Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Coatesville, PA

Sunday, July 14, 2024, The Eighth 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: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Jen Williams, flute

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: HFW #717, Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

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, ELW # 154, sung twice

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day
O God, from you come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works. Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Children’s Time

First Lesson: Amos 7:7-15
A reading from the book of Amos
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:3-14
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: ELW #172, Halle, Halle, Halle

The Holy Gospel: Mark 6:14-29
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 #428, Give Thanks for Saints

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
One in the communion of saints and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we join our voices in prayer.

You gather your people into the body of Christ. Where your church is wounded, heal it. Where it is right, strengthen it. Where it is divided, reunite it. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

From before the foundation of the world, you are God. Revive ecosystems destroyed by human greed. Curb our desire to put wealth ahead of the health of all who call this planet home. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

You establish equity and make justice. Within every nation, tribe, and land, cause laws to be written and customs to be observed that protect the most vulnerable. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

On the cross your beloved Son endured pain and death. Bring healing to those in need, hope to any in despair, and comfort to the dying. We pray especially for Tony, Sandy, Mike, Deb, Michelle, Connie, Anna, Mark, Pam, Jim, Charles, Ben, Kay, Anita, Jay, Millie, Ann, and those we name before you now... brief silence... In your mercy, hear our prayer.

All peoples praise you, O God. We give you thanks and praise for the lives of our loved ones who now rest in you. In the fullness of time gather us with all your saints in light. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and merciful: into your outstretched arms we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in the one who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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

Stewardship Moment
The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Social statements are the ELCA’s primary documents to address significant social issues. They are intended to aid reflection, shape conscience and set forth the ELCA’s teaching and policy on the major social issues and questions of contemporary life.

The drafted statement Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy is available on the ELCA’s website and includes statements such as these:

We Lutherans are grateful when government functions as God's gift .... this church affirms that government is indispensable for safeguarding and improving human life and creation. and
Although we may disagree about the best ways to achieve the public good, we do not disagree about our shared responsibility to seek it.

At this time we are encouraged to study and give feedback on the draft version of the social statement, sharing our affirmations or concerns. To access the statement and complete a survey go to ELCA.org/CivicsandFaith. Your gift of time will help to direct and guide our church as it responds to the work of government and civic engagement.

Special Music: Bunessan (Morning Has Broken), Jenn Williams, Flute

Offertory: ELW #481, Lord Listen to Your Children Praying

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
Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three! Before all that is, you were God.
Outside all we know, you are God. After all is finished, you will be God.
Archangels sound the trumpets, angels teach us their song, saints pull us into your presence. And this is our song:

Holy, Holy, Holy

Thanksgiving

Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three! You beyond the galaxies,
you under the oceans, you inside the leaves,
you pouring down rain,
you opening the flowers,
you feeding the insects, you giving us your image,
you carrying us through the waters, you holding us in the night;
your smile on Sarah and Abraham, your hand with Moses and Miriam,
your words through Deborah and Isaiah; you lived as Jesus among us,
healing, teaching, dying, rising, inviting us all to your feast.

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

Holy God, we beg for your Spirit: Enliven this bread, awaken this body, pour us out for each other.
Transfigure our minds,
ignite your church, nourish the life of the earth.
Make us, while many, united,
make us, though broken, whole,
make us, despite death, alive.

And so we cry, Come, Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit!
And so the church shouts, Come, Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit!
And so the earth pleads, Come, Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit!

You, Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three, our Life, our Mercy, our Might,
our Table, our Food, our Server,
our Rainbow, our Ark, our Dove,
our Sovereign, our Water, our Wine, our Light, our Treasure,
our Tree, our Way, our Truth, our Life.
You, Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three!
Amen, amen, 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 #697, Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Post Communion Blessing

Post Communion Prayer
Gracious God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend. Amen.

Announcements

Good Samaritan Services (formerly Bridge of Hope) –In July, the first $75,000 donations will be matched thanks to generous donors. Their Fundraising goal is $250,000. Please consider giving during the month of July! Donations can be placed in an enveloped and marked Good Sam Services, or visit www.goodsamservices.org. Thank you!

