August 9, 2020

 

 

 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

 

      1135 Jocelyn             Houston, Texas  77023

 

Church Office (713) 921-4986

 

Rev. Grant Housewright, Pastor

 

Email: elcr@att.net                  website:  www.redeemerlutheranhouston.com

 

Pastor’s Cell phone (713) 305-7133           Nancy Housewright, Music Director & Organist         

 

Bill Anderau, Council President                                   Denise Thumann, Office Manager

 

  MINISTERS:  MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION

 

MISSION STATEMENT
We, the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, are a people of Word and Sacrament, are culturally diverse people of God, who worship in a family tradition, holding scripture as the norm for our lives.  We witness to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, reaching out to our community with support and comfort through various forms of nurturing care, directly and/or through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  

 

We do this only for the Kingdom of God, always have and always will.

 

Today’s service does not include Holy Communion

 

On the last page, please find 

 

“AN ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME”

 

We hope you find this helpful, and will use it to have Holy Communion in your homes today. 

 

___________________________________________________________

 

10th Sunday after Pentecost

 

August 9, 2020 

 

 

 

Silence for Reflection

 

 

 

Greeting 

 

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

 

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

 

 

 

Prayer of the Day

 

O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen

 

 

 

First Reading:   1 Kings 19:9-18

 

At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.  Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.  When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”  Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.  Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill.  Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

 

 

 

The word of the Lord.

 

Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

 

 

Psalm   85:8-13

 

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
   for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
    that his glory may dwell in our land.

 

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
    righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
    and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
    and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
    and will make a path for his steps.

 

 

 

 

 

Second Reading   Romans 10:5-15  

 

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).  But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.  The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.”  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.  For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?  And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

 

 

 

The word of the Lord.  

 

Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Holy Gospel according to the book ofMatthew, in the 14th chapter.

 

Glory to you, O Lord.

 

 

 

Gospel Reading      Matthew 14:22-33  

 

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.  And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out infear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.  But when he noticed the strong wind,[b] he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

 

 

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Praise to you, O Christ.

 

 

 

Sermon

 

Matthew 14:26: When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 'It is a ghost!' they said and cried out in fear.

 

 

 

Grace and peace be to you from God and the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit reach out to us to heal and save! Amen 

 

 

 

Many times in our lives, we pray, "Lord, give us a miracle,", but miracles are too erratic and so unpredictable. They may occur here or there, or it depends on something else. It depends on God, and that's the problem. We just can't know for sure what's going to happen if it depends on God.

 

 

 

Sometimes I think we would rather have magic, because, it's possessable and predictable. There ya go; the difference between faith and magic. Faith is Jesus broken and sweating great drops of blood, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not my Will but yours be done" (Lk. 22:42). No magic there!

 

 

 

Faith is not always "sweetness and light." Sometimes it's not always "onward and upward." Sometimes it's a deep, dark valley or something tragic. That's faith; praying and searching that Jesus will transform despair into hope. 

 

 

 

Today's Gospel Lesson comes to us in the story of Jesus walking on water. The Apostles are in their boat and a violent storm arises; the boat beaten by the waves. All of a sudden, they see Jesus walking on the water toward them. They think it's a ghost.  

 

 

 

Immediately, Jesus speaks to the Apostles, saying, "Courage! It is I! Have no fear." At this point, impetuous Peter says, I can do that, too. He steps out of the boat and begins to sink. Jesus reaches out his hands and saves him. He tells Peter to have a little more faith than that!

 

A pastor went to the hospital to visit one of his parishioners -- a very sick older woman. When he found her gasping for breath, he asked, "would you like me to pray?" 

 

She answered, "I want you to pray that I will be made well." 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, this woman was not expected to recover, but he prayed, "God, if it is Your Will, restore this daughter of yours to health.” Then he added his disclaimer. “However, let us accept Your Will and assure your daughter that she remains in your loving arms. Amen"

 

 

 

The woman's eyes flashed and, when she sat up, it scared the life out of the pastor. She jumped out of bed, ran screaming down the corridors past the nurses stations, yelling, "I'm healed. I'm healed!" 

