Our Savior's Lutheran Church

09/04/2026

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Interim Pastor Nick Nicolai
1115 13th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: 509-758-7751 e-mail: [email protected]
Sept 6, 2026, Lectionary 23, ELW 3 Communion

Welcome to Our Savior’s! If this is your first visit to worship at Our Savior’s, please take a moment to sign the guest book in the Narthex. All who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are invited to share the sacrament of Holy Communion. Please complete a communion registration card, which can be found in your pew, and hand it to an usher as you come forward to commune. We’re delighted you are here, and pray that the love and peace of God, our Father, be with you always. *(Standing for those who are able)

L= Leader (clergy or lay) A = Assisting C = Congregation


WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*SHARING OF THE PEACE
HYMN OF THE MONTH 710 “Let Streams of Living Justice”
*THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM, page 97
*GATHERING SONG, HYMN 824 “This Is My Father’s World”
*GREETING AND KYRIE, page 138
*HYMN OF PRAISE, page 140, “This is the Feast…...”
*PRAYER OF THE DAY,
L: Let us pray
C: O Lord God, enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail; remove far from us everything that is harmful, and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 33:7-11 (back of worship folder)
A. The word of the Lord C. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 119:33-40, (read together the boldface type )
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it |to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your teaching;
I shall keep it with all my heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire.
Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain.
Turn my eyes from beholding falsehood; give me life in your way.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, which is for those who fear you.
Turn away the reproach that I dread, because your judgments are good.
Behold, I long for your commandments; by your righteousness enliven me.

SECOND READING: Romans 13:8-14 (back of worship folder)
A. The word of the Lord C. Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, page 142, ”Alleluia. Lord, to whom …..

*GOSPEL: Matthew 18:15-20 (back of worship folder)
L. The holy Gospel according to Matthew 18:15-20 C: Glory to you, O Lord.
L. The gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY 731 “Earth and All Stars!”

*APOSTLES’ CREED, page 105

*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*OFFERING, HYMN 885, “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God, above, ye heav'nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

*OFFERING PRAYER
A. Let us pray. Merciful God, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us, our selves, our time, our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

*GREAT THANKSGIVING, page 144
*HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, page 144
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
*LORD’S PRAYER, page 145
COMMUNION (We commune today by Continuous Communion)
*LAMB OF GOD, page 146
COMMUNION HYMNS
HYMN 759, “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
HYMN 485, “I Am the Bread of Life”
HYMN 715, “Christ Be Our Light”

*TABLE BLESSING
*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
A. Let us pray. We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
C. Amen

BENEDICTION

SENDING PRAYER
L. Let us pray.
C. O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with Good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

*SENDING SONG, HYMN 836, “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community.
Jesus' words in today's gospel are often used
in situations having to do with church discipline.
The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to turn from their ways,
and Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law.
We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us
with gifts of peace and reconciliation.

Interim Pastor, Nick Nicolai
Music Director: Mark Newman Assisting Minister: Ernie Stoops
Ushers: Gary Carson Greeter: Debbie Stoops
Live Stream Tech: Mary Ann Morris Slides: Dennis Ohrtman
Our communion was prepared by Alison Newbry and Sandy Belmondo.

Our Altar Flowers this morning are given by the Jameson’s in Celebration of
Katlyn and Luke’s Anniversary of Baptism (September 9th)

Worship Attendance last Sunday - 55

PRAYER CONCERNS We continue our prayers for the victims of natural disasters and unrest in the world; for Debbie Timmons; Ruthie Vallandigham Faris, Justin Stewart; and Kathleen Lauby; for Kathleen Shawver, Cheryl and Rodger Rawson; for Donna Gilk Carino; and Crystal Smith; for Dave & Glenda Romesburg; for Charlotte Peasley; and Vern Swenson; for Brielle Fuller; Renee Galaski, and Suzanne Robinson; for Nancy Briscoe, and Louise Solem.
(Please, help us keep our prayers up to date! We don’t always know the current status of those in our prayers.
We will honor your prayer requests by publishing them in the bulletin for at least one month.
If you would like your request to be renewed after that time, please let the office know.)

UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS
Sept 7 - Labor Day, Office, Preschool and Daycare Closed
Sept 8 - 2nd Harvest Mobile Foodbank, 11-1, Workers at 9, Truck arrives at 10,
1st Day of Pre-school
Sept 13 - ELCA’s ”God’s Work. Our Hands.” Day of Service
Sept 14 - WELCA MEETING, Details to be announced
Sept 16 - Congregational Council Meeting, 5:30pm
Sept 27 - All-Church BBQ, following Worship – sign-up sheets will be going around as we get closer. Please plan to attend and bring friends and neighbors - put it on your calendar!
ELCA LWR Quilting meets Thursdays at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Amputee Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm in Fellowship Hall

LECTIONARY 23
Messy Communities, Blessed Communities
Churches are made up of people. That may be their biggest strength and their biggest weakness. When we work together with other people, whether in a business, a family, or a church, things can get complicated quickly. Having people around can lighten our individual load, but it can also add frustrations and headaches. In a group, we have a variety of gifts, resources, and people to support us, but we also must prepare to be challenged by others' ideas, personalities, and failings. For some people, that's enough to want to stay away from church altogether.
Today's gospel presents the messy work of community as the very place where we learn how to follow Christ and be in communion with God. Here Jesus instructs his disciples on how to resolve differences and how to make decisions together. He points to God's commitment to this process—standing behind us in the choices we make and promising always to be present when we gather. Sometimes we can be quick to read things differently, taking our conflicts as a sign of God's absence. But God gives us one another in community as a way to learn what it means to love the way Christ loved us. Through community, we receive grace.
As you prepare for worship, take a moment to pray. Thank God for the community of people around you. For their faults that give you the opportunity to learn how to love. For the gift of their patience when you are the one who needs to be loved. Look for opportunities to strengthen your connection with people in this community you don't know so well, or if you are new to this gathering, ponder what God's call to the blessings of community means for you at this moment in your life.

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last Sunday’s (8/30) General Fund Offering: $3,760.00
Last Sunday’s Designated/Pass-thru Offerings: $710.00
General Fund Working Balance: $1,844.94 Average Weekly Expense: $4,044.33

July Daycare Receipts: $16,586.78 YTD Daycare Receipts: $127,046.11
July Daycare Expenses: $18,584.09 YTD Daycare Expenses: $122,393.55

ABOUT GIVING: WHERE DO I FIT?
Each of us should give only that which the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus moves our hearts to want to give.
If we all do, the Lord will bring about the rich harvest of His blessing. To God be the Glory !!!

Upcoming Pastoral Worship Calendar
TODAY - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 13 - Lay Led
Sept 20 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 26 - Pr. Nick Presides
Oct 4 - Pr. Nick Presides
Oct 11 - Pr. Nick Presides

Check us out on FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/OSLCclarkston
OSLC Livestreams are available on our YouTube channel (OSLC Clarkston)

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Interim Pastor Nick Nicolai
1115 13th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: 509-758-7751 e-mail: [email protected]
August 30, 2026, Lectionary 22, ELW 4 Communion

Welcome to Our Savior’s! If this is your first visit to worship at Our Savior’s, please take a moment to sign the guest book in the Narthex. All who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are invited to share the sacrament of Holy Communion. Please complete a communion registration card, which can be found in your pew, and hand it to an usher as you come forward to commune. We’re delighted you are here, and pray that the love and peace of God, our Father, be with you always. *(Standing for those who are able)

L = Worship Leader (clergy or lay) A = Assisting C = Congregation

WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*SHARING OF THE PEACE
*HYMN OF THE MONTH 802 “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”
*CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS, page 94
*GATHERING SONG, HYMN 660, “Lift High the Cross”
*GREETING AND KYRIE, page 147

*HYMN OF PRAISE, page 149, “This is the Feast…...”

