Lebanon Lutheran Cooperative Ministry

Hill Lutheran Church - Salem Lutheran Church - St. James Lutheran Church

Rev. Robert Ierien - Rev. Kristal Smith - Vicar Jonah Davis

lebanonlutherans.org

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

September 6, 2020

Welcome to worship with Lebanon Lutheran Cooperative Ministry

www.lebanonlutherans.org

Our Congregations

Hill Lutheran Church St. James Lutheran Church Salem Lutheran Church 998 N. Mill Street 53 Chestnut Street 119 N. 8th Street Lebanon, PA 17046 Lebanon, PA 17042 Lebanon, PA 17046 Sunday School 9 am Worship 8:45 am Worship 9 am

Our purpose: to share resources and opportunities for mission and ministry, to grow disciples of Jesus Christ, to discern a shared vision for God’s mission in the Lebanon area, and to share the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ with our community and with the world.

Our priorities: Spiritual Renewal – growing deeper in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ Faith Formation – growing in our understanding of faith and the world Evangelical Outreach – sharing the good news of God’s love with those around us

Important Worship Notes Due to current public health and safety guidelines: Masks are required. Disposable masks are available if you do not have one.

A physical distance of at least six feet between family groups must be maintained.

We ask that you please refrain from singing. Lyrics to the hymns are included and

you are encouraged to follow along silently, or hum softly.

Thank you for your cooperation.

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION + FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +

September 6, 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

whose steadfast love is everlasting, whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.

C Amen.

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

Silence is kept for reflection.

P Reconciling God, C 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.

P 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. C Amen.

OPENING HYMN: Earth and All Stars!

Text: Herbert F. Brokering, b. 1926 © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE, License #A-730797. All rights reserved.

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

1 Earth and all stars! Loud rushing planets! Sing to the Lord a new song! Oh, victory! Loud shouting army! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain He has done marvelous things. I too will praise him with a new song! 2 Hail, wind, and rain! Loud blowing snowstorm! Sing to the Lord a new song! Flowers and trees! Loud rustling dry leaves! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 3 Trumpet and pipes! Loud clashing cymbals! Sing to the Lord a new song! Harp, lute, and lyre! Loud humming cellos! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain

4 Engines and steel! Loud pounding hammers! Sing to the Lord a new song! Limestone and beams! Loud building workers! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 5 Classrooms and labs! Loud boiling test tubes! Sing to the Lord a new song! Athlete and band! Loud cheering people! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain 6 Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom! Sing to the Lord a new song! Daughter and son! Loud praying members! Sing to the Lord a new song! Refrain

KYRIE P In peace, let us pray to the Lord. C Lord, have mercy.

P For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. C Lord, have mercy.

P For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. C Lord, have mercy. P For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. C Lord, have mercy. P Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. C Amen

HYMN OF PRAISE P Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. C Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father: We worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

P Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God: You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. C You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen

PRAYER OF THE DAY P Let us pray. O Lord God, C enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail; remove far from us everything that is harmful, and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

FIRST READING Ezekiel 33:7-11

God appointed Ezekiel as a sentinel for the house of Israel. Ezekiel must faithfully convey God’s warnings to the people. Remarkably, God—who is about to attack Jerusalem—gives a warning with the hope that repentance will make the attack unnecessary. 7So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. 9But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life. 10Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: “Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?” 11Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?

PSALM Psalm 119:33-40

I desire the path of your commandments.

33Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. 34Give me understanding, and I shall keep your teaching; I shall keep it with all my heart.

35Lead me in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire. 36Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain. 37Turn my eyes from beholding falsehood; give me life in your way. 38Fulfill your promise to your servant, which is for those who fear you. 39Turn away the reproach that I dread, because your judgments are good. 40Behold, I long for your commandments; by your righteousness enliven me.

SECOND READING Romans 13:8-14

The obligation of Christians is to love one another and so fulfill the heart and goal of the law. Clothes make the person as we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and live today in light of the future God has in store for us.

8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. 11Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia. Alleluia. GOSPEL READING Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus offers practical advice to his disciples on how individuals—and the church as a whole—should go about restoring relationships when one member has sinned against another.

P The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. C Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to the disciples, 15“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

P This is the Gospel of our Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON

HYMN: Father of Mercies, in Your Word

1 Father of mercies, in your word what endless glory shines! Forever be your name adored for these celestial lines. 2 Here springs of consolation rise to cheer the fainting mind, and thirsty souls receive supplies and sweet refreshment find. 3 Oh, may these heav’nly pages be my ever dear delight; and still new beauties may I see and still increasing light. 4 Divine instructor, gracious Lord, may you be always near; teach me to love your sacred word and find my Savior here. Text: Anne Steele, 1716-1778, alt.

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE, License #A-730797. All rights reserved.

APOSTLES’ CREED

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

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

A brief silence.

