Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter

10/16/2021

Today, we said goodbye (literally, “God be with ye”) to Betty Louise Bass. Ms. B, God is with ye… and you are with God. You taught us all much. Thanks be to God for you!

04/04/2021

Resurrection Sunday

Mark 16:6
But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.

08/17/2020

Happy Anniversary Holy Comforter!

08/15/2020

Here is the zoom connection link for worship on Sunday (tomorrow) at 10:00am. We have been invited to worship virtually with our friends at First Trinity and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. Thank you to Pastors Knoll and Huber for inviting us. Once again, we are celebrating Holy Communion. Please be prepared before the service to have piece of bread and some wine/juice enough for you and your family as needed.

Attached is the Zoom connection for the meeting.
With this new connection you should not have to enter a password.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7586221568?pwd=TjJiK3Yzbmw0L3VZdHNKRUMzdmpBUT09
If that does not work try the old way below.
https://zoom.us/j/7586221568
Meeting ID: 758 622 1568
Password 519927

Or by telephone only
1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 758 622 1568
Password 519927

If you miss the service you can go to YouTube and watch it at a more convenient time. Click on this link to our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBNJoupsmIi0OlSIAdeYvw.

Thank you,
Larry J. Evans, MSW
Council President

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

08/01/2020

For Sunday, August 2, 2020

Worship this week will be a little different. We will worship virtually on the Church of the Reformation page or the Zoom Room if you would like to join live. You can also access the worship materials Sunday afternoon once they are uploaded. Live Worship begins at 10 a.m. The details are below.

Most certainly, there will be some hiccups with our Live Broadcast, so we appreciate your patience and grace. Technology is stretched to its limits at this time -- and especially between 10-12 on Sunday mornings, so we will try our best, troubleshoot as we are able, and pray!

Here is PDF Worship Bulletin, so you can print or open it to follow along. Tip: Open the bulletin on your smartphone or tablet and watch the video on your computer screen. Here's how to join:
• For worship on Facebook, go to the page around 9:55 a.m. Around then, you should get a notification that "Church of the Reformation is Live". Find the video on the page so that you are able to watch the service together. We can still engage with one another in the comment section, respond to the prayers, etc. Invite your friends and neighbors to follow along by sharing the post or starting a Facebook Watch Party!
• Or at 9:45 a.m., call into Reformation's Zoom Room using this link if you're on a computer. The Password is 1517. This is a good option to watch the service if you don't have Facebook. Or, if you would like to listen to it by phone, call 656-876-9923 with the passcode: 671 993 8280. Again, join Zoom anytime after 9:45 to say hello to everyone who is worshiping together in the Zoom Room!
• Engage with the worship materials like the Sunday School Lesson, printable coloring sheets, and more the same way you've been doing. All materials are available on our website at www.ReformationDC.org/worship.
If you're not able to watch worship 'together' with everyone at 10 a.m., you will still be able to watch the worship video as it will continue to be hosted on our page, YouTube Channel, and the links available on the website.

Also, Communion on the Plaza will take place in small groups of eight. Some spots are still available. Go to SignUp Genius to register. If it's raining we will share communion in the chancel.

