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, who is eager to forgive
and who loves us beyond our days.
Amen.
Dear friends, together let us acknowledge our failure to love this world as Jesus does.
+ Silence is kept for reflection. +
God of mercy and forgiveness,
we confess that sin still has a hold on us.
We have harmed your good creation.
We have failed to do justice,
love kindness,
and walk humbly with you.
Turn us in a new direction.
Show us the path that leads to life.
Be our refuge and strength on the journey,
through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and friend.
Amen.
Beloved of God:
your sins are forgiven ☩ and you are made whole.
God points the way to new life in Christ,
who meets us on the road.
Journey now in God’s abiding love
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN Rise, O Sun of Righteousness (ELW #657 + Verses 1 & 5)
1 Rise, O Sun of righteousness;
with your might creation bless.
Shine upon your church today,
showing all your gentle way.
Have mercy, Lord.
5 Honor, praise, and glory be
to the holy Trinity!
May your gracious will be done:
make us one, as you are one.
Have mercy, Lord.
Text © 2003 Augsburg Fortress
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
Holy God, our righteous judge, daily your mercy surprises us with everlasting forgiveness. Strengthen our hope in you, and grant that all the peoples of the earth may find their glory in you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
READINGS
Joel 2:23-32
+ The prophet interprets a plague of locusts as a sign of God’s judgment. Today’s reading points beyond the judgment to a day when prosperity will return, when God’s spirit will be poured out on the people, and when everyone who calls on God’s name will be saved. +
The first reading is from Jeremiah beginning at the 2ndchapter.
23O children of Zion, be glad
and rejoice in the Lord your God;
for he has given the early rain for your vindication,
he has poured down for you abundant rain,
the early and the later rain, as before.
24The threshing floors shall be full of grain,
the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25I will repay you for the years
that the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
my great army, which I sent against you.
26You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
and praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you.
And my people shall never again be put to shame.
27You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other.
And my people shall never again be put to shame.
28Then afterward
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
29Even on the male and female slaves,
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
30I will show portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. 32Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.
Word of God, Word of life.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 65
+ Your paths overflow with plenty. (Ps. 65:11) +
We will now read responsively from Psalm 65.
1You are to be praised, O God, in Zion;
to you shall vows be fulfilled.
2To you, the one who answers prayer,
to you all flesh shall come.
3Our sins are stronger than we are,
but you blot out our transgressions.
4Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there!
They will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple.
5Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation,
O hope of all the ends of the earth and of the oceans far away.
6You make firm the mountains by your power;
you are girded about with might.
7You still the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.
8Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs;
you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy.
9You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; the river of God is full of water.
You prepare the grain, for so you provide for the earth.
10You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges;
with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.
11You crown the year with your goodness,
and your paths overflow with plenty.
12May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing,
and the hills be clothed with joy.
13May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, and the valleys cloak themselves with grain;
let them shout for joy and sing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
+ The conclusion of this letter to a young minister offers a final perspective on life from one who faced death. Though others let him down, Paul was sure of his faith in the Lord, who stood by him and lent him strength. +
The second reading is from 2 Timothy beginning at the 4th chapter.
6As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
16At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
Luke 18:9-14
+ The coming reign of God will involve unexpected reversals of fortune with judgment rooted in mercy. Jesus tells a parable in which the one who humbles himself is exalted and the one who exalts his own righteousness is humbled. +
The Holy Gospel according to Luke beginning at the 18th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord
9[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt:10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SERMON Vicar Hephzibah Penumaka
HYMN OF THE DAY There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy (LBW #290 + Verses 1 & 3)
1 There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
like the wideness of the sea;
there’s a kindness in his justice
which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth’s sorrows
are more felt than up in heav’n.
There is no place where earth’s failings
have such kindly judgment giv’n.
3 For the love of God is broader
than the measures of our mind;
and the heart of the eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
There is plentiful redemption
in the blood that has been shed;
there is joy for all the members
in the sorrows of the head.
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
In gratitude and humility, let us join together in prayer on behalf of all of God’s creation.
