Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Coatesville, PA

Sunday, September 1, 2024, The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Welcome! If you are visiting with us today, we hope you will be with us again. If you are worshipping at home, please let us know how many are worshipping with you in the comment section, or by emailing Sandy at [email protected]. Thank you!

Prelude: Soli Deo Gloria (ELW 878), Cheri Morris, Soprano

Confession and Forgiveness
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. Amen.

Let us confess our sin and come to God for healing.

Gracious God,
Silence is kept for reflection.
have mercy on us.
We confess that we have honored you with our lips, but have harmed our neighbors with our tongues.
The cravings at war within us
cause conflicts and disputes.
In our desire to be first
we make distinctions among ourselves.
We place the needs of the poor and the suffering last. In your great mercy, forgive us our sins.
Draw near to us with grace in time of need,
and turn us to follow in the way of Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

God promises to forgive our iniquity and to remember our sin no more. By grace you have been saved.

In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, the source of eternal healing, your sins are forgiven. Amen.

Gathering Hymn: ELW #878, Soli Deo Gloria

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.

Kyrie

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day
O God our strength, without you we are weak and wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from the outside, and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Children’s Time

First Lesson: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Second Lesson: James 1:17-27
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

The Holy Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
The Holy Gospel according to Mark . Glory to you, O Lord.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Hymn of the Day: ELW #685, Take My Life That I May Be

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. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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 the Faithful
Drawn together in the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray with confidence for the church, God’s good creation, and all who are in need.

God of every generation, give the church a sense of purpose and belonging. Sustain and build up leaders and lay people as we accompany one another in our life with Christ. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of creation, you named humans as co-creators with you. Where the earth cries out in pain, bring wholeness. Guide governments and industry, that environmental laws and practices seek to heal and not harm. Bring relief and justice to people and places suffering from climate catastrophe. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Sovereign God, we pray for local communities of every kind: rural and urban; established and new. Lead those in authority to seek the good of all through their words and actions and to mentor others in honest and generous ways. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Healing God, you draw near to all who are hurting. Be with all who desire relief from chronic and acute illness, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Strengthen health care workers, therapists, and caregivers. Tend to those who are close to our hearts especially Mike, Dawn, Dorrie, Jeri, Mike, Michelle, Connie, Anna, Mark, Pam, Jim, Charles, Ben, Kay, Anita, Jay, Millie, Ann, and those we name before you now... brief silence..., Merciful God, receive our prayer.

On this Labor Day weekend we remember and give thanks for all who have fought for workers’ rights around the world. Continue to improve working conditions and establish fair wages so that all people may thrive. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Comforting God, console us as we mourn our departed. We hold fast to the promise that death has been defeated by our Savior Jesus Christ. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

We entrust these and all our prayers to you, holy God, in the name of your beloved child, Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.

Sharing of God’s Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

Special Music: There is a Savior, Cheri Morris, soprano
arr. Nelson, Farrell, Helveering. © 1988 New Wings Music

Offertory

Presentation of Gifts - Offering Prayer
Blessed are you, O God, source of every gift of your creation. By these gifts and with our lives, help us to serve one another and all in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Holy Communion

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:

Holy, Holy, Holy

We give you thanks, Father,
through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son,
whom you sent in this end of the ages
to save and redeem us and to proclaim to us your will.

He is your Word, inseparable from you,
through whom you created all things,
and in whom you take delight.
He is your Word, sent from heaven to a virgin’s womb.
He there took on our nature and our lot
and was shown forth as your Son,
born of the Holy Spirit and of the virgin Mary.
He, our Lord Jesus, fulfilled all your will
and won for you a holy people;
he stretched out his hands in suffering
in order to free from suffering those who trust you.

He is the one who, handed over to a death he freely accepted, in order to destroy death, to break the bonds of the evil one,
to crush hell underfoot, to give light to the righteous,
to establish his covenant, and to show forth the resurrection, taking bread and giving thanks to you, said:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

In the same way 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.

Remembering, then, his death and resurrection,
we take this bread and cup,
giving you thanks that you have made us worthy
to stand before you and to serve you as your priestly people.

Send your Spirit upon these gifts of your church;
gather into one all who share this bread and wine;
fill us with your Holy Spirit to establish our faith in truth,
that we may praise and glorify you through your Son Jesus Christ; through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Jesus welcomes you to this table. Come, here is your God.
Thanks be to God.

Communion Hymn: Lamb of God

Communion Hymn: ELW #512, Lord, Let My Heart be Good Soil; ELELW #801, Change My Heart, O God

Post Communion Blessing

Post Communion Prayer
Holy God, you have welcomed us to this meal and fed us with dignity at your table. Send us now to welcome others and to be at peace with one another, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Announcements

Our Prayer Shawl group will resume on September 17th at 1PM. All are welcome. We will continue to meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month thereafter.

