Bethlehem Lutheran Church

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church Living God's Word As a community of faith, “Living God’s Word” and a whole life ministry, we embrace and learn from the diversity in our midst.

We seek to meet people, including those who know only an unloving world, with God’s grace. We welcome all people without regard to age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, culture, marital status, addictions, sexual orientation, economic status, ability or label. You are welcome here!

Bethlehem Lutheran Church1375 Grand AvenueBaldwin, NY 11510516-223-3400 bethluth@hotmail.com www.blcbaldwin.comRev. J...
10/11/2026

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1375 Grand Avenue
Baldwin, NY 11510
516-223-3400 [email protected] www.blcbaldwin.com
Rev. James D. Smith-Pastor
Baptized People of God, Ministers
Stuart Waters - Keyboardist
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Worship Service for Peace

Copyright: #720 – We Are Called: Text & Music – David Haas; #721 – Goodness is Stronger Than Evil: Text – Desmond Tutu, Music – John L Bell; #841 – Lift Every Voice and Sing: Text – James W Johnson, Music – J Rosamond Johnson.
ONE LICENSE LICENSING PERMISSION

Prelude

Call to worship (Pastor)

“Seek peace and pursue it.” Because shalom is so essential to the life in community that God intends, it cannot be left to chance or circumstance. It cannot be taken for granted. It cannot be simply wished for or even earnestly petitioned in prayer. It must be pursued; it must be sought; it must be built. - Dwight Lundgren
AMEN

Opening Hymn: #720 - We Are Called

Opening Prayer

God of justice, peace, and reconciliation. After a year of escalated conflict in
the Middle East, we stand before you, lamenting immense suffering, loss of
life, and injustice. We are a part of one human family, but daily we experience brokenness.
Gracious God, change hearts and minds, replace suspicion with respect for human dignity, replace fear with love for the neighbor. Bring an end to violence
and the war in the Holy Land and the Middle East. Restore hope, O God.
We pray that hostages are released, that civilians are protected, that human
rights are respected, that humanitarian workers are granted safe access to offer
aid.
We pray that leaders have the wisdom and courage to choose peace rather
than war. May justice again flourish for the Palestinian people. Open paths to
a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live together in safety and peace.
Gracious God, bring peace to our conflicted world, in other countries experienc-
ing tension and war, in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and in so many other places.
Merciful God, may transformative peace prevail, that peoples and nations are
reconciled, that communities live together in the abundance of life you wish
for all. (Lutheran World Federation)
AMEN

Isaiah 2:4
He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Psalm 34:1-14
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Litany: “Show Us How to Make Peace”
By Katie Cook

LEADER: Jesus, when you were born the angels sang of peace on earth.
PEOPLE: But all around us are wars and rumors of wars.
LEADER: We wish for the nations to join hands in peace.
PEOPLE: But instead we see the countries of the world ravaged by bombs and paralyzed by terrorists; we watch in shock as ethnic purging stalks the globe; we watch in dismay as whole nations fall before the violence of hunger.
LEADER: We long for peace in the land where we live.
PEOPLE: But we see fear throughout our cities, do***ng our steps through the streets; we see unchecked greed in the marketplaces; we watch ethnic groups, political parties, and religious communities fling poisoned barbs of prejudice toward one another; we see the slow slaughter of the poor through the violence of greed and denial.
LEADER: We ache for peace among friends.
PEOPLE: But something within us builds walls to keep the love out; something within us holds us back from the embrace that might heal our brokenness.
LEADER: Most of all, we want peace within our hearts.
PEOPLE: But we rush about in our busyness and never give the peace a chance to plant itself and grow; or we have our hearts so heavily guarded that peace cannot pe*****te the fortress.
LEADER: We are told that the Messiah was described as the Prince of Peace.
PEOPLE: But we are not sure what that means, and we are confused by the lack of peace around us.
ALL: O Prince of Peace, still our minds and hearts and plant hope where we feel despair. Show us what you meant when you spoke of peace. Show us how to have peace in ourselves, and how to make peace in the world around us. Amen.

Biblical Readings on Perusing Peace
1 Peter 3:11"They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it."