*PRAYER OF THE DAY,
L: Let us pray
C: O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 15:15-21 (back of worship folder)
The word of the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

PSALM 26:1-8 (congregation reads boldface type)
Give judgment for me, O LORD, for I have lived with integrity;
I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered.
Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and my mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes; I have walked faithfully with you.
I have not sat with the worthless, nor do I consort with the deceitful.
I have hated the company of evildoers; I will not sit down with the wicked.
I will wash my hands in innocence, O LORD,
that I may go in procession round your altar,
singing aloud a song of thanksgiving and recounting all your wonderful deeds.
LORD, I love the house in which you dwell
and the place where your glory abides.

*SECOND READING: Romans 12:9-21 (back of worship folder)
The word of the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, page 151, ”Alleluia. Lord, to whom …..

*GOSPEL: Matthew 16:21-28 (back of worship folder)
L: The holy Gospel according to Matthew 16:21-28. C: Glory to you, O LORD.
L: The gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY 798 “Will You Come and Follow Me”

*APOSTLES’ CREED, page 105

*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*OFFERING
Let the vine-yards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and dreams of all; unite them with the prayers we offer now.
Grace our table with your presence, and give us a fore-taste of the feast to come.

*OFFERING PRAYER
A: Let us pray. Merciful God, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us, our selves, our time, our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C. Amen

*GREAT THANKSGIVING, page 152

*HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, page 153

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

*LORD’S PRAYER, page 154

COMMUNION (We commune today by Continuous Communion)

*LAMB OF GOD, page 154

COMMUNION HYMNS
HYMN 697, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”
HYMN 592, “Just As I Am, without One Plea”
HYMN 685, “Take My Life, That I May Be”

*TABLE BLESSING

*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
A. Let us pray. We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
C. Amen

*BLESSING

*SENDING PRAYER
L. Let us pray.
C. O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with Good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

SENDING SONG, HYMN 550, “On What Has Now Been Sown”

*DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering
yet finds in God's words the delight of his heart.
When Peter doesn't grasp Jesus' words about suffering,
Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them.
Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us
to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil.
In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves
for the sake of our suffering world.

Interim Pastor Nick Nicolai
Music Director: Mark Newman Assisting Minister: Bruce Larson
Ushers: Gwen Wilson and Darrell Gamet Greeter: Nancy Briscoe
Live StreamTech: Mary Ann Morris Slides: Dennis Ohrtman
Our communion was prepared by Gwen Wilson and Mary Ann Morris.

Our Altar Flowers this morning are given in
celebration of Chip & Julie Wahlberg’s 5th Anniversary

PRAYER CONCERNS This week we have added to our prayers. We continue our prayers for the victims of natural disasters and unrest in the world; for Debbie Timmons; Ruthie Vallandigham Faris, Justin Stewart; and Kathleen Lauby; for Kathleen Shawver, Cheryl and Rodger Rawson; for Donna Gilk Carino; and Crystal Smith; for Dave & Glenda Romesburg; for Charlotte Peasley; and Vern Swenson; for Brielle Fuller; Renee Galaski, and Suzanne Robinson; for Nancy Briscoe, and Louise Solem.
(Please, help us keep our prayers up to date! We don’t always know the current status of those in our prayers.
We will honor your prayer requests by publishing them in the bulletin for at least one month.
If you would like your request to be renewed after that time, please let the office know.)

UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS
Sept 1 - Backpack Packing at the Asotin Co Foodbank, 9 am,
Sept 2 - Worship & Music Committee Meeting, 10 am
Sept 7 - Labor Day, Office, Preschool and Daycare Closed
Sept 8 - 2nd Harvest Mobile Foodbank, 11-1, Workers at 9, Truck arrives at 10,
1st Day of Pre-school
Sept 13 - ELCA’s ”God’s Work. Our Hands.” Day of Service
Sept 14 - WELCA MEETING, Details to be announced
Sept 16 - Congregational Council Meeting, 5:30pm
Sept 27 - Community BBQ
ELCA LWR Quilting meets Thursdays at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Amputee Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm in Fellowship Hall

