Announcements A special welcome to guests and visitors! Everyone is invited to the fellowship hall for the coffee hour following the service. It can be reached by the outside ramp or the stairway behind the conference room. The new elevator is operable. Yes, the new elevator is operable. It needs tile installed on the floor and a coat of polyurethane on the walls, but it works. Thanks to Larry Norlander for his coordination of the project. Our Wednesday Bible Study meets from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall under the direction of Pastor Lynda Elmer. 1 Corinthians 1-3 is this week’s study. All are welcome. Bring your Bible and friends! The Bargain Basement will soon be in action again. Bring your items (treasures) for pricing and watch for the opening announcement. Items can be left on the pew in the office hall. Redeemer Women are again collecting cash donations for the Maritime Shoebox Ministry. Put your donations in an envelope and note that it is for the Shoebox Ministry. Make checks out to Redeemer WELCA (not Redeemer Women). Items are purchased so that the boxes are uniform. Pet owners: We will be blessing pets in the Clubhouse One picnic area on Friday, October 3, at 10:30 a.m. “Good News Singers” gospel/“good news” music chorale is forming. Beginning Tuesday, October 7, 2014 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the lobby of Clubhouse 3. All are welcome – there are not auditions, just come and join in! Cost is projected at $10.00 per month. More information is on the flyer on the bulletin board. Orientation for new members is planned for October 9, 10:30 a.m. and reception of new members on October 19. Dody Lynch is at home on hospice. Our prayer list gets pretty long. If you or someone you have placed on the list no longer needs to be there, please let us know. You can phone the office phone ( 562-598-8697) and leave a message. Our website: www.redeemerlutheransealbeach.com Respite Center meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the fellowship hall. Call (562) 596-1209 for information on registration or volunteering. 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 15 REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH OF LEISURE WORLD 13564 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE SEAL BEACH, CA 90740 (562) 598-8697 e-mail: redeemer_lutheran@verizon.net website: www.redeemerlutheransealbeach.com “For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, …you did not change your minds and believe him.” WORSHIP SERVICE SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 TH 16 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST WORSHIP SERVICE STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT “Son go and work in the vineyard today.” Matthew 21:28 PRELUDE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS MISSION MOMENT GATHERING HYMN Flo Nesland Christian discipleship is not easy. God never promised it would be. But, what He did promise is that if we put Him first in all things, He would provide all we need. Through our daily decisions we have the opportunity to generously share our gifts and help those who may not be in positions to help themselves. “Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun” Last Sunday’s Attendance: 70 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 1 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 14 Guidelines for prayer list: We are requesting all members (and friends) to please call the church office and leave a message requesting prayer regarding any illnesses, surgeries, procedures, and treatments regarding you, church members, and family members. Please also notify us when the prayers are no longer needed. Our pastor is also available after Sunday morning service for personal prayer. Let him know as you leave services and he will meet you at the altar rail immediately following “the last person out of church”. REMEMBER IN PRAYER Our Members: Shirley Anderson, Bea Bander, Doris Borsdorf, Russ Cullimore, Margaret Deaton, Patti Drumm, Liz Goodrow, Lucy Fitch, Bev Hansen, Shirley Holland, Christine Hughes, Geri Lein, Nancy Luebben, Dody Lynch, Helen McDowell, Lavona Moore, Kathleen Nilsson, Ken Newsham, Lodi Nieto, Christine Osterberg, Lillian Smith, Nina Smith, Marilyn Ventura, Larry Vozel, and Martha Ziegler; And Our Family Members and Friends: Shawn Barton, Jere Becker, Rose Betancourt, Roman Bentley, John Bishop, Pat Brady, Jimmy Buchanan, Karen Capria, Pamela Carkagis, Julie Carlson, Rich Carlson, Rod Carpenter, Caren Condon, Jim Condon, Fay Cummings, Joseph Davis, Anna Dow, Eileen Dow, Nelly Dow, Bob and Helyn Edwards, Jenny Fast, Joel Faulk, Paul Higgenbotham, Judith Kerrins, Michael Kincaid, David Ludwig, Amy Luebben-Rivera, Cynthia Luff, Mary Matthews, Don McDowell, Virginia McKee, Jon Messinger, Ethan Millerick, Kenny Mize, Bill Montague, Chuck Nieto, Joe Nieto, Zida Noriega, Kate Pedigo, Melissa Prokuda, Lori Rhodes, Nathan Rhodes, Louise Wagner, Reva Mae Walther, Bryce Young, Sandy Young, and Jeff Zeigler. We also remember those confined at home, in hospitals, or in nursing homes. And, always pray for peace. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P Let us boldly approach the throne of grace, trusting in God's mercy and love. Silence is kept for reflection. C P C Generous and faithful God, we confess to you all the ways, known and unknown, that we reject and undermine your steadfast love. Though you made us your people, we treat strangers with suspicion. Though you forgave our debts, we collect without mercy. Yet we are quick to pass judgment on others. Have mercy on us, O God, and remember your promise to us, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Through the living Word, + Jesus Christ, God forgives your every debt, your every sin, and gives you a new heart and a new spirit. Amen. PRAYER OF THE DAY C God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Emergency Pastoral Care: Whenever you are in need of emergency pastoral care and Pastor Gil is not available, contact Pastor Mark Will at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (562) 430-3444. Larry Norlander and Margo Geesing [our secretary] also know how to reach Pastor Gil. 