Sunday, September 18, 2016 The

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First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301

www.firstevlutheran.org

The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

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The Altar Flowers this day are given to the Glory of God

and in memory of our loved ones, Josephine E. & Philip J. Giordano, Helen S. Clement and

Dorothy & Donald Curr by Mr. & Mrs. Philip Giordano, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Giordano

and Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Giodano

Presiding Minister: The Reverend Jeffrey Johnson

Assisting Minister: Pamela Mansbach

7:45 Lector: Harold Swanson 9 am Lector: James Benson

A Congregation of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, Massachusetts 02301

Telephone: 508-586-9021 Fax: 508-583-5501

Website: www.firstevlutheran.org

Our Vision Statement Our vision is to become a visible, outreaching community resource consisting of diverse, active,

enthusiastic and supportive Christians of all ages, working together with dynamic leadership and

ministering to the spiritual and social needs of the congregation and community.

Our Mission Statement

“Gathered in Christ, Together We Serve”

Ministers: The Members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Staff

Pastor: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

E-mail: jjohnson@firstevlutheran.org Cell: 508-944-7109

Parish Administrator: James E. Benson

E-mail: jbenson@firstevlutheran.org Cell: 508-207-8746

Minister of Music: David N. Burnham

Sexton: Brian D. Gagne

Pastors Emeriti:

The Reverend Michael P. Fruth, Ph.D. The Reverend Kenneth W. Hilston, Jr.

Minister of Music Emerita: Hope E. Mehaffey

Today’s cover image is an illustration by Dutch poet, illustrator, and engraver

Jan Luyken (April 16, 1649 - April 5, 1712)

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ORGAN PRELUDE David Burnham

First Movement “Sonata IV” C. P. E. Bach

WELCOME

Sunday, September 18, 2016

The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

CALL to WORSHIP

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever.

Amen.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are

hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may per-

fectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Gracious God,

have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the

power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our

sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us

again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of

life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

The presiding minister announces God’s forgiveness with these or similar words.

God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together

with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiv-

en. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in

your hearts through faith.

Amen.

Please note that the parts of the service that are highlighted in RED will be used at the

Church Picnic Service at 11 am this morning.

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GATHERING HYMN 771

“God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens” Holy Manna

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.

CANTICLE OF PRAISE

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PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray: God among us, we gather in the name of your Son to learn love for one another.

Keep our feet from evil paths. Turn our minds to your wisdom and our hearts to the grace

revealed in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

THE FIRST READING: AMOS 8: 4-7

The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God

THE PSALM: Psalm 113 (Read responsively at Picnic) Chanted Responsively

4Hear this, you that trample on the needy,

and bring to ruin the poor of the land,

5saying, “When will the new moon be over

so that we may sell grain;

and the sabbath,

so that we may offer wheat for sale?

We will make the ephah small and the shekel great,

and practice deceit with false balances,

6buying the poor for silver

and the needy for a pair of sandals,

and selling the sweepings of the wheat.”

7The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob:

Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.

1Hallelujah! Give praise, you servants | of the LORD;

praise the name | of the LORD.

2Let the name of the | LORD be blessed,

from this time forth for- | evermore. 3From the rising of the sun to its | going down

let the name of the | LORD be praised.

4The LORD is high a- | bove all nations;

God’s glory a- | bove the heavens. 5Who is like the | LORD our God,

who sits en- | throned on high,

6but stoops | to behold

the heavens | and the earth? 7The LORD takes up the weak out | of the dust

and lifts up the poor | from the ashes, continued →

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The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God

GOSPEL: LUKE 16: 1-13

The gospel is announced. The holy gospel according to Saint Luke the sixteenth chapter.

Congregation: Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE SECOND READING: 1 TIMOTHY 2: 1-7

8enthroning them | with the rulers,

with the rulers | of the people. 9The LORD makes the woman of a | childless house

to be a joyful mother of children. | Hallelujah!

1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for

everyone, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable

life in all godliness and dignity. 3This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For

there is one God;

there is also one mediator between God and humankind,

Christ Jesus, himself human,

6who gave himself a ransom for all

—this was attested at the right time.7For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling

the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

1Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were

brought to him that this man was squandering his property. 2So he summoned him and said to

him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because

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The gospel concludes: The gospel of the Lord. Congregation: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Jeff Johnson

HYMN OF THE DAY 626

“By Gracious Powers” Telos

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.

you cannot be my manager any longer.’ 3Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now

that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am

ashamed to beg. 4I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may

welcome me into their homes.’ 5So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the

first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to

him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’ 7Then he asked another, ‘And how

much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill

and make it eighty.’ 8And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted

shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than

are the children of light. 9And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest

wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.

10“Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a

very little is dishonest also in much. 11If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest

wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12And if you have not been faithful with what be-

longs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13No slave can serve two masters; for a

slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other.

You cannot serve God and wealth.”

CHILDREN’S SERMON 9 AM

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PEACE

The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFERING

ORGAN OFFERTORY

“March” G.F. Handel

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Rejoicing in the Spirit’s work among us, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in

need.