 

 

 

The pastor ran out to the parking lot, out of breath, leaned against his car and shouted to the heavens, "Don't you ever do that to me again!"

 

 

 

Jesus reached out to Peter with a human hand, sensitive to the touch, to reach out to our hands.

 

 

 

His hands have the power we can never know without him. Jesus' hands are reaching out daily for you and me, just as they reached out for Peter when he was in over his head and sinking fast. 

 

 

 

At any trying and scary moment of our lives, we need to listen for the voice of the Lord, who says, "Have Courage! It is I! Have no Fear! 

 

 

 

It is then that you must search your heart to find the saving hand of Jesus that transforms despair into hope, sorrow into joy, death into life!

 

 

 

Now may the peace of God, which eludes our human understanding, keep our hearts and minds tuned to the faith Jesus gives.  Amen

 

 

 

 

 

The Prayers  

 

Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit,

 

we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. 

 

 

 

For your whole church throughout the world. Give courage in the midst of storms, so that we see and hear Jesus calling: “Take heart, it is I: do not be afraid.”  May we follow Christ wherever he leads. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

For the well-being of your creation. Protect waterways, forests, lands, and wildlife from exploitation and abuse. Help the human family endeavor to sustain and be sustained by the resources of your hand. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

For the nations and their leaders. In you, steadfast love and faithfulness meet, and righteousness and peace kiss. May nations in conflict know the peace that is the fruit of justice, and the justice that is the path to peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

For those in need. Everyone who calls upon your name will be saved. Accompany all who are lonely, hear the voices of those who cry out in anguish, and support those who are frustrated in their search for an affordable place to live. We pray for those suffering this day (hear our silent and verbal prayers). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

For our congregation. You have gathered us here today as your people and we thank you for this gift. We pray for those who are new to this community, for students and teachers preparing for a new school year, and for those struggling with unexpected hardship. Supply as generously with your grace for our life together. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

We give you thanks, O God, for the saints of the whole church from all times and places, and for the saints in our lives and in our community whom you have gathered to yourself. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

 

Offering    

 

Your regular contributions during the Sundays that we will be missing in corporate worship, will certainly be appreciated.  As you can see through our weekly communications and sermons, we are not suspending our church operations.  We are adapting to the current circumstances.  Please remember us, and mail in your contributions to the church. Your contributions can also be given on our website:  www.redeemerlutheranhouston.com 

 

Thank you for your prayers, and your faithful donations!  

 

                                 

 

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.   

 

                                                                                                                                    

 

The Benediction

 

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.  God, the creator, Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love.  Amen.

 

 

 

Dismissal

 

Go in peace. Christ is with you. 

 

Thanks be to God.

August 2, 2020

 

 

 

 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

 

      1135 Jocelyn             Houston, Texas  77023

 

Church Office (713) 921-4986

 

Rev. Grant Housewright, Pastor

 

Email: elcr@att.net                  website:  www.redeemerlutheranhouston.com

 

Pastor’s Cell phone (713) 305-7133           Nancy Housewright, Music Director & Organist         

 

Bill Anderau, Council President                                   Denise Thumann, Office Manager

 

  MINISTERS:  MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION

 

MISSION STATEMENT
We, the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, are a people of Word and Sacrament, are culturally diverse people of God, who worship in a family tradition, holding scripture as the norm for our lives.  We witness to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, reaching out to our community with support and comfort through various forms of nurturing care, directly and/or through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  

 

We do this only for the Kingdom of God, always have and always will.

 

Today’s service does not include Holy Communion

 

On the last page, please find 

 

“AN ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME”

 

We hope you find this helpful, and will use it to have Holy Communion in your homes today. 

 

___________________________________________________________

 

9th Sunday after Pentecost

 

August 2, 2020 

 

 

 

Silence for Reflection

 

 

 

Greeting 

 

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

 

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

 

 

 

Prayer of the Day

 

Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover your creation with abundance.  Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen

 

 

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 55:1-5

 

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.  Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live.  I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.  See, you shall call nations that you do not know,and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.

