St. Paul Vancouver

09/08/2026

Join us this Friday and the 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30 pm for an intamate sacred acoustic experience. This presentation includes aold hymns, new pewer praise music and songs written by the group. See you Friday

09/06/2026

The Zoom link for our worship service for the Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A, Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PDT is right here.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82432073616?pwd=TWk5dmlaMnBRU2J4bno2emdkSFBEdz09

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A
Sunday, September 6, 2026

Serving in worship today are:
Assisting: Susan Reader: Jeffrey PowerPoint: Jonna Ushers: Pat, Bill & Crisann

Communion Bread: Susan Set-up: Susan Coffee Hour: Susan Sunday School: No Sunday School


Called into Community

Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them”. In these Sundays after Pentecost, we are repeatedly reminded that God has not abandoned us and that Christ’s resurrection and ascension are a beginning for us, not an end. The readings this week focus on the practical work of the gathered Christian community: turning from sin to repentance, from conflict to reconciliation. The question is as relevant today as it was for the disciples and the first Christians: How do we live together, work together, as the body of Christ? We have been saved by grace, liberated by God’s love to love one another. What does it mean for us and for our community to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and to clothe ourselves in love?

We keep asking these questions because the way we gather as Christians continues to be profoundly countercultural. We do not gather as a social club, drawn and kept together only by shared demographics and interests. If church is only a social club, there is no reason to continue to gather if conflict arises, if uncomfortable issues are raised, or if “the way it’s always been” begins to change. If church is only a social club, there is no reason to do the hard work of reconciliation and forgiveness.

God calls us into community knowing that being in community is hard. In scripture we can find practical guidance for gathering through good and hard times. The Holy Spirit is always at work—in, through, and among us—to gather and regather us again. In community we meet and become Christ’s body in ways that are impossible for us as individuals; all the commandments are fulfilled in this call to neighbor-love.



Sunday, September 6, 2026

Lectionary 23, Year A - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost



Prelude

(During Prelude, light candles and return to seat)

Temple Talk

Father Mike – Iona Community

--------------------------GATHERING--------------------------

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God


Confession and Forgiveness

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.



[PL] Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose compassion endures forever. Amen.



Let us confess our sin to God.

Compassionate God,

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.

Amen.


Gathering Song

As We Gather at Your Table – ELW 522

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Edgewood United Church
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Greeting

[PL] The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.


Prayer of the Day

[AM]Let us pray… 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.

--------------------------------WORD------------------------------

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-11

Reader: A reading from the prophet Ezekiel:

7 So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8 If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. 9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
10 Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel: Thus you have said: “Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?” 11 Say to them: As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?


The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.



Psalm: Psalm 119:33-40

Reader: Let us read the Psalm responsively.

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your teaching;
I shall keep it with all my heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire.
36 Incline my heart to your decrees
and not to unjust gain.
37 Turn my eyes from beholding falsehood;
give me life in your way.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread,
because your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for your commandments;
by your righteousness enliven me.



Second Reading: Romans 13:8-14

Reader: A reading from the book of Romans:

8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12 the night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us walk decently as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in illicit s*x and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.


The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.



GOSPEL ACCLAMATION - Setting 4, Pg 151

Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

5 likes, 1 comment. "Gospel Acclamation ELW setting 4"

David Schofield
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Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

[PL] The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.



[Jesus said to the disciples:] 15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one. 16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If that person refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”



[PL] The gospel of our Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.



