Worship for August 9, 2020 and This Week at Immanuel

Jesus spoke to them and said,

“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

- Matthew 14:22

Photo by Jordan McQueen

Service of Word, Song and Prayer

August 9, 2020

Storms are common on the Sea of Galilee and tend to develop quickly. And with fishing as the primary industry in that part of the world during Jesus' day, folks knew about storms. They knew the threat and danger they brought. They knew the fear when they saw the clouds gather on the horizon and family members were out on the sea. We know the fear that storms can bring as well. We can see lightening flashes off in the distance drawing closer and closer, the wind picks up, and we begin to hear the thunder rumbling as it approaches. But we also know the fear of other storms in our lives - those times when we don't know where to turn or where to find our strength. Those are the times Jesus draws near, coming to us in our uncertainty, in the turmoil, in the fear. Jesus simply calls us to trust that God will always be with us - no matter what we face in our lives!

Click here for video for today's Service of Word, Song, and Prayer

~ Gathering ~

Prelude - Gymnopedie No. 1 - Erik Satie

Josh Ehlebracht, Organ

Dialogue

O God who is greater than the most powerful forces in this world,

enable us to be still and know that You are God.

O Lord who answers out of the whirlwind of everyday life,

breathe in us Your Holy Spirit to strengthen, comfort, and guide us in the midst of the storm.

O still, small voice, speak to us this hour

that we might become makers of Your peace

in our homes, in our communities, in our world.

We pray all this in the name of the One who calmed the raging sea.

Amen.

Hymn - You Are Holy

Greeting and Prayer of the Day

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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.

~ Word ~

First Reading: Romans 10:5-15

⁵Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” ⁶But 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). ⁸But 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); ⁹because 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. ¹⁰For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. ¹¹The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” ¹²For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. ¹³For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

¹⁴But 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? ¹⁵And 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!”

Word of God, word of life.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 85:8-13

⁸I will listen to what the Lord God is saying;

for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to you.

⁹Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you,

that your glory may dwell in our land.

¹⁰Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together;

righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

¹¹Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth,

and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

¹²The Lord will indeed grant prosperity,

and our land will yield its increase.

¹³Righteousness shall go before the Lord

and shall prepare for God a pathway.

Gospel Matthew 14:22-33

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Glory to you, O Lord.

²²[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

²⁸Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save

1 Eternal Father, strong to save,

whose arm has bound the restless wave,

who bade the mighty ocean deep

its own appointed limits keep:

oh, hear us when we cry to thee

for those in peril on the sea.

2 O Savior, whose almighty word

the winds and waves submissive heard,

who walked upon the foaming deep,

and calm amid the storm didst sleep:

oh, hear us when we cry to thee

for those in peril on the sea.

3 O Holy Spirit, who didst brood

upon the chaos dark and rude,

and bid its angry tumult cease,

and give, for wild confusion, peace:

oh, hear us when we cry to thee

for those in peril on the sea.

4 O Trinity of love and pow'r,

all trav'lers guard in danger's hour

from rock and tempest, fire and foe,

protect them wheresoe'er they go;

thus evermore shall rise to thee

glad hymns and praise from land and sea.

Text: William Whiting, 1825-1878, alt.

Confession and Forgiveness

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin and hear God's promise of grace.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God, You call us to step out in faith, to place our lives in Your hands, and to wholeheartedly commit to following You. We confess that we find this difficult to do. It is not always easy to follow where You lead—to turn away from our own personal wants and desires, to let go of our safety nets and trust that You will provide for us in all things.

Forgive us when we doubt You, God. Increase our faith. Open our eyes to see past our own interests and concerns, to Your broader vision for us and for our world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Beloved of God,

by the radical abundance of divine mercy

we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus,

through whom we have obtained grace upon grace.

Our sins are forgiven.

Let us live now in hope.

For hope does not disappoint,

because God’s love has been poured into our hearts

through the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Offering

You may use this time to make a gift online, or write a check to be mailed in,

to sustain the ministries of the Church.

Offertory Hymn As Saints of Old

1 As saints of old their firstfruits brought

of orchard, flock, and field

to God, the giver of all good,

the source of bounteous yield;

so we today firstfruits would bring,

the wealth of this good land,

of farm and market, shop and home,

of mind and heart and hand.

2 A world in need now summons us

to labor, love, and give;

to make our life an offering

to God, that all may live.

The church of Christ is calling us

to make the dream come true:

a world redeemed by Christ-like love;

all life in Christ made new.

3 In gratitude and humble trust

we bring our best today

to serve your cause and share your love

with all along life's way.

O God, who gave yourself to us

in Jesus Christ your Son,

teach us to give ourselves each day

until life's work is done.