Blood Drive –Our next blood drive at Good Shepherd is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th from 2 – 7 pm. You can register online at RedCross.org.

Job Opportunity at Good Shepherd Good Shepherd is seeking an additional sexton. This is a part-time (12 to 15 hours) daytime position, with some evening hours, as needed. Job responsibilities are- weekly cleaning of the church building and helping with event set-up as needed. Full job description and application form for this position are available by contacting the church office -phone- 610-384- 2035 or emailing the Office Administrator at [email protected], or email resume to the Office Administrator.

ADOPT-A-GARDEN.........
Do you enjoy working outside in the dirt? Then consider adopting a garden to help keep the church grounds looking beautiful. Thank you to all the volunteers for cleaning up the church grounds this spring – you did a great job! This is a great fellowship opportunity, so grab a friend or come as a family! Sign up in the narthex or contact Sue Durborow (484-645-2180)

Watta’s Liberian Children’s Project! Watta 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!

2024 Back-To-School Backpack Event Assist our local students by donating items from the following list! Collection Dates: June 16 through July 28.
Book Bags – thick straps, sturdy, Packs of Pencils, Packs of Pens, Highlighters (2 Pk), Small Glue Sticks, Rounded Tip Scissors, Crayola Classic Big Markers, Binder filler paper packs, Spiral Notebooks (college rule), Rulers, Graph Paper Notebooks, Pencil Boxes, Plastic Pencil Cases w/zipper, 2-Pocket Folders, Crayola Crayons Packs 24 count, Pink Pearl Erasers, Colored Pencil Packs 12 count, Small manual pencil sharpener, Small Tissue Packs, Small Hand Sanitizers, Composition Books (wide rule),3-Ring Binders (max. 2 inches). There is a box in the Narthex for the donations. 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
The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, ☩ be upon you now and forever. Amen.
Closing Hymn: ELW #710, Let Streams of Living Justice

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

Sunday, July 7, 2024, The Seventh 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: This is My Song, Jean Sibelius (ELW 887)- Cheri Morris, Soprano

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 #575, In Christ Called to Baptize

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, ELW # 154, sung twice

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day
God of the covenant, in our baptism you call us to proclaim the coming of your kingdom. Give us the courage you gave the apostles, that we may faithfully witness to your love and peace in every circumstance of life, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Children’s Time

First Lesson: Ezekiel 2:1-5
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: ELW #172, Halle, Halle, Halle

The Holy Gospel: Mark 6:1-13
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: ACS #979, Making Their Way

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
One in the communion of saints and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we join our voices in prayer.

Glorious God, you bend down to wash the feet of your disciples. Let the servant church arise in our teaching, our praying, our healing, and our doing. Make all your faithful people powerful in weakness and strong in grace. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, your fingers trace the heavens and your hands mold the earth. Where there is drought, bring nourishing rain. Where there is devastation from fire or flood, bring relief. Sustain the well-being of every living thing. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, you speak and the nations listen. Open those who govern to the cries of all who journey with no food or shelter, particularly people fleeing violence, those seeking freedom, and those in search of community. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious God, your embrace brings wholeness to those who are troubled. Anoint all who suffer in any way with the oil of healing and grant them renewal. Especially Tony, Sandy, Mike, Deb, Michelle, Connie, Anna, Mark, Pam, Jim, Charles, Ben, Kay, Anita, Jay, Millie, Ann, and those we name before you now... brief silence... In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Welcoming God, in your presence strangers become companions and enemies become neighbors. Open our doors to those we have so easily shut out, particularly people who are different from us or who are marginalized by church or society. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Eternal God, you gather us into your house of many dwelling places. We give you thanks for our faithful departed. Inspire us by their lives of faith until, with them, we rest forever at our journey’s end. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and merciful: into your outstretched arms we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in the one who is the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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

Stewardship Moment
If you visit the ELCA’s website, you will find our denomination’s stated purpose: “Activate each of us, so more people know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love.” This vision is based in our faith, our Biblical and Lutheran confessions and the practices of our church. It serves as the foundation for the values that we claim as people of God, including faithful stewardship of God’s creation and gifts. “As church together, faithful stewardship is about holding to God's purpose and ensuring the responsibilities and resources that God has
entrusted to us are used with great care and with accountability to God, to each other and
those served by this church.” Thank you for the many ways that you share your gifts in this
place so that the church might help others discover community, justice and love.

