Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

Putting Jesus’ Way of Life into Practice by...

Encountering God, Loving One Another, & Reaching the World.

11th Sunday After Pentecost August 16, 2020

The fruit of the Spirit is ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

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Welcome to Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

Welcome & Centering Time

Scripture Reading Hebrews 11:1-6 1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction

of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received

approval. 3By faith we understand that the worlds were

prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. 4By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than

Cain's. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks.

5By faith Enoch was taken so that he did

not experience death; and "he was not found, because God had taken him." For it was attested before he was taken away that "he had pleased God."

6And without faith it is impossible

to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Thanksgiving for Baptism

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are raised with him to new life. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Water may be poured as the presiding minister gives thanks.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning you created us in your image and planted us in a well-watered garden. In the desert you promised pools of water for the parched, and you gave us water from the rock. When we did not know the way, you sent the Good Shepherd to lead us to still waters. At the cross, you watered us from Jesus’ wounded side, and on this day, you shower us again with the water of life.

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We praise you for your salvation through water, for the water in this font, and for all water everywhere. Bathe us in your forgiveness, grace, and love. Satisfy the thirsty, and give us the life only you can give. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

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

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray… God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Gathering Song “Do Not Lose Heart”

Verse 1 You've been running such a long, hard race Trying to go it your own way But even when you think you're all alone I'll be right there to say Refrain: "Do not lose heart when you're weary You can make a new start, you will see. So don't lose heart. Don't lose heart."

Scripture Reading Hebrews 11:7-16

7By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen,

respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith. 8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a

place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

9By faith he stayed for a time

in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in

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tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

10For he looked forward to the city that has

foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11

By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old — and Sarah herself was barren — because he considered him faithful who had promised.

12Therefore from one person, and

this one as good as dead, descendants were born, "as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore." 13

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth,

14for people who speak in this way make it clear that

they are seeking a homeland. 15

If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return.

16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a

heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Verse 2 I know it seems like things will never change And you just wanna walk away. If you forget that hope inside your heart, I'll be right there to say

Refrain: "Do not lose heart when you're weary You can make a new start, you will see. So don't lose heart. Don't lose heart."

Scripture Reading Hebrews 11:17-31 17

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son,

18of whom he had been told, "It is through Isaac that

descendants shall be named for you." 19

He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead — and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

20By faith Isaac

invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. 21

By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, "bowing in worship over the top of his staff."

22By faith Joseph,

at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

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23By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months

after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

24By faith Moses,

when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Phar-aoh's daughter,

25choosing rather to share ill-treatment with

the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

26He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be great-

er wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward.

27By faith he left Egypt, unafraid of the

king's anger; for he persevered as though he saw him who is invisible.

28By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of

blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. 29

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned.

30By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had

been encircled for seven days. 31

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Bridge: Don't let life get you down, No, no, just hold my hand and we will walk through this together Yeah, yeah, don't let it get you down, no, no, no

Refrain: Do not lose heart when you're weary Do not lose heart, you can make a new start. You will see. So don't lose heart. Don't lose heart. Don't lose heart. Don't lose heart.

Scripture Reading Hebrews 11:32-12:3 32

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets —

33who through faith conquered kingdoms, ad-

ministered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of li-ons,

34quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword,

won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put for-eign armies to flight.

35Women received their dead by resurrec-

tion. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection.

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36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and

imprisonment. 37

They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented —

38of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in

deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

39Yet all these, though they were commended for

their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40

since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

2looking to Jesus the pioneer and per-

fecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set be-fore him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such hostility against himself

from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Sermon Intern Katie Langston

Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

Song of the Day “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

1 Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not; as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Refrain Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! 2 Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. Refrain

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3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Refrain Text: Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-1960 Text © 1923, ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. OneLicense#A-703972

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father 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 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

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Prayers of Intercession Response: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Peace The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

You are invited to share God’s peace.