LECTIONARY 22
Open to the Cross
From a young age, we are taught to hide the embarrassing parts of ourselves. Sometimes we learn that lesson the hard way when we are laughed at for being ourselves. Sometimes we pick up on it slowly from what others around us think is cool. We learn to cover up problems in our family, hurts we feel inside, or elements of our appearance. When those things become visible to another person, we can feel terribly exposed and open to rejection, like our life is over.
In today's gospel, Peter, too, is highly sensitive to such shame. When Jesus reveals his intention to go to Jerusalem at the cost of his own life, Peter objects strongly to this deeply vulnerable revelation. Yet Jesus remains firm in his desire to share his deepest pains and fears openly with his disciples. Here we catch a glimpse of the courage and integrity that Jesus will share with the whole world as he hangs naked from the cross to reveal the depth of God's love for us.
Martin Luther said that one of the signs of the true church is the presence of the cross. In Christian community we should find the same kind of openness to vulnerability that Jesus modeled. In our worship, we enact this through our willingness to confess our failings to one another, to be confronted with our weakness in the preached word, and to come in common need of grace to the table. When we follow Jesus into the space of vulnerability beneath his cross, we can encounter the God who is willing to embrace us fully with all our faults and problems.
Take a moment in worship or later at home to gaze at a cross and ponder the mystery of a God who chose to find us in our weakness, a God who meets us with radical love and mercy to create a new kind of life within us.

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last Sunday’s (8/23) General Fund Offering: $3,650.00
Last Sunday’s Designated/Pass-thru Offerings: $255.00

General Fund Working Balance: $16,867.81 Average Weekly Expense: $4,044.33

July Daycare Receipts: $16,586.78 YTD Daycare Receipts: $127,046.11
July Daycare Expenses: $18584.09 YTD Daycare Expenses: $122,393.55

ABOUT GIVING: WHERE DO I FIT?
Each of us should give only that which the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus moves our hearts to want to give.
If we all do, the Lord will bring about the rich harvest of His blessing. To God be the Glory !!!

Upcoming Pastoral Worship Calendar
TODAY - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 6 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 13 - Lay Led
Sept 20 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 26 - Pr. Nick Presides
Oct 4 - Pr. Nick Presides

Check us out on FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/OSLCclarkston
OSLC Livestreams are available on our YouTube channel (OSLC Clarkston)

08/21/2026

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Interim Pastor Nick Nicolai
1115 13th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: 509-758-7751 e-mail: [email protected]
August 23, 2026, Lectionary 21, ELW 3 Communion

Welcome to Our Savior’s! If this is your first visit to worship at Our Savior’s, please take a moment to sign the guest book in the Narthex. All who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are invited to share the sacrament of Holy Communion. Please complete a communion registration card, which can be found in your pew, and hand it to an usher as you come forward to commune. We’re delighted you are here, and pray that the love and peace of God, our Father, be with you always. *(Standing for those who are able)

L= Leader (clergy or lay) A = Assisting C = Congregation

WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*SHARING OF THE PEACE
HYMN OF THE MONTH 802 “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”
*CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS, page 94
*GATHERING SONG, HYMN 645 “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”
*GREETING AND KYRIE, page 138
*HYMN OF PRAISE, page 140, “This is the Feast…...”
*PRAYER OF THE DAY,
L: Let us pray
C: O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

FIRST READING: Isaiah 51:1-6 (back of worship folder)
A. The word of the Lord C. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 138 (read together the boldface type)
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name,
because of your steadfast love and faithfulness;
for you have glorified your name and your word above all things.
When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.
All the rulers of the earth will praise you, O LORD,
when they have heard the words of your mouth.
They will sing of the ways of the LORD, that great is the glory of the LORD.
The LORD is high, yet cares for the lowly, perceiving the haughty from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe;
you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.
You will make good your purpose for me;
O LORD, your steadfast love endures forever;
do not abandon the works of your hands

SECOND READING: Romans 12:1-8 (back of worship folder)
A. The word of the Lord C. Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, page 142, ”Alleluia. Lord, to whom …..

