For Your Information—For Your Inspiration News & Notes for ... · For Your Information—For Your...
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St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
910 Marne Highway Hainesport, New Jersey 08036-2666
Office Phone: 609.267.0740 Fax: 609.267.3798
E-Mail: [email protected]
Ministers - All Members! Karen Platt,
Council President Rich Moyer,
Council Vice President Beverly Grazioli,
Sunday School Director Rosanne Scassero,
Office Manager Ken Hibbert,
Business Coordinator Denisemarie Porter,
Director of Music The Rev. Elaine C. Quincey,
Interim Pastor
Keep these folks in your prayers… ...those who are hospitalized, ill or other: Jack Barry, Sandi Berry, Linda Brooks, Alyssa
Corrigan, Angie DelVecchio, Eilyn Doe, Carol Lee Eckman, Don Egan, Cynthia Fazzini, Mark Fiveash, Matthew Foltz, Eleanor Franks, Amari Fuhriman, Berta Graham, Alice Izzo, Kathy Kennedy, John Lutz, Dennis Marks, Edward McLaughlin, Elsa Mollo-Snow, Marge Monaghan, Nicole Monastero, Kathy Moran, Marilyn Murray, Mike Norton, Leroy Parent, Marilyn Phifer, Daniel Ritchie, Linda Seitz, Tim Shell, Jane Smith, Julia Stanz, Joshua Sturgess, Bill Tantum, Meghan and Neal Tullos, Arlene Weiss, Gary Williams, Donna Wood, Josh Young-Smith
...those who have long-term illnesses: Gerri Burns, John Carmichael, Linda Coburn, Edith Crane, Bob Cross, Sharon Favaloro, Bob Grover, Theresa Jones, Mary Meddahi, Virginia Sandstrom, Betty Schmidt, Kathy Strano, Justin Vinluan, Amanda Williams, Violet P. Wise
...those who are homebound: Walt Cliver, Elmer & Mildred Conover, Fran
Craig, Millie Guenther, Eleanor Johnson, Johnny Johnson, John and Rina Johnson, Alice Karis, Arlene Kaye, Nancy McKeown, Gloria Reagoso, Bob Wolfrom
...those in the military or other service: Michael Cobb, Navy L CPL Timothy Robert Ritter, USMC ...for peace and unity in our own country
Please help us keep this list updated. Let the church office know if someone should be removed from this list. (609) 267-0740 or [email protected].
Worship Services:
Services have been moved online Sunday, 10:00 AM Facebook Live Sunday School, 11:30 AM Facebook Live
Worship Attendance
June 2020
Livestream Worship 429
For Your Information—For Your Inspiration
News & Notes for St. Paul’s Community
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
July 12, 2020
Visitors and members—Welcome to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church! We’re glad you’re here and pray that you experience God’s kindness with us in worship.
At St. Paul’s, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, all baptized persons are welcome at Holy Communion—the Altar is God’s table. While the services are online, we are using individual Communion cups that can be picked up ahead of time at church when the office is open. Gluten free wafers are available upon request. We will announce Communion dates ahead of time.
God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s table we are fed with the bread of life, that we may bear fruit in the world.
Today’s Readings
Isaiah 55:10-13 - God’s word to Israel’s exiles is as sure and effective as never-failing precipitation. Their return to the Holy Land in a new exodus is cheered on by singing mountains and by trees that clap their hands.
Psalm 65:1-13 - Your paths overflow with plenty. (Ps. 65:11) Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 - In Matthew’s gospel, both Jesus and his disciples “sow the seed” of God’s word by proclaiming the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near.” Now, in a memorable parable, Jesus explains why this good news produces different results in those who hear.
St. Paul’s Mission Statement
Rooted in God's unconditional love, the congregation of Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, commits mind, body, spirit, and treasure to encourage all people to become disciples of
Christ, to share God's abundance, and to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.
Open Study Hours
Pastor Elaine’s open study hours for the upcoming week are listed below:
Week of July 13
There will be no open study hours during this time of physical distancing. Pastor Elaine will be making phone visits. Please do not hesitate to call me any time to ask for prayer for yourself or a loved one. I am happy - anytime - to pray with and for you. I'm never too busy for that. It's why I'm here!
