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St. Johns Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL, 110 Water Street, Dorchester, IL (2026)

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05/30/2026

Sunday, May 31, 2026 + + + THE HOLY TRINITY + + +
Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

WHAT HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY IS ALL ABOUT: Celebrating the faithfulness of God. Celebrating the ways that God enters our lives to bless, to sustain, to challenge, and to empower. The Scripture Readings for today underscore this Trinitarian way that God faithfully embraces humankind throughout history. Especially in times of great uncertainty, can we be open to this grace-filled Reality?

Zion Lutheran Church, Shipman, IL
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL

INTRODUCTION
Though the word “Trinity” is not found in the Scriptures, today’s Second Reading includes the Apostolic Greeting that begins the Liturgy: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” In the Gospel Reading, Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize “in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in Word and Sacrament, as we profess the Creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.

HYMN: *ELW* #413, “Holy, Holy, Holy”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SHDNs7Dt5M
(Beautifully done with brass and tympani)

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose compassion endures forever.
All: Amen.
Let us confess our sin to God. (A Brief Silence for Reflection)
Compassionate God,
All: we confess to you all our sins. Our burden is heavy, and we cannot free ourselves. In your mercy, call us back to you. Your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Restore us to dwell in your peace. In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.” In the name of God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, your sins are forgiven. Rest in God’s love.
All: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time you are the triune God: Author of creation, eternal Word of salvation, life-giving Spirit of wisdom. Guide us to all truth by your Spirit, that we may proclaim all that Christ has revealed and rejoice in the glory he shares with us. Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN.

FIRST READING: Genesis 1:1–2:4a (God Creates)
Introduction: At the beginning of time, God the Creator, God the powerful Word, and God the life-giving Spirit form the earth and all its inhabitants. God sees that all this created work is good and then rests on the seventh day.

PSALM: Psalm 8
Refrain: How majestic is your name in all the earth! (Verse 1)

SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (God Blesses)
Introduction: Paul closes a challenging letter to the Corinthians with an appeal to Christian fellowship grounded in the Triune Harmony of Christ’s grace, God’s love, and the Spirit’s partnership.

GOSPEL: Matthew 28:16-20 (God Empowers)
Introduction: After his Resurrection, Jesus summons his remaining disciples and commissions them to baptize and teach all nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

A lifetime ago, in my days as Campus Pastor at Lutheran Campus Ministry in St. Louis, we had a marvelous little stained-glass framed saying that hung in the front window. It read: “Lord, help us find our way through the changes in our lives.” That message was critically important for the students as they navigated their way through the uncharted waters of the often overwhelming challenges and pressures of the college years. The students knew that our community offered God’s grace-filled support personally.

My hope was that the message found a place in the students’ minds and hearts, and could be retrieved when they needed to hear it. Because, as we all know from our own varied experiences in each of our own lives, the challenges at each stage of life may change, but the need for God’s guidance and companionship through new troubles remains the same!

We also know from experience that God, especially through people, does indeed sustain us through the changes in our lives. We still need the hope that underlies those stained-glass words: when a loved one dies, when a job is lost, when a life-dream evaporates, when an untamed virus invades the world, or at so many other times when life gets overwhelming.

We all need the God-inspired hope that can carry us through those times. Hope that comes from faith. Hope that comes from trusting the faithfulness of God. Hope that is shared in a caring community, even when we must sometimes be physically distant.

That is what Holy Trinity Sunday is all about. Celebrating the faithfulness of God. Celebrating the ways that God enters our lives and the lives of others to bless, to sustain, to challenge, and to empower.

In the Gospel Reading, just before his Ascension the Risen Jesus gives his followers what we know as The Great Commission: to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach the Way of Jesus (the Way of Love), and to do it all in the name of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who empowers everything that their mission requires.

This is especially important because the One who had equipped and invited them is Emmanuel, “God with us,” as the angel said to Joseph back in chapter one of this Gospel before Jesus was born. Jesus, our Emmanuel, at the end of the Gospel echoes the same reality to those disciples and to us: “Remember, I am with you always!”

No matter how challenging or overwhelming life gets!

