Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, July 11, 2021

Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am

Prayer of the Day
O God, from you come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works. Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Scripture
Amos 7:7-15
Psalm 85:8-13
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29

Lectionary texts online

Sermon
“Agents of the Reign of God”
The in-breaking of the reign of God is welcome by some and seen as a threat to others. Amos is rejected as he preaches about the reign of God that destroys the high places and brings justice. John is beheaded as corruption and fear seem to prevail over truth and repentance. And the reign of God made flesh is led to a cross where the threatened powers of sin and evil make their final rebellious stand. And yet in his rejection and death he undoes their power once and for all. Risen from the dead the reign of God is on the move bringing justice and mercy to all oppressed by this world’s schemes. That in-breaking has reached each one of us once rejected and dead because of sin. Made Children of this God we are now agents of this upside-down movement of God. Rejected or not we know that the reign of God is on the move and not even the power of death itself can stop it.

Hymns
Whatever God Ordains Is Right, LBW 446
In Christ an Inheritance Is Ours
O Christ the Same, ELW 760
Let Justice Flow Like Streams, WOV 763

LBW     Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW     Evangelical Lutheran Worship
WOV    With One Voice

In our prayers we remember Hope for Grieving Children.