07/26/2020

For those who like to read... the sermon from this morning (July 26, 2020):
Good morning! I hope that you find this day – this moment whenever you’re listening – to be full of blessing and promise. Because it is, thanks be to God…
But, before I go too much farther, I want to thank God and all of you for the last ten months together. We began this journey together in October, last year, and it’s been an adventure the likes of which I could never have imagined. So, it’s with all kinds of emotions that I say, “Good-bye” to some of the sweetest and most caring people I’ve ever met. You have been supportive and caring of each other and me in ways I’ve rarely seen in large congregations with far more resources. Thank you for inviting me to be with you. I’m am grateful beyond words for it. And, at the same time, I know it’s right for me to go back to being retired… to being supportive of my pastor and congregation in the ways you have been to Holy Comforter and to me.
And, now, the Holy Gospel for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, according to St. Matthew, the 13th chapter…
31[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;32it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
33He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
47“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
If you’ll permit me, I’d like just let you look at today’s Gospel lesson through my eyes… my eyes and memories as I reflect on our lives together over the last year and the time ahead…
I think you know I’m a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. I’ve often quoted the section when Gandalf the Wizard tells the dwarves that he’s leaving them, just as they get to most dangerous part of their quest. He tells them that he must attend to some urgent business away south. Of course, they wonder and worry a little about what will happen. Gandalf assures them that they a perfectly capable of handling things and, then, reminds them that it was always their adventure.
I am certainly no Gandalf but I am certain that you have all you need for the adventures ahead of you… and I look forward to seeing how God will guide you through them. And, if you have time since we’re still not going anywhere these days, you might want to read or re-read The Hobbit. If you like Jesus’ parables, well, you’ll love it.
But speaking of Jesus’ parables… and Gandalf the Wizard, there’s another quote I want to share… It’s from when Bilbo Baggins says, “Good morning!” to Gandalf. “‘What do you mean?’ he said. ‘Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?’”
This morning’s Gospel reading throws five parables at us at once. And, they’re incredibly short and simple. It’s tempting to read them and think – like the disciples apparently did – that “Okay! We’ve got this. We understand.” I can’t help thinking that when Jesus asked them, “Have you understood all this?” that he rolled his eyes a little when they said “Yes,” because, from the way they handle themselves after this, it seems pretty clear that they didn’t have a clue.
Gandalf could hear four ways of interpreting a simple “Good morning.” Maybe we should listen a little deeper to Jesus’ parables than simply thinking, “Oh, the Kingdom of Heaven comes from little, unexpected things and is worth a lot.”
If that were the point, I doubt that Jesus would have gotten in any trouble at all with his teaching, let alone have multiple opposing political powers – plot together to get rid of him as a traitor to his own people AND to the Roman government.
Nope, Jesus’ parable are a little more subversive than that God sneaks into our lives in unexpected ways…
Mustard seeds? It’s not so much that they’re the smallest of seeds? They’re not. But they might be worth the least… had the smallest value. Mustard seeds were NOT something you’d plant in your field. They’re an invasive w**d. You know what kudzu is. It’s not native to the U.S. It was originally introduced to help with soil erosion or provide shade as an ornamental plant on porches or even for to feed cattle. But, it overgrows everything and kills other plants by blocking the sun. Kudzu is now also known as the “Plant that ate the South.”
The Kingdom of Heaven is like Kudzu… once it takes root, you’re going to have a heck of a time getting rid of it. Why is that a bad thing? Remember Romeo and Juliet or Westside Story? Families, Gangs, and Tribes get upset when their values and identity are threatened. What happens in families where a son or daughter falls in love with someone who supports the OTHER candidate?
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who fell in love with someone his parents didn’t approve of and then the man went and sold the family business and moved to another country where getting married to this person is legal. Yikes!
I won’t go through every parable here. Heck, I don’t even understand the ones I just mentioned.
Some people think that the Old Testament is about Law and the New Testament is about Grace. Except for story after story about the men and women from Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, through David and Bathsheba and on through the prophets… stories of God’s chosen people doing outrageously wicked things only to have God pick them up, dust them off, and give them another chance to get it right.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a teacher who has students of every ability level… and the teacher loves the laziest ones and gives them wonderful books to read… even though they don’t want to learn… and to the smart ones? The teacher also gives books to read, even though those students think they’ve already read everything they need to. And, all the students want the teacher to stop trying to make them learn things they don’t want to learn. Yet, the teacher doesn’t give up…
On us either, wherever we are or go … Thanks be to God.
One last thing about the Kingdom… Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned were things I never wanted to learn. Some of the most interesting and exciting adventures I’ve been on – including this one with you – were journeys I never imagined taking.
So, for all of us – and for our communities and country – let me offer the former U.N. Sec. General Dag Hammarskjold’s prayer, “For all that has been, Thanks! For all that shall be, Yes.” AMEN.

07/26/2020

Jesus parables are more complex and subversive than simple and affirming.

07/26/2020

Confession, Texts, and Prayers for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost - July 26, 2020

Introduction
As Solomon prays for wisdom, we seek to more deeply know the treasures of faith. In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us first!

