On the Way to Wonder

Today I’m cheating. I read Luke 4:14-21 and asked my husband what stood out to him. Jesus felt “anointed.” I continued, “What does that mean to you?” Jesus had a “mission, a purpose in life, and hope for each day. Life is not meaningless; it’s full of meaning.” Sunday, July 26^th, I will anoint baby A….. in baptism, not just with the water of baptism but also with oil and the sign of the cross on his head and on his chest as a sign of the Holy Spirit guiding his thoughts and his feelings, his whole being. We pray that he will grow in faith before God and people, embracing all that God envisions for him. The anointing does indeed encapsulate the parents prayer for A….., the sponsors who commit to guide A….., and the faith community that promises to nurture that little life as it unfolds within our community. That child will never stand alone. The Holy Spirit hovers within, and the faith community protects from without.

My husband continued, “All the more reason to ponder anew what the Almighty can do if with his love he befriends thee!” I can only say, “Amen!” We are befriended by Christ’s love, guided by his Spirit, and life today has purpose and meaning. We are anointed. As my Kenyan friends said at the beginning of most every church service, “Many wanted to live to see today and have not,” let us rejoice that we have the privilege of seeing this day whether we are at the ocean in Florida or on the plains in Indiana. Blessings.

Prelude: “Make Me a Servant,” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6U8O_WnPZY
Call to Worship:

Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting,                            whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.  Amen

Confession and Forgiveness:  Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting,whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.  Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

 Absolution:

Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen

 Gathering Hymn: ELW 533 Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl9bw7ol_EA

Greetings: 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.

 Kyrie:

Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: ELW 55 Break Now the Bread of Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQpj4TSe-Ec

HEARING GOD’S WORD

Gospel Acclamation:  Alleluia. The word is very near to you;* it is in your mouth and in your heart. Alleluia. (Deut. 30:14)

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13

¹⁰For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
¹¹so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
¹²For you shall go out in joy,
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
¹³Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;
and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,
for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Psalm: Psalm 65:[1-8] 9-13

[ ¹You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; to you shall vows be fulfilled.
²To you, the one who answers prayer, to you all flesh shall come.
³Our sins are stronger than we are, but you blot out our transgressions.
⁴Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there! They will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple. 
⁵Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, O God of our   salvation,
O hope of all the ends of the earth and of the oceans far away.
⁶You make firm the mountains by your power; you are girded about with might.
⁷You still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.
⁸Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs; you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy. 
⁹You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; the river of God is full of water. You prepare the grain, for so you provide for the earth.
¹⁰You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.
¹¹You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths over flow with plenty.
¹²May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, and the hills be clothed with joy.
¹³May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; let them shout for joy and sing. 

Second Reading: Romans 8:1-11

¹There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ²For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. ³For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ⁵For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ⁶To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, ⁸and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
⁹But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. ¹⁰But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

¹That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. ²Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. ³And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. ⁴And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. ⁵Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. ⁶But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. ⁷Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. ⁸Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. ⁹Let anyone with ears listen!”

¹⁸“Hear then the parable of the sower. ¹⁹When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. ²⁰As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; ²¹yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. ²²As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. ²³But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Children’s Sermon: Naaman is a famous general in the Old Testament who Jewish tradition has it as supposedly shooting the random arrow that killed King Ahab of Israel. We know he had leprosy and the little Jewish girl he brought home to serve his wife, told her that a prophet in Israel could cure Naaman of his leprosy. Naaman went to the king who wrote a letter of introduction. Naaman was sent to Elisha and Elisha told him to dip seven times in the river Jordon. Naaman, insulted, was not going to do it but was convinced by his soldiers that he should. The seventh time he dipped, he came up clean with skin like a baby. He was so grateful, he offered Elisha great rewards but Elisha refused. The story closes with Naaman begging two mule loads of dirt to take home “for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord.” Two mule loads of dirt. What was that about? Let us pray.

SERMON

         Our text today is about dirt. At the beginning of Pentecost, Jesus looks at the crowds and has compassion for they are like sheep without a shepherd. So he sends forth his disciples and us with instructions for sharing the good news, the kingdom of heaven is near. Last week Jesus reflects, “To what shall I compare this generation? They are like children dancing in the marketplace.” Sheep, children and now today’s text Jesus continues by telling the parable of the sower spreading seed that lands on four types of soil. Sheep, children, and now soil/dirt in which God’s word is planted.

But first I want you to appreciate the irony that I, raised on the Los Angeles freeway, am speaking about farming to Hoosiers who have farming in their blood, about. Please forgive my ignorance for I am not a farmer but…. I did live in Africa. The parable shares that the sower’s seeds fall on four types of soil: the path, the rocky soil, the thorny soil, and the good soil. Each type of soil presents a challenge to the seed.

THE PATH

The seed that fell on the trodden path was eaten by birds. Jesus compares this to the words of God falling on people who do not understand and so the evil one is able to steal the truth from them. I would suspect we all know people who have been so beaten up by life that no matter how many times we tell them we love them, that they are valuable or talented, they just are not able to receive our words. You can almost see the words go in one ear and out the other. If the sower is God and if the seed is his word, I find it encouraging that God does not avoid throwing seed on the path, the downtrodden. He does not label the path, hopeless. He does not deny the truth that for some, it is very hard to receive truth and love. And yet his sun shines on that path, the rain hits that path, and we know paths do get reclaimed as grass, as weeds creep in and as the path is less worn down. It takes time and it takes work to change a path into a garden. Perhaps you have seen pictures of that tree that has grown in the cliff or I had a tomato plant that grew in the crack in the driveway and gave lots of tomatoes. I think of Moses struggling with the stiff-necked Israelites. At one point he told God that if God would not go with them and bless them then he, Moses wanted to die. God promises that his word does not return void but accomplishes his purpose and we can claim that promise. Perhaps the seed will lie dormant but one day, it will accomplish its mission. Hard soil needs lots of work, extra manure, plenty of water and care, but it is not impossible. Prayer and faith are needed for that path.

ROCKY SOIL

Rocky soil makes me think of England. The soil was so rocky there that they built walls and houses out of rocks removed or pushed to the side. Stone Hedge is one of the famous sites. Jesus says rocky people, unlike those who are hardened by the trials of life, are those who are just shallow. There is a sense of faith but when trials come, they do not run to church. Perhaps it is like a vaccination when a small amount of the virus is given to prevent the disease. I had a patient in the hospital once who shared about how as a child watched on the front steps of the church as the priest kicked his father out of church because his wife left him. He never returned to church. How many stories have we heard about no faith because God did not show up and answer a prayer as desired. That person turned his back on religion or faith. People who pray for a father to return from the war, an alcoholic to stop abusing them…terrible, terrible scars we inflict on each other and prayers that are not answered as we think they ought. The result is rocks within our soul that prevent faith from growing.        Those rocks have to be dug out. I think we call that process forgiveness. Old offenses are like land mines in our soul that explode under certain conditions and block faith. Forgiveness is hard work and we need God’s help.

THORNY SOIL

Seed thrown on thorny soil is like people who hear the word but concerns about the world, about wealth choke that faith. In Kenya, farmers would first slash the weeds, the thorns but just removing the top of the plant does not deal with the roots under the surface that will cause that dandelion or weed to regrow. Slashing deals with the surface but then the soil must be tilled to sift out roots and remove and expose the undersoil. It makes me think of Paul’s admonition, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. Heb 12:15” Roots of bitterness defile not only the person but also the community. Roots are similar to rocks in that they block faith but unlike a rock that might be a single incident corrupting faith of a person, roots have tenacles and travel under the surface spreading distrust, “remember how so-and-so” did “such and such” and the bitterness spreads and defiles many. Gossip is the most obvious symptom. Passive resistance and silent skepticism can undermine faith as effectively as outright rebellion.

Rocks require forgiveness but I think that probably roots of bitterness require a world view change. A book on dealing with anger, likens anger to planes circling an airport tower that the controller does not allow to land. The author suggests that the story needs to be rewritten so that the person becomes the hero of the story and not the victim. For example, instead of saying I was abused by my father so I cannot…., the person would choose to present themselves as a survivor of abuse, willing to pray with someone struggling.        Stories of faith like in the Bible help us rewrite our stories as we recognize the hand of God and as we normalize our experiences seeing similarities to theirs. Faith allows us to put situations in God’s hands and trust him to give vengeance where vengeance is needed, to bring a good ending to an incident we see no good in. We give up the responsibility of dealing with everything and trust God with the future.

GOOD SOIL

            ^“23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Good soil! I went to w.w.w and discovered there are three types of good soil in Indiana: Mississippi soil, sandy soil, and clay soil. Because Indiana is in the Ohio River and Mississippi River basins there is a lot of soil good for winter wheat, soybeans, and corn. But I know from Kenya that you need sandy soil up near Lake Michigan to plant peanuts and watermelon and other food that needs water drainage. Clay soil is very compact so needs to be broken up and a lot of organic material added. Each soil is receptive to different types of seed. “Good soil” may be touched by the laments of the Old Testament while others like the more didactic teaching of Paul. Good soil is not uniform.

As I look out to our garden, the soil may be good but it needs to be watered, climbing frames added, weeding and thinning. Growing healthy plants takes work even if the soil is good, hence the different yield for seeds sown on good soil. Growing healthy, mature Christians         takes work. Faith does not just happen. Relationship with husbands, friends, and God don’t just happen. Faith is not magic. A healthy church is more than Sunday morning worship service, as we said last week, faith with 0% interest. Every plant in the garden does not require the same treatment nor yields the same fruit. Good soil can produce a variety of plants

So I want to go back to my original question. Why did Naaman request two mule loads of dirt to take back to Syria? The answer sheds a different light on our parable today. In Naaman’s days, people believed that gods were territorial. Jehovah was the god of Israel but there was a different go in Syria, Naaman’s country. We see this in the challenge between Elijah and the priests of Baal on Mt. Carmel and Elijah taunts the 400 priests – “call louder, maybe your gods are in the bathroom. Maybe they are napping.” Similarly God tells Moses to take off his sandals at the burning bush for he was standing on Holy Ground. Wars among the gods were turf wars, fought on land. Naaman took the dirt to sacrifice on because he was now Yahweh’s person. He understood Yahweh was the more powerful God.

This speaks to me of the spiritual warfare we experience as we try so hard to be good soil. The soil of our lives is the battle ground where God is choosing to confront the lies of Satan. The war was won on the cross but God is building a kingdom and we are the soil he is using.

As we reflect on our lives today, I hear this text challenging us to examine our hearts and ask if there are hardened areas in our life, trod down by the scars of life, that need water, prayer and care? Are there rocks we need to remove with forgiveness and get rid of? Are there thorns creeping around that need to be removed? We are God’s soil. He breathes life into us. His sun shines on us and Holy Spirit is available to us. His will is that we will have life, life more abundant. Thank you Lord!

Hymn of Day: ELW 508 As Rain from the Clouds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX25SZcRqyQ&list=RDgX25SZcRqyQ&start_radio=1

 The Apostle’s 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.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession: Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

 Gracious God, your word has been sown in many ways and places. We pray for missionaries and newly planted congregations around the world. Inspire us by their witness to the faith we share. Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

Creating God, the mountains and hills burst into song and the trees and fields clap their hands in praise. We pray for the birds and animals who make their home in the trees, and for lands stripped bare by deforestation. Empower us to sustainably use what you have given. Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

Reigning God, we pray for our nation’s leaders. Increase their desire for justice and equality. We pray for our enemies. Bridge the chasms that divide us and guide authorities to a deep and lasting peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Abiding God, care for all who are in need. For those who are doubting, renew faith. For those who are worrying, provide release. For those who are struggling, ease burdens. For those in fear, give hope. Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

Renewing God, revive your church in this place. Nourish and nurture the seeds you have planted, that we might grow as disciples. Replace what has been depleted. Sustain our ministries of day care and the Community Garden and deepen relationships with the wider community. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

 Eternal God, we give thanks for all who have died. Comfort us in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. We especially pray your healing hand be on Marilyn Schnake. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together blessing of them. Peace!

SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer: God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

 The Great Thanksgiving:

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We left them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion:  God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

 THE SENDING

Blessing: Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Hymn: ELW 550 On What Has Now Been Sown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9YhZxgnkL8

Dismissal: Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

Prelude: Freely, Freely, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vhMfCJzXqk

Call to Worship:

Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God,                                                                                     whose steadfast love is everlasting,                                                                                       whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.                                            Amen

Confession and Forgiveness:  Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

 Absolution:  Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen

 Gathering Hymn: ELW 876, Let the Whole Creation Cry, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCHfHQDvszA

Greetings: 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.

 Kyrie:

Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day: You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised. You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Grant that we may believe in you, call upon you, know you, and serve you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: ELW 742, What a Friend we have in Jesus, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SCorW9r_Is

HEARING GOD’S WORD

First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-12

⁹Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
¹⁰He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war-horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall command peace to the nations;
his dominion shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
¹¹As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
¹²Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
today I declare that I will restore to you double.

Psalm: Psalm 145:8-14

⁸The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
⁹Lord, you are good to all,
and your compassion is over all your works. 
¹⁰All your works shall praise you, O Lord,
and your faithful ones shall bless you.
¹¹They shall tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your power,
¹²that all people may know of your power
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
¹³Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your dominion endures throughout all ages.
You, Lord, are faithful in all your words, and loving in all your    works.
¹⁴The Lord upholds all those who fall
and lifts up those who are bowed down. 

Second Reading: Romans 7:15-25a

¹⁵I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. ¹⁶Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. ¹⁸For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. ¹⁹For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. ²⁰Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.
²¹So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. ²²For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, ²³but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. ²⁴Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ^25aThanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. Blessed are you, Lord of heav’n and earth;you have revealed these things to infants. Alleluia. (Matt. 11:25)

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

[Jesus spoke to the crowd saying:] ¹⁶“To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
¹⁷‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
¹⁸For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; ¹⁹the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
²⁵At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; ²⁶yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. ²⁷All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
²⁸“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

 Children’s Sermon: How the zebra got his stripes.

At the beginning of the world, all the animals looked the same. They all had four legs, one tail, and had brown fur. One day the King of the Plains looked down from his cloud and realized how dull and boring his world was because all the animals were brown. His wife, the Queen of the Wind who was used to constant change suggested he ask the animals their wish for size, shape, color. He thought the idea excellent so he called the animals together.

“I want a long neck,” said the giraffe. So it became.

“I want an enormous nose,” said the elephant. So it became.

“I want sharp claws and huge teeth,” roared the lion. Wish granted.

All day long the king worked granting wishes. Finally he came to his last brown animal. “Who are you and what would you like?” asked the King.  Zebra identified himself and was not sure if he wanted to be black or white. He asked to be white, and it was so. But then he said, “No, wait, I want to be black.” The king changed him to black. Zebra waited and said, “No, wait, I want to be white.” The king was exasperated. He changed the zebra to black and white stripes and left. Even today zebra is unique because of his stripes.

SERMON

         Last week we finished Jesus’ instructions to his disciples as he sent them out into the field ripe for harvest. We next read that John the Baptist has already been seized by Herod and put in prison, but not yet beheaded. John sends his disciples to Jesus to ask Jesus if Jesus is the one predicted, the Messiah. Jesus points to his fulfillment of prophecy found in Isaiah 61:1,2. Jesus further clarifies that the John, people went out to see in the wilderness, by the Jordon River, was preparing the way for him, Jesus to arrive. Jesus then goes into our text today. Instead of looking at the life of the disciple, he now turns to the people he is talking to.   He asks, and could be asking us today, “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another.” We are no longer sheep without a shepherd but children in a marketplace.

         I shopped in the markets of Kenya for 25 years. Let’s unpack that image! But before you place the “marketplace” in Africa, let us identify it in our world. Farmers markets are similar here only we choose to go there and have alternative but in Kenya, that’s where food was. I believe we now talk about choosing health care as “the marketplace.” Buying a new car? Which used car dealer will you go to? Allright, how about life insurance or bank or even grocery store. We are overwhelmed with choice in the United States and can identify with this image. We are like children in the marketplace. Do I hear “Amen” or do I hear, sighhhhh.

The marketplace in Kenya, is not like Krogers with a whole row of cereals to choose from but more like a farmer’s market. It is a place of diversity, capitalism, and bargaining. Perhaps the vendors paid a price to rent a stall in the market but inside they compete with all the other sellers of their item – personally. Gunny sacks of corn, or mangoes, of rice from around the world, spices of all colors and aromas. Each vendor held out a delectable example of their item, might give some to my children, called me generically “mzungu”- white person, or “mama” – mother, trying to attract my attention. Of course their item was the best quality and the best price and often a “bakshish” a bonus was thrown in to bring me back again. Vendors sought to establish relationship.

I suspect Jesus’ generation and our generation approach faith in a similar manner. I stand and engage sellers but I am asking in my heart what is in this for me? A miracle? A healing? A good entertaining sermon? A fantastic choir? Perhaps a financial handout for the needy. Jesus says, “we played the flute for you but you did not dance.” The truth is that all the sales pitches the church might give meet an audience that is shopping, that is skeptical. We cannot depend on our “entertainment, our dance” value nor should we be surprised when we are rejected, when people don’t want to dance. The shopper, the seeker, is looking but the choice of item is a decision of their heart. Something must happen in the soul of the shopper that helps them decide to invest. I I would call it the work of the Holy Spirit. Children enjoy the diversity, the liveliness of the market, the handouts but they are not serious shoppers.

So if we are children in the marketplace, Jesus is questioning not only if we are being entertained by church but if we even have the finances, the ability to buy, the maturity to buy. Children are insolated by family, by youth, by financial poverty. We are insolated by our wealth, by the fear of making a wrong choice or commitment, by the over whelming process of choice available in our culture now. Do we want social justice focus, miracles, Bible teaching…you notice all these thoughts focus on what I get, not what I have to give, to invest. What brings you to the marketplace of faith today? Do you come as a child or are you serious about wanting to invest in God and looking for a place to do it?

The flip of the coin of attracting people in the faith marketplace by our dancing, our “programs,” is the focus on the message, Jesus continues “we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ In my generation, the message of Christianity has shifted. In the 60-70s in Los Angeles we took the Luther League to Maranatha Chapel in the tent at the ocean to hear crusades. We even went to Billy Graham crusades. There was the call to repentance and a changed life. There was a message of mourning. Now we focus on a message of a God of love, of acceptance of all people, of interfaith conversation, of tolerance. We want faith that promises health, wealth and prosperity, faith with 0% interest, faith that is comfortable.

I am not saying one is right and one is wrong but I am saying there has been a shift of focus and in this context Jesus is warning us about the potential shallowness of people and institutions. We want to jump to a faith that works for us and skip past the lamenting over our sins part and the hard work of developing relationship. I think Jesus is warning that programs and techniques we use to attract people and the messages we preach must be centered on faith in the Holy Spirit’s work in our generation. No matter what we do or what we say, people will criticize. So our focus and self worth must be centered on God.

“Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” Vindicated. Even as prophets were only known to be from God when the words they predicted came true. We cannot gauge our success by the responses of people but must stayed grounded in our relationship to God and trust in Him to bring results. Vindication happens after faith has proven justified. Tough stuff. To step out in faith and trust God is not easy, “try it you’ll like it” is the motto today. Read Hebrews 11:18 at the end of the people who lived by faith chapter:

“the world was not worthy of them. ..These were all  commended for their faith yet none of them received what had been promised. God   had planned something better for us so that only together with us should they be made perfect.”

Next, our text today skips a few verses and concludes with Jesus’ gratefulness that faith is not the result of education, wealth or power. Faith is a revelation from Jesus. Yesterday we celebrated the 4^th of July and patted ourselves on the back that we live in a country where freedom of religion and freedom to worship is part of our fundamental beliefs. We may argue today about justice and ethnic inequalities but these inequalities have not stopped faith. We may wear masks today and socially distance or we may choose to shelter by our TV, our radio, our computer. The marketplace of freedom allows the message of faith to be broadcast. Today we actually may feel exhausted trying to figure out which church best fits us or how to help our church “dance” more attractively. Jesus closes with one of the greatest promises in the Bible,

          ²⁸“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy   burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and    learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will  find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is     light.”

The zebra could not decide if he wanted to be white with black stripes or black with white stripes and ended up with a bit of each. Jesus invites those of us dancing in the “white zone” and those of us mourning in the “dark zone” to come to him, not to a doctrine or a theology. He calls us to a personal relationship that brings peace. The zebra is beautiful. You never see a skinny zebra. As we work together with all our gifts and come to Jesus, we are beautiful too and free to appreciate each others uniqueness. Thank you, Lord!

Hymn of Day: ELW 611, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MkC7eoR81U

 The Apostle’s 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.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession: Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

We pray for the church. Sustain us as we share your word. Embrace us as we struggle to find our common ground. Lift up leaders with powerful and prophetic voices. Free us from stagnant faith. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the well-being of creation. Protect the air, water, and land from abuse and pollution. Free us from apathy in our care of creation and direct us toward sustainable living. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for the nations. Guide leaders in developing just policies and guide difficult conversations. Free us from patriotism that hinders relationship-building. Lead us to expansive love for our neighbor. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for all in need. For all who are tired, feeling despair, sick, or oppressed. Take their yoke upon you and ease their burdens. Give your consolation and free us from all that keeps us bound. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We pray for this congregation. Bless pastors, deacons, and congregational leaders. Energize our garden ministry volunteers, church administrators, and those who maintain our building. May we be a blessing through our Day Care. Shine in this place that we might notice the ways your love transforms our lives. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

 We give thanks for those who have died in faith. Welcome them into your eternal rest and comfort us in our grief until we are joined with them in new life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together blessing of them. Peace!

SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer: God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. AmenThe Great Thanksgiving:

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We left them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion:

God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

 THE SENDING

Blessing: Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Hymn: ELW 726, Light Dawns on a Weary World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0GEA_FtnW8

Dismissal: Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

Prelude: We Have Come into His House and Gathered in His Name, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiJ0AdA05Ow

Call to Worship:

Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God,  whose steadfast love is everlasting,                       whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen

Confession and Forgiveness:

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen.

 Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

Absolution:  Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gathering Hymn: Baptized and Set Free, ELW 453,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts8A1t6p2nc

Greetings: 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.

 Kyrie:

Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day:

O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: Take My Life That I May Be, ELW 685,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHnIsuyeXMw

HEARING GOD’S WORD

First Reading: Jeremiah 28:5-9

⁵The prophet Jeremiah spoke to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord; ⁶and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord fulfill the words that you have prophesied, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. ⁷But listen now to this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. ⁸The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. ⁹As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.”

Psalm: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18

¹Your love, O Lord, forever will I sing;
from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
²For I am persuaded that your steadfast love is established forever;
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
³“I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
⁴‘I will establish your line forever,
and preserve your throne for all generations.’ ” 
¹⁵Happy are the people who know the festal shout!
They walk, O Lord, in the light of your presence.
¹⁶They rejoice daily in your name;
they are jubilant In your righteousness.
¹⁷For you are the glory of their strength,
and by your favor our might is exalted.
¹⁸Truly, our shield belongs to the Lord;
our king to the Holy One of Israel. 