A brief silence.

Giver of the feast, bless your church and all who hunger and thirst. Nourish us richly with your

word and meal, and send us as signs of your living presence in the world. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Ruler of the earth, bring forth an abundant harvest from fields, orchards, and gardens. Renew

fields that will soon lie fallow. Feed and protect all wild creatures. Lord, in your mercy, hear our

prayer.

God of the nations, we pray for places in the world affected by conflict, war, and turmoil. We

pray that your perfect peace and order be restored. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of our weary years, we remember before you those among us who are sick or who are recov-

ering from illness or surgery (especially). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God our beginning and ending, we thank you for hope even in the midst of despair. Visit this as-

sembly with your light and truth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of our silent tears, we remember the faithful departed who make up the great cloud of wit-

nesses. Gather us all in praise around your throne. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through

your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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OFFERTORY CANTICLE 884

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” Old Hundredth

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray. God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in

blessing. Fill us with good things at your table, that we may come to the help of all in need,

through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

DIALOGUE

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

PREFACE

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks

and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day

overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlast-

ing life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY SPOKEN AT THE PICNIC

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THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal:

you we praise and glorify, you we worship and adore.

You formed the earth from chaos; you encircled the globe with air;

you created fire for warmth and light; you nourish the lands with water.

You molded us in your image, and with mercy higher than the mountains,

with grace deeper than the seas, you blessed the Israelites and cherished them as your own.

That also we, estranged and dying, might be adopted to live in your Spirit, you called to us

through the life and death of Jesus.

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.

Together as the body of Christ, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

With this bread and cup we remember your Son, the first-born of your new creation.

We remember his life lived for others, and his death and resurrection, which renews the

face of the earth. We await his coming, when, with the world made perfect through

your wisdom, all our sins and sorrows will be no more.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Holy God, holy and merciful one, holy and compassionate, send upon us and this meal

your Holy Spirit, whose breath revives us for life, whose fire rouses us to love.

Enfold in your arms all who share this holy food. Nurture in us the fruits of the Spirit,

that we may be a living tree, sharing your bounty with all the world.

Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.

Holy and benevolent God, receive our praise and petitions, as Jesus received the cry of the needy,

and fill us with your blessing, until, needy no longer and bound to you in love,

we feast forever in the triumph of the Lamb: through whom all glory and honor is yours, O God,

O Living One, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, now and forever.

Amen.

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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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

LAMB OF GOD SPOKEN AT THE PICNIC

THE COMMUNION (The assembly may be seated)

Christ welcomes you to this Feast of the Baptized. Our communion distribution is at the rail using intinction as

the method of distribution. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers, receive the bread from the Pastor

or Assistant, then to the cup and dip the bread in either the wine (the chalice closest to the bread) or in the grape

juice and proceed back to your seat by the side aisles. If you require gluten free bread, please indicate such to

the Pastor/Assistant. Please Do Not Drink from the Cup. Small Children and infants are assisted by adults.

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COMMUNION HYMN: (sung following distribution)

716

“Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace” Beatus Vir

POST-COMMUNION BLESSING Assembly stands

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

POST COMMUNION CANTICLE 201

“Now, Lord” SPOKEN AT THE PICNIC

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PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray. We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing

power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and

in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BLESSING

The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in

accordance with Christ Jesus. Amen.

The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The God of all grace + bless you now and forever. Amen.

THE SENDING HYMN 604

“O Christ, Our Hope” Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

“Was Gott tut, das ist Wohlegetan” Johann Gottfried Walther

"“The acts of God are righteous"

Position available: After much discussion within the Finance and Personnel

Committees and the Council, the decision has been made to divide the former

Church/Financial Secretary and Bookkeeper position into two separate posi-

tions—a bookkeeper and a clerical person. Applications are now being taken

for the position of Bookkeeper. The clerical position is still under develop-

ment by the Personnel Committee and once the job description is approved by

the Council applications will be available. A change in financial software from Shepherd’s

Staff to QuickBooks will also be implemented at this time of transition.

The position of bookkeeper will be an 8 hour per week position. Proficiency with Quickbooks

accounting software is required. If you are interested in an application, job description or more

information please speak to Jim Benson or Pastor Jeff.

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Let Us Pray for our members that are homebound or ill, or otherwise in need of our prayers:

Phyllis Nielsen—Life Care, WB

Bill Kelley

Gustaf Dahlgren

Anna Haskins—St. Joseph’s Manor

Sonja Hassan

Scott Dunn

Marian Nelson-Brockton Rehabilitation

Donna Persson

Eric Johnson

Jeanne Newman

And for those members of our extended family:

