KOG SERVICE FOR JULY 30, 2023

 The Extraordinary Gospel For Our Ordinary Lives

Pentecost begins with a rush–the rushing, life-giving wind of God’s Spirit. Yet, this extraordinary life in the Holy Spirit is in fact the ordinary experience of Christians. The Church year season of Pentecost recognizes that God’s Spirit breathes into us life-giving gifts to meet the tasks of each day.   Pentecost is a time to centre our lives more deeply in what God has given us and made of us.  Now, we reflect on whom God calls us to be, how to be God’s people in the world.  This extraordinary gift of Word and Spirit joined to the ordinary times of our lives will refresh, renew, restore, and recreate us and all God’s creation.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

We remember our baptisms, confess our faithlessness, 

and hear God’s faithful promise of forgiveness

Pastor: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,

Who greets us in this and every season,

Whose word never fails,

Whose promise is sure.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God

and of our neighbors.

Merciful God,

People: we confess that we have sinned.

We have hurt our community.

We have squandered your blessings.

We have hoarded your bounty.

In the name of Jesus,

forgive us and grant us your mercy.

(silence for reflection)

Pastor: Righteous God,

People: we confess that we have sinned.

We have failed to be honest.

We have lacked the courage to speak.

We have spoken falsely.

In the name of Jesus,

forgive us and grant us your mercy.

(silence for reflection)

Pastor: God offers boundless grace when fail.

Claim the gift of God’s mercy:

you are freed and forgiven

in the name of Jesus Christ.

People: Amen 

GATHERING

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

GREETING

Pastor: The grace and peace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, 

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.

People: And also with you

HYMN OF PRAISE

“Now the Feast and Celebration”

[click on the link below]

PRAYER OF THE DAY     

Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy.  By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may measure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.   Amen.

WORD

THE CHURCH HEARS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD ACTING
IN THIS AND EVERY TIME AND PLACE

FIRST READING  

1 Kings 3:5-12

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’ 

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. 

SECOND READING                                                                                                Romans 8:26-39                                                                                                                Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. 

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,
‘For your sake we are being killed all day long;
   we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

THE GOSPEL

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the thirteenth chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

(The Gospel is read.)

Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL READING                                                                                              Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52                                                                                                              He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ 

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ 

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. 

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ 

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Gather Us In”

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Kyrie Parimi, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Audrey Hedlin,  Mona Neher, Oma Ywo, Owen Peterson, Helga Halldorsdottir, Evaline Sanders, Wayne Andre, Cari Schappert, the family of baby Mavrick Gallant (Bev Gregory’s great-grandson), the family of Katherine Meger (Joshua Bratvold’s great grandmother), the family of Lois Jenkins (Ann Salmon’s mother), the family of Carl Rausch, the family of Janet Gregory (Bev Gregory’s sister in-law), the family of Robert Gregory (Bev Gregory’s brother in-law).    

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the children and people buried in unmarked graves at residential schools and First Nation lands, and all those who have suffered the trauma of residential schools, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, the fighting in Sudan, the flooding in South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Palestinians and Israelis, Ethiopia and Tigray, Myanmar and the Rohingya Muslim refugees, Lebanon, Niger, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the 100 million refugees and displaced persons, the 345 million people suffering from food insecurity, the people of Haiti suffering political disasters, those across Canada, Europe, especially Greece threatened by wildfires and smoke-filled air, the people in the southwestern U.S., Europe, and China at risk from a heatwave, the people devastated by flooding, and those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence.

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.  Through the cross and resurrection of Jesus you have promised that nothing can separate us from your love.  Send us your Spirit that we might more deeply know the treasure of your reign of love.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:   Faithful God, send the promise of peace and life to those who live in the fear of war, injustice and death.  Plant in the leaders of nations the small seed of hope to do that which grows and flourishes into safety, security, and well-being for all people.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:  God of reconciliation, you gather us around your word, your font, and your table.  Make us to be a community of grace and give us the faith, courage, patience, and vision to recognize and live out its mission and ministry.  Strengthen us all in our vocation of witness to one another and to the world and through actions to show the power of your love.   Come, Holy Spirit…

Pastor:   God of healing, comfort those who are ill, suffering, lonely, depressed, abused, or mourning.  We remember especially before you ….   Let all sense your healing presence.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:  Good and gracious God, we find the treasures of your grace in all your creation.  Help us, now, to treasure these gifts, to care for them , and to use them wisely, that they might be a blessing for all creation today and in the future.  Come, Holy Spirit…  

Petitioner:  Christ of mission, your parables show us the humble and unexpected nature of your rule of grace.  Send your life-giving Word and Spirit upon our congregations of Trinity, Resurrection, St. David’s/Trinity, and King of Glory to engage our hearts, minds, and lives to be set free for service in your gracious reign over all people and all creation.  Come, Holy Spirit…

Petitioner:  Good and gracious God,  give us times of refreshment and peace in the course of this busy life.  Protect and keep safe all who travel.  Help us to use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds that we may be opened to the goodness of your creation and well rested for our continuing service to you.  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.