Second Reading: Romans 6:12-23

¹²Do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. ¹³No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. ¹⁴For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

¹⁵What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! ¹⁶Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? ¹⁷But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were entrusted, ¹⁸and that you, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. ¹⁹I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
²⁰When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. ²¹So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you now are ashamed? The end of those things is death. ²²But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life. ²³For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Alleluia. (1 Peter 2:9)

Gospel: Matthew 10:40-42

[Jesus said to the twelve:] ⁴⁰“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; ⁴²and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

Children’s Sermon: Zacchaeus Song from his story in Luke 19:1-10. (Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the savior passed him by, he looked up in the tree. And he said, Zacchaeus you come down for I’m going to your house today.)

SERMON

         Discipleship Part 3! Two weeks ago. Jesus, moved by compassion sends out his disciples and us, two by two. We are his method, the messengers of the news that the kingdom of heaven is near. God is not sitting up in heaven, waiting for us to earn our way to him. We do not go to Him, He came to us in Jesus Christ and has opened the door to relationship. Now as his messengers, you and I extend that invitation of relationship to all people. This is revolutionary to all religions! Last week, we reflected on the implications of being sent. The reality is the kingdom of heaven will clash with the kingdom of this world and we will be caught in the battle. People were created with free will and have choice. As messengers, our responsibility is not to save them, that was done by Christ on the cross, but to faithfully proclaim the truth. God wants to be in relationship with people like you and me. God cares and shares the rules of the game that are different than the rules of this world. Loving the enemy, turning the other cheek, forgiving are just not the answer in the news today. The right thing to do is to pick up our cross, the hard thing, and refuse our inborn self centeredness. WHEW. What more is there to say? The last three verses of this talk are our text for today and talk about the rewards of being a disciple of Jesus.

Verse 40 shares, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Let me hand you a personal letter from “the boss.” I think we use the phrase, “Don’t kill the messenger.”   The person’s response to the content of the letter is really a reflection of the person’s response to the sender, not to me the carrier. God steps between me and that other person because the message is from God and I am only the messenger. The need to ask for forgiveness is not my words but God’s. I do not think that erases my responsibility as the mail person. Friendly, approachable mail people are far more attractive than grumpy mail people that throw the letter at a person. The truth is we are the messengers. So perhaps the first question facing us today is to ask how our “approach” is working? Are we focusing on getting the message across or are we focused on being liked? Are we focused on ourselves?

Let’s put some flesh on this. The Zacchaeus song we sang is built on Luke 19:1-10 What do we know about Zacchaeus? He was short, the chief tax collector and wealthy. He had little reason to need Jesus and good reason to believe that Jesus would never visit him. Too much past, too much baggage. But he was curious so he climbed a tree just to get a glimpse from afar, from a safe social distance. Zacchaeus is confronted by a moment of truth. Jesus wants to visit him. Zacchaeus has to make a decision about whether he is going to welcome Jesus into his life. The Bible says he “welcomed him gladly.”

As Jesus’ messengers, we represent Jesus and people must decide if they want to welcome us and we have to decide if we are going to share the good news. A moment of truth. My imperfections and the imperfections of the other are not important. Our excuses of being too short, too wealthy, or an outcast don’t matter. The question is the openness of the heart to receive the message of Jesus or share it.

The first part of verse 41 shares, ¹Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” This is a little complicated. The prophets often seem to get a questionable welcome, especially when speaking truth to power. The prophet by definition is “prophesizing,” speaking God’s words and if what they say does not come true, they are killed. Like the disciples they were representatives for God.

I think of the story of the widow of Zarephath. There was drought and she went out to collect wood for her last meal with her son before they would starve to death. She was expecting death. Instead she met Elijah, a prophet from “the other tribe” (for she was Sidonian, living in the Phonecian coast and Elijah was from Israel.) who requested a drink of water and a piece of bread. 1 Kings 17:7-16. This was a moment of truth for the poor widow. How would she welcome the visitor? She had nothing the world would feel is necessary for a proper welcome. She had no husband to entertain him. She lived in poverty and probably had social rules about welcoming strangers. But she did. She shared her little and was rewarded with food to the end of the famine.

The prophets often found themselves in difficult situations but people who helped the prophets were rewarded. Perhaps we can read into this that as hard as it is to be the messenger of God’s words, the outcome for the person who receives the message is blessing.

The second half of verse 41 shares, “and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous”. This verse makes me think of Acts 10, Peter and Cornelius. Let me start by saying that we are only righteous because of Christ. None of us are righteous in and of ourselves, Rom 3:16 All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. As we become part of the body of Christ, his righteousness is credited to us. This a bit of a theological debate about baptism but the base line is that we are not righteous ourselves. We are the recipient, the messenger of righteousness.

Peter and Cornelius are found in Acts 10. Cornelius is a Roman centurion, a god-fearing man living in Caesarea, praying and an angel comes and tells him to invite Peter who is visiting in Joppa. Meanwhile Peter is in Joppa, resting on a housetop, dreaming of a sheet being lowered from heaven full of animals and being commanded to eat. As he ponders the implications of the dream, Cornelius’ messengers arrive and invite Peter to meet with Cornelius. What a beautiful picture of the moment of truth involved in welcoming. Despite racial differences, despite social differences, despite the religious difference, Cornelius opens his house to Peter. He even invites all his own relatives, believing Peter is the true representative of God. Peter, on the other hand, must open his heart and break the social norms of his faith to meet with “a gentile.” This welcoming moment is pivotal in the story of Christianity. Cornelius and his household open their hearts to faith, experience the Holy Spirit, believe and are baptized. Peter returns to Jerusalem and is confronted for his actions. The young church struggles to understand but opens its door to the Gentiles. We are the inheritors, perhaps the reward of this welcome.

So let’s step back and try to get the big picture. As we are sent forth as disciples, representative of God, given a message to deliver to people we encounter, the “welcoming moment” is crucial. I must choose if I will be transparent and represent all God has helped me to be or will I put on my mask to protect me from the potential rejection I anticipate might happen? Likewise the other person must decide his or her welcome, can the person meet me with an open heart? Does welcome depend on my ability to impress you with who I am or is it an openness to heart to truth. I may be too short, have a shoddy past, be poor on the verge of starvation with no resources or I may be endowed with the status and wealth of this world but regardless of my “baggage”, will I open my heart to the message brought by a disciple, a sent one. Good news is like a glass of cold water on a hot summer day.

The reward: the other is blessed and their lives are turned around. Zacchaeus shared his wealth. The widow of Zaraphath and son were saved in the drought. Cornelius and his household believed, were baptized and the Christian church opened its doors to the Gentiles. It is possible we will be rejected, even killed but they do not reject us but He who sent us. They can kill the body but they cannot kill the soul. And ultimately I long to hear when I meet my Lord, “Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter in to your Father’s delight.” Amen!

Hymn of Day: All Are Welcome, ELW 641, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbyZQnPw-wk

 The Apostle’s 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 s ins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession

Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

God of companionship, encourage our relationships with our siblings in Christ. Bless our conversations. Shape our shared future and give us hearts eager to join in a festal shout of praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of abundance, you make your creation thrive and grow to provide all that we need. Inspire us to care for our environment and be attuned to where the earth is crying out. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, your grace is poured out for all. Inspire authorities, judges, and politicians to act with compassion. Teach us to overcome fear with hope, meet hate with love, and welcome one another as we would welcome you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of care, accompany all who are in deepest need. Comfort those who are sick, lonely, or abandoned. Strengthen those who are in prison or awaiting trial. Renew the spirits of all who call upon you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of community, we give thanks for this congregation. Give us passion to embrace your mission and the vision to recognize where you are leading us. Teach us how to live more faithfully with each other. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

 God of love, you gather in your embrace all who have died. Keep us steadfast in our faith and renew our trust in your promise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together blessing of them. Peace!

SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer:  God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

 The Great Thanksgiving:

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We left them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion:

God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

THE SENDING

Blessing:  Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Hymn: Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life, ELW 719 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myAMX7XFjnY&t

Dismissal:  Go in peace. Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God.

Prelude: Spirit of God Descend Upon My Soul, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymKxTkrRNBA

(Or “ Be Not Afraid by Catholic Artists at Home” copy into address line and YouTube will pull it up.)
Call to Worship

Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting,                                               whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen

Confession and Forgiveness

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

Reconciling God,

we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

Absolution:

Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 Gathering Hymn: Lift High the Cross, ELW 660 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C59j6p6iOZ4

 Greetings: 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.

 Kyrie:

Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day:

Teach us, good Lord God, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, except that of knowing that we do your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry, ELW 732. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj2KClYMD2w

 HEARING GOD’S WORD

First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-13

⁷O Lord, you have enticed me, and I was enticed; you have   overpowered me, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me. ⁸For whenever I speak, I must cry out, I must shout, “Violence and destruction!”
For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. ⁹If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” then within me there is something like a burning fire shut up   in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. ⁰For I hear many whispering:
“Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!”
All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him, and take our revenge on him.”
¹¹But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, and they will not prevail. They will be greatly shamed,
for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten. ¹²O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.  ¹³Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.

Psalm: Psalm 69:7-10 [11-15] 16-18

 ⁷Surely, for your sake I have suffered reproach,
and shame has covered my face.
⁸I have become a stranger to my own kindred,
an alien to my mother’s children.
⁹Zeal for your house has eaten me up;
the scorn of those who scorn you has fallen upon me.
¹⁰I humbled myself with fasting,
but that was turned to my reproach. 
¹¹I put on sackcloth also,
and became a byword among them.
¹²Those who sit at the gate murmur against me,
and the drunkards make songs about me.
¹³But as for me, this is my prayer to you, at the time you have set, O Lord: “In your great mercy, O God, answer me with your unfailing help.
¹⁴Save me from the mire; do not let me sink; let me be rescued from those who hate me and out of the deep waters. 
¹⁵Let not the torrent of waters wash over me, neither let the deep swallow me up; do not let the pit shut its mouth upon me.
¹⁶Answer me, O Lord, for your love is kind; in your great compassion, turn to me.
¹⁷Hide not your face from your servant; be swift and answer me, for I am in distress.
¹⁸Draw near to me and redeem me; because of my enemies deliver me. 

Second Reading: Romans 6:1b-11

^1bShould we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? ²By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? ³Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
⁵For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷For whoever has died is freed from sin. ⁸But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ⁹We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. ¹⁰The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. ¹¹So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. Jesus says,

The Spirit of the Lord will testify on my behalf,* and you also are to testify.

Alleluia. (John 15:26, 27)

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39

[Jesus said to the twelve:] ²⁴“A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; ²⁵it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they malign those of his household!
²⁶“So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. ²⁷What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. ²⁸Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ³⁰And even the hairs of your head are all counted. ³¹So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
³²“Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; ³³but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
³⁴“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
³⁵For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
³⁶and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.
³⁷Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; ³⁸and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

 Children’s Sermon: Following in the footsteps of the master.

 Shawn and Greg hair cut – I want to look just like….

Nicole wanting a marriage like parents. – I want a marriage just like….

“He’s just like his father!” people used to say as they saw our son walking around school. Our first son attended the same boarding school his father had attended and my husband’s cousins were now on staff plus some oldies-but-goodies staff. Shawn was tall, lanky, gentle of spirit, a nice guy if I do say so myself. “Just like his father!”

Let’s pray: Lord may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you.

SERMON

         Last week Jesus commissioned the apostles as he compassionately looked at people and saw they were like sheep without a shepherd. He sent them as laborers for the harvest was ripe and gave instructions. He ended talking about the misunderstandings and persecution they would probably encounter. Today’s text continues and Jesus starts talking about how his followers will be expected to be “just like” their master.

