offering

WELCOME

GREETING ONE ANOTHER We greet one another in the name of the Lord using words such as, “Peace be with you.”

WORSHIP SONGS

“Courageous” We were made to be courageous, we were made to lead the way. We could be the generation that fin’lly breaks the chains. We were made to be courageous, we were made to be courageous.

We were warriors on the frontlines, standing unafraid, but now we’re watchers on the sidelines while our fami’lies slip away. Where are you, men of courage? You were made for so much more. Let the pounding of our hearts cry, “We will serve the Lord.”

We were made to be courageous, and we’re taking back the fight. We were made to be courageous, and it starts with us tonight. The only way we’ll ever stand is on our knees with lifted hands. Make us courageous. Lord, make us courageous.

This is our resolution, our answer to the call. We will love our wives and children, we refuse to let them fall. We will reignite the passion that we buried deep inside. May the watchers become warriors, let the men of God arise.

Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God. Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.

In the war of the mind I will make may stand, in the battle of the heart, and the battle of the hands. In the war of the mind I will make my stand, in the battle of the heart, in the battle of the hands.

Words and Music: Matthew West and Mark Hall © 2011 Songs of Soutside Independent Music Pub., External Combustion Music, Songs for Delaney, Sparrow Song, and My Refuge music. Admin. Songs of Soutside Independent Music Pub., Admin EMICMG Pub

“Build Your Kingdom Here”

Come set Your rule, and reign in our hearts again. Increase in us, we pray. Unveil why we’re made. Come set our hearts ablaze with hope, like wildfire in our very souls; Holy Spirit, come, invade us now. We are Your Church; we need Your pow’r in us.

We seek Your kingdom first. We hunger and we thirst; refuse to waste our lives, for You’re our joy and prize. To see the captives hearts released; the hurt, the sick, the poor at peace. We lay down our lives for heaven’s cause. We are Your Church; we pray, revive this earth.

2 Build Your kingdom here. Let the darkness fear. Show Your mighty hand. Heal our streets and land. Set Your church on fire. Win this nation back. Change the atmosphere. Build Your kingdom here, we pray!

Unleash Your kingdom’s pow’r, reaching the near and far. No force of hell can stop Your beauty, changing hearts. You made us for much more than this; awake the kingdom seed in us. Fill us with the strength and love of Christ. We are Your Church; we are the hope on earth.

Build Your kingdom here. Let the darkness fear. Show Your mighty hand. Heal our streets and land. Set Your church on fire. Win this nation back. Change the atmosphere. Build Your kingdom here, we pray!

3 PRAYER OF THE DAY

L: Let us pray, O God our strength, without you we are weak and wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from the outside, and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C: Amen

ENGAGING THE WORD

A Reading from James the First Chapter

L: 17Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 19You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. 21Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act — they will be blessed in their doing. 26If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is

4 worthless. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:17-27)

L: Word of God. Word of Life. C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL

P: A Reading from St. Mark the Seventh Chapter C: Glory to you, O Lord

P: 1Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; 4and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) 5So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?" 6He said to them, "Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.' 8You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition." 9Then he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! 10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother';

5 and, 'Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.' 11But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, 'Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban' (that is, an offering to God) — 12then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, 13thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this." 14Then he called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile." 17When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18He said to them, "Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, 19since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20And he said, "It is what comes out of a person that defiles. 21For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, 22adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." (Mark 7:1-23)

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you O Christ.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE AND “NOISY” OFFERING “Noisy Offering” will be going to Care Portal

MESSAGE Pastor Elisabeth Himmelman

6 WORSHIP SONG

“Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil”

Lord, let my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your word. Lord, let my heart be good soil, where love can grow and peace is understood. When my heart is hard, break the stone away. When my heart is cold, warm it with the day. When my heart is lost, lead me on your way. Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart be good soil.

Congregational Council members please come forward at this time

INSTALLATION OF CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL

P: The following people have been elected by the congregation to positions of leadership. We give thanks for their willingness to serve. In baptism we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God; we rejoice now that these sisters and brothers will lead us in our common life and our mutual mission as a congregation.

Dave Zimmer, President; Miranda Obermeier, Vice President Judy Henning, Secretary; Lee Fritson, Treasurer Mark Kottmeyer, Rachel Leach, Michael Rafferty, Kelly Russman, Kim Troudt

7 P: A reading from First Corinthians: There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

You have been elected to positions of leadership and trust in this congregation. You are to see that the words and deeds of this household of faith bear witness to God, who gathers us into one together with the whole church. You are to seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support, so that the mission of Christ is carried out in this congregation, in the wider church, in this community, and in the whole world.

You are to be faithful in your specific area of serving, that the Spirit who empowers you may be glorified.

You are to be examples of faith, active in love, fostering peace, harmony, and mutual understanding in this congregation.

On behalf of your sisters and brothers in Christ, I ask you: Will you accept and faithfully carry out the duties of the offices to which you have been elected?

Council Members: I will, and I ask God to help me.

P: People of God, I ask you: Will you support these, your elected leaders, and will you share in the mutual ministry that Christ has given to all who are baptized?

C: We will, and we ask God to help us.

8 P: I now declare you installed as officers and council members of this congregation. Almighty God bless you, and direct your days and your deeds in peace, that you may be faithful servants of Christ.