Romans 14:19 – "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

Hebrews 12:14 – "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

Hebrews 12:14 – "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

2 Timothy 2:22 – "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Romans 12:18 – "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Colossians 3:15 – "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Ephesians 4:3 – "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Sermon

Hymn of the Day: #721 - Goodness is Stronger Than Evil

Words for Meditation
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
—from the Talmud
AMEN

Reading from the Epistles

Romans 12: 9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Closing Hymn: #723 - Canticle of Turning

Benediction:
God, I confess I come to you somewhat weary. Apprehensive to dream and hope for the future of a nation that has yet to reckon with its past. Conflicted about praying for a country where my tax dollars fund war, where billionaires rule while children go hungry, where the language and symbol of my faith are wielded as weapons to justify harm and legislate hate. And so it is with heavy heart, I pray for a different path forward. Grant us the wisdom and the courage, God, to bend toward justice. To look at our histories, our complicities, our faults, and dream together of a different 250 years to come.
I pray for a future with investment in care. A future where our ancestors are honored, our brilliant diversity is celebrated, and our children are fed. A future where war is unimaginable, where our mother Earth can heal, and where love of neighbor extends to all of us without exception.
We have everything we need to create the future you envisioned for us. Together, may we make it so.

Thanks Be To God

Postlude

There is an offering plate in the back for those wishing to contribute to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Thank you!

Calendar-Announcements
- Our monthly Worship Service of Peace is every second Sunday of the month. Our next Service for Peace will be held November 5, 2026 at 5 pm. This is open to the entire community! Please invite your friends and family to join us!

- We are collecting food for the pantry in the back of the church. Your donations greatly help people in our community. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

- If you know of anyone who is ill, in the hospital, or in need of a home visit, please contact Pastor Smith or a Council member. Pastor can be reached by text or phone: 718-619-1333.

2026 BLC COUNCIL
Officers ____________ Members_______
President - Allison Nuñez Judith Borga
Vice President – Linda Pietrzak Barbara Dempster
Treasurer - Dan D’Antonio Patty Derkatch
Financial Secretary - Sita Ramsundar Kelli Dunbar
Recording Secretary - Aiisha Nembhard John Maraz
Carolyn Olson

Mission of the Month: Thanksgiving & Christmas Baskets

As a community of faith and a whole life ministry focused on Living God’s Word, we embrace and learn from the diversity in our midst. We seek to meet all people with God’s grace and eternal love shown to all God’s people through the life, death and resurrection of God’s only Son regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, culture, marital status, addictions, sexual orientation, economic status, ability or label.
You are welcome here!

We serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, standing with the poor and powerless, and committing ourselves to their needs. Thank you to all who have ...

Bethlehem Lutheran Church1375 Grand AvenueBaldwin, NY 11510516-223-3400 bethluth@hotmail.com www.blcbaldwin.comRev. J...
10/10/2026

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1375 Grand Avenue
Baldwin, NY 11510
516-223-3400 [email protected] www.blcbaldwin.com
Rev. James D. Smith-Pastor
Baptized People of God, Ministers
Stuart Waters - Keyboardist
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time after Pentecost

Copyright: #807 – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: Text – Robert Robertson, Music – J Wyeth; #595 – Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult: Text – Cecil Frances Alexander, Music – William H Jude; #625 – Come, We That Love the Lord: Text – Isaac Watts, Music – Robert Lowery. ONE LICENSE LICENSING PERMISSION

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, our creator, our protector, our wellspring of life. Amen.

P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and one another. (pause for silence and self reflection).

Most Merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Prayer of the Day: Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #807 – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 25:1-9
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled. On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged w**es, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged w**es strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalm 23 (congregation please respond in the bold text)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:1-9
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

*Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Thie is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in God’s salvation. Alleluia. (Isa. 25:9)

Response after announcement: Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL: Matthew 22:1-14
Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, "Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.'But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, "The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.'Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, "Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, "Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'For many are called, but few are chosen."

Response after the conclusion: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON: Pastor James D. Smith

Hymn of the Day: #595 – Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult

*Apostles Creed, p. 105

*Prayers of Intercession
Seeking the Spirit of God who makes all things new, we pray for the church and the world.

