Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 109 West Third Avenue, Warren, Pennsylvania Phone: (814) 723-6450 Fax: (814) 723-0935 Email Office: [email protected] Website: www.flcwarren.com The Rev. Jeffrey B. Ewing, Pastor [email protected] Jack Hemink, Director of Music Julie Baughman, accompanist Cheri Kellogg, Director of Children, Youth and Family

“Welcome to First Lutheran Church! All are accepted and affirmed just as we are, with all our differences and gifts – unique children of God. No matter your race, ethnicity, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, social or economic status, we have a place for you. As part of the whole complex, colorful spectrum of God’s creation in all its diversity we are all one in Christ!”

August 29, 2021 Setting X Jesus protests against human customs being given the weight of divine law, while the essence of God’s law is ignored. True uncleanness comes not from external things, but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us “the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We who were washed in the word when we were born in the font return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us clean hearts.

UPDATED PROTOCOLS FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SELF-CHECK BEFORE COMING TO CHURCH TO SEE IF YOU ARE HEALTHY ENOUGH TO BE IN COMMUNITY WITH OTHERS. As you know, your church council has been keeping a close watch on where we stand regarding the COVID crisis. Because of the increased numbers of corona cases in Warren County, a special council meeting was called to discuss what, if any, changes in our protocols should look like. Knowing that masks and distance help ensure to lower chances of contracting the virus, and in an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, the following changes have been instituted: 1. Regardless of your vaccination status, beginning on Sunday, August 29th masks will be required to be worn upon entering the building and during the entire worship service (even while singing). Bring a mask with you when you come to the church for a meeting or for a service. Masks will be available for those who need them. 2. We have also labeled every other pew to be used for the “early” and “late” services. 3. We encourage you to make use of the sanitizer available in the narthex. 4. An offering tray will be set up at the middle doors as you enter the sanctuary. We are so grateful for your support of the work we do in the Lord’s name through First Lutheran. 5. The Peace will again be shared in non-physical ways – peace sign, bowing, etc… 6. We will still celebrate communion by coming forward. Wear your mask until you receive the host and replace your mask as you return to your seat. Please remember to keep your distance as you come forward. 7. As always, if you are feeling unwell or are more comfortable worshiping at home, you can join us online for worship via our Facebook page.

2 GATHERING______

PRELUDE This is My Father’s World arr. Betts

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

*PREPARING FOR WORSHIP Surely the Presence of the Lord Is in This Place Lanny Wolfe

1. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place; I can feel His mighty power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings, I see glory on each face; Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

2. Surely the Spirit of the Lord is here in love, And it brings God’s peace as quiet as a dove. I can see the glow of angels’ wings shining brightly from above Surely the Spirit of the Lord is here in love.

Copyright 1977 by Lanny Wolfe Music/ASCAP (A Div. of Pathway Press, Cleveland, TN. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Duplicated by permission of Gaither Copyright #GCM 082584

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity,☩ one God, the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy. Amen.

Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance, let us confess our sin. Silence is kept for reflection. God, our provider, help us. It is hard for us 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. Forgive our unbelief and 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, 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. Amen.

3 *HYMN Gather Us In #532 1. Here in this place the new light is streaming, now is the darkness vanished away; see in this space our fears and our dreamings brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in, the lost and forsaken, gather us in, the blind and the lame; call to us now, and we shall awaken, we shall a rise at the sound of our name.

2. We are the young, our lives are a myst’ry, we are the old who yearn for your face; we have been sung throughout all of hist’ry, called to be light to the whole human race. Gather us in, the rich and the haughty, gather us in, the proud and the strong; give us a heart, so meek and so lowly, give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Here we will take the wine and the water, here we will take the bread of new birth, here you shall call your sons and your daughters, call us anew to be salt for the earth. Give us to drink the wine of compassion, give us to eat the bread that is you; nourish us well, and teach us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

4. Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away - here in this place the new light is shining, now is the kingdom and now is the day. Gather us in and hold us forever, gather us in and make us your own, gather us in, all peoples together, fire . . of love in our flesh and our bone.

*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.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

PRAYER OF THE DAY 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. Amen.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 The Israelites believed the law was a divine gift that provided guidelines for living out the covenant. Moses commands the people to obey the law and to neither add to nor subtract from it. The Israelites are also to teach the law to their children and their children’s children. 1So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your God with which I am charging you. 6You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!” 7For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is whenever we call to him? 8And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today? 9But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children. A: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 15 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? (Ps. 15:1)

1LORD, who may dwell in your | tabernacle? Who may abide upon your | holy hill? 2Those who lead a blameless life and do | what is right, who speak the truth | from their heart; 3they do not slander with the tongue, they do no evil | to their friends; they do not cast discredit up- | on a neighbor. 4In their sight the wicked are rejected, but they honor those who | fear the LORD. They have sworn upon their health and do not take | back their word. 5They do not give their money in hope of gain, nor do they take bribes a- | gainst the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be | overthrown. R

SECOND READING: James 1:17-27 The letter of James was intended to provide first-century Christians with instruction in godly behavior. Here Christians are encouraged to listen carefully and to act on what they hear, especially by caring for those least able to care for themselves. 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.