*GOSPEL: Matthew 16:13-20 (back of worship folder)
L. The holy Gospel according to Matthew 16:13-20 C: Glory to you, O Lord.
L. The gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY 597 “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”

*APOSTLES’ CREED, page 105

*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*OFFERING, HYMN 885, “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God, above, ye heav'nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

*OFFERING PRAYER
A. Let us pray. Merciful God, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us, our selves, our time, our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

*GREAT THANKSGIVING, page 144
*HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, page 144
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
*LORD’S PRAYER, page 145
COMMUNION (We commune today by Continuous Communion)
*LAMB OF GOD, page 146
*TABLE BLESSING
COMMUNION HYMNS
HYMN 471, “Let Us Break Bread Together”
HYMN 338, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”
HYMN 465, “As the Grains of Wheat”

*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
A. Let us pray. We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
C. Amen

BENEDICTION

SENDING PRAYER
L. Let us pray.
C. O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with Good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

*SENDING SONG, HYMN 820, “O Savior, Precious Savior”

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

In Isaiah the people are advised to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock
of Peter's bold confession of faith. God's word of reconciliation and God's mercy are keys to the church's mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ.
From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.

Interim Pastor, Nick Nicolai
Music Director: Mark Newman Assisting Minister: David Browne
Ushers: Joe Wallace and Gary Estlund Greeter: Alison Newbry
Live Stream Tech and Slides: Mary Ann Morris
Our communion was prepared by Beth Larson and Julie Wahlberg

Our Altar Flowers this morning are given by Ernie and Debbie Stoops
In celebration of Debbie’s birthday on the 27th.

Worship Attendance last Sunday - 36

PRAYER CONCERNS This week we have added Debbie Timmons to our prayers. We continue our prayers for the victims of natural disasters and unrest in the world; for Ruthie Vallandigham Faris, Justin Stewart; and Kathleen Lauby; for Kathleen Shawver, Cheryl and Rodger Rawson; for Donna Gilk Carino; and Crystal Smith; for Dave & Glenda Romesburg; for Charlotte Peasley; and Vern Swenson; for Brielle Fuller; Renee Galaski, and Suzanne Robinson; for Nancy Briscoe, and Louise Solem.
(Please, help us keep our prayers up to date! We don’t always know the current status of those in our prayers.
We will honor your prayer requests by publishing them in the bulletin for at least one month.
If you would like your request to be renewed after that time, please let the office know.)

UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS
Aug 26 - Congregational Council Meeting, 5:30pm
Sept 1 - Backpack Packing at the Asotin Co Foodbank, 9 am
Sept 2 - Worship & Music Committee Meeting, 10 am
Sept 7 - Labor Day, Office, Preschool and Daycare Closed
Sept 8 - 2nd Harvest Mobile Foodbank, 11-1, Workers at 9, Truck arrives at 10
Sept 13 - ELCA’s ”God’s Work. Our Hands.” Day of Service
Sept 14 - WELCA MEETING, Details to be announced
Sept 16 - Congregational Council Meeting, 5:30pm
Sept 27 - Community BBQ
ELCA LWR Quilting meets Thursdays at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Amputee Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm in Fellowship Hall

LECTIONARY 21
Choices
Jesus picked a great place to ask his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (Matt. 16:13). Caesarea Philippi is the city formerly named Paneas, in honor of Pan, the Greek god of shepherds and flocks. Built by Herod the Great and rebuilt by his son, Philip, Caesarea Philippi was where empire, power, wealth, and other gods were displayed. In the midst of a sea of choices, Jesus asks his question.
The Roman Empire has been replaced by today's globe-spanning economic and political alliances. Military might continues to impress and influence people. The comforts that wealth and status can bring still motivate people's choices and actions. Power, might, and wealth still compete with Jesus for our hearts. And more than ever, we are aware of the teachings of other religions. In the midst of all these choices, Jesus still wants to know who his people say that he is.
Peter answers with God's own perspective—Jesus is the saving presence of the living God, right in the midst of all the other "gods" that would distract us. As we move into a new school year, a new neighborhood, or a new harvest season, we have opportunities to make our confession of faith in Jesus, to show he is the center of our lives through the choices we make. We can choose some less expensive school supplies for ourselves and use the savings to buy school supplies for the community's collection; donate furniture from the old house to a family in need instead of selling it; contemplate how our management of material resources reflects our answer to Jesus' question. And when visitors show up in worship, we can seek them out and welcome them with all the warmth and joy that we receive from Jesus. Jesus can and will build the church on the faith we live out in the midst of a world full of choices.