Holy God, we remember your promise of unity on your holy mountain. Empower the World Council of Churches and all those working across religious difference, that the world may know your undivided love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We remember your promise of green pastures and quiet waters. Preserve all places of natural beauty and restore our relationship with the land. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We remember your promise to not abandon us amid storm and disaster. Renew all communities facing disasters and give your courage to those leading relief efforts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We remember your promise to wipe away every tear. Heal and console all who are sick or suffering. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We remember your promise of a banquet open to all people. Challenge this congregation to open wide our doors and welcome everyone to the table. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We especially pray today for: Our military and their families, Peace Corps workers, our First Responders (Fire, Police, EMS), Healthcare Workers, Transit Workers, teachers, Sophia, Symons Family, McPherson Family, Derkatch family, Peragine family, Michelle, Frank, the Holke family, Pat Tucker, the Offley family, Shirley Byer and family, the McSwain family, the Broadhead Family, the Zamparelli family, the Nicholas family, the Simpson family, the Roulston family, Charles Hale, Roberta Neidballa, Kim McManus, the Lebby family, the Robinson family, Yanni and Sydell Saddler and family, Orvia Williams, Winston Flowers, Olga Young, Joyce Scott, The Cotton and Victor family, the Norcia family, the Kogan family, the family of Rosalie Connor, the Petito family, Stephanie Scott, Linda Odom, the Washington and Flowers family, Mack Smith, John and Jean Anne Miller and family, Michael Branker, Broderick family, the Ayling family, Mack Baker, Matthew and Diana Pietrzak, Shaan Shivdasani, the Wynn family, the Dunbar, Humphrey & Jackson families, the Stepteau family, Ishmael and Yvonne Barthley, Phyllis Taylor, the Staton family, the Applewhite family, Bev Mitchell and family, Ortman family, Juanita Cunningham, Melhado family, Charlene Coyne, Lawrence Jordan, Leonard and Alma Cunningham, Cheryl Myles & family, Althea Robinson & family, Vonda Campbell & family, Carmen Alvarez Holmes & family, Cumberland family, Val Thomas & family, Eliano and Evans family, Bill Stoll, Ted & Laura Fackelman, Antoinette Allen, the Conforti family, John Kelly, George & Fran Doerrbecker, Ysabel Frias, the family of Mortimer Wortman, Janet Gabler, Colleen, Antoinette Sherrington & family, the Balraj family, and the Shields family. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We remember your promise to swallow up death forever. We give thanks for those who have gone before us. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Trusting in your boundless grace, O God, we lift up these spoken prayers and those in our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Lord’s Prayer

*Sharing of the Peace

Offering

Offering hymn: Lamb of God, p.146

*Offering Prayer
Blessed are you, Holy One, for all good things come from you. In bread and cup you open heaven to us. Meet us at this table, that we receive what we seek and follow your Son, Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

*Eucharistic Prayer
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, you have brought us this far along the way. In times of bitterness you did not abandon us, but guided us into a path of love and light. In every age you sent prophets to make known your loving will for all humanity. The cry of the poor has become your own cry; our hunger and thirst for justice is your own desire. In the fullness of time, you sent your chosen servant to preach good news to the afflicted, to break bread with the outcast and despised, and to ransom those in bo***ge to prejudice and sin.

* Thanksgiving

* Holy Communion For remote listeners-please bring your own elements.
(In this time we gather around the eternal table wherever that may be in this time we are apart. We bring our own gifts so they can be lifted up and bring honor and glory to God. We lift up our prayers so that the Spirit is sent to us and the meal that we share, so that it and all of God’s acts and promises may come to fulfillment for us and the world. The prayer is that the life giving Spirit will make the meal effective in us. We join our prayers with those servants of every time and every place and unite them with the ceaseless petitions of our great High Priest until he comes as victorious Lord of all.)

SENDING
*Blessing
God who names you, Christ who claims you, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in you, + bless you and remain with you always. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #625 – Come, We That Love the Lord

*Dismissal: Go in peace, you are God’s beloved. Thanks be to God.

Please remain at your seat as Pastor distributes communion.

*Offering- Please remember your church home during this time. Your donations are important in helping the church to fulfill its missions as well as pay bills. Please return your donation at the back of the sanctuary as you leave or go on our website and use the blue Donate button at the top of the page.

The Eternal Light is lit today in memory of loved ones.
The Flowers on the altar are in the memory of loved ones.

If you know of anyone who is ill, in the hospital, or in need of a home visit, please contact Pastor Smith or a Council member. Pastor can be reached by text or phone: 718-619-1333.


Calendar-Announcements
- We have a monthly Worship Service for Peace every second Sunday of the month. Our next Service for Peace will be held this evening, October 11, 2026 at 5 pm. This is open to the entire community! Please invite your friends and family to join us!

- The Special Congregational Meeting Coffee Hour has been resecheduled to Sunday, October 18, 2026 immediately after our service. EVERYONE needs to attend!

- Thank you to all the people who came out to help with our Clean-up Sunday! After working hard around our building, we sat down and shared a meal and some fellowship. Our next Clean-up Sunday will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026, immediately following our service! Please come join us! Many hands make light work!

- If you are interested in being a Lector, please see Dan D‘Antonio to sign up.

- There is a sign up sheet in the back of the church for Greeters! Isn’t it nice to have a greeter at the door each week to welcome visitors and members?
We only ask that you arrive 15 minutes early (10:15).