         Remember, this is before the cross, before the crowds turned on Jesus. To this point, the disciples were workers for the Messiah, arguing who would sit at his right and left hand in the new kingdom, when everything was made right. It’s kinda like before your first baby and the Lamaze teacher tries to convince you that you will experience labor, not pain, just breathe right. It all sounds so easy. The disciples are at the top of the wave expecting power, not persecution. Their candidate is going to win the election and they will all be on his cabinet! Work yes but the glory is worth it.

“So have no fear of them..”. How did fear enter this conversation? Who is them, the crowds are cheering? Jesus is asking us to stop sitting in the audience, cheering for the next American Idol, but to walk up on the stage and face the audience! We are no longer taking a class in college about teaching but entering the classroom, not to observe but to be responsible for lives. We are no longer dreaming about being in-love and getting married but saying, I do. Going from being an encourager to being responsible is a big step and I would suspect if we admitted it, nerve challenging, yes – fearful. Fear full. How do we manage that fear?

My first “real” job was as a probation officer at Los Palmas School for Girls in Los Angeles, CA. It was a closed setting where they put girls they thought they could save in cottages, did family therapy, daily group therapy, and I was the cottage supervisor. Me and my chain of keys with a can opener on it was all I had. Me, fresh out of college with one course in Deviant Behavior, green around the gills facing perhaps 20 teenage girls who had been around the block more than once. We worked with Glaser’s Reality Therapy: Realism, Responsibility, and Right and Wrong. I think Jesus gave similar words of advise.

First, Jesus challenges his disciples to be realistic. There is going to be opposition. Jesus cuts straight to the core. Do not fear those who can kill the body, the opposition, but fear those who can destroy the body and soul in hell. Ultimately our lives are in God’s hands and it is the Evil One we fear.

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12)

I know poverty is no fun. I lived in a famine relief camp and watched people starving but I also know that those people shared their nothing with me, laughed with me, prayed with me, and remembered me when sugar came to the shops. The real enemy was that little voice whispering in my ear – God doesn’t love you, your family in the US has forgotten you, you are incompetent, run, run, run. Our battle today may be with laws we disagree about but changing laws only moves the line in the sand, I think the bigger battle is with the ignorance and selfishness of my own heart. Jesus reminds us that we need only fear for our souls but then reassures us. ³¹So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. The reality is you are valued by God and He is in control.

Let’s put a positive spin on this. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fear functioning negatively drives us from God but fear functioning in a healthy way drives us to God and motivates us. We are afraid of Covid and so we shelter and find new ways to feed ourselves spiritually. We fear downing and so we teach our children to swim. We fear hunger in the winter so plant crops in the spring. Fear itself is not bad but the agent of fear is to be recognized. Others can kill our bodies but they cannot kill our faith, cannot steal our souls. We are valued.

Secondly, Jesus asks us to be clear about our RESPONSIBILITY. The kingdom of heaven works differently than the kingdom of this world. These two kingdoms will clash because they have different values. Satan is the father of lies and God is the way, the truth and the light. Conflict and divisions are inevitable, not because we have done something wrong. In our “I’m ok – you’re ok” world, conflict and lack of tolerance is really frowned on. This is a hard saying. I read the words in today’s text, “I have not come to bring peace but the sword” and I cringe. I want to be liked and I am a #1 conflict avoider. Anger and disagreement are “ugly” and potentially dangerous – FEAR!   Not only is faith, potentially dangerous to our bodies, death, but it is also emotionally compromising. He reminds the disciples that their responsibility is not to convert others but as disciples they and we are called to be honest about the hope that is within us. We are representatives, not saviors.

The truth spoken in love can produce conflict and tension. As parents, as teachers, as citizens we know this. It is no fun to not allow vulgarity in our homes, allow stealing in our streets, or allow abuse in its many forms. Stands for God’s truth bring conflict and tension. Jesus affirms this and in so saying acknowledges that our responsibility is to faithfully represent him, not save the world. That is God’s job to do His way. He is working in the other person, unseen to us. We are not God, only His representative. Our responsibility is to represent him.

Thirdly, RIGHT AND WRONG. After I have clarified that I am fighting evil, not my friend, when I have clarified that I am faithfully owning what is my responsibility, then I also must ask the question of what is the right and wrong thing to do. I think we see that in the challenge to pick up our cross. I’m not sure he is referring to crucifixion as much as it is doing the hard thing that is ours to do. Learning to walk involves many stumbles and scrapped knees. Becoming proficient does not come from watching TV, but from hours of practice and mistakes.   What is the right thing to do in a given situation? Do that which is right at the moment. Practice the piano! Make the dinner! Don’t gossip. Forgive. As I do what I know is right for me to do, I gradually begin to develop talent, spiritual muscles, well at least competency, dare I say life opens up. Few of us are born saints. The school of hard knocks molds us as we submit to our master, our teacher. Perhaps this is found in Jesus reminder that, ³⁹Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it,” as we take up our cross. As I choose to submit my will, my desires, my days to God’s way, it may feel like I am loosing my life but in that process I discover real life.

So how can I summarize this difficult passage? As followers of Christ, we are called to become more and more like Christ. We will make mistakes and be misunderstood and experience tension and rejection, even in our homes. As we stand for God’s kingdom though we will find life and life more abundant begins to open up. God is active and working in ways we cannot see or anticipate. He will acknowledge us to God. Our responsibility is to be faithful to the truth that has been revealed in Christ. It is not easy but it is life giving. Thank you Lord!

Hymn of the Day: Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus, ELW 802 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMsXV_3vujg

 The Apostle’s 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 s ins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession:

Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

Expansive God, you bring diverse voices together to form your church. Open our hearts and unstop our ears to learn from one another, that differences might not overshadow our baptismal unity. Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

Providing God, your creation shows us that life comes from death. Renew the places where our land, air, and waterways have been ill for too long. Direct the work of all who care for birds and their habitats. Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

Protecting God, sustain and keep safe all who work to defend others across the world. Revive and strengthen organizations dedicated to caring for refugees and migrants while their homelands struggle for peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Loving God, you promise to be with all who are persecuted for your sake. Guide all who speak your word of justice and console any who are tormented or targeted for being who they are. Hear us, O God.Your mercy  is great.

Compassionate God, you are with us and we are never alone. Bless all fathers and father figures who strive to love and nurture as you do. Comfort all who long to be fathers and all for whom this day is difficult. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

 Reigning God, you bless us with guides and caretakers in the faith. As we give thanks for those who have died increase our care for one another until we walk with them in newness of life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together blessing of them. Peace!

SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer: God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

 The Great Thanksgiving:

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We left them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion:  God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

Blessing:  Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Hymn: I Love to Tell the Story, ELW 661 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onJLwQS8dR0

Dismissal:  Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

Prelude: Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYANPc6_1uw

Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,                                                                                   whose steadfast love is everlasting,                                                                                       whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.                                             Amen

Confession and Forgiveness

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.  Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

 Absolution:  Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 Gathering Hymn: Gather Us In, ELW 532 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbNXqjwh8is

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.

 Kyrie

         Have mercy on us, Lord, and hear our solemn prayer. We come to hear your living word; it saves us from despair.

Have mercy on us, Christ, and wash away our sin. Pour out your grace and make us whole that new life may begin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, make sun and shame depart. Renew us with your saving pow’r, create in us new hearts!

Prayer of the Day:   God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to yourself. Pour your love into our hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: There’s a Wilderness in God’s Mercy, ELW 588 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=metLqEhcesY

HEARING GOD’S WORD

First Reading: Exodus 19:2-8a

²[The Israelites] had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain.³Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: ⁴You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. ⁵Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, ⁶but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.”
⁷So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. ^8aThe people all answered as one: “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.”

Psalm: Psalm 100

¹Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!
²Serve the Lord with gladness; come into God’s presence with a song.
³Know that the Lord is God, our maker to whom we belong;
we are God’s people and the sheep of God’s pasture. 
⁴Enter the gates of the Lord with thanksgiving and the courts with praise;
give thanks and bless God’s holy name.
⁵Good indeed is the Lord, whose steadfast love is everlasting,
whose faithfulness endures from age to age. 

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8

¹Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. ³And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
⁶For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. ⁸But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia! Lord and Savior; open now your saving word. Let it burn like fire within us; speak until our hearts are stirred. Alleluia! Lord we sing for the good news that you bring.

Gospel: Matthew 9:35–10:8 [9-23]

³⁵Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
^10:1Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. ²These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; ³Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ⁴Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
⁵These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, ⁶but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ⁷As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ ⁸Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. [⁹Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, ¹⁰no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. ¹¹Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. ¹²As you enter the house, greet it. ¹³If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. ¹⁴If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. ¹⁵Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
¹⁶“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. ¹⁷Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; ¹⁸and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. ¹⁹When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; ²⁰for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. ²¹Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; ²²and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ²³When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

SERMON

CHILDREN’S SERMON

One of my favorite Christmas stories is found in a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that was adapted from an old German Legend. Conrad, an old shop keeper, bereft of family and lonely, heard in prayer on Christmas morning that the Lord would visit him on Christmas day. He was so excited, cleaned and decorated his house. When he heard a knock, he rushed to the door. A shaggy beggar was at the door. Conrad invited him in and gave him a pair of shoes. Early afternoon another knock was heard and Conrad saw an old beggar lady. He brewed a cup of tea for her and spent time with her. Late afternoon, a third knock was heard and he was sure it was the Lord. He opened the door and there was a little lost child looking for his home. Conrad walked him home and realized the Lord was not going to visit. Conrad knelt in prayer by his bed asking the Lord what kept him from calling on him. The Lord replied, “Three times My shadow crossed your floor, Three times I came to your lonely door. For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet. I was the woman you gave to eat. And I was the child on the homeless street.”

Let us pray: The Lord be with you! May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Our text today circles back to the beginning of Matthew. Matthew opens with Jesus’ long Jewish lineage – interestingly traced through Joseph, his adopted father, and the report of his incarnation in Bethlehem, visited by the Maggi. He was carried to Egypt in a time of great political injustice. The family returned later but moved to Nazareth because of political tension and faced the music of his questionable birth. There he grew to adulthood. In Chapter 3, John the Baptist baptized Jesus and he was driven into the wilderness to be tested. Chapter 5-7 share the Sermon on the Mount, his State of the Union Address of what His kingdom is about. Chapter 8 we find him traveling around, collecting disciples, healing, teaching and ministering, to Jews, to the Centurion, calming the waters of illness and despair. Today in Chapter 9 we pick up the story as Matthew shares about Jesus sending forth His disciples into ministry. We are the inheritors of the text today. So let us open our ears!

MOTIVE

“he (Jesus) had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Compassion is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and really feeling for them. In the tale, Conrad felt the poverty of the old beggar, the hunger of the old woman and the lostness of the little child. Jesus looks at his people, identifying with them and feeling their situations, their helplessness. I have seen three sheep walk right in front of a charging bus I sat in because the sheep infront of them was crossing the road. They followed. Without a shepherd we have no directional leadership, no goal, no protection and we walk infront of buses. We are vulnerable. Today we often hear, I was a “the victim.” We do not say we are sheep but we do use victim language. People are victims of the establishment, victims of disease, victims of poverty, victims of accidents. We are controlled by circumstances external to ourselves and hence not responsible for our situations.

The question I hear confronting me is not only how I understand myself but also how I understand “the other.” Do I see the other as “the needy,” “the unfortunate”, “the disenfranchised,” or do I see them as partners, as people with whom interactions improve me as well as help them? Is God’s ministry a tax write-off, a responsibility, or is it something I have compassion to walk along side? Jesus assures us the harvest is plentiful but are we willing to labor? What is our motive?