 

 

 

The word of the Lord.

 

Thanks be to God.

 

Psalm   145:8-9, 14-21

 

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his compassion is over all that he has made.

 

The Lord upholds all who are falling,
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
    satisfying the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is just in all his ways,
    and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
    he also hears their cry, and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.

 

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

 

 

 

Second Reading   Romans 9:1-5  

 

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.  They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

 

The word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

The Holy Gospel according to the book ofMatthew, in the 14th chapter.

 

Glory to you, O Lord.

 

 

 

Gospel Reading      Matthew 14:13-21  

 

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.  When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”  Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.”  Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.  And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.  And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

 

The Gospel of the Lord.  Praise to you, O Christ.

 

 

 

Sermon

 

Matthew 14:14: So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.

 

 

 

Grace and peace be to you from God and the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit give us the strength to love, have mercy and forgive. Amen

 

"Contact Community Helplines" is an organization founded on the belief that ordinary people can be trained to care and to heal. It has built a vast network of telephone workers in cities all over the world. Twenty-four hours a day the telephones are staffed by trained volunteers who receive calls from people reaching out for help, reaching out for another human being who will really listen to them, identify with their problems, and relate to them on the level of genuine concern. 

 

 

 

As Christians, we recognize that the model for this ministry is Jesus Christ. Therefore, the volunteer training stresses that the person needs to be person-centered; no preaching, lecturing and judgement calls. The skill being taught is listening; giving the caller all the space in the world to talk.

 

 

 

In today's Lesson, Jesus, saddened by the news of John the Baptist's execution, goes in a boat to a lonely place with his disciples where they could be alone for awhile. The crowds dog him at every move he makes. When Jesus arrives at the shore, there they are, waiting for Him. Jesus saw a large crowd, and he took pity on them and healed their sick" (Mt. 14:14). 

 

 

 

Time passes. The crowds are still there with Jesus, and now it's past mealtime.  He performs the great miracle of feeding thousands from only two loaves of bread and five fish. 

 

 

 

A wealthy young woman asked her pastor for advice on how she might help minister to the poor. The pastor suggested a particularly needy family in the church. He suggested, "Visit them. Just visit them every week, and let them minister to you." She visited that family once a week, and she listened to them. As a result, the young woman changed dramatically. Having taken her pastor's advice, she was now better prepared and better equipped for an active ministry of caring and healing. 

 

 

 

In our person-centered ministry of caring, Jesus is our model when he was criticized for sitting down with tax collectors and sinners. When Jesus heard this, he said to his criticizers, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came, not to call the righteous, but sinners".

 

 

 

In our ministry of caring and healing, Jesus is our model, as we read:

 

"And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and infirmity" (Mt. 10:1). 

 

 

 

Our ministry of caring and healing is a ministry of hope. We presume to offer hope to our brothers and sisters in need, not because we are great, but because God is great. We offer new life to our brothers and sisters who are hurting, not because we think we have it made, but because we can say, "Come and see us in our own brokenness; come and share with us an abiding hope in a gracious God who loves us and will never abandon us." 

 

 

 

May our Christian ministry be modeled after Jesus, for the caring and healing of fellow human beings, that our lives be changed dramatically in a person-centered ministry of love.

 

 

 

This is our prayer today, that we may, and may practice the art of listening. 

 

 

 

Now may the peace of God, which sometimes eludes our understanding, bless you and keep you always.  Amen

 

 

 

The Prayers  

 

Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit,

 

we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. 