- We are collecting food for the pantry in the back of the church. Your donations greatly help people in our community. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

2026 BLC COUNCIL
Officers ____________ Members_______
President - Allison Nuñez Judith Borga
Vice President – Linda Pietrzak Barbara Dempster
Treasurer - Dan D’Antonio Patty Derkatch
Financial Secretary - Sita Ramsundar Kelli Dunbar
Recording Secretary - Aiisha Nembhard John Maraz
Carolyn Olson


Mission of the Month: Thanksgiving & Christmas Baskets

As a community of faith and a whole life ministry focused on Living God’s Word, we embrace and learn from the diversity in our midst. We seek to meet all people with God’s grace and eternal love shown to all God’s people through the life, death and resurrection of God’s only Son regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, culture, marital status, addictions, sexual orientation, economic status, ability or label.
You are welcome here!

We serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, standing with the poor and powerless, and committing ourselves to their needs. Thank you to all who have ...

Bethlehem Lutheran Church1375 Grand AvenueBaldwin, NY 11510516-223-3400 bethluth@hotmail.com www.blcbaldwin.comRev. J...
10/02/2026

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1375 Grand Avenue
Baldwin, NY 11510
516-223-3400 [email protected] www.blcbaldwin.com
Rev. James D. Smith-Pastor
Baptized People of God, Ministers
Stuart Waters - Keyboardist
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time after Pentecost

Copyright: #838 – Beautiful Savior: Text – Gesangbuch, Münster, Music – Silesian folk tune; #595 – Jesus Loves Me!: Text – Anna B Warner, Music – William B Bradbury; #826 – Thine the Amen: Text – Herbert F Brokering, Music – Carl F Schalk.
ONE LICENSE LICENSING PERMISSION

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, our creator, our protector, our wellspring of life. Amen.

P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and one another. (pause for silence and self reflection).

Most Merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Prayer of the Day: Beloved God, from you all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #838 – Beautiful Savior

WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7
Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a w**e vat in it; he expected it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done in it? When I expected it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and it shall be overgrown with briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry!

Psalm 80:7-15 (congregation please respond in the bold text)
Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.

You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.

The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches;

it sent out its branches to the sea, and its shoots to the River.

Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?

The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.

Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine,

the stock that your right hand planted.

Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

*Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Jesus says, I chose you and appointed you to ogo and bear fruit that will last. Alleluia. (John 15:16)

Response after announcement: Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL: Matthew 21:33-46
"Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a w**e press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first; and they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, "They will respect my son.'But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.'So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet.

Response after the conclusion: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON: Pastor James D. Smith

Hymn of the Day: #595 – Jesus Loves Me!

*Apostles Creed, p. 105

*Prayers of Intercession
Seeking the Spirit of God who makes all things new, we pray for the church and the world.

God of every generation, we give thanks for all who have sought to renew and transform your holy church. Inspire us to follow their example in our own day.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of every creature, bless and protect the earth and all those who dwell within it. We give thanks for those who have helped us to see your Spirit in creation. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

God of every tribe and nation, restore peace to the world’s conflict zones, and shelter those who live within them. We pray especially for the safety of displaced people and refugees. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of every comfort, you made us in your own image. Grant healing and relief to all who are sick or suffering. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of every truth, you draw us nearer to you through your holy word. We give thanks for teachers of the faith. Fill their hearts with your Spirit, that they inspire others with your truth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We especially pray today for: Our military and their families, Peace Corps workers, our First Responders (Fire, Police, EMS), Healthcare Workers, Transit Workers, teachers, Sophia, Symons Family, McPherson Family, Derkatch family, Peragine family, Michelle, Frank, the Holke family, Pat Tucker, the Offley family, Shirley Byer and family, the McSwain family, the Broadhead Family, the Zamparelli family, the Nicholas family, the Simpson family, the Roulston family, Charles Hale, Roberta Neidballa, Kim McManus, the Lebby family, the Robinson family, Yanni and Sydell Saddler and family, Orvia Williams, Winston Flowers, Olga Young, Joyce Scott, The Cotton and Victor family, the Norcia family, the Kogan family, Rosalie Connor, the Petito family, Stephanie Scott, Linda Odom, the Washington and Flowers family, Mack Smith, John and Jean Anne Miller and family, Michael Branker, Broderick family, the Ayling family, Mack Baker, Matthew and Diana Pietrzak, Shaan Shivdasani, the Wynn family, the Dunbar, Humphrey & Jackson families, the Stepteau family, Ishmael and Yvonne Barthley, Phyllis Taylor, the Staton family, the Applewhite family, Bev Mitchell and family, Ortman family, Juanita Cunningham, Melhado family, Charlene Coyne, Lawrence Jordan, Leonard and Alma Cunningham, Cheryl Myles & family, Althea Robinson & family, Vonda Campbell & family, Carmen Alvarez Holmes & family, Cumberland family, Val Thomas & family, Eliano and Evans family, Bill Stoll, Ted & Laura Fackelman, Antoinette Allen, the Conforti family, John Kelly, George & Fran Doerrbecker, Ysabel Frias, the family of Mortimer Wortman, Janet Gabler, Colleen, Antoinette Sherrington & family, the Balraj family, and the Shields family. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of every soul, you are the one who calls us home. We give thanks for all the saints who have been restored to perfect unity with you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Trusting in your boundless grace, O God, we lift up these spoken prayers and those in our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Lord’s Prayer