Unite your church, O God. Grant us the gifts of repentance and reconciliation. Bless the cooperative work of churches in this community (especially). Strengthen ecumenical partnerships; guide the work of the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect your creation, O God. Teach us ways that do not harm what you have entrusted to our care. Renew and enliven places suffering from drought, flood, storms, or pollution. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Turn nations and leaders from ways that lead to death. Shape new paths toward peace and cooperation, teaching us to recognize one another as neighbors. Guide legislators, civil servants, judges, and police toward laws that protect the well-being of all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Tend to all in need of your compassion. Hear the cries of those awaiting justice and those yearning for forgiveness. Give community to the lonely and neighbors to the outcast. Shelter all who are vulnerable in body, mind, or spirit (especially). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sustain us in our work, O God, and give work to those who need it. Shape societies to ensure fair treatment for all who labor. Help us to love our neighbors in and through our work. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We remember with thanksgiving those who have died in faith. As you equipped them, equip us with your protection and power, until with them we see your salvation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

All these things and whatever else you see that we need, we entrust to your mercy; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

OFFERING There are a number of ways of making your offerings to God during this time. One is to give online at www.lebanonlutherans.org/give . If you prefer not to give online, you may of course mail a check to your congregation. If you are not able to give monetarily during this time, know that your prayers and praise are a pleasing offering to God. If you are able to give a little more during this time, please consider doing so as a way of supporting your fellow disciples who are not able to.

OFFERTORY PRAYER P Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.

Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: our selves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

C Amen.

DIALOGUE P The Lord be with you. C And also with you.

P Lift up your hearts. C We lift them to the Lord.

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

PREFACE P It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS C Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE P Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: you we praise and glorify, you we worship and adore. You formed the earth from chaos; you encircled the globe with air; you created fire for warmth and light; you nourish the lands with water. You molded us in your image, and with mercy higher than the mountains, with grace deeper than the seas, you blessed the Israelites and cherished them as your own.

P That also we, estranged and dying, might be adopted to live in your Spirit, you called to us through the life and death of Jesus. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Together as the body of Christ, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes: C Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. P With this bread and cup we remember your Son, the first-born of your new creation. We remember his life lived for others, and his death and resurrection, which renews the face of the earth. We await his coming, when, with the world made perfect through your wisdom, all our sins and sorrows will be no more. C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. P Holy God, holy and merciful one, holy and compassionate, send upon us and this meal your Holy Spirit, whose breath revives us for life, whose fire rouses us to love.

Enfold in your arms all who share this holy food. Nurture in us the fruits of the Spirit, that we may be a living tree, sharing your bounty with all the world. C Amen. Come, Holy Spirit. P Holy and benevolent God, receive our praise and petitions, as Jesus received the cry of the needy, and fill us with your blessing, until, needy no longer and bound to you in love, we feast forever in the triumph of the Lamb: through whom all glory and honor is yours, O God, O Living One, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, now and forever. C Amen. LORD’S PRAYER P Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.

C Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come to the feast, for all is now ready.

AGNUS DEI (SPOKEN) C Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace. COMMUNION When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say

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

and each person may respond

Amen.

POST-COMMUNION BLESSING

P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. C Amen.

POST-COMMUNION CANTICLE (SPOKEN) C Thank the Lord and sing his praise; Tell everyone what God has done! Let all who seek the Lord rejoice And bear Christ’s holy name. He recalls his promises And leads his people forth in joy With shouts of thanksgiving! Alleluia! Alleluia! PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION P Let us pray. God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen. BENEDICTION

P Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

C Amen.

1 Rise up, O saints of God! From vain ambitions turn; Christ rose triumphant that your hearts with nobler zeal might burn. 2 Speak out, O saints of God! Despair engulfs earth’s frame; as heirs of God’s baptismal grace, his word of hope proclaim. 3 Rise up, O saints of God! His kingdom’s task embrace; redress sin’s cruel consequence; give justice larger place.

4 Give heed, O saints of God! Creation cries in pain; stretch forth your hand of healing now, with love the weak sustain. 5 Commit your hearts to seek the paths which Christ has trod and quickened by the Spirit’s power, rise up, O saints of God!

CLOSING HYMN: Rise Up, O Saints of God!

Text: Norman O. Forness, b. 1936 © Norman O. Forness, admin. Augsburg Fortress Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE, License #A-730797. All rights reserved.

DISMISSAL

P Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #43183. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-730797. All rights reserved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

What: Drive-through Farewell for Vicar Jonah

Who: You!

Where: Hill Lutheran Church by the door to the social hall

When: Sunday, September 6, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

How: Come with your well-wishes to give Vicar Jonah a proper send-off as he leaves

for his next adventure in Kutztown. We have been blessed by his presence and

ministry and trust he will continue to be a blessing wherever the Lord leads him!

Please share with your fellow members who do not receive email!

From: The Co-op Board

Tech Volunteers Needed With the return to in-person worship and the livestreaming of the worship service, it has become impossible for the pastoral staff to effectively lead worship and manage the technology simultaneously. Therefore, we need one or more volunteers who can help manage the livestream and the Zoom phone connection during the 9 am worship service at Saint James and Salem. (The plan is to livestream from both of those locations on an alternating basis.) Basic tech and internet know-how is a plus; training will be given on the exact needs for managing these connections. Our hope is to have enough volunteers for this work to be able to rotate the volunteers, similar to the way we typically rotate ushers, greeters, etc. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Pastor Bob. Youth Mask Program Wellspan/GSH, Community Health Council and the United Way are asking for pediatric masks for the elementary students of Lebanon County. If you would like to make and donate masks, please contact the Co-op office to receive the sewing pattern. Finished masks can be dropped off on Tuesday, September 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the lobby of Salem Lutheran Church’s Parish building. Questions? Please contact the Co-op office at 717-273-3001. Thank you for your support.