First Evangelical Lutheran Church a Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

First Evangelical Lutheran Church A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

10:00am Worship & Communion

We welcome all people into grace through faith as we belong, behave and believe in Jesus Christ.

Welcome! Your presence at worship is a gift. Take a moment to introduce yourself to someone near you. If you are a visitor to First Lutheran, we invite you to fill out the tear off card on the back of the service folder and place it in the offering plate.

19th Sunday After Pentecost Sunday October 11, 2020 10:00am HOLY COMMUNION

Prelude Tell Me Lovely Shepherd William Boyce Gathering

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

Please stand as able.

Confession and Forgiveness Pastor Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who creates, redeems, and sustains us and all of creation. All Amen.

Pastor Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Please kneel as able. Silence is kept for reflection.

Pastor Faithful God, All have mercy on us. We confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We turn from your loving embrace and go our own ways. We pass judgment on one another before examining ourselves. We place our own needs before those of our neighbors. We keep your gift of salvation to ourselves. Make us humble, cast away our transgressions, and turn us again to life in you through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Pastor God hears the cries of all who call out in need, and through his death and resurrection, Christ has made us his own. Hear the truth that God proclaims: Your sins are forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ. Led by the Holy Spirit, live in freedom and newness to do God’s work in the world. All Amen.

Gathering Song ELW #521 O Day of Rest and Gladness Greeting Pastor The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All And also with you.

This is the Feast All This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia

Women Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Men Power, riches, wisdom and strength, and honor Blessing and glory are His. All This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia

Prayer of the Day Pastor Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Please be seated.

Children’s Message Word God speaks to us in scripture, preaching and song. First Reading: Isaiah 25:1-9 After a hymn of praise acknowledging God as a shelter for the poor, the prophet portrays a wonderful victory banquet at which death—which in ancient Canaan was depicted as a monster swallowing up everyone—will be swallowed up forever. The prophet urges celebration of this victory of salvation. 1O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. 2For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. 3Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. 4For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, 5the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled.

6On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. 7And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; 8he will swallow up death forever.

Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. 9It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Lector Word of God, word of life. All Thanks be to God.

Psalm Psalm 23 Cantor the Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. In verdant pastures He gives me repose; By restful waters he leads me; He refreshes my sou. Antiphon

Cantor He guides me in right paths for the sake of His name. Even though I walk in the valley of darkness I fear no evil. For you are at my side with your rod and your staff. That give me courage. Antiphon

Cantor You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Antiphon

Cantor Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. Antiphon

Second Reading: Philippians 4:1-9 Though writing from prison and facing an uncertain future, Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice and give thanks to God no matter what the circumstance. God’s peace is with us and binds together our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ, especially when things around us do not seem peaceful. 1My brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Lector Word of God, word of life. All Thanks be to God.

Please Stand as able.

Pastor The holy gospel according to St. Matthew, the 22ndchapter. All Glory to you, O Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus tells a parable indicating that the blessings of God’s kingdom are available to all, but the invitation is not to be taken lightly. 1Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ 5But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. 7The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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

Please be seated.

Sermon The Rev. Richard A. Rhoades

Please Stand as able.

Hymn of the Day ELW#719 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life Creed Asst With the whole church, we join in professing the Christian Faith.

All 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

Prayers of Intercession

Asst Drawn together in the compassion of God, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

Please kneel as able. Silence is kept for reflection.

Asst Gracious host, fill your church with a spirit of joyous hospitality. We pray for bishops, teachers, church leaders, and all children of God as they invite others to your table of boundless grace. Lord, in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

Asst Gracious host, as creation waits with eager longing for redemption, protect your creatures that are mistreated. Restore valleys, mountains and pastures, and still and running waters. Lord, in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

Asst Gracious host, as you set a table in the presence of enemies, so bless the efforts of diplomats, international peace workers, and world leaders who navigate conflict. May they proceed with dialogue and understanding, so that justice and peace prevails. We pray for our elected officials including President Trump, Governor Abbott, and Acting Mayor Brown. Lord, in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

