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NEW JERUSALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

27 Lyons Road, Fleetwood, PA 19522 Pastor: The Rev. Ruth Doty 484.553.1162 (cell)

Supply Organist: Faye Dey

Admin. Assistant: Korinne Hotzman 610. 682.6064 (office)

Sexton: Daniel Bailey 610.683-5952 (home)

Ministers: The People of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church

TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

August 23, 2020 – 10:00 AM

INTRODUCTION

In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people

and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in

today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request

that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might

our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our

gathering around God’s word we receive strength to be signs of comfort,

healing, and justice for those in need.

GATHERING PRELUDE “Holy King” Schram WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the

presiding minister begins.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

whose steadfast love is everlasting,

whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.

Amen.

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Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin. Silence is kept for reflection. 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.

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GATHERING SONG

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”

APOSTOLIC GREETING

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.

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HYMN OF PRAISE

“Beautiful Savior”

vs. 1 and 4

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PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray together.

God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call

upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with

compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout

the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

WORD FIRST READING: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God’s imminent

intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the

Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category.

1Thus says the LORD:

Maintain justice, and do what is right,

for soon my salvation will come,

and my deliverance be revealed.

6And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,

to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD,

and to be his servants,

all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,

and hold fast my covenant—

7these I will bring to my holy mountain,

and make them joyful in my house of prayer;

their burnt offerings and their sacrifices

will be accepted on my altar;

for my house shall be called a house of prayer

for all peoples.

8Thus says the Lord GOD,

who gathers the outcasts of Israel,

I will gather others to them

besides those already gathered. The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

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PSALM: Psalm 67:1-7 (read responsively)

Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3)

1May God be merciful to us and bless us;

may the light of God’s face shine upon us. 2Let your way be known upon earth,

your saving health among all nations. 3Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you. 4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations on

earth. 5Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you. 6The earth has brought forth its increase;

God, our own God, has blessed us. 7May God give us blessing,

and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

“Celtic Alleluia”

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GOSPEL READING: Matthew 15:21-28

The holy gospel according to St. Matthew, the fifteenth chapter.

Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather

than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is

tested when a woman considered to be a religious outsider approaches him

for help.

21Jesus . . . went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a

Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have

mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him,

saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24He answered, “I

was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and

knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He answered, “It is not fair to

take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Yes, Lord, yet

even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then

Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as

you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly. This is the gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

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WORD IN SONG

“In Christ There Is No East or West”

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He 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,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again 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.

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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. A brief silence. Lord, you gather the church to be part of your mission as ambassadors of

Jesus Christ. As Jesus acknowledged the great faith of a woman from

outside his people, help your church discover and find blessing in the faith

of people we might reject. We pray especially for St. Michael’s Lutheran

Church, Hamburg, and its ministries. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You have blessed us with the bounty of the earth. Grant your grace to all

your creatures, that the earth will flourish. Relieve waters choked by

garbage, renew soils stripped of nutrients, and refresh the air all creatures

need to live. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You call the nations to be glad and sing for joy. Let your way be known

among all the nations of the world, now divided by competing interests,

contending alliances, and consumed by enormous worry. Bless us and make

your face shine upon all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. You show unexpected mercy, kindness, and generosity. We pray for those

who do not have enough, for outcasts in our villages, cities, and town, and

for those who need your healing, especially those we name now… Lord, in

your mercy, hear our prayer. In you we live and move and have our being. Grant our congregation grace

to find our life refreshed in you. Accompany us in the rhythms of late

summer. Give us rest and renewal and strengthen us for mission in your

name. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Your eternal promises are more than we could ever imagine. As you gather

all the saints, join us also with them on the great day of your 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.

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PASSING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

vs. 1 and 2

THANKSGIVING OFFERING An offering is gathered for the work of the church for the many ways it cares

for God’s people. While we cannot come together, we encourage you to send

in your contributions as well as to support other ways of caring for people in

our community and throughout the world.

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

Let us give of ourselves and our resources as God has so abundantly

given to us.

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OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray together.

Almighty God,

receive the fruits of our labor

and the dedication of our lives.

Make them an acceptable sacrifice

in union with Jesus Christ. Amen. LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

SENDING 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.

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SENDING SONG

“How Great Thou Art”

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WE CARRY THE LIGHT OF CHRIST TO THE WORLD

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Christ is with you.

Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Postlude on “Foundation” Lasky Liturgies and graphics from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright © 2019 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress Liturgies under Annual License #SAS028326. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. New International Version Bible copyright by

Biblica. Used by permission. All rights reserved. INVITATION TO THE OFFERING and OFFERING PRAYER reprinted by permission from Westminster John Knox Press. Adapted

from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion. Copyright © 2015. Hymns reprinted by permission. Copyright © 2019 Christian Copyright Licensing International. CCLI License #2549570. All rights reserved.

