St. Johns Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL

St. Johns Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL We worship weekly at 10:30. You are invited and welcomed to join us! St. Johns is a congregation of the ELCA. Also, please only tag yourself in photos.

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Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026 + SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am]...
08/07/2026

Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026 + SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +
Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

IN THE MAIN READING TODAY, JESUS ALSO INVITES US WITH PETER to get out of the safety of the boat and walk WITH him on the watery chaos of our lives, as he reaches out his hand and catches us and calls us to faithful trusting in his Way of Love and Compassion. Even when life is at its most chaotic, the Crucified and Risen One says to all his followers, “Fear not, I am with you always.”

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

INTRODUCTION
Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of Scripture and in the refreshing Bread and Cup of the Eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.

HYMN:*ELW* 632, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKP_XxCBDZY

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
O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

FIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:9-18 (Trusting God’s Silence)
Introduction: On Mount Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of God’s presence—earthquake, wind, and fire—Elijah now experienced God in “sheer silence.” God assured Elijah that he is not the only faithful believer. Seven thousand Israelites are still loyal. God instructed Elijah to anoint two men as kings and to anoint Elisha as his own successor.

PSALM: Psalm 85:8-13
Refrain: I will listen to what the Lord God is saying. (Verse 8)

SECOND READING: Romans 10:5-15 (Trusting God’s Message)
Introduction: A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic efforts. It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ. This proclaimed word creates our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence Christian proclamation is an indispensable component of God’s saving actions.

GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33 (Trusting God’s Presence)
Introduction: Matthew’s Gospel typically portrays Jesus’ disciples as people of “little faith,” who fail despite their best intentions. In this story, Matthew shows how Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in trouble and sustains them in their time of fear and doubt.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

You may or may not be a fan of Eleanor Roosevelt, but one time when she was asked about her secret to a fulfilling life, said: “Do one thing a day that scares you!” In the Gospel Reading, I’m wondering if Peter was thinking exactly that when Jesus invited Peter to get out of the boat and join him walking on the water. It turns out that Peter was indeed scared—when he noticed the strong wind—and so he began to sink. Peter was sinking, not only because he was afraid. He had good reason to be fearful: the wind was strong and it was stormy. The sea could be scary, even for fishing experts.

You and I also become afraid when life gets stormy, literally or figuratively. We have had some strong thunderstorms in recent weeks with gushing rain and crashing lightning. That can be scary enough. But also for many of us in these days of national and international concerns, financial uncertainty, all kinds of challenges, and, for many of us, aging issues too, it is so stormy in our lives that sometimes it seems that it is an act of faith to get out of bed in the morning.

A symbol of the Church in earliest times was a boat, like the one that Jesus’ disciples were navigating in this Gospel Reading and, as you may remember, also like the one they were in when the storm raged on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus was apparently “asleep” in the back of the boat. Then also Jesus needed to reassure his followers that they need not be afraid when storms come, because he would be with them.

The sea in ancient times was also a symbol of chaos, when things were totally out of control. It is important to see that Jesus was in control, walking “on top of” the chaos.

In fact, Jesus also invites us with Peter to get out of the safety of the boat and walk on the water with him, as he reaches out his hand and catches us and calls us to faithful trusting in his Way of Love and Compassion. Even when life is at its most chaotic, the Crucified and Risen One says to all his followers, “Fear not, I am with you always.”

And, as we walk with him on top of—in spite of!—the chaos in our lives and trust his presence with us, we rediscover a measure of true Peace despite all of life’s challenges. Then, with the strength of his Spirit, we can be partners with our Companion in sharing his Way of Love and Compassion with all whose lives we touch, sharing the Peace that we know from intimate experience.

HYMN: *ELW* #756, ”Eternal Father, Strong to Save” (The “Navy Hymn”)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjcSpCSUjdk

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)

With bold trust in God’s unfailing provision, we pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation. (A Brief Silence)

We pray for the servants of your Gospel in every place, that your word may be heard. Where your voice is scorned and your people persecuted, strengthen the church in its faithful witness. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

For this world you have created, that all life may flourish. Preserve biodiversity in all its variety and help ecosystems to survive the extremes of a changing climate. Move our hearts with compassion to join in this work. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

For leaders of towns, states, nations, and organizations, and all who are in positions of authority, that they lead with justice and integrity. Teach us to respond with Christlike mercy to all who are afraid or in danger. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

For all who struggle amid the storms of life, that they find peace and hope in your loving presence. Comfort any who are lonely and grieving and all who suffer, especially those we name in our hearts. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

For this congregation and its ministries, that they reflect your love and life amid a turbulent world. Guide council members and other church leaders with your still, calm voice. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

We give thanks for the faithful who have gone before us, especially those dear to us. Guide us in our earthly journey, that we may one day join them in your eternal kingdom. Merciful God, RECEIVE OUR PRAYER.