THANKSGIVING


THE COMMUNITY PRAISES GOD FOR THE GRACIOUS GIFTS OF CREATION
AND THE SAVING DEEDS OF JESUS CHRIST

THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE

Pastor: Sisters and brothers, rejoice, encourage one another, live in peace.
God through Christ has given us the gift of reconciliation.

People: Therefore, let us be reconciled to God and to one another.

Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And also with you.

(If with others greet one another with a gesture of peace, using these or similar words: “Christ’s peace be with you.”)

THE OFFERING

(We worship God with the offering of our selves, our time, our talents, and our possessions.)

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray.
Blessed are you, O God,

People: ruler of heaven and earth.  

Day by day you shower us with blessings.

As you have raised us to new life in Christ,

give us glad and generous hearts.

May these gifts be signs of our whole lives returned to you,

dedicated to the healing and unity of all creation,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Pastor: Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:

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.

SENDING


ALL RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF GOD, LEAVE IN PEACE,
AND ARE SENT OUT TO SERVE

BENEDICTION

Pastor: The God of life, who has called you to eternal life in Christ,

lift you up and restore you to wholeness.

People: Amen.

Pastor:  Jesus Christ, the Living Word,

bless you and send you to be his witnesses.

People:  Amen.

Pastor:  God the Holy Spirit, who renews the whole earth,

refresh, restore, support, and strengthen you this day and always.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“God of Grace and God of Glory”

DISMISSAL

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

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY AT KOG                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

– Coffee Social after the service, hosted by Carol Sarich

THIS WEEK AT KOG                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

COMING UP AT KOG                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       – Wednesday, August 23, Church Council meeting via Zoom, 7:30 p.m.                  – Saturday, August 26, Men’s Breakfast Out at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar Avenue, 8:30 a.m

Thank you to everyone for your donations supporting On Eagle’s Wings and their Summer Bible Camps in the North.  $967 has been donated.  Thank you for your generosity.

June, July, and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG

2023 Budget:  $50,471       Monthly Budget:  $4,260     Weekly Budget:  $971

2023 income/expenses: -$367.46

May income/expenses: -$1,949.29                                                                                           Weekly contributions for June:   June 4: $820   June 11: $20  June 18 and 25: $255

Weekly contributions for July:  July 1 through 16: $312    July 23: $985 

Pastor Michael and Renita will be on holidays from August 6-16.  For pastoral concerns you can contact Pastor Michael at 306-270-8582.

Thank you to all involved in the quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory and their friends.  34 quilts will be distributed between LutherCare Community, community schools, and the Health Centre. Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Carol Sarich, Marge McMillan, Lois Rombough, and Sherry Andrews and to Irma and Elwood for their abundant generosity in donating fabric. 

Devastating floods in Jonglei State, South Sudan have uprooted the lives of over 400,000 people, forcing them to flee to higher ground or neighbouring areas. By working closely with our partners, we aim to support 1,485 vulnerable households, prioritizing female-headed households, children, pregnant and lactating women, disabled individuals, and the elderly.

Your generous contribution of just $45 can provide food assistance to a family for one month. Additionally, a gift of $10 can provide a fishing kit to help families whose land has been flooded.

 Please consider giving what you can by calling our office at 1-800-661-2597, or by visiting www.clwr.org/southsudan.

July and August Worship Schedule

August 6, Resurrection Lutheran Church 10:00 a.m310 Lenore Drive
August 13, Resurrection Lutheran Church 10:00 a.m310 Lenore Drive
August 20, Resurrection Lutheran Church 10:00 a.m310 Lenore Drive
August 27, Trinity Lutheran Church10:30 a.m.419 Avenue E North

Weekday Worship Volunteers for Saskatoon Hospitals                                                     The interdenominational worship committee for Saskatoon hospitals is looking for volunteers to assist with weekday worship services.  Since the pausing of denominational volunteers in 2020, our list of contacts has become very short!  There are immediate opportunities for musicians to provide worship music, leaders to plan and lead worship, patient porters (to wheel patients to and from service), and communion assistants (when holy communion is celebrated).  Training and support to navigate in the hospital worship environment will be provided.  For more information, please contact Pastor Richard Engel, interdenominational worship coordinator, at 306-229-1663 (call or text) or, email at chaplain@luminhos.org.  

LuMinHoS Volunteer Recruitment                                                                        Looking for a flexible and impactful volunteer opportunity in the wider church?  Do you have experience or a desire to lift up those who are not feeling well?  Lutheran Ministry in Hospitals of Saskatoon (LuMinHoS) needs volunteers to visit patients in Saskatoon hospitals and residents in Parkridge Center.  Previous experience with hospital/care home visitation would be an asset.  However, a willingness to learn the ministry of presence, and a desire to share the comfort of Christ with others, are the only prerequisites!  For more information, please contact Pastor Richard Engel, Hospital Chaplain, at 306-229-1663 (call or text).  Or, email at chaplain@luminhos.org

Offerings.  

Even though we are not all meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that 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.

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