Third Sunday After Pentecost June 13, 2021 Immanuel Lutheran

Third Sunday after Pentecost June 13, 2021

Immanuel Lutheran Church a Reconciling in Christ congregation 346 Shrewsbury Street Holden, Massachusetts 01520 (508) 829-4416 www.immanuelholden.org facebook.com/immanuelholden instagram.com/ilcholden

our purpose is to gather people, nurture faith, grow in God’s love, and serve God’s world

Welcome to Immanuel!

We’re thankful you’re here this morning. During this time of pandemic, we’re doing everything we can to stay connected to God, take care of one another, and serve others. That’s what our community is all about.

We believe that the Gospel – the Good News that we are loved, forgiven, and free in Christ – is a gift offered to every person, and that God’s grace has no limits. Through Christ, we have been formed into a community that shares God’s mission to proclaim grace and peace to all the world.

Prelude

Gathering The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

(9:00) Baptism of Isabella Anita Bratko see insert (10:15) 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 for reflection

God, our provider, 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.

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.

Gathering Hymn Come, Thou Found of Every Blessing Come, thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. While the hope of endless glory fills my heart with joy and love, teach me ever to adore thee; may I still thy goodness prove.

Oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be; let that grace now like a fetter bind my wand’ring heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, oh, take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

Greeting The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

Prayer of the Day O God, you are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Word God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.

First Reading Ezekiel 17:22-24 22Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23On the 2

mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind. 24All the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Second Reading 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17 6So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord—7for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. [11Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. 12We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. 13For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. ] 14For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. 15And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. 16From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! The word of the Lord. 3

Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading Mark 4:26-34 The Holy Gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. 26[Jesus] said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground,27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon Pastor Sarah Barnes

Hymn of the Day How Clear Is Our Vacation, Lord How clear is our vacation, Lord, when once we heed your call to live according to your word and daily learn, refreshed, restored, that you are Lord of all and will not let us fall.

In what you give us, Lord, to do, together or alone, in old routines or ventures new, may we not cease to look at you, the cross you hung upon, all you endeavored done.

(10:15) Apostles’ Creed 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 Let us bring our prayers together to the triune God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Meal God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

Musical Selection

Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,

through our Savior Jesus Christ; 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 the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of power and might; Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Thanksgiving at the Table 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.

The 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. The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Prayer after Communion Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world. In your name we pray. Amen.

Sending God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

Announcements

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

Sending Hymn O Living Bread from Heaven O living Bread from heaven, how well you feed your guest! 7

The gifts that you have given have filled my heart with rest. O wondrous food blessing! O cup that heals our woes! My heart, this gift obsessing, in thankful song o’erflows!

Oh, grant me then, well-strengthened with heav’nly food, while here My course on earth is lengthened, to serve you, free from fear; and bring me home to praise you where none can peace destroy, where I will ever raise you glad songs in endless joy.

Dismissal Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. Thanks be to God.

Postlude

Daily Bible Readings for the Coming Week:

Monday: Psalm 74, 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Revelations 20:1-6 Tuesday: Psalm 74, 1 Kings 18:17-40, Revelations 20:7-15 Wednesday: Psalm 74, Isaiah 26:16-27:1, Luke 11:14-28 Thursday: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15, Genesis 3:14-24, Hebrews 2:5-9 Friday: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15, 1 Kings 10:26-11:8, Hebrews 11:4-7 Saturday: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15, 2 Kings 14:1-14, Mark 4:1-20 Sunday: Job 38:1-11, Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Ministers – the people of Immanuel 8

Pastors – Pastor Sarah Barnes

203-518-0327 | [email protected] Pastor Josh Ferris 360-244-9207 | [email protected] Parish Administrator – Jen Langhill (M-Th) 508-829-4416 | [email protected] Music Director – Claire W. Paquette Nursery School Directors – Ruth Ingui, Kristine Whittemore Sexton – Don Roberts

We’re thankful for these servants in worship today:

Livestream – Lori Rabeler, Ray Donadt Greeter – Greta Gridley Ushers – Mark Vetter, Bill Rasku, Tim Langhill Outdoor set-up – Ken & Kathy Cranson, Heidi & Bill Lahey, Bob & Linn Watt, Craig Landquist, Mary Jane Rasku, Bonnie Colon

Worship, Service, and Fellowship in the week ahead:

Today 9:00 am Livestream worship service 10:15 am Outdoor worship service Monday Immanuel’s Building Reopens! 8:00 am Online Lectio Divina 11:30 am Women’s Circle (outside at ILC) Wednesday 7:00 pm Confirmation (outside at ILC) Saturday 10:00 am Women’s Prayer & Share (outside at ILC) Sunday 9:00 am Indoor & Livestream worship service 10:15 am Outdoor Worship Service

Welcome to Immanuel

Thanks for joining us in worship today! Wherever you are, we’re glad to have you with us. Remember you can reach out to the church office anytime if you need help, prayer, or someone to talk to.