HYMN: *ELW* #412, “Come, Join the Dance of Trinity”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sEaiLb31us&list=RD-sEaiLb31us&start_radio=1 (1 min. 45 sec. organ intro)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

(Our prayers include the realization that, as we are able, *we* are called to be—and to support—God’s agents of care in the very things that we pray for)

Gathered together by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for the church and the needs of the world. (A Brief Silence)

Holy God, we are in awe of your creative work. Continue that work in your church, making us a New Creation that proclaims your presence and love. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Creator God, nature reveals your power and glory. Protect water sources, vegetation, and wildlife as reminders of who you are. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Redeemer God, you call us to pray for those in authority. Guide our leaders to pursue the work of fostering peace and community. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Sustaining God, you are mindful of your people in every circumstance. Heal those who are sick. Provide for all who hunger. Protect those in harm’s way. Comfort any experiencing hardship, especially those we name in our hearts. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Gracious God, we pray for the children of our church and community. Provide for their needs. Support their caregivers. Nurture their faith. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Loving God, we give thanks for those who have died and claimed their baptismal promises, especially those dear to us. Strengthen us to live as they did in communion with you. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Trusting you receive all our prayers, we commend our spoken and unspoken prayers to you, O God, through Jesus our Savior. AMEN.

THE 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.

HYMN: *ACS* #991, “Go to the World”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmQDeSWdFrQ

BLESSING
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, ☩ one God, bless, heal, and hold you today and always.
AMEN.

DISMISSAL
Heaven has come near. Go, share the good news!
THANKS BE TO GOD.

(Service material reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress License #12567-S)

05/23/2026

Sun, May 24, 2026 +++ THE DAY OF PENTECOST +++
Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

TODAY, PENTECOST, WE CELEBRATE THE WORK OF GOD’S SPIRIT. Because Pentecost recognizes the first public proclamation about the reconciling work of Jesus, today is seen as the *birthday* of the Church. God’s Spirit indeed gives birth to Christ-like communities then and now also by *creating faith*, *building community*, and *inspiring compassion*.

Zion Lutheran Church, Shipman, IL
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL

INTRODUCTION
Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.

HYMN: *ELW* #786, “O Holy Spirit, Enter In”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyd8kvlVqrg (words included)
(Long intro!—beautifully done with trumpets, tympani, and chorale with stanza 2)

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Pastor: Alleluia! Christ is risen.
All: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Pastor: Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb!
All: Amen.
Pastor: Let us give thanks for the gifts of Baptism.
(Water is poured into the Font)
Pastor: Merciful God, you are the One who was, who is, and who is to come. You lead us beside still waters. We thank you for the waters of creation: morning dew, gentle rain, roaring waves. We thank you for the waters that nourish us. Blessed are you.
All: You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Pastor: Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness who accompanies us on our journeys. We give you thanks for your life-giving Death and Resurrection. We praise you for joining us in joy and sorrow. Blessed are you.
All: You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Pastor: Holy Spirit, you anoint our head with oil and our cup overflows. Break down barriers that divide us. Fill us with the breath of peace. Blessed are you.
All: You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Pastor: Holy One, we thank you for the gifts and grace of Baptism, and for making us a New Creation. We join with saints and angels, giving you honor and praise, now and forever.
All: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN.

FIRST READING: Numbers 11:24-30 (The Spirit Comes Upon the Elders of Israel)
Introduction: The Spirit of God rested upon seventy elders in Israel who had been chosen to share the burden of leadership with Moses. When some became jealous that two others also had the spirit and could prophesy, Moses said that he hoped that all of God’s people would be prophets.

PSALM: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Refrain: Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Verse 30)

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 (Varieties of Gifts from the Same Spirit)
Introduction: Paul is helping the Corinthians understand the relationship between our God-given unity and Spirit-created diversity. The Spirit creates the unity of faith and gives all Christians diverse gifts for the common benefit of all. We need one another’s diverse spiritual gifts because the same Spirit has given them to each person for the common good.

GOSPEL: John 20:19-23 (Jesus Pours Out the Gift of the Spirit)
Introduction: The Risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

Today, May 24, we celebrate Pentecost, the beginning of the Church that the Holy Spirit of God in Christ founded with the disciples (= learners, followers), now Apostles (= sent ones who have a Message to embody and share).

