HYMN-“Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me” 439

Lord, take my hand and lead me Upon life’s way;

Direct, protect, and feed me From day to day.

Without your grace and favor I go astray;

So take my hand, O Savior, And lead the way.

Lord, when the tempest rages, I need not fear;

For you, the Rock of Ages, Are always near.

Close by your side abiding, I fear no foe,

For when your hand is guiding, In peace I go.

Lord, when the shadows lengthen And night has come,

I know that you will strengthen My steps toward home,

And nothing can impede me, O blessed Friend!

So take my hand and lead me Unto the end.

Julie K. von Hausmann, 1825-1901

Please rise

INVOCATION

L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C: And also with you.

L: O Lord, open my lips.

C: And my mouth shall declare your praise.

L: Hasten to save me, O God.

C: O Lord, come quickly to help me.

L: Heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to this new day. Defend us by your mighty power, and grant that this day we neither fall into sin nor run into any kind of danger; and in all we do, direct us to what is right in your sight, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

C: Amen.

PSALM 72 –Responsively

L: Endow the King with your justice, O God,

C: The royal Son with your righteousness.

L: He will defend the afflicted among the people

C: And save the children of the needy.

L: He will endure as long as the sun,

C: As long as the moon, through all generations.

L: He will be like rain falling on a mown field,

C: Like showers watering the earth.

L: All kings will bow down to him,

C: And all nations will serve him.

L: All nations will be blessed through him,

C: And they will call him blessed.

L: Praise be the LORD God, who alone does marvelous deeds,

C: May the whole earth be filled with his glory.

HYMN –“I Love You, Lord”

(Full Intro)

I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice

To worship you, O my soul, rejoice.

Take joy, my King, in what you hear;

May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.

(Key change)

O Jesus Christ, my Savior dear,

Come, live in me; be ever near.

You died for me, and live again,

May my heart be where you ever reign.

O Father, come and stay with me,

Creator Spirit, live in me;

O Jesus Christ, my Savior true,

May I ever be loved and guided always by you.

Text & Tune –v.1: Laurie Klein. Setting: Eugene Thomas

CCLI License #2306270

(Be Seated)

Children’s Message and SUNDAY SCHOOL

(In the closing words of his book Isaiah records the LORD’S words of the New Testament Church in Old Testament pictures –of all people coming to worship him as Israel did at the temple. And he also tells of our living eternally with him, while those who did not believe will be eternally punished.)

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON – Isaiah 66:18-24

“And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory.

“And I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations –to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations. And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD –on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the LORD. “They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels. And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites,” says the LORD.

“As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the LORD, “so will your name and descendants endure. From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the LORD. “And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

(In continuing our series of readings from the letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded that we have the privilege of knowing more than the fear of the law given at Mt. Sinai; we are part of the New Testament Church, knowing that through Jesus our sins are forgiven.)

EPISTLE LESSON – Hebrews 12:18-24

You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

(The only door to heaven, which is open to all, is Jesus Christ –the only One who makes us righteous before God through his life and death for us. Those who try to enter in any other way will be sent away.)

GOSPEL LESSON – Luke 13: 22-30

Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

“There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

PRAYER

L: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope and love. And, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

APOSTLES CREED (unison)

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven, And is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy Christian church, the communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

(Be seated)

HYMN –“In Christ There is no East or West” 539

In Christ there is no east or west, In him no south or north,

But one great fellowship of love Throughout the whole wide earth.

With God there is no tribe or race; In him we all are one.

He loves us as his children through Our faith in his dear Son.

So, brothers, sisters, praise his name Who died to set us free

From sin, division, hate, and blame, From spite and enmity!

Join hands, disciples of the faith, Whate’er your race may be;

Who serves my Father as his child Is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both east or west, In him meet south and north

All Christly souls are one in him Throughout the whole wide earth.

John Oxenham, 1852-1941

Message: Numbers 22:21-35

Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat her to get her back on the road.

Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her again.

Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”

Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.”

The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”

“No,” he said.

Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell down.

The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her.”

Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.”

The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

THE WORLD’S GREATEST CAMPING TRIP!

What God Ordains is Always Good!

HYMN -“What God Ordains is Always Good” 429

What God ordains is always good; His will is just and holy.

As he directs my life for me, I follow meek and lowly.

My God indeed In ev’ry need Knows well how he will shield me;

To him, then, I will yield me.

What God ordains is always good; He never will deceive me.

He leads me in his righteous way And never will he leave me.

I take content What he has sent; His hand that sends me sadness

Will turn my tears to gladness.

What God ordains is always good; He is my friend and Father.

He will not let me suffer harm Though many storms may gather.

