Grace Lutheran Church239 E North St

Hastings MI 49058

Website: www.grace-hastings.orgFacebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI

Worship Committee e-mail: gracelutheranworshipcommittee@gmail.com

Phone: (269) 945-9414 (269) 945-2645

Pastor Ken Scheck IIMs. Cindy Olson, Minister of Music

July 22, 2018

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The Shores of Wilderness

Work colleagues wandered into one another’s offices, often at the most overwhelmed and exasperated intersections of their days, to exhale fragments of frayed and patched agendas and deadlines. “What are we doing that matters?”

Today’s gospel describes a busy, even frantic scene. Great crowds. All that they had done. Rushed. Taught. Healed. No leisure even to eat. Hurried. The sick. Sheep without a shepherd. Marketplaces. Great crowds.

Then, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). Jesus leads the way—away—to a deserted place, to the shores of wilderness where we can be close to ourselves, where we can receive rest.

Come away to rest with Jesus in a deserted place where what we do and who we are meet. Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where giving and receiving bask in love for one another. Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where the still small voice and the voice crying in the wilderness grace our silence.

Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where visions beyond and dreams within awaken one another. Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where the tree withers to bear new fruit.

Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where yesterday’s hour and tomorrow’s hour are blessed in now’s moment. Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where extravagant abundance gladdens scarcity.

Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where knowing lies down quietly as believing rises. Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where shepherd and sheep come together. Come away to rest with Jesus in the deserted place where it matters.And they did. They “went away in the boat to a deserted place” (Mark 6:32).

From sundaysandseasons.com.Copyright © 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved

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BEFORE WORSHIPPlease fill out our Participation Card and place it in the offering plate every Sunday.  This card helps the ministry of both the Congregational Care and Community Outreach Committees.  Sometimes there are additional questions on the back of the card, so don’t forget to check both sides of the card.

9th Sunday After PentecostJuly 22, 2018

Pentecost is a season for growing represented by the color green.  We celebrate the founding of the church and the fruits of the Spirit. 

Pre-Service Music

Welcome/Worship Instructions

Stand as you are able

Gathering Music The Lord’s My Shepherd ELW 778 (red book)

GreetingThe pastor and the assembly greet each other.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.

A As in one body we have many members,C so we, who are many, are one body in Christ.

P Where two or three are gathered in my name, says the Lord,C I am there among them.

A Live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,C with humility and gentleness.P Let us make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit,C in the unity of the Spirit’s bond of peace.A Let us pursue what makes for justice and peace,C for mutual upbuilding of the body of Christ

Amen.

Prayer of the Day

A Let us Pray… O God, powerful and compassionate, you shepherd your people, faithfully feeding and protecting us.C Heal each of us, and make us a whole people, that we may embody the justice and peace of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AmenSit

First Reading Jeremiah 23:1-69SP -3

Holy Silence is observed as we enter to worship.

Jeremiah prophesied before the exile in 587 BCE. In this passage, he uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe the bad kings who have scattered the “flock” of Israel. God promises to gather the flock and to raise up a new king from David’s line to save Israel and Judah.

L A reading from Jeremiah:1Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. 2Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the LORD. 3Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD. 5The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”

L The word of the Lord.C Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23 Shepherd Me, O God ELW 780

Second Reading Ephesians 2:11-22The author of this letter is reminding his audience that originally they were not part of God’s chosen people. Through Jesus’ death, however, they are included in God’s household of faith, whose cornerstone is Jesus Christ.

L A reading from Ephesians:11Remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands—12remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21In him the whole structure is joined

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together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

L The word of the Lord.C Thanks be to God.

Stand

Gospel Acclamation We Eat the Bread of Teaching ELW 518 (red book)

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Gospel Reading Mark 6:30-34, 53-56When Jesus sent his disciples out to teach and heal, they ministered among large numbers of people. Their work was motivated by Christ’s desire to be among those in need.

P The Holy Gospel, according to Mark.30The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. 54When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, 55and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

P The Gospel of the Lord.C Praise to you, O Christ.

Sit

Children’s MessageAll children [including infants] and youth who desire to come forward for the children’s sermon are welcomed and encouraged to do so. Parents/caregivers are welcome to accompany their child during the children’s message.

Message

Silence for reflection

Song of the Day I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say ELW 611

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Prayer

A Growing in faith and discipleship, we give thanks for God’s merciful compassion as we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

A brief silence.

