Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 12, 2020

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP

P: For the sake of the Gospel,

C: We are called by God into worship;

P: For the sake of the Gospel,

C: God strengthens and unites us;

P: For the sake of the Gospel,

C: We encourage one another to live God's will.

HYMN: Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil ELW 512

Lord, let my heart be good soil, open to the seed of your word. Lord, let my heart be good soil, where love can grow and peace is understood. When my heart is heard, break the stone away. When my heart is cold, warm it with the day. When my heart is lost, lead me on your way. Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart, Lord, let my heart be good soil.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you, And also with you.

Let us pray: Living God, help us to live your Word at all times. You are the God of joy, strength, and relationship. Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we continue to stand firm in Jesus and live our faith each day. In Jesus' name. Amen

SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 2: 17 - 3: 13

As for us, dear siblings, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you-in person, not in heart-we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. For we wanted to come to you-certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again-but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Yes, you are our glory and joy!

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.

But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us-just as we long to see you. For this reason, beloved siblings, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may God so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Word of God, Word of Life.

Mark 9:50

'For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.'

Word of God, Word of Life.

MESSAGE

HYMN: What A Friend We Have in Jesus ELW 742

1. What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry ev'rything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, what needless pain we bear - all because we do not carry ev'rything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged - take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus know sour ev'ry weakness - take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, combered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge - take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your fiends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In his arms he'll take and shield you: you will find a solace there.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Called into unity with one another and the whole creation, let us pray for our shared world.

Gracious God, your word has been sown in many ways and places. We pray for missionaries and newly planted congregations around the world. Inspire us by their witness to the faith we share. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Creating God, the mountains and hills burst into song and the trees and fields clap their hands in praise. We pray for the birds and animals who make their home in the trees, and for lands stripped bare by deforestation. Empower us to sustainably use what you have given. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Reigning God, we pray for our nation's leaders. Increase their desire for justice and equality. We pray for our enemies. Bridge the chasms that divide us and guide authorities to a deep and lasting peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Abiding God, care for all who are in need, including those we name before you now.... For those who are doubting, renew faith. For those who are worrying, provide release. For those who are struggling, ease burdens. For those in fear, give hope. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Renewing God, nurture revive your church in this place. Enrich our faith that we might grow as disciples, empowered to serve one another and our neighbors. Sustain our ministries and deepen relationships with the wider community. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Eternal God, we give thanks for the lives and relationships of all who have died. Comfort us in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those too deep for words; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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

COMMUNION WITH OUR COMMUNITY

HYMN: Build Us Up, Lord ELW 670

1.Build us up, Lord, build us up; set in us a strong foundation. Lead us to do your holy will; form and shape your new creation. Build us up, Lord, build us up; as we guide and teach each other, help us to share your love with the world: ev'ry sister, ev'ry brother.

Refrain: Growing in Christ, we plant seeds for the kingdom; we follow in faith what's begun! Lord, set in our hearts the pow'r of your word to spread the news of your Son!

2. Build us up, Lord, build us up; let our lives reflect your glory. Cast away all our doubts and fear; help us tell the world your story. Build us up, Lord, build us up; help us bear good fruit for you. Lord, give us vision and keep us sure. Grant us faith that's steadfast and true. Refrain

Blessing

God, source of all life, God, the Word of love, God the Spirit of truth + bless you all, now and forever. Amen

DISMISSAL

Go forth into the world to serve God with gladness; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor all people; love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God.

Thank you for joining us in worship!

WELCOME to Baby H making her worship debut today!

Special thanks to Marcia, Erin, and Lori for participating in worship today.

Thank you to Jen Hauser for providing music for worship, and Tim McNulty for providing audio and visuals for the music.

Financial contributions may be made using electronic giving through Vanco; please go to christtheservant.org/contribute to learn more.

Contributions by check may be made out and sent to "Christ the Servant" 2016 Center Road, Waukesha, WI 53189. If you have questions, feel free to contact Ellen in the CTS Office. Thank you for your generosity.

Music and Liturgy from the ELW and Liturgy adapted from Sundays & Seasons used with permission: Augsburg Fortress License #42073, and OneLicense

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