 

 

 

You take resources that appear to be meager, bless them, and there is enough.  May your church trust that what you bless and ask us to share with the world is abundantly sufficient.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

Your bountiful creation offers sustenance and life for all creatures.  Protect this abundance for the well-being of all.  Reverse the damage we have caused your creation.  Replenish ground water supplies, provide needed rains in places of drought, and protect forests from wildfires.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

You offer yourself to all the nations and peoples of the earth, inviting everyone to abundant life.  Bring the prophetic vision to fullness, that all nations will run to you and that nations who do not know you will find their joy in you.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.  Hear the anguish of tender hearts who cry to you in suffering and satisfy their deepest needs.  Bring wholeness and healing to those who suffer in body, heart, soul, and mind (hear our silent and verbal prayers).  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

You offer freely the fullness of salvation.  Give our congregation such a welcoming heart, that our words and actions may extend your free and abundant hospitality to all whom we encounter.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  

 

 

 

You gather your saints as one, united in the body of Jesus.  Bring us with all your saints to the heavenly banquet.  We remember with love and thanksgiving the saints we have known.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

 

 

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

 

 

 

Offering    

 

Your regular contributions during the Sundays that we will be missing in corporate worship, will certainly be appreciated.  As you can see through our weekly communications and sermons, we are not suspending our church operations.  We are adapting to the current circumstances.  Please remember us, and mail in your contributions to the church. Your contributions can also be given on our website:  www.redeemerlutheranhouston.com 

 

Thank you for your prayers, and your faithful donations!  

 

                                 

 

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.                                                                                                                                       

 

The Benediction

 

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.  God, the creator, Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love.  Amen.

 

 

 

Dismissal

 

Go in peace. Christ is with you. 

 

Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

Prayer list updates during the Coronavirus outbreak

 

Please call or text Pastor Grant at 713-305-7133

 

with any prayer requests or changes. Thank you.

 

  REDEEMER’S PRAYER LIST

 

The Family of Debbie Adams, Judy Adams, Monica Allen, Jessica Anselment, Laurie Aubin, Mariah Bell, Kenneth Bishop, Patsy Maureen Blair, Deborah Bostwick, Bill Chambles,

 

Mimi Chance, Edna Cole, Maria Aurelia Cordova, Israel Cruz, Lucille Dailey-Metcalf, 

 

Casey A.K. Davis IV, Thomas Davis, Bobbie Dean, Parker Dixon, Lance Dromgoole,

 

Antonio Duarte, Mary Duron, Rocky Espinosa,The Family of Jose Owen Flores,

 

Jesus Garza, William Giddens, Manny Gonzalez, Monica Gonzales,

 

The Family of Ruthie Goolsby, Sharon Timmerman Graves, Tamara Handerson,

 

Steve Helmke, Priscilla Hilmers, Sue Hill, Fran Hington, Michael Holm, Olga Holten,

 

Jon Johansen, Alex Kavlaski, The Family of Eddie League, Josh Leamons, Donna Leonard, Aaron Limon, Martha Limon, Maria M. Lopez, The Family of Raul Lopez, Tanzy Lopez, Nathan Maldonado, Cynthia Martinez,Pat Maxwell, The Family of Gene Mayes,

 

Christopher Mendoza, Phil Miller, Valentina (Escobedo) Montalvo, Wallace Montalvo,

 

Sally Musachea, Veronica Natividad,Guadalupe Ordaz, The Family of Rosa Ortiz,

 

Erin Pereira, Olivia Pereira, Esther Maurine Roberts, Cesar Rodriguez, Norma Saenz, Richard Salias, Melvin & Thelma Schulte, Margot Noelle Sharp, Evan Smith, Roy Soraiz,

 

Pamela Swafford, Larry Stormer, David Taylor, Rosie Tello, Laura Thac, Rosie Trevino, Julius Trotter, Jyme Tyson, Carlos Villagomez, Raul Villagomez, Bonnie Walker, 

 

Oliver Walkup, Dorothy White, Jimmie Wilkins, Terry & Jerry Wilkins, Nannette Zertuche.

 
 

*Please pray for Valentina (Escobedo) Montalvo.   She was admitted to St. Joesph’s Hospital due to contracting the Coronavirus and pneumonia.

 

 

*Melvin & Thelma Schulte have a new number:   281-907-8935

 

 

 

 

Our roof replacement is ongoing and work continues at the mercy

 

of the weather.  Everyone is asked to keep away from the building

 

until we know that it is safe to return.  Thank You.