A God, you are our cornerstone, giving your people a strong foundation of faith. Help us to seek meaningful change in the world and lead us to places of rest where you renew us for mission. Empower and guide the faith of our bishops and congregations and all the servants of your church, including Bishops Elizabeth and Craig, Assistants David, Chrysanne and Sarah; our synod companion churches, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church/ Rose City, Faith United Methodist Church of Delton; Minister of Music Cindy and Pastor Ken. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.C The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. Oh, (2x’s) oh.

A God, you are our shepherd, leading us to green pastures and still waters for our use and pleasure. Renew the face of the earth. Guard the land and seas, the mountains and valleys, cultivated farmland and untamed wilderness. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.C The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. Oh, (2x’s) oh.

A God, you are our righteousness, proclaiming peace to those who are far off and to those who are near. Remove hostility that divides nations. Make us no longer strangers or aliens but fellow citizens with all your saints. Protect the lives of those who serve in the military, including Myrina Clements, Lance and Kayla Champaco, Joshua Wright, Parker Stancil, Tim Krewson, Alexis and Dylan Kelmer, Austin and Aaron Endsley and Tyler Van Houten. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.C The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. Oh, (2x’s) oh.

A Your people cry out to you, seeking the goodness and hope of your holiness. Let the wind of your Spirit blow into the lives of all who suffer from injustice, want, or anguish of any kind. Hear us, O God.C The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. Oh, (2x’s) oh.

A God, you are our compassion, bringing rest to all who seek treatments and diagnoses and are left without answers or energy. Restore the aching souls and bodies of those who seek comfort the family of Steve Larghi (President of Family Promise), Hope Weston- Palmer, Karl & Mary Golnek, Larry Hansen, Kay Howell, and Brianna. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.C The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. Oh, (2x’s) oh.

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A God, you are our creativity, creating joy and purpose through all artists in the church: composers, writers, visual artists, musicians, poets, and dancers. Open our hearts to experience your truth in new and beautiful ways through their work. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

A Be attentive, gracious God, to the individual petitions we lift to you in loud voice or in the silence of our hearts.

Here other intercessions may be offered.A Hear us, O God.C The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. Oh, (2x’s) oh.

A God, you are our future, leading us through the valley of the shadow of death and preparing a table for us with all of your saints. Let your goodness and mercy follow us until we dwell in your house forever. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

C The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express. Oh, (2x’s) oh.

P Gracious God, we lift to you these prayers and the prayers of our hearts, trusting in your everlasting love and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C Amen.

Stand as you are able

Sharing the Peace of GodP The peace of Christ be with you always.C And also with you.

(We share the peace of Christ with one another.)

Sit

Offering of Gifts and Music

Everyone at worship is encouraged to fill it out and place a Participation Card in the offering plate every Sunday morning.

Stand as you are able.

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Offering PrayerA Let us pray . . . Merciful God, you open wide your hand and satisfy the need of every living thing.C You have set this feast before us. Open our hands to receive it. Open our hearts to embrace it. Open our lives to live it. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Great ThanksgivingP 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.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. You reveal your glory as the glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: equal in majesty, undivided in splendor, one Lord, one God, ever to be adored in your eternal glory. 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.

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Eucharistic Prayer P Blessed are you, O God of the universe. Your mercy is everlasting, and your faithfulness

endures from age to age.C Praise to you for creating the heavens and the earth. Praise to you for saving the earth

from the waters of the flood.P Praise to you for bringing the Israelites safely through the sea. Praise to you for leading

your people through the wilderness to the land of milk and honey.C Praise to you for the words and deeds of Jesus, your anointed one.P Praise to you for the death and resurrection of Christ.C Praise to you for your Spirit poured out on all nations.P 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. O God of resurrection and new life:C Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine.P Bless this feast.C Grace our table with your presence. Reveal yourself to us in the breaking of the bread.P Raise us up as the body of Christ for the world. Breathe new life into us.C We praise you, O God, blessed and holy Trinity, now and forever. Amen.

Lord’s PrayerP Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us always to pray:C Our Father in heaven, holy be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Invitation to CommunionP Come, let us eat, for now the feast is spread.C Thanks be to God!

Sit

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Communion at GraceAll who are present are invited to receive Holy Communion. This sacrament is a gift to all

who come with open hands and open hearts to the presence of Jesus. Bread is served by the Pastor. Wine is served from a common cup by the Assisting Minister.If you need gluten free bread, please let the Pastor know when you come forward.