What message were the first Apostles sharing in the Book of Acts on Pentecost? The same message that the Apostle Paul shares in First Corinthians today and that Jesus shares in this message to his pre-Apostle followers on Easter evening: that is, as Jesus embodied God’s own heart of love in all he did—even to giving his life—we have that same Spirit from God in us, calling us to share God’s eternal message of love, forgiveness, and compassion in all we say and do. That message challenges us every day, even though it is so basic: “For God so loved the world…”

Finally, what we are called to do as disciples of the Crucified and Risen One, is that we are ALSO sent (“sent” apostles!) to embody his freeing message from the Heavenly Father.

On the Day of Pentecost, the Apostles in the Book of Acts lived out that message by miraculously speaking in language that everyone present could understand. “The mighty works of God” that they proclaimed were ultimately all about how God loves and cares for all.

In the FIRST READING, God’s love for the Chosen People in the wilderness is shown when God shares the Spirit’s power given to Moses with seventy elders so that the people may be better cared for on their journey.

In the SECOND READING Paul echoes that this Love is the foundation for all spiritual gifts that we share for the benefit of everyone.

In the GOSPEL READING hearkening us back to Easter evening, Jesus calls the pre-Apostles to show God’s Love by sharing Forgiveness as a core part of what Love does.

And it is that Pentecost Spirit-empowering that gives us the ability to live that message with all whose lives we encounter.

Can God’s message really be so simple? “For God so loved the world!” Yes, but we need the power of God’s Spirit in us to live that out in all we say and do. In living that message by the power of the Spirit, we too will be “speaking” by our words and actions the message of Pentecost in the language of Love that everyone can understand.

Christian singer Sandi Patty’s great song, “Love in Any Language,” has been a favorite for years (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzNLUaGtaCU). That song echoes that call to share Love and thus speak the language that everyone can understand!

HYMN: *ELW* #582, “Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Uq-vkiAio

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
(Our prayers include the realization that, as we are able, *we* are called to be—and to support—God’s agents of care in the very things that we pray for)

Trusting in the power of Christ’s Resurrection to heal and redeem our broken world, let us pray for the needs of all creation. (A Brief Silence)

O God, you send the Holy Spirit to gather your church into one. Inspire all ministers of the Gospel to speak prophetic and hope-filled words to all whom they encounter. Bless the work of inter-religious dialogue. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

You send the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth. Protect all living things, bring forth clean water and abundant food, and grant us wonder as we contemplate all you have made. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

You send the Holy Spirit to break down the barriers of communication among nations. Bestow peace in war-torn areas, guide all in government and society to work for justice, and guard those serving in the armed forces, especially this weekend as we remember those who died in service to their country. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

You send the Holy Spirit to accompany those who feel abandoned. Provide food for those who hunger and drink for those who thirst, soothe those who are anxious or bereaved, comfort those who are sick or suffering, and answer all who call upon your name, especially those we name in our hearts. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

You send the Holy Spirit through the gift of Baptism. May all the baptized be encouraged by this community of faith as they live out their Baptismal Promises. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

You send the Holy Spirit to console us in our grief. We give you thanks for our ancestors in the faith, especially those dear to us, whose witness to your mighty works continues to inspire our lives. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

God of Resurrection power, use us and these prayers to proclaim the good news of new life to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior. AMEN.

THE 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.

HYMN: *ELW* #454, ”Remember and Rejoice”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PGDJRP-eI8

BLESSING
God Almighty, who is the beginning and the end, Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead,
and the Holy Spirit, our advocate and peace, ☩ bless you now and forever.
AMEN.

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!
THANKS BE TO GOD. ALLELUIA!

(Service material reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress License #12567-S)

05/17/2026

Exciting day for Rogation Sunday. ( tractor Sunday). Bishop Greg was here to install Kristen Demma as our new Vicor.

Lots of Tractors, lots of food, and the best part, lots of fellowship with our sister church of Zion, Shipman

Thank You God for keeping the rain away

The dirt, the rain, the seeds, equipment were all blessed. But the best part, was the blessing on our farmers from both congregation. Thank you all

A special thank you to Larry and Sharon Heyen for hosting at the shed

05/16/2026

Tomorrow, May 17, is Rogation Sunday (Tractor Sunday). Services will be held at Larry and Sharon Heyen's. Coffee hour begins at 9:45 am, and the service will be at 10:30. We will have potluck after service; meat and tableware are provided. Please bring a side or dessert to share. The Bishop will be at the service, and the installation of our Vicar Kristin Demma will take place during the service. Please bring your lawn chairs. This is a combined service with our sister church and family at Zion Shipman.