METHOD

Jesus’ motive was compassion and his method was people, you and me. What do you notice about the list of 12 disciples? I noted that they are listed two by two, in pairs: Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James and Thaddeus, AND Simon and Judas. 12 men changed the world. So who is your partner? Can you hear the voice of God in Genesis saying, “It is not good for man to be alone’”? It does not have to mean marriage but it does means community and teamwork. Bethany is a team serving God and when we grumble with each other we diminish our effectiveness. We are God’s method, not the TV or Face Book or Twitter. We are God’s method, not the campaign. We express the community of the Godhead and communicate, proclaim the good news.

MESSAGE

“The kingdom of heaven has come near!” What does that mean. “Come near” implies to me that we see a glimpse of the heavenly kingdom in the actions of the disciples, the people who represent Jesus. We see healings (hospitals), education (schools), respect for all races and genders, compassion for the struggling and for people who have gone through divorce, abuse, and displacement.   We reach out to “the other” through our professions as farmer, doctor, policeman, fireman, and parent. Luther believed that all vocations were opportunities to bring the kingdom of heaven near. We are Christ’s compassion coming near and touching lives.

I remember as a young adult pondering what profession or husband or location, I should choose. As I look back I tend to believe that God worked through and with me in all situations as I was yielded to Him. There was not a magic “right answer” that I had to prepare for but it was in the flow of everyday life that God worked. My message to young people would be “God provides” so do not worry about your provisions but keep connected to your provider, the Lord. Conrad, in our tale, responded to each knock at the door with what he had and in doing so, welcomed the Lord.

The last thing I notice is that our message is a message of peace. I am so grateful for my son in the army who fights for my freedoms and protects helpless people around the world. I am thankful for police and fire and EMTs, all who are there to help in time of need and chaos. I shake the dust off of my feet for those who would lead me into anger and hatred and gossip.   That’s not a popular message today but I see it in this text and we must decide for ourselves how to apply it to our situations.

MISUNDERSTANDING

Jesus concludes with the major misunderstanding by others of his motive, his method and his message. He is sending workers, you and me to the harvest not so we become loved and rich but because he has compassion for the lost. We will not be applauded. His message is counter cultural. This world is not the kingdom of heave but “the kingdom of heaven, near” We use our hearts and hands in God’s service. It is not easy to love the dirty, those different from ourselves, and those who do not believe as we do. It is not easy turn the other cheek, to forgive, or to share. We bring peace. Conrad came to the end of his day and fell on his knees believing he had been passed by, not good enough. He had not seen the Lord. The story did not unfold the way Conrad expected. The story unfolded as God wanted.

Hymn of Day: Will You Come ad Follow Me, ELW 798 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liUlxlaCRT0

Apostle’s Creed: Let us join our voices virtually confessing our faith:

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 s ins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession

Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

 Holy One, you bring us together and call us your own. Bless theologians, teachers, and preachers who help us grow in faith. Guide your church, that we might be a holy people. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Holy One, the whole earth is yours. Where there is fire, bring cool air and new growth. Where there is flooding, bring abatement. Where there is drought, bring rain. Inspire us to care for what you have provided. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Holy One, we have created divisions you will not own. In places of conflict , raise up leaders who work to develop lasting peace and reconciliation. Encourage organizations and individuals who care for all forced to leave their homes. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Holy One, you care for those who are harassed and helpless. Protect and defend those who are abused. Heal those who are sick. Feed all who hunger. Empower all whose voices go unheard, and help us respond to the pressing needs of our neighbors. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Holy One, you provide a plentiful harvest of gifts and resources. Prepare us to labor and gather the fruits of this congregation, that we might discover new ways of living. Minister to us in our work, that we do not lose heart. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

 Holy One, you bring all people to yourself. We give thanks for the holy people who have gone before us. Sustain us in your mission until the day you bear us up to join the saints in light. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Peace:   If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together in-front of your chest and open them outward to the other to show your blessing of them. Peace!

 SHARING GOD’S MEAL

Offering Prayer

God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

Invitation to Communion

Friends of Jesus, come to the table. Receive nourishment for your journey.

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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion

God of the welcome table, in this meal we have feasted on your goodness and have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life. Amen.

 SENDING

Blessing:  Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

 Sending Hymn: Holy spirit, Ever Dwelling, ELW 582 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PF6osB4ud8&t=1s

Dismissal:  Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

Prelude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TascsWZPj8U

Alleluia! Christ is risen.   Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Welcome to our virtual worship. The Lord be with you.  And also with you.

GATHERING

Confession and Forgiveness

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.  Amen.

Confession: Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin. Reconciling God, we confess that we do not trust your abundance, and we deny your presence in our lives. We place our hope in ourselves and rely on our own efforts. We fail to believe that you provide enough for all. We abuse your good creation for our own benefit. We fear difference and do not welcome others as you have welcomed us. We sin in thought, word, and deed. By your grace, forgive us; through your love, renew us; and in your Spirit, lead us; so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

Forgiveness:  Beloved of God, by the radical abundance of divine mercy we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus, through whom we have obtained grace upon grace. Our sins are forgiven. Let us live now in hope. For hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 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.

 Gathering Song: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!, ELW 413,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwuDSw-9cUQ

Prayer of the Day:  God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time you are the triune God: Author of creation, eternal Word of salvation, life-giving Spirit of wisdom. Guide us to all truth by your Spirit, that we may proclaim all that Christ has revealed and rejoice in the glory he shares with us. Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

 Selection Of The Faithful: Let All Things Now Living, ELW 881 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShtzdgCUyjI

THE WORD

Alleluia. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;* God’s glory fills the whole earth. Alleluia. (Isa. 6:3)

First Reading: Genesis 1:1–2:4a

¹In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, ²the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. ³Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. ⁴And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. ⁵God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
⁶And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” ⁷So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. ⁸God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
⁹And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. ¹⁰God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. ¹¹Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. ¹²The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. ¹³And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
¹⁴And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, ¹⁵and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. ¹⁶God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. ¹⁷God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, ¹⁸to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
²⁰And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” ²¹So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. ²²God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” ²³And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
²⁴And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. ²⁵God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
²⁶Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
²⁷So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
²⁸God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” ²⁹God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. ³⁰And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. ³¹God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
^2:1Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. ²And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. ³So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
^4aThese are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

Psalm: Psalm 8

¹O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! —
²you whose glory is chanted above the heavens out of the mouths of infants and children; you have set up a fortress against your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger.
³When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
⁴what are mere mortals that you should be mindful of them,
human beings that you should care for them? 
⁵Yet you have made them little less than divine;
with glory and honor you crown them.
⁶You have made them rule over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet:
⁷all flocks and cattle, even the wild beasts of the field,
⁸the birds of the air, the fish of the sea,
and whatever passes along the paths of the sea.
⁹O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! 

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

[Paul writes:] ¹¹Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. ¹²Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
¹³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

SERMON

Children’s Sermon: Hum, He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

Today we start the Pentecost Season. Pentecost is half of the Christian liturgical year, 27 weeks, half a year. The first half of the year we focused on who our God is. Starting with Advent, God fulfills prophecy and incarnates, coming to us, not us to him. At Christmas God goes global with the arrival of the wise-men from the East. During Epiphany we studied how God lived with us as Jesus healing, preaching, and teaching. During Lent we walked with Jesus to the cross. Easter told us of a God who is stronger than death and lives in and through us today. Now we circle back and look at the narrative again but we focus on what difference God makes in our lives. Can you hear Luther’s Small Catechism question, “What does this mean?” What does this mean? Today our text paints three broad themes that we will see unfold in because God in Pentecost: God is communal and so we live in community. God is communicative and so we are charged with communicating the Gospel. God is commanding and we are expected to obey.

God is communal, “…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” At the very core of the Christian faith is the mystery of the Trinity that we celebrate today. We do not have three gods that share the office of presidency. We do not have a hierarchy of gods that take turns being in power. We believe that our God is trinity, “three persons in one being, one essence.” I still like the example of electricity that powers my house. When I turn on my lamp, it sends forth light. When I turn on my stove, it radiates heat. The TV and radio are visual. One, all, or none can be experienced at the same time without diminishing the electricity present n my house. This triune God fills the pages of Scripture.

So what does that mean to us? We are made in the image of this triune God. We are baptized in the name of this triune God. Triune-ness defines us. Walter Wangaarin in his book, As For Me and My House, presents the explanation I like the most. I do not know who I am without you. It is as I relate to you that I know if I am truly being loving or kind or mean and hurtful. Love is not just something that oozes out of my pores but is a relational quality. Perhaps that is why death of a spouse or divorce are so painful. There is something in the reality of community that defines my identity and is basic to my very being. In the creation story God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.” I’m sure it has been pointed out the plural-ness of this statement, “our image.” We are made for community. There is something about the riots we are experiencing recently that offends something deep inside us.

Perhaps that is why Paul uses the picture of a body to describe the church. Within the godhead there are different roles and so it is with us. My husband and I complement each other. My friend and I bring something to each other in our friendship. We gather today, not because the church dies if it is not in this building but because corporate worship brings identity to us. I hear the music from the organ. I hear my friends singing. I see their faces, feel their hugs, and we share our prayer concerns. We are made for community and together we say something about God that we cannot say alone. Today in the shadow of the riots, I would like to affirm the gift of “the other”, the other nationality, the other language idioms, the other’s giftedness that reflects the creativity and universality of our God. We are called to value the other, not destroy others, because they help us to understand our God who is triune and understand ourselves who are made for supportive community.

Secondly, God is communicative:  “…Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” We believe in a God that communicates, not necessarily boss to slave but as the very essence of trinity. The godhead implies communication. The good news is not just for my own edification and salvation but it is to be communicated to others. I know the ugly stereotype of Christians is the guy standing on the street corner proclaiming a message of those in and those out of favor with God. It is a message of judgment. I do not see that in this passage; a threat that if we don’t believe I am condemned. Rather, I see a God whose heart’s desire is that all should know and be in communication with him. God will handle vengeance and revenge but our job is to communicate His desire to be in relationship. The God who created us values us as a father values a son. We are his children and invited to call him “Our Father.” The Son who saved values us and says, I no longer call you servants but I call you friends. And the Spirit who translates our prayers facilitates these relationships. Our triune God does not sit afar waiting for us to earn our way into his presence but opens communication channels because that is his nature.

So perhaps we need to reflect today who we are in potential relationship with whom we can share our faith with. Perhaps we need to ask who we have broken relationship with and need repair. The text today says “go” and I hear that as “share” and “communicate.”

Lastly, God is commanding. “:…teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you…” Teaching is a communication word but it is interesting that it is followed by “obey.” Faith is not an intellectual feat, memorizing Luther’s Small Catechism. Faith is not a mystical experience defined by how many times I speak in tongues. I think faith is a relationship that grows out of obedience to the God of the universe that offers something our world does not promote or value. We do not forgive others easily. We do not love our enemies. We do not share our coats freely. Christianity does not make us healthy, wealthy, and wise in the world’s eyes. Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “not my will but thine.” Obedience and submission are counter-cultural and fight against our will. As much as we preach a warm cozy relationship with God, we must never forget that he is God and we are his creation. We are the recipients of salvation. We need the Holy Spirit to struggle in prayer with us and counsel us, and lead back to the right path when we go away. We need to be still and know that he is God as Psalm 8 so nicely reminds us today. As we obey and work together with him, faith grows.

We come to the end of our first service during this time of sheltering. I know that the church is alive and real even when we are not meeting in this building but I also know that the church building has always been a symbol of sanctuary and safety in crisis. It is here that we gather in community and communicate with each other in the midst of the trials of our world. We remind each other that God sees and hears and is active. It is here that we bow our head and seek the Holy Spirit to minister to our tired souls. We must always remember Christ’s final words, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Thank you Lord, AMEN.