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last Sunday’s (8/16) General Fund Offering: $4,231.00
Last Sunday’s Designated/Pass-thru Offerings: $135.00
Gospel Concert for Backpack Program to date: $3,667.00

General Fund Working Balance: $13,190.81 Average Weekly Expense: $4,044.33

July Daycare Receipts: $16,586.78 YTD Daycare Receipts: $127,046.11
July Daycare Expenses: $18584.09 YTD Daycare Expenses: $122,393.55

ABOUT G,584.09: WHERE DO 5I FIT?
Each of us should give only that which the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus moves our hearts to want to give.
If we all do, the Lord will bring about the rich harvest of His blessing. To God be the Glory !!!

Upcoming Pastoral Worship Calendar
TODAY - Pr. Nick Presides
Aug 30 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 6 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 13 - Lay Led
Sept 20 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 26 - Pr. Nick Presides

Check us out on FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/OSLCclarkston
OSLC Livestreams are available on our YouTube channel (OSLC Clarkston)

08/14/2026

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Interim Pastor Nick Nicolai
1115 13th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403 Phone: 509-758-7751
e-mail: [email protected] August 16, 2026, Lectionary 20
With One Voice, (Blue Book) Service of the Word

Welcome to Our Savior’s! If this is your first visit to worship at Our Savior’s, please take a moment to sign the guest book in the Narthex. All who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are invited to share the sacrament of Holy Communion. Please complete a communion registration card, which can be found in your pew, and hand it to an usher as you come forward to commune. We’re delighted you are here, and pray that the love and peace of God, our Father, be with you always. *(Standing for those who are able)

L = Leader(clergy ior lay) A = Assisting C = Congregation

WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*SHARING OF THE PEACE
*HYMN OF THE MONTH ELW 802 “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”
*CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS, page 94 (Red Book)
*GATHERING SONG, HYMN 777, “In the Morning When I Rise”
*GREETING, page 46 (right column)
*SCRIPTURE SONG, page 47, “Salvation belongs to our God…”

*PRAYER OF THE DAY,
L: Let us pray
God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

FIRST READING: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 (back of worship folder)
A. The word of the Lord C. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 67 (congregation reads boldface type)
God be merciful to us and bless us; may the light of God's face shine upon us.
Let your way be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations on earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has brought forth its increase; God, our own God, has blessed us.
May God give us blessing, and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe.

SECOND READING: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 (back of worship folder)
A. The word of the Lord C. Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION,
Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus,
to reach out and touch him, and say that we love him.
Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord. We want to see Jesus. repeat

*GOSPEL: Matthew 15:10-28 (back of worship folder)
L. The holy Gospel according to Matthew 15:10-28.
C: Glory to you, O Lord.
P: The gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY 770 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”

*APOSTLES’ CREED, page 19

*OFFERING HYMN 885, “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God, above, ye heav'nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

*OFFERING PRAYER, page 51 (right column)

*THE PRAYERS, page 52
L. God of Mercy, C. hear our prayer.

*LORD’S PRAYER, page 52

*BLESSING, page 53

*SENDING PRAYER
L. Let us pray.
C. O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with Good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

*SENDING SONG, HYMN 721, “Go My Children, with My Blessing”

*DISMISSAL A. Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

In Isaiah we hear that God's house shall be a house of prayer for all people
and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel.
The Canaanite woman in today's gospel is a Gentile, an outsider,
who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter.
As Jesus commends her bold faith,
how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society?
In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength
to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.