Receive our prayers and answer, O God, as you have promised. All this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 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* #774 “What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqD9wfEAFgI

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)

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER, today’s main reading, is perhaps the most famous of all of Jesus’ parables. Rather than an iss...
07/11/2026

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER, today’s main reading, is perhaps the most famous of all of Jesus’ parables. Rather than an issue about “seeds,” the big question seems to be, “What kind of SOIL are we?” Jesus’ invitation is to let God’s Spirit transform the soil of our hearts, so that we are receptive to the abundant New Life that God is planting in us.

Sunday, July 12, 2026 + SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +
Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

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

INTRODUCTION
God’s word is like the rain that waters the earth and brings forth vegetation. It is also like the Sower who scatters seed indiscriminately. Our lives are like seeds sown in the earth. Even from what appears to be little, dormant, or dead, God promises a harvest. At the Lord’s Table we are fed with the Bread of Life, that we may bear fruit in the world.

HYMN: *ELW* #879, “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Children’s Choir (selected verses): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjotibEl8WY

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
Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:10-13 (God’s Guarantee)
Introduction: God’s word to Israel’s exiles is as sure and effective as never-failing precipitation. Their return to the Holy Land in a new exodus is cheered on by singing mountains and by trees that clap their hands.

PSALM: Psalm 65:9-13
Refrain: Your paths overflow with plenty. (Verse 11)

SECOND READING: Romans 8:1-11 (God’s Transformation)
Introduction: There is no condemnation for those who live in Christ. God sent Christ to accomplish what the Law was unable to do: condemn sin and free us from its death-dealing ways. The Spirit now empowers proper actions and values in our lives and gives us the promise of Resurrected Life.

GOSPEL: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (God’s Harvest)
Introduction: In Matthew’s Gospel, both Jesus and his disciples “sow the seed” of God’s word by proclaiming the Good News that “the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Now, in a memorable parable, Jesus explains why this Good News produces different results in those who hear.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

The Gospel Reading, “The Parable of the Sower,” is perhaps the most famous of all of Jesus’ parables. We use this important story from Jesus for our annual Rogation Sundays in May at Larry & Sharon’s farm.

Seed planting has certainly changed from Jesus’s day to our day in the twenty-first century. Jesus told an “old-fashioned” story in today’s Gospel Reading. The Farmer/Sower was not so high tech as we are today. In fact, the Sower didn’t seem to be greatly concerned that the seed 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 seems to be continually 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 New Life that God is planting in us.

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

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 God’s steadfast love for all God has made, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation. (A Brief Silence)

God our Gardener, you scatter grace like seed across the world. Continue to cultivate the garden of your church with your abundant Spirit. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our Joy, your bountiful creation reflects your commitment to life despite our actions disregarding its wonder. We look toward Isaiah’s vision, when all creation rejoices, and the trees will clap for joy at your salvation. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our Life, you give us the same Spirit by which you raised Christ from the dead. Set our minds on that Spirit whenever fear or condemnation overwhelm throughout the world. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our Host and Table, we pray for children who hunger and rely on school meals, for all who toil under the hot sun without refreshment, for the chronically ill who have exhausted their resources, and for all who need your healing touch, especially those we name in our hearts. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our Source, tend this assembly with your grace throughout this summer season. May those who travel for work or recreation do so safely, and may visitors find refreshment and welcome among us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

We give you thanks that the roots of your goodness run deep throughout history. We remember those saints who have gone before us in faith, especially those dear to us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Grateful for your abundant provision and trusting in your goodness, we cast all our cares upon you, through the abundant grace of Christ Jesus. 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* #1063, “God of the Fertile Fields” (45 second organ intro)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afzMySYK5-8

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)

Sunday, June 28, 2026 + FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am]...
06/27/2026

Sunday, June 28, 2026 + FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +
Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

WHAT PERSON COMES TO MIND when you think about someone who embodied the welcoming spirit of hospitality in your life? In the Gospel Reading today Jesus invites his followers of every time and place, including us, to be open to welcoming others in his name. Especially those who are sharing his Way of Love in a needy world. How has God gifted you to respond to those who need YOUR grace-filled welcome?