05/16/2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026 +++SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER+++
Home Worship or St. John’s [At Larry & Sharon Heyen’s Farm]

SERVICE OF ROGATION: A Seedtime Service of Prayer and Praise
"ROGATION" is connected to the Latin word for "asking," and refers to a traditional time of praying for agriculture. Traditionally celebrated on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the Sixth Sunday in Easter, Rogation Services have been a time to pray for planting and for those working with the land. In rural areas, many people bless the elements used in farming, the fields, the seeds and the animals. It is also a time to show gratitude for soil, water and growth, and to challenge ourselves to think more carefully about the food we eat as well as our care of water, earth and seed.

AFTER LORD’S PRAYER & HYMN: FOR “BLESSING OF THE SOIL, SEED, WATER, FARMERS, & FARM EQUIPMENT,” PLEASE HAVE ON HAND FOR BLESSING: SOIL SAMPLE, SMALL PORTION OF SEEDS FOR FIELD OR GARDEN, A SMALL VESSEL OF WATER, FARM AND/OR GARDEN WORKERS, AND FARM AND/OR GARDEN EQUIPMENT

Zion Lutheran Church, Shipman, IL
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Leader: Blessed be the Holy Trinity, ☩ One God, who calls us to responsible stewardship for all of Creation. AMEN.

Leader: Held in God’s mercy and surrounded by the earth that we are called to care for, let us confess our need for God’s forgiveness and renewal. (Silence for reflection)

All: Creator God, you created the earth and then created us to care for it. We confess our reluctance to acknowledge our dependence upon you for life itself, our ingratitude toward you for the earth that sustains life, our failure to treat your creation with respect, our indifference to its welfare, our unwillingness to engage in earth-keeping, our laziness when it comes to recycling, our lack of gratitude for those who till the soil and tend the land and its crops, our short-sightedness in choosing cheap products over more expensive products whose price reflects better care of the earth and its vegetation, and our lack of concern for the struggles of farmers and their families.

Truly we have not always loved the gift of this earth nor our neighbors whose labor brings forth the harvest. For the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, forgive us and renew us so that we may live in harmony with the earth, with those who farm the land, and with those who rely on the produce of the land. Amen.

Leader: Jesus Christ was lifted up from the earth on a cross. After his death he was laid in a tomb cut from the earth. On the third day he rose from his earthly grave to bring forgiveness to all who walk the earth. In the name of the Risen Christ, your sins are forgiven. As God once gave Adam and Eve the breath of life, so now the Holy Spirit breathes new life into you. You are free to walk the earth and care for the earth as a new creation. All: AMEN

LITANY OF PRAISE FOR CREATION
Leader: Creator God, by your word, you created light and darkness.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD.
Leader: By your word, you created the heavens.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD.
Leader: By your word, you created the dry land of the earth, and the waters of the sea.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD.
Leader: By your word, you called forth growing things, including plants that produce grain and fruit.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD.
Leader: By your word, you created the sun and the moon to order the days and nights.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD.
Leader: By your word, you created the living creatures in the waters and the living creatures of the air.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD.
Leader: By your word, you created the living creatures of the land, including domestic and wild animals.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD.
Leader: By your word, you created humankind - both female and male - to care for the earth and all that is over it, on it and in it.
ALL: AND IT WAS GOOD. AMEN!

HYMN: *ELW* #879 “For the Beauty of the Earth”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUBMAi4jA1E

GREETING
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the God who created us, and the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: AND ALSO WITH YOU.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Creator God, you have made the earth and all that call it home. We give you thanks for the beauty, mystery and majesty of your creation. We give you thanks for making us stewards of this earth. As we enter a new growing season, give us humility and gratitude toward you. May we work the land with reverence and respect toward you. May we care for the soil you provide, the seed you give, and the water you send with due regard for their life-giving value. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN.

FIRST READING: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Everything Has Its Time)
Introduction: These verses give the impression that there is a rhythmic order to the things that happen in the world. And yet, God can work in unexpected ways, ultimately grace-filled ways that bring New Life out of death. For our Rogation Sunday, we see the time of planting as one of God’s seasons of creation.