6 26If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is 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. A: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 7th chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Mark’s gospel depicts Jesus as challenging traditional ways in which religious people determine what is pure or impure. For Jesus, the observance of religious practices cannot become a substitute for godly words or deeds that spring from a faithful heart. 1Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around [Jesus], 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.’ 7 8You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” 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.” 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.” P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Jeff Ewing Silence for reflection may follow.

*HYMN OF THE DAY Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways #772

1. Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways to keep his statutes still! Oh, that my God would grant me grace to know and do his will.

2. Order my footsteps by your word and make my heart sincere; let sin have no dominion, Lord, but keep my conscience clear.

3. Assist my soul, too apt to stray, a stricter watch to keep; and should I e’er forget your way, restore your wand’ring sheep.

4. Make me to walk in your commands, ‘tis a delightful road; nor let my head or heart of hands offend against my God.

[10:00 AM] BAPTISM OF LUKE ROBERT TRUBIC See Insert

APOSTLES’ CREED A: Please join with me as we confess our faith with the words of the Apostles’ Creed. C: 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. Amen. 8 PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Made children and heirs of God’s promise, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

A brief silence.

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, hear our prayer. 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, hear our prayer. 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, hear our prayer. 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. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray for this congregation, especially those beginning a new school year - students, teachers, administration and support staff. Empower them with guidance and kindness. Guide students in their learning and development. Accompany parents, foster parents, and caregivers who provide encouragement and love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 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, hear our prayer. Receive these prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SHARING THE PEACE P: The peace of the Lord is with you always. C: And also with you.

9 MEAL______

An offering tray is available at the entrance of the sanctuary. For those wishing to do so, we encourage you to donate online at flcwarren.com/give. As always, thank you for supporting the work of bringing God’s love to all people through First Lutheran!

OFFERING [8:00 AM] Breathe arr. Barnett [10:00 AM] Legacy of Love arr. Berry Quartet: Adri Hunt, Kelsey Angove, Kevin Hunt, and Patrick Mulligan

OFFERTORY RESPONSE We Give Thee but Thine Own #686 Verses 1 and 2 1. We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be; all that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from thee.

2. May we thy bounties thus as stewards true receive, and gladly, as thou bless-est us, to thee our first fruits give.

OFFERTORY PRAYER God of the harvest, C: you have set this table with your bounty, 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: 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,… we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

10 Congregation: *SANCTUS

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

LORD’S PRAYER 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 to the celebration! Thanks be to God! Amen!

As Lutherans we believe that Jesus is present in the elements of communion, bringing forgiveness and new life to all who receive it. The table is open to everyone, and the gift is always given, never taken. Simply make a cradle with your hand(s) as you receive the bread. Gluten free wafers and grape juice are available from the pastor and worship assistant. The response after receiving both the gift of bread and wine is “Amen.” For those who would like to continue to celebrate in the pews, please let the usher know. For our friends who are not celebrating communion, simply fold your arms across your chest and receive a blessing. 11

LAMB OF GOD

COMMUNION MUSIC As the Grains of Wheat #465 Refrain: As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill were gathered into one to become our bread; so may all your people from all the ends of earth be gathered into one in you.

1. As this cup of blessing is shared within our midst, may we share the presence of your love. (Refrain)

2. Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come when all creation shares this feast with you. (Refrain)

This is My Father’s World #824 1. This is my Father’s world, and to my list’ning ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

2 This is my Father’s world; the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world; he shines in all that’s fair. In the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me ev’rywhere.

3. This is my Father’s world; oh, let me not forget that, thought the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world; why should my heart be sad? The Lord is king, let heav-en ring; God reigns, let earth be glad!

12 P: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gifts of his body and blood strengthen, keep and unite us, now and forever. C: Amen

CANTICLE OF PRAISE

Surely the Presence of the Lord Is in This Place Lanny Wolfe 3. Surely the Blessing of the Lord is in my heart, And it’s here when we’re together or apart. Now I feel the rush of angels’ wings and I know how great Thou art Surely the blessing of the Lord is in my heart.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER 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 the way you do. In your name we pray. Amen.

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

SENDING

HYMN Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven #864 1. Praise, my soul, the God of Heaven; joyfully your tribute bring. Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore God’s praises sing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praises everlasting ring!

2. God be praised for grace and favor to our forebears in distress. God be praised, the same forever, slow to chide and swift to bless. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious is God’s faithfulness!