We’re grateful for our congregation’s ongoing financial support during this strange time. If you’d like to give financially to the church, you can mail your offering or visit www.immanuelholden.org and click “GIVE.”

Building Reopens Monday – Our building will reopen this week! For full information, read our ReOpen Plan at www.immanuelholden.org. We’ll begin indoor worship next Sunday at 9:00am (this service will also be livestreamed) and will continue to offer an outdoor service at 10:15am. If you’re planning to come inside our building during the week or for worship, masks are required. But we’ll be singing!

Immanuel’s (Outdoor) Summer Party – Our church is hosting an outdoor party on Friday, June 25, 5:30-7:30pm. Everyone is invited! We’ll have yard games, music, and an awesome food truck. To RSVP, visit https://forms.gle/3Qn5QCQC48QryRFi7. You can still come if you don’t RSVP! We’ll also honor our high school grads, and all seniors eat free. Please help spread the word – invite some neighbors and friends.

Immanuel Youth Gathering – Join us Thursday, June 24- Saturday, June 26 for our Immanuel Youth Gathering! We’ll camp out in the backyard, and have food, fun, worship, and serve at Eagle Lake. All Youth in grades 8-12 invited. Youth and Adult Volunteers please RSVP to a pastor ASAP.

Support the Gathering – To help make our Youth Gathering possible, we need some help, and we’re hoping members of our church can lend and 10

donate supplies for our time together. To check out our wish list and to give, visit https://tinyurl.com/33ynympf.

Members Welcome – Over the past year we’ve been blessed by the presence, gifts, and faith of new people in our community. We’re excited to welcome them into our church! If you’d like to become a member at Immanuel, contact the church office or talk to a pastor!

Gardeners Wanted – We have four brand new raised beds in the backyard, and we’re excited to use them to bless our hungry neighbors. If you’d like to help lead or participate in our new garden ministry in any way, please contact the church office or talk to a pastor.

Meal Packaging Event – Pick up a tube of mini M&Ms in the cooler outside Lawson Hall, enjoy the M&Ms, then fill the empty tube with quarters and return it! The money raised will be used for the supplies for our meal packaging event on September 11. One tube of quarters will provide 45 meals. Our goal is to raise $5000 to provide 16,000 meals. (You can also donate online. Hit the “GIVE” button at www.immanuelholden.org and select “Meal Packaging Event.”)

Women’s Circle – Our Women’s Circle is meeting outside on Monday, June 14 at 11:30am. All women in our church are invited to bring a chair and lunch and join us as we catch up.

Women’s Prayer & Share – The next Women’s Prayer & Share is on Saturday, June 19 at 10:00a. We’ll meet outside at the church to talk and give thanks for all those who have served as father figures in our lives.

Intergenerational Pen Pal Program – To help build and strengthen relationships in our church, Immanuel is beginning an intergenerational pen pal program! The goal is to spread some joy and (receive some too!), while also developing a relationship and learning 11

more about someone else in our congregation. Here’s the link to sign up: https://tinyurl.com/rznwtcyr. Help spread the word!

Book Club – We’re launching a new book club in July! On Thursday, July 15 at 7:00 pm we’ll gather to discuss The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible, by A.J. Jacobs. If you’d like to participate, we encourage you to find a copy (perhaps at the library) and read it before we meet. And if you need help finding a copy, please contact Pastor Sarah. We plan to meet outside if the weather allows.

Lectio Divina on Monday – Our Lectio Divina group meets Monday 8:00 – 8:30 am. This a practice of reading scripture as a form of prayer led by Jed Lindholm. You’re invited to join! Click the link below, passcode is 01520: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88675979092?pwd=OUQxRU1OS3gyWUtp WWNRSkFoUHJXUT09 (or search Meeting ID: 886 7597 9092)

Confirmation – Our last time meeting for the season is this Wednesday, June 16th at 7:00 pm. We’ll discuss prayer and share our favorite Bible verses. Mentors are invited to join. No zoom link needed! We will meet outside at Immanuel!

Items Collected for the Homeless – As part of her Girl Scout Silver Award, Molly Ellis is collecting travel-size toiletry items and pre-packaged snacks (like granola bars and crackers) to assemble kits for the homeless. Donations will go to Walking Together. She is also collecting items for Veterans Inc. (a non-profit that helps homeless veterans), especially adult-size t-shirts, socks and new twin-size bedding. If you can help, please drop off items in the cooler outside the gym entrance.

