St. Matthew Lutheran Church

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Service of Word and Sacrament

July 15, 2018

E-mail:stmatthewluth@aol.com Website: www.STMATTHEWLC.comPastor Suzanne Morelli 814-506-8178

9:30 a.m. Worship

Large Print Bulletins are available at the Usher’s Station.To all, welcome in Jesus' name! May your presence in the Lord's house this day afford you God's peace in the coming week. We ask that all present sign our Friendship Sheet. After you add your name to the sheet, please pass it toward the center aisle. Then return it to the outside aisle so that you become familiar with our family in Christ. These sheets help our pastor and congregation with our ministry. If you are looking for a church home, we invite you to join us here at St. Matthew to worship and serve Christ together!

All who believe in Christ’s presence in the Sacrament are invited to come to the Lord’s table to share the grace of God through the bread and wine.

Christ calls the children to come to him! We invite all children to worship with their parents. Children’s bulletins and worship bags are available for our younger members.

Prayer throughout the week:I will listen to what the Lord God is saying.

See Psalm 85:8

This Week at St. Matthew . . . Today - Ice Cream Social, Fellowship Hall 10:30 a.m.

- August Messenger DeadlineThursday - Food Pantry, Allegheny St. 9:00-11:00 a.m., 5:00-6:00 p.m.Next Sunday - Holy Communion worship service 9:30 a.m.

Today's Altar Flowers are placed to the Glory of God by Joey and Lori Tremmel in memory of our sons, Joseph and Norm Jr.

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AN * INDICATES TO STAND AS YOU ARE ABLE.NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

SHARING OF THE PEACEP The peace of the Lord be with you always. C And also with you.

* CALL TO WORSHIP P Living God, in our baptism you call us to proclaim your purposes and love of

your coming kingdom.  Give us the courage you gave the apostles, that we may faithfully witness to your love and peace in the circumstances of our life.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

C Amen *PRAYER OF CONFESSION (read in unison)

P Let us pray...C O God, we worship and praise you for your gift of redemption. In Christ

you chose us before the world was created. You sent him to cleanse us of all our unrighteousness. He sacrificed himself for us that we should be blameless. Your grace surrounds us, and your peace dwells within us. Through Christ, who calls us and names us as your chosen people, we gather to praise you for your glorious grace.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON P Remember that we have redemption through Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. We

have forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of God’s grace. For God has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of God’s will, “to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Therein lies our assurance of pardon. C Amen

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GATHERING HYMN How Firm a Foundation LBW # 507

*GREETINGP Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, full of compassion and mercy, abounding in

steadfast love. C Amen

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*KYRIE

*PRAYER OF THE DAYP The Lord be with you. C And also with you.P Let us pray…O God, from you come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all

just works. Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C Amen

CHILDREN’S TIME

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FIRST READING Amos 7:7-15 7This is what [the Lord GOD] showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built

with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. 8And the LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by; 9the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.” 10Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the very center of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. 11For thus Amos has said, ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.’ ” 12And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; 13but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.” 14Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, 15and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ”

After the reading: L The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.PSALM 85:8-13 (To be read responsively.)8I will listen to what the LORD God is saying; for you speak peace to your faithful

people and to those who turn their hearts to you. 9Truly, your salvation is very near to those who fear you, that your glory may

dwell in our land.10Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together; righteousness and peace have

kissed each other.11Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look

down from heaven.12The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase.13Righteousness shall go before the LORD and shall prepare for God a pathway..

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SECOND LESSON Ephesians 1:3-143Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in

Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

L The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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P The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the sixth chapter.C Glory to you, O Lord.Gospel Reading: Mark 6:14-2014King Herod heard of [the disciples’ preaching,] for Jesus’ name had become

known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 15But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”17For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her.18For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.

P The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Rev. Suzanne Morelli

NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING

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*HYMN OF THE DAY Gather Us In WOV # 718

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*CREEDP Let us confess our faith through the words of the Apostles’ Creed.C 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 into hell. 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

O Lord, Hear My Prayer

*PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH A Growing in faith and discipleship, we give thanks for God’s merciful compassion

as we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.A God of truth, put your word of justice on our lips. Bless your church in the task of

holy resistance. Make us a living and persistent sign of your righteousness and your loving kindness. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer

A God of heaven and earth, pour your healing power upon our fragile earth for us and for all who will inherit it. Inspire the work of engineers and environmentalists who seek sustainable sources of energy, food and clean water. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer

A God of salvation, bring wholeness to all your beloved children. Anoint the hands of all caregivers, nurses, doctors, therapists, hospice workers, and chaplains. Bring abundance of life to all who long for healing especially for those we now name in our hearts or aloud. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer

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A God of tenderness, you adopt us as your own. Help us to provide nourishing care for all children in our midst. Inspire us with their creativity and energy. Heal and protect children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or scorn. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer

A For all the churches of the Allegheny Synod. We particularly pray today for the assembly of St. Peter Lutheran Church of Osterburg, PA. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer

A God of the saints, you have claimed the faithful departed as your own and given them an inheritance in glory. Sustain us in faith until the fullness of time, when you gather up all things in heaven and on earth. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer

P Gracious God, we lift to your these prayers and the prayers of our hearts, trusting in your everlasting love and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. C Amen

OFFERING OFFERTORY *DOXOLOGY We Give Thee but Thine Own

As the gifts are presented:

*OFFERTORY PRAYERA Let us pray…O God, as David brought up the Ark of the Covenant with much

dancing and singing, we also rejoice as we offer our gifts. As the Ark held the commandments, may our gifts receive your approval. As the Ark was a sign of your covenant, let our gifts bear witness to your love. As the Ark brought hope to the people, use our gifts to bring relief to the needy. Accept these offerings in response to your graciousness, and may all who receive them find joy in new life. C Amen

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P St. Matthew said: Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

*LORD’S PRAYER P Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray: C 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

The Agnus Dei Lamb of God

P Come, let us eat, for now the feast is spread. C AmenDuring Distribution of Communion the Acolyte will be holding a tray of gluten

free wafers and wine . Communicants desiring Gluten Free Wafers will serve themselves.

During Distribution we will sing hymn ELW # 717

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*THE POST-COMMUNION BLESSINGP May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in

his grace. C Amen

*POST-COMMUNION PRAYERA Let us pray…Jesus Christ, host of this meal, you have given us not only this bread

and cup, but your very self, that we may feast on your great love. Filled again by these signs of your grace, may we hunger for your reign of justice, may we thirst for your way of peace, for you are Lord forevermore. C Amen

*SENDING HYMN Go, My Children, with My Blessing WOV # 721

*DISMISSAL P Go in peace. The Spirit sends us forth to serve. C Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

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Reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship copyright © 2006Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress license #SB105031

Martinsburg Food PantryThe Food Pantry will be open for distribution on Thursday, July 19 from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. It will be open, also from 5:00-6:00 p.m. by appointment only on July 19. Volunteers from Brethren in Christ Church will be assisting to distribute food, along with regular volunteers.Items most needed for July: Cereal, Fruit Cocktail, Baked Beans, Peanut Butter,

Jelly, Scalloped Potatoes, Pasta Sides and Cleaning Supplies.Note: During the summer, donations slow down, and children are home from

school so please keep filling our church basket. Also, garden produce on days that the Food Pantry is open, are also welcomed. Thank You!

St. Matthew’s Website:www.stmatthewLC.com

Have you checked out the website lately? You can find a monthly calendar of events

Weekly copies of the Sunday Bulletin Monthly copies of “The Messenger”

Links to ELCA important sites Online giving options

And so much moreWe also are on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stmatthewlc

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Ways to Support St. MatthewGiving Online: Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic

recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these easy steps:

1)Visit the church website at “www.stmatthewlc.com”2)Click on the “Give” button, (on the top white banner)3)Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule

your recurring contributions.BarCode Offerings:1)Visit “Play Store on your mobile device”2)Find QR Code (this app is free)3)Click on the “Install” the app4)Open the app on your device5)Scan the BarCode: (follow the prompts)

a) in the bulletinb) in the Messengerc) on the church website: www.stmatthewlc.com

Disbursements from the 3rd Century Endowment Fund are as follows:1) Natl. Yth. Gath. Book request $500.002) Natl. Yth. Gath. Travel/Meal $400.003) Jessica Orczeck Scholarship $500.004) The Tremmel’s Camp Kasem $500.005) Shawn Orczeck Haiti Trip $1,600.006) Jacob Orczeck Scholarship $500.007) Mburg. Food Pantry Supplies $376 .00

Total $4,376.00

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Prayers are needed for our sick & homebound: Shirley Acker, Verna Blough, Fred & Marcia Brandenberg, Clyde Claycomb, Helen Garner, Doris Henderson, Gene Henry, Jere Hess, Gerald Hoover, Betty Kaurudar, Janet Kreider, Betty Jane Moore, Nancy Myers, Marlene Nofsker, Miriam Royer, Geri Showalter, Dan Sinal, Don Smith, Rosamond Smith, Mickey Stone, Joy Williams and for our Missionaries: Rev. Lesley Hand, On Eagle’s Wings, Elizabeth Hendrickson.

Prayer Concerns: Marlene Alsin, Pastor Denise Arpino, Pat Bouthner, Bruce Butler, Betsy Corle, Helen Flamm, Dennis Freeman, Doris Henderson, Dan Hershberger, Marilyn Horton, Gilbert Iachini, Anna Klepser, Darren Kreutzer, Martie Lombardi, Betty McDowell, Myra McFadden, Kristen Meloy, Chuck Nelson, Deb Peters, Wendy Reasy, Deb Straesser, Cindy Thomas, Dawn Werner, Carol Weyandt, James White, Pete Williams, Pat Winston, Jody Zelanko.

Those serving overseas: Kyle Guyer – South Korea.

Save the Date!Martinsburg Ministerium is hosting a FREE Pool Party

Hershberger Memorial PoolDate: Thursday, August 9, 2018 – Time: 7:15-9:15 p.m.

All are invited!Children MUST be accompanied by an Adult.

St. Matthew was asked to provide small individual bags of snacks, chips, pretzels, etc.

There is a box in the Narthex for these donations. (SNACKS)

Young at HeartFolks from the Allegheny Lutheran Home and Hillcrest Apartments, Homewood,

The Village, along with members of St. Matthew are invited to lunch (12:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. The annual Young at Heart will be served at noon in the fellowship hall. Alex Snyder will entertain our guests at the piano during lunch. Reservations are due by July 16. Please sign the sheet posted in the narthex or contact the church office at 793-2413 to make your reservation.

A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex for kitchen and dining room help and food donations. Contact Jane Fagans (793-4401) if you have questions.

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Serving God and UsOur Ministers - the People of St. MatthewOur Pastor – Rev. Suzanne MorelliOur Organist Today – Janet Roarabaugh Our Missionary Families – On Eagle’s Wings, Elizabeth Hendrickson Our Administrative Assistant – Lori TremmelOur Assistant Administrative Assistant – Laura OrczeckOur Sexton – Bill BrownOur Acolyte – Jeff HoenstineOur Lay Servers – Jacob Orczeck, Christopher BushOur Assisting Minister – Christopher BushOur Ushers – YouthOur Lectors – Olivia Day, Jacob OrczeckOur Greeters – YouthOur Audio/Video Tech – TBDOur Offering Counters – Pete Barley, Lori TremmelJune’s Altar Guild – Jean Sinal, Janet Stewart

Third Quarter Ventures in Faith to “OEW & Missionary”

Serving God and Us Next Sunday, July 22, 2018 Our Acolyte – Max BakerOur Lay Servers – Mike and Connie Lamborn Our Assisting Minister – Mike LambornOur Ushers –Dennis Smith, Ed Kreider, Melisa Fetzer, Michael TremmelOur Lector – Mary BakerOur Greeters – Jack and Kay HowsareOur Audio/Video Tech – Alex SnyderOur Offering Counters – Pete Barley, Lori TremmelJuly’s Altar Guild – Jean Sinal, Janet Stewart

Third Quarter Ventures in Faith to “OEW and Missionary”

Transformational MinistryEach month and on a daily basis, we ask you to join us in prayer. Our July

special prayer request is for:We pray for the counsellors and staff at Camp Sequanota.We pray that the camping experience through fun, games, bible study, cabin life

and new adventure will bring our campers closer to Christ.Please join us in daily prayer as we lift these concerns to the Lord.

