ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE Allegro in A (Stanley)
* CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, whose steadfast love endures forever. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not followed your path but have chosen our own way. Instead of putting others before ourselves, we long to take the best seats at the table. When met by those in need, we have too often passed by on the other side. Set us again on the path of life.
Save us from ourselves and free us to love our neighbors. Amen.
Hear the good news!
God does not deal with us according to our sins
but delights in granting pardon and mercy.
In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.
You are free to love as God loves. Amen.
* PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may be ready to receive you wherever you appear, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
* indicates please stand as you are able
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
*GATHERING SONG God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
(ELW 771)
FIRST READING: Genesis 15:1-6
1After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4But the word of the LORD came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness.
PSALM: Psalm 33:12-22
12Happy is the nation whose God | is the LORD!
Happy the people chosen to | be God’s heritage!
13The LORD looks | down from heaven,
and sees all | humankind.
14God sits firmly enthroned and watches
all who dwell | on the earth.
15God fashions | all their hearts
and observes | all their deeds.
16A king is not saved by the size | of the army,
nor are warriors rescued by | their great strength.
17The horse gives vain | hope for victory;
despite its great strength it | cannot save.
18Truly, your eye is upon those who fear | you, O LORD,
upon those who wait for your | steadfast love,
19to deliver their | lives from death,
and to keep them alive in | time of famine.
20Our innermost being waits for | you, O LORD,
our helper | and our shield.
21Surely, our heart rejoices in you,
for in your holy name we | put our trust.
22Let your lovingkindness, O LORD, | be upon us,
even as we place our | hope in you.
SECOND READING: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”
13All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
* GOSPEL: Luke 12:32-40
The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. 38If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
39“But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
MEDITATION: Pastor Wende Bleam
* HYMN OF THE DAY Blessed Assurance (ELW 638)
* APOSTLES'CREED
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
* PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, let us come near to the Holy One in prayer.
Let your lovingkindness be upon your church. Fill all who proclaim the gospel with your Spirit. Equip your flock to speak your word of promise and hope in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Let your lovingkindness be upon your creation. Dwell among us and sustain our earthly home. In places of famine, provide nourishment. In places of plenty, fashion us to be good stewards of your bounty. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Let your lovingkindness be upon your world. Be our helper and our shield in places torn by strife and violence. Raise up courageous leaders to govern with compassion and justice. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Lord, we pray for the Ukrainian people that they be surrounded by your love and protection against the attacks on their country. Lift them up and protect them, end this war against them and let your peace reign. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Let your lovingkindness be upon your children. Look upon all who wait for your steadfast love. Console those who grieve and embrace those who cry out to you. Help us to trust your promise and not be afraid. We pray especially for Sherrie, Ana, Lillian, Helen, Arlene, Jose, Hoon, the Melendez family, Connie, Pat, Hazel, Deb, Joe, Ruth, Lisa, Bill, Rick, Dick, Alisia, Jacklyn, Lillian, Alexis, Jim and those we now raise before you in our hearts. We pray for those affected by the Covid virus in mind, body or spirit. Grant them healing and wholeness. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Let your lovingkindness be upon this community. Fashion our hearts to strive for the way of peace. Strengthen the outreach ministries of this congregation and all who care for those in need. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
With thanksgiving we remember all who have died in faith and now rest in you. As they placed their hope in you, so strengthen us to trust in your promise of new life. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Receive the prayers of your children, merciful God, and hold us forever in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our holy Wisdom.
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.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD
Offerings may be placed in the tray as you leave the sanctuary, or on line using the donate button on our website, or mailed to the church. All gifts are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for supporting our ministry as we bring God’s Word to people and help provide for their needs.
* OFFERING PRAYER
God of abundance:
you have set before us a plentiful harvest. As we feast on your goodness,
strengthen us to labor in your field, and equip us to bear fruit for the good of all, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
* DIALOGUE (SPOKEN)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
It is right to give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
* PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
offer thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way to everlasting life.
And so with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
* HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
* THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
In Christ’s presence there is fullness of joy.
Come to the banquet.
COMMUNION SONG
CONGREGATIONAL SONG Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
(ELW 488)
COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Life-giving God,
through this meal you have bandaged our wounds
and fed us with your mercy.
Now send us forth to live for others,
both friend and stranger,
that all may come to know your love.
This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
* BLESSING
5The God of peace, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you, comfort you,
and show you the path of life this day and always. Amen.
* SENDING SONG How Great Thou Art (ELW 856)
* DISMISSAL Go in peace. Love your neighbor. Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE On What Has Now Been Sown - "Darwall's 148th" (Miles)
The ETERNAL CANDLE is sponsored for the month of August by John Bindi with thanks for blessings received.
Announcing St. John’s fundraiser for July…SCHOOL SUPPLIES! We are asking for monetary donations only to support our students at St. John’s. We want to supply each with funds to purchase grade specific supplies they need for their classes. We hope to give each family the collected funds within the first week or two of August, so please get your donations in early. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Last year we were able to give 7 of church children a gift card for school supplies. No donation is too small. Donations can be sent to the church through mail or dropped off at the church during Sunday service.
If you would also like to pick-up some school supplies, we will donate them to Delcroft Elementary, as we did last year. Please only grab items off this list: kid’s scissors, number 2 pencils, 24 pack crayons, non-spiral wide ruled composition books, spiral bound single subject notebooks and three subject notebooks
Each week, we collect food for our hungry neighbors in need in our SHARING GOD'S BOUNTY WAGON. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Please consider making a donation of a food item each week.
YOU CAN HELP! You can be a good steward AND get your grocery shopping done. Did you know that if you purchase a grocery food gift card from St. John’s, our congregation will receive 5% of all sales of gift cards. Please see Ruth Weaver if you wish to purchase and gift cards. Thank you for helping us raise that 5% for
We are registered as Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church for Amazon Smile. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to the charities selected by customers. To register your charity designation, you will need to go to Smile.amazon.com. Then you select our name as your charity. Again, the name is registered as Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church. You will only have to register once. Next time you plan to shop online, go first to smile.amazon.com and you will be redirected to your own Amazon account. Your charity designation will be listed on the top left. So far, we have received over $156, just by doing your shopping through Smile.amazon.
The Finance Committee is looking for a member or two to join us in managing the finances of the church. This committee should have at least five members to be able to function correctly. Currently, committee consists of Chairperson, Barb Lynn, Financial Secretary, MaryAnne Rossi and Treasurer, Sherrie Modge. Pastor Wende is also a member of this committee. Ideally during the formation of the budget, we would be able to rely on the voices of a few other members. You do not need any degree or accounting classes to join. As Barb says, if you can balance your checkbook, you can be a member! Please consider joining!
Our Financial Response (July)
CURRENT
Budgeted costs per month $ 9,048.05
Offering last month $ 5,317.29
Budget required to date (7 months) $ 63,336.35
Total received to date $ 37,243.03
MISSION SUPPORT
Budget required to date (7 months) $ 3,500.00
Total received to date $ 3,394.77
Please continue to support St. John's. Our expenses continue each month
even if we are not all worshipping together inside our building.
Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our website: stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org or sent by mail to
St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.
You are welcome to watch the live service at 10:15 am at https://www.facebook.com/stjohnslutheranfolcroft
Or you can watch live streaming on the St. John's website: https://stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org
If you are having trouble accessing, please let us know.