PSALM: Psalm 8
Refrain: O Lord our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth (vs. 1 & 9)

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (God Is the One Who Gives Growth)
Introduction: In the Christian Corinthian community, Paul uses planting imagery to emphasize the partnership of the missionaries who nurtured their growing faith. Paul planted the seeds of faith, another watered, but ultimately it was God’s Spirit who gave the growth.
�GOSPEL: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (The Parable of the Sower)
Introduction: Jesus’ parables use images from everyday life and tell us something about the coming of God’s good and gracious Kingdom. But usually the parables of Jesus have an unexpected twist or surprise about what that Kingdom is really like. The Parable of the Sower invites us to be good soil, open to receive the seed of God’s gracious Way of Love that grows in us and bears fruit.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION�
Farming has certainly changed from the parables of Jesus’s day to our day in the twenty-first century. This is the era of huge hi-tech tractors, with incredible technology, GPS tracking, hands-free operation, and so much more.

Jesus told a much different story in today’s Gospel Reading. The Farmer/Sower was not so high tech. In fact, the Sower didn’t seem to be greatly concerned that the seed being sown was going everywhere!

The Sower threw some of the seed on the hard path, where the seed couldn’t pe*****te the hardened surface. The Sower threw some seed on rocky ground, where the seed couldn’t live long in the scorching sun. More seed was sown/thrown on thorny ground, where thorns choked the growth. And (finally!) some—we hope “most”—of the seed actually landed on the fertile plowed soil, where the seeds grew into a surprisingly abundant grain, some with fifteen times the expected yield.

The big question seems to be, “What kind of SOIL are we?” Can we be the “good soil” that is open to the seed of faith that Jesus the Sower (& God’s Spirit) is planting in us?

Jesus’ first listeners to this parable, his disciples, were caught sometimes in misunderstanding (hard path), persecution (rocky ground), and caring too much about the world’s ways (thorny ground); but after Pentecost, the miracle of the abundant fruit of faith happened as God’s Way of Love shown in Jesus was at work in the world.

In this time of uncertainty when our faith is still challenged every day in so many ways, we sometimes under-value the grace we have already received (hard path), or we feel the pressure to abandon Jesus’ Way of Love as we act out our frustrations (rocky ground), or we feel overly-anxious about many things out of our control and we lose our way (thorny ground).

Jesus’ invitation is to let God’s Spirit transform the soil of our hearts, so that we are receptive to the abundant Easter Life that God is planting in us.

HYMN: *ELW* #689 “Praise and Thanksgiving”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8Oo-K6gIBA

THE PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

(Our prayers include the realization that, as we are able, *we* are called to be—and to support—God’s agents of care in the very things that we pray for)

We pray for farmers around the world who till the land and plant the seed; and those who depend upon the work of farmers’ hands. (A brief silence)

We pray for farmers around the world who struggle with poor soil, poor seed, insufficient water, or unreliable equipment. Raise up those who possess the knowledge, the skills and the resources to assist them. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for farmers around the world who struggle to get their produce to market due to poor roads or insufficient transportation systems. Give understanding, wisdom and creativity to those who have responsibility for farm-to-market infrastructure. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for farmers around the world whose hard work is undone by market prices that are out of their control. Give understanding, wisdom and compassion to those whose decisions affect the prices farmers receive for their produce. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for farmers around the world who fight plant diseases and crop pests that consume the work of their hands. Give understanding, wisdom and creativity to those who work to eliminate or combat such agricultural plagues. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for farmers around the world who have never learned how to conserve land and water. Give patience, perseverance and creativity to all those who work to educate farmers about soil and water conservation. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for organizations and agencies such as Heifer International that work with farmers around the world to provide resources, training and hope. Provide them with contributors who share their vision and their passion. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for all those who are unable to benefit from the produce brought to market – men, women and children who see food they cannot afford to purchase and go to bed hungry day after day. Show us ways to feed the hungry and move us to share from the abundance we have received. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for governments around the world that they would make wise decisions regarding policies affecting agriculture and food distribution. We also pray for organizations such as Bread for the World that encourage the development of laws and policies with due regard for farmers and for the poor. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We pray for your Spirit to help us to care for the land, to care for those who work the land and to care for those who depend upon the produce of the land. God of all creation, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

In your mercy, Creator God, hear our prayers, for we pray in the name of 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.