Asst Gracious host, let your gentleness be known among those who are weary or ill including Don, Dana, Donald, Darlene, President Trump and Melania and all those infected with COVID-19, those on our sustaining prayer list and those we name now… . Strengthen doctors, medical care workers, and caretakers who see to their needs. Lord, in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

Asst Gracious host, when we are quick to judge outward appearance, remind us how you clothe all in your mercy. We pray for ministries that provide needed clothing and other personal care assistance in this community Christus Our Daily Bread, St. Vincent’s House, Salvation Army, and Galveston Urban Ministry. Lord, in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

Asst Gracious host, your table of bounty spans across the globe. Fill our ministry partners will good things and fill their cups with overflowing grace. We pray for Bishops Eaton and Rinehart, ELCA World Hunger Appeal and Lutheran Disaster Response, and our international partners in Peru, the Central African Republic and the Massai in Tanzania. Lord, in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

Asst Gracious host, as we remember those who have died and are gathered at the heavenly banquet, comfort us with your presence. Assure us of your peace at all times. Lord, in your mercy, All hear our prayer.

Pastor Listen as we call on you, O God, and enfold in your loving arms all for whom we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. All Amen.

Passing the Peace Beyond church walls

Offering Prayer

Asst Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. You have set before us these gifts of your good creation. Prepare us for your heavenly banquet, nourish us with this rich food and drink, and send us forth to set tables in the midst of a suffering world, through the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Please stand as able.

Great Thanksgiving

Preface Pastor It is indeed right, our duty and our joy……. we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, Holy, Holy

Please kneel as able.

Thanksgiving at the Table

Pastor Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.

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, we await his coming in glory.

Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Lord's Prayer

Pastor Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.

All 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 Pastor Come to the banquet table where Christ gives himself as food and drink.

Reception of Holy Communion Ushers will direct you to follow social distancing as you come forward to receive the promise of God’s grace in the bread and wine, the Body and Blood of Christ. As you come forward you will find stationary offering plates in which to place your offering. As you come forward, keep your face mask on. Observe social distancing. Extend your hand toward the celebrant who will place a wafer of bread on your open palm. You may respond with the affirmation, “Amen.” Step to the side, lift your mask to eat the wafer and then replace your mask. Step to the communion tray station where an assistant guide you to pick up your own prefilled cup of wine. You may again offer the affirmation, “Amen.” Then step to the side, lift your mask to drink the wine, lower your mask, place the used cup in a receptacle and then return to your pew by the side aisle.

Please stand as able.

Reception of Holy Communion Music during the reception of Holy Communion

Pastor The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ ☩ strengthen and preserve you in eternal life. Amen.

Prayer Asst We give you thanks, gracious God, that you have once again fed us with food beyond compare, the body and blood of Christ. Lead us from this place, nourished and forgiven, into your beloved vineyard to wipe away the tears of all who hunger and thirst, guided by the example of the same Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Blessing Pastor The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen.

Sending Song ELW#536 God Be with You Till We Meet Again Dismissal

Asst Go in peace. Live boldly as the body of Christ. All Thanks be to God.

Postlude The Heavens Declare Benedetto Marcello Christians are the light of the world, but the switch has to be turned on. - The Evangelism Team This Week at First Lutheran Sunday – Holy Communion, 10:00am Sunday - Let’s Talk, 4:00pm Sunday- Holy Communion, 5:30pm

Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God in memory of Joyce Elfstrom by the Gainers and the Rutledges.

Prayer Concerns: Don Hermanson, Dana Connor, Donald Gangl, Darlene Badovinac.

Sustaining Prayers: Jeanie Doreck, Herbie Doreck, Pat Henderson, Gene Nelson, Antia Katz, Milton Barnum, John Doreck, Lee King, Susan Schultz, Bernice Klyng, Cheryl Jaynes, JW Snyder, Darrell Brooks, Christina Muehe, Tina Pereboom, Nicole Cheramie, George Badger, Earl Gilmore, Ann Reiser, Barbara Austin, Donald Gangl, Kristi Martorell, Patty Geml Goodwin, Christina Muehe, George Badger, Helga Garcia.

