FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 109 West Third Avenue, Warren, Pennsylvania

Phone: (814) 723-6450 Fax: (814) 723-0935

Email Office: jess@firstlutheranwarren.com Website: www.flcwarren.com

The Rev. Jeffrey B. Ewing, Pastor pastorjeff@firstlutheranwarren.com

Jack Hemink, Director of Music Julie Baughman, accompanist

Cheri Kellogg, Director of Children, Youth and Family

17th Sunday after Pentecost September 27, 2020

Now the Feast and Celebration Liturgy

Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God.

In the reading from Ezekiel the people claim the ways of the Lord are unfair, while God offers

repentance and new life. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting 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.

*Indicates the congregation is invited to stand as you are able.

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Be sure to have your mask on as you enter and exit the building

and continue to practice social distancing!

UPDATED PROTOCOLS FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP

As we continue to navigate the coronavirus crisis, and due to concerns

with singing during worship (which we will continue), church council

has set in place enhanced protocols for in-person worship:

1. Seating has been adjusted to provide more space between congregants for a safer

worship environment.

2. After the early service, used pews will be sanitized.

3. Please keep all of your personal effects with you as you enter the building. 4. If you have picked a hymnbook, please remember to set it on the table near the

exit door as you leave. 5. Offering trays are at the entrance and exit. As always, thank you for supporting

the work of bringing God’s love to all people! 6. During worship, the Peace will be shared in a nonphysical manner (bowing,

peace sign, etc…)

7. Pastor and Worship Assistant will move between the pews to distribute communion.

o If you do not wish to receive the sacraments, please indicate so by crossing your arms across your chest.

o The Host will be dropped into hands. o Communion wine will be pre-poured and placed in trays with cups

spaced apart. Place empty cups back in the same spot from where they were taken.

8. During the Postlude, please wait for an usher to dismiss you from the sanctuary. The exit door is near the choir room.

9. Congregants are encouraged to wear their mask while singing.

We’re so glad you’re here!

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WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE O God, Thou Faithful God Mark Thewes

*CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

who creates, redeems, and sustains us and all of creation.

Amen.

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

Silence is kept for reflection.

Faithful God,

have mercy on us.

We confess that we are captive to sin

and cannot free ourselves.

We turn from your loving embrace

and go our own ways.

We pass judgment on one another

before examining ourselves.

We place our own needs before those of our neighbors.

We keep your gift of salvation to ourselves.

Make us humble, cast away our transgressions,

and turn us again to life in you

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God hears the cries of all who call out in need,

and through his death and resurrection,

Christ has made us his own.

Hear the truth that God proclaims:

Your sins are forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ.

Led by the Holy Spirit, live in freedom and newness

to do God’s work in the world.

Amen.

*HYMN Come, Ye Disconsolate #607 1. Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish; come to the mercy-seat, fervently kneel. Her

bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot heal.

2. Joy of the desolate, light of the straying, hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure; here speaks

the Comforter, tenderly saying, “Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot cure.

3. Here see the Bread of life; see waters slowing forth from the throne of God, pure from above.

Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing earth has no sorrow but heav’n can remove.

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*GREETING

P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy

Spirit be with you all.

C: And also with you.

KYRIE

A: In peace, in peace,

A: For the Reign of God, and for peace throughout the world, for the unity of

all…(Refrain)

A: For your people here, who have come to give you praise, for the strength to live your

Word…(Refrain)

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GLORY TO GOD

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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 Savior and Lord.

Amen.

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Ezekiel challenges those who think they cannot change because of what their parents were and did, or who

think they cannot reverse their own previous behavior. God insistently invites people to turn and live. 1The 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

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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? 26When 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. 27Again, 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. 31Cast 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.

A: The Word of God. The Word of life.

C: Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 25:1-9 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love. (Ps 25:6)

1To | you, O LORD,

I lift | up my soul.

2My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be | put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph | over me.

3Let none who look to you be | put to shame;

rather let those be put to shame | who are treacherous.

4Show me your | ways, O LORD,

and teach | me your paths. R

5Lead me in your | truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all | the day long.

6Remember, O LORD, your compas- | sion and love,

for they are from | everlasting.

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7Remember not the sins of my youth and | my transgressions;

remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your good- | ness,

O LORD.

8You are gracious and up- | right, O LORD;

therefore you teach sinners | in your way.