Confession and Forgiveness
(You may wish to make the sign of the cross, remembering the sign marked at baptism, as you prepare for confession.)
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
whose steadfast love is everlasting,
whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.
Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

(A pause may be taken for reflection and self-examination.)

Reconciling God,
we confess that we do not trust your abundance,
and we deny your presence in our lives.
We place our hope in ourselves
and rely on our own efforts.
We fail to believe that you provide enough for all.
We abuse your good creation for our own benefit.
We fear difference and do not welcome others
as you have welcomed us.
We sin in thought, word, and deed.
By your grace, forgive us;
through your love, renew us;
and in your Spirit, lead us;
so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

Beloved of God,
by the radical abundance of divine mercy
we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus,
through whom we have obtained grace upon grace.
Our sins are forgiven.
Let us live now in hope.
For hope does not disappoint,
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer of the Day
Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy. By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may treasure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5-12
(Because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the defeat of his enemies, God gave him what he asked for: wisdom to govern the people well.)

5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” 6And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. 7And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. 9Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”
10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12I now do according to your word. Indeed, I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.”

Psalm 119:129-136
129Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore I obey them with all my heart.
130When your word is opened it gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
131I open my mouth and pant
because I long for your commandments.
132Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
133Order my footsteps in your word;
let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134Rescue me from those who oppress me,
and I will keep your commandments.
135Let your face shine upon your servant
and teach me your statutes.
136My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your teaching.

Second Reading: Romans 8:26-39
(These words celebrate the depth of God’s actions for us. Through Christ’s death for us and the activity of the Spirit praying for us, we are fused to God’s love poured out in Jesus Christ. Nothing, not even death itself, is able to separate us from such incredible divine love.)

26The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

31What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
(Throughout Matthew’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples proclaim the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near!” Here, Jesus offers several brief parables that explore the implications of this announcement for people’s lives.)

31[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;32it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
33He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
47“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Prayers of Intercession
Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
(In preparation for the prayers, you may wish to keep silence or use a “breath prayer,” meditating on “Your decrees are wonderful,” as you inhale and, “Help me obey them” as you exhale. Repeat for several breaths.)

Merciful God, you reveal your reign to us through common things: a field with w**ds, a mustard seed, a woman making bread, a fishing net. Help your church witness to the surprising, common ways you encounter us in daily life. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

When your word is opened, it gives light and understanding. Increase our understanding and awe of your creation; guide the work of scientists and researchers. Treasuring the earth, may we live as grateful and healing caretakers of our home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

As the birds of the air nest in branches of trees, welcome the nations of the world into the calming and peaceful shade of your merciful reign. Inspire leaders to build trust with each other and show them how to walk in the way of peace. We remember the people conflicted countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, Syria and the Koreas, Mainland China and Hong Kong, Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine… and all those whose lives are threatened by conflict or disease or drought. God, in whose image all people were created, remind us often of our shared humanity… and drive us to think and act humanely. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Your Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for the saints according to your will. Help us when we do not know how to pray. Give comfort to the dying, refuge to the weary, justice to those who are oppressed, and healing to the sick especially those struggling with COVID-19 and cancer. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

You show steadfast love and direct us to ask of you what we need. Help this congregation ask boldly for what is most needed and guide it into the future you would have. Refresh us with dreams of being your people in this place and time. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

(You’re invited to share other intercessions through comments or replies.)

In you our lives are never lost. Strengthen us by the inspiring witness of your people in all times and places. Embolden our witness now and one day gather us with all your saints in light, especially Miss Cherry O’Dell and those we name in our hearts now. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing
Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ,
and the Holy Spirit, the comforter,
bless you and keep you in eternal love.
Amen.

Dismissal
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.

07/19/2020

Where Weeds Are Welcome

07/19/2020

The Parable of The Wheat and the Weeds isn't as easy when you're a "w**d."

07/19/2020

July 19, 2020 – 7th Sunday after Pentecost

Introduction
It is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the w**ds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bo***ge and suffering. Having both w**ds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God, and from the Lord’s table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy.

Confession and Forgiveness
(You may wish to make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism.)
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
whose steadfast love is everlasting,
whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.
Amen.

Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

(Pause now for reflection and self-examination.)

Reconciling God,
we confess that we do not trust your abundance,
and we deny your presence in our lives.
We place our hope in ourselves
and rely on our own efforts.
We fail to believe that you provide enough for all.
We abuse your good creation for our own benefit.
We fear difference and do not welcome others
as you have welcomed us.
We sin in thought, word, and deed.
By your grace, forgive us;
through your love, renew us;
and in your Spirit, lead us;
so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen.

Beloved of God,
by the radical abundance of divine mercy
we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus,
through whom we have obtained grace upon grace.
Our sins are forgiven.
Let us live now in hope.
For hope does not disappoint,
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer of the Day
Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

First Reading: Isaiah 44:6-8
(There are no other gods besides God: the word of the LORD does not fail to come to pass. We can trust in God, through whom Israel—and we—are redeemed.)
6Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel,
and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:
I am the first and I am the last;
besides me there is no god.
7Who is like me? Let them proclaim it,
let them declare and set it forth before me.
Who has announced from of old the things to come?
Let them tell us what is yet to be.
8Do not fear, or be afraid;
have I not told you from of old and declared it?
You are my witnesses!
Is there any god besides me?
There is no other rock; I know not one.

Psalm: Psalm 86:11-17
11Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
12I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and glorify your name forevermore.
13For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the pit of death.
14The arrogant rise up against me, O God, and a band of violent people seeks my life;
they have not set you before their eyes.
15But you, O Lord, are gracious and full of compassion,
slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth.
16Turn to me and have mercy on me;
give your strength to your servant, and save the child of your handmaid.
17Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame;
because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Second Reading: Romans 8:12-25
(For Paul, true spirituality means that we experience the reality of the Spirit, which enables us to pray as God’s children, keeps us in solidarity with creation, and gives us unseen hope that God will liberate us and creation from bo***ge to death and decay.)
12So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—13for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bo***ge to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
(Jesus tells a parable about the coexistence of good and evil in this world. God’s judgment will remove all evildoers and causes of sin, but not until the end of human history.)
24[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field;25but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed w**ds among the wheat, and then went away. 26So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the w**ds appeared as well. 27And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these w**ds come from?’ 28He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the w**ds you would uproot the wheat along with them. 30Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the w**ds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”
36Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the w**ds of the field.” 37He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the w**ds are the children of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40Just as the w**ds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, 42and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”
Prayers of Intercession
Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

(For “breath prayer,” say/think “Teach me your way” as you inhale and “Let me walk in your truth” as you exhale. Try doing this for 20 breaths to let your mind calm and centers.)

God of the harvest, you sow the good seed of the gospel of Jesus Christ into your field. Help your church throughout the world to be both diligent and patient, full of resolve and gentleness, that our witness may be faithful to your intentions. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

God of all space and time, your whole creation groans in labor pains, awaiting the gift of new birth. Renew the earth, sky, and sea, so that all your creation experiences freedom from the bo***ge of decay. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

God of the nations, teach us your ways, that we may walk in your truth. Mend the fabric of the human family, now torn apart by our fearful and warring ways (regions and nations in conflict may be named). Guide us by your mercy, grace, and steadfast love. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

God of hope, you accompany those who suffer and are near to the brokenhearted. Open our hearts to your children who are lonely and abandoned, who feel trapped by despair, and all who suffer in any way (especially). Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

God of the seasons, in the midst of summer, give us refreshment, renewal, and new opportunities. We pray for the safety of those who travel. We pray for those who cannot take the rest they need. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

(Pause and offer your own petitions here.)

God of life, those who have died in you shine like the sun in your endless kingdom. We remember with thanksgiving the saints of all times and places and saints close to us, especially John Lewis, (U.S. Representative from Georgia, Civil Rights leader). Gather us with them on the day of salvation. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Offering Prayer
God of goodness and growth,
all creation is yours,
and your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Water and word, food and drink,
these are signs of your abundant grace.
Nourish us through your gifts,
that we might proclaim your steadfast love and share generously
in our communities and in the world,
through Jesus Christ, our strength and our song.
Amen.

Blessing
Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
God, the creator, ☩ Jesus, the Christ,
and the Holy Spirit, the comforter,
bless you and keep you in eternal love.
Amen.

Dismissal
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.