Message 9/6/26 - Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and from Jesus our Risen Lord, and from the Holy Spirit, now come to us, my dear sisters and brothers.
Jesus has just told his disciples what is going to happen next - about the coming agony of the cross. And now he is beginning to explain to them - and to us - how we need to be and who we need to be for each other after he is no longer with us in person.
And I have to say, I stared at this gospel reading for hours, hoping to find some wisdom to share with you about how to handle conflict in the community that Jesus creates for us. You know, I was a lawyer for 35 years, so you would think I would know something about how to handle conflict. But the gift of the legal system is that it is a system: there are detailed rules and procedures every step of the way to govern resolving conflict in civil society. And I read more than one commentary this week that suggested that we should turn this instruction from Jesus into a formal code of conduct for church members, or a mediation process for resolving conflict in the church. Someone suggested that Jesus was giving us a “pattern for confronting sin.” But we, the church, are not supposed to be the same kind of process-driven gathering as, for instance, our local government, or the board of directors of a charity, or the House and Senate in Washington, D.C. So no, that is not what this gospel is about. This is not about a formal method for confronting sin. Jesus urges us to go talk to the person we have a problem with, and if the person listens, we have regained that family member. This teaching is about relationship.
As Jesus continues to consider the process for how to resolve a conflict with another member of the community, it sounds like he is escalating, doesn’t it? After the first conversation, we are instructed to take one or two others along as witnesses and try again. And then, if that doesn’t work, we are supposed to tell the problem to the church. And if the offender refuses to listen even to the church “let such a one be to you as a gentile and a tax collector.” Which, of course, we would like to take to mean that we should throw them out of the church, because they are not part of our religious community, or they are thieves working for the government.
But let’s think about this some more. What do we know about what Jesus says and does with gentiles and tax collectors? Jesus’ final words in the Gospel of Matthew instruct us to preach to the gentiles - to all the nations of the world. And Jesus reminds us to love our enemies. When Jesus says, treat people as gentiles, he is not giving us permission to be rude and dismissive to our brothers and sisters in the church - even those we are angry with.
And what do we know about Jesus and tax collectors? Jesus eats with tax collectors. He takes heat for being seen with them. So considering someone a tax collector means something more like this: "Treat them in such a way that no one knows how much they anger and embarrass you, but bear your cross and thank God for this opportunity to become a more patient and compassionate person."
And we have one more clue about what Jesus meant by this conversation. Just before this, teaching about how to handle conflict in the church, about treating them as gentiles and tax collectors, we hear the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leaves the 99 sheep and goes in search of the one that went astray. He seeks out the Gentiles and the tax collectors, and seeks to bring them back into the flock.
Understanding what Jesus is saying in this way is consistent with Jewish understanding of Torah at the time. This scenario echoes legal requirements from the Law of Moses. When Jesus refers to the “evidence of two or three witnesses” in verse 17, he recalls the biblical conditions for court proceedings in the book of Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy 17:6, Moses declares, “On the evidence of two or three witnesses the death sentence shall be executed; a person must not be put to death on the evidence of only one witness.” So in his demand for multiple witnesses, Jesus follows this Deuteronomy requirement. And although Moses requires two or three witnesses to impose the death penalty, Matthew imposes the sinner’s exclusion from the community.
This shift from ex*****on to exclusion from community is not found only in Matthew’s Gospel. In the Second Temple period, Jewish commentators began to interpret the Torah’s calls for the death penalty as references to excommunication. And the first-century Jewish historian Josephus notes that the Pharisees of the first century were “becoming administrators of everything—to banish and recall whom they want, to loose and bind.”
So what does Jesus teach us today? This passage focuses on something that is a fundamental theme in the Bible: human beings are estranged, separated from each other. But Jesus ends by telling us, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” We have not gathered ourselves to be the church. We are gathered by God. We are moving from human action, to God’s promise. And Jesus promises his presence in the midst of us. And although we as the church are human, and prone to mistakes, the church is a gift to us. We are all called, even us gentiles and tax collectors, into that relationship and body of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Amen.

Silence for reflection follows the sermon.

To hear an audio recording of this sermon, click here after the service:
https://stpaulvancouver.com/sermons/


Hymn of the Day

They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love

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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
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Last Verse: All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;

And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.

And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,

yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

APOSTLES’ CREED

[PL] – With the whole church, let us confess our faith:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.



I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.



PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

[AM] Reminded of God’s gracious and abundant love, we offer our prayers, confident that God hears us.

A brief silence.

Proclaiming God, empower your church throughout the world to reveal the words you give us. Open us to receive your word in unexpected ways.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.


Forming God, renew the cycles of your creation that provide for the needs of all. Protect grasslands, marshes, swamps, and all places of transition. Heal communities in Nepal crying out after such a disaster.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.


Governing God, turn all who create, enforce, or interpret legislation away from selfish gain and toward your promise of good for all, especially the good of all who labor. Help support our farmers and ranchers.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.


Attending God, wake us up to any around us who are in need. Restore broken relationships, failing health, frayed emotions, and the hurts we carry with us.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.


Gathering God, resolve conflicts in this community through your righteousness and grace. Reconcile us to each other, making your good news known even through our imperfections.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.