Now I may know Both joy and woe; Some day I shall see clearly

That he has loved me dearly.

What God ordains is always good; Though I the cup am drinking

Which savors now of bitterness I take it without shrinking.

For after grief God grants relief, My heart with comfort filling

And all my sorrow stilling.

What God ordains is always good; This truth remains unshaken.

Though sorrow, need or death be mine, I shall not be forsaken.

I fear no harm, For with his arm He will embrace and shield me;

So to my God I yield me.

Samuel Rodigast, 1649-1708

OFFERING

RESPONSIVE PRAYER

L: Eternal God and Father, thank you for the blessings we share as members of your holy Church, for your gracious Word and sacraments, for opportunities to worship and to grow in faith and knowledge, for occasions to serve and be served, for fellowship with believers in our congregation and synod.

C: Help us rejoice in these blessings, dear Lord, and to use them faithfully.

L: Dear Jesus, Lord of the Church, you graciously call us to be your witnesses in the world. Open our eyes to see the great and noble mission that lies before us. In the hurting eyes of the lonely, the pained eyes of the sick, and the searching eyes of the lost, help us to see your face, O Jesus, and to serve others as we would serve you.

C: Awaken us all to the opportunities you give us to show your love through prayers and acts of kindness to them and so many others.

L: Holy Spirit, giver of life, through Word and sacrament bestow on us the wisdom and power we need to witness clearly and to act boldly. Help us to speak your truth in love, to give the reason for the hope that we have, and to conduct ourselves with gentleness and respect.

C: Set our heart on fire as we work and witness for Christ.

L: Bless the Church with men and women willing to proclaim your Word in places we cannot. Keep them and their loved ones safe in your care, and let nothing hinder their work. By the power of the gospel, restore their spirits each day, so they do not lose heart as they serve us and others.

C: Move us to support them with our prayers and offerings.

L: Lead us all to meet the challenges you set before us, so that we individually and as a congregation may go forward with your blessings and power. In that way we may bring additional praise and glory to your Name.

C: Savior of all, hear our prayer and help us in our mission. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional)

BLESSING

C: Amen.

HYMN: “Oh, that the Lord” CW 462

Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still!

Oh, that my God would grant me grace To know and do his will!

Order my footsteps by your Word, And make my heart sincere;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.

Assist my soul, too apt to stray, A stricter watch to keep;

And should I e’er forget your way, Restore your wand’ring sheep.

Make me to walk in your commands –‘Tis a delightful road –

Nor let my head or heart or hands Offend against my God.

Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

Silent prayer

FELLOWSHIP Please stay and enjoy the food, refreshments and fellowship following the worship service this morning. We’re glad you came and hope you’ll come again soon!

THANKS to Karen Engelhaupt who supplied flowers on the altar to the glory of God and to Tom & Sharon Privara for supplying refreshments today.

THANK YOU TO ALL our volunteers!

Greeter: Millie Kluckman

Acolyte: Sam Feddersen; Next Sun: Megan Case

Music: Luke or Brian Hoerning; Projector: Duane Hintz

Ushers: Today- Jerry Kluckman & Ben Feddersen

Next Sun: Brian Hoerning & Russ Anderson

Sep Communion Set-up: Theresa DuBois; alt: Linda Hardesty

Holy Communion in Aug –1^st & 3^rd Sunday

A NIGHT OUT just for us! We are planning to go see the Broadway hit Cats at Toby's Dinner Theater in Baltimore on Sat., October 23rd. The price is $57.00 each (plus tip), and includes an all you can eat buffet with coffee or ice tea. We will be collecting the money on Sunday September 25th. If at least 20 adults go, we will receive a group discount and the price drops to $44.35 per person (including tip!).If interested please contact Jennifer Case for more details at 410-394-6430, or see her after church.

Announcements:

Today: 11:45 a.m. Choir practice

HARVESTING SUNDAY! Please help.

No Genesis Class this week –Maybe Tues, Sep 7^th?

Thurs: 10 a.m. Newsletter Assembly –Wietzkes’

Sat: 7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast –Captain’s Table, Sols

Next Sunday:

9:30 a.m. Bible class, Teen hour, Children’s activity hour

10:30 a.m. –Worship Service (with Sunday School) and

Holy Communion

MESSAGE: The World’s Greatest Camping Trip!

We Thank You for your Blessings!

LOOKING AHEAD:

Sep 12 –Sunday sch. Year begins –Church Picnic

–Sols Navy Rec. Center

Watch TIME OF GRACE with Pastor Mark Jeske (WELS) on ABC, Channel 7 from Washington DC 7:30-8 a.m. Sundays