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209 Colorado Avenue

Ames, IA 50014 office@standrewsames.org - 515-292-2131 - www.standrewsames.org

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THE 15th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ~ September 5, 2021

Pastor Sonja Gerstenberger

No Matter Where You Are On Life’s Journey, You Are Welcome Here!

We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In keeping with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, we joyfully and unconditionally welcome all people of any age, gender identity, race, culture, ability, or sexual orientation into our community of faith and affirm the worth of all people as unique individuals made in God's image. We are open to the special gifts that each person brings and invite each to participate in the life of our church.

PRELUDE MUSIC

Fugue in F Minor Charles Burney

WELCOME

❖ Welcome to worship. We are SO glad you are here. If this is your first time worshipping with us, please reach out and let us know, either introduce yourself in the YouTube Livestream, to an usher, to Pastor Sonja or by contacting the church office so we can answer any questions and connect with you. There is a place for you here.

❖ Bathrooms – Down the hall, turn left toward the offices and then take your first right. ❖ We LOVE kids in worship! Should you need to step away, a Nursery is available

down the hall from the bathrooms. We hope to staff our nursery soon, but it is currently unstaffed.

❖ Covid Precautions – Due to infection rates in Story County, and guidance from the

CDC, masks and social distancing are required during worship. During fellowship hour we request that people stay masked unless seated at their tables eating.

❖ Bulletins can be recycled in the bins in the narthex with the Green Recycle Labels.

Please do not place anything other than paper in these bins. Please join us for coffee, snacks, & fellowship after worship in the Fellowship Hall.

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GATHERING

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GATHERING HYMN ELW 858

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CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

Blessed be the holy Trinity,☩ one God, the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy. Amen. Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance, let us confess our sin. God, our provider, help us. It is hard to believe there is enough to share. We question your ways when they differ from the ways of the world in which we live. We turn to our own understanding rather than trusting in you. We take offense at your teachings and your ways. Turn us again to you. Where else can we turn? Share with us the words of eternal life and feed us for life in the world. Amen. Beloved people of God: in Jesus, the manna from heaven, you are fed and nourished. By Jesus, the worker of miracles, there is always more than enough. Through Jesus, ☩ the bread of life, you are shown God’s mercy: you are forgiven and loved into abundant life. Amen. 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.

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KYRIE Assisting Minister:

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HYMN OF PRAISE

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PRAYER OF THE DAY Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord. Amen. Sit

WORD

FIRST READING: Isaiah 35:4-7a 4Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7athe burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. PSALM: Psalm 146 (the congregation reads responsively the bold print) 1Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. 3Put not your trust in rulers, in mortals in whom there is no help. 4When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish. 5Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help, whose hope is in the LORD their God;

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6who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps promises forever; 7who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger. The LORD sets the captive free. 8The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. 9The LORD cares for the stranger; the LORD sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked. 10The LORD shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah! SECOND READING: James 2:1-17 1My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? 2For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” 4have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? 7Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? 8You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 9But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. 14What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? 17So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Stand

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GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL: Mark 7:24-37 The Gospel according to the 7th Chapter of Mark: Glory to you, O Lord. 24[Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice,25but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 28But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” 30So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. 31Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ Sit SERMON Pastor Sonja Gerstenberger

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HYMN OF THE DAY ELW 713

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THE 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.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. WE SHARE GOD’S PEACE P: The peace of Christ be with you always. C: And also with you. Sit

OFFERING At this time, we also offer a portion of what God has first given us for God’s work in the world through the ministries of St. Andrew’s and its national and global partners through the ELCA. You can give online at www.standrewsames.org by selecting Give Online (also QR code). Thank you for your continued generous support of the ministries in and through St. Andrew's Lutheran Church.

OFFERTORY Air Jonathan Battishill

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OFFERING PRAYER Jesus, Bread of life, you have set this table with your very self, and called us to the feast of plenty. Gather what has been sown among us, and strengthen us in this meal. Make us to be what we receive here, your body for the life of the world. Amen.

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MEAL

GREAT THANKSGIVING 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 everlasting 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:

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THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION 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. LORD’S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. 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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION Taste and see that the Lord is good.

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Sit COMMUNION Of Woods and Hills Ludwig von Beethoven/ arr. Lani Smith Livestream: At this time for those who choose, you may commune yourself or those worshipping with you by saying the words, “the body of Christ, given for you.” And, “the blood of Christ, shed for you.” Those worshipping in person are invited to come down the center aisle, to the front, receive the bread and step to the side to receive white wine or red grape juice from the assistants. Please wait to consume the elements until you receive them both and step to the side. Presider: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life. In your name we pray. Amen.

SENDING ANNOUNCEMENTS Please email or speak with the presiding pastor before worship each week if you would like to make an announcement at this time. BLESSING The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, ☩ be upon you now and forever. Amen.

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SENDING HYMN ELW 883

DISMISSAL Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Allegro Domenico Scarlatti/ arr. Edward Broughton

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Come One And All! ~ Renaissance Fair September 12, 3-6 p.m.

All are invited to this free community-wide event with food, games, music and frivolity! Come enjoy time together with family-friendly Renaissance-themed activities, food, woodwind and choral music and characters. This is a great event to invite friends, neighbors, (and even those ne’re-do-wells) for fun and community. This is an opportunity for the community to get to know St. Andrew’s as we extend God’s love to the world. We can’t wait to see you September 12 from 3-6 p.m.!