Loving God, all who die in faith have life with you. We give you thanks for the nearness of your salvation for all who have gone before us.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.



[PL] Grant the prayers we have offered, what we have forgotten to ask, and whatever else you see that we need. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

WE SHARE GOD’S PEACE

[PL] The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.



ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mick – Welcome

· Welcome visitors. Please fill out a visitor card found in the pew pockets. We’d love to hear from you.

· Communion is at the rail! All are welcome to participate.

· Offerings will be received at the back of the church as you exit. One slot is for St. Paul; the other slot is for Community. Today’s community offering goes to our Agape Fund if you’d like to contribute.

· St. Paul continues to provide shelter meals for “Geri’s guys” next door. The next opportunities are lunches on Sunday, Sept. 6th and Sept. 20th. Sign up at the ushers’ table if you would like to help.

· Quilters meet at 1:30 PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 9th. No quilting experience needed. There are sewing as well as non-sewing tasks that you could help with. They’d love to have you join in.

· “Jesus and Friends” acoustic Christian music gathers each month on the 2nd Friday. The next concert is September 11th, at 6:30 pm here at St. Paul. Invite your friends to this fun evening of music.

· Poetry Group meets every second and fourth Sunday afternoon at 3:00. The next meeting is next week, on Sunday, September 13. All budding poets or poetry lovers are welcome.

· God’s Work, Our Hands is September 13th. Our project this year is to visit one of our home bound folks. There is a list at the ushers table, if you would like to sign up to visit them. Or, if you know someone who needs a visit, add them to the list.


-------------------------------MEAL----------------------------

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.



OFFERING PRAYER

God of creation,

you send rain and the earth springs forth abundantly. All blessings are from you; make us generous with what we have. Use our gifts, our abilities, and our hearts in service to you and in love to our neighbors, today and always.

Amen.



GREAT THANKSGIVING DIALOGUE

[PL] The Lord be with you.

And also with you.


Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.


Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.



PREFACE

[PL] It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:



HOLY, HOLY, HOLY - Setting 4, Pg 153

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Holy, holy, holy Lord,

Lord God of pow’r and might,

heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

[PL] Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.


In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.


Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.


Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.


Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.


LORD’S PRAYER

[AM] Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.



INVITATION TO COMMUNION

[PL] Christ invites you to this table. All who are thirsty, all who are hungry, come!



COMMUNION AT THE RAIL

Communion Hymn

Here is Bread – ELW 483 vv 1 & 3

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Mary Munson
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BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION

[PL] The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace. Amen.



PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

[AM] Let us pray... Sustaining God,

with this bread and cup, you nourish us with mercy and abundant life. By your Spirit, send us from this table to serve a needy world. Make us living signs of your liberation, healing, and love, following the way of Jesus, in whose name we pray.

Amen.



------------------------------SENDING----------------------------

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.



BLESSING

[PL] The God of love draw you into full accord and one mind, in the body of Christ Jesus. Amen.


The God of hope grant you strength and joy in all circumstances through the interceding of the Spirit. Amen.


The God of grace ☩ bless you now and forever. Amen.



SENDING SONG



(During hymn, extinguish candles and recess.)

Beloved God’s Chosen - ELW 648

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St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Lexington, SC
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DISMISSAL

[AM] Go out in joy. Be led forth in peace.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for Sunday, August 16, 2026 August 16, 2026 stpauladmindesk Sermon for Sunday, August 16, 2026 / Pastor: Linda Marousek – If you listened to this sermon or others, we’d… Continue Reading → Posted in: Service, Uncategorized

08/30/2026

The Zoom link for our worship service for the Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A, Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PDT is right here.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82432073616?pwd=TWk5dmlaMnBRU2J4bno2emdkSFBEdz09

