Sunday Worship8:00 a.m.

PastorKatie Chullino

Bethlehem Lutheran Church1000 15th Avenue

Longmont, Colorado 80501Phone: 303-776-3290

Email: admin@bethlehem-lutheran.netWebsite: bethlehem-lutheran.net

Our MissionGathered around the Word and

Sacrament, we live the good news of Christ’s love throughout our

community and the world.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

19th Sunday after Pentecost

October 112, 2020

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Order of Worship

Welcome and Announcements

+All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism.* Please stand as you are able

Prelude

Gathering

In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In Jesus’ parable about a great banquet, those invited do not come, so the invitation is extended to others. In our liturgy God spreads a table before us. Even amid anxiety and hardship we rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. With great joy we feast at the table of the Lord, and we go forth to share the wonderful invitation with others hungering and thirsting for the abundant life of God.

Thanksgiving for BaptismBlessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth,our light and our salvation. Amen.

We give you thanks, O God,for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the watersand by your Word you created the world,calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.

Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom.

At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.

By water and your Word you claim us as your children,making us heirs of your promise and servants of all. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love. Amen.

Gathering Hymn All Who Hunger , Gather Gladly ELW 461 vs. 1 & 2

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Prayer of the Day

Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Word

Word for Kids Mary Boyer

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Acclamation Listen, God is Calling ELW 513

Gospel Matthew 22:1-14Jesus tells a parable indicating that the blessings of God’s kingdom are available to all, but the invitation is not to be taken lightly.

1Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: 2“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. 4Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ 5But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, 6while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. 7The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14For many are called, but few are chosen.”

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Sermon Pr. Katie Chullino

Hymn of the Day We Are Called ELW 720 vs 1 & 2

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MealPeace and OfferingWe remember the peace which Christ offers and we remember those with whom we are called to share peace. We prayerfully consider our own offerings to God and neighbor as we gather bread and wine (or something else to eat and drink) for the holy meal we are about to share.

Prayers of Intercession

With confidence in God’s grace and mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

A brief silence.

Gracious host, fill your church with a spirit of joyous hospitality. We pray for bishops, teachers, church leaders, and all children of God as they invite others to your table of boundless grace. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

Gracious host, as creation waits with eager longing for redemption, protect your creatures that are mistreated. Restore valleys, mountains and pastures, and still and running waters. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

Gracious host, as you set a table in the presence of enemies, so bless the efforts of diplomats, international peace workers, and world leaders who navigate conflict. May they proceed with dialogue and understanding, so that justice and peace prevails. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

Gracious host, let your gentleness be known among those who are weary or ill (especially). Strengthen doctors, medical care workers, and caretakers who see to their needs. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

Gracious host, when we are quick to judge outward appearance, remind us how you clothe all in your mercy. We pray for ministries that provide needed clothing and other personal care assistance in this community (local ministries can be named). Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.Here other intercessions may be offered.

Gracious host, as we remember those who have died and are gathered at the heavenly banquet, comfort us with your presence. Assure us of your peace at all times. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

Listen as we call on you, O God, and enfold in your loving arms all for whom we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

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Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Offering Prayer Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. You have set before us these gifts of your good creation. Prepare us for your heavenly banquet, nourish us with this rich food and drink,and send us forth to set tables in the midst of a suffering world, through the bread of life, Je-sus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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Sanctus You Are Holy ELW 525

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The Words of Institution God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, you have brought us this far along the way.In times of bitterness you did not abandon us, but guided us into the path of love and light.In every age you sent prophets to make known your loving will for all humanity.The cry of the poor has become your own cry; our hunger and thirst for justice is your own desire.In the fullness of time, you sent your chosen servant to preach good news to the afflicted, to break bread with the outcast and despised, and to ransom those in bondage to prejudice and sin.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 is 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. For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Send your Holy Spirit, our advocate,to fill the hearts of all who share this bread and cup with courage and wisdom to pursue love and justice in all the world.Come, Spirit of freedom! And let the church say, AmenAmen.Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to live as we pray.

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.

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Sending Hymn Sent Forth by God’s Blessing ELW 547

SendingBlessing

CommunionYou are invited to share in this meal by eating whatever is on your own table or by feasting on the Word in a moment of meditation.

* DismissalGo in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Postlude

Online Worship Volunteers

Ministers All baptized members of Bethlehem

Presiding Pastor Katie Chullino

Assisting Minister Seminarian Andrea Kragerud Remote Lay Reader Shelley Kunselman

Musicians Dave Hooley and Dennis Smith

Staff Musicians Brenda Harris and Ray Leake

Sound Board Operators Rob Baltrum, Matt James, Bob Lee and Greg Schumann

Healing Prayers Colleen Beyer and Jeanne Phipps

Liturgy content from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #24256.

October 11, 2020

Our Mission at BethlehemGathered around the Word and

Sacrament, we live the Good News of Christ’s love throughout our community

and the world.

Please remember in prayers: Nancy M., Robert H., Peggy P., George D., Estelle G., Carol D., Darlene B., Francis M., Bayne G., Betty C., Marilyn V., Bonnie M., Bruce B., Candy T., Carole G. Jeremy G., and our homebound members Mike G., Lydia M., Esther G., Inga F., Doris C., and friends and relatives of our community: June D., Scarlett K., Sue H., Erwin and Grace B., Donna S., Ron W., Robert F., and those serving our country: Ethan T., Brett B., Michael K. Jr., Bill W., and Steven R.