Offering

Offering Special Music Intern Katie Langston

Offering Prayer

Be known to us, God, our creator, through all your ways of grace that we have received from your Son, Jesus Christ. May we continue to live lives rooted and built up in Him abounding in thanksgiving. 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 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

Blessing

God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep

you in eternal love. Amen

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Sending Hymn “Do It Again”

Verse 1 Walking around these walls

I thought by now they'd fall

But you have never failed me yet

Waiting for change to come

Knowing the battle's won

For you have never failed me yet

Chorus Your promise still stands

Great is your faithfulness

Faithfulness

I'm still in your hands

This is my confidence

You've never failed me yet

Verse 2 I know the night won't last

Your word will come to pass

My heart will sing your praise again

Jesus you're still enough

Keep me within your love

My heart will sing your praise again

Chorus:

Bridge I've seen you move

You move the mountains

And I believe

I'll see you do it again

You made a way

Where there was no way

And I believe

I'll see you do it again

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Ending You've never failed me yet

I never will forget

You've never failed me yet

I never will forget

CCLI Song # 7067555 Chris Brown | Mack Brock | Matt Redman | Steven Furtick © Said And Done Music | sixsteps Music | Thankyou Music | worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) | Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) |

CCLI License # 1049557 Dismissal Go in peace. Christ is with you.

Thanks be to God.

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Current Prayer Requests

For those who are in need of healing: Abby Cudney & David Roelofs (friends of Justin & Anna Grimm), Melissa Lombardo (Sue Woehrle's friend's sister), Lyle Nelson, Kathryn Hill & Family (family friends of Pastor Chris), Karen Wallrich, Bobbie Judkin (Jake Massie’s grandmother), Cheryl Borreson (Nancy Sacco’s sister-in law).

Prayers for social unrest, racism, polarization, virus, poverty, and homelessness our world is experiencing.

For those who are grieving: The family and friends of… Marilyn and Rachel (Pam Irgens’ cousins).

BIBLE STUDY — Wednesday — 10:00am

“The Fruit of the Spirit” (Faithfulness)

Women’s Bible Study

“The Dream Of You” by Jo Saxton Saturday, August 22 — 9:00-11:00am (Patio)

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Sunday, August 16 - 11th Sunday After Pentecost 9:00 AM - Worship (Online) 10:15 AM - Fellowship Time (Zoom) 11:00 AM - Radical Hospitality (Zoom Mtg) Monday, August 17 6:00 PM - CRT (Zoom Mtg) Tuesday, August 18 7:30 AM - Free Bread Distribution (Patio) 5:30 PM - Risk-Taking Mission & Service (Zoom Mtg) 6:30 PM - Passionate Worship (Zoom Mtg) 7:00 PM - AA Meeting (Patio) Wednesday, August 19 10:00 AM - Wednesday Bible Study (Zoom Mtg) 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Youth Missional Community (Zoom Mtg) Thursday, August 20 Friday, August 21 8:00 AM - Extravagant Generosity (Zoom Mtg) Saturday, August 22 9:00 AM - Women’s Bible Study (Patio) Sunday, August 23 - 12th Sunday After Pentecost 9:00 AM - Worship (Online) 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM - Drive-up Communion (Church Parking Lot)

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3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 Phone 651-429-6595

Email office@cslcvh.org Website-www.cslcvh.org Rev. Chris Steubing, Pastor; pastorchris@cslcvh.org; 651-335-0256

Intern Katie Langston; internkatie@cslcvh.org Sandy Hammerlind, Ministry Coordinator; office@cslcvh.org

After Hearing the Word Together Online Through

YouTube, Facebook or Zoom,

Receive the Sacrament!

Next Sunday — August 23 — 9:45AM—10:45AM

Instructions Enter our church parking lot from Centerville Rd. Do not park in the spaces, but line up behind one another follow-ing the direction of the traffic “ushers.” There will be three stations in the Drive-Up line; 1) Offering, 2) Receiving a plate with Celebra-tion Cups - Prefilled Communion Cups (Wafer & Juice Sets) or pre-packaged gluten free wafers upon request, and 3) Communion Blessing & Prayer. As the driver, put your mask on, roll down your window, and stay in your car. You may give your offering in person today if you like, then receive the communion set/s, and proceed to station 3 where you may take down your mask to consume the juice and wafer and receive a blessing and prayer from Pastor Chris and Intern Pastor Katie.