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A
Sunday, August 30, 2026


There Must Be Another Way

Peter may be the “rock” on which Christ will build the church, but when Jesus reveals the suffering that will come first, Peter becomes a tempter and stumbling block. Assuming God must have a different way to save the world, Peter protests Jesus’ suffering and death. Jesus explains to Peter and all his disciples that, in fact, this is the way to life—losing one’s life in order to find it.
By tempting Jesus to an easier way than his journey through suffering to resurrection, Peter personifies a temptation common to all generations of Jesus’ disciples: seeking a way to avoid “losing oneself” instead of surrendering all to and with the one we follow. Rather than losing our lives—our selves, possessions, and time—we hold on more tightly, afraid of what will happen to our comfort, success, and identity if we let go. Those things we hold onto then become, like Peter, stumbling blocks along the way of self-giving love.
But while “saving one’s life” sounds sensible, those things also stand in the way of the new life into which Jesus beckons us to follow him. Perhaps Peter’s problem is that he sees only the suffering and death, without grasping the new life that comes through it. In times when we too are tempted by worldly ways of comfort and success, convinced that surely God must have an easier way than the way of self-giving love, this gospel reminds us that resurrection and life await on the other side of suffering and death.
This is the way of our God who becomes human in Jesus: emptying himself of power and dignity, losing his very own life for the sake of the world’s life. Seen through the lens of resurrection just ahead on the journey, what other way could there be?

Sunday, August 30, 2026
Lectionary 22, Year A - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude

(During Prelude, light candles and return to seat)

--------------------------GATHERING--------------------------
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God

Confession and Forgiveness

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

[PL] Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose compassion endures forever. Amen.

Let us confess our sin to God.

Compassionate God,
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.
Amen.

Gathering Song
Spirit Open My Heart – ACS 1043

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Mary Munson
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Greeting
[PL] The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

Prayer of the Day
[AM]Let us pray… 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.

[PL] Dismiss children for Sunday School.

--------------------------------WORD------------------------------
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

First Reading: Jeremiah 15:15-21
Reader: A reading from the prophet Jeremiah:
15 O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me,
and bring down retribution for me on my persecutors.
In your forbearance do not take me away;
know that on your account I suffer insult.
16 Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name,
O Lord, God of hosts.
17 I did not sit in the company of merrymakers,
nor did I rejoice;
under the weight of your hand I sat alone,
for you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Truly, you are to me like a deceitful brook,
like waters that fail.
19 Therefore thus says the Lord:
If you turn back, I will take you back,
and you shall stand before me.
If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless,
you shall serve as my mouth. It is they who will turn to you,
not you who will turn to them.
20 And I will make you to this people
a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you,
but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you
to save you and deliver you, says the Lord.
21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked
and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 26:1-8
Reader: Let us read the Psalm responsively.
1 Give judgment for me, O Lord, for I have lived with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
2 Test me, O Lord, and try me;
examine my heart and my mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes;
I have walked faithfully with you.
4 I have not sat with the worthless,
nor do I consort with the deceitful.
5 I have hated the company of evildoers;
I will not sit down with the wicked.
6 I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord,
that I may go in procession round your altar,
7 singing aloud a song of thanksgiving
and recounting all your wonderful deeds.
8 Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
and the place where your glory abides.

Second Reading: Romans 12:9-21
Reader: A reading from the book of Romans:
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Setting 4, Pg 151

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David Schofield
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Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28
[PL] The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

21 From that time on, [after Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah,] Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
27 “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

[PL] The gospel of our Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Message 8/30/26 - Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, Year A

Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and from Jesus our Risen Lord, and from the Holy Spirit, now come to us, my dear sisters and brothers.
Something important is happening in our gospel readings over these last two weeks. Something we don’t recognize, because the story is so familiar, and we think we know what it means. Something that is a change in the way Jesus is interacting with his disciples, and with the world - something that will change all of our understanding of who God is, and what God requires of Jesus, and what God requires of us.
Jesus had asked: “Who do you say that I am?” And Peter identified him as the Messiah, the son of the living God. But even though that was the right answer, Jesus suggested that there was going to be a different answer, when he ordered the disciples not to tell anyone.
And now, Jesus “began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.” But the Hebrew scriptures strongly associate the Messiah with a king, in the line of David, one who leads and protects the people. The coming Messiah could be understood to be king, priest and prophet. And first century Jewish groups had their own understanding of the word. If there was any common theme for first century understandings of Messiah, it would be a theme of conquering. While kings, priests and especially prophets may suffer, there is a stronger idea of victory, even of glory, expected of the coming Messiah. And the book of Daniel expected the coming “Son of Man” to save the world from the coming disaster of the end times. The Messiah was supposed to bring about the new reign of God on earth, which included the final victory of Israel. No first century Jewish follower of Jesus would have said: "I want the Messiah to come, die in torture and humiliation, be resurrected, and then promise us that if we follow him, we will die and then enter into a non-earthly eternity with God that will include lots of non-Jews.”
But basically, that’s what Jesus had just said. And Peter - Peter who had the insight to understand who Jesus really was - Peter tried to turn Jesus away from his God-given work. Peter tried to turn Jesus away from accepting the consequences of his involvement with humanity.
Jesus had just proclaimed God’s will and purpose for his life. And Peter’s response is not exactly what we read in English. Peter is not saying, “Never!” He is saying something more like, “God be merciful!” Peter is saying that what Jesus had just told them, that he was expecting to be crucified, was not and should not be part of God‘s purpose and plans.
Peter believes that God MUST have some different way to save the world, so he protests against Jesus’ suffering and death. By tempting Jesus to an easier way than his journey through suffering to resurrection, Peter lives out a problem that is common to all generations of Jesus’ disciples: seeking a way to avoid “losing oneself” instead of surrendering all to and with the one we follow.
Jesus explains to Peter and all his disciples that, in fact, this is the way to life—losing one’s life in order to find it. While “saving one’s life” sounds sensible, this stands in the way of the new life that Jesus calls us to.
Maybe Peter’s problem is that he sees only the suffering and death, without understanding the new life that comes through it. Because this is in no way what they expected. They were looking for someone to lead them in the fight, not someone who was ready to die. Peter confessed the messianic identity of Jesus. Jesus confirmed Peter’s confession. The disciples must have been imagining how their status would change for the better, being connected to the one and only Christ, but now Jesus is talking about dying. The tension and disappointment in the text, as well as in our own lives, is enough to make you want to go contrary to what God has said.
If no first century follower of Jesus would have said: "I want the Messiah to come, die in torture and humiliation, be resurrected, and then promise us that if we follow him, we will die” - neither would we! Rather than losing our lives—our selves, possessions, and time—we hold on more tightly, afraid of what will happen to our comfort, success, and identity if we let go.
Have you ever been there? Have you ever been in a situation where you have an expectation of what God will and should do and be in your life, and the Lord decides, in an act of divine sovereignty, to do something totally different? You were ready to celebrate God’s expected next move in your life, yet it plays out differently than you anticipated. Those things we hold onto then become, like Peter, stumbling blocks to the way of self-giving love.
In times when we are tempted by worldly ways of comfort and success, convinced that surely God must have an easier way than the way of self-giving love, this gospel reminds us that resurrection and life await on the other side of suffering and death.
This speaks to Christ’s depth of commitment to God’s will, as well as to the high cost to us of being Christ’s disciple. Salvation is free, but it will cost you everything. Jesus tells us that to be his disciple, we must deny ourselves.
Western Christianity has a difficult task in grasping the idea of self-denial, especially when Jesus says, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it, but if you give it, you will gain it.” But Christ doesn’t let up; he asks,“What do you gain if you have the whole world but lose your soul?”
THIS is what needs to be asked in the halls of power in all nations. In places where mindsets and missions of ruling by the few, the powerful, the rich, and sometimes by the institutional church, are unfairly stealing from the people of the world —this is not the self-sacrificing Christ who predicts his death, but a violent one who destroys all to take power. But Jesus offers the challenge of true discipleship. Bonhoeffer was right when he said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die.”
So this is the question to ask ourselves: How are you, or I, denying ourselves in a culture that preaches, teaches and lives self-fulfillment? How are you or I or anyone actually denying our calling, and trying to create our own identities in all sorts of things rather than the cross? What crosses has God asked each of us to take up in our lives? And what has been the effect of that? The life that Christ offers is the cross and dying to ourselves - the opposite of how many human leaders function. All we the baptized are carrying the cross on our foreheads, wet in baptism, ash at the beginning of each Lent. Yet it is the cross of Christ, not our own, that saves; and our salvation requires death to our small selves.
This is the way of our God who becomes human in Jesus: emptying himself of power and dignity, losing his very own life for the sake of the world’s life. Knowing that resurrection is just ahead on the journey, what other way could there be?
Amen.


Silence for reflection follows the sermon.

To hear an audio recording of this sermon, click here after the service:
https://stpaulvancouver.com/sermons/

Hymn of the Day
Will You Come and Follow Me – ELW 798

1.4K likes, 48 comments. "Will you come and follow me (The Summons)...