*Sharing of the Peace

Offering

Offering hymn: Lamb of God, p.146

*Offering Prayer
Blessed are you, Holy One, for all good things come from you. In bread and cup you open heaven to us. Meet us at this table, that we receive what we seek and follow your Son, Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

*Eucharistic Prayer
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, you have brought us this far along the way. In times of bitterness you did not abandon us, but guided us into a path of love and light. In every age you sent prophets to make known your loving will for all humanity. The cry of the poor has become your own cry; our hunger and thirst for justice is your own desire. In the fullness of time, you sent your chosen servant to preach good news to the afflicted, to break bread with the outcast and despised, and to ransom those in bo***ge to prejudice and sin.

* Thanksgiving

* Holy Communion For remote listeners-please bring your own elements.
(In this time we gather around the eternal table wherever that may be in this time we are apart. We bring our own gifts so they can be lifted up and bring honor and glory to God. We lift up our prayers so that the Spirit is sent to us and the meal that we share, so that it and all of God’s acts and promises may come to fulfillment for us and the world. The prayer is that the life giving Spirit will make the meal effective in us. We join our prayers with those servants of every time and every place and unite them with the ceaseless petitions of our great High Priest until he comes as victorious Lord of all.)

SENDING
*Blessing
God who names you, Christ who claims you, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in you, + bless you and remain with you always. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #826 – Thine the Amen

*Dismissal: Go in peace, you are God’s beloved. Thanks be to God.

Please remain at your seat as Pastor distributes communion.

*Offering- Please remember your church home during this time. Your donations are important in helping the church to fulfill its missions as well as pay bills. Please return your donation at the back of the sanctuary as you leave or go on our website and use the blue Donate button at the top of the page.

The Eternal Light is lit today in memory of loved ones.
The Flowers on the altar are in the memory of loved ones.

If you know of anyone who is ill, in the hospital, or in need of a home visit, please contact Pastor Smith or a Council member. Pastor can be reached by text or phone: 718-619-1333.


Calendar-Announcements
- We had a very successful Clean-up Sunday, so we want to do it again! Our next Clean-up Sunday will be held immediately after church on TODAY. Please join us! Many hands make light work!

- We have a monthly Worship Service for Peace every second Sunday of the month. Our next Service for Peace will be held October 11, 2026 at 5 pm. This is open to the entire community! Please invite your friends and family to join us!

- We will have a Congregational Meeting Coffee Hour has been resecheduled to Sunday, October 18, 2026 immediately after our service. EVERYONE needs to attend!

- If you are interested in being a Lector, please see Dan D‘Antonio to sign up.

- There is a sign up sheet in the back of the church for Greeters! Isn’t it nice to have a greeter at the door each week to welcome visitors and members?
We only ask that you arrive 15 minutes early (10:15).

- We are collecting food for the pantry in the back of the church. Your donations greatly help people in our community. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

2026 BLC COUNCIL
Officers ____________ Members_______
President - Allison Nuñez Judith Borga
Vice President – Linda Pietrzak Barbara Dempster
Treasurer - Dan D’Antonio Patty Derkatch
Financial Secretary - Sita Ramsundar Kelli Dunbar
Recording Secretary - Aiisha Nembhard John Maraz
Carolyn Olson


Mission of the Month: Thanksgiving & Christmas Baskets

As a community of faith and a whole life ministry focused on Living God’s Word, we embrace and learn from the diversity in our midst. We seek to meet all people with God’s grace and eternal love shown to all God’s people through the life, death and resurrection of God’s only Son regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, culture, marital status, addictions, sexual orientation, economic status, ability or label.
You are welcome here!

We serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, standing with the poor and powerless, and committing ourselves to their needs. Thank you to all who have ...

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1375 Grand Avenue
Baldwin, NY
11510

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Monday 7am - 6pm
Tuesday 7am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 6pm
Friday 7am - 6pm
Sunday 10:30am - 11:30am

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