COMMEMORATIONS THIS WEEK:

Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, died 1153 – Thursday, August 20, 2020:

Bernard, a Cistercian monk, was a man of great spirituality who wrote

mystical works and criticized those whom he thought took an overly

intellectual approach to the faith. He became an abbot, and wrote several

hymns that are still beloved today.

STEWARDSHIP SNIPPET – “It is not what goes into the mouth that

defies a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” –

Matthew 15:11 As we steward the church into a new future, let’s remember Jesus’ words to

the disciples. It’s not so much about razor-edge adherence to law and

strictures, but rather how one lives the life of faith. An authentic and faithful

witness is needed for these difficult and shifting times.

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SPONSORSHIPS FOR AUGUST:

BULLETINS: Given to the Glory of God by Tara Basta.

SANCTUARY CANDLE: Given to the Glory of God by Gladys Kline in

memory of loved ones.

CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK:

BIRTHDAYS: 24–Shirley Marks, 24–Anna Angstadt, 26–Joyce Rothermel,

27–Faye Dey, 28–Forrest Merkel, Jr.

ANNIVERSARIES: 23–Kenneth and Cheryl Wiltrout (45 years)

JOIN Marlane Druckenmiller’s Thrivent Action Team to support the

Brandywine Heights Area Schools as they welcome children back to school.

For these special COVID-19 times you can help teachers make the

classroom safe by eliminating shared supplies, gifting each student with their

own basic supplies. The following list of items are needed: glue sticks (K-5),

crayons (K-5), water-based markers (K-5), scissors (K-5), colored pencils

(K-12), highlighters (4-12), black/blue pens (4-12), set of wired

earbuds/headphones (K-12), and binders/notebooks. You can help by

donating any item on the list before Tuesday, September 1. Cash

donations are also accepted. Any cash received will purchase case lots or

special classroom items. Contact Marlane Druckenmiller at

teaconn@gmail.com or 610.641.1254 for drop-off locations.

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PLEASE PRAY FOR:

AWARENESS OF GOD’S PRESENCE for those with Limited Mobility or

in Care Facilities: Anna Angstadt, Bertha Bennecoff, Helen Fair, Verna

Guinther, Shirley Hertzog, Leon Moyer, and Irene Noll. HEALING AND SUPPORT: Members: Myles Angstadt, Dallas Bennecoff,

Sara Jane Beshore, George DeLong, Erma Guinther, Virginia Guinther, Lucille

Jones, Patricia Keck, Penny Keller, Sheila Long, Forrest Merkel, Roy Merkel,

Edna Miller, Grace Miller, Linda Moyer, Betty Musser, Joyce Rothermel, Dale

Schwoyer, and Gary and Vikie Seyfert. Friends of the congregation: Gayle Arndt, Carrie Bausch, Adam Bell, Bob

Bright, Thelma Bright, Anne Cunningham, Mark Derr, Lee Dice, Randy

Dreibelbis, Jennifer Engle, Eric Fox, Harry Geidner, Jason Grof, Mamie

Guinther, Stephen and Denise Haage, Shirley Hahn, Nancy Harnish, Johnson-

Agiri Family, Angie Kistler, Kelly Kline, The Koontz Family, Edna Kramer,

Cayden Kresge, Michelle Kurtz, Catherine Lenio, Ella Loose, Joe M., Doris

Meadway, Rodney Miller, Ruth Ramsey, Mary Lynn Rothman, Patricia

Sigfried, Robert Taylor, Leticia Weaver, Linda Wegman, Terry White, Althea

Young, Barry, Pat, and Sam. OUR PARTNERS IN MINISTRY: We pray for the mission and ministry of

St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Hamburg, and its ministries. OTHER CONCERNS: We pray for all seeking to respond responsibly to

COVID-19, especially healthcare workers; our nation, including our president,

congress, judicial system, and leaders of our communities; an end to the many

ways prejudice and systemic racism maintain inequality between people and

injustice; an end to threats between nations; peace in the world; our military

personnel serving around the world; areas enduring disaster; and migrants and

refugees. LONG-TERM PRAYER LIST: Gary DeWees, Don Gajewski, Erma

Gajewski, Lorelai Gold, Amanda Herman, David Jenkins, Sue Kearney, Anh

La, Michelle Meck, Nancy Meck, Joanne Pauley, Arlene Reider, Leilani

Rodriquez, Andrew S., Joshua S., Bronwyn Schielke, Roger Schollenberger,

Donna Schwoyer, The Spatz Family, and Leah Wiest.