 

 

 

 

 

We are now capable of accepting online contributions to BOTH our

 

General Fund AND the Roof Fund.  Thank you for your continued

 

support and generosity.

 

 

AN ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME

 

 

 

(For those desiring to participate in Communion at home, you are Invited to gather in a comfortable location, have some bread and a beverage - coffee, wine, juice, cola, etc.- 

 

of some sort on hand.)

 

 

 

Pray together:   

 

Merciful God, we do not presume to come to your table trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant mercy.  Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat and drink the body and blood of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that we may live in him and he in us, now and forever.  Amen

 

 

 

Speaking in unison:  

 

The Lord be with us as we lift our hearts to the Lord.  We give thanks to the Lord our God, because it is right to give God thanks and praise.

 

 

 

Unison or one person may read: 

 

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.  With all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, praise your holy name. 

 

 

 

Speak together:  

 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

 

 

 

Choose one person to read:

 

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 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 all people for the forgiveness of sin.  Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

 

 

All pray the Lord's Prayer.

 

 

 

Distribute one to another, saying,

 

"The body of Christ, given for you,"

 

"The blood of Christ, shed for you."

 

 

 

Prayer spoken by all:

 

We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life.  In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

 

. 

July 26, 2020

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

      1135 Jocelyn             Houston, Texas  77023

Church Office (713) 921-4986

Rev. Grant Housewright, Pastor

Email: elcr@att.net                  website:  www.redeemerlutheranhouston.com

Pastor’s Cell phone (713) 305-7133           Nancy Housewright, Music Director & Organist         

Bill Anderau, Council President                                   Denise Thumann, Office Manager

  MINISTERS:  MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION

MISSION STATEMENT
We, the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, are a people of Word and Sacrament, are culturally diverse people of God, who worship in a family tradition, holding scripture as the norm for our lives.  We witness to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, reaching out to our community with support and comfort through various forms of nurturing care, directly and/or through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  

We do this only for the Kingdom of God, always have and always will.

Today’s service does not include Holy Communion

On the last page, please find 

“AN ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME”

We hope you find this helpful, and will use it to have Holy Communion in your homes today. 

___________________________________________________________

8th Sunday after Pentecost

July 26, 2020 

Silence for Reflection

 

Greeting 

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

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.

 

 

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 treasure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen

 

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 toward 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.

 

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

 

Psalm   119:129-136

Your decrees are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
With open mouth I pant,
    because I long for your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your custom toward those who love your name.
Keep my steps steady according to your promise,
    and never let iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
    that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears
    because your law is not kept.

 

 

Second Reading   Romans 8:26-39  

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 word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

 

 

The Holy Gospel according to the book ofMatthew, in the 13th chapter.

Glory to you, O Lord.

 

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 righteousand 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.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

 

 

Sermon

Matthew 13:44: The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.

 

Grace and peace be to you from God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  May the Holy Spirit show you your daily path of faith.  Amen

 

In an honest bit of self-awareness, a man consumed with a constant level of anxiety confronts his struggle head-on during a life-changing moment of clarity. He explains:

 

"I used to complain a lot. I used to worry a lot, feel frustrated a lot, question my worthwhileness a lot, agonize over my unrealized dreams a lot.  But all that began to change through my neighbor's dog, of all things.

 

That puppy was neglected, left tied outside to a leash 24/7.  He was enslaved by the leash.  One day the collar broke, but the dog stayed there as if he was still tied.  Then he thought, "This animal is free and doesn't even know it."  Then an inner-voice spoke to me: "That's you. You're looking at yourself.  You must surrender your future to God."

 

Edwin Teale, the naturalist writer, tells about a period of anxiety in his life during which he could not sleep, so decided to count sheep.  He closed his eyes, but when the first sheep came along, it stumbled and fell.  His state of mind grew worse.  He wondered if someone would come to help the sheep?  How many more would stumble?  How much money would the shepherd lose as a result of stumbling sheep? 