Pastor Elaine’s Contact Info
Cell: 609-410-2828 Office: 609-267-0740 x 21
Email: [email protected]
Food Pantry Collection
We will once again be collecting for the food
pantry. You can drop off donations Monday through Wednesday. Please call ahead to let Rosanne know you will be coming. You can leave your donations in the vestibule and Rosanne will bring them into the building. Extended Hand Ministry has a great need for canned vegetables and fruits. If you could include those in your food donations, it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Virtual Service and
Sunday School
As the church building is closed until further notice, we hope you are continuing to enjoy St. Paul’s virtual worship services on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/stpaulshainesport. If you don’t have Facebook, you can still watch the live service. Just go to the website above and ignore the prompts to log in or create an account. Sunday worship begins at 10:00 AM, but we will be going live at 9:45 so you can make sure you’re in when the service starts and have time to chat with your friends! Sunday School follows at 11:30 AM. Missing fellowship? Join us on Zoom for St. Paul’s Coffee Time! We’ll be meeting between the worship service and Sunday School. The meeting will start around 11:45. Contact the office for login information! If you weren’t able to catch it live on Facebook, you can find the link to our YouTube channel on our website, www.stpaulsh.org. You will find all the worship and Sunday School videos there! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Summer Bible Study
Join Pastor Elaine on July
15 & 22 and August 5 & 12 for a Zoom bible study “Hymns of Comfort.” Please call the office for a copy of the study and the Zoom login information!
ShopRite/Acme Gift Cards
We still have ShopRite/Acme gift cards. If you are interested in purchasing please contact me at 609-261-0125. I can make arrangements for you to pick up from me at my home in Mount Holly on Fridays between the hours of 10am and 3pm. You can either pay cash or check written to St Paul's Lutheran Church. I will continue to sell them until all have been purchased. Thank you. Lois Uetz
Can Tabs
We are still collecting can tabs
to benefit Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia. You can drop off your can
tabs in the vestibule on Mondays and
Wednesdays. Please contact Joyce Alexander
if you have any questions. Thank you!
In Search of Sanitizing Wipes
If you’ve been to the stores, you know that sanitizing wipes are in short supply. It’s pretty impossible to order them online either! If you happen to be shopping, and you see
some and are able, please pick up a container for church. You can drop it off Monday-Wednesday. We want to be stocked and ready when the church building reopens. Thank you!
Pandemic Ponderings The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way we live - temporarily or perhaps permanently. We are living through an historic time and we feel it is important to document this time for future generations. The Legacy Committee is inviting everyone in the congregation to share your pandemic story. We would like to hear how this lockdown has affected your life, the ways you and your family are dealing with it and how you think it could create a ‘new normal’ for all of us. You can write a short essay, a poem, create artwork—the best way you know how to share your story. Please either email your story to Rosanne at [email protected] or send it to her at the church office. Thank
you.
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July 12, 2020
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - 10:00 AM Setting Four
Prelude: Denisemarie Porter
Parish Concerns
Thanksgiving for Baptism
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the fountain of living water, the
rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation.
C: Amen. P: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy
and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
C: We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over
the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in
which you took delight.
P: Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through
the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river
your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water
and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your
promise and servants of all.
C: We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we
praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your
Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love. To
you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Hymn Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty 533
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.
Prayer of the Day
P: Let us pray. 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.
C: Amen.
Children’s Time
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First Reading Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm Psalm 65:1-13
Alleluia Verse
Holy Gospel Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Sermon: Pastor Elaine C. Quincey
Hymn of the Day Build Up
Prayers of Intercession
L: Called into unity with one another and the whole creation let us pray for our
shared world.
A brief silence.
L: 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.
C: Your mercy is great. L: 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.
C: Your mercy is great. L: 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.
C: Your mercy is great. L: Abiding God, care for all who are in need especially Elsa who is on hospice, all
who suffering from covid-19 or other illness. 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.
C: Your mercy is great. L: 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 especially Virtual Bible School and deepen
relationships with the wider community. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
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L: Eternal God, we give thanks for all who have died especially Nathan
Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, whom we commemorate today. Comfort us in the
sure and certain hope of the resurrection. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.