Special Music: Where I Met Jesus – Bolts & Milikan, Cheri Morris, Soprano

Offertory: ELW #481, Lord Listen to Your Children Praying

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

Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three! Before all that is, you were God.
Outside all we know, you are God. After all is finished, you will be God.
Archangels sound the trumpets, angels teach us their song, saints pull us into your presence. And this is our song:

Holy, Holy, Holy

Thanksgiving
Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three! You beyond the galaxies,
you under the oceans, you inside the leaves,
you pouring down rain,
you opening the flowers,
you feeding the insects, you giving us your image,
you carrying us through the waters, you holding us in the night;
your smile on Sarah and Abraham, your hand with Moses and Miriam,
your words through Deborah and Isaiah; you lived as Jesus among us,
healing, teaching, dying, rising, inviting us all to your feast.

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

Holy God, we beg for your Spirit: Enliven this bread, awaken this body, pour us out for each other.
Transfigure our minds,
ignite your church, nourish the life of the earth.
Make us, while many, united,
make us, though broken, whole,
make us, despite death, alive.

And so we cry, Come, Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit!
And so the church shouts, Come, Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit!
And so the earth pleads, Come, Holy Spirit:
Come, Holy Spirit!

You, Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three, our Life, our Mercy, our Might,
our Table, our Food, our Server,
our Rainbow, our Ark, our Dove,
our Sovereign, our Water, our Wine, our Light, our Treasure, our Tree, our Way, our Truth, our Life.
You, Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three!
Amen, amen, 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 #396, Spirit of Gentleness

Post Communion Blessing
May the body and blood of our savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace now and always. Amen

Post Communion Prayer
Gracious God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend. Amen.

Announcements

Blood Drive –Our next blood drive at Good Shepherd is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th from 2 – 7 pm. You can register online at RedCross.org.

Job Opportunity at Good Shepherd Good Shepherd is seeking an additional sexton. This is a part-time (12 to 15 hours) daytime position, with some evening hours, as needed. Job responsibilities are- weekly cleaning of the church building and helping with event set-up as needed. Full job description and application form for this position are available by contacting the church office -phone- 610-384- 2035 or emailing the Office Administrator at [email protected], or email resume to the Office Administrator.

ADOPT-A-GARDEN.........
Do you enjoy working outside in the dirt? Then consider adopting a garden to help keep the church grounds looking beautiful. Thank you to all the volunteers for cleaning up the church grounds this spring – you did a great job! This is a great fellowship opportunity, so grab a friend or come as a family! Sign up in the narthex or contact Sue Durborow (484-645-2180)

Watta’s Liberian Children’s Project! Watta 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!

2024 Back-To-School Backpack Event Assist our local students by donating items from the following list! Collection Dates: June 16 through July 28.
Book Bags – thick straps, sturdy, Packs of Pencils, Packs of Pens, Highlighters (2 Pk), Small Glue Sticks, Rounded Tip Scissors, Crayola Classic Big Markers, Binder filler paper packs, Spiral Notebooks (college rule), Rulers, Graph Paper Notebooks, Pencil Boxes, Plastic Pencil Cases w/zipper, 2-Pocket Folders, Crayola Crayons Packs 24 count, Pink Pearl Erasers, Colored Pencil Packs 12 count, Small manual pencil sharpener, Small Tissue Packs, Small Hand Sanitizers, Composition Books (wide rule),3-Ring Binders (max. 2 inches). There is a box in the Narthex for the donations. 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.

Weekly Sponsorships are available for sign-up in the hallway next to Pastor’s office. You can sponsor any of the items listed, including flowers, bulletins, the Eternal Candle, grass cutting, and other items. Your sponsorship will be listed in the weekly bulletin.

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 #546, To Be Your Presence

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