9You lead the low- | ly in justice

and teach the low- | ly your way. R

Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-13 As part of a call for harmony rather than self-seeking, Paul uses a very early Christian

hymn that extols the selflessness of Christ in his obedient death on the cross. Christ’s

selfless perspective is to be the essential perspective we share as the foundation for

Christian accord.

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. 3Do 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,

6who, 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.

9Therefore 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.

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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.

A: The Word of God. The Word of life.

C: Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL VERSE

P: The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 21st chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 21:23-32 After driving the moneychangers out of the temple (21:12), Jesus begins teaching there. His

authority is questioned by the religious leaders, who are supposed to be in charge of the

temple. 23When [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.” 27So 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.

28“What 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

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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.”

P: The Word of God. The Word of life.

C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Rev Ardelle Mason

Silence for reflection may follow.

*HYMN OF THE DAY Change My Heart o God #801

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God; may I be like you.

You are the potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me; this is what I pray.

Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God; may I be like you.

APOSTLES’ CREED

Assistant: Let us confess our faith using the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

Congregation: 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.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Drawn together in the compassion of God, we pray for the church, the world, and all

those in need.

A brief silence.

In all the world, give your church unity. Inspire all the baptized with the mind of Christ.

Where the church is powerful and where it struggles, shape us with humility and

obedience so that your love may be at work in us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

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Your Son took on all of bodily life in our world, even to death. Preserve and keep your

creation, O God. Mend and redeem places that are polluted and damaged, so that all of

creation confesses you as Lord. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Turn the nations toward life. Where our ways are unfair, give us new hearts and new

spirits. Where sin permeates our cultures and institutions (especially), change our minds

and teach us to trust your authority. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Our lives are yours, O God. Relieve the suffering of those who are ill in body, mind, or

spirit. Defend the lives and welfare of children who are abused or neglected, hungry or

exploited, bullied or lonely. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Turn this congregation away from our own interests toward the interests of others. Fill us

with your compassion and sympathy. Bless ministries of care in our community

(especially); make us into signs of your mercy and justice for our neighbors. Lord, in

your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Thank you for those who have gone into the kingdom ahead of us—tax collectors and

prostitutes, likely and unlikely, obedient and slow to learn. By their witness, teach us to

confess Jesus Christ as Lord in life and in death. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

All these things and whatever else you see that we need, we entrust to your mercy;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SHARING THE PEACE

P: The peace of the Lord is with you always.

C: And also with you.

MEAL_____________________________________

OFFERING

Offering plates are available at the entrance and exit doors for in-person worship.

We also encourage you to consider mailing your normal offering to the church (109 West Third Avenue), give through your bank or our website at

flcwarren.com/give.

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OFFERTORY

[8:00AM] Faithful Service Dom Paul Benoit

[11:00 AM] God of Great and God of Small Natalie Sleeth

Choir Enemble

*AS THE GRAINS OF WHEAT is sung by the congregation as the gifts are presented.

*OFFERTORY PRAYER

P: Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.

C:You have set before us these gifts of your good creation.

Prepare us for your heavenly banquet,

nourish us with this rich food and drink,

and send us forth to set tables in the midst of a suffering world,

through the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

*GREAT THANKSGIVING

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Presider: It is our duty and delight… we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

*HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

The minister continues with the Eucharistic prayer.

*EUCHARISTIC ACCLAMATION 2

Presider: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

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*EUCHARISTIC ACCLAMATION 3

Presider: Amen. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.

*THROUGH CHRIST, WITH CHRIST, IN CHRIST

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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

P: The gifts of God for the people of God.

C: Thanks be to God.

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As Lutherans we believe that Jesus is present in the elements of communion, bringing

forgiveness and new life to all who receive it. The table is open to everyone, and the gift is

always given, never taken. Simply make a cradle with your hand(s) as you receive the

bread. Gluten free wafers and grape juice (in the center of the tray) are available. The

proper response after receiving both the gift of bread and wine is “Amen.”

For our friends who are not celebrating communion, simply fold your arms across your

chest and receive a blessing.

LAMB OF GOD

COMMUNION MUSIC Master, Let Me Walk With You #818

1. O Master, Let me walk with you in lowly paths of service true; tell me your secret;

help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.

2. Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; teach me the

wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.

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3. Teach me your patience; share with me a closer, dearer company, in work that keeps

faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong.

4. In hope that sends a shining ray far down the future’s broad’ning way, in peace that

only you can give; with you, O Master, let me live.

P: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gifts of his body and blood strengthen,

keep and unite us, now and forever.

C: Amen.

