A Foretaste of the Coming Harvest

Pentecost begins with a rush–the rushing, life-giving wind of God’s Spirit. Now the latter part of the season of Pentecost centers on the lush green of growth and glorious yellow of harvest. We are constantly reminded that God has inexorably linked the experience of grace to the life and work of human beings.  It is ordinary for the community of faith to be about the work of God’s reign.  It is extraordinary that this labor bears the very power of the cross and resurrection.  This part of the Pentecost season pushes us to see our work as sacramental, an incarnational expression of Christ’s own life, death, and resurrection.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

We remember our baptisms, confess our faithlessness, 

and hear God’s faithful promise of forgiveness

Pastor:  Blessed be the holy Trinity:

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

who forgives all our sin,

whose mercy endures forever.

People:  Amen. 

Pastor: God of all mercy and consolation,

come to the aid of your people,

turning us from sin

to live for you alone.

Give us the power of your Holy Spirit

that, attentive to your Word,

we may confess our sins,

receive your forgiveness,

bear with one another in love,

maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,

and grow into the fullness of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord. 

People: Amen. 

Pastor: Let us confess our sin in the

presence of God and of one another.  Reconciling God, 

People: we confess that we are a rebellious people,

following our own desires rather than listening to your call.

We have counted ourselves better than others,

failing to seek justice and care for the neighbour in need.

We have sought earthly treasures,

neglecting your gifts of word and sacrament.

For the sake of Christ Jesus,

forgive our sins,

strengthen our faith,

and lead us by your Holy Spirit

to joyful service in your name.  Amen. 

Pastor: In the mercy of God,

I declare to you the forgiveness of all your sin.

In baptism, you have been crucified with Christ;

it is no longer you who live,

but Christ who lives in you.

People: Amen.

GATHERING

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL WITH PRAISE AND PRAYER,
AND PREPARE TO HEAR GOD’S WORD OF LIFE

GATHERING SONG

“Here I Am Lord”

[click on the link below]

GREETING

Pastor: Sisters and brothers, you have been called to freedom in Christ.

People: Let us live in that freedom and be lead by God’s Spirit.

Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

People: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY        

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 Saviour and Lord.   Amen.

Epistle Reading:   Philippians 2:1-13

Imitating Christ’s Humility

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
    did not regard equality with God
    as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
   taking the form of a slave,
   being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
   he humbled himself
   and became obedient to the point of death—
   even death on a cross. 

Therefore God also highly exalted him
   and gave him the name
   that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
   every knee should bend,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
   that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, 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; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 21:23-32

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

When he 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?’ Jesus 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. Did 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?” But if we say, “Of human origin”, we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.’ 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. 

The Parable of the Two Sons

‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which 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. For 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

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Will You Let Me Be Your Servant”

[click on the link below]

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

 Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Norm Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Hildegard Schneider (Renita Falkenstern’s mother), and the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Mabel Zolotarchuk (Circle West member), and the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen.

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge,  the refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in the United States suffering from hurricanes Laura and Sally and tropical storm Beta and the people of Atlantic Canada recovering from tropical storm Teddy, the people of California, Oregon, and Washington devastated by wildfires and smoke, those in the United States , Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, students, teachers, and staff at the re-opening of the school year, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “RENEW YOUR WHOLE CREATION.”]

Pastor:  Freed by Christ and led by the Spirit, let us pray in hope to our God of life for the Church, the world, and the needs of all people everywhere, saying, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and responding, “Renew your whole creation.”

Petitioner:  Loving God, through your Word, through baptism, and through your Supper you call us into the world for faithful service.  Remove our defiance, our inactivity, our willingness to blame others and to blame our circumstances.  Give us new hearts and new spirits so that by your Spirit we have the faith to love, to forgive, to pray, and to hope.     Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:   Reconciling God, pour out your mercy upon us when we stray to ways of sin and disobedience.  Turn us back to you.  Send your Spirit of forgiveness and renewal to all families, communities, and nations.  Reconcile us to one another, as you have graciously reconciled us to yourself.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:  Sustaining God, we pray for all who care for the gifts of creation which you have provided us.  Inspire people with innovative ways to reduce and reverse pollution that their work may be an example to inspire us to set aside selfish ambitions toward these resources and to renewed stewardship of natural resources for generations to come.  Come, Holy Spirit …

Pastor:   God of healing, deliver those in the depths of suffering or who are sorrowing in spirit, mind, and body.  We remember especially before you ….  Assure us all that Christ walks with us in our sorrow and suffering.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:  Christ of mission, help us in this community of faith to empty ourselves of our own selfish egos and pride.  Through your Spirit enable us to listen to your Gospel, trust it to work among us, and serve others with a self-giving love.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:  Good and gracious God, move the leaders of the world to strive to ensure that all have shelter, food, clothing, and medical care.  Place words of truth on the tongues of political, religious, and cultural leaders.  May they be agents of cooperation, justice and peace for all peoples.  Come, Holy Spirit…  

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. We especially remember students, teachers, and staff who will be going back to school. Bless everyone and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Come, Holy Spirit …

Pastor:  Empowering God, your gracious Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.  Keep us in the faith, call, gather, and enlighten us with your Word, search our hearts and renew our lives to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our living Lord.

