Worship and Devotions
Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world!
(Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)
Readings
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 103:1-8; Hebrews 12:18-29
Semi-continuous Readings -Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6
Gospel - Luke 13:10-17
Sunday, August 31 , 2025
Proverbs 25:6-7; Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Semi-continuous Readings: Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Gospel - Luke 14:1, 7-14
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1-21
Semi-continuous Readings: Jeremiah 18:1-11; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Gospel - Luke 14:25-33
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Semi-continuous Readings: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14
Gospel - Luke 15:1-10
During the week you may wish to read them ahead of time, especially the Gospel.
Where did you stop?
What questions and thoughts arose as you read?
Where may the Spirit be nudging you?
Prayers of Intercession
Gracious God, we come to you in prayer for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence
Merciful God, pour out your grace upon your church. Forgive us for the times when we have been unfaithful, and renew our commitment to your gospel of love. Empower us to live as a community of mercy. God of grace, receive our prayer.
We pray for creation, that it may be cherished and nurtured. Sustain farmlands, animals, and waters; restore places affected by calamities; and shield coastlands from rising seas. God of grace, receive our prayer.
We pray for those in authority. Grant them wisdom to govern justly and compassion to care for the marginalized. Equip them for actions that further the common good. God of grace, receive our prayer.
Merciful God, we lift up all who suffer. Bring healing, comfort, and peace to those who are sick, grieving, or in pain. Give us compassionate hearts to accompany those who are hurting and courage to work for justice and mercy. God of grace, receive our prayer.
Bind us together as a community of forgiveness and love. Supply us with humility to seek forgiveness when we have wronged one another and generosity to extend mercy when we have been wronged. God of grace, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
We thank you for those who have died and now dwell with the saints. Surround them with your divine mercy, that they find peace and rest in your loving embrace. God of grace, receive our prayer.
Confident in God's presence and promise, we entrust our prayers to the one who always receives them; through Jesus Christ, our wisdom and companion.
Amen.
(Adapted From Sundays and Seasons © 2025 Augsburg Fortress)
Music To Enjoy
Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens - Lyric Video
Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (with Lyrics) - ELW 886
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Matt Redman (Best Worship Song Ever) (with Lyrics)
Beautiful Things (ELW/ACS 925)
Let My Spirit Always Sing - ELW/ACS 1020
Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud - ELW/ACS 947
His Kingdom Now Is Come - The Porter's Gate
Maverick City Music - Promises ft. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine (Lyrics)
Jesus Christ is Waiting (5vv) [with lyrics for congregations]
We Are A Moment (Be Unto Your Name)