*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

P:We give you thanks, gracious God,

C: that you have once again fed us with food beyond compare,

the body and blood of Christ.

Lead us from this place, nourished and forgiven,

into your beloved vineyard

to wipe away the tears of all who hunger and thirst,

guided by the example of Jesus Christ

and led by the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen.

*BLESSING

P: Mothering God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you and lead you into the way

of truth and life.

C: Amen.

SENDING

*HYMN Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ #674

1. Let us talents and tongues employ, reaching out with a shout of joy: bread is broken,

the wine is poured, Christ is spoken and seen and heard. Jesus lives again, earth can

breathe again, pass the Word around: loaves abound.

2. Christ is able to make us one, at the table he sets the tone, teaching people to live to

bless, love in word and in deed express. Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again, pass

the Word around: loaves abound.

3. Jesus calls us in, sends us out bearing fruit in a world of doubt, gives us love to tell,

bread to share: God (Immanuel) ev’rywhere. Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again,

pass the Word around: loaves abound.

P: Go in peace to love and serve all people!

C: Thanks be to God!!

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POSTLUDE Toccata Brilliante Ben Logan

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2019 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg

Fortress Liturgies Annual License #42272.New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of

the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Altar Flowers Given by Phil Howard in loving memory of

Lillian & Emery Jensen and Eva & Clifford Howard.

Given by Mary Donaldson in honor of Jack Hemink.

Prayer Requests: servicemen & women, especially Andrew Shodi, Swede Backhus, Adam &

Ben Frederick, Eric Smith, Shane Simpson, Curtis & Annie Royek, Ty Elmquist, Matt Pierotti

September 27: Ryder Check, Greg Nagurney, Connie & Bob Buerkle, Rod Anderson,

Bob Engstrom, Ralph Farone, Vera Kellogg, Steve Hoden, Deanna Lent, Nancy Clark,

September 20: Elizabeth Donovan, Sylar Moore, Sharyn Stone, Diane Murray, Nathan

Brooks, Marcia Granger, Gail Larson, Janet Wilson, Kathy Betts, Gloria Kirkwood, Janet Savko,

Bethena Boger, Ezra Knox, & Ron Knox, and Don Reed

September 13: Brianna Coursey, Mary Edwards, David Nelson, Susan Peterson, Bonnie

Parker, Margie Belsole, Pete Peterson, Marsha Keller, Mia, Karen Schumacher, Shirley Brown,

Lynn Hessley, Kim Tome, and Lutheran Home in Kane

Serving Today September 27 October 4 CANTOR (8 AM) John Beard John Beard

(11 AM) Brenda Hunter Colleen Witmer

ASSISTING (8 AM) Elizabeth Dustin Kris Whitaker

MINISTERS (11 AM) Joan Griesbach Keith Hedges

Ushers: (8AM) Barry and Irene Keller

(11AM) Bob Gregersen, Al Dennis, and Jim Moore

Altar Guild: (8AM) Irene Keller and Carolyn Worley

(11AM) Lori Howard and RoseMary Landon

Techie: Denise Whipp

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PUBLIC WORSHIP HAS RETURNED at 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. If you are comfortable coming to worship, you MUST call the church office from 9 a.m. to noon or 1p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and speak directly with Jess for reservations. If you call on these days and worship is

filled for the upcoming Sunday, you will be the first on the list for the following week. If you call on Thursday or Friday and there is room for the upcoming Sunday’s service, we will reserve your spot. However, if worship for that Sunday is full, you will need to call the following week for a reservation. If you feel uncomfortable joining us for live worship but would like to celebrate communion, please call the church office and we will arrange for Pastor Jeff to bring it to you.

STEWARDSHIP: Thank you to everyone who has

continued to support First Lutheran through offerings online,

through your banks, in person and by mail - your gifts are a

great help to the congregation. We understand that many

people's work and financial situations have been affected

and/or are uncertain right now, but if you are in a position to

continue your tithes and offerings to First, please do so.

While the forms of our ministry have changed in this time of

COVID, the work of loving, caring for, and supporting our neighbors near and far continues in

earnest. Being good stewards of what God has entrusted us with, we continue to support missions

and here in Warren and around the world through the ELCA. This is what family does. We are

all in this together! Thank you as always for the gifts you share, and the gift you are, to First

Lutheran.

FRIDAY NIGHT OUT is changing the day again! For

October only, we will dine on SATURDAY October 17th at

Richard's Restaurant in Youngsville at 6PM. They are able to

space us out and accommodate our group on a Saturday night

better than on a Friday. We'll order off the menu. Be sure to

sign up in the narthex!.

