Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost — August 16, 2020

Today’s Theme for Worship: God lovingly provides for all our physical and spiritual needs.

Opening Hymn: 478 With the Lord Begin Your Task

1 With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it.

For his aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it.

Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And, when day is ended,

In his name then close your eyes; Be to him commended.

2 Let each day begin with prayer, Praise and adoration.

On the Lord cast ev’ry care; He is your salvation.

Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near you,

Save you from the tempter’s might, With his presence cheer you.

3 With your Savior at your side Foes need not alarm you;

In his promises confide And no ill can harm you.

All your trust and hope repose In the mighty Master,

Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster.

4 If your task is thus begun With the Savior’s blessing,

Safely then your course will run, Naught your soul distressing.

Good will follow ev’rywhere While you here must wander;

You at last the joy will share In the mansions yonder.

Text: Morgen-und Abend-segen, Waldenburg, 1734, abr.; tr. W. Gustave Polack

P: The grace of our Lord + Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

Confession of Sins

P: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.

P: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.

C: Amen.

P: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

♬ Oh Taste And See

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.

Bless-ed are they who take re-fuge in him.

Your Word, O Lord, is e-ter-nal;

it stands firm in the heav-ens.

Your faith-ful-ness con-tin-ues for-ev-er.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.

Bless-ed are they who take re-fuge in him.

Prayer of the Day

P: Let us Pray.

O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: ♬ Amen.

First Lesson: Isaiah 55:1-5

God calls those who are hungry and thirsty to come, and he will satisfy their needs.

Hey, all of you who are thirsty, come to the water,

even if you have no money!

Come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

²Why do you spend money on something that is not bread,

Why do you waste your labor on something that does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good.

Satisfy your appetite with rich food.

³Turn your ear toward me, and come to me.

Listen, so that you may continue to live.

Yes, I will make an everlasting covenant with you,

the faithful mercies promised to David.

⁴Look, I appointed him as a witness for peoples,

a leader and commander of peoples.

⁵Look, you will call out to a nation you do not know,

and a nation that does not know you will run to you,

on account of the Lord your God,

because of the Holy One of Israel,

for he has glorified you.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 23 You Are My Shepherd – Special Music

Refrain

You are my shepherd, my rock and my refuge.

You are my strength, my shield, my song.

You give me rest; you give me comfort.

Nothing more shall I want, nothing more shall I want.

You spread a table before me as my foes look on.

You soothe my head with oil.

My cup is more than full, more than full.

Refrain

You are my shepherd, my rock and my refuge.

You are my strength, my shield, my song.

You give me rest; you give me comfort.

Nothing more shall I want, nothing more shall I want.

Goodness and love will always tend me everyday of my life.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord

as long as I shall live, shall I live.

Refrain

You are my shepherd, my rock and my refuge.

You are my strength, my shield, my song.

You give me rest; you give me comfort.

Nothing more shall I want, nothing more shall I want.

You guide me along straight pathways.

You are true to your name.

Though I should walk in death’s dark valley

your staff will comfort me, comfort me.

Refrain

You are my shepherd, my rock and my refuge.

You are my strength, my shield, my song.

You give me rest; you give me comfort.

Nothing more shall I want, nothing more shall I want.

Second Lesson: Romans 8:35-39

Paul assures us that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love God has given us in Christ.

³⁵What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶Just as it is written:

For your sake we are being put to death all day long.

We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Verse:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish.
¹³When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns.

¹⁴When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. ¹⁵When evening came, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place and the hour is already late. Send the crowds away, so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

¹⁶But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

¹⁷They told him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”

¹⁸“Bring them here to me,” he replied. ¹⁹Then he instructed the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish. After looking up to heaven, he blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples. The disciples gave the food to the people. ²⁰They all ate and were filled. They picked up twelve basketfuls of what was left over from the broken pieces. ²¹Those who ate were about five thousand men, not even counting women and children. C: ♬ Praise be to you, O Christ!

Hymn of the Day: 480 Almighty Father, Heaven and Earth

1 Almighty Father, heav’n and earth

With lavish wealth before you bow;

Those treasures owe to you their birth,

So richly furnished for us now.

2 The wealth of earth, of sky, of sea,

The gold, the silver, sparkling gem,

The waving corn, the bending tree

Are yours; you are but lending them.

3 To you, as early morning’s dew,

Our praises, gifts, and prayers shall rise

As rose, when joyous earth was new,

Faith’s patriarchal sacrifice.

4 We, Lord, would lay, at your request,

The costliest off’rings on your shrine,

And when we give and give our best,

We but return your gifts divine.

5 O Father, whence all blessings come,

O Son, Dispenser of God’s store,

O Spirit, bear our off’rings home-

Lord, make them yours forevermore!

Text: Edward A. Dayman, 1807-90, alt.

Sermon

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Offering Prayer

Electronic Giving! You can give your offerings from your smartphone with the GivePlusChurch app, which can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the App Store. You can also give at holytrinitylutheranwyoming.com by clicking the Offerings link at the top of the page or scan the QR code below. If you have any questions about any of these options, please contact Dave Conrad at dconrad765@gmail.com or 616-406-7172

Prayer of the Church

Installation of Mr. Luke Scherschel – Principal

INSTALLATION OF A TEACHER

This rite is intended for use when a teacher or principal is installed at a congregation.

Commissioning’s and installations are administered under the authorization of the district president.

The teacher presents himself before the altar.

The installing minister addresses the congregation.

