August 29, 2010

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

 

LAKE OCONEE LUTHERAN CHURCH

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

Our vision is to be

an expanding community of faith, growing in the Holy Spirit,

and practicing before the world a Christ centered life.

 

Missionaries:                                                         All the people of God

Pastor:                                                                            Ron Schornhorst

Vicar:                                                                                  Neil Wehmas

Director of Music:                                                              Brad Rudisail

Office Assistant:                                                             Darlene Zenami

Church Office: 706-485-4600                  Pastor’s Home: 706-484-9855

1089 Lake Oconee Parkway                                   Eatonton, GA 31024

lolc@plantationcable.net                                                   www.lolc.info

 

Aids for hearing, children’s “activity bulletins,”

and large print bulletins are available from the ushers.


 


 

A nursery room

for mothers and their infants is available.

 

Also, child care for older children

is available 10:15-11:45 in Classroom B.

Attendants – Bob & Shirley Mai

Please ask an usher for assistance.

 

 

(A good preparation for Holy Communion

is found on pages 329-330 in our Lutheran Service Book.)

 

During the Call to Worship and Welcome,

the person seated closest to the center aisle is asked to take

 the Record of Fellowship book, sign it, and pass it to others in the row.

The last person to sign is asked to pass the book back.

 

Call to Worship

 

Welcome

 

The Peace

P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: And also with you.

 

(You are invited to wish those around you God’s peace.

And then remain standing for the hymn.)

 

Hymn: “Immortal, Invisible,” bulletin page 13

(To sing harmony, turn to page 802 in the Lutheran Service Book.)

 

Invocation

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

 

Confession and Absolution

P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

(Silence for meditation and reflection)

 

P: Most merciful God,

C: we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean.  We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed.  We have not loved you with our whole heart.  We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  We justly deserve your present and eternal punishment.  For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.  Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways – to the glory of your holy name.  Amen.

P: Upon this, your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And in the stead and by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.  Thanks be to God.

 

Prayer of the Day

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: We pray together: 

C: O Lord of grace and mercy, teach us by your Holy Spirit to follow the example of your Son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil, and with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride; through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

First Lesson – Proverbs 25:2-10

 

Second Lesson – Hebrews 13:1-17

 

Alleluia Verse (Please stand to sing)

    Al – le – lu –  ia. Lord, to whom shall we go?             You   have the

words of   e –ter –nal   life.            Al –le –lu –ia,     al –le –lu   - ia.

 

The Holy Gospel – Luke 14:1-14

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 14th chapter.

C: Glory to you, O Lord.

 

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely.  Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy.  And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, ‘Is it lawful to cure people on the Sabbath, or not?’  But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him, and sent him away.  Then he said to them, ‘If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a Sabbath day?’  And they could not reply to this.

 

When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable.   ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place,” and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place.  But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher;” then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.  For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

 

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid.  But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.  And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’

 

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon

 

Confession of Faith – The Nicene Creed

P: We confess together the faith we hold and the faith we share:

C: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

 

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.  He suffered and was buried.  And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father.  And he will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

 

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.  And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.  Amen.

 

The Prayers

P: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

 

(After the pastor ends each petition with, “Lord, in your mercy,” the congregation responds with, “Hear our prayer.”)

 

P: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C: Amen.

 

Installation of Vicar Neil Wehmas

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  Just a few weeks ago, Mr. Neil Wehmas received his appointment from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, to serve as our vicar for the coming school year.  Neil arrived here just two days ago.  Today we rejoice to install Neil as our vicar for the 2010-2011 school year.  I now address the following questions to you, Neil:

 

P: Do you acknowledge the Holy Scriptures to be the only rule and norm of all doctrine and life in the church?  If so, then answer, “Yes.”

 

P: Do you accept the Confessions of the Lutheran Church as contained in the Book of Concord to be a correct exposition of Holy Scripture?  If so, then answer, “Yes.”

 

P: Will you, trusting in God’s care, seek to grow in love for those you serve, strive for excellence in your skills and adorn the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a godly life?  If so, then answer, “I will, with the help of God.”

 

P: Do you solemnly promise to serve God’s people at Lake Oconee Lutheran Church faithfully in your capacity as vicar, in accordance with the Word of God, the creeds and the Confessions of the Church?  If so, then answer, “Yes, with the help of God.”

 

P: And finally, will you undertake your assignments as one who seeks training for the pastoral ministry as you work alongside me, receiving graciously the counsel and mentoring that is offered to you, as you sharpen your skills and grow in your faith toward your eventual service as a pastor in the Lord’s Church?  If so, then answer, “Yes.”

 

(To Congregation)

 

P: You have heard the confession and solemn promises of our vicar.  I now ask you, the members of Lake Oconee Lutheran Church, will you receive Neil as our vicar and show him fitting love, honor and respect?  And will you also support him by your gifts and fervent prayers?  If so, then answer, “Yes, with the help of God.”

C: Yes, with the help of God.

 

P: Neil Wehmas, I install you as vicar of Lake Oconee Lutheran Church for the 2010-2011 school year, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.   

 

P: We pray together: 

C: Heavenly Father, we thank you for hearing our prayers and sending Neil Wehmas to us as our vicar.  Grant him your Holy Spirit, that he may be filled with wisdom and power from on high, that through his service as vicar in this congregation your Word may be proclaimed and taught in joyfulness, and we may be encouraged for service in your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

The Offering

 

Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”

 

Text (st. 1) and Music: Public domain

 

We invite to the Lord’s Supper all Christians who are baptized, who have communed in a Christian church, and who share our Lutheran understanding that, along with the bread and wine, we receive the body and blood of our living Lord Jesus – for the strengthening of our faith and witness.  Children who do not commune are invited to come for a blessing.  Pastor asks that they fold their hands to show that they are not communing.

 

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them to the Lord.

P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

P: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.  Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and singing:

 

         Ho -  ly,   ho  - ly,       ho   -   ly!       All    the  saints   a     -  dore  Thee,

      Cast – ing down their  gold–en crowns a   - round the glass -y      sea;

     Cher– u – bim and    ser –a –phim       fall -   ing down   be  -  fore    Thee,

 

      Which      wert  and     art       and        ev  -   er  -  more     shalt    be.

 

Holy, holy, holy!  Though the darkness hide Thee,

Though the eye made blind by sin Thy glory may not see,

Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,

Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

 

Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!

All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

 

P: We pray together:

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 Words of Institution

P: 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 for the forgiveness of sins.  Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

The Distribution

(The glasses in the very center of each tray contain grape juice for those who are not able to drink wine.)

 

Post Communion Prayer

P: We pray together:

C: We give thanks to you, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through this salutary gift.  And we implore you that, of your mercy, you would strengthen us through the same in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen.

 

Announcements

 

The Benediction  (Numbers 6:24-26)

P: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

C: Amen.

 

Hymn: “Amazing Grace,” bulletin page 14

(To sing harmony, turn to page 744 in the Lutheran Service Book.)

 

The Sending Forth

P: Go in peace and serve the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

 

Post-service Music

 

+              +               +

 

The FLOWERS are given today by the Sowells in honor of Marilynn's birthday and in memory of Patsy Powell.

 

GOD’S BLESSINGS to those celebrating birthdays this week:  Marilynn Sowell on Tuesday, Marlo Neuleib on Thursday and Keith Mulford on Friday.  And blessings to those celebrating anniversaries:  Harold & Lois Sollenberger on Tuesday, Dan & Connie Wesson on Wednesday, Rod & Donna Hansen on Friday and Ivan & Harriet Bagby on Saturday.

 

CHOIR PRACTICE began today, at 9 a.m.  There are no try-outs or auditions required, just the desire to give God the glory in song.  Join in next Sunday morning.

 

Our next MEN’S BREAKFAST will be Saturday, September 11th, at 8 a.m.  Pastor needs one more volunteer to serve as a cooks. 

 

The BOARD OF CHRISTIAN OUTREACH meets Sunday, September 12th, after the service.

 

EXERCISE CLASSES will begin Tuesday, September 7th, after the Labor Day Holiday.  Classes will be held each Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise announced.  Yoga and low impact aerobics offered.  Please bring your mat, as the floor is hard.  Everyone is welcome!

 

STEPHEN MINISTERS CARE – When was the last time someone really listened to you?  We're talking about that undistracted, full-attention kind of listening.  That's one of the ways Stephen Ministers care for others.  We need more Stephen Ministers to care for those who are making that long journey through the valley of a life crisis.  Will you consider serving this way?  For more information, contact Virginia Daley (706-485-3564) or Phil Larsen (706-473-1078).

 

All church women are invited to attend our Friday, September 10th, WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP MEETING at the home of Connie Piepenbrink.  (Pleases note the change in venue.)  We will meet from 10-12 noon, with a coffee meet and greet from 10 to 10:30 a.m., followed with our September program and meeting.  Margaret Keck from First Call Pregnancy Center will address us for a short explanation of the center's services.  We are asking everyone to please bring an item or two to give to the center.  They have an ongoing need for a number of items, so we thought as part of our outreach, it would be fun to have a baby shower.  (Please don't wrap the items.  Thanks.)  The following are some of the items they need:  onsies – newborn to three months; size 3 & 4 diapers; baby wash; baby wipes; baby lotion; thermometers; receiving blankets; baby towels and cloths.  If you are not able to attend our get-together, but would like to make a donation, there is a basket in the narthex.  If you are planning on attending, please look for the sign-up sheet on the round table in the back of the sanctuary, and pick up directions to Connie's house.  We look forward to seeing everyone for a fun and fellowship filled morning.

 

LADIES, you are invited to join the Lake Oconee Community Bible Study (CBS) for a 30 week study on “The Servants of God,” covering the books of Joshua through 2 Samuel.  This study begins on Thursday morning, September 2nd, from 9:30 to 11:30 am, held at Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church. This interdenominational Bible study includes women of all ages and religious backgrounds. To register, please contact Becky Geihsler at 706-467-3789 or beegee@plantationcable.net

 

WEEKLY CALENDAR:

NEXT Sunday – Choir Practice, 9 a.m.

                      Church Service, 10:30 a.m.


Hymn: “Immortal, Invisible”

 

 

 

Text and Tune: Public domain

 


Hymn: “Amazing Grace”

 

 

 

Tune: Public domain

 


 

 

OUR VALUES AS A CONGREGATION

 

Word and Sacrament –

…believing in and making faithful and frequent use of the Bible, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper as the means by which God gives and sustains faith, and empowers and strengthens us for Christian living.

 

Christian Education –

…providing quality, Bible based instruction to foster greater understanding of God’s Word and better equipping members for their discipleship in Jesus Christ.

 

Evangelism –

…reaching out to others, by word and deed, to join in the sharing of God’s blessings and grace, which is free to all believers.

 

Stewardship –

…fully utilizing our time, talents, and resources to serve and love the Lord, furthering our commission of discipleship.

 

Fellowship –

…caring for and sharing with our church family, fostering greater love, understanding, and concern for the well being (physical and spiritual) of all brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

The window behind the altar is our EASTER SUNRISE WINDOW.  The cross hanging in front of the window is an empty cross, reminding us that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive now, to be with us here and always.  Every Sunday is a celebration of Easter.  The symbol on the front of the ALTAR is a combination of two Greek letters – the “chi” which looks like our English “x” and the “rho” which looks like our “p.”  In the Greek, these are the first two letters of “Christ.”  Combined as they are, they suggest the cross.  Superimposed on the cross is a heart, the reminder that God’s love for us is the reason Jesus died on the cross.  God’s love for us empowers us to share his love with others.