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

INTRODUCTION
The welcome of Baptism is for all God’s children. This Baptismal Gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s Gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our Baptismal Mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.

HYMN: *ELW* #848, “Give to Our God Immortal Praise!”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKfCf3D01d0&list=RDqKfCf3D01d0&start_radio=1 (with extra verses)

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
O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Welcoming a True Prophet)
Introduction: Through a symbolic action Jeremiah insisted that Judah and all the surrounding nations should submit to the king of Babylon (Jer. 27). Hananiah contradicted the word of Jeremiah, who in reply insisted that Hananiah’s rosy prediction should not be believed until it came true. God confirmed the word of Jeremiah and sentenced the false prophet Hananiah to death (vv. 16-17).

PSALM: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Refrain: Your love, O Lord, forever will I sing. (Verse 1)

SECOND READING: Romans 6:12-23 (Welcoming the Gift of Grace)
Introduction: Sin is an enslaving power which motivates us to live self-serving, disobedient lives. Sin’s final payoff is death. We, however, have been set free from sin’s slavery to live obediently under God’s grace, whose end is the free gift of eternal life.

GOSPEL: Matthew 10:40-42 (Welcome Christ in Those He Sends)
Introduction: When Jesus sends his disciples out as missionaries, he warns them of persecution and hardships they will face. He also promises to reward any who aid his followers and support their ministry.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

What person comes to mind when you think about someone who embodied the welcoming spirit of hospitality in your life? Someone in your family, a friend, someone at church?

Hopefully we all knew such a very special person who had that distinctive gift of warm hospitality that made everyone feel welcome. Food might be a part of the scene—I hope!—but more than that, the best part was that we always felt so glad to be included and valued just by showing up and being part of the gathering.

My mother had that gift of hospitality, especially on the July 4th holiday that we will also celebrate this coming weekend. Well into her 80’s, she would have the extended family into her small two-bedroom home with an attic for a third bedroom (the home I grew up in) for holiday celebrations. She made most of the food herself and served it buffet style from the cramped little kitchen to folks who then sat at the dining room table with that extra leaf when guests came, or the two card tables in the tight living room, or the picnic table in the back yard (weather permitting) or in the basement with 1960’s paneling and a cement floor. It was cozy and crowded and jovial and wonderful.

Jesus in the Gospel Reading today reminds his followers then and now about the warm hospitality he embodied with them when he welcomed tax-collectors and sinners and all kinds of other people—especially the outcast and marginalized. With every invitation Jesus personified the very Welcome of God!

In the Gospel Reading today Jesus invites his followers of every time and place, including us, to be open to welcoming others in his name. Especially those who are sharing his Way of Love in a needy world. Be they disciples, prophets, or anyone in need of a grace-filled welcome, Jesus says that the one who welcomes the bearers of Jesus’ Message of Love is really welcoming Jesus himself and also welcoming his Heavenly Father. Quite an invitation for all of us!

How has God gifted you to be open to welcome even the “little ones” who need the grace-filled welcome that you yourself can embody as a follower of Jesus? We have the very Spirit of God to empower us. And the presence of the Risen One to inspire us.

HYMN: *ELW #712, “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIPIyM2Qz4k

RITE OF HOLY BAPTISM FOR ELLA KATE SIMONS (Zion)

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)

Faithful God, establish your church to offer welcome and proclaim your peace. Nourish us so we can proclaim your hope to the world. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Creator God, bring life to places experiencing drought, deforestation, and pollution. Help us to cultivate and care for the natural world around us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Loving God, bring an end to conflict and division in Ukraine, the Middle East, and in all places where there is war and unrest. Sustain the work of prophets in our time, and work through world leaders to foster understanding, justice, and peace. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Provider God, give your children what they need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We pray especially for those we name in our hearts. Bless caregivers as they show God’s hospitality through their generous service. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Living God, lead us from death to life. Inspire new ministries and endeavors, renew established ones, and strengthen our welcoming presence to our neighbors. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Eternal God, we remember the faithful departed of this community and of the wider church and world. We give thanks for saints of all times and places, especially those dear to us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Trusting that 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: *ELW* #575, “In Christ Called to Baptize”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op4Hao--kl4

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)

06/25/2026

Dear Followers on this page,

We have had to create a new page for St. John Lutheran Church in Dorchester. If you would like to continue to follow up please join us on the other page.

It has the Luther Rose and a picture of our church.

We were having some issues with the old page and decided this was our easiest fix (after weeks of trying other things)

We look forward to you joining us on our New page.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 + SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am]...
06/06/2026

Sunday, June 7, 2026 + SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +
Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

HOW DOES JESUS SHOW WHAT GOD’S LOVE AND MERCY LOOK LIKE? One example in today’s Gospel Reading, Jesus disregards a Ritual Law—that he might ordinarily observe—for the sake of being merciful to an “unclean” person in need of compassionate healing. Sometimes to fulfill the true *purpose* of a Law, that Law may need to be overruled to fulfill God’s gracious intentions.

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

INTRODUCTION
Though Jesus was a devout Jew who practiced his faith, he was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners—the religiously nonobservant. Jesus criticizes the self-righteous and reminds us that mercy is to be at the heart of our religious practices. God continues to be made known in those on the margins of society, like Matthew the tax collector and the hemorrhaging woman. As we gather each Lord’s day we receive the healing that makes us well and sends us forth to be signs of God’s mercy for the world.

HYMN: *ELW* #556, ”Morning Has Broken”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l75czrIYEUw

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
O God, you are the source of life and the ground of our being. By the power of your Spirit bring healing to this wounded world, and raise us to the New Life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

FIRST READING: Hosea 5:15–6:6 (God Desires Steadfast Love)
Introduction: Because the people have trusted in military powers and not God, God decides to withdraw from the scene until Israel acknowledges its guilt and seeks God’s face. The response of the people does not acknowledge this guilt and is as fickle as fog or dew burned away quickly by the sun. God desires loyalty rather than words or meaningless deeds.

PSALM: Psalm: Psalm 50:7-15
Refrain: Call upon me in the day of trouble, says your God. (Verse 15)

SECOND READING: Romans 4:13-25 (God Shares Steadfast Love)
Introduction: Paul presents Abraham as a living model of right relationships. For Abraham and for us, a right relationship with God involves trusting that God’s promises will be fulfilled because God makes the dead alive and calls into existence what otherwise does not exist.

GOSPEL: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 (God [in Jesus] Demonstrates Steadfast Love)
Introduction: Jesus demonstrates God’s mercy and power, accepting the unacceptable and curing the incurable. Even the dead receive New Life.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

How does Jesus show what God’s Love and Mercy look like? In today’s Gospel Reading there are two distinct and important episodes in the life of Jesus, where he embodies and demonstrates what God’s Love, Mercy, and Compassion look like.

In the first episode, Jesus calls the tax collector Matthew to follow him. Matthew was not seeking to change occupations, even though tax collectors were hated collaborators with Rome to extort taxes. Jesus just offers God’s inclusive Mercy to him and to his companion tax collectors, and affirms that Mercy by eating with them!

In the Gospel Reading’s second episode, Jesus continues to show what God’s Mercy looks like by touching and healing a woman who was *ritually unclean* because of her continual bleeding as well as touching a dead girl by the hand—also *ritually unclean*—and raising her from death to life. In both cases, Jesus “broke” the Law and became ritually unclean himself, so that he might bring God’s healing to life.

Jesus set aside the Ritual Law—that he might ordinarily observe—for the sake of being merciful. In doing so, he reminds the callous Pharisees in deeds as well as in words, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’” as he quotes the prophet Hosea (6:6).

Sometimes to fulfill the true *purpose* of the Law, God’s MERCY (God’s goal for those who hurt physically, emotionally, or spiritually) requires that, in some cases, the same Law be set aside to fulfill God’s ultimate gracious *intentions* for a world in need.

HYMN: *ELW* #588, ”There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=metLqEhcesY (2 minute 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)

God of mercy, you call us to a life filled with acts of mercy. Ground us in following Christ, that we might extend the mercy we receive. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God of creation, all you have made is yours. Revive lands in need of healing and make us wise stewards of all you have given us to tend. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God of the nations, you promise to deliver those who call on you. Bring an end to conflict, bigotry, and injustice in all their forms wherever they are found. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God of comfort, you provide for those in need. Bring an end to addiction. Comfort people as they mourn. Provide tenderly for those in need, especially those we name in our hearts. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God of blessings, you send the Holy Spirit to provide varieties of gifts in the body of Christ. Accompany those who travel this summer, make our gatherings joyous, and grant us a spirit of hospitality and togetherness. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God of life, we give you thanks for saints whose lives revealed your faithfulness, especially those dear to us. May remembering their faithfulness strengthen our own. 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: *ELW* #722, “O Christ Your Heart, Compassionate”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZBa12SsPj4

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)

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110 Water Street
Dorchester, IL
62033

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