M: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said to his Church: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

A Christian school is one way we carry out our Lord's command as we let children come to him and do not hinder them but rather nurture them with the life-giving Word of God. We do this trusting God's promise: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

EXHORTATION TO THE TEACHER-ELECT

M: Dear Brother in Christ, Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church has called you to serve as principal and teacher. You have been prepared for this ministry by careful instruction in the Word of God so that you carry out your duties in conformity with that Word.

As an ambassador of Christ, you are to teach the pure doctrine of God's Word, to instruct the young in the way of salvation, and always to have in your heart the spiritual welfare of every soul under your care.

You are to devote yourself to the meditation and study of the Scriptures. You and your family are to be an example to others in godliness and Christian living, putting no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that the ministry will not be discredited.

You are to speak the truth in love, as the apostle Peter reminds us: "Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever."

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

The ability to carry out this calling is not in us but comes alone from God, as St. Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians: "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."

The Holy Spirit, who himself has called you to this ministry, will be with you.

PROMISES BY THE TEACHER-ELECT

M: In keeping with the Word and will of the Lord, you are about to be installed as principal and teacher at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church . I ask you in the presence of God and this congregation:

Are you fully determined to carry out this work according to the grace which God will give?

R: l am.

M: Do you believe that the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice?

R: I do.

M: Do you accept the three Ecumenical Creeds-the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian-as faithful testimonies to the truth of the Holy Scriptures, and do you reject all the errors which they condemn?

R: I do.

M: Do you solemnly promise that all your teaching will conform to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions?

R: I do.

M: Will you give faithful witness to Christ in the world that God's love may be known in all that you do and say?

R: I will, and I ask God to help me.

M: Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them.

EXHORTATION TO THE CONGREGATION

M: Brothers and sisters in Christ, you have heard the solemn promise given by the principal you have called. I urge you, therefore, to receive him with joy and to keep in mind always what the Word of God expects of you as members this congregation:

Work together with him for our Lord's kingdom so that by your works of service the body of Christ might be built up.

Help him by your word and example in teaching the young, remembering how the Scriptures urge you to bring up your children in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Pray for him continually, that his ministry among you may be greatly blessed and that he may have a cheerful spirit in all his duties.

Provide also for his physical needs, for the Lord says, "The worker deserves his wages."

Honor and love him, as the apostle Peter urges, "Live in harmony with one an another be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble."

PROMISES BY THE CONGREGATION

M: I now ask you in the presence of God:

Are you willing to receive him as a servant of Christ? Will you show him love and honor and support him with your gifts and prayer? If so, answer: we will, and we ask God to help us.

C: We will, and ask God to help us.

M: The almighty and merciful God strengthen and assist you always.

The minister addresses the students.

M: Students of Holy Trinity, Jesus our Savior has promised eternal life to those who trust in him. Show your love to Jesus by cheerfully obeying your principal and teacher, so that you benefit from his instruction, especially as he teaches you God's saving Word. Give him honor and respect, so that his work will be a joy for him and an eternal blessing to you.

The teacher--elect kneel

INSTALLATION

The installing minister, laying his right hand on the head of the teacher--elect, says:

Luke Scherschel, I install you as principal and teacher at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

May the Lord pour out on you his Holy Spirit for the work committed to you, that you may faithfully proclaim the gospel.

The teacher stands.

PRAYER

One of the following prayers is said.

M: Let us pray.

M: O Holy Spirit, you supply the Church with the gifts of leadership and administration, that the body of Christ may grow up into him who is her head. We ask you to guide and bless our principal as he begins the work you have entrusted to him. As he studies the Scriptures, equip him with your wisdom for the decisions he must make. Give him a spirit of cooperation as he works with the pastor, the Board for Christian Education, and the members of the congregation to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. May he lead the members of his staff to work together in harmony so that the work of the kingdom prospers and your name is honored. Remind him that you intercede for him as he prays so that he may be confident of the Father’s help and guidance in his work. Finally, give him a spirit of love for students, coworkers, and members of this congregation so that your love for us in Christ Jesus may be reflected in all he does. In Jesus’ name we ask all this.

LORD'S PRAYER

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.

M: Go, then take up the work to which you have been called.

The Lord bless you and make you a blessing to many, that you may bear fruit and that your fruit may remain to eternal life.

Hymn: 561 Lord, Speak to Us that We May Speak

1 Lord, speak to us that we may speak

In living echoes of your tone.

As you have sought, so let us seek

Your straying children, lost and lone.

2 Oh, lead us, Lord, that we may lead

The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.

Oh, feed us, Lord, that we may feed

Your hung’ring ones with manna sweet.

3 Oh, teach us, Lord, that we may teach

The precious truths which you impart,

And wing our words that they may reach

The hidden depths of many a heart.

4 Oh, fill us with your fullness, Lord,

Until our very hearts o’erflow

In kindling thought and glowing word

Your love to tell, your praise to show.

Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836-79, abr., alt.

Prayer and Blessing

P: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

P: Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: ♬ A-men.

P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and + give you peace.

C: ♬ A-men, A-men, A-men

Closing Hymn: 752 In Christ Alone

1. In Christ alone my hope is found.

He is my light, my strength, my song;

This cornerstone, this solid ground,

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my all in all,

Here in the love of Christ I stand.

2. In Christ alone who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love and righteousness,

Scorned by the ones he came to save.

Till on that cross, as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied;

For ev'ry sin on him was laid.

Here in the death of Christ I live.

3. There in the ground his body lay,

Light of the world by darkness slain;

Then bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave he rose again!

And as he stands in victory,

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me.

For I am his and he is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

4. No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the pow'r of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny.

No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from his hand;

Till he returns or calls me home,

Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.