Serving at Worship Today Lay Minister Kay Tucker Cantor Kelsey Scheuermann Ushers Dennis Broughton, Paul Martin Jim Lewis Glori Ana’s Thank Offering this year is on November 22nd. Due to the National coin shortage any for of donation is welcome and most appreciated.

Reading Through Philippians is and exciting study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Sessions will be held Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm virtually. Sign-up by emailing Pastor Rhoades or by calling the church office to request the link.

All Saints Day preparations have begun. Please provide a photo of those who have died in the last year to the church office. Make sure we have the name of the person in the photo. The photos will be displayed in the Narthex reminding of the cloud of witnesses that surround us.

Altar Flowers - There are still some open dates on the altar flowers calendar. Please contact the church office if you would like to fill in one of those dates.

Support our Trick-or-Treat event by donating candy. There is a box in the narthex for candy, but you can also bring it to the church office. We will need all candy by October 19th.

Kids’ Mission: Secret Agents of God is still accepting new trainees! Kids up from K-6th grade are eligible. Call the church office or email [email protected] for a free bag of supplies. Then check out the lessons at http://www.firstlutherangalveston.com/ kids-mission. Kids will learn bible stories while working on missions that will make the world a better place.

Trick-or-Treat at the church on October 24 from 2-3PM. This event will be outside, with social distance, and masks will be required. There will be several stops for kids to collect candy from our volunteers. We will also have a photo station to commemorate their cute costumes. Please RSVP for this event by emailing [email protected] or calling the church office.

Upcoming Commemorations

William Tyndale, translator, martyr, died 1536 Tuesday, October 6, 2020 Tyndale was ordained a priest in England, and wished to translate the Bible into English. He was opposed in this by King Henry VIII, causing him to flee to Germany. He completed the New Testament in 1525, but before he could finish the Old Testament, he was tried for heresy and burned at the stake.

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, pastor in North America, died 1787 Wednesday, October 7, 2020 Divided Lutherans in America asked leaders in Europe to send someone who could take charge and unite their work. Muhlenberg was sent, and was effective in organizing the American Lutherans. Among other accomplishments, his liturgical principles became the basis for the Common Service of 1888.

Massie L. Kennard, renewer of the church, died 1996 (TFF) Saturday, October 10, 2020 A native of Chicago, Kennard was a major figure in supporting and working toward ethnic and racial inclusiveness in the former Lutheran Church in America. Ordained in 1958, he served in positions including Director for Minority Concerns of the Division for Mission in North America.

Teresa of Ávila (Teresa de Jesús), teacher, renewer of the church, died 1582 Thursday, October 15, 2020 A mystical writer and reformer of the monastic order (Carmelites) to which she belonged, Teresa may also be commemorated with John of the Cross on December 14. Latino Christians traditionally remember her on this date.

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, martyr, died around 115 Saturday, October 17, 2020 Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch in Syria, the city where the name "Christians" originated. Ignatius is known to us from his letters, which encouraged Christians to live in love, yet stand firm in true doctrine.

Prayer and Care

How can we pray for you?

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______Email: [email protected] Web site: firstlutherangalveston.com ______

Church Office Hours, Monday – Friday ______9:00am to 12:00pm, 12:30pm to 3:30pm ______

The People of First Lutheran, Ministers Please tell us about your experience today. The Reverend Richard A. Rhoades, Pastor We value your thoughts. Emily Billin, Minister of Missional Community ______Brandi Painter, Parish Administrator Don F. Hermanson, Organist/Choirmaster ______Kelsey Scheuerman, Instrumental Music Director ______

June Pulliam, Executive Director, LMA ______Cynthia McEldowney, Director, The Lyceum ______Derrill Mallett, Rising Tide New Media, Webmaster ______

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______First Evangelical Lutheran Church ______2415 Avenue G Galveston, TX 77550 Please place in the offering plate. 409-762-8477