Pentecost 16

September 20, 2020
9:30 a.m.

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
Lancaster, PA

Welcome to worship!

Welcome to our second Sunday outside. The service is identical to how we have been worshipping inside. The only differences are that you may remain seated during the liturgy, and we will come to you for the communion distribution.
On the ground you will see tape marking the “rows” of you seats. Be sure to follow them so that we have room to come by when distributing the sacrament, and for social distancing. Families, of course, may sit closer together.
At the conclusion of worship we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Baptism and reception of New Members. You are welcome to remain to witness it.
Please view the bulletin board to see how great a job you did with our Rally Day collection of kits and quilts for Lutheran World Relief.
Please consider adding a “leaf” to the Gratitude Tree as we celebrate our shared stewardship of Holy Spirit.
And there are some new photos of “This Week in Fire Restoration.”
We will be in touch during the week with information regarding where we will have worship next Sunday.
Thank you for your attendance and consideration as we navigate through the pandemic and our recovery from the fire.

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Music

The Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness

Please stand

P
In the name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen

P
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P
Faithful God, have mercy on us. We confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We turn from your loving embrace and go our own ways. We place our own needs before those of our neighbors. Make us humble, forgive our sin, and turn us again to life in you through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
C
Amen.

P
Friends in Christ, God hears the cries of all who call out in need, and through his death and resurrection, Christ has made us his own. Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen.

The Apostolic Greeting & Prayer of the Day

P
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C
And also with you.

P
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
C
Amen.
Please be seated.

Children’s Message

The children remain at their seat as the pastor share a message with them.

First Reading

Philippians 1:21-30

A reading from Philippians: For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well—since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
A
The word of the Lord
C
Thanks be to God

Please stand.

The Holy Gospel

Matthew 20:1-16
P
The Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew the twentieth chapter.
C
Glory to you, O Lord
[Jesus said to the disciples:] “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of
them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
P
The Gospel of the Lord.
C
Praise to you, O Christ.
Please be seated.

The Sermon

Silence for reflection follows.

The Prayers of the Church

A
Drawn together in the compassion of God, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

After each portion of the prayers:
A
Lord, in your mercy,
C
Hear our prayer.
The prayers conclude:
P
Into your hands, Gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.
C
Amen.

The Peace

P
The peace of Christ be with you always.
C
And also with you.
Without leaving your seat offer a wave to your neighbor, sharing God’s peace., in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Please be seated.

Music as the Table is Set

Please stand.

The Offertory Prayer

A
Let us pray. Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. You have set before us these gifts of your good creation. Prepare us for your heavenly banquet, nourish us with this rich food and drink, and send us forth to set tables in the midst of a suffering world, through the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

The Great Thanksgiving

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 our thanks and praise.

Eucharistic Prayer

P
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son,
who reached out to heal the sick and suffering,
who preached good news to the poor,
and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.

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.

Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever.
C
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

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 Fraction

P
Come to the banquet table where Christ gives himself as food and drink.
C
Thanks be to God.

Please be seated.

The Distribution of Holy Communion

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America practices open table hospitality. Baptized communicants of other Christian denominations, of all ages, are welcome to receive the sacrament. Today we will bring the sacrament to you. The pastor will drop the host into your hand, followed by the assisting minister with the chalice of wine, followed by the assisting minister with the receptacle for your used cup. Those persons not receiving communion are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing.

After all have communed, please stand for the prayers and blessing.

The Post Communion Blessing

P
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C
Amen.

The Post Communion Prayer

A
Let us pray. We give you thanks, gracious God, that you have once again fed us with food beyond compare, the body and blood of Christ. Lead us from this place, nourished and forgiven, into your beloved vineyard to wipe away the tears of all who hunger and thirst, guided by the example of the same Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
C
Amen.

The Blessing

P
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor, and give you peace. In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen.

Sending Music

Dismissal

A
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C
Thanks be to God. We will!

Postlude

The congregation may remain to witness the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

+++

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Presentation
The candidate for baptism and parents gather with the minister at the font.

P
God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism. By water and the Word God delivers us from sin and death and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ, anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God’s mission for the life of the world.

The minister addresses parents and sponsors.

P
Called by the Holy Spirit, trusting in the grace and love of God,
do you desire to have Vito baptized into Christ?
Response: We do.

P
As you bring him to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities:
to live with him among God’s faithful people,
bring him to the Word of God and the Holy Supper,
teach him the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,
place in his hands the holy scriptures,
and nurture him in faith and prayer,
so that he may learn to trust God,
proclaim Christ through word and deed,
care for others and the world God made,
and work for justice and peace.
Do you promise to help him grow in the Christian faith and life?
Response: We do.

The minister addresses the assembly.
P
People of God, do you promise to support Vito and pray for him in his new life in Christ?
C
We do.

Profession of Faith
The minister addresses the parents and the assembly.
P
I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.

P
Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
Response: I renounce them.

P
Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
Response: I renounce them.

P
Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
Response: I renounce them.

The minister addresses the entire assembly.
P
Do you believe in God the Father?
C
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

P
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
C
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

P
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
C
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.

Thanksgiving at the Font
P
The Lord be with you.
C
And also with you.
P
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit brooded over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family, and through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By the baptism of Jesus’ death and resurrection you set us free from the power of sin and death and raise us up to live in you.

Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your living Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
C
Amen.

Baptism
P
Vito Consoli, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen.

The minister continues:
P
Let us pray.
We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give your daughters and sons new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise them to eternal life.

Laying both hands on the head of the newly baptized, the minister prays:
P
Sustain Vito with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever.
C
Amen.

The presiding minister marks the sign of the cross on the forehead of the baptized. As the sign of the cross is made, the minister says:
P
Vito, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.
C
Amen.

Welcome
A lighted candle is given to the newly baptized:
A
Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The ministers and the baptismal group face the assembly.
P
Let us together welcome our new brother in Christ.
C
We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.

Today we welcome into our fellowship Vito Pellman via the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. And we welcome his parents Monica and Joshua Pellman, and his sister Mia as new members of Holy Spirit.

The flowers are sponsored by Frank Rosol
in memory of Pat Cauler.

Thank you

To: Allison Carlson, Barb Eshbach and Tim Brixius for assisting in producing the 19 weekly worship videos.

To: The Quilt Group, Charley and Chris Whiting, Aleshia Brixius and the workers at Vision Corps for the donation of face masks.

To: Bob Slade, Sayre Turney, Jim and Patti LaPorte, Pat Winters and Suzann Schwenk for preparing the building to be open today.

To: The Congregation Council, and our Treasurer, Donna Null, for keeping up with current affairs, engaging conversation, and clear decisions as we approached this day.

To: The Holy Spirit family for the prayers, phone calls, greeting cards, emails, and offerings which continue to sustain our ministry.

Acknowledgments

Eucharistic Prayer Copyright © 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reproduced by permission.

Portions of this service are reprinted from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #45652.

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Gratitude Tree
Celebrate this years’ stewardship pledge campaign
by putting a leaf on the Gratitude Tree. Take a “leaf”
and write down one thing you are grateful for at
Holy Spirit and attach it to a branch of the tree.
The tree will be up each Sunday of the campaign
so feel free to add other leaves over the next weeks,
up through our pledge Sunday, October 4.

We are grateful to Linda Rogers for creating the Gratitude Tree.