+ A brief silence. +
God of mercy, you are in the midst of us and we are called by your name. Inspire your church to serve and love all people with the unceasing grace you extend to us. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of all creation, you formed a world where even the sparrow finds a home. Preserve the beauty and diversity of all creatures with whom we share the earth. Lead us to protect all living things. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of peace, you are an ever-present help in time of trouble. Rescue families and nations torn apart by violence and warfare. Unite all people toward common goals of reconciliation and peace for every person. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of hope, you stand with the suffering and give strength. Comfort your people filled with fear or anger, anxiety or shame. Bring healing to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit especially Harry Lund, Evelyn Lund, Karen Campbell, Darrell Weller, Laura Occhiogrosso, Charlie Ng, Bob Sarro, John Bono, Cindy Tuthill, Tom Sanfedele, Phil Hartman, Elizabeth Field and the family of Sarah Hurley. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of restoration, you call us to trust in you and not ourselves alone. Make this congregation a community of humility and repentance, ready to encounter you in love and follow in your ways. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
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. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
For the whole church, that we may receive the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language, or culture. We also pray for all impacted by senseless gun violence in our world. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of eternal life, to you be the glory forever. We give you thanks for all who have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith, and now live with you. Receive our prayer, O God.
Your mercy is great.
With grateful hearts we commend our spoken and silent prayers to you, O
God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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 O God of Love, O King of Peace (ELW #800 + Verses 1 & 3)
1 Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
stoop to my weakness, strength to me impart,
and make me love you as I ought to love.
3 Have you not bid me love you, God and King;
all, all your own, soul, heart, and strength, and mind?
I see your cross; there teach my heart to cling.
Oh, let me seek you and, oh, let me find!
Public Domain
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God,
in your great love you richly provide for our needs.
Make of these gifts a banquet of blessing,
and make us ready to share with all in need;
through Jesus Christ, who sets a table for all.
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
Christ invites you to this table.
Come, taste and see.
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.
God of the abundant table,
you have refreshed our hearts in this meal
with bread for the journey.
Give us your grace on the road
that we might serve our neighbors with joy;
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BIBLE STUDY
If you are interested in participating in our Fall Bible Study on Women in the Bible sign up sheets are on the back table. We will continue Bible Study through Wednesday, November 16th at 11:00am and 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will NOT meet on October 26 as Pastor Analyse is out of town. We will resume on November 2.
OKTOBERFEST
Mark your calendars! Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, October 29th from 11:30am-3:30pm, as part of our Reformation Weekend celebration. There is a sign-up sheet to let us know if you’re able to come so we know how many to prepare for as well as to donate to the bake sale. Both signups are on the literature table in the Narthex. If you are interested in helping Denice coordinate donations from local businesses, merchant letters and flyers for businesses are also on the literature table. Thank you for the work you’re doing.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE SIGN-UP
If you would like to be part of our worship committee please sign up on the sign-up sheet on the literature table in the Narthex.
ANNUAL MEETING & REPORTS
Annual Meeting Committee reports are due to Ruth by no later than November 15th, 2022 in preparation for the Annual Meeting after Worship on November 20th.
FALL 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 months of November and December so she can create leadership schedules.
BIRTHDAY SUNDAY CAKE SIGN-UP
If you are interested in bringing in a cake for Birthday Sunday in the year 2023, please sign up using the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
CHRIST IN OUR HOME
New issues of Christ in our Home are available on the table near the entrance doors.
COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, November 8th @ 7:30 pm
Other announcements are located in the downloadable bulletin at the top of this webpage.
BLESSING
God, who gives life to all things
and frees us from despair,
bless you with truth and peace.
And may the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
guide you always in faith, hope, and love.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN Savior, Again to Your Dear Name (ELW #534 + Verses 1& 4)
1 Savior, again to your dear name we raise
with one accord our parting hymn of praise;
once more we bless you ere our worship cease,
then, lowly bending, wait your word of peace.
4 Grant us your peace throughout our earthly life,
our balm in sorrow, and our stay in strife;
then, when your voice shall bid our conflict cease,
call us, O Lord, to your eternal peace.
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, with Christ beside you.
Thanks be to God.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellerose 