Licensing
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is covered under the following licenses:
- CCLI: 1510407
- OneLicense: 732293-A
- Augsburg Fortress: SAS006846
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
whose steadfast love endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
+ Silence is kept for reflection. +
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not followed your path
but have chosen our own way.
Instead of putting others before ourselves,
we long to take the best seats at the table.
When met by those in need,
we have too often passed by on the other side.
Set us again on the path of life.
Save us from ourselves
and free us to love our neighbors.
Amen.
Hear the good news!
God does not deal with us according to our sins
but delights in granting pardon and mercy.
In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven
You are free to love as God loves.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN Faith of Our Fathers (ELW #812 + Verses 1&2)
1 Faith of our fathers, living still
in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword.
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
whene’er we hear that glorious word.
Refrain
Faith of our fathers, holy faith,
we will be true to thee till death.
2 The martyrs, chained in prisons dark,
were still in heart and conscience free;
and blest would be their children’s fate
if they, like them, should die for thee. Refrain
Public Domain
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.
HYMN OF PRAISE: Lord I Lift Your Name On High (ELW #857)
Lord, I lift your name on high.
Lord, I love to sing your praises.
I’m so glad you’re in my life,
I’m so glad you came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay;
from the cross to the grave,
from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift your name on high.
Text and music © 1989 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. Capitol Christian Music Group
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share your zeal for truth. Give us courage to take our stand with all victims of bloodshed and greed, and, following your servants and prophets, to look to the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
READINGS
Isaiah 5:1-7
+ The prophet sings about a beautiful vineyard, carefully planted and cultivated, that nevertheless yields wild grapes. The owner therefore determines to destroy the vineyard, which represents the sinful people of Israel and Judah. +
The first reading is from Isaiah beginning at the 5th chapter.
1Let me sing for my beloved
my love-song concerning his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard
on a very fertile hill.
2He dug it and cleared it of stones,
and planted it with choice vines;
he built a watchtower in the midst of it,
and hewed out a wine vat in it;
he expected it to yield grapes,
but it yielded wild grapes.
3And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem
and people of Judah,
judge between me
and my vineyard.
4What more was there to do for my vineyard
that I have not done in it?
When I expected it to yield grapes,
why did it yield wild grapes?
5And now I will tell you
what I will do to my vineyard.
I will remove its hedge,
and it shall be devoured;
I will break down its wall,
and it shall be trampled down.
6I will make it a waste;
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
and it shall be overgrown with briers and thorns;
I will also command the clouds
that they rain no rain upon it.
7For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts
is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah
are his pleasant planting;
he expected justice,
but saw bloodshed;
righteousness,
but heard a cry!
Word of God, Word of life.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 80:1-2,8-19
+ Look down from heaven, O God; behold and tend this vine. (Ps. 80:14, 15) +
We will now read responsively from Psalm 80.
1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock;
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,
stir up your strength and come to help us.
8You have brought a vine out of Egypt;
you cast out the nations and planted it.
9You cleared the ground for it;
it took root and filled the land.
10The mountains were covered by its shadow
and the towering cedar trees by its boughs.
11You stretched out its tendrils to the sea
and its branches to the river.
12Why have you broken down its wall,
so that all who pass by pluck off its grapes?
13The wild boar of the forest has ravaged it,
and the beasts of the field have grazed upon it.
14Turn now, O God of hosts,
look down from heaven;
15behold and tend this vine;
preserve what your right hand has planted.
16They burn it with fire like rubbish;
at the rebuke of your countenance let them perish.
17Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one you have made so strong for yourself.
18And so will we never turn away from you;
give us life, that we may call upon your name.
19Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
+The author of Hebrews presents us with rich stories of faith. In a long list of biblical heroes, we find examples of trust in God that enabled them to face the trials of life faithfully. In addition to this “cloud of witnesses,” we have Jesus, the perfect model of faithful endurance. +
The second reading is from Hebrews beginning at the 11th chapter.
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.
32And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented—38of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
39Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.
12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
Luke 12:49-56
+ Jesus delivers harsh words about the purifying and potentially divisive effects of obedience to God’s call. The way of the cross often leads followers to encounter hostility and rejection, even from those they love. +
The Holy Gospel according to Luke beginning at the 12th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord
[Jesus said:] 49“I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
54He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Vicar Hephzi Penumaka
HYMN OF THE DAY Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me (ELW #755+ Verses 1&3)
1 Jesus, Savior, pilot me
over life’s tempestuous sea;
unknown waves before me roll,
hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
chart and compass come from thee.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
3 When at last I near the shore,
and the fearful breakers roar
twixt me and the peaceful rest,
then, while leaning on thy breast,
may I hear thee say to me:
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”
Public Domain
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
Let us confess our faith saying the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, let us come near to the Holy One in prayer.
~ A brief silence. ~
Arise, O God, and sustain your church. We pray for all who dedicate their lives to serving your people. Renew our commitment to our siblings in faith around the globe, and bless the work of our ecumenical and interfaith partners. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Arise, O God, and sustain your creation. We pray for all places affected by natural disasters. Transform the devastation of floods and fires into fertile ground for new life and growth. Fill heaven and earth with your life-giving Spirit. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Arise, O God, and sustain the nations. We pray for all elected officials. Kindle in them a desire to administer your justice. Strengthen their resolve to defend those who are vulnerable and to stand publicly against all forms of oppression. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Arise, O God, and sustain those who are oppressed. We pray for people harmed by racist discrimination, ableist discrimination, and all people discriminated against based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Rescue us from all systems that degrade our fellow human beings. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Arise, O God, and sustain this assembly. We pray for this community, celebrating with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep especially Harry Lund, Evelyn Lund, Karen Campbell, Janice Rajgopaul, Robert Jones, Darrell Weller, Deven Guarriello, Guenther Ukstinas and Laura Occhiogrosso. We also pray for all impacted by senseless gun violence in our world. In our joy and in our tears, be near us. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We lift to You our concern for people at high risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from the virus and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Fill us with your mercy so that we, in turn, may be merciful to others. Strip away pride, suspicion, and racism in our world so that we may seek peace and justice in our communities. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, we remember the who have gone before us. May we run with perseverance the race set before us until we find our rest in you. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Receive the prayers of your children, merciful God, and hold us forever in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our holy Wisdom.
Amen.
SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you always!
And also with you!
Let us share a sign of Christ’s peace with one another.
OFFERING MESSAGE
Please consider continuing to mail in your offering or giving online! We continue to have expenses that need to be covered during this time. We are most grateful for your generosity.
OFFERTORY HYMN In the Singing (ELW #466 + Verses 1 & 2)
1 In the singing, in the silence,
in the hands expectant, open,
in the blessing, in the breaking,
in your presence at this table,
Refrain
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ,
be the wine of grace;
Jesus, Christ, Jesus Christ,
be the bread of peace.
2 In the question, in the answer,
in the moment of acceptance,
in the heart’s cry, in the healing,
in the circle of your people, Refrain
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of abundance:
you have set before us a plentiful harvest.
As we feast on your goodness,
strengthen us to labor in your field,
and equip us to bear fruit for the good of all,
in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Gracious God, loving all your family with a mother’s tender care: As you sent the angel to feed Elijah with heavenly bread, assist those who set forth to share your word and sacrament with those who are gathered here this morning. In your love and care, nourish and strengthen those who will receive this sacrament, and give us all the comfort of your abiding presence through the body and blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
When our congregation gathers in worship, we hear again of God’s mighty acts and the love shown us in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We share in the holy meal of the Lord’s supper. Now we bring to you this word of life, and this bread and cup of blessing, so that you may share in these same gifts and be strengthened in communion with all the people of God.
Merciful God, we do not presume to come to your table trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat and drink the body and blood of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that we may live in him and he in us, now and forever. Amen.
Gathered at the Lord’s table, our congregation remembers with thanksgiving that “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 and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
This is the supper of our Lord Jesus Christ. This same bread and cup, shared in our community of faith, are here given for you.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray:
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.
COMMUNION
In Christ’s presence there is fullness of joy.
Come to the banquet.
TABLE BLESSING & COMMUNION PRAYER
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Life-giving God,
through this meal you have bandaged our wounds and fed us with your mercy.
Now send us forth to live for others,
both friend and stranger,
that all may come to know your love.
This we pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUMMER LEADERSHIP SCHEDULING
If you participate in worship leadership in any way, including readers, worship assistants, ushers, communion assistants, videography etc. Please let Ruth know any dates you will be unavailable in the month of September.
HTLC T-SHIRTS
There are a few Holy Trinity T-Shirts left in the office for purchase. Shirts are $15 and available in a variety of sizes and colors. Please contact Ruth for info.
YOGA PRACTICE
Yoga is on Thursdays, at 7 pm in Friendship Hall. One hour for only $10. Contact Carol Robinson, 917-208-7340, for additional information.
CHRIST IN OUR HOME
New issues of Christ in our Home are available on the table near the entrance doors.
COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September 13th @ 7:30 pm
Other announcements are located in the downloadable bulletin at the top of this webpage.
BLESSING
The God of peace,
Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you, comfort you,
and show you the path of life
this day and always.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN Lead On, O King Eternal! (ELW #805+ Verses 1& 3)
1 Lead on, O King eternal!
The day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest
your tents will be our home.
Through days of preparation
your grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.
3 Lead on, O King eternal:
we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning
where’er your face appears.
Your cross is lifted o’er us;
we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might!
Public Domain
DISMISSAL
What is our Mission? Welcoming all to grow in faith;
living Christ’s message of serving and loving neighbors
near and far.
Go in peace. Love your neighbor.
Thanks be to God.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellerose 