Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

June 23, 2024 - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

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Welcome in the name of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. If you are visiting, we are glad that you are here and kindly ask that you sign our guest book at the sanctuary doors. If you would like to become a member please speak to the Pastor. In case of illness, the Pastor should be informed. He will always be glad to speak with those who are confronted with problems of a spiritual nature. The time before worship is a quiet time for prayer and meditation to prepare for worship. Please see the inside cover of the hymnal for prayers and page 329f to prepare for Holy Communion. God bless you as we gather before our gracious God!  

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The Word of Christ Bestows Peace on His Creation through His Forgiveness of Sins 

In his anguish and affliction, Job must be reminded that, as a finite creature, he is in no position to question the Maker of the heavens and the earth. Job’s “words without knowledge” are unable to penetrate the wisdom of the Lord (Job 38:1–2). For the Lord has “prescribed limits” and “set bars and doors,” so that “here shall your proud waves be stayed” (Job 38:9–11). That’s how He humbles us unto repentance. But also by His powerful Word, He calms the “great windstorm” and the waves “breaking into the boat.” He does not permit the chaos of this fallen world to overwhelm us or bring us to despair. By the Word of His Gospel, He speaks “Peace!” to us, which bestows the “great calm” of His new creation (Mark 4:37–39). Therefore, do not be afraid, and do not receive this grace of God in vain. “Now is the favorable time,” and “now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:1–2).

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Collect for the day:  Almighty God, in Your mercy guide the course of this world so that Your Church may joyfully serve You in godly peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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ORDER OF SERVICE: Setting Three page 184. The Introit is sung or spoken

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Readings:  Job 38:1–11                2 Corinthians 6:1–13 Mark 4:35–41

 

Hymns:  Opening Hymn -718 , Hymn of the day-717 V 1, *2, *3 only *(top of next page), Closing Hymn- 715

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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Kevin Fast                                             Assisting minister (A) lay: Shane

Acolyte:  Christine                                                                                     Sound System: Philip/ Nathan

Webmaster Mike Haeussler                                                                 Secretary: Debby

Altar Guild: Carolyn & Christa   

 

PRAYER INTERCESSION: 

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PRAY FOR:  Ed; Eloise (hip/shoulder); Robert; Sherran; Herta; Phil; Minnie; Corinne (nee Tim); Albina; All members travelling over the summer. 

 

Friends and Fellow Christians:  Rev. Basil Christi (heart attack); Matthew & Megan; Lynda; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Norma; Kristy; Chris; Susan; Heather; Waldtraut; Kathy; Bev; Elizabeth; Mary (David’s mother), Carolyn (Medina,OH); Rose; Jason

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MISSION PRAYERS FOR JUNE:  (Canada) Rev. Dr. David -Quebec and Montreal; Rev. Walta Clercius Asst. French Ministries in Quebec; Rev. Frank Morgret Holy Trinity in Sainte-Foy Quebec City; Rev. Razafy Razandrakoto Evangelical Lutheran Church of Reconciliation in Sherbrooke, Quebec.; Rev. David Milette l’Eìglise lutheìrienne du Bon Berger (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church) in Moncton, New Brunswick. MISSIONS IN CAMBODIA- Rev. Romass Svell

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Next Sunday’s Readings:  Lamentations 3:22–33  2        Corinthians 8:1–9, 13–15       Mark 5:21–43

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BIRTHDAYS And Anniversaries for June; see on back of June calendar, copies available on table at back of church. (July and August are on the table too.  Contact office if I need to update it, throughout the summer.

 

MEMBER RECORDS:  Thank you to those who have completed the church record update form.  If you have not had a chance to complete it, please take some time to complete these for me by email or if you need assistance, leave a phone message and I will call you back. Thank you, blessing, Debby

 

**ORDINATION for Daniel Cunningham: Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 4pm. Signup sheets to attend dinner after the Ordination and assist with cleanup are located on the whiteboard in the Narthex. Please register if you plan to attend.

 

**CALL MEETING:  Please also do a tick mark top right of white board if you are attending this meeting on July 7th, 2024 after service.

 

*****EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CONTACT AN ELDER OR LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE CHURCH PHONELINE 905-728-4381**********

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BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  may be placed in the holder outside the office door and for the monthly calendar.  They are due by Wednesday of each week.  Calendar events are due by the 3rd Sun of the month.  Email the info to: gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com

 

FOOD BANK:  Our food cabinet is doing well. Please drop off non-perishable food, in their original container or wrapping. We support our church members, our Seminary students (1/2) and community.

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Ask the Pastor

What does “Amen” mean?

Luther writes: “Amen, amen means ‘yes, yes, it shall be so.’”

 

Biblical Roots

The most concentrated use of Amen in the Scriptures is found in Deuteronomy 27:15-26. Here the Levites are commanded to recite to the people a series of 12 curses. After each curse, the following is repeated: “Then all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’” To say Amen is to let God be God. To say Amen is to confess with confidence that God’s will is most assuredly done.

 

That’s precisely how St. Paul used the Amen to conclude many of his epistles. Listen, for example, to the confidence and hope that radiates from these final verses of his letter to the Romans:

 

Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him-to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Rom.  16:25-27). What more could possibly be said but Amen?

 

Saying Amen in Worship

In public worship the Amen is regularly spoken by the congregation. For example, whenever the pastor prays a prayer on behalf of the congregation, the response of the people is Amen. With that Amen they are saying that the prayer that was prayed is their prayer, even as they call on God to grant their request.

 

The same is true of various points in the service where the pastor speaks words of blessing from God.  Following the words of absolution, for example, the congregation’s Amen is very important. What it indicates is that these words of forgiveness spoken by the pastor are not mere words, but words of power and life. To say Amen means “Yes, this is true.” Gift received.

 

A similar use of the Amen can be found after the Invocation, the Benediction—even after the dismissal from the communion rail. What could be a more powerful witness to our belief in the real presence of Christ’s body and blood through which he distributes forgiveness and life than for the communicants to respond with a hearty Amen? What else can be said as the pastor sends them off with such comforting and encouraging words: “The body and blood of our Lord strengthen and preserve you steadfast in both body and soul to life everlasting. Depart in peace”? Amen is the only word that will do.

 

A Confident Amen

The word Amen is such an appropriate expression for Christians because it is filled with confidence and hope.  And that is the essence of the Christian faith. We don’t worship our God with fear and doubt. The Word of God boldly proclaims all that God has done for us and invites us to trust confidently in his promises. And so we say Amen. There’s nothing more to be said, for God is faithful and will not forsake his children.

 

Amen, amen! Yes, yes, it shall be so!

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This week @ Grace:

Today (G)            11:15                 Divine Service(C)  Voter’s meeting

Sunday (G)        11:15am           Divine Service (C)

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