St. John’s Lutheran Church Norfolk, Nebraska 14» Sunday after Pentecost August 29, 2021 (8:30 am) Pastor Randy RasmussenSunday, August 29, 2021 - 8:30AM Gathering Together Welcome to God’s grace — where the world’s labels don't apply. Step into God’s time and presence. Hear God’s gentle whisper: “Be still and know that I am God.” Let your body and mind rest and open your heart to God in worship and prayer. Welcome each other in the love of Christ. Extend hospitality to those new in our midst. “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it!” GATHERING MUSIC & RINGING OF THE BELL TODAY’S WORSHIP THEME Jesus protests against human customs being given the weight of divine law, while the essence of God’s law is ignored. True uncleanness comes not from external things, but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us “the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We who were washed in the word when we were born in the font return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us clean hearts. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy. Amen. Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance, let us confess our sin. God, our provider, help us. It is hard to believe there is enough to share. We question your ways when they differ from the ways of the world in which we live. We turn to our own understanding rather than trusting in you. We take offense at your teachings and your ways. Turn us again to you. Where else can we turn? Share with us the words of eternal life and feed us for life in the world. AMENBeloved people of God: in Jesus, the manna from heaven, you are fed and nourished. By Jesus, the worker of miracles, there is always more than enough. ‘Through Jesus, + the bread of life, you are shown God's mercy: you are forgiven and loved into abundant life. Amen. Stand GATHERING HYMN: “GATHER US IN” ELW #532, VS 1, 2, 4 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. Kyrie ELW Page 203 Canticle of Praise Page 204 PRAYER OF THE DAY: O God our strength, without you we are weak and wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from the outside, and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. HEARING THE WORD God speaks to us in scriptures sung, read, and proclaimed. First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 A reading from Deuteronomy After the reading: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Second Reading: James 1:17-27 A reading from James After the reading: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.Stand GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: ELW 205 HOLY GOSPEL: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 A.reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel of our Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sit SERMON: Pastor Randy Rasmussen Stand HYMN OF THE DAY: “LET US EVER WALK WITH JESUS” ELW #802, VS 1,2,4 APOSTLES’ CREED PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION SHARING OF THE PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you. SHARING THE MEAL God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. SIT GATHERING OF THE OFFERING STAND Offering Prayer GREAT THANKSGIVING “Holy, Holy, Holy” WORDS OF INSTITUTIONACCLAMATION OF FAITH Together we acclaim our faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again! THE LORD’S PRAYER INVITATION TO COMMUNION Christ has set the table with more than enough for all. Come! sit “O Lamb Of God” COMMUNION All are welcome to eat & drink at the Lord's Table, Jesus Christ is present in the bread & wine. Come and eat! Holy Communion is served below the altar. Following the usher’s direction, please proceed down the center aisle toward the altar. If you require a gluten-free wafer, please request one from the pastor during communion. Red wine and white grape juice are available in each tray of cups, After communing, you may return to your seat down the side aisle, If you would like to receive the Lord's Supper where you are seated, please tell the usher, who will ensure the gifts of God come to you. COMMUNION HYMN: “THIS IS MY FATHER’S WORLD” ELW #824 PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION SENT FORTH TO SERVE God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. ANNOUNCEMENTS Stand BLESSING The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, *# be upon you now and forever. Amen, SENDING HYMN: “HOW GREAT THOU ART” ELW #856, VS 1,2,4 SENDING Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. : Thanks be to God.St. John’s Lutheran Church ELCA 1300 W. Benjamin Avenue Norfolk, NE 68701 (402) 371-1985 stjohns@stjohnsnorfolk.com sSwww.stiohnsnorfolk.com Our Mission: Disciples Through God’s Love, Celebrating In Jesus’ name. PRAYER CONCERNS: 1 To Schaefer Brandon Matties Don Miller Jim Carter Shirley Mastny Carol Timperley Paul & Judy Ken Wragge Kay & Ellen Curtis Jerry Berney Ann Schroeder Rory Laskowski Susan Skogstoe Dan Timperley Derek Johnson Lexi Rivera Stacie Schutte Doug Stratton Harriett Weber Jerry Sebade Roger Peters Merle Mead Jeff Frady Eunice Deuel Mallorie Wilcox Rick Krier Susan Hansen Cody Hoefer Courtney Sunday School starts this Sunday! Please join us from 9:45-10:45 each Sunday morning. Special THANKS to all those teaching Sunday School this year. Terri Dendinger, Mariah Bloomquist, Dani Mather, Peggy Miller, JOIN is FOR Allli Sovereign, SUNDAY SCHOOL ee Spell Rasmussen Altar flowers for the 14" Sunday after Pentecost are given by: Merlin & Lynn Milander, thankful for our famly AND Bret & Angela Kratochvil, in honor of Kasen & Atley’s 5" birthday Office Staff Pastor Randy Rusinussen Shelli Rasmussen, Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator Ami Stubben-Goetsch, Office Coordinator Ken Schllinger, CustodianTHE WEEK AHEAD MONDAY, AUGUST 30 11:30 am. ChristCare Pizza Ranch Lunch 7:30 pm solid Rock WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 6:00 pm... Confirmation Meeting ‘THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 7:00 pm.........ADK Women’s Mental Health event SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 5:00 pm jathering Worship SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Festvial Worship Sunday School Celebration Worship ‘At Norfolk Pizza Ranch @ the Mall from 14:30am until you want to leave, on August 30, 2021. Chosen Christcare and anyone else who cares to share a dutch treat lunch and great conversation is invited. Bring a friend. Attending does not mean you have join the Christcare group. We have a great time and there are usually about 20 people there. I’s a great way to get acquainted! You are invited To participate in a program on Women’s Mental Health on September 2, @ 7pm in the Bethany Room. The presenter is Chelsea Race from Oasis Counseling International. All women are invited and encouraged to come. This event is sponsored by NE Sigma, Alpha Delta Kappa, International Organization for Women Educators. THANK YOU to all who contributed items, delivered, gave money, prayer, support, etc., to the Reverse Garage Sale. Many items were brought to the church and delivered to the non-profits. Again, thank you ~Mission Life Team STATISTICS Mission Emphasis in August-Food Pantry, LWR Attendance 8/22/21. (36,34,36=106) Offerings 8/22/21. $3,624.97 Worship Assistants for THIS weekend August 28" & Agusut 20" Saturday, August 28"- Council-Katie Nohr, Reader-Pat Monson Sunday, August 29", 8:30am- ‘Council-Carol Waggoner Reader/Usher-Brenda Carhart Coffee Hosts-Lois & Denny Braesch Sunday, August 29", 11:00am- Council/Communion/Usher-Adam Bloomquist, Reader-Cathy Erwin Worship Assistants for NEXT weekend September 4"" & September 5" Saturday, September 4""- Couneil/Communion-Tony Uttecht Sunday, September 5", 8:30am- Council/Communion/Reader-Brenda Carhart, Usher/Greeter-Jim McMahon Coffee Hosts-Carhart Family ‘Sunday, September 5", 11:00am- Council/Communion/Reader-Lisa Echtenkamp, Ushers/Greeters- Echtenkamp FamilyCouncil News --August 18, 2021 ~Gratitude expressions were written to Shelli and vacation Bible school volunteers. ~June, July minutes approved ~So was treasurer's July treasurer's report that is below. Final items needed for direct deposit were positively acted upon. That means account at Elkhorn Valley is fully operational and ready for direct deposit of salary staff paychecks. ~Shelli is still needs 2 volunteers for Sunday School 3-4 grades, and 2 for same ages for confirmation ~-news about a Fall Festival-no festival this year but committee formed to start plans for 2022 Call office if you are interested. Mandy Sterud voluntéered to chair. Spotlight on council member—Ami-office coordinator (Terri?) --Committee reports—Mission Life—Lisa reports-Meals on Wheels, a success, many Participated--September 1—Food pantry—Joan Spence is signing up volunteers ‘October is Pack away Hunger at Orphan Grain Train, 3 different people finding volunteers. ~-still need final report from audit team. ~-other teams had not met or the rep had not attended ~If you are willing to sign to be reader, communion assistant, usher, serve coffee please call church. We need your help. with council consent, it was thought we should be looking for a choir director. ~set some guidelines for the Wednesday meals—1. Each group serving will create own meal, ‘own serving group, and decide where free will offering should go after they have used what money is needed to offset expense. Fellowship Life will arrange, Brenda Smith Is council rep. ~-Pastor and Shelli attending the Theology Conference, Kearney, October 18-20, 2022, Cost for church will be additional $200. ~Again, standing invitations for particularly Shelli, Ami, and Ken to attend council meeting, Church Council—Treasurer’s Report Summary duly 31, 2021, Income—General Fund Expenses—General Fund TOTAL INCOME: $31,491.92 TOTAL EXPENSES: $49,793.56 General + Loose Offering 29,107. 31 Staff Salaries + Benefits: 27,711.65 2021 Advance Offering 2,229.66 NESynod Benevolence 16,702.15 Other (Lines 3-8#10) 154.95 Utilities (lines 48-52) 1,626.06 Office (lines 39-43) 2,053.82 Programs 1,699.88 End of July General Fund Balance—($ 18,301.64) Year to date General Fund Balance—$ 56,576.83, Income — Dedicated Fund Expense — Dedicated Fund TOTALINCOME: $16,248.80 TOTALEXPENSE: © § 3,543.18 Property Renewal: 6827.64 Property Renewal: 1,133.27 Programs: 9421.16 Programs: 2,409.91,