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION ANNUAL SAUERKRAUT SUPPER IS A GO…

WITH TAKE-OUT!! This year’s LMM Kraut dinner – SET FOR TUESDAY,

OCTOBER 20TH FROM 5:03 – 6:47 P.M. - will be take out ONLY! Simply call

the church office (723-6450) to make a pick-up time (5:03 – 5:30, 5:31- 6:00, or 6:01

– 6:47) and let Jess know the number of meals you need. On the 20th, pull up to the

sidewalk in the church parking lot DURING YOUR PICK-UP TIME and we will bring your

meal(s) out to you! Donations are always happily accepted and will be used to help a local

family or organization!

PS – Calling all guys - if you can help with meal prep and delivery, please call the church

and let Pastor Jeff know.

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ALL WOMEN WELCOME! We are excited to be able to

announce that we will resume meeting in September! Please join

us this Monday, September 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in Niewoehner

Hall. We will be socially distancing and wearing masks. A snack will be provided, but please

bring your own beverage. We have missed each other so much during these unusual times; it will

be so good to come together as sisters in Christ once again. We will learn about our first ever

"Virtual Prayer Retreat" that took place on September 18th & 19th.

BUDGET REQUESTS for 2021 are due by October 5th. Please e-mail Don

Reed at dreed107@verizon.net or drop your hard copy off at the church by

then.

IT’S OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD AGAIN!!! Are you a person

who loves children and is passionate about spreading the word of GOD? If

you are, grab a shoebox and decide to buy for a girl or boy or BOTH. Fill

the box with toys, little balls, sunglasses, books, coloring books, crayons,

etc.… along with $9 per box for the shipping costs. If you feel more

comfortable, go to samaritanspurse.org/occ and you can create a shoebox online, or drop your

donation off at the church office and Cheri will go shop for you. You can drop the shoeboxes

on the table in the Narthex or drop them off in Cheri’s office. Let us make some children

happy and smile this Christmas! Can we collect more than 50 shoeboxes this year? How

GREAT would that be! The last days to bring in the shoeboxes will be Sunday, Nov. 22nd.

Any questions please give Cheri a call at 723-6450.

BOOKS AVAILABLE Due to expanded interest, we’ve ordered additional

copies of Moral Leadership for a Divided Age, the book that our adult Sunday

School class is studying. Persons are welcome to stop by the church office to pick

up a book to read. All are always welcome to join the class discussion Sunday

mornings at 9:30 either socially distanced in Niewoehner Hall or through Zoom.

Any questions contact leader Jim Pearson at 757-9451.

GROWING IN CHRIST TREE. Be sure to check out the growing in Christ Tree on

the kids’ bulletin board. While you are there pick up a leaf to add to their tree. Be

sure to decorate your leaf so it is as unique as you are and write on it what your

favorite part of school was or is. As the seasons change be sure to keep an eye out for

what others have added or what other changes our tree may develop!

LOVE INC is need of an electric stove, beds, mattresses, box springs (queen and full),

dressers, and end tables. If you are able to donate, please call the Love INC office at

814-563-3394.

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HP/Hansen Parlor; NH/Niewoehner Hall; OFH/Old Fellowship Hall, YR/Youth Room

Sunday, Sep 27 17th Sunday after Pentecost

8:00AM Communion Service

9:30AM Adult Sunday School

11:00AM Communion Service

6:30PM Narcotics Anonymous (YR)

Monday, Sep 28 1:00 PM Women of the ELCA (NH)

6:30PM Narcotics Anonymous (OFH)

7:00PM Music and Worship (NH)

Tuesday, Sep 29 7:00PM Narcotics Anonymous (YR)

7:00PM Genealogy (NH)

Wednesday Sep 30 MUSIC WEDNESDAY

9:00AM Workshop (OFH)

NOON Bible Study (NH)

5:00 PM Hospice Yoga (OFH)

5:15 PM Handbells

6:00PM Narcotics Anonymous (OFH)

Thursday, Oct 1 10:00AM Prayer Shawl (HP)

6:00PM Narcotics Anonymous (OFH)

6:30PM Hospice Meeting (HP)

Friday, Oct 2 7:00PM Narcotics Anonymous (OFH)

Saturday, Oct 3 6:30PM Narcotics Anonymous (OFH)

Sunday, Oct 4 18th Sunday after Pentecost

8:00AM Communion Service

9:30AM Adult Sunday School

11:00AM Communion Service