 

A fellow who is fond of telling that story always follows up with a story from his own life.  "I was getting quite sick, physically," he says, "but I was unable to discover why this was happening.  Doctors came up with no answers.

 

Finally, he went to a museum to study the painting, Rembrandt's 'The Storm of the Sea of Galilee.'  He sensed the fear of the panic-stricken disciples of Jesus but noticed something that struck him.  During the storm and the danger and the panic, the disciples had to awaken Jesus to tell him about it.  Jesus was not indifferent to the situation, but He had such complete trust in God, and He had sunk Himself so completely down into the being of God, that He was able to stay calm right through the storm.  That was the message the man needed.  He could hear God reassuring him through the painting.  He said to himself, ‘I've got to learn that from Him.  I've got to learn that from Jesus.'" 

 

The truth at the center of His teaching is that it is possible to live and to work and to carry out our responsibilities with such complete trust in God as to be able to get through the stormy times without being destroyed by them. 

 

Jesus comes to break the cycle of continued anxiety and fear.  He goes to the core of the matter and relieves us of our heavy burden when he tells us to seek first God!   Jesus means that, okay?  He really means it -- directly, literally.  We can (moment-by-moment) cultivate an awareness of God that becomes so real to us we can throw ourselves on His Love and his Kingdom of Heaven right now. 

 

In today's Gospel Lesson, the "Parable of the Treasure" and the "Parable of the Pearl" are twin stories with the same message.  In both cases, the discovery of something of immense value comes as a surprise and fulfills all hopes and dreams, so much so that everything else is without real value and can be let go of.  The Lesson is clear: The Kingdom is the all-embracing, totally-absorbing, ultimate Treasure in life, and more important than anything else. (Lk. 13:34). 

 

"Trust in God" is not just a pious phrase or something superficial.  It is a style of life; a day-by-day, moment-by-moment trust in God that empowers you to deal with your anxieties, not erase them, but deal with them and permit them to teach us. 

 

Even when it seems as though all the world's anxieties will come crashing down on you, trust in your deliverance by a gracious God who will never abandon you or let you go!

 

Now may God's grace calm you and allow you to accept all God offers.  Amen

 

 

 

The Prayers  

 

Confident of your care and helped by the Holy Spirit,

we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. 

 

Merciful God, your reign is revealed to us in common things: a mustard shrub, a woman baking bread, a fishing net.  Help your church witness to the surprising yet common ways you encourage us in daily life.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

When your word is opened, it gives light and understanding.  Increase our understanding and awe of your creation; guide the work of scientist and researchers.  Treasuring the earth, may we live as grateful and healing caretakers of our home.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

As the birds of the air nest in branches of trees, gather the nations of the world into the welcoming shade of your merciful reign.  Direct leaders of nations to build trust with each other and walk in the way of peace.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

Your Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for the saints according to your will.  Help us when we do not know how to pray.  Give comfort to the dying, refuge to the weary, justice to those who are oppressed, and healing to the sick (hear our silent and verbal prayers).  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

You show steadfast love and direct us to ask of you what we need.  Help this congregation ask boldly for what is most needed.  Refresh us with new dreams of being your people in this place and time.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.  

 

In you our lives are never lost.  Strengthen us by the inspiring witness of your people in all times and places.  Embolden our witness now and one day gather us with all your saints in light.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 

In the certain hope that nothing can separate us from your love, we offer these prayers to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

 

Offering    

Your regular contributions during the Sundays that we will be missing in corporate worship, will certainly be appreciated.  As you can see through our weekly communications and sermons, we are not suspending our church operations.  We are adapting to the current circumstances.  Please remember us, and mail in your contributions to the church. Your contributions can also be given on our website:  www.redeemerlutheranhouston.com 

Thank you for your prayers, and your faithful donations!  

                                 

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.

                                                                                                                                        

The Benediction

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.  God, the creator, Jesus, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the comforter, bless you and keep you in eternal love.  Amen.