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ORANGE FLOOD BUCKETS (Home Depot)

(Buckets are in the Narthex)Our Global Ministries Team is sponsoring this activity to assist those who are affected by flooding in our Synod or surrounding areas.The buckets will be housed at a local congregation in each

conference for the local need and can be easily accessible to other areas if needed. There is no set limit to the number of Flood Buckets your Congregation prepares. The team is asking that each participating Congregation try to fill the provided “Flood Bucket”. (St. Matthew is trying to fill two buckets.)Protective Gear

5 N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1-3mm thickness) 2 pairs of rubber kitchen gloves (thick and durable) 1 (6-14 oz.) pump spray insect repellant (must have protective cover)

Cleaning Tools Cotton cut-end or loop-end mop (large areas) Sponge mop (small areas) 7 sponges (NO cellulose sponges. Must be FOAM or NON-Cellulose

sponges) 18 Handi-Wipes (NO paper towels) Scrub brush (with or without handle) 2-3 plastic scouring pads (NO steel wool & NONE with soap)

Cleaners – all liquids, no powders please 1 bottle (½ gal or 1 gal) of chlorine bleach 1 (32-64 oz) bottle liquid laundry detergent 1 (16-40 oz) bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner(Ajax, Mr. Clean,

etc.) (No spray cleaners) 1 (16-34 oz) bottle liquid dish soap

Other 1 (50-100 ft.) clothesline (cotton or plastic) 1 bag (36-50) clothespins 24 roll of heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gal sizes) 1 Heavy-duty extension cord(approved for outdoor use – for plugging in

pumps & fans)

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July ELCA World Hunger Good Gifts Initiative – International Emergencies/Health Care “The World is in the middle of a refugee crisis unlike anything we’ve seen in recent history, with the number of worldwide refugees exceeding 60 million people. From managing some of the world’s largest refugee camps to leading resettlement efforts, Lutherans are known for actively providing lifesaving care for refugees from Syria, South Sudan, Somalia and other countries,” (ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response).Put yourself in the place of refugee—after a long and dangerous journey, where do you find food and shelter and health care for your family? Where do you find the survival supplies that are critical to help you recover from the journey and prepare for a fresh start?The July ELCA World Hunger Good Gifts Initiative focuses on the need to financially support the courageous and tireless efforts of men and women who provide assistance to refugees to survive and settle into a new life in a new and foreign place. Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) provides emergency services to survivors following a natural disaster. Something as simple as a blanket provides warmth and comfort. But more importantly it’s a reminder that someone cares. LDR provides support and critical services for as long as it takes to insure the establishment of a safe and healthy new start. Below are gifts available through this critical initiative: $ 25.00 Feed a refugee family for one week $100.00 Feed a refugee family for one month $ 55.00 Refugee welcome supplies. Supplies include bedding, personal hygiene

necessities, kitchen items, and jerry cans to collect and store water. $ 10.00 Warm blankets – Blankets are distributed to disaster survivors to provide relief

from the cold and offer comfort and calm during difficult times.Availability of health care for families and children is vital in low income and poverty stricken areas of the world. Below are initiatives that we can support to provide medicines and vaccinations. $ 75.00 Stock a health clinic for a week $ 22.00 Nutrition for a child for one month -Foods high in protein and vitamins help

keep kids full and their immune systems strong. $250.00 Nutrition for a child for one year. $ 30.00 Vaccinations for measles, polio, tetanus and tuberculosis for a child. $ 10.00 One Mosquito net $250.00 Provides mosquito nets for a small village.- Just one bite from an infected

mosquito could transmit malaria and lead to death. $ 10.00 Clinic visit for one child. When a parent must choose between a visit to the

clinic and food for the family, it’s especially hard to make it work. Make sure families don’t have to face this difficult decision by covering the cost of a trip to the doctor.

Please consider supporting any of the initiatives mentioned above or make a general donation to Lutheran Disaster Response. Your gift will be used where it is needed most. More than 90 percent of your gift directly supports the good gifts programs.

Offering Place your “good gift” in an envelope and put in offering plate or in the bucket placed in the narthex by the ELCA Good Gifts display poster.

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You’re InvitedA Reading of the Draft Social Statement on

“Women and Justice”

August 29, 20186:30 p.m.

First Lutheran Church, 1401 12th Ave., Altoona

The ELCA Taskforce on Women and Justice has completed a draft social statement and is requesting your feedback. The Allegheny Synod is holding a reading and discussion and invites your feedback.

The draft social statement can be found online at: http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Current-Social-Writing-Projects/Women-and-Justice

A PDF has been sent to your congregation. You can request a digital copy be sent to you via e-mail.

If you plan to attend the reading, please read the draft and come prepared to offer your feedback. If you’re not able to complete reading the whole piece, the heart of the statement is in the first nine pages.

We hope you will join us in this important task and continue to support the work of the ELCA and its social policies.

For questions or more information, please contact Pastor Paula Schmitt, Assistant to the Bishop, at paula.schmitt@alleghenysynod.com or 814-942-1042.

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