Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Order of Worship

Download today's bulletin PDF for the entire order of worship and more. 

Today's sermon manuscript

Let us pray for the whole people of God, in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

Eternal Father, grant your people an abiding faith that we would always find our comforts in you. When we lie down to sleep, let it be on your word that we rest. We give you thanks for your Son Jesus, who nourishes our bodies, minds, and souls with the forgiveness that he offers us from his table of grace. We ask that your Holy Spirit strengthen us when we experience moments of weakness. Drive away any doubts. Anoint us with renewed confidence. And return us to repentance when we stray into sin. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Lord, inspire people everywhere to praise you for all things. Call the world to your Son so they will trust in him alone. Help everyone see your works in all of creation, in all blessings, and in every miracle of life. Plant your word in the hearts of all mankind. We pray that those you have called to leadership will place their faith and hope in you alone. Keep all those you have called to serve their neighbor safe from danger, so that in all they do, you will be glorified. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we lift to you all whom you have called to shepherd and lead your churches throughout the world. We thank you for them and the great gifts you have given them in their callings. We ask that you protect them from all trappings of the devil. Help them to be examples in a life of faith. Grant them hearts of humility and patience in the face of any adversity and persecution. Send your Holy Spirit to guide them in your word, and provide your wisdom that they would rightly teach and equip your church in prayer and praise. Help them to hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, always turning to you in times of distress and in times of joyfulness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty Father, help increase our understanding of the word you have given us through Moses and the prophets and of your son Jesus. Help us to see and desire your true kingdom over and above anything else we see on this earth. Make us aware of the needs of those who are afflicted in mind, spirit, and body, and grant us strength to bear their burdens and do what we can to alleviate their suffering. Lord be with all those who are sick and homebound, and strengthen those who are called to care for them. Grant that we would always love you over all material comforts and wealth, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Teaching

Open or download this week's preview of the lessons. We send this to our homebound with a bulletin each week and thought you might like to have a copy as well. You may read it online or print it out. It includes prayers, brief teaching on each of the four lessons for Sunday, an overview, and an additional Word Search based on the Gospel Lesson. 

Vespers Tonight

Join us for Vespers tonight at 6:00pm in the parsonage across the street from the church,. We enjoy fellowship around finger food then pray and sing and discuss today's readings. Our readings for Sunday of the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost are 1 Kings 8:22–40; 1 Timothy 4:7b–16; John 8:47–59.