Hymn of the Day: Come Join the Dance of Trinity , ELW 412 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ55zGuti04

Apostles’ Creed. Let us join our voices virtually confessing our faith:

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.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession

Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

God of community, you form us as your church. Guide our bishops, pastors, deacons, and all the baptized in sharing your life-giving good news with all the world. Strengthen us to be bold in our proclamation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of creation, you called everything into being. Sustain this world with your renewing care. Inspire us to see waterways, plant life, birds, fish, insects, and mammals and call them good. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of counsel, all authority belongs to you. Encourage the leaders of this and every land to seek peace, equality, and unity. Instill wisdom in advocates who work toward justice in often ignored communities. Calm the riots that have scarred your earth and bring reconciliation and recovery with justice. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of care, you created us in your image. Help us see your likeness in one another. Open our eyes to see and attend to all who face oppression and suffering. Console, heal, and nourish all in need. Hear us, O God.  Your mercy is great.

God of companionship, you accompany this body of faith. As the rhythms of summer begin, protect all who travel, renew all who will enjoy a time of sabbath, and shelter all who will not be protected from the sun’s heat. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

 God of compassion, you comfort us in our grief with the promise of the resurrection. We give you thanks for the saints of all time and in our lives. Be with the grieving who have lost loved ones during these days of confusion. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together in-front of your chest and open them outward to the other to show your blessing of them. Peace!

Offering Prayer

God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Thank you for the gifts you have blessed us with and we ask you to multiply that which we return to you. Water and word, wine and bread: these are signs of your abundant grace. Nourish us through these gifts, that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world, through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song. Amen.

THE MEAL

Communion:

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.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

 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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion:  I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion

As we remember the blessing of communion, we remember that we have been united by your presence among us. Empower us to go forth sustained by these gifts so that we may share your neighborly love with all, through Jesus Christ, the giver of abundant life.  Amen.

THE SENDING

Blessing

Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love. Amen.

Sending Song: Holy God, We Praise Your Name, ELW 414, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5vLtzrM_4E

Dismissal

Go in peace. Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God.

Prelude: Shine Jesus Shine, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3iB30gCqAc

Sunday, May 31, 2020
Day of Pentecost

Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Welcome to our virtual worship. The Lord be with you.

GATHERING

Confession and Forgiveness

If you were to keep watch over sins, O Lord, who could stand? Yet with you is forgiveness, and so we confess: (I invite you to reflect in the privacy of your home before a time of confession.)

Confession: Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned away from you, knowingly and unknowingly. We have wandered from your resurrection life. We have strayed from your love for all people. Turn us back to you, O God. Give us new hearts and right spirits, that we may find what is pleasing to you and dwell in your house forever. Amen.

Forgiveness: Receive good news: God turns to you in love. “I will put my spirit in you, and you shall live,” says our God. All your sin is forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, who is the free and abounding gift of God’s grace for you. Amen.

 Gathering Hymn: Gracious Spirit Heed Our Pleading, ELW 401, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wiu5XjBsCz0

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

Prayer of the Day

O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: Spirit of Gentleness, ELW 396,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTbQiUVdVMQ

Prayer of the Day

O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

THE WORD

First Reading : Numbers 11:24-30

²⁴Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. ²⁵Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again.
²⁶Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. ²⁷And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” ²⁸And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, “My lord Moses, stop them!” ²⁹But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!” ³⁰And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

Psalm: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

²⁴How manifold are your works, O Lord!
In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
²⁵Yonder is the sea, great and wide, with its swarms too many to number, living          things both small and great.
²⁶There go the ships to and fro, and Leviathan, which you made for the sport of it.
²⁷All of them look to you to give them their food in due season. 
²⁸You give it to them; they gather it; you open your hand, and they are filled with good         things.
²⁹When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath,          they die and return to their dust.
³⁰You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;  and so you renew the face of the               earth.
³¹May the glory of the Lord endure forever; O Lord, rejoice in all   your works. 
³²You look at the earth and it trembles; you touch the mountains and they  smoke.
³³I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God while  I have my                 being.
³⁴May these words of mine please God. I will rejoice in the Lord.
^35bBless the Lord, O my soul. Hallelujah! 

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

^3bNo one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.
⁴Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; ⁶and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. ⁷To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

Gospel: John 7:37-39

³⁷On the last day of the festival [of Booths], the great day, while Jesus was standing [in the temple], he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, ³⁸and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ ” ³⁹Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

         SERMON

         Today is Pentecost. Traditionally we read the Acts 2:1-21 passage about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Often the different nationalities represented in the congregation will read a part of that passage in their mother tongue, often at the same time giving the impression of glossolalia, but hopefully symbolizing that God speaks to all nations in their own language. People wear red signifying joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. Red also symbolizes the blood of the martyrs who died for their faith. Today we are meeting as the church dispersed so some of these traditions are not quite as impactful.

Therefore, I have chosen to use the alternate texts recommended for today. I think there is a very real temptation to equate Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues. Christianity has used this outward experience at a certain historical event as a criteria to critique spiritual reality of others. We decide who’s in or out of God’s box based on speaking in tongues and do not focus on the person of the Spirit. Our first reading shows the Spirit active with the elders at the time of Moses. The second reading from Corinthians shares the early Christians understanding of the Holy Spirit after the events of Pentecost. Today I pray we can focus on the gift of the Holy Spirit and not on symptoms.

Pentecost (“pente” means 50 as Pentecost is 50 days after Easter) derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest (Festival of Booths or Festival of Tabernacles) and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. In other words, Jews from all over the world gather in Jerusalem yearly for this Jewish holiday.   So in our text today, John 7, Jesus is preparing his disciples for Acts 2. I doubt the disciples understood any better then than they understood anything else the significance and I doubt we understand the future either, even though God has talked about it.

In this text, before Jesus’ glorification, Jesus calls all who are thirsty to come to receive living water. On Pentecost the disciples were again gathered in an upper room after the crucifixion, after all the experiences with the risen Jesus, after all the questions and conversations. Peter and crew returned to fishing only to find Jesus on the beach with breakfast. Jesus, their hero, has sent them to Jerusalem to wait. How thirsty were these disciples for yet another experience of their Lord? How thirsty are we today as we come to worship? We too have been in “lockdown” for the last two months waiting for the opportunity to return to corporate worship. Pentecost helps us focus on our God who so touches our heart in the Gospels and life of Christ but also is present today in the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls out to the crowd to come to him for water, not to the temple.

I suspect that early in the gospel of John, the Holy Spirit was somehow experienced as the dove that descended at Christ’s baptism, as an aspect of God that came and went throughout the Old Testament but was heavily connected with God as “One” and not as “Trinity.” This verse connects faith, believing in Jesus, with our ability to drink, to take in or experience the Holy Spirit. The example that helps me understand this is the presence of electricity. Somehow electricity is flowing through my house, available but … it is only as I turn on a switch that I experience light, plug in my fan that I experience power, or turn on the TV that I experience news. The Holy Spirit, God, is available to all but it is faith that turns on the connection and it is thirst that drives us to seek. Then from our hearts flow the living waters, the good news that has come to us.

We turn to 1 Corinthians to understand what “rivers of living water” means.

1 Cor 12:3 talks about confession, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” One of the amazing aspects of Pentecost is the confession of Jesus by men who previously had been cowering in a room and to people of many nations in their own tongue! The Holy Spirit worked through barriers of fear, of language and of ignorance. Social distancing was eliminated. Not only were people no longer separated, but Jesus was glorified. The Jesus story is lifted up and explained and the cross begins to take on significance and power. Living waters are flowing into lives. People who hear the historical story of Easter, are convicted of their own sinfulness, repent, receive forgiveness and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) The Holy Spirit becomes the link with God and allows for living waters, confession, to flow and glorify Jesus.

Corinthians continues to say, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; ⁶and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.”   Gifts, services, and activities are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Paul continues to enumerate examples but the part I find important is that the variety of expressions of the work of the Holy Spirit. Certainly people gifted with speaking in tongues are one form of experience of the worship experience but the Holy Spirit empowers people in many other unique and diverse ways. Even as people from all over the world understood the Gospel at Pentecost, each one of us will be an expression of “living water” in our own situation, in our own challenges, in the unique way God chooses to use us “for the common good.”

Perhaps one of the temptations when we talk about the Holy Spirit is to keep the focus on self and the benefits I receive – tongues, gifts, power – but I see the reminder that confession, this gifting is for the common good. We might do good to remind ourselves of the image of the body in 1 Corinthians 12. We are like a body, each necessary for the functioning of the other. Just because I might be the mouth, does not mean I do not need eyes and ears and should not belittle the part they play. I find as I age, the tendency to glorify the gifts that resonate with the values of my culture – strength, beauty, power. I lament, or remember, when I was in the choir, when I was on council, or when I baked a popular dish at the meeting, led the youth group or, or, or. Our gifts, our service, our abilities are for the common good of everyone. We all contribute to the health of the whole.

Lastly, I note that Corinthians reminds us that the Holy Spirit chooses how to gift people. Did we hear that? The Holy Spirit is the one who chooses if speaking in tongues is to be our gift or singing or leadership or what. We come thirsty wanting to experience God in the depths of our being but it is the Holy Spirit who chooses how and when to meet us. It is so easy to assume that because my experience or lack of experience is not like another’s that the Holy Spirit is not on the job. I grope around looking for the light switch, trying to find the remote, lamenting and I forget that the God of the universe is around me, able to speak all languages, able to bring to my heart the sins I need to confess, able to empower me to meet the challenges of the day as the Spirit knows is best.
In our text today, Jesus was not yet glorified but he calls to the thirsty, promising the gift of the Holy Spirit, promising that streams of living water will flow out of us. As Lutherans, we believe the gift of the Holy Spirit is in response to faith. God responds to the faith of parents who bring babies to be baptized and says, “forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.” We believe we are saved by Christ’s death on the cross, not because we say certain words or have certain experiences, are a certain age or intelligence level. I love to share: in that handshake between God and his people, when we don’t remember who we are, when we can’t express who we are, or forget who we are, God holds on to us. He calls to us today, “All who are thirsty, come unto me and the one who believes in me, drink.”

I invite you to recite with me Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of the Creed, the article talking about the Holy Spirit.

“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified and kept me in the true faith;

even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith;

in which Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers,

and will at the Last Day raise up me and all the dead and give unto me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

 THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY TRUE.

Hymn of the Day O Living Breath of God, ELW 407, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRpJ2rSyXjo

 Nicene Creed. Let us join our voices virtually confessing our faith:

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and   earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made of one Being with the Father;  through him all things were made.  For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human.  For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the          right hand of the Father.  He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.  We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We  acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

(Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU)

Prayers of Intercession

Uplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

We call on your spirit of unity, giving thanks for our different vocations. Activate and utilize the diverse gifts present in your church, that they reveal your love for all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We call on your spirit of life, present in air, wind, humidity, storms, and oxygen in our atmosphere, breathing energy into all things. Heal with your breath the whole creation, especially those who struggle to breathe due to air pollution. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We call on your spirit of righteousness. Wherever we as a people are divided, unite us. Wherever we are prideful, humble us. Give each one of us a heart for justice and empathy. We especially remember the struggles in Minneapolis this weak. Be with the grieving, comfort the angry, reach into the chaos and bring peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We call on your spirit of healing. Bless nurses, doctors, midwives, chaplains, counselors, and hospice workers as they care for those in need. We pray for all who long for comfort (especially). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We call on your spirit of friendship. As Elizabeth welcomed Mary to her home, give us a spirit of welcome to those whom we meet in this congregation and outside these doors. Surprise us daily with unexpected grace, that we rejoice in every blessing you send. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 We call on your spirit of hope. As you have led your saints in all times and places, stir in us the desire to follow their example, leading us from death to new life in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE MEAL

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together in-front of your chest and open them outward to the other to show your blessing of them. Peace!

