Sunday Worship - September 13, 2020

When you are ready to worship in-your-own-home, 
click to open the worship video for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
 
 
This week’s Prints of Peace announcements are on www.peacelutheranlz.com
For Families with Children Today: Get ready for worship by opening Children’s Bulletin at www.peacelutheranlz.com and help your child(ren) join in today’s worship along with activities.
Join the LIVE “Virtual Coffee Hour” today at 10:00am to connect with each other in conversation and checking in! Come and go, stay as long as you like. Get link for Coffee Hour Zoom at www.peacelutheranlz.com .
Worship in-your-own-home
Here is a brief tutorial if you need some help on YouTube.
 
VIDEO: Prelude
VIDEO: Welcome and Introduction to the Day        
VIDEO and JOIN IN: CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS  All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
 
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who creates, redeems, and sustains us and all of creation.
Amen.

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

Silence is kept for reflection.

Faithful God,
have mercy on us.
We confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves.
We turn from your loving embrace and go our own ways.
We pass judgment on one another before examining ourselves.
We place our own needs before those of our neighbors.
We keep your gift of salvation to ourselves.
Make us humble, cast away our transgressions, and turn us again to life in you
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God hears the cries of all who call out in need, and through his death and resurrection,
Christ has made us his own. Hear the truth that God proclaims:
Your sins are forgiven in the name of + Jesus Christ.
Led by the Holy Spirit, live in freedom and newness to do God's work in the world.
Amen.
 
VIDEO AND SAY (Prayer of the day):
O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
 
VIDEO: Children’s Word
 
FIRST READING: Genesis 50:15-21 

15Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers said, "What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?" 16So they approached Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17'Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.' Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, "We are here as your slaves." 19But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 21So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones." In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.
 
VIDEO AND READ ALONG RESPONSIVELY:   Psalm 103: [1-7] 8-13 

1Bless the LORD, O my soul,
    and all that is within me, bless God's holy name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul,
    and forget not all God's benefits--
3who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases;
4who redeems your life from the grave
    and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy;  
5who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like an eagle's.
6O LORD, you provide vindication
    and justice for all who are oppressed.
7You made known your ways to Moses
    and your works to the children of Israel.
8LORD, you are full of compassion and mercy,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love;   
9you will not always accuse us,
    nor will you keep your anger forever.
10You have not dealt with us according to our sins,
    nor repaid us according to our iniquities.
11For as the heavens are high above the earth,
    so great is your steadfast love for those who fear you.
12As far as the east is from the west,
    so far have you removed our transgressions from us.
13As a father has compassion for his children,
    so you have compassion for those who fear you, O LORD. 

VIDEO: Second Reading - Romans 14:1-12 

1Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God. 7We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." 12So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
 
VIDEO: Gospel Acclamation 
 
VIDEO: Gospel - Matthew 18:21-35 Pastor Daniel

21Peter came and said to [Jesus], "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
 
VIDEO: Sermon
 
VIDEO & SING ALONG – Hymn of the Day:  “Our Father, We Have Wandered”  
Our Father, we have wandered and hidden from your face; in foolishness have squandered your legacy of grace. But now, in exile dwelling, we rise with fear and shame, as distant but compelling, we hear you call our name.
 
And now at length discerning the evil that we do, behold us, Lord, returning with hope and trust to you. In haste you come to meet us and home rejoicing bring, in gladness there to greet us with calf and robe and ring.
 
O Lord of all the living, both banished and restored, compassionate, forgiving, and ever caring Lord, grant now that our transgressing, and our faithlessness may cease. Stretch out your hand in blessing, in pardon and in peace.
 
VIDEO: THANKSGIVING FOR MINISTRIES
Friends in Christ,
Today is Rally Day. It is a fall kick-off unlike any we have known. Yet the ministry of the church continues even in the midst of a global pandemic. It is indeed right, our duty, and our joy to give thanks and praise to God for the gifts of the Spirit poured out on this congregation. 
 
A reading from 1 Corinthians.
12:4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
 
Today, we give thanks for the ministries of this congregation as they are manifestations of the Spirit’s gifts among us. I invite you to stand as the ministry you serve with is named. 
 
Mens Bible Study
Womens Bible Study
Adult Choir
Joyful Noise Makers
Bell Choir
Worship Accompanists
Womens Weeders
Womens Quilters
Parish Planning Council & Teams
Sunday School
Confirmation
Senior High Youth Group
College Ministry
Lexington
Auberge
Fellowship
Outreach Groups
Church Staff
Prayer Chain
Caring Tree
Virtual Worship Team
Covid Response Team
Worship Assistants
Altar Guild
 
Are there other ministries we give thanks for?....(pause)....As we pray, let us hold the butterflies we colored up high as we fly into the fall. 
 
