Lutheran Church of Our Savior

 

 

 

Sunday Update for 20 Pentecost

October 18, 2020 – Commemoration of Saint Luke, Evangelist

 

 

 

   

 

       

Sing to the Lord a New Song!

          The song, of course, is in our hearts when we’re at in-person worship. No vocalizations.  But at home, with your pod, in your bubble, feel free to sing out songs of praise and thanksgiving.  During the pandemic we’ve omitted the appointed psalms. The lectionary team appointed these psalms as “commentary” on the First Lesson and, frequently, the Gospel text as well.  Here’s a portion of today’s psalm.

Psalm 96:1-13

 ¹Sing to the Lord a new song;
  sing to the Lord, all the earth.
 ²Sing to the Lord, bless the name of the Lord;
  proclaim God’s salvation from day to day.
 ³Declare God’s glory among the nations
  and God’s wonders among all peoples.
 ⁴For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised,
  more to be feared | than all gods. 
 ⁵As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols;
  but you, O Lord, have made the heavens.

            Verse 5 is particularly appropriate as today’s Gospel involves Tiberius Caesar, descendent of Caesar Augustus, who proclaimed himself and his family gods.  When religious leaders try trapping Jesus, He confounds them, saying, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar and unto God what is God’s.”  Caesar is an idol and in no way comparable to the One we name Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In-Person Worship

Use of the Eventbrite registration for today’s In-Person Worship Service ends at 9:30am.

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lutheran-church-or-our-savior-30573212816 

Video Homily Link

https://vimeo.com/469298428   “More Than Death and Taxes”

Pastoral Prayer

Pastoral Prayer for 20 Pentecost

October 18, 2020

O God, Whose good and gracious will comes about without our prayer, may Your will be done in, among and through us.  Strengthen us and keep us steadfast in Your word and in faith until the end of our lives.

You know every heart and heal every ill.  Consider, we pray, those wishing to believe, but cannot, prevented by injury from pastors, priests, and churches, dysfunction in families, or skepticism of spirit.  Kindle faith in their hearts and lead them to people and places where the joys of the faith may be fostered.

Each day, Lord, we encounter people of different faiths -- grant us grace to love them as neighbors.  Where they reflect Your will for the world and Your grace, give us a holy envy of them so that we may become better disciples. 

We pray for all universities, colleges, schools and day care centers during this pandemic. Administrating, teaching and learning challenge us greater than before. Pour out Your Spirit of strength to help us get through this academic year.  Give our nation the wisdom and wherewithal to overcome the economic and racial divides so that all students may prosper, for this is Your will.

Bless our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in all her expressions, our sister West Nassau congregations, and this particular church family of which we are members and friends. Make us sound in faith and holy in life.

We pray for our Port Washington community that it will be cleansed of all hate and bigotry.  Break and hinder every evil.  Convert by Your Spirit of grace the minds of those who would paint swastikas and other symbols of hate that respect and understanding may be our communal way of life.

Let Your holy Presence abide within all who in times of trial, danger and doubt cry out and call upon You.  We pray for our senior members who are largely constrained to stay indoors, for all on the daily prayer.

Thank You, Lord, for listening to our praise and petitions.  To You we ascribe all honor and glory.  Let the witness of the saints in the Church Triumphant cheer us on until we, too, enter Glory and see You in all beauty and majesty.  We ask all these things in the Name of Him, Who teaches us to pray…Our Father…

 

Soli Deo Gloria!

 

 

Weekend Update for 20 Pentecost

October 18, 2020

More Than Just Death and Taxes

It’s a well-known response the Lord gives to those religious leaders and nationalists looking to ensnare Him.  He shuts their mouths by saying, “Render unto Caesar that which belongs to him and unto God the things that are God’s.”

 

 

What belongs to God?  Everything!  Planet Earth!  The Universe!  You!  Your family!  Your neighbors!  That woman down the block with the campaign sign you don’t like!  Recall last week’s parable of the wedding banquet. The king’s messengers brought in the good, the bad, regardless.

What shall we give the Lord?   

Clothing Distribution

This morning the Clothing Locker is open to receive guests from the community.  Unlike last week’s wedding banquet parable, today many are invited and many will come!  We’re thankful for the volunteer clothing committee serving the Lord today.

In-Person Worship Registration

We cordially request all to register for in-person worship.  Registrations are taken by the site until 30 minutes before the service. Please us the following:

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lutheran-church-or-our-savior-30573212816

Lutheran Church or Our Savior Events | Eventbrite Share Sunday Worship with your friends. Save Sunday Worship to your collection. www.eventbrite.com

Tomorrow’s Assisting Minister is Steve Kinney; Linda Polizzi is the Lector.

                                                                                  Soli Deo Gloria!