P: Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
Offering One Spirit
Offering Prayer
L: Siblings in Christ, thank you for your continued support of St. Paul’s. Pastor
Elaine and the entire staff are still working, preparing for outside worship and
even better live streaming. Bev and her team are getting reading for Virtual
Bible School later this month. We all look forward to when we can safely
gather in person again. Thank you.
L: Let us pray. C: God of goodness and growth, all creation is yours, and your faithfulness
is as firm as the heavens. Water and word 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 Lord’s Prayer, page 154
Our Father in heaven, hallowed 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.
Blessing P: 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 Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and
keep you in eternal love.
C: Amen.
Hymn On What Has Now Been Sown 550
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Dismissal
L: Go in peace. Christ is with you.
C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude: Denisemarie Porter
Sunday, July 12, 2020 6th Sunday after Pentecost
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 65:1-13 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.
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.”
Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty #533
Open now thy gates of beauty, Zion,
let me enter there,
Where my soul in joyful duty
Waits for God who answers prayer.
Oh, how blessed is this place,
filled with so-lace, light, and grace!
Gracious God, I come before thee;
Come thou also unto me;
Where we find thee and adore thee,
There a heaven on earth must be.
To my heart, oh, enter thou,
Let it be thy temple now!
Here thy praise is gladly chanted,
Here thy seed is duly sown;
Let my soul, where it is planted,
Bring forth precious sheaves alone.
So that all I hear may be
Fruitful unto life in me.
Thou my faith increase and quicken,
Let me keep thy gift divine;
How so e’er temptations thicken.
May thy word still o’er me shine
As my guiding star through life,
As my comfort in all strife.
Speak, O God, and I will hear thee,
Let thy will be done indeed;
May I undisturbed draw near thee
While thou dost thy people feed.
Here of life the fountain flows;
Here is balm for all our woes.
Build Up
Build up, prepare the way.
Remove the obstructions
from my people’s way.
Build up, prepare the way.
God is near,
God is here today.
Break the chains of injustice.
Let the oppressed go free.
Share our homes
with the homeless
and our bread
with the hungry.
Build up, prepare the way.
Remove the obstructions
from my people’s way.
Build up, prepare the way.
God is near,
God is here today.
God sees all our destruction;
how we get in love’s way.
Still God comes
and meets us
with a steady
healing embrace.
Build up, prepare the way.
Remove the obstructions
from my people’s way.
Build up, prepare the way.
God is near,
God is here today.
Then your light
will break forth
like the dawn.
And your healing
will break into song.
Build up, prepare the way.
Remove the obstructions
from my people’s way.
Build up,
prepare the way.
God is near,
God is here today.
(Repeat two times)
One Spirit
One Spirit leads us.
One Spirit guides us.
One Holy Spirit
binds us all.
In God’s fam’ly
we all belong.
Two together are
better than one.
One gives a hand to one who’s down.
A cord of three strands
is so strong.
One Spirit leads us.
One Spirit guides us.
One Holy Spirit
binds us all.
There is nobody
just like you.
Do what you do best
and I will too.
This world is big
and deep and broad.
There’s more than
one way to serve God.
One Spirit leads us.
One Spirit guides us.
One Holy Spirit
binds us all.
Jesus showed us
the way to love,
by never putting
himself above.
And though we walk
on diff’rent streets,
we ought to wash
each other’s feet.
One Spirit leads us.
One Spirit guides us.
One Holy Spirit
binds us all.
(Repeat)
On What Has Now Been Sown #550
On what has now been sown
your blessing, Lord, bestow;
the pow'r is yours alone
to make it sprout and grow.
O Lord, in grace the harvest raise,
and yours alone shall be the praise!
To you our wants are known,
from you are all our pow'rs;
accept what is your own
and pardon what is ours.
Our praises, Lord, and prayers receive
and to your word a blessing give.
Oh, grant that each of us,
now met before you here,
may meet together thus
when you and yours appear,
and follow you to heav'n, our home.
E'en so, Amen! Lord Jesus, come!