Offering Prayer: (We cannot pass the offering plate but we can respond to God’s for his gracious gifts to us.)

Merciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives. Feed us again at this table for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion:  Life-giving God, you have fed us with your word, and our hearts burn within us. You have opened us to your presence. Now send us forth to share the gifts of Easter with all in need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

THE SENDING

Blessing:  May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead raise you to new life, fill you with hope, and turn your mourning into dancing. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

 Sending Hymn:  God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind, ELW 400, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNlznc7yWdM

Dismissal:  Christ is risen, just as he said. Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!

Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Here is a message from the Bishop. You need not join Vimeo but just tap the arrow and the message from him will play. Blessings.

https://vimeo.com/422203929.

Prelude: How Can I Keep From Singing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLPP3XmYxXg

Alleluia! Christ is risen.  Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Welcome to our virtual worship. The Lord be with you.

GATHERING

Confession and Forgiveness

If you were to keep watch over sins, O Lord, who could stand? Yet with you is forgiveness, and so we confess: (I invite you to reflect in the privacy of your home before a time of confession.)

Confession: Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned away from you, knowingly and unknowingly. We have wandered from your resurrection life. We have strayed from your love for all people. Turn us back to you, O God. Give us new hearts and right spirits, that we may find what is pleasing to you and dwell in your house forever. Amen.

Forgiveness: Receive good news: God turns to you in love. “I will put my spirit in you, and you shall live,” says our God. All your sin is forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, who is the free and abounding gift of God’s grace for you. Amen.

 Gathering Hymn: There is No East or West, ELW 650, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNRyGGSOQLQ

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

Prayer of the Day

O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 Selection of the Faithful: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ, ELW 674 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYnF86ZzHH8

THE WORD

Alleluia. I will not leave you orphaned, says the Lord. I am coming to you. Alleluia. (John 14:18)

First Reading: Acts 1:6-14

⁶When [the apostles] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. ¹¹They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
¹²Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Psalm: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

¹Let God arise, and let God’s enemies be scattered;
let those who hate God flee.
²As smoke is driven away, so you should drive them away;
as the wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
³But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and                    joyful.
⁴Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name; exalt the one who rides the clouds; I Am          is that name, rejoice before God! 
⁵In your holy habitation, O God, you are a father to orphans, defender of  widows;
⁶you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into  freedom; but the                rebels shall live in desert places.
⁷O God, when you went forth before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness,
⁸the earth quaked, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God,                     the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of    Israel.
⁹You sent a bountiful rain, O God; you restored your inheritance when it languished.
¹⁰Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made                provision for the poor. 
³²Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.
³³You ride in the heavens, O God, in the ancient heavens;
you send forth your voice, your mighty voice.
³⁴Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel; whose strength is in the skies.
³⁵How wonderful you are in your holy places, O God of Israel,
giving strength and power to your people! Blessed be God!

Second Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
^5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. ⁸Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. ¹⁰And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel: John 17:1-11

¹After Jesus had spoken these words [to his disciples], he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, ²since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. ³And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. ⁴I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. ⁵So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
⁶“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. ⁷Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; ⁸for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. ⁹I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. ¹⁰All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. ¹¹And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

SERMON

Thursday was Ascension and next Sunday is Pentecost. Easter season is coming to a close and God’s story is not over! Let me say that again so it can soak in. God’s story is not over! John started his gospel with “the Word become flesh” after being involved at creation, is the light of the world, has incarnated, and was rejected by his creation. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (Jn 1:12)” The Bible is our glimpse into God’s story and God’s heart that was before time and does not end with the cross, with our confirmation, with our baptism, or with the our birth of faith. Perhaps we are at the end of the “incarnation phase” of Christ’s life but our reading today gives us a clue that we are about to enter the “after Pentecost” phase. There is more to come! Today we sit with the disciples in the upper room, and listen to Jesus’ last prayer, his prayer before we walk to Calvary and on to Pentecost. Today we listen to The High Priestly Prayer.

Jesus starts, “The hour has come!” For what? First I read the word “glorify.” The glorification of Jesus by finishing the work he came for, glorifies the God who sent him, and glorifies the followers given him by God for eternal life who will follow. The work of the cross glorifies God, glorifies Jesus, and glorifies us. Glorify is a very churchy word we do not use often and which I want to give some texture today.

Let’s try to get our minds around the idea of “glory”, As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, I reflect on the name for the USA flag, “Old Glory”. I looked up its history. Old Glory is the second most important symbol in identifying the USA. Our national anthem is the first. In 1816 William Driver, age 13, ran away from his home in Salem Massachusetts, to become a cabin boy on a ship. By age 21 he assumed command of his own ship. His mother and other women sewed him a flag that he flew from his mast. He called the flag “Old Glory.” His voyages were successful and the flag was his emblem, good luck charm, and his protector. At age 34 his wife died and he moved to Nashville, TN, to raise his three daughters. Old Glory went with him and flew over his home through the Civil War, and survived, to be fought over by his family. That original flag, it is thought, ended up in the Smithsonian Institute and has become the beloved name of the flags that fly over the USA. We refer to our flags as Old Glory. This story, I believe, gives us insight into what “glory” means.

We were not present to see the glory Jesus had before creation but we can imagine life was perfect, without sin, “good,” like that original flag we never saw. The flag was made by a loving mother and given to a beloved son who cherished it on sea, on land, in peace, and in war. “Glory” carries with in it the love, dreams, and goals of the creator for the life unfolding. The creator is honored as the support behind the life that unfolds. As William Driver succeeded, I can imagine his mother’s heart was proud. His success, his glory is hers also. As Jesus finishes his work on the cross, God is glorified, and we wear the cross as a symbol of that glory.

Jesus was given authority over the creation to bring us to eternal life. Glory also involves purpose. A glorious sunset comes and goes in shining awe but Jesus’ work that he is about to finish, involves the goal of giving us eternal life. As we by faith become part of that plan, God receives honor, praise and worship. Even as Old Glory was created with a dream and mission, so our lives were created with purpose and on good days and bad we are in the process of bringing glory to God who carries us. As Jesus heads to the cross to fulfill the purpose of his incarnation, we travel with him and are part of the story, part of the mission, and part of the glory.

Jesus prays, “⁵So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.” The cross and our faith return us to the glory before creation, sinless and in direct communication with God. Old Glory flew over William Drivers ship, over his home in war, over his family and was placed in the Smithsonian to become an emblem of the American dream. It went full circle – new and folded in hope and old and worn as am emblem of victory. In the same way, we were given to Christ, who loved us, taught us and walks with us on the seas of life and in the ditches of the wars of our lives, to take us to be part of his glory for eternity. It feels to me like glory has a sense of perseverance through trials.
Jesus goes on to explain eternal life, “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” “Know you,” not “know about you”. Core to this prayer is not only glorification but also relationship. There cannot be glory without relationship. Honoring Old Glory was not based on the quality of the cloth, the majesty of seeing the flag fly or the symbolism of the stars and stripes but, I would like to believe, it is cherished because of the relationship that flag represented. Old Glory now represents our country, our identity and all the privileges that go with it. As we grow in relationship to Jesus, understanding more and more his words and truth, trusting more and more his wisdom given us, we grow in relationship and in our glorification of God.

¹¹And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” Jesus prays God to protect us so that we may maintain unity. Glory is not a message about health, wealth and prosperity focused on us but of unity that reflects back to God.

Old Glory flew over the divisiveness of the Civil War, over our soldiers in WW1 and WW2, over us in Vietnam, Desert Storm and more. All these wars sought to pull people apart. The cross similarly represents the desire of God’s heart that our unity be preserved. We are called to love our neighbor, forgive our enemies, be kind to those in need. “Now faith, hope and love abide, but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13” All of this is impossible in our human strength of will and we need God’s protection from that which drives us apart. The church remains united because of relationships that unite us to God and to each other regardless of our imperfections. We are not so good at that but Jesus’ prayer was protection in our divisions and in our fears.

So where does that leave us today. On this Memorial Day weekend when we remember those men and women who gave their lives in popular and unpopular wars to fight for peace as they understood it, we stand between Ascension and Pentecost still working for peace and prosperity. We are grateful for their lives and what these people have meant to us. The battle for a kind world is not over yet and God’s story is not over. The hour has come for us to finish the work God entrusts with us in our lives. Jesus did not “social distance” to heaven until he returns to judge, but assumed the glory with the Father. He completed his work on earth and empowered us to continue the story. Our lives and our faith, which may feel small and invisible, are involved in bringing glory, honor and praise to God for eternity. May we not bow to that which divides and may we nurture those habits that keep us in relationship with others and with God, our source of strength, life and protection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkZ11WgLEZg

Hymn of Day: You are Mine, ELW 581, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EuIIl7yHfc

Apostles’ Creed. Let us join our voices virtually confessing our faith:

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 s ins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession

Uplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

O God, call your people to be one, as you are one. Unite your church in the truth of your gospel, the love of our neighbor, and the call to proclaim your reign to all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe life into your creation. Guide your people as we explore the mysteries of the universe. We pray for the work of scientists and mathematicians whose skill enriches our understanding. As doctors and researchers study Covid-19, keep them safe and give them answers to their questions. We need your help. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your justice known among the nations of the earth. Protect the vulnerable who do not have resources to social distance, buy masks, or water to wash hands. Redirect those who use violence and greed as weapons. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Come to the aid of your children. We pray for those engulfed in grief, those without supportive families, and for all who are isolated, powerless, or afraid, that all may rest their anxieties in your care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give courage to all who embark on new ventures. We especially remember this day those who risked their lives to serve in our armed forces. Grant safety to those serving at home or abroad, and assure them of your never-failing strength. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Raise all your saints to eternal life. Until that day, we give you thanks for the faithful examples of those who have listened to your voice and now rest in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE MEAL

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together in-front of your chest and open them outward to the other to show your blessing of them. Peace!

Offering Prayer: (We cannot pass the offering plate but we can respond to God’s for his gracious gifts to us.)

Merciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives. Feed us again at this table for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen.

 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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Communion: I invite you to talk a little piece of bread and eat it. Christ is as close to you as the bread in your mouth and stomach. Always remember. Now take a sip of your drink. Christ is as close to you as the blood in your body, strengthening you. Always remember.

Prayer after Communion

Life-giving God, you have fed us with your word, and our hearts burn within us. You have opened us to your presence. Now send us forth to share the gifts of Easter with all in need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SENDING

Blessing

May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead raise you to new life, fill you with hope, and turn your mourning into dancing. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

Sending Hymn: Blest Be the Ties that Bind, ELW 656, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBReueMEzqo

Dismissal

Christ is risen, just as he said. Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!

Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Sunday, May 17, 2020
Sixth Sunday of Easter

Prelude: Is He Worthy? By Christ Tomlin , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkRiYsTN7KY

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Welcome to our virtual worship. The Lord be with you.

GATHERING

Confession and Forgiveness

If you were to keep watch over sins, O Lord, who could stand? Yet with you is forgiveness, and so we confess: (I invite you to reflect in the privacy of your home before a time of confession.)

Confession: Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned away from you, knowingly and unknowingly. We have wandered from your resurrection life. We have strayed from your love for all people. Turn us back to you, O God. Give us new hearts and right spirits, that we may find what is pleasing to you and dwell in your house forever. Amen.

Forgiveness: Receive good news: God turns to you in love. “I will put my spirit in you, and you shall live,” says our God. All your sin is forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, who is the free and abounding gift of God’s grace for you. Amen.