People:  Amen.

Pastor: Let us pray with confidence in the words our Saviour gave us:

People: Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

  on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

  who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

BENEDICTION

Pastor: Almighty God, who makes all things new in Jesus Christ,

send you light and truth.

The providential hand of God protect you;

the life giving Christ accompany you;

and the sustaining presence of the Spirit

give you peace, now, and always.

People:   Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go in peace, renewed with Christ’s Spirit to love and to serve.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING UP AT KOG

On Sunday, October 4, King Of Glory will hold a service at St. David’s/Trinity.  The worship service with Communion will begin at 6:30.  There will also be a blessing of quilts and the installation of Church Council officers and members.  In order to hold this service we will have to follow the protocols set by the Province for holding a worship service.  The protocols and procedures are listed below:

October 4 is also the commemoration of St. Francis.  While we will recognize this in the service, because of distancing protocols we will not have a “Blessing of the Animals” during the service as we have had in past years.  Instead we are asking you to take a photo  with your cell phone of your pet, any animal, or anything you see to be a wonder of God’s marvelous creation and send it to Wayne Turner at turnerwt@gmail.com who will post the photos on the KOG facebook and website.

Because COVID cases are low in number The Church Council has decided that we will have in person worship services every other Sunday.  In person services will be held at St. David’s/Trinity at 6:30 on October, 4 and 18 and November 1, 15 and 29.  Should new case numbers spike or other unforeseen circumstances arise we will make the necessary modifications.

AIDS Saskatoon, now called Prairie Harm Reduction will not be holding an in-person community walk in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Instead, we are encouraging our walk participants to complete the walk whenever it works best for your schedule. Try connecting with your fundraising team or making time as a family to complete your walk. We would love for you to share your walk photos with us using #yxeAIDSWalk2020.  Pastor Michael has set up a King of Glory team (as in years past)  {Team name:  King of Glory Lutheran Church} to which we can contribute for the “Walk.”  The “Walk” is Sunday October 4.  To contribute to the team, Google Prairie Harm Reduction; click on “Find a Team or Person”, and for team, type: “King of Glory Lutheran Church.”  Then click on the name and it should take you to a box that says “Donate.”  click on it and make your contribution.

The draft website  for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic.  

August, September, and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: -$1,372.35

August income/expenses: $1498.57.

Contributions from August 2 through September 15: $6470.00

Contributions for CLWR:  $150

At the August 10 Church Council  meeting the following people were elected as Officers of the Council and Congregation:  Wayne Turner, Chairperson, Carol Sarich, Vice-chairperson, Evelyn Robson, Secretary, Pat Sarich, Co-treasurer, Vacant, Co-treasurer, Financial Secretary, Karen McKenzie.  Members at large are: Deryl Morgan, Jennipher Karst, and Kyle Sarich.  Thank you for your service and we pray for God’s blessings and the Spirit’s wisdom, understanding, and guidance on your ministry.

 Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is holding an online livestream fundraiser on Thursday, October 15^th from 7:00-8:00 p.m.  To view the broadcast visit http://www.NightTo RememberSK.ca   There will be an online auction a grand prize raffle and a 50/50 raffle, plus live entertainment from Jeffery Straker.  visit http://www.NightTo RememberSK.ca

Offerings.  

Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Checklist and Guidelines for Re-opening Worship Services

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc before the service

One person preps worship materials and conducts seating [pastor]

Pre-screening and Registration of attendees (if tracing is necessary)

Seating chart with six feet distancing (if tracing is necessary)

No sharing of pencils, pens, etc.

No serving of food or beverages

Try not to use the washrooms

Open doors and windows if possible

Use/wear face masks

Hand sanitizer available

No physical contact (e.g. sharing of the peace, no passing of offering plate)

No congregational singing 

Used material should be set aside for 72 hours (worship folders)

Communion procedure

remain seated

pastor brings elements in self-contained manner

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc after the service