Let us pray,
Generous God, you are the giver of every good gift, and you distribute different kinds of gifts among your people for the building up of community in Christ. We thank you for the many ways your Spirit is manifest among us. We praise you for raising up faithful leaders who have answered your call to serve. We magnify you for the work that continues in new and creative ways throughout this pandemic. Bless our ministries and our ministry leaders as we kick-off our programs this fall in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 
 
 
VIDEO & JOIN IN: 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 to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he 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 catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen 
 
VIDEO: PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE  .
Drawn together in the compassion of God, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.
A brief silence.
You welcome us when we are weak in faith. Uphold your church throughout the world; make it a place of welcome. Strengthen faith through Bible studies and Sunday schools, confirmation classes and youth ministries. Nurture new ministries of education and growth. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
The heights of the heavens show us the vastness of your steadfast love. Have compassion on your creation. Where human selfishness has brought ruin and destruction, we look to you to heal, renew, and redeem your world. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Make your ways known to the nations. Speak kindness to our bitter grudges. Settle our hearts when we want to settle accounts with violence. Bless our leaders with patience and wisdom . Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Bring healing and justice wherever harm is dealt. Provide vindication for all who are oppressed. Free victims of human trafficking and forced labor; deliver all who are bound by debt. Feed all who hunger, and guard refugees fleeing famine, poverty, and war. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Teach us to forgive. Remind us that you do not always accuse us. Still our tongues when we are tempted to pass judgment and argue over opinions. Make this congregation a community of mercy for one another and for all our neighbors. Care for those in need, especially Mike, Sherri, Mike, Brad, Lizetta, Amanda, Kim, Kyle, Wendy, Tamara, Randy, and all who cannot be with us today. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Whatever else is in our heart and on our mind, our needs and our joys, we offer to you now as we pray for ourselves…(pause a moment)…. Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

All these things and whatever else you see that we need, we entrust to your mercy; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
 
VIDEO: Musical offering
 
VIDEO:  OFFERING PRAYER
Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.
You have set before us these gifts of your good creation.
Prepare us for your heavenly banquet,
nourish us with this rich food and drink,
and send us forth to set tables in the midst of a suffering world,
through the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
 
 
How to give your offering now
Your friends and fellow members are sharing their gifts and talents to help us worship in this virtual setting. Through all that we are, all we say and all we do we endeavor to make Christ known. Please consider your contributions to the virtual offering plate we pass.  Send your offering through one of these 4 convenient methods:  Mail your check to church // Use your bank website “send-payment” feature // Go to PLC website www.peacelutheranlz.com and click on “make a donation” // Download and use the app we recommend: https://www.vancopayments.com/egiving/church-app
 
VIDEO & JOIN IN: HOLY COMMUNION
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise. 
 Holy, Holy Holy:  
 
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest!
 
Words of Institution and Lord’s Prayer
 
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.”
 
O Lord God, bless us your servants and these your own gifts of bread and wine. May we and all who share in the body and blood of Christ be filled with grace, receive forgiveness of sins, and be formed to live as your body in the world.  To you, O God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever.  Amen.
 
VIDEO & JOIN IN: The Lord’s Prayer
 
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.
 
 Take part in the sacrament now: 
 
TAKE THE BREAD….Each one in your household taking a turn tearing off a piece of bread, and serving the person next to them with these words, 
“the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you”.
 
IF YOU ARE ALONE:
Take the bread and say “the body and blood of Christ”
 
IF YOU OR ANOTHER IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD ARE NOT TAKING THE BREAD, you may make the sign of the cross over yourself, or over the other and say, 
“the Lord Jesus bless you and love you forever.”
 
VIDEO AND JOIN IN THE CHORUS OF THE COMMUNION HYMN:  “I Received the Living God” 
 
Jesus said: I am the bread kneaded long to give you life; you who will partake of me
need not ever fear to die. I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy. I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy.
 
Jesus said: I am the way, and my Father longs for you; so I come to bring you home
to be one with us anew. I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy. I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy.
 
Jesus said: I am the life far from whom no thing can grow, but receive this living bread,
and my Spirit you shall know. I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy. I received the living God, and my heart is full of joy.
 
VIDEO COMMUNION BLESSING: 
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.  Go in peace!  Amen!
 
 
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
 
We give you thanks, gracious God,
that you have once again fed us with food beyond compare,
the body and blood of Christ. Lead us from this place, nourished and forgiven,
into your beloved vineyard to wipe away the tears of all who hunger and thirst,
guided by the example of the same Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.

BLESSING: 
Mothering God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you and lead you into the way of truth and life.
Amen.

 
VIDEO AND SING ALONG - CLOSING HYMN:  “Go, My Children,With My Blessing” 
 
Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone. Waking, sleeping, I am with you; you are my own. In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever. Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.
 
Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure. Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure. Here you heard my dear Son’s story; here you touched him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
 
Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me. Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free. Here my Spirit’s power filled you, here my tender comfort stilled you. Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free. 
 
 
VIDEO: DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
 
VIDEO:  Announcements
 
THANK YOU
So much gratitude for everyone who has contributed to worship today.  The young and old, readers, musicians, and the technical help are all making this possible.  Find all of this week’s announcements in the Prints of Peace on the PLC website.   Allison Hearst, Office Admin: office@peacelutheranlz.com  /  Deacon Tracy Katschke: tracy@peacelutheranlz.com  /  Pastor Daniel Morris: pastor@peacelutheranlz.com 
 
 

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