Lamb of God

One Bread, One Body ELW 496

Just As I Am, Without One Plea ELW 592

Now the Silence ELW 460

Prayer after CommunionA Let us pray . . . Jesus Christ, host of this meal, you have given us not only this bread and cup,but your very self, that we may feast on your great love. C Filled again by these signs of your grace, may we hunger for your reign of justice, may we thirst for your way of peace, for you are Lord forevermore. Amen.

Congregational Announcements

BlessingP God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine,grant you the gifts of faith and hope. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.C Amen.

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Communion at GraceAll who are present are invited to receive Holy Communion. This sacrament is a gift to all

who come with open hands and open hearts to the presence of Jesus. Bread is served by the Pastor. Wine is served from a common cup by the Assisting Minister.If you need gluten free bread, please let the Pastor know when you come forward.

Sending Song There is a Balm in Gilead ELW 614 (red book)

Dismissal

A Go in peace. The Spirit sends us forth to serve.C Thanks be to God.

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All children and youth, as well as the young at heart and playful spirits, are invited to come forward to make music and dance during the Sending Hymn. Please choose one instrument to play or one scarf to use for waving and dancing. 

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GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

VBS 2018 Save the Date!

Join us as we take a trip to an uncharted island this year.  We will experience a little trouble when we are

shipwrecked, but we know that Jesus carries us through life’s storms, and he will rescue us!  We will

have so much fun together! 

Join us Monday, July 23 to Friday, July 27 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM each evening

Ages 3—6th Grade 

Register at Grace Lutheran Church 239 E North St

Hastings Michigan269-945-9414

www.grace-hastings.org

Today’s Worship Leaders

8:00 am 10:45 am Assisting Ministers Randy Teegardin Mark AntonCantor Jack Vos Mark AntonLector Carl Schoessel Kristi WinickCommunion Server Brenda Teegardin Diane NeebAcolyte/Crucifer Mark Anton Hope PeckUsher Kay Marsh & Dave Neeb Ed & Luke DomkeGreeter/Coffee Hr. Lyle & Joyce Proksch Doug and Diane Neeb

Chancel Team Chris Bush & Vickie Argo

Next Sunday’s Worship Leaders, July 29, 2018Outdoor Service 10:00 am

Assisting Ministers Traci WalesCantor Vickey ArgoLector Jeanette MarkwartCommunion Server Mark AntonAcolyte/Crucifer Lance OgdenUsher Mark Anton & Gary GolnekGreeter/Coffee Hr. Volunteers

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE

Today, July 22 Worship at 8:00 & 10:45 amFolk Music Rehearsal 9:30 am

Monday, July 23through Vacation Bible School 5:30 - 8:00 pmFriday, July 27

Stewardship Information

Worshippers last week: 84 Weekly Giving: $2,847.00 Budget Amount: $4,181.22

Let the Children Come! Vacation Bible School begins tomorrow from 5:30 – 8:00 pm and will continue each day this week, ending on Friday. Don’t miss the adventure “SHIPWRECKED”.

VBS needs – a person who enjoys reading from a script and having fun telling a thematic story that lasts about 3 minutes. If interested, please talk to Pastor Ken about your willingness to do a “little” acting”.

Next Sunday: One service at 10:00 AM which will be “under the tent”.

4th annual car show and church service July 29: Plan to attend the GLC car show beginning at 9 am. This is open to anyone with classic or antique car, truck or motorcycle. After worship, an open luncheon will be held from 11:30 to 1:30 PM for car show attendees, spectators and worshipers alike.

Interested in being a Shepherd on the Congregational Care Committee?  Please contact Sharon Varkula @ 586-943-0666.

Folk Music Rehearsal for outdoor worship is meeting July 22nd between services at 9:30 am. All singers are invited.

Next meeting time for Adult Forum will meet in two weeks at 9:30 a.m. During this session the class focus will be how God’s grace changes our community. At the next meeting time the class will focus on how God’s grace changes our perspective.

Relay for Life: Saturday, August 4 from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm at Tyden Park in Hastings. Luminaria are available for $10 in honor or memory of those who have battled cancer.

Worship Committee Meeting after second service on August 5, 2018.

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The local Food Pantry located at the Methodist Church on Green Street is currently in needof Old Orchard 100% juice (64 oz--NOT apple juice this time); Pasta or Rice A-Roni (NOT Spanish, beef or chicken based rice PLEASE), Animal Crackers, pretzels, cake mixes (NOT yellow or brownie mix), Meijer pasta--bow ties, shells ONLY, and Old El Paso taco shells.