UPDATE IMAGE RELEASE FORMSThe Communications Team is working to update some of our photos to include images from this year. To be able to use the photos of minors in our communication tools (Star, website, Facebook, recorded videos, etc.), we need to update their image release forms. These forms can be updated online using this link: https://app.waiverforever.com/pending/Q0vog0qLxG1479354424We ask that parents of all minors please do this as soon as possible! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pr. Katie (pastor@bethlehem-lutheran.net) or Greg (president@bethlehem-lutheran.net).

Please keep the family of Sandy Fahlstrom, daughter-in-law of Bev Berry in your prayers of peace and comfort upon Sandy’s death on Oct.6,2020.

FALL UPDATE: SAFER-AT-HOME LEVEL 2We continue to revise our plans according to the health recommendations of relevant organizations—which include the ELCA, Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS), the CDC, Boulder County Health, and the State of Colorado. At this level BLC will continue with online worship services and gatherings as we continue to explore and consider potential in-person experiences. We continue to support small group gatherings outdoors. If you would like to lead a small group gathering visit, call the church office or visit the small group guidelines (https://tinyurl.com/yxbqw73y) for more information.Please continue to follow our weekly email, announcements, website, and Facebook posts for notifications of any changes and updates to our current situation.

BLC OFFICE DURING SAFER-AT-HOME LEVEL 2The church office and building remain closed unless an appointment is made through staff or approval is given through council. We have added a temperature check station at the main door and ask that all people (staff and volunteer) sign-in and log your temperature as you enter the building.Both Cornerstone Preschool and Light of Christ are doing the same. Staff members continue to work both in office and from home with a limited number of people in the building at a time.Please call or email with questions or needs during this time (303-776-3290),admin@bethlehem-lutheran.net,pastor@bethlehem-lutheran.net,faithformation@bethlehem-lutheran.net,brenda@bethlehem-lutheran.net,communications@bethlehem-lutheran.net, bookkeeper@bethlehem-lutheran.net,financialsec@bethlehem-lutheran.netav@bethlehem-lutheran.netwebmaster@bethlehem-lutheran.net

SEEKING EDEVOTION VOLUNTEERSMeditation Mondays, Midweek Evening Prayer and Festive Fridays have been part of our pandemic response. These short virtual gatherings help connect some very special people in our congregation. If you’re interested in leading or participating in one of these, please contact Pastor Katie ASAP (pastor@bethlehem-lutheran.net).

HEALING PRAYERS AVAILABLEGood news! The Healing Prayers ministry is joining Sunday worship online. Each Sunday a member of the Healing Prayers ministry team will be available remotely for one-on-one prayer with members of the congregation. Join us as we experience God's power in this unique way. For healing prayers this Sunday, October 11, please contact Colleen B. (cabeyer7@gmail.com) from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For one-on-one prayer any day or time, contact Jeanne P. (jeanne@phippsweb.com). Note: phone numbers can be found in your BLC Handbook Directory.

HABITAT BUILD DAYI am looking for four to six people to work in Dacono on Saturday, October 24. This can be inside or outside work. Please contact Bob C. (303-651-6563) to get on the list.

NOMINATING COMMITTEEThe Nominating Committee has begun the search for 2021 BLC leaders. While we have some of our own recommendations for positions, we would also like to receive suggestions from you! We are currently tasked with filling the following positions: President – Matt James is currently slated to take this seat in 2021Vice President TreasurerSecretaryWorship ChairStewardship Chair Nominating Committee - We need to fill four positions, one of which should be an outgoing council member.Synod Assembly (April 29-May 21, 2021 - Loveland) - We will send two church members (one male, one female) to represent BLC at the annual Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly.If you have a recommendation for a position, or if you would like to nominate yourself please email pastor@bethlehem-lutheran.net. The Nominating Committee will review and speak with recommended individuals, so you don't have to--but if you think someone would be a great leader, encourage them! It's good to know when others believe in you!

RECENT SCAM ALERTNote: There have been a number of scams targeting church members. Pastor Katie, Deaconess Ann, and BLC leaders will never ask for money or gift cards via emails or texts.

OUR CENTER Do you want to support OUR Center's food program but have trouble donating during the week? We are holding a Community Food Drive to stock our shelves for the winter holidays and beyond. We would appreciate your support!Each day, we are serving up to 150 meals and providing up to 100 food boxes. Date: Saturday, October 24, 2020Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pmLocation: OUR Center Family Resource Center220 Collyer St., Longmont, CO Please drop off any of the following items at our south side food receiving door (enter through the main/north entrance and drive around the building). You will receive an in-kind gift receipt if desired. We are following all applicable safety protocols, including face masks for all staff and volunteers, social distancing, and temperature checks daily. Items Most needed:· Canned protein (peanut butter, tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)· Canned fruits (preferably low-sugar)· Canned vegetables (preferably low-salt)· Pasta· Canned tomato products· Granola bars & healthy snacks· Cereal, hot & cold· Soups, hearty stews, chilis, etc.· Grocery store gift cards· Toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, mouthwash, deodorant, lotion, shaving cream, razors, etc. in travel and family sizes

SILENT AUCTION UPDATEThank you to all who brought items for the St. Pat’s Silent Auction. Due to the pandemic, we decided to donate the items to "Restore", the second hand store run by Saint Vrain Habitat for Humanity. The Restore manager was most appreciative of the donations when he brought their truck to pick up everything on September 9.St. Vrain Habitat was founded in 1988 and to date, they have built 102 homes and done 43 critical home repairs, mostly in Dacono, with volunteer help. Restore, with its sales profits, is able to provide funds to build 1.5 homes a year!

DEAR BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH,Thank you so much for donating all the items you received for your St. Patrick's Day Fundraiser to our ReStore. In these unprecedented times these random acts of kindness go even further to help those in need. We truly appreciate your generosity. Take care, Donna Hurst Habitat for Humanity ReStore Board Member