ORDER OF WORSHIP
9th Sunday after Pentecost
July 30, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Please join us for coffee fellowship after worship today.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
CALL TO WORSHIP
We seek the kingdom of God:
where the smallest seeds turn into great plants.
We seek the kingdom of God:
as precious as pearls or treasure.
We seek the kingdom of God:
where joy and abundance reign.
*HYMN: #175 (Red) ‘Seek Ye First’
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find,
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
You shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia!
CALL TO CONFESSION
We love God, and yet . . .
We are Christ’s disciples, and yet . . .
We are guided by the Spirit, and yet . . .
there are many ways we do not live this reality.
Let us call upon the Spirit to intercede for us in our time of confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Spirit, intercede . . .
when we fall short of your glory, when we do not deserve your promises,
when we do not act like those who have been called your family.
Spirit, intercede . . .
when our words wound, when our silence speaks volumes,
when our actions are a far cry from what you would have us do.
Spirit, intercede . . .
break forth into our lives, forming us into the image of your Son,
that we might never feel separate from you again.
(silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Beloved, hear this good news: God is for us. Not even our sins can separate us from the love of God.
Glory be to God for this grace and mercy!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 29:15-28
15 Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was graceful and beautiful. 18 Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.
21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” 22 So Laban gathered together all the people of the place and made a feast. 23 But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. 24 (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) 25 When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” 26 Laban said, “This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn. 27 Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” 28 Jacob did so and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as a wife.
Gospel Reading: Romans 8:26-39
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
SERMON ‘Persevere Through Prayer’ Pastor Mark E. Werner
*HYMN: ‘Sweet Hour of Prayer’ (in bulletin)
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face, believe His word, and trust His grace,
I'll cast on Him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height, I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise to seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing thro’ the air, farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH—APOSTLES’ CREED (in unison)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:17)
SPECIAL MUSIC Medley of Hymns of Prayer Nancy Ohnstad, soloist & Bonnie Foster, pianist
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy Spirit, you search the recesses of our minds and the depths of our hearts. You call us to be not only givers but also receivers of your gift of grace. We believe that you will multiply our gifts to draw us nearer to your side. As we offer these financial gifts, we are grateful to be joined to the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. (Romans 8:26-39 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Sharon H
-Richard C
-Lee P
-Andrew N (friend of Ella)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Anthony B (Teri’s son)
-Dale E (Lee’s brother)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Paige F
-Nelda H
-Betty G
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This week’s prayer families: Dan & Michele K, Don K & Carol G, Delores K
Those who mourn: We pray for the Riedesel, Eich, Ohnstad, VanderWaal, Broksieck, Canaday, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
HYMN #546 (Red) ‘Lord, Dismiss us with Your Blessing’
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace.
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace.
O refresh us, O refresh us, traveling through this wilderness.
Thanks we give and adoration for the gospel's joyful sound:
may the fruits of your salvation in our hearts and lives abound!
Ever faithful, ever faithful to your truth may we be found.
Savior, when your love shall call us, From our struggling pilgrim way;
Let no fear of death appall us, glad your summons to obey.
May we ever, may we ever reign with you in endless day.
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.
9th Sunday after Pentecost
July 30, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Please join us for coffee fellowship after worship today.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
CALL TO WORSHIP
We seek the kingdom of God:
where the smallest seeds turn into great plants.
We seek the kingdom of God:
as precious as pearls or treasure.
We seek the kingdom of God:
where joy and abundance reign.
*HYMN: #175 (Red) ‘Seek Ye First’
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find,
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
You shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia!
CALL TO CONFESSION
We love God, and yet . . .
We are Christ’s disciples, and yet . . .
We are guided by the Spirit, and yet . . .
there are many ways we do not live this reality.
Let us call upon the Spirit to intercede for us in our time of confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Spirit, intercede . . .
when we fall short of your glory, when we do not deserve your promises,
when we do not act like those who have been called your family.
Spirit, intercede . . .
when our words wound, when our silence speaks volumes,
when our actions are a far cry from what you would have us do.
Spirit, intercede . . .
break forth into our lives, forming us into the image of your Son,
that we might never feel separate from you again.
(silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Beloved, hear this good news: God is for us. Not even our sins can separate us from the love of God.
Glory be to God for this grace and mercy!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 29:15-28
15 Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was graceful and beautiful. 18 Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.
21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” 22 So Laban gathered together all the people of the place and made a feast. 23 But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. 24 (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) 25 When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” 26 Laban said, “This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn. 27 Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” 28 Jacob did so and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as a wife.
Gospel Reading: Romans 8:26-39
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
SERMON ‘Persevere Through Prayer’ Pastor Mark E. Werner
*HYMN: ‘Sweet Hour of Prayer’ (in bulletin)
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face, believe His word, and trust His grace,
I'll cast on Him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height, I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise to seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing thro’ the air, farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH—APOSTLES’ CREED (in unison)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:17)
SPECIAL MUSIC Medley of Hymns of Prayer Nancy Ohnstad, soloist & Bonnie Foster, pianist
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy Spirit, you search the recesses of our minds and the depths of our hearts. You call us to be not only givers but also receivers of your gift of grace. We believe that you will multiply our gifts to draw us nearer to your side. As we offer these financial gifts, we are grateful to be joined to the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. (Romans 8:26-39 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Sharon H
-Richard C
-Lee P
-Andrew N (friend of Ella)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Anthony B (Teri’s son)
-Dale E (Lee’s brother)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Paige F
-Nelda H
-Betty G
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This week’s prayer families: Dan & Michele K, Don K & Carol G, Delores K
Those who mourn: We pray for the Riedesel, Eich, Ohnstad, VanderWaal, Broksieck, Canaday, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
HYMN #546 (Red) ‘Lord, Dismiss us with Your Blessing’
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace.
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace.
O refresh us, O refresh us, traveling through this wilderness.
Thanks we give and adoration for the gospel's joyful sound:
may the fruits of your salvation in our hearts and lives abound!
Ever faithful, ever faithful to your truth may we be found.
Savior, when your love shall call us, From our struggling pilgrim way;
Let no fear of death appall us, glad your summons to obey.
May we ever, may we ever reign with you in endless day.
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.