NEW Service & Learning Hour: Grow in Relationship with God & Grow in Relationship with Each Other

Sunday School and Adult education have joined forces to become SERVICE + LEARNING! On Sundays beginning September 12, we will gather at 9 a.m. to share a breakfast meal, learn about a fundamental of faith life, hear about a local, national or international service effort, and apply our learning in service in the world! A variety of activities will be planned to be accessible for all ages ~ so no need to worry ~ there will be something for everyone. Most importantly we will learn and grow together as a community of faith and members of the body of Christ. No matter where you find yourself on your faith journey, your age, or your life circumstance, there is a

place for YOU! We are currently looking for individuals passionate about service and learning interested in being equipped as “table guides” for conversations. If you would like to hear more about this possible role, contact Blythe Schultz (serviceandlearning@standrewsames.org) or Pastor Sonja (pastorsonja@standrewsames.org). Want to Learn More about St. Andrews and get connected? New Member Classes Pastor Sonja will be meeting this fall with individuals who want to learn more about the ministries of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. We will talk about opportunities to get involved and get to know others St. Andrew's; current ministries; hopes and dreams for the future; and basics of faith, worship, the Bible, and grace from a Lutheran perspective. If you are interested in being included or learning more, please contact Pastor Sonja, pastorsonja@standrewsames.org. Pastor Sonja will coordinate meeting dates and times with those interested.

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Give Now For Hurricane Ida Relief Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans on August 30 as a category 4 hurricane, 16 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. Massive flooding, wind damage, and storm surge have left over 1 million people without power and stranded. The full impact of this storm is yet to be assessed, but the cost will likely be high and it will take years to rebuild from this hurricane. Lutheran Disaster Response is working with local ELCA synods and Lutheran social services to provide immediate needs such as food, basic necessities and temporary housing. But they need your help. 100% of your donations to the hurricane response-U.S. line go directly to assist those affected by the hurricanes. Scan this QR code or go to this link https://community.elca.org/hurricane-relief to give to Hurricane Response – U.S. Help Provide Hospitality and Welcome! The St. Andrew’s Fellowship Committee is looking for additional members to help plan fellowship events to provide hospitality and welcome to all. Fellowship coordinates coffee hour after worship, funeral luncheons, and special meals. If you feel a nudge to get involved, please contact the church office at office@standrewsames.org, or committee chairs Gayle Osterberg osterberggayle@gmail.com and JoAnn Kovar joannkovar31@gmail.com. There is a place for you here! Love Singing? Choir Begins Wednesday, Sept 1 at 7 p .m. Come one and all! Director Steve Hoifeldt has a wonderful selection of music planned to enhance worship through choral music. Come to the sanctuary at 7 p.m. and join in the fun. Masks required. Questions? Contact shoifeldt@standrewsames.org. Happy Anniversary to Glynn & Dagmar Frank (September 3rd), Jim & Judy Denato (September 4th), John & JoAnn Kovar (September 4th), Jamie & Julie Riesselman (September 28th). Happy September Birthday to Emily Frescoln (1st), Lucas Gerstenberger (3rd), David Krumm (9th), Al Jergens (10th), Jamie Riesselman (11th), Harlan Baker (13th), Glynn Frank (13th), JoAnn Kovar (15th), Jim Denato (17th), J. Ben Buck (22nd), Kathryn Baker (25th. Worship Assistants This Week (9/5/2021) Assisting Minister – Janeen Christy Reader – Mary Johnson Greeters – Carla & Randy Sacco Ushers – Don Boyle, John Kovar, Randy Sacco Communion Setup – Communion Servers- Jon Christy Tech – Kris Parsons Fellowship – Fellowship Committee

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Worship Assistants Next Week (9/12/2021) Assisting Minister – Reader – Greeters – Pat Thompson Ushers –John Kovar, Don Boyle Communion Setup – Communion Servers- John Kovar Tech – Kris Parsons Fellowship – Social Concerns ~PRAYERS~ Troy Eagen (Sharon Anderson’s son-in-law), John Litzel, Libby Litzel Gull, Mark Ekeren (brother of Sarah Buck), Jane Ellis, Wayne Thompson (brain tumor), Marilyn Saunders (Gene Pollmann’s sister), Alice Becher (Stephen Loucks' mother), Marjorie Allison, Gene Takle, Lou Jordan (Dagmar Frank's cousin), Nancy Owen (Carol Putz's cousin, battling cancer), Susan (Glynn & Dagmar Frank’s daughter), Roxanne Labandz (niece of Alice Thompson), Pat Fawcett, Kolleen Tweed Sogard (daughter of Violet & Maynard Tweed), Robert Pollmann (Gene Pollmann’s brother), Harlan Baker, Stuart (cousin of Dagmar Frank). For all those suffering from loneliness and grief, addiction and illness-both mental and physical, poverty and need, war and strife; we pray to the Lord to bless them and give them peace. We continue to pray for the health and needs of the people in the Ames Community, of Pine Ridge Reservation, and of the Hedaru Parish in Tanzania and all communities throughout the world. Please send any announcements, prayers, or updates to the office at office@standrewsames.org or call 515-292-2131.