Commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi Blessing of Animals

Holy Communion (ELW 3) September 28th, 2013

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP PRELUDE WELCOME AND INVOCATION All may stand and make the sign of the cross, the sign with which we are marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

INTRODUCTION Today we bless animal companions in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the ecology. Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching "using words if necessary." Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation. His life reflected the call of Christ in the Gospel lesson for today to appreciate the beauty of nature and to seek first the kingdom of God.

In the name of the Father, and of the +Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. You are invited to stand and sing: GATHERING SONG: All Creatures Worship God Most High

As a worship courtesy, we ask that you please turn off or set to vibrate all cellular telephones and pagers during the worship service.

We ask that all present today please fill out the Attendance and Communion registration card found in your bulletin and place it in the offering plate so that we may record your presence with us.

PRAYER UPON ENTERING THE PEW Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

GREETING In the beginning, when the Lord God created the heavens and the earth, animals were created to accompany human beings as helpers and partners. Today we come together to praise God for the gifts of our own helpers and companionsour pets. Each of us knows the importance of animals in our lives. They provide companionship, protection, and comfort. They are indeed a unique manifestation of Gods creative presence among us. In the unconditional love animals show us, we capture a glimpse of the love God has for us, and all creation. Let us pray in thanksgiving for the gift of animals and especially those who have in a special way touched our lives. But first, let us call to mind those times when we have failed God, by neglecting to provide safety, love and care, to those animals, who depend on us. CONFESSION Let us confess our sins to God: Almighty God and Creator of all, you have chosen humankind for a position of special responsibility in your world; we have failed to respond in awe at your wonders; we have misinterpreted our role of dominion and abused our power. We have caused the animal kingdom needless suffering. Forgive us as we seek anew the vision which you set before us, and help us as we strive to respond to your call; that your name may be glorified in all creation. Amen. May Almighty God grant you forgiveness of your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ and the strength and grace to respond with love to all Gods creation. Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE: Let the Whole Creation Cry

PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Almighty God, our creator and redeemer, give us humility to thank you for the creation of animals, who can show affection which sometimes puts us to shame. Enlarge our respect for these your creatures, of whom you have given us guardianship. And give us a sense of responsibility towards all your creation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Please be seated A MESSAGE FOR OUR CHILDREN FIRST READING: Genesis 9:8-17 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth. God said, This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. God said to Noah, This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. PSALM: Psalm: 104:1, 10-15, 25 Bless the Lord, O my soul; O Lord my God, how excellent is your greatness! you are clothed with majesty and splendor.

You send the springs into the valleys; they flow between the mountains. All the beasts of the field drink their fill from them, and the wild asses quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the air make their nests and sing among the branches. You water the mountains from your dwelling on high; the earth is fully satisfied by the fruit of your works. You make grass grow for flocks and herds and plants to serve humankind; That they may bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden our hearts, O Lord, how manifold are your works! in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. SECOND READING: Romans 8:18-25 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand and sing: GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

HYMN OF THE DAY: Children of the Heavenly Father

GOSPEL: Luke 16:19-31 The holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' 25But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' 27He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house 28for I have five brothers that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' 29Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' 30He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Please be seated SERMON Father Timothy Edwards Silence for reflection and then we invite you to stand and sing:
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APOSTLES CREED We confess the faith of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church with the Apostles Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's 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 to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. ANNOUNCEMENTS

TEMPLE TALK LITANY OF INTERCESSION

R L R L R L R L R L Blessed be God, who created the world and found it very good. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who formed us out of the clay of the ground. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created the animals to be our helpers. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created horses, ponies, and donkeys. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created poodles and pugs, beagles and bloodhounds, Dalmatians and Dachshunds, and dogs of every mixed breed. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created Siamese and Burmese, tabbies and tortoiseshells, Manx and Maine coons, and cats of every size and color. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created hamsters and gerbils, ferrets and guinea pigs, rabbits and mice, and every kind of small pet. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created parrots and parakeets, canaries and cockatoos, finches and pheasants, and every kind of tamed and wild bird. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created frogs and toads, lizards and turtles, snakes and salamanders, and every kind of amphibian and reptile. Glory to you forever and ever. L

Blessed be God, who created sharks and shellfish, seals and sea urchins, whales and walruses, piranhas and porpoises, and every kind of fish and marine animal. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created pot-belly pigs and pinto ponies, owls and ocelots, alligators and anteaters, porcupines and platypuses, and every kind of unusual animal. Glory to you forever and ever. Blessed be God, who created every kind of animal, and found them very good. Glory to you forever and ever.