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 13 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 2 WE HEAR GOD’S WORD PROCLAIMED THE LESSONS First Lesson Second Lesson Gospel Lesson Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32 Philippians 2:1–13 Matthew 21:23–32 The First Lesson is from Ezekiel chapter 18 verses 1–4, 25–32 The word of the LORD came to me: 2What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge"? 3As I live, says the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine: it is only the person who sins that shall die. 25Yet you say, "The way of the LORD is unfair." Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? 26 When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. 27 Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. 28Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die. 29Yet the house of Israel says, "The way of the LORD is unfair." O house of Israel, are my ways unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? 30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, says the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord GOD. Turn, then, and live. 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 3 Pastor: ------------- Rev. Gil Moore, home phone is (562) 430-7999 Organist: ---------- Sharon Heck Altar Flowers: are given by: Charles and Shirley Holland in Honor of Our Family. Everyone please, remember to turn off your cell phones and pagers. Please, complete an attendance registration slip (from pew rack) and place it in the offering plate. Thank you! THOSE WHO SERVE TODAY Presider: Pastor Gil Moore; Acolyte: Carmen Leslie; Greeters: Shirlene Bradrick and Wilma Duffin; Ushers: Margaret Miller, Barbara Schuyler, Edith Sessa, and Juanita Townsend; Reader: Mickey Costello, Prayer Leader: Shirley Reimers; and our Hospitality Host and Altar Guild. THIS WEEK AT REDEEMER Today -------------- Birthdays Celebrated at Coffee Fellowship in Fellowship Hall 1:00 p.m. Wedding of Trevor J. Higgins and Siriporn Kuanchai Tues. --------------- 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Office Hours 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Respite Care NEWSLETTER MAILED Wed. --------------- 10:30 a.m. – Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall Thurs. ------------- 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Office Hours 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Respite Care Next Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Communion Service 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 12 DISMISSAL Congregation is reminded to stand and face the rear of church for the Dismissal at the end of the service. This gives you an opportunity to view the stained glass window of the ascending Christ giving a blessing. And it encourages the congregation to take the blessings of this worship into the week ahead. P C Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Copyright hymns are reprinted under One License.net #A-709132 INTRODUCTION Jesus' parable about two sons who don't do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God, such as prostitutes and tax collectors going before others into God's kingdom. In the reading from Ezekiel the people question whether the ways of the Lord are unfair; instead they are to repent and turn to the Lord. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, looking to the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world. The Second Lesson is from Philippians chapter 2 verses 1–13 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Scripture quotations (except psalms) from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission. 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 11 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 3 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: (Congregation stands and sings “Open Our Eyes Lord” before and after the Gospel Reading) 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 5 SENDING HYMN 16th Sunday after Pentecost “Have No Fear, Little Flock” September 28, 2014 Page 10 OFFERTORY PRAYER The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 21 verses 23–32 THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God's creation. 23 A brief silence. Prayer Leader … Hear us, O God. C Your mercy is great. 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. BLESSING P The blessing of almighty God, the Father of glory, + Jesus Christ our peace, and the Spirit of truth, be upon you and remain with you always. C Amen. 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 9 When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" 24Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 26But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. 30The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him." SERMON 16th Sunday after Pentecost “The Community of the Christ-Minded” September 28, 2014 Page 6 HYMN OF THE DAY “O Master, Let Me Walk with You” APOSTLES’ CREED C I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 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. 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. OFFERING AND TITHES “God is Here” CHOIR ANTHEM “I Love You Lord” OFFERTORY RESPONSE 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 7 16th Sunday after Pentecost September 28, 2014 Page 8