Joy Everingham
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Last Verse: Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

APOSTLES’ CREED
[PL] – With the whole church, let us confess our faith:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
[AM] 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.

For the church in every land, that its mission and ministry is anchored in the love of Christ. When threats or challenges arise, teach us to take up our cross and follow you in faith. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For the well-being of your creation, that all that lives and grows on the earth may thrive. Bring relief to areas ravaged by droughts, floods, fires, storms, and other disasters. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For the nations and all in authority, that they seek to live in peace with one another. Bless the work of international and diplomatic organizations and all who work to bring peace to a world scarred by violence. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For all those in need, that they be satisfied. Ensure all your children have safe access to food, water, shelter, and medical care. Bring healing to all who bear wounds in body, mind, and spirit. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For the congregation gathered here to serve you, that they remain strong in faith and united in purpose. Guide our committees, study groups, and other meetings toward honesty and humility, always seeking genuine love. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

For the faithful departed, that their witness continues to strengthen and guide the church. Renew our hope in your promises in this life and the life to come. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

[PL] 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.


WE SHARE GOD’S PEACE
[PL] The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mick – Welcome
· Welcome visitors. Please fill out a visitor card found in the pew pockets. We’d love to hear from you.

· Communion is at the rail! All are welcome to participate.

· Offerings will be received at the back of the church as you exit. One slot is for St. Paul; the other slot is for Community. Today’s community offering goes our Hunger Fund if you’d like to contribute.

· We are collecting emergency contact information so we can quickly contact a close relative or friend in the event of an emergency. All information will be kept confidential. Ushers will have forms as you exit. Please fill them out and leave them with an usher or a staff member.

· Women’s Outreach Circle meets Wednesday, September 2nd at 1:30 PM here at St Paul. All women are welcome.

· St. Paul continues to provide shelter meals for “Geri’s guys” next door. The next opportunities are lunches on Sunday, Sept. 6th and Sept. 20th. Sign up at the ushers’ table if you would like to help.

· Quilters meet at 1:30 PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 9th. No quilting experience needed. There are sewing as well as non-sewing tasks that you could help with. They’d love to have you join in.

· “Jesus and Friends” acoustic Christian music gathers each month on the 2nd Friday. The next concert is September 11th, at 6:30 pm here at St. Paul. Invite your friends to this fun evening of music.

· Poetry Group meets every second and fourth Sunday afternoon at 3:00. The next meeting is in two weeks, on Sunday, September 13. All budding poets or poetry lovers are welcome.

· God’s Work, Our Hands is September 13th. Our project this year is to visit one of our home bound folks. There is a list at the ushers table, if you would like to sign up to visit them. Or, if you know someone who needs a visit, add them to the list.


-------------------------------MEAL----------------------------
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

OFFERING PRAYER
Loving God,
we offer at your table the gifts of our hearts. Help us take heart in you and share freely of your love, so that all creation can taste your abundance. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit abiding with us now and forever. Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING DIALOGUE
[PL] The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

PREFACE
[PL] It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Setting 4, Pg 153
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
Lord God of pow’r and might,
heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

17 likes, 1 comment. "ELW Setting 4 "Holy, Holy, Holy""

David White
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THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
[PL] Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.

Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER
[AM] Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION
[PL] Heaven has come near. Come, share in the feast!

COMMUNION AT THE RAIL
Communion Hymn
Bread of Life From Heaven - ELW 474 vs. 1 & 5

55 likes, 1 comment. "Bread of Life from Heaven ELW 474"

Mary Munson
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BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
[PL] The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
[AM] Let us pray...Compassionate God,
through the gifts of bread and wine our hearts are filled with the abundance of your love. Strengthen us that we, through this holy meal, may share your love freely, as you have shared with us. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit nourishing us now and forever.
Amen.

------------------------------SENDING----------------------------
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING
[PL] Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, ☩ one God, bless, heal, and hold you today and always. Amen.

SENDING SONG

(During hymn, extinguish candles and recess.)

Lift High the Cross - ELW 660

1.7K likes, 103 comments. ""Lift High the Cross""

First-Plymouth Church Lincoln Nebraska (FirstPVideos)
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DISMISSAL
[AM] Heaven has come near. Go, share the good news!
Thanks be to God.

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