3. Frail as summer’s flow’r we flourish, blows the wind and it is gone; but, as mortals rise and perish, God endures unchanging on. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the great Eternal One!

4. Angels sing in adoration, in God’s presence, face to face. Sun and moon and all creation, all who dwell in time and space. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace!

13 P: Body of Christ, go in peace to love and serve the Lord! C: Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE We Are Called arr. Haas

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #42272.New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churche s of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

WELCOME TO WORSHIP! As we navigate our way throught this strange time, your church council is working hard and prayerfully considering how best to serve Christ in our community. Masks are now required on the First Lutheran property. If you are unable to attend in-person worship for any reason, you can always watch our 10AM service in real time on Facebook live and that service is posted to flcwarren.com/worship by noon each Sunday.

FLOWERS Given by John & Judy Cox in memory of Harriet & Alfred Lauffenberger.

Given by Tom & Dee Schultz in memory of William Schultz.

Serving Today August 29 September 5 CANTOR (8AM) Anne Benson John Beard (10AM) Linda Ross Jen Check ASSISTING MINISTER (8AM) Kris Whitaker Randy Britton (10AM) Mary Donaldson Joan Griesbach ACOLYTE (8AM) Jen Kersey Jen Kersey (10 AM) Izzy McMonigal Logan Renninger COUNTERS Bob Gregersen Sally Hawkinson Sally Hawkinson Emily Hecei

Digital Deacons: Denise Whipp and Keith Hedges

September Usher Teams: (8AM) Barry Keller, and Irene Keller (10AM) Jim Moore, Al Dennis, Edward Carr, Joe Colosimo, Dale Clark, John Schwone

August Altar Guild Teams (8AM) Gloria Genberg and arol Johnson (10AM) Lori Howard, Brenda Hunter, and RoseMary Landon

14 PRAYER LIST

Names will remain on the list for a period of three weeks. Names may be returned to the prayer list by contacting the church office. Please receive permission before submitting names to be included on the Prayer List.

Prayer Requests: servicemen & women, especially Andrew Shodi, Swede Backhus, Adam & Ben Frederick, Eric Smith, Shane Simpson, Curtis & Annie Royek, Ty Elmquist, Matt Pierotti, Julie and Joey Gilman August 29: Marcia Granger, Nancy Nelson August 22: Bonnie Parker, Karen Schumacher, Shirley Brown, Kim Tome, Jean Giacomini, Betty Knupp, Betty Stewart, Bishop Lozano, Ray Pring August 15: Rod Anderson, Bob and Jeannie Engstrom, Vera Kellogg, Deanna Lent, Velma Zock, Debbie Stanford, Johanne Forney, Patrick Moore, Marsha Logan, Family & Friends of Demeyer Pearson, Linn Hyde

Please contact the Church Office if you, a family member or someone from the parish is in the hospital. Help us help you when pastoral care is needed! Thank you.

SPAGHETTI DINNER The Lutheran Men in Mission’s annual Spaghetti Dinner will be September 21 from 4:57PM to 6:57PM. This year’s proceeds will benefit the ministry provided by Love INC.

Tuesday, August 31, 2021 is International Overdose Awareness Day Prayer Service Our brothers and sisters in Christ at First UMC will be offering a prayer service to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends, to remember those who have died or had a permanent injury, to publicly mourn without shame or guilt, to move from brokenness to living in hope. All are invited to join in a brief service of comfort, healing & encouragement at 6:30PM.

HP/Hansen Parlor; NH/Niewoehner Hall; OFH/Old Fellowship Hall, YR/Youth Room

Sunday, August 29 8:00 AM Communion Service 10:00 AM Communion Service 6:30 PM Mamma Mia! Rehearsal (NH) 7:00 PM Narcotics Anonymous (OFH) Monday, August 30 6:30 PM Narcotics Anonymous (YR) Tuesday, August 31 6:00PM International Overdose Awareness Memorial Service (FUMC) 6:30 PM Mamma Mia! Rehearsal Wednesday, September 1 9:00 AM Workshop (OFH) Noon Bible Study (NH) 5:00 PM Grief Yoga (OFH) 6:30 PM Mamma Mia! Rehearsal 6:00 PM Narcotics Anonymous (YR) Thursday, September 2 10:00 AM Prayer Shawl (HP) 6:30 PM Camera Club (NH) 6:30 PM Mamma Mia! Rehearsal 7:00 PM Narcotics Anonymous (YR) Friday, September 3 7:00 PM Narcotics Anonymous (YR) Saturday, September 4 6:00 PM Narcotics Anonymous (YR)

The family of Demeyer Pearson offers sincere thanks to her fellow members of First Lutheran Church. During her years at the Rouse Suites, visits and monthly worship services with Pastor Jeff were greatly appreciated and uplifting, as well as visits from members and cards in the mail. Upon her death, we have been comforted by many expressions of sympathy, by Jack's beautiful organ music, through the funeral bulletin put together by Jessica, the technical know-how passed on to Penny Lester by Denise Whipp, and the delicious luncheon which nourished us and allowed family to gather together to celebrate her long and good life. Thank you!