Tom Grabau—brother of Russ Grabau

Jennifer Anderson—cousin of Diane Perry & niece

of Alden Anderson

Don Anderson-son of Alden Anderson

Pastor Richard Schlak, Lutheran Church of Our

Redeemer, Foxboro

Larry Mathews-friend of Debby Aleckna

Bonnie Gagne –wife of Brian Gagne

Junior Nicholas-son of Rosa Nicholas

Sheri McIntire-friend of Anne & Rick Martin

Barbara Horton-neighbor the of the Govoni’s

Donna Jeffreys-friend of Jean Anderson

Christina Crosby-niece of Russ & Marian Grabau

Jack Foye-uncle of Karen Christensen

Doninick D’Agostino-father of Jessica Burke

Olivia Tassinari-friend of Carole Casey

Judy Dolan-grandmother of Pat & Chelsea Dolan

John Cunningham-friend of The Thompsons

David Gill-friend of the Thompsons & Bensons

Bob Bevis-friend of Don & Chris Newman, & Jim

Benson

John Core-brother of Jeanne Govoni

Monika Shoemaker—sister of Angie Goucher

Frankie Vigorito- friend of the Rovaldis

Lorena Giordano-sister-in-law to the Giordanos

Steve McLeod-friend of the MacNevins

Gary Eliasson-Brockton Rehabilitation

Vivian Tofteroo

Annette Lindh-Sachem Nursing Home

Trudy Ciancarelli-Notre Dame Health

Phyllis Bolinder

Jeanne’e O’Connell

Angie Goucher

Paul Caffelle-father of Jason Caffelle

Rachel Grabau-daughter of Russ & Marian

Grabau

Marilyn Gilmetti-Friend of The Thompsons

Lizzy Calisi & Patrick– Aunt & cousin of

Angie Goucher

Bob Lowe-friend of the Rovaldis

Sharon & Randall White-friends of Angie

Goucher

David & Lee Carlson-brother & sister-in-law

of Ruth Johnson

Ovita Crawford—daughter of Fran McFarland

Sharon Palumbo-friend of Jean-Ellen Ouellette-

Kenney

Maureen Pigeon-friend of Pat McAfee

Kevin Gagne-brother of Brian Gagne

Joanne Shotwell-daughter of Phyllis Nielsen

Whalen Goucher, son of Angelika Goucher Velia DeCarli-mother-in-law of Barbara

DeCarli

Gary Lennon-friend of Barbara DeCarli

Eleanor Havey-mother of Barbara DeCarli

Martha Myers-aunt of Sandy White

Tiffany Lindo-friend of the Caffelles

John Bordieri—friend of the MacNevins

Sylvia Foster-Aunt of Pr. Jeff

Pr. Ernest Ryden-friend of the Bjorklunds

And for a Special Measure of God’s grace upon:

Russ Grabau and Family on the death of his sister-in-law, Winifred Grabau

Captain Scott Friski-grandson of Phyllis Nielsen, Sgt. Erik Akerblom-stateside,

Sgt. Ryan R, Casey, USMC-stateside-grandson of Carole Casey

SPC Shawn Jenkins-stateside-son of Tana Jenkins,

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OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK

TODAY:

7:45 & 9:00 am Worship with Holy Communion

10:15 am Coffee & Fellowship—Parlor

11:00 am Church Picnic

4:00 –6:00 pm Confirmation Class at Holy Trinity, N. Easton

TUESDAY, September 20

6:30 pm Martha Guild Potluck Dinner

7:00 pm Trustees of the Permanent Fund Meeting

WEDNESDAY, September 21

10:00am Bible Study—Parlor—All Welcome

2:00 pm Food Delivery @ Food for Friends

6:30 pm Leadership Cabinet Meeting

FRIDAY, September 23

6:00 pm Children's Ark Preschool Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser

SATURDAY, September 24

9:00 am—2:00 pm Episcopal Confirmation

NEXT SUNDAY, September 25

7:45 & 9:00 am Worship with Holy Communion

10:15 am First Sunday of Sunday School

10:15 am Coffee & Fellowship—Parlor

3:00 pm Cornerstone Concert

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Friday, September 23: Children’s Ark Preschool Spaghetti Supper

Sunday, September 25: Cornerstone Concert: Sarah Pillow & Pr. Jeffrey Johnson

October 2: Episcopal Bishop Suffragan (ret.) Bud Cederholm will join us for the

Blessing of the Animals in honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4)

Watch future bulletins/Tidings for more details

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Martha Guild Pot Luck Supper

September 20, 2016 6:30 pm

Karen Pearson’s Home 145 Grange Park Bridgewater, MA

Please phone or e-mail Karen with what you are bringing: Phone: (508) 697-8486 or karenepe@aol.com

Last name A-L:

Meat or Meat

Dish

The Board will

bring desserts

NOTE D

ATE CH

ANGE Last name M-Z:

Vegetable or Salad

Please bring items

to support the

young children of

Ruth House.

Please join us in a fall trip to Plymouth on

Saturday, October 1 at 9:15 a.m.

We will dip our own

candles and create a

bracelet on an 18th

century loom

We will also hear

hauntingly unique

stories from

Plymouth’s past.

Please see the Martha Guild bulletin board

outside the church office for more details

and a sign up sheet. Fun for all ages!

Transportation will be available. Cost:

$10.00 per person