Communion Bread Bakers – Presently we have 8 people who bake the weekly communion bread. We would be delighted to welcome a few more bakers to the group. An easy, non-yeast recipe is available. Please consider this opportunity to serve. Please contact Jo McAdoo at 610.574-1683 (cell) or email to [email protected].

Coffee Hour Volunteers We are in need of several people to volunteer to help with the Sunday Coffee Hour. No experience necessary! Please see Sandy Haines if you’re interested! Thank you!

News from the Choir Director, Donna Fesmire It has been a hot summer but awesome summer of music at Good Shepherd!!! All the soloists/instrumentalists have really engaged us in such a worshipful way. Now it is time to start up the choirs again. Besides directing the Adult Choir I will also be directing the Handbell Choir.

ADULT CHOIR - YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN!!! Now is the time for all those beautiful voices I hear every Sunday to put their gifts to good use. We will begin rehearsing on Thursday nights at 6:30 pm in the music room starting September 5. It is a great hour of fun and fellowship. There is nothing like making beautiful music together. It is good for the soul!!!!! I guarantee that you will leave refreshed from your stressful day!!! Please feel free to come and join us to try it out. And don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, we make a joyful noise regardless!!!! There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex.

BELL CHOIR - Anyone who is interested in ringing handbells is invited to join. I will discuss a rehearsal time with the group. I am flexible.

We will meet after church in the music room on Sunday September 8 to discuss a rehearsal schedule. This is for the young and old. You DO NOT need to read music in order to ring. This is a great chance for those that love music but never played an instrument to make beautiful music. EEZY PEEZY!!!! Come see what it is all about!!! There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me. 610- 310-7893.

Watta’s Liberian Children’s Project! Watta Komora is working to establish a Liberian home for children in need. Please help by donating the following new or very gently used items in all children’s sizes – children’s clothing, children’s undergarments and socks, and children’s shoes/footwear. Look for a collection bin in the Narthex. Watta hopes to ship items to Liberia by late summer or early fall. Thank you for your generosity!

Scrip Raise Right Gift Cards to support our youth are available! Please see Katie Schnaath with any questions. Thank you!

The Blessing Box needs protein! Everyday a Good Shepherd volunteer replenishes the Blessings Box with non-perishable food, personal care and household items. Often when they arrive, the box is nearly empty which tells us that people depend on us as a regular resource. Protein is an especially valuable item. Consider adding these items for the Blessings Box to your weekly shopping list: tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, dried beans, hearty canned foods such as chili or stew.

Benediction
God all mighty, God most merciful ☩ bless you, keep you, and give you peace. Amen

Closing Hymn: ELW 551, The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve

Dismissal
Go in peace. Follow Jesus! Thanks be to God!

Prayer works! Let us know in the comments how we can pray for what is on your heart or mind. Or you can reach out to Pastor Joey directly with your prayer concerns.

Sunday, August 25, 2024, The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Welcome! If you are visiting with us today, we hope you will be with us again. If you are worshipping at home, please let us know how many are worshipping with you in the comment section, or by emailing Sandy at [email protected]. Thank you!

Prelude: When Morning Gilds the Skies, Erin Kauppila, trumpet

Confession and Forgiveness

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. Amen.

God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. Amen.

Gathering Hymn: ELW #638, Blessed Assurance

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.

Kyrie

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day
Holy God, your word feeds your people with life that is eternal. Direct our choices and preserve us in your truth, that, renouncing what is false and evil, we may live in you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Children’s Time

First Lesson: Joshua 24:1-2a,14-18
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Second Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-20
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

The Holy Gospel: John 6:56-59
The Holy Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Hymn of the Day: ELW #880, O God Beyond All Praising

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. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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

Installation of Church Council
The following people have been elected to positions of leadership. We give thanks for their willingness to serve. In baptism we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God; we rejoice now that these sisters and brothers will lead us in our common life and our mutual mission as a congregation.

David Dean, Vince Herman, Bill McAdoo, EB Smith, Hank Dermer, Watta Koroma, Allison Radwick, Sally Williams-Sammond, Sue Durborow, Ginny Lozinski, Dave Seegers, Joe Siple

A reading from First Corinthians: There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

You have been elected to positions of leadership and trust in this congregation. You are to see that the words and deeds of this household of faith bear witness to God, who gathers us into one together with the whole church.

You are to seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support, so that the mission of Christ is carried out in this congregation, in the wider church, in this community, and in the whole world.

You are to be faithful in your specific area of serving, that the Spirit who empowers you may be glorified.

You are to be examples of faith active in love, fostering peace, harmony, and mutual understanding in this congregation.

On behalf of your sisters and brothers in Christ, I ask you: Will you accept and faithfully carry out the duties of the offices to which you have been elected? I will, and I ask God to help me.

People of God, I ask you: Will you support these, your elected leaders, and will you share in the mutual ministry that Christ has given to all who are baptized? We will, and we ask God to help us.

I now declare you installed as officers and council members of this congregation. Almighty God bless you, and direct your days and your deeds in peace, that you may be faithful servants of Christ. Amen.

Prayers of the Faithful
Calling on the spirit of Wisdom to guide our hearts and our minds, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

Holy God, you have the words of eternal life. Lead the church to put its trust in Jesus, the living Word. Direct preachers, teachers, writers, and all the baptized in faithful speech and bold witness. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Creator God, we and all creation are sustained by your Word. We pray for all who remind us of our interconnectedness with all living things. Prosper the work of conservation organizations, ELCA advocacy, and local climate justice advocates. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of wisdom, as our nation navigates another election cycle, guide our leaders to act justly for the sake of the world. Bring about fruitful conversation among your people and bring about change where you see fit. Sustain all who serve on juries in their deliberations. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of restoration, bring healing and wholeness to all who cry to you. Where pain is sharp, bring a sense of comfort and relief. Where grief runs deep, bring your tender mercy. Care for those on our hearts, especially Dorrie, Jeri, Mike, Michelle, Connie, Anna, Mark, Pam, Jim, Charles, Ben, Kay, Anita, Jay, Millie, Ann, and those we name before you now... brief silence...,. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of new life, protect students and teachers for a new school year. Bring an end to school shootings and cycles of violence. Move us to do all that is necessary to ensure a safe future for our children. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of every generation, we remember with thanksgiving all who have completed their baptismal journeys, especially those most dear to us. Strengthen us in our baptismal callings to serve you faithfully until our journey’s end. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

We lift up these prayers to you, gracious God. Receive them into your holy keeping. Amen.

Sharing of God’s Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

Stewardship Moment
Just as the word “church” refers to a community of people, so does the word “synod.” The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod is made of approximately 70,000 members in 143 worshipping communities. Much of the day-to-day work of the synod staff is done by the bishop and their staff, but they are highly dependent on volunteers serving through the Synod Council and various committees.

One group overseen by the Bishop’s staff is the Interim Ministers who serve throughout the synod. The Interim Ministry Director provides ongoing support and oversight, convening the group on a bi- monthly basis for education and collegial support. In addition, the synod often provides funding for new interim pastors to receive their required training through the Interim Ministry Network, which is an ecumenical organization. Your financial gifts to Good Shepherd help to support interim ministers in our synod as well as dozens of other committees and organizations. Thank you!

Special Music: Near to the Heart of God/Children of the Heavenly Father

Offertory

Presentation of Gifts - Offering Prayer Let us pray together:
Generous God, in this meal you offer your very self. We give thanks for these gifts of the earth. In the breaking of this bread reveal to us the Risen One. In the pouring of this wine pour us out in service to the world; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy Communion

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:

Holy, Holy, Holy

We give you thanks, Father,
through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son,
whom you sent in this end of the ages
to save and redeem us and to proclaim to us your will.
He is your Word, inseparable from you,
through whom you created all things,
and in whom you take delight.

He is your Word, sent from heaven to a virgin’s womb. He there took on our nature and our lot
and was shown forth as your Son,
born of the Holy Spirit and of the virgin Mary. He, our Lord Jesus, fulfilled all your will
and won for you a holy people;
he stretched out his hands in suffering
in order to free from suffering those who trust you.

He is the one who, handed over to a death he freely accepted, in order to destroy death, to break the bonds of the evil one,
to crush hell underfoot, to give light to the righteous,
to establish his covenant, and to show forth the resurrection, taking bread and giving thanks to you, said:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

In the same way 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.

Remembering, then, his death and resurrection,
we take this bread and cup,
giving you thanks that you have made us worthy
to stand before you and to serve you as your priestly people.

Send your Spirit upon these gifts of your church;
gather into one all who share this bread and wine;
fill us with your Holy Spirit to establish our faith in truth,
that we may praise and glorify you through your Son Jesus Christ; through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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
Christ has set the table with more than enough for all. Come! Thanks be to God.

Communion Hymn: Lamb of God

Communion Hymn: ELW #482, I Come with Joy

Post Communion Blessing

Post Communion Prayer
Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask.
As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life. In your name we pray. Amen.

Announcements

Communion Bread Bakers – Presently we have 8 people who bake the weekly communion bread. We would be delighted to welcome a few more bakers to the group. An easy, non-yeast recipe is available. Please consider this opportunity to serve. Please contact Jo McAdoo at 610.574-1683 (cell) or email to [email protected].

Blood Drive Update: Saving Lives Together! We have hosted 6 successful blood drives, collecting an impressive 128 units of blood—potentially saving up to 384 lives. Our commitment continues with our next drive scheduled for December 9th. We have also hosted blood drives for Reece, a student from Coatesville - stay tuned for additional dates. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of these Red Cross blood drives, whether by donating blood, greeting, checking donors in, assisting with setup/lock up, or managing the Fellowship Hall. Together, we are making a difference!

Coffee Hour Volunteers We are in need of several people to volunteer to help with the Sunday Coffee Hour. No experience necessary! Please see Sandy Haines if you’re interested! Thank you!

News from the Choir Director, Donna Fesmire It has been a hot summer but awesome summer of music at Good Shepherd!!! All the soloists/instrumentalists have really engaged us in such a worshipful way.
Now it is time to start up the choirs again. Besides directing the Adult Choir I will also be directing the Handbell Choir.
ADULT CHOIR - YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN!!! Now is the time for all those beautiful voices I hear every Sunday to put their gifts to good use. We will begin rehearsing on Thursday nights at 6:30 pm in the music room starting September 5. It is a great hour of fun and fellowship. There is nothing like making beautiful music together. It is good for the soul!!!!! I guarantee that you will leave refreshed from your stressful day!!! Please feel free to come and join us to try it out. And don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, we make a joyful noise regardless!!!! There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex.
BELL CHOIR - Anyone who is interested in ringing handbells is invited to join. I will discuss a rehearsal time with the group. I am flexible.
We will meet after church in the music room on Sunday September 8 to discuss a rehearsal schedule. This is for the young and old. You DO NOT need to read music in order to ring. This is a great chance for those that love music but never played an instrument to make beautiful music. EEZY PEEZY!!!! Come see what it is all about!!! There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me. 610- 310-7893.

Watta’s Liberian Children’s Project! Watta Komora is working to establish a Liberian home for children in need. Please help by donating the following new or very gently used items in all children’s sizes – children’s clothing, children’s undergarments and socks, and children’s shoes/footwear. Look for a collection bin in the Narthex. Watta hopes to ship items to Liberia by late summer or early fall. Thank you for your generosity!

The Blessing Box needs protein! Everyday a Good Shepherd volunteer replenishes the Blessings Box with non-perishable food, personal care and household items. Often when they arrive, the box is nearly empty which tells us that people depend on us as a regular resource. Protein is an especially valuable item. Consider adding these items for the Blessings Box to your weekly shopping list: tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, dried beans, hearty canned foods such as chili or stew.

Farewell and Godspeed to Pastor Heidi Rodrick-Schnaath

Pastor Heidi, on August 7, 2022, we of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd welcomed you as pastor in this place:
to proclaim God’s word,
to baptize and teach,
to announce God’s forgiveness, and to preside at the Lord’s table.

With the gospel you have comforted us in times of sickness and trouble, and at the death of our loved ones. Sharing our joys and sorrows, you have been important to our life together in the church of Jesus Christ, in our service to this community, and in God’s mission to the whole world. As you leave this community of faith, we say farewell, and we pray for God’s blessing.

People of God, members of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, do you release Heidi Rodrick-Schnaath from service as your pastor? We do, and we give thanks to God for our ministry together.

Heidi, do you recognize and accept the completion of your ministry with Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd? I do, and I give thanks to God for our ministry together.

Thanksgiving and Sending
Let us pray.
Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ you gave the holy apostles many gifts and commanded them to feed your flock. You equip your people with abilities that differ according to the grace given to them, and you call them to various avenues of service. We give you thanks for the ministry of Pastor Heidi among the people of God in this place.

You watch over our going out and our coming in: bless this time of ending and beginning. You surround your people in every time and place: keep us close in your love.
You accompany your people in times of joy and times of trial: prosper all that has been done to your glory in this time together; heal and forgive all that has fallen short of your will for us. Help Pastor Heidi and all of us to live with courage and gladness in the future you give to us. As she has been a blessing to us, so now send us forth to be a blessing to others; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Choir: Irish Blessing

Benediction
The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, ☩ be upon you now and forever. Amen.

Closing Hymn: ELW #674, Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ

Dismissal
Go in peace. You are the body of Christ! Thanks be to God!