C: Amen

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

L: Made children and heirs of God’s promise, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

A brief silence for reflection

L: We pray for the church, that it is a safe haven for all who seek your presence. Fill it with pastors, deacons, and leaders who echo your expansive and generous welcome. Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer.

L: We pray for the whole of creation, that plants and animals have the habitat and resources to thrive and flourish. Inspire us to protect threatened habitats and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer.

L: We pray for individuals in positions of authority. Raise up wise and discerning leaders in federal, state, and local governments and guide them to seek the benefit of every person. Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer.

9 L: We pray for this congregation, especially those beginning a new school year. Empower teachers and school administrators. Guide students in their learning and development. Accompany parents, foster parents, and caregivers who provide enouragement and love. Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer.

L: We pray for all who are in need. Support and encourage those who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing poverty. Bring food, shelter, clothes, and stability for daily life. Give safety to those in situations of abuse or neglect. Accompany those still effected by COVID-19 and its variants. We pray especially for….

Will Allen Don Koller Jim and Jeanette Andersen Talia Krumbach Rod Bredenkamp Kerry McCormick Darrel Brown Betty McMaster Roland Carlson Carla Middleswart Jessica Cooper Rev. Dave Nordstrom Jim Darbi Walter Peden Wayne Deterding Brenda Rae Peterson Frank Dineen Janet Pohlmann Dennis Drabek Janiene Rewerts Bobbi Gerdes Ignacio Sanchez Nicole Gordon Steve Stelling John and Jan Greene David and Zolee Suing Kim Gronewold Kristy Triplett Phyllis Handwerk Della Wallace Marv Hilton Carl Weber Karen Hiskett Misty White Bruce Holen Colby Wiesler (Weesler) Jackie Holscher Roxanne Willis Rod Jensen Marilyn Willison Wayne Karschner Jill Winks Gene Knaus Frank Wright

10 L: Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer.

L: We give thanks for the faithful departed who showed us how to honor God with our heart. Inspire us by their example and renew our faith, trusting that we will be united with them in glory. Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer.

P: Receive these prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen.

OFFERING “This I Believe” (The Creed) Hillsong Worship Sound Offering

Offering boxes are available. We will not be passing the plate.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, † one God, the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy. C: Amen

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

Silence is kept for reflection

0 P: God, our provider, C: help us. It is hard to believe there is enough to share. We question your ways when they differ from the ways of the world in which we live. We turn to our own understanding rather than trusting in you. We take offense at your teachings and your ways. Turn us again to you. Where else can we turn? Share with us the words of eternal life and feed us for life in the world. Amen.

P: Beloved people of God: in Jesus, the manna from heaven, you are fed and nourished. By Jesus, the worker of miracles, there is always more than enough. Through Jesus, † the bread of life, you are shown God’s mercy: you are forgiven and loved into abundant life. C: Amen.

MEAL

PRAYER

L: 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. C: Amen.

1 THE 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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

P: In the night in which he was handed over, 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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

P: Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. C: 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

2 INVITATION TO COMMUNION P: Christ has set the table with more than enough for all. Come!

COMMUNION MUSIC “We Believe” Sound Offering

TABLE GRACE

P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. C: Amen

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

L: 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. In your name we pray. C: Amen.

BLESSING

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

3 WORSHIP SONG “He Reigns”

It’s the song of the redeemed rising from the African plain. It’s the song of the forgiven drowning out the Amazon rain. The song of Asian believers filled with God’s holy fire. It’s every tribe, every tongue, ever nation; a love song born of a grateful choir.

It’s all God’s children singing. “Glory, glory, hallelujah! He reigns, He reigns!” It’s all God’s children singing, “Glory, glory, Hallelujah! He reigns, He reigns!”

Let it rise above the four winds, caught up in the heavenly sound. Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals to the faithful gathered underground Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation, some were meant to persist. Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples, none rings truer than this;

It’s all God’s children singing. “Glory, glory, hallelujah! He reigns, He reigns!” It’s all God’s children singing, “Glory, glory, Hallelujah! He reigns, He reigns!”

And all the powers of darkness tremble at what they’ve just heard, ‘cause all the powers of darkness can’t drown out a single word.

4 When all God’s children sing out, “Glory, glory, hallelujah! He reigns, He reigns!” All God’s children sing out, “Glory, glory, Hallelujah! He reigns, He reigns!”

All God’s children sing out, “Glory, glory, hallelujah! He reigns, He reigns!” All God’s children sing out, “Glory, glory, Hallelujah! He reigns!”

DISMISSAL L: Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. C: Thanks be to God.

SENDING SONGS Sound Offering

First Lutheran Church ~ 3315 G Avenue ~ Kearney, NE 68847 308-237-5544 ~ [email protected]

Rev. Elisabeth Pynn Himmelman, Preaching Pastor Rev. Dr. Michelle Holley Carlson, Presiding Pastor Rev. Dr. Rick Carlson, Liturgist

John Love, Assisting Minister Carol & Jerry Stuhr and Rebecca Bartlett, Communion Stewards KrisAnn Sullivan, Altar Guild Rachel & Shawn Leach, Al & Val Erickson, Paul and Rebecca Bartlett, Ushers Kyle Means And Mike Epley, Sound Technicians

Music led by Sound Offering

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #23295. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.