Feminine Hygiene Products Wanted – We’re continuing to collect feminine hygiene products and food for local ministries. If you’d like to donate, you can drop items off in the coolers outside the gym anytime. 12

Communion Kits – As we worship in various places, remember that communion kits are available in the coolers outside Lawson Hall. Each kit contains a pre-packaged wafer & some grape juice.

Equal Exchange Market – The market is still open! We sell coffee, tea, chocolate bars, hot chocolate and various kinds of nuts. If you are interested in purchasing any items, contact Kathy Mills or the office.

Stephen Ministry – Do you know we have church members who are trained to provide confidential, one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation? Please let one of the pastors know if you or someone you know could benefit from talking to a Stephen Minister.

In Your Prayers this Week

This week, please lift up to God those who have requested our prayers: Jane Bedard, Grace Bialecki, Ethan and Harper Blumenthal, Dan Borg, Cam Boudreau, Lucy and Tom Brennan, Caren Byrnes, Ed, Vivian and Allan Clarke, Andy Connolly, James Conway, Ben Cranson, Henry D’Amato, Michael and Marjorie Durbrow, Alan Farmer, Linda Feagin, Alyse, Sandy Flynn, Dick Gates, Bill, Beverly Gingras, Betty Gustafson, Jim Hansgate, Bill Jarvi, Robin Johns, Rachel K., Mackenzie Keogh, Sara Kern, Joseph LaForte, Pam Laino, Caroline Lane, Joan Lane, Dustin McIlroy, Terra Mangsen, Denise Marengo, Sara, Joan Melaranno, James Mellor, Nick, Susan Nazarko, Sandra Nourse, Joan Orton, Dylan Pahso, Francis Parretti, Lisa, Carmen Pascaretti, Kay Porter, Diana Powers, Alex Rhonemus, Ray Rossetti, Carol Schwark, Victoria Seifert, Donald Shefer, Jack Silvey, Diane Smith, Ray and Rita Trainque, Jim Verduin, Elaine Vetter, Will, Donna Vilian, Karen White, Liz Wilson, Bill, Carol Wolfe, Cindy Wyatt, Jim Zelesky, Don, Jill and Pam Zitzewitz.

Holy Baptism

This morning we receive Isabella Anita Bratko into membership in Christ’s church through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Isabella is being presented for baptism by her parents, Chelsea Bratko and Nicholas Bratko. Her sponsors are Michelle Oliveri and Jared Bratko.

Presentation 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.

Sponsors present the candidate. We present Isabella for baptism.

Chelsea and Nicholas, called by the Holy Spirit and trusting in the grace and love of God, do you desire to have Isabella baptized into Christ? We do.

As you bring Isabella to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities: to live with her among God’s faithful people, bring her to the word of God and the holy supper, teach her the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, place in her hands the holy 15

scriptures, and nurture her in faith and prayer, so that she 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. Do you promise to help Isabella grow in the Christian faith and life? We do.

Michelle and Jared, do you promise to nurture Isabella in the Christian faith as you are empowered by God’s Spirit, and to help her live in the covenant of baptism and in communion with the church? We do.

People of God, do you promise to support Isabella and pray for her in her new life in Christ? We do.

Profession of Faith 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? I renounce them.

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

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

The congregation joins in the following responses: 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? 16

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.

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 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. Blessed are you, O God, maker and ruler of all things. Your voice thundered over the waters at creation. You water the mountains and send springs into the valleys to refresh and satisfy all living things.

Through the waters of the flood you carried those in the ark to safety. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. In the wilderness you nourished them with water from the rock, and you brought them across the river Jordan to the promised land.

By the baptism of his death and resurrection, your son Jesus has carried us to safety and freedom. The floods shall not overwhelm us, and the deep shall not swallow us up, for Christ has brought us over to the land of promise. He sends us to make disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Pour out your Holy Spirit, who bids all who thirst to come and drink freely of the water of life; wash away sin in this cleansing water; clothe the baptized with Christ; and claim your daughters and sons, no longer slave and free, no longer male and female, but one with all the baptized in Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Baptism Isabella Anita, you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The congregation responds: You belong to Christ, in whom you have been baptized. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Laying on of Hands and Sealing with the Cross Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give your children new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise them to eternal life. Sustain Isabella 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.

Isabella Anita, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Amen.

Welcome Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

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.

Let us give thanks to God through acclamation and applause together!

The service continues with the Gathering Hymn