Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

August 20, 2023 - 12th Sunday after Pentecost

 

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 Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy 

By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matt. 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matt. 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matt. 15:27–28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that he may have mercy on all” (Rom. 11:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matt. 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Is. 56:7).

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Collect of the day:

Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving.  In every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; 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 on page 184

The Introit for Proper 15A is found on the insert and sung responsively.

                

​READINGS:   Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8                       Romans 11: 1-2a, 13-15, 28-32 Matthew 15: 21 - 28

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HYMNS:  901,  615,  770

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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Jack Hetzel  

Assisting minister (A) lay: Shane

Acolyte: Christine

Sound System: Philip  

Webmaster:  Michael Haeussler

Office Secretary: Debby and Leslie

Altar Guild:  Les and Gina

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PRAYER INTERCESSION:  family/friends of Lucy Southern, laid to rest on Friday Aug. 18;  Anne & Bill; Sherran; Herta; Viena; Albina; June, Gwenda

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Friends and Fellow Christians: Joan; Lynda; Les’ cousin Mike; Lutheran Church in Ukraine; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Norma; Allison, Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Kathy; Bev; Don; Elizabeth (Carolyn’s sister-in-law); Mary (David’s mother), Stu

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Mission Prayers for August: Rev. Jesùs Alberto Domínguez – Nicaragua, Rev. Carlos Manuel Amador – Nicaragua, Rev. Guillermo Zùniga – Nicaragua, Rev. Geronimo Francisco Cano – Nicaragua 

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THANK YOU: elder Shane and all who helped lead service in July.

 

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS:  Lynn, Kirsten, Jacob, Laurie, Michael, Stephanie, Abigail, Leo, Rosa, Elizabeth, Jackson, Andrew, Lorrie, Brian, Savanah, Jack, Delores, Hudson, Julie

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PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT  in memory of Hans on Sat. Sept. 9 at 1pm at Cullen Park, Whitby.  All ages and abilities are welcome

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ONTARIO DISTRICT CHRISTIAN GROWTH RETREAT - All the ladies of the congregation are invited to join us on October 13 & 14, at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre to study God's word and be uplifted by inspiring guest speakers.  Registration forms are available from Diana Grant or from the LWML Canada website.  Registration must be received by Doris before Sept. 5th.

 

LADIES OF GRACE - will be meeting on Sept. 9th at 9:30am. We plan on cleaning the kitchen and will be working until 2:00 p.m.  Any help would be appreciated.  Please bring your own cleaning supplies eg. mops, cleaning cloths, soap, lysol, etc.  The kitchen needs a good cleaning so that we can continue to host or serve gatherings in the months ahead - Diana President Ladies of Grace

 

IMPORTANT: If anyone was cleaning or borrowed the large silver urn, orange coffee and beige tea urns, please return the power cords. We cannot find them.  

  

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: to help paint the offices. If interested please leave a message at the church.

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This Week under Grace 

Today (g)                  9:30am             Bible study                  

                                  10:30am             Divine Service followed by LCC’s Dir. Of Adv. David Friesen

Sunday (g)              9:30am             Bible study                  

                                 10:30am             Divine Service – (Proper 16)

 

Next Sunday’s Readings: Isaiah 51: 1-6   Romans 11: 33 – 12:8   Matthew 16: 13 – 20

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