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Other prayers or intercessions may be offered, especially for the animals of those present, and for those who have recently died. When all prayers have been offered, the celebrant continues with the Prayer of Blessing for the Animals. God our Creator: You have made all things good. In love look now on us and on our pets and on all the creatures you have made. As you once sent your angel Raphael to guide your servant Tobias and his faithful dog, send your angel to watch over our pets. Keep them in health and safety, secure in our care and guardianship to be our comfort and joy. Remember all those who have no home, especially those neglected and abused. Bestow on them a special blessing, and give them comfort and release from evil. And when their days in this life are complete, take them to yourself, where they, with all creation, wait in hope for the fulfillment of your kingdom that blessed day, when the lamb and the wolf, and the young child and the adder, will joyfully play, side by side. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. The leader may then ask that each pet be brought forward for an individual blessing, or may walk among the pets laying hands on them, if possible or desirable. The leader may distribute treats to each one as appropriate.

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PEACE Please stand as we greet one another in the peace of the risen Christ The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. OFFERTORY SENTENCES Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. Malachi 3:10 Let us with gladness offer our lives and the fruit of our labor to the Lord. OFFERTORY: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful (ELW 184)

together to become one bread, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, for yours is the glory through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen. DIALOGUE

PREFACE chanted by the pastor HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

OFFERING PRAYER Merciful God, as grains of wheat scattered upon the hills were gathered

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Holy God, our Bread of life, our Table, and our Food, you created a world in which all might be satisfied by your abundanceThrough Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen. LORD'S PRAYER 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. INVITATION TO COMMUNION Take hold of the life that really is life. Come, take your place at the table. Please stand. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Almighty God, you give strength to those who struggle, and hope to those who endure; bless us with a compassionate heart to feel in the depths of our being the injustices of the world, and help us to strive towards that peaceable kingdom where all your creatures shall be free from pain and live with you for all eternity; In your name we pray. Amen. BLESSING God Almighty send you light and truth to keep you all the days of your life. The hand of God protect you; the holy angels accompany you; and the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever. Amen.

SENDING SONG:

Let All Things Now Living

DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve the Lord of all creation. Thanks be to God.

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK Sunday, September 29, 2013 Michael and All Angels Michael the archangel, captain of the heavenly hosts, is remembered on this day along with the other angels and archangels. The word "angel" means messenger, and in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, these beings have a fully spiritual nature and no physical body. Monday, September 30 Jerome, translator, teacher, died 420 Jerome was a biblical scholar and translator, but rather than translating the original Hebrew and Greek scriptures into classical Latin, he worked in the commonly-spoken Latin of the day, creating a version called the Vulgate. Friday, October 4 Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, died 1226 Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching "using words if necessary." Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation. Friday, October 4 Theodor Fliedner, renewer of society, died 1864 Fliedner helped to bring about a revival of the ministry of deaconesses among Lutherans. He was influenced in this by Moravian deaconesses he had met. The motherhouse he founded in Kaiserswerth, Germany, inspired many around the world to take up this ministry. Sunday, October 6 William Tyndale, translator, martyr, died 1536 Tyndale was ordained a priest in England, and wished to translate the Bible into English. He was opposed in this by King Henry VIII, causing him to flee to Germany. He completed the New Testament in 1525, but before he could finish the Old Testament, he was tried for heresy and burned at the stake.
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Please stay for treats. Both two and four legged creatures are welcomed.
CONGREGATION LIFECOMMITTEE: Beth Fraley DOG BONE MAKER: Janet Robertson