HOLY COMMUNION WILL BE OFFERED AT OUTDOOR WORSHIP AT THE HEYEN FARM

HYMN: *ELW* #679 “For the Fruit of All Creation”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqXt-t9LNFY

BLESSING SOIL, SEED, WATER, FARM EQUIPMENT, AND THOSE WHO WORK THE LAND

Leader: O Lord our God, it is with a spirit of humility and hope that we bring these elements of soil, seed and water before you to ask for your blessing. (A brief silence)

Leader: We pray for God’s blessing upon the soil (Hold soil aloft)

All: Creator God, we give you thanks for the soil – both its inorganic mineral elements and its living organic elements. We praise you for the mysterious way in which soil comes to life each spring, teeming with a multitude of microscopic organisms that support plant life. We praise you for the smell of freshly tilled earth, the beauty of a cleanly cut furrow, and the magnificence of a well- plowed field. We pray that the soil in our fields may be fertile - rich in nutrients - so that seeds may germinate and plants may grow to their fullness. Amen.

Leader: We pray for God’s blessing upon the seed (Hold seed aloft)

All: Creator God, we give you thanks for the seed that carries within it the life force of the plant which it will become. We praise you for the wonder of seed that sprouts within the warmth of the soil, sustained by the energy it contains within itself. We praise you for the hope that seed sown into the earth represents. We pray that the seed planted in our fields, nourished and protected by the soil, will grow into healthy plants that yield a bountiful harvest. Amen.

Leader: We pray for God’s blessing upon the water (Hold water aloft)

All: Creator God, we give you thanks for the rain that falls upon the land and the water held within the earth. We praise you for the mystery of how the soil holds moisture and how the plants absorb it at the proper rate to supply their need for hydration. We praise you for the smell of the earth after a rain shower and the cooling it brings when the weather is hot. We pray for the rain to come at the right times, in the right amounts and in the right way so that our crops may flourish. We also pray for a stable water table that wells may be able to meet the demands of the farms they serve. Amen.

Leader: We pray for God’s blessing upon the men and women who farm the land (Invite farmers to identify their location and their crops.)

All: Creator God, we give you thanks for the farmers whom you have called to be stewards of the land. We praise you for the love of the land that you have embedded into their hearts and their hands. We praise you for the knowledge, wisdom and skill you have given them to manage the land they farm. We pray that you will bless them with safety as they till the soil, plant the seed, tend the crops, and care for the land they love. We pray that you will bless them with great hope at seedtime, sustaining faith during the growing season, and exuberant joy at the harvest. We pray that you will bless them with patience as they teach the next generation to love the land as they do, and pass on to young farmers all they have learned about the art and science of farming. Amen.

Leader: We pray for God’s blessing upon the equipment used by farmers (Invite farmers to identify the equipment they use – equipment they have brought to church or equipment back on the farm.)

All: Creator God, we give you thanks for those who design, build and maintain the equipment used by our farmers. We praise you for the marvelous way in which farm implements have become more efficient over time. We pray that the farm equipment we see here today, and the many pieces of equipment on farms throughout our area, will be reliable, have a minimum of down- time, and function safely from seedtime through harvest. Amen.

Leader: Into your hands, Creator God, we place the soil, the seed, the water, our farmers and all their equipment. May your hand of blessing be upon them as the ground is prepared, the seed is planted and the crops are tended.
All: Amen

BENEDICTION
Leader: Whether you work in the fields or support those who do – May the God of all creation bless your stewardship of the earth. May God keep you in the same way that soil holds, protects and nourishes the seed. May the face of God shine upon you just as the sun shines warmly upon the land and its crops. May God look upon you with favor and (+) give you peace.
All: Amen.

DISMISSAL
Leader: Go in peace. Till the earth and sow the seed with hope and joy!
All: Thanks be to God!

[Portions of this service are based on a Rogation Service prepared in 2010 by Pr. Gary C. Voss drawing upon materials from (1) the Center for Theology and Land at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and (2) the ELCA NW Synod of Wisconsin Rural Ministry Committee.]

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