 Gathering Hymn: Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing, ELW 389, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYA0tFX2tV4

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

Prayer of the Day

Almighty and ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Selection of the Faithful: This is My Father’s World, ELW 824, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uja5sSx0HjM

THE WORD

First Reading: Acts 17:22-31

²²Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. ²³For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, ²⁵nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. ²⁶From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, ²⁷so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. ²⁸For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,
‘For we too are his offspring.’
²⁹Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. ³⁰While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, ³¹because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Psalm: Psalm 66:8-20

⁸Bless our God, you peoples; let the sound of praise be heard.
⁹Our God has kept us among the living and has not allowed our feet to slip. 
¹⁰For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us just as silver is tried.
¹¹You brought us into the net; you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
¹²You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water,
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
¹³I will enter your house with burnt offerings and will pay you my vows—
¹⁴those that I promised with my lips and spoke with my mouth when I was In trouble.
¹⁵I will offer you burnt offerings of fatlings with the smoke of rams;
I will give you oxen and goats. 
¹⁶Come and listen, all you who believe, and I will tell you what God has done for me.
¹⁷I called out to God with my mouth, and praised the Lord with my tongue.
¹⁸If I had cherished evil in my heart,
the Lord would not have heard me;
¹⁹but in truth God has heard me and has attended to the sound of my prayer.
²⁰Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer,
nor withheld unfailing love from me. 

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-22

¹³Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? ¹⁴But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, ¹⁵but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; ¹⁶yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. ¹⁸For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, ¹⁹in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, ²⁰who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. ²¹And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²²who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

Gospel: John 14:15-21

[Jesus said to the disciples:] ¹⁵“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. ¹⁷This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
¹⁸“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. ¹⁹In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. ²⁰On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. ²¹They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

SERMON

Easter 6 signals the Easter season is coming to an end. Thursday is Ascension and next Sunday we close Easter before Pentecost Sunday, May 31. There will be no restrictions on wearing red while we worship virtually! These weeks I have been drawing a strong parallel between the upheaval of life for the first Christians after the empty tomb and the upheaval we are going through today in 21^st century. We have heard the testimonies of those who saw, touched, and interacted with the risen Christ. Today we are a bit jaded because of testimonies of con-people raising money using Jesus’ name. Testimonials are not a part of Lutheran worship. We are what is called a “confessional” church. We stand on the confessions and creeds of Christians through the ages, not just on our experiences. We hear testimonials but grow faith differently. We like to say, “God has no grandchildren!”

Next we looked at Jesus’ teaching about being the Good Shepherd and pondered the suffering in our world today, ultimately asking if our lives are not indeed in greener pastures than our life without Christ. Last week we listened to Jesus’ master plan, an overview as he leaves the upper room and heads to Gethsemane. Knowing our lives were going to be upturned by events of life Jesus told his disciples: believe in him, he is going to prepare a place where we will be with him, and that he is indeed in God and God in him and so we can believe his words. Hope.

Today we continue with the disciples and Jesus to the Garden and hear the end of his talk. The promise that jumps out to me from our text today is the words, “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.” The word “orphan” is a big word in our family. So these words grab my heart. My husband was adopted at two months. From the arms of a woman who had grown to love him, he went into the arms of loving parents, excited to receive him. Our son, though, was left at Kenyatta Hospital when the family of his mother claimed her body and left him to die. He was put on a bed with 50 other babies rejected, covered with rags. Strong ones lived and many died. The orphanage rescued him from there. So the story goes anyway. We fell in love with him a year later and he became one of our clan. Our daughter was turned into a police station at age four months, almost catatonic from abuse or neglect, given to the orphanage, and we found her at ten months. Not all our stories are happy family stories as we live in the shadow of Mother’s Day and anticipate Father’s Day. For the Christian now living, the question of “where do I belong” may well plague.

Jesus starts his talk with, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” What troubles our hearts today? Covid-19 virus, memories of rejection or abuse, limitations from accidents, finances, or what?? Jesus speaks into those troubles to say we are not orphans. How is this true as we isolate and shelter?

Jesus explains: He will send an “Advocate,” the “Spirit of truth” who will “abide” with us. This promise takes on flesh and blood, realness as we love God and obey his commandments. I would understand this passage to be saying, as we “obey,” as we submit our wants and will to His way, we learn and rejoice that we are not orphans. So let’s look at the three words.

“Advocate”

¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.”

         An Advocate. What comes to your mind? My mind goes to John 8: 1-11 and the story of the woman caught in adultery. At the temple in Jerusalem, the Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus. The woman was caught in the very act of adultery. They test Jesus by asking him if she should be stoned as required by the law of Moses. Jesus bends down and writes in the dirt and then encourages the one who has not sinned to throw the first stone. The crowd melts away and Jesus has the woman note there is not an accuser, neither does he and she is to leave and sin no more. There is a whole sermon here but in terms of understanding what Jesus meant by “Advocate,” I note several things.

The woman is accurately accused of adultery by law, by society and by herself (she makes no defense claiming to be set up or needing money for children or widowed). She is guilty and no one is defending her. There is a crystal clear reality here, advocacy happens in the face of guilt.

Advocacy stands on the side of the accused, the woman, not the law. Jesus stands there, true God and true man, saying, “Neither do I condemn you.” GRACE. We may be accused but we are not condemned. I can only cry.

But, thirdly, advocacy is honest in directing us to reform and leave our sinful behavior. The advocate is not just giving us a “free pass” but is working for our growth, betterment, directing us to green pastures. There is not threat against future slips but encouragement. As Christians we have someone on our side, cheering for us even as we are now captives of sin, offering grace and encouraging us to grow.

Spirit of Truth

⁷This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,

because it neither sees him nor knows him.

         Spirit of Truth. What story comes to mind? For me it is the story of the woman at the well. Jesus passing through Samaria rests by a well at noon while his disciples go to buy food and he meets a woman coming to draw water. He engages her in conversation about “living water” – but for this sermon – then asks her to bring her husband. She responds that indeed she has had five husbands and is living with someone now. She realizes he knows all about her. He knows the truth.

The Spirit of Truth knows all about us, our private truth as well as our public truth. Jesus knew that the woman needed “living water” as well as water from the well. The Spirit of Truth knows what lies behind the mask. My daughter has a missing front tooth from falling off her bike and so wears a “flipper,” a kind of bridge that she can stick in when she wants. An advantage of wearing a mask inow s that she can go without the flipper. The Spirit knows what we really need and operates at that level of truth.

When asked to bring her husband, the woman has to tell the truth that she has had five and is living with a man. I find interesting in this story that after the woman’s confession of her marital mess, she seems to be freed from the shame of her past and is motivated to return to town and tell others about Jesus. Truth in God’s hands is not a chain around our neck that chokes us but is the shedding of a dark secret that has shackled us. It is moving from social outcast to community.

The world does not receive this kind of truth because the world is not in relationship with God. Again we see that God’s truth is not something analytical, sterile, detached from reality but is relationship with Jesus. Pilate turns to Jesus at the trial and asks, “What is truth?” when Jesus confesses that he came into the world “to testify to the truth.”

We are not orphaned. We have an Advocate walking with us, fighting for us and we have the Spirit of Truth walking with us and helping us navigate life. Finally, the verb used to describe the Spirit’s presence is “abide.”

Abides

“he abides with you, and he will be in you.”

         It is hard for me to use the word “abide” without thinking of the hymn “Abide with Me,” written by Henry F. Lyte, an Anglican priest from Lower Brixham, England. All his life he struggled with tuberculosis and near the end had to move to Italy. He famously coined the phrase, “It is better to wear out than to rust out.” It is said that he had to crawl to the pulpit and in his final sermon said, “It is my desire to induce you to prepare for the solemn hour which must come to all, by a timely appreciation and dependence on the death of Christ.” He was inspired before the sermon while reading about the two followers meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus whose hearts burned within them when they realized they were with the risen son of God.

1.  Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,
   The darkness deepens – Lord, with me abide;
   When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
   Help of the helpless, OV, abide with me!

2.  Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see –
O Thou who changest not, abide with me!

3.  I need they presence ev’ry passing hour –

What but thy grace can foil the tempters pow’r?

Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?

Thru cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

4.  Hold Thou thy word before my closing eyes.

Shine thru the gloom and point me to the skies;

Heav’ns morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee –

In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

5.  I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

“Abides,” verse 1 means that the Advocate does not flee like others but stays. Verse 2, the Advocate does not change and stays close through all of life. Verse 3, the Advocate helps me defeat the evil one. Verse 4, the Advocate will be with me in death. And verse 5, the Advocate escorts us to greener pastures.

Our hearts do not need to be troubled in these uncertain times. We are not orphaned. We have an advocate who is for us, who tells us the truth, and who goes with us through all of life and death.

Thank you, Lord!

Hymn of the Day: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, ELW 631, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y33xr6_B7Kc

Let us join our voices virtually by sharing the Maasai Version of the Apostles’ Creed.We believe in the one High God, who out of love created the beautiful world and everything good in it. He created man and wanted man to be happy in the world. God loves the world and every nation and tribe on the earth. We have known this High God in darkness, and now we know him in the light. God promised in the book of his word, the bible, that he would save the world and all the nations and tribes.

We believe that God made good his promise by sending his son, Jesus Christ, a man in the flesh, a Jew by tribe, born poor in a little village, who left his home and was always on safari doing good, curing people by the power of God, teaching about God and man, showing the meaning of religion is love. He was rejected by his people, tortured and nailed hands and feet to a cross, and died. He lay buried in the grave, but the hyenas did not touch him, and on the third day, he rose from the grave. He ascended to the skies. He is the Lord.

We believe that all our sins are forgiven through him. All who have faith in him must be sorry for their sins, be baptized in the Holy Spirit of God, live the rules of love and share the bread together in love, to announce the good news to others until Jesus comes again. We are waiting for him. He is alive. He lives. This we believe. Amen.

Or you can listen to the Creed in vocal form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU

Prayers of Intercession

Uplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

Abiding God, you have revealed yourself to us in the form of your Son, Jesus Christ. Embolden your church, as your followers, to reveal your love to everyone in our speaking and in our living. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are the creator of heaven and earth. Revitalize the health of oceans, rivers, lakes, springs, glaciers, and other bodies of water that give life to your creatures. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You call all people of the world your children. Judge the nations justly, show mercy to the oppressed, and speak truth to power through your prophets. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You come near to us when we are lost, and you hear our distress. We pray for those who suffer in any way. Draw near to those fighting for theirs and others lives and those who grieve. Help leaders be wise about reopening. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your commands are good and merciful. Give us courage to take hold of our promises to work for justice, advocate for the voiceless, and free the oppressed and imprisoned in body, mind, or spirit. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 You remain with us always, O God, and your kingdom has no end. We remember the saints who have gone before us. Unite us forever in your final victory over death. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 Peace: If you are worship with someone else, turn and share, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” Response, “And also with you.” You might use your finger to mark you children or loved one with a cross on their forehead. If you are practicing social distancing, put your palms together in-front of your chest and open them outward to the other to show your blessing of them. Peace!

THE MEAL

Offering Prayer: (We cannot pass the offering plate but we can respond to God’s for his gracious gifts to us.)

Merciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives. Feed us again at this table for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen.

Communion:  We can here take a piece of bread and eat and think how Christ gave his body for us.  Never forget.  sip a bit of fluid and remember that he is as close to you, strengthening you as the blood in your body.  Never forget

Prayer after Communion

Life-giving God, you have fed us with your word, and our hearts burn within us. You have opened us to your presence. Now send us forth to share the gifts of Easter with all in need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 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 that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

THE SENDING

Blessing

May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead raise you to new life, fill you with hope, and turn your mourning into dancing.  Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.  Amen.

 Sending Hymn: Come, We That Love the Lord (We’re Marching to Zion), ELW 625. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbqN0yiT4I

Dismissal

Christ is risen, just as he said.  Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!

Thanks be to God. Alleluia!