LECTIONARY 20
The Persistent Advocate
The Canaanite woman comes before Jesus with an urgent need. Her daughter is being tormented by a demon. She doesn't just ask for help; she shouts for it. Disconcertingly, despite her outcries, Jesus at first remains silent. Yet she doesn't give up. She kneels before him and pleads her case. Not even being likened to a dog shuts her up. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table," she insists (Matt. 15:27). Finally, Jesus rewards her faith and persistence by healing her child.
We, too, may find ourselves the advocate for a desperate or unpopular cause in our workplace or community. We may find ourselves pleading on behalf of the disenfranchised. We may feel driven to relieve suffering or right an injustice. Urgently, we cry out to those we hope will help us. We shout and demand. We write letters, attend vigils, and carry placards. Perhaps at first, those in power will meet us with scorn or indifference. They might condemn us for who we are. Yet we must not give up. The Canaanite woman does not stop trying, nor should we.
Even though Jesus' disciples encourage him to send the Canaanite woman away, he stops to hear her. He speaks with this vulnerable outsider and allows her words to touch his heart. Compassionately, he reevaluates and reaches out.
We never know how long it will take for our case to be heard. It may take weeks, months, or years. However, when we advocate for the good of another, we must not stop trying. God sees beyond social status, outward appearance, and group affiliation. This is good news for all of us. We can trust that someday we also will hear the words: "Great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish."

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

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Last Sunday’s (8/9) General Fund Offering: $3104.00
Last Sunday’s Designated/Pass-thru Offerings: $585.00
Gospel Concert for Backpack Program to date: $3,667.00

General Fund Working Balance: (- $16,710.91) Average Weekly Expense: $4,044.33

June Daycare Receipts: $16,308.56 YTD Daycare Receipts: $110,459.33
June Daycare Expenses: $17,442.59 YTD Daycare Expenses: $103,809.46

ABOUT GIVING: WHERE DO I FIT?
Each of us should give only that which the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus moves our hearts to want to give.
If we all do, the Lord will bring about the rich harvest of His blessing. To God be the Glory !!!

Upcoming Pastoral Worship Calendar
Aug 16 - Lay Led
Aug 23 - Pr. Nick Presides
Aug 30 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 6 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 13 - Lay Led
Sept 20 - Pr. Nick Presides
Sept 26 - Pr. Nick Presides

Worship Leader: Dennis Ohrtman
Music Director: Mark Newman Assisting Minister: Ernie Stoops
Ushers: Joe Wallace and Darrell Gamet Greeter: Debbie Stoops
Live Stream Tech and Slides: Mary Ann Morris

Our Altar Flowers this morning are given by Ethel Chandler
and Judy & Gary Wutzke in Memory of Jim Chandler.

Worship Attendance last Sunday - 37

PRAYER CONCERNS Please join us in praying for our neighbors in the Spokane area; wildfires are both devastating and terrifying. We continue our prayers for the victims of natural disasters and unrest in the world; for Tommy Frazier. for Ruthie Vallandigham Faris, Justin Stewart; and Kathleen Lauby; for Kathleen Shawver, Cheryl and Rodger Rawson; for Donna Gilk Carino; and Crystal Smith; for Dave & Glenda Romesburg; for Charlotte Peasley; and Vern Swenson; for Brielle Fuller; Renee Galaski, and Suzanne Robinson; for Nancy Briscoe, and Louise Solem.
(Please, help us keep our prayers up to date! We don’t always know the current status of those in our prayers.
We will honor your prayer requests by publishing them in the bulletin for at least one month.
If you would like your request to be renewed after that time, please let the office know.)

UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS
Aug 22 – United at the Font Follow-up, OSLC Fellowship Hall, 12:30-4:30 pm, Registration is open
Aug 26 - Congregational Council Meeting, 5:30pm
Sept 1 - (Rescheduled) Backpack Packing at the Asotin Co Foodbank, 9 am
Sept 2 - Worship & Music Committee Meeting, 10 am
Sept 7 - Labor Day, Office, Preschool and Daycare Closed
Sept 8 - 2nd Harvest Mobile Foodbank, 11-1, Workers at 9, Truck arrives at 10
Sept 13 - ELCA’s ”God’s Work. Our Hands.” Day of Service
Sept 14 - WELCA MEETING, Details to be announced
Sept 16 - Congregational Council Meeting, 5:30pm
Sept 27 - Community BBQ
ELCA LWR Quilting meets Thursdays at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Amputee Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm in Fellowship Hall

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OSLC Livestreams are available on our YouTube channel (OSLC Clarkston)