Text: Frank von Christierson, 1900-1996, alt.

Offering Prayer

God of goodness and growth,all creation is yours, and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. All that we are we give to you. All that we have we share with your people. Guide us that we might proclaim your steadfast love in our communities and in the world,through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song.

Amen.

Prayers of Intercession and Lord's Prayer

Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

For your whole church throughout the world. Give courage in the midst of storms, so that we see and hear Jesus calling: “Take heart, it is I: do not be afraid.” May we follow Christ wherever he leads. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For the well-being of your creation. Protect waterways, forests, lands, and wildlife from exploitation and abuse. Help the human family endeavor to sustain and be sustained by the resources of your hand. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For the nations and their leaders. In you, steadfast love and faithfulness meet, and righteousness and peace kiss. May nations in conflict know the peace that is the fruit of justice, and the justice that is the path to peace. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For those in need. Everyone who calls upon your name will be saved. Accompany all who are lonely, hear the voices of those who cry out in anguish, and support those who are frustrated in their search for an affordable place to live. We pray for those suffering this day. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

For our congregation. You have gathered us here today as your people and we thank you for this gift. We pray for those who are new to this community, for students and teachers preparing for a new school year, and for those struggling with unexpected hardship. Supply us generously with your grace for our life together. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

We give you thanks, O God, for the saints of the whole church from all times and places, and for the saints in our lives and in our community whom you have gathered to yourself. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord who taught us to pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

~ Sending ~

Blessing

Hymn My Life Flows On in Endless Song

Dismissal

Go from this place trusting in God’s presence and power, and eager to do God’s will.

Thanks be to God!

Postlude - Prelude and Fugue in C Major

from "Eight Little Preludes and Fugues" - J. S. Bach

Josh Ehlebracht, Organ

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Worship Leaders

Pastors: Rev. Joanne Groman-Stewart

Director of Music Ministry: Josh Ehlebracht

Tune in for Fellowship Hour

Sunday, August 2 at 11.

Bring a cup of coffee or tea, or a cold drink, and connect with folks from Immanuel. Zoom info is:

Meeting ID: 831 9129 6491

Passcode: Fellowship

Adult Sunday School Continues through

August...

Tune into Zoom Sunday morning at 9:30 following Holy Communion for an engaging, fun, and enlightening discussion. Adult Sunday School will continue through August! The log-in info is:

Meeting ID: 879 5559 7788

Passcode: 208213

This Week at Immanuel

Outdoor Worship

Wednesday, August 12

Come celebrate God’s love as we return to in-person worship on Wednesday evening, August 5, at 6:30. Please bring a lawn chair, wear a mask, and gather in the parking lot near the Little Pantry. In the event of rain, the service will be cancelled, and the church building will remain closed.

Please do not feel guilty or pressured to return to in-person worship. We will be continuing our services on-line. Please only come when you feel that you are ready.

A few things to remember about coming to worship are:

Before arrival

If you are not feeling well, we ask for your own safety as well as others that you not attend any in person worship, events or activities.
If you test positive for Covid-19 after having been in worship at Immanuel, please contact Pastor Joanne as soon as possible so that we may begin contact tracing immediately.
Please arrive early as so we may take time to properly maintain the appropriate distancing between people.

Upon arrival

Everyone must wear a mask for the entire service. If you do not have one or have forgotten one, we will have additional masks available (to be kept and not returned).
Hand sanitizers will be available. Please use them when you arrive and when you leave.
You will be asked to check in on the attendance sheet in case we need to contact people in the event that someone later tests positive for the virus.
Everyone must maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet apart from anyone not in your own household.

During Worship

No Singing – because transmission of droplets goes farther when singing, we will not able to do so. We will have more instrumental music.
There will be minimal Spoken responses during the service.
Please remain seated throughout the service.
An offering basket will be provided as you leave. You may also use the online giving option.

What a joy it is to come together! Please contact Pastor Joanne if you have any questions.

Vacation Bible School

Is Here!

Vacation Bible School is always a favorite week around Immanuel but because of the coronavirus, we unfortunately can't come together safely. But that doesn't mean we can't still experience some of the fun of VBS at home. The ELCA has provided an online version of this year's VBS, On Earth as in Heaven,

for families to download and do together at home. Click below for a link to those resources.

Click here to go to Online VBS

Food Drive - August 22

Bring a can or a case of food to support Immanuel's Little Pantry and Webster School Backpack Program. Volunteers will be there to receive donations of non-perishable items from 9 to 2. What a wonderful opportunity to support the community!

Bible Study Wednesday at 9!

This week we will be looking at the readings for next Sunday, August 16. The log-in info is:

Meeting ID: 868 9194 0468

Password: Bibles

Click here for Next Sunday's Readings

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