16 Luther’s Locker

To the wonderful congregation of First Lutheran Church: A heart-felt “Thank-you” goes out to each and every one of you for the love you expressed through your individual efforts. Together, we made a difference! Our goal was not only met, but exceeded. On, Monday, August 16th two car loads of supplies were delivered to the Warren Area Elementary Center and Warren Area High School. This included 100 Hygiene Bags with soap, shampoo, combs, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, enough snacks for the first marking period (with snacks for the second marking period in reserve), and 16 pairs of sturdy sneakers. And there will be more to come.

If you: • Inspired and set the example to follow Jesus • Believed in and prayed for Luther’s Locker • Wrote Thrivent Project applications (and summary reports) • Made phone calls and or emails, (especially to pastors on vacation) • Delivered Thrivent credit cards • Attended “Helping Our Children” Meetings • Created publicity, printed and assembled bulletins and newsletters • Purchased snacks or supplies and got them to the church • Ordered and delivered sneakers • Packed 100 Hygiene Bags • Blessed our gifts for the children at our Sunday Service • Took photos of our display • Talked about, or prayed about our ministry for the children of our community • Loaded, unloaded, and carted our supplies • Got up early to deliver the supplies • Thanked God for the opportunity to help the needy • Or in any way contributed to this Luther’s Locker project

WE SAY THANK-YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, WE WERE ONCE AGAIN ABLE TO FULFILL OUR MISSION - “GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS.” 17 WHO ARE THE WOMENOF THE ELCA?

If you are a Lutheran woman (or even a like-minded woman), then YOU are a Woman of the ELCA! That’s it – plain and simple!

Our meetings are held the 4th Monday of the month at 1:00 pm in Niewoehner Hall from September through May.

We invite you to join us September 27th for our first meeting of the fall season. We meet as the Joan Nabert Circle and would love to see some new faces, as well as our “regulars!”

Please come join us in faith, friendship, fellowship, and for refreshments, too! We look forward to seeing you!

WE ARE WOMEN OF THE ELCA!

OUR PURPOSE

As a community of women CREATED in the image of God, CALLED to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to GROW in faith, AFFIRM our gifts, SUPPORT one another in our callings, ENGAGE in ministry and action, and PROMOTE healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

18 August 29, 2021

The Baptism of

Luke Robert Trubic

Son of : Jacob Ryan Trubic and Whitney Michele Trubic

Sponsors: Benjamin Randall Paul and Jessica Lynn Paul

HOLY BAPTISM [10:00 a.m.]

PRESENTATION The presiding minister: God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism. By water and the Word God delivers us from sin and death and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ, anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God's mission for the life of the world. Called by the Holy Spirit, trusting in the grace and love of God, do you desire to have Luke Robert Trubic baptized into Christ? Response: I do.

As you bring Luke to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities: to live with him among God's faithful people, bring him to the word of God and the holy supper, teach him the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, place in his hands the holy scriptures, and nurture him in faith and prayer, so that Luke may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace.

19 Do you promise to help Luke grow in the Christian faith and life? Response: I do. The presiding minister addresses the assembly: People of God, do you promise to support Luke and pray for him in his new life in Christ? We do. The assembly stands.

PROFESSION OF FAITH The presiding minister: I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church. Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? Response: I renounce them.

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? Response: I renounce them.

Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? Response: I renounce them.

The presiding minister addresses the candidates and the assembly.

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

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? 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.

20 Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? 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.

THANKSGIVING AT THE FONT Presiding minister begins the thanksgiving: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family, and through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By the baptism of Jesus' death and resurrection you set us free from the power of sin and death and raise us up to live in you. Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. The assembly may be seated.

BAPTISM The presiding minister baptizes each candidate. Water is poured on the candidate's head, as the presiding minister says:

Luke Robert Trubic , I baptize you in the name of the Father,* and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You belong to Christ, in whom you have been baptized. Alleluia.

The presiding minister continues: Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give your 21 daughters and sons new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise them to eternal life.

Laying hand(s) on the head of the newly baptized, the minister prays: Sustain Luke, with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.

As the sign of the cross is made, the minister says: Luke Robert Trubic , child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Amen.

WELCOME A lighted candle may be given to the newly baptized (to a sponsor of a young child) as a representative of the congregation says: Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life

A representative of the congregation leads the assembly in the welcome.

A: Let us welcome the newly baptized. We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God's creative and redeeming word to all the world.