INTRODUCTION Today’s gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does?
CALL TO WORSHIP
ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE Recitative and Aria (Wold)
* CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ? one God, whose teaching is life, whose presence is sure, and whose love is endless. Amen. Let us confess our sins to the one who welcomes us with an open heart. God our comforter: like lost sheep, we have gone astray. We gaze upon abundance and see scarcity. We turn our faces away from injustice and oppression. We exploit the earth with our apathy and greed. Free us from our sin, gracious God. Listen when we call out to you for help. Lead us by your love to love our neighbors as ourselves. Amen. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. By the gift of grace in ? Christ Jesus, God makes you righteous. Receive with glad hearts the forgiveness of all your sins. Amen. * indicates please stand as you are able
* PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Sovereign God, you have created us to live in loving community with one another. Form us for life that is faithful and steadfast, and teach us to trust like little children, that we may reflect the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
* GATHERING SONG God Is Here! (ELW 526) VS 1, & 3
FIRST READING: Genesis 2:18-24 18The LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” 19So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. 21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23Then the man said, ?“This at last is bone of my bones ??and flesh of my flesh; ?this one shall be called Woman, ??for out of Man this one was taken.” 24Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.
PSALM: Psalm 8 ?1O | LORD our Lord, ??how majestic is your name in | all the earth!— ?2you whose glory is chanted above the heavens out of the mouths of infants and children; ??you have set up a fortress against your enemies, to silence the foe | and avenger. ?3When I consider your heavens, the work | of your fingers, ??the moon and the stars you have set | in their courses, ?4what are mere mortals that you should be mindful of them, ??human beings that you should | care for them? ?5Yet you have made them little less | than divine; ??with glory and honor you crown them. ?6You have made them rule over the works | of your hands; ??you have put all things under their feet: ?7all | flocks and cattle, ??even the wild beasts | of the field, ?8the birds of the air, the fish | of the sea, ??and whatever passes along the paths | of the sea. ?9O | LORD our Lord, ??how majestic is your name in | all the earth!
SECOND READING: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. ?2:5Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. 6But someone has testified somewhere, ?“What are human beings that you are mindful of them, ??or mortals, that you care for them? ?7You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; ??you have crowned them with glory and honor, ??8subjecting all things under their feet.” Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them,9but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. ? 10It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12saying, ?“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, ??in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”
* GOSPEL Mark 10:2-16 The holy gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. 2Some Pharisees came, and to test [Jesus] they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” 5But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. 6But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” ? 10Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” ? 13People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
MEDITATION Pastor Wende Bleam
*HYMN OF THE DAY God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (ELW 603) VS 1, 2 & 5
* 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.
OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD Please place your offering in the plate near the Sanctuary door any time during or following worship.
* OFFERING PRAYER God of abundance, you cause streams to break forth in the desert and manna to rain from the heavens. Accept the gifts you have first given us. Unite them with the offering of our lives to nourish the world you love so dearly; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Made children and heirs of God’s promise, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need. Holy One, you have raised up faithful leaders throughout history. Empower those discerning a call to ministry and all seminarians that they continue to be formed for the sake of the gospel. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You have established a diverse and beautiful creation. Revive declining species and preserve endangered lands. Cultivate in us a sense of wonder for the world you created. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You desire for us not to be alone and to live in community with one another. Strengthen relationships between nations and peoples, that we celebrate and support one human family. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You share in our experiences and struggles. Bless all who live with any mental or physical disability. Inspire creative communities, spaces, and environments that are accessible and hospitable. We pray especially for those affected by the covid virus in mind, body or spirit, for Derek, Morgan, Ash, Sue, Gavin, Donna, Robert, Alannah, Lillian, Alexis, Sharon, Connie, Pat, Hazel, Bill, Jacklyn, Addison, Joe, Deb, Tim, Shane, Tom, Carl, Monica, Marc, Alisia, Helen, Lucas, Laura, the Folcroft Police, Michael, Kelly, Rick, Dick, Ruth, Lisa, Lori, Wayne, Tim, Elaine, Bill, Lynda, and those we now raise before you in our hearts, let us pray. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You have established and nurtured relationships that extend beyond those gathered here today. Bless members who can no longer travel to worship with us and remind us of their continued role in this community of faith. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You promise eternal life to all your children. Thank you for the people of faith who have gone before us. Strengthen our trust we have in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Receive these prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *
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.
* THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift the to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. With all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name. 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. 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 All who hunger and thirst, come. The table is ready.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Lord of life, in the gift of your body and blood you turn the crumbs of our faith into a feast of salvation. Send us forth into the world with shouts of joy, bearing witness to the abundance of your love in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
*BLESSING People of God, you are Christ’s body, bringing new life to a suffering world. The holy Trinity, ? one God, bless you now and forever. Amen.
* SENDING SONG What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (ELW 774) VS 1-3
DISMISSAL - Go in peace. The living Word dwells in you. Thanks be to God. We hope that this service was meaningful for you and brought God’s peace and comfort into your homes. Continue to wear a mask and wash your hands frequently and to love others as yourself. Pray, trust, believe and wait. See you next week. POSTLUDE: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (Hampton) 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.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #44714. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Our Financial Response (August)
CURRENT Budgeted costs per month $ 9,041.09 Offering last month $ 5,364.38 Budget required to date (9 months) $ 81,369.81 Total received to date $ 52,263.03 MISSION SUPPORT Budget required to date (9 months) $ 4,500.00 Total received to date $ 5,016.00
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.
The ALTAR FLOWERS are sponsored by the current fund. The ETERNAL CANDLE is sponsored for the month of October by the Shortt family in memory of Warren Lewis and Edwin and Beatrice Shortt. New sign-up sheets are available on the hallway bulletin board. A sign up for the Eternal Candle is available for the remainder of the year. The cost is now $20. A sign-up sheet is provided to sponsor the Altar Flowers: (cost $14 per vase. Please note the new prices for the candles as well as the flowers. If there are no sponsors for a vase, the flowers will be paid by the current fund.
Also, there is a sign-up sheet for Coffee Talk. Please note: If you sign up for Coffee Talk, as well as providing the drink and snack, you are also responsible for putting everything in the trash and cleaning the kitchen.
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. Are you on FACEBOOK? Do you ever like or share the church's posts? We hope you do. Every little activity on our page is a good thing. More eyes to see what we're about and what we have going on is helpful. And if you leave a comment, even better. Others that may check our Facebook page out see that we're a busy, happening church. If you need our social media addresses on Facebook or Instagram, see Elaine Fisher or check out the hashtag on the bulletin board in the hallway for information.
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. 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. So far, we have received almost $75, just by doing your shopping through Smile.amazon.
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
Continuing this month, we will be taking a collection to add to the Education Fund for Eleanor Holbrook Davenport. As many are aware, Eleanor is the daughter of Jennifer Holbrook who passed in 2015. At that time, it was decided to open a fund to help pay for her education. At this time, we have contributed approximately $4,000. If you are making a donation, either send by mail to the church, or place in the offering in an envelope marked ELEANOR. If sending though Tithely, please send to the SPECIAL FUND with the note ELEANOR. Thank you so much for your continuing donations for this worthy project.
The Finance Committee is looking for a member or two to join us i managing the finances of the church. This committee really should have at least five members to be able to function correctly. Right now, the 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!
COMING UP AT ST. JOHN'S. OCTOBER 10 - Council Meeting, following worship OCTOBER 10 - 12 - 3 PM Paper Shredding and Expired pill destruction @ McCausland, Garrity, Marchesani Funeral Home, 343 Chester Pike, Glenolden Please bring a canned good for our local food bank
OCTOBER 12 - 7 pm on Zoom - Worship and Music Meeting
OCTOBER 17 - 12:30 pm Blessing of the Animals Bring your pet and a donation for the animal shelter (unopened pet food and/or treats). Weather permitting, it will be on the church lawn. We will need lawn signs made and volunteers to help set up/break down.
OCTOBER 17 - 12 - 2 pm - Family pumpkin painting @ McCausland, Garrity, Marchesani Funeral Home - snacks, treats, games and other fun fall festivities
OCTOBER 19 - 7 pm on Zoom - Finance Committee - 2022 Budget meeting
OCTOBER 23 - 1:pm Halloween Treat Handout We will meet at 12:00 pm and fill bags to handout to neighborhood kids. We need candy donations (candy can be left in the church kitchen or contact Kim for a pickup (so we know in advance how much extra has to be bought). We'll need volunteers to advertise around the neighborhood, hang flyers, make signs, fill bags, and help hand out bags.
OCTOBER 25 - 7 pm on Zoom - Social Ministry Meeting