 

Dismissal

Go in peace. Christ is with you. 

Thanks be to God.

Prayer list updates during the Coronavirus outbreak

Please call or text Pastor Grant at 713-305-7133

with any prayer requests or changes. Thank you.

 

 REDEEMER’S PRAYER LIST

The Family of Debbie Adams, Judy Adams, Monica Allen, Jessica Anselment, Laurie Aubin, Mariah Bell, Kenneth Bishop, Patsy Maureen Blair, Deborah Bostwick, Bill Chambles,

Mimi Chance, Edna Cole, Maria Aurelia Cordova, Israel Cruz, Lucille Dailey-Metcalf, 

Casey A.K. Davis IV, Thomas Davis, Bobbie Dean, Parker Dixon, Lance Dromgoole,

Antonio Duarte, Mary Duron, Rocky Espinosa,The Family of Jose Owen Flores,

Jesus Garza, William Giddens, Manny Gonzalez, Monica Gonzales,

The Family of Ruthie Goolsby, Sharon Timmerman Graves, Tamara Handerson,

Steve Helmke, Priscilla Hilmers, Sue Hill, Fran Hington, Michael Holm, Olga Holten,

Jon Johansen, Alex Kavlaski, The Family of Eddie League, Josh Leamons, Donna Leonard, Aaron Limon, Martha Limon, Maria M. Lopez, Tanzy Lopez, Nathan Maldonado,

Cynthia Martinez, Pat Maxwell, The Family of Gene Mayes, Christopher Mendoza,

Phil Miller, Wallace Montalvo, Sally Musachea, Veronica Natividad,

Guadalupe Ordaz, The Family of Rosa Ortiz,Erin Pereira, Olivia Pereira,

Esther Maurine Roberts, Cesar Rodriguez,Norma Saenz, Richard Salias,

Melvin & Thelma Schulte, Margot Noelle Sharp, Evan Smith, Roy Soraiz,

Pamela Swafford, Larry Stormer, David Taylor, Rosie Tello, Laura Thac,

Rosie Trevino, Julius Trotter, Jyme Tyson, Carlos Villagomez, Raul Villagomez,

Bonnie Walker, Oliver Walkup, Dorothy White, Jimmie Wilkins, Terry & Jerry Wilkins, Nannette Zertuche.

 

Please continue prayers for Martha Limon and add her son, Aaron Limon, to your prayers too.  Aaron wasadmitted to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio with a virus that causes Mono, which caused his liver to go into intense Hepatitis .  The effects of this, although no longer life-threatening, will last several weeks to months.

 

 

We continue our prayers for baby Casey, Iris &Luis’ grandson, who has 2 holes in his heart and needs open heart surgery.  Word is that once it’s repaired, he will grow up normally and be like any other child. 

 

 

ROOF REPAIR DELAY

 

The roof repair has been delayed by a few days due to inclement weather.  For your own health and safety, we ask that everyone stay away from the building until further notice.

 

We are now capable of accepting online contributions to BOTH our General Fund AND the Roof Fund.  Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

AN ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME

 

(For those desiring to participate in Communion at home, you are Invited to gather in a comfortable location, have some bread and a beverage - coffee, wine, juice, cola, etc.- 

of some sort on hand.)

 

Pray together:   

Merciful God, we do not presume to come to your table trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant mercy.  Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat and drink the body and blood of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, that we may live in him and he in us, now and forever.  Amen

 

Speaking in unison:  

The Lord be with us as we lift our hearts to the Lord.  We give thanks to the Lord our God, because it is right to give God thanks and praise.

 

Unison or one person may read: 

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.  With all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, praise your holy name. 

 

Speak together:  

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

 

Choose one person to read:

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 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 all people for the forgiveness of sin.  Do this for the remembrance of me.

 

All pray the Lord's Prayer.

 

Distribute one to another, saying,

"The body of Christ, given for you,"

"The blood of Christ, shed for you."

 

Prayer spoken by all:

We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life.  In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen