Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost                                   August 13, 2023

WELCOME to each of you gathered for worship this morning.  Please take a moment to complete the attendance sheet and place it in the offering plate when it is passed.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT “Sharing God’s love and His promise for tomorrowEngaging with God’s children to carry the light ofJesus Christ from the altar through the door.” Louis Sanders – Council PresidentVacant – Vice-PresidentDr. Eric Hahn – SecretaryAnni Hahn – Treasurer 
Love Lutheran Church
3730 MacArthur Blvd.
New Orleans, La 70114
504-362-1967
 

Love Lutheran e-mail addresses:  lovelutheran68@gmail.com

Love Lutheran Website:  www.lovelutheran.org

Love Lutheran is a Member of the ELCA

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website at: www.elca.org

Follow us on Facebook: Love Lutheran Church New Orleans

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PRESIDING AT WORSHIP:  Rev Nancy Day

LECTOR:  Elaine Teague

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                       IN OUR PRAYERS

Congregation Prayers:

Mary Sanders

Melissa Gallant

Sharon Steele

Dianne Revuelta

Lyn Weixel

Robert Onsgard

Kevin Trimble

Ken and Sandy Flora

Phillip Brubaker

Denise Daigrepont Roy

Ila Duncan

Jamie Johnson

Hans Heinemann

Rick and Gabe Lyons

Laurie Smith

Andrew Douglas

Arlene Ogg

Elaina Cannon and Children

Leya and Aaliyah

Wayne Prayers:

Sarah Steele

Dirk Anderson

Joyce Barber

Jodee James

Lu Carrigan

Janice Bela

Dixie Adkins

Alex Adkins

Adam Adkins

Julien Adkins

Alisha Adkins

Dixie Prayers:

Sarah Steele

Dirk Anderson

Joyce Barber

Jo Ellen Smith Nursing Home

Elaine Prayers:

Elaine Teague

David and Kim Teague

Joshua Teague

David Teague Jr.

Steven Teague

Terri Marino

Jackie Pavur

Shirley Lyons

Louis Mayer

Lane Wise

Paul Steele

Pastor Lisa Prayers:

Community and World

We pray for the Steele family as they mourn the loss of Charlie Steele

For those who work and live in nursing homes

Staff of United Churches of Algiers Emergency Fund

Our military serving here and abroad

We pray also for Love Lutheran Church and for all those in need of healing power of God’s love.

Ask and it will be given to you:  Our Lord invites us to bring all our cares and concerns to him and trust in his mercy and grace.  If you have prayer concerns please let Pastor Gaye know by noon on Wednesday so that your prayer request may be included in the prayers of the people at Sunday worship.  Please inform Pastor Gaye if your prayer request needs to be extended longer than two weeks.

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LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH   Interim Clergy: Rev. Lisa Gaye                       Adult Bible Study:  9:00 A.M. Office: 504-362-1967                                               Worship:  10:00 A.M.  

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost                                  August 13, 2023

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Stand as you are able)

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P:  In the name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C:  Amen.

P:  Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C:  Amen.

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

(Silence is kept for reflection)

P:  Most merciful God,

C:  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.

P:  In the mercy of Almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you, and for his sake God forgives you all your sins.  As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ and by his authority.  I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C:  Amen.

OPENING HYMN:  #ELW 820 “O Savior, Precious Savior”

(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)

THE 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.

THE KYRIE

THE HYMN OF PRAISE:  “Now the Feast and Celebration”

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P:  Let us pray.

C:  O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid.  Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

(You may be seated)

First Reading:  1 Kings 19:9-18

On Mount Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of God’s presence—earthquake, wind, and fire—Elijah now experienced God in “sheer silence.”  God assured Elijah that he is not the only faithful believer.  Seven thousand Israelites are still loyal.  God instructed Elijah to anoint two men as kings and to anoint Elisha as his own successor.

9 At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.  Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

  10 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword.  I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 

11 He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”  Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 

13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 

14 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword.  I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 

15 Then the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 

16 Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 

17 Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. 

18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

The Word of the Lord.                   Thanks be to God.

Psalm:  Psalm 85:8-13

I will listen to what the LORD God is saying. (Ps. 85:8)

8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.

12 The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.

Second Reading:  Romans 10:5-15

A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic efforts.  It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ.  This proclaimed word creates our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Hence Christian proclamation is an indispensable component of God’s saving actions.

5 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.”  6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?'” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).  8 But what does it say?  “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.  11 The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”  12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.  13 For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard?  And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?  15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent?  As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

The Word of the Lord.                   Thanks be to God.

(Stand as you are able)

Gospel:  Matthew 14:22-33

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew           Glory to you, O Lord.

Matthew’s gospel typically portrays Jesus’ disciples as people of “little faith,” who fail despite their best intentions.  In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt.

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.  When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.  25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.  26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!”  And they cried out in fear.  27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”  28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  29 He said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.  30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord.              Praise to you, O Christ.

(You may be seated)

SERMON

(Stand as you are able)

HYMN OF THE DAY:  #ELW 756 “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”

(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)

P:  God has made us his people through our Baptism in Christ.  Living together in hope, we confess our faith.

THE 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,

   Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

   Born of the Virgin Mary,

   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,

   And he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

   The holy Christian church.

   The communion of saints

   The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,

   And life everlasting. Amen.

(You may be seated)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

A:  Confident that God receives our joys and concerns, let us offer our prayers for the church, those in need, and all of creation.

(A brief silence)

A:  God of grace and faith, your faithfulness is never-ending, and your righteousness becomes ours through Christ Jesus.  Send the church to proclaim the gospel both near and far, in church buildings and on street corners, in person and through digital means.  Hear us, O God.

C:  Your mercy is great.

A:  God of sky and sea, the plants, animals, mountains, and plains proclaim your glory.  Prosper the work of ecologists as they teach us new ways to care for the environment.  Bring relief to areas recovering from natural disasters.  Hear us, O God.

C:  Your mercy is great.

A:  God of peace and justice, you call us to live as your beloved community throughout the world.  Instill in local, regional, national, and global political and civic leaders a desire to work for the well-being of all people.  Hear us, O God.

C:  Your mercy is great.

A:  God of care and compassion, you bring assurance when we are afraid.  Bring calm to any who are anxious or fearful.  Bless the work of therapists, nurses, and other health care providers.  Comfort all who grieve and soothe any who are sick (especially…).  Hear us, O God.

C:  Your mercy is great.

A:  God of wonder, you accompany us in both joys and sorrows.  We pray for children and teachers preparing for a new school year.  Make your presence known in our work and play, in lively conversation and in quiet rest.  Hear us, O God.

C:  Your mercy is great.

(Here other intercessions may be offered spoken aloud or in our hearts.)

(After each petition we respond:)

A:  Hear us, O God.

C:  Your mercy is great.

A:  God of new life, you send people to renew both church and society.  We give you thanks for their lives of faithful service as examples of following your call.  Hear us, O God.

C:  Your mercy is great.

P:  Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, in the name of the one who reconciled all creation to himself, Jesus Christ our Savior.

C:  Amen.

P:  Lord Jesus, you said to your apostles: I leave you my peace, my peace I give you.  Look not on the sins, but on the faith of your church, and grant us peace and unity of your kingdom where you live forever and ever.

C:  Amen.

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C:  And also with you.

(You may be seated)

THE OFFERING

(Stand as you are able)

THE OFFERTORY:  “As the Grains of Wheat”

THE OFFERTORY PRAYER

A:  Let us pray, Merciful God,

C:  everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.  We joyfully release what you have entrusted to us.  May these gifts be signs of our whole lives returned to you, dedicated to the healing and unity of all creation, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

P:  The Lord be with you.

C:  And also with you.

P:  Lift up your hearts.

C:  We lift them to the Lord.

P:  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C:  It is right to give him thanks and praise.

THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

PROPER PREFACE

P:  It is truly good, right, and salutary, that we should at all times, and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who ascended above the heavens and, sitting at Your right hand, poured out on this day, as He had promised, the Holy Spirit on the chosen disciples.  At this the world rejoices with exceeding joy.

     Therefore with angels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

THE SANCTUS:

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

P:  “Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed,

     took bread and when He had given thanks,

     He broke it and gave it to His disciples saying:

    ‘Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you.

     Do this in remembrance of Me.’

    “In the same way also, He took the cup after supper, gave thanks,

     and gave it to them saying: ‘Drink of it all of you;

     this cup is the New Testament in My blood,

     which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins.

     Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

     With this bread and cup we remember our Lord’s Passover from death to life as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

P:  We say together

C:  Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.  Amen

P:  We pray together THE LORD’S PRAYER

C:  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.

THE COMMUNION

P:  The gifts of God for the people of God, feed on them in your heart with thanksgiving.

C:  Amen

(You may be seated)

The Communion follows:

During the communing of Pastor and Assistant the congregation sings “Lamb of God”

(Stand as you are able)

COMMUNION HYMN:  #ELW 773 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

A:  Let us pray.

We thank you, generous God, for the refreshment we have received at your banquet table.  Send us now to spread your generosity into all the world, through the one who is our dearest treasure, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

C:  Amen.

THE BENEDICTION

P:  The God who calls across the cosmos and speaks in the smallest seed (+) bless, keep, and sustain you now and to the end of the age.

C:  Amen.

SENDING HYMN:   #ELW 623 “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”

(printed in the back of the worship bulletin)

DISMISSAL

P:  Go in peace.  Share the harvest.

C:  Thanks be to God.

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Readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible with Apocrypha.

Copyrighted elements of Revised Common Lectionary, liturgical texts, and liturgical music used by permission of Augsburg Fortress under license number SB144485.  All music and portions of the liturgical music reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-705233.  All rights reserved.  Clipart and images as reprinted from Churchart.com license.

Scripture Next Sunday: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 56:6-8;

Psalm 67;

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32;

Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28

Hymns

ANNOUNCEMENTS

In the event of an emergency you may contact Pastor Gaye at the church office (504) 362-1967.

Cell Phones:  We are requesting that members and visitors please silence your cell phones to “off” while in the sanctuary and we are in worship service.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Wednesday, 16 August 2023 – Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Sunday, 20 August 2023 – Guest Musician, Erin Slatton

Please consider a donation to the Memorial Engelbracht Guest Musician Fund.  Donation envelopes can be found in the rear of the church.

If you wish to help to aid in the recovery of victims of disaters, donations can be made through Lutheran Disaster Relief at LDR.com.

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Daily devotional website as suggested by Pastor Lisa Gaye

https://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/

Meditation on the Lessons – Take Home

Prayer:

O Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest your word, that we may embrace and hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

1.  Identify a passage from scripture today that touches your life.

2. Pray for the Holy Spirit as you write: “From what I’ve heard and shared, what do I believe God wants me to do or be?  Is God inviting me to change in any way?

Last modified: August 21, 2023