Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church,
Someone wrote: “A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help others. “As we prepare to celebrate All Saints weekend, we remember all those saints whose lives have intersected with ours or whose example has inspired us along the way. Saints are the baptized people of God and there are those superstar saints we know and adore like the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. Peter, St. Theresa of Calcutta, and St. John the 23 rd . But there are also those saints known to us in our hearts-those people who lived out their faith in Jesus by sharing their hearts filled with love, their ears ready to listen, and their hands willing to help us and others. Those are the saints we hold especially dear-those known to us because they lived out the love of Jesus in our lives and through the power of the Holy Spirit encouraged us to be the saints we are called to be. They may be a mom or dad, a sibling or spouse, a child or teacher, a friend or neighbor-these are the people whose words and actions compelled or taught or invited us to live out our faith as we do God’s work with our hands as we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all. They are the people next to us in worship, the people who minister to us when we are sick or hurting, the people who share a smile or kind thought or a generous action.
All Saint is a time when we give thanks to God that we are not alone in this journey of life. These are the people who accompany us on our way-both those shining superstars in heaven as well as the countless saints who walk with us, carry us at times, and enable us to continue to grow in our faith as saints. All Saints is about those who have gone before us to heaven-and those saints who still surround us today- as well as you and me. All the saints-clothed and washed clean by the blood of Jesus in the saving waters of Baptism. Saints allow the light of Christ to shine through them. Shine brightly, fellow saints of God!! My love is with you and for you-Pr. Jen+
All Saints Weekend October 31-November 1, 2020
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen.
READING Matthew 5:1-12
In the Beatitudes, Jesus provides a unique description of those who are blessed with God’s favor. His teaching is surprising and shocking to those who seek wealth, fame, and control over others.
A reading from Matthew. 1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of
evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY: When we hear Jesus’ beatitudes, what do we think? Maybe, we think, “Wow, these are the most beautiful words I have ever heard.” We may think, “Wow, these are beautiful words, but like so many beautiful words, they are too high in expectation and they can’t really be followed in the real world.” We may think, “Wow, these are beautiful words, and, oh my, they are another reminder of all the ways I fail to live up to the high calling of being a disciple of Christ.” If you have ever thought any of these, you are not alone. The Beatitudes have been a source of inspiration and challenge throughout the history of the church.
~~~During the Middle Ages, many people saw the Beatitudes as “Counsels of Perfection”. That is, they were things that applied to a spiritual elite made up of priests, monks, and nuns, but not to ordinary folks. Monks and nuns took extraordinary vows of poverty and obedience, so these things about blessings of the poor, the meek, the hungry, the merciful were about folks seeking perfection, but for other people, regular folks, keeping the Ten Commandments and loving God and our neighbor is enough. This approach recognizes the real challenge these sayings put upon believers, but it limits the full force of them by saying that, in this life, they are only for a spiritual few. They don’t apply to regular folks like us.
~~~During the Reformation, Martin Luther took issue with the whole notion of a spiritual elite. The idea that there were higher and lower levels of Christians was just wrong. Luther famously proclaimed the priesthood of all believers, that is, that we are all on the same level—no higher, no lower—all called to share in the ministries of the Church. So, Luther saw the beatitudes as applying to all Christians, not just to the few.
~~~But Luther also had a pretty interesting take on the Beatitudes. He saw them as commands of God. And for Luther, while commandments were things that were given by God, and, therefore holy and binding on all people, Luther also felt that human beings, given our fallen nature, our sinfulness, can never really fulfill the commandments. Rather, what the commandments do for Luther is point out very
clearly that there is no way that human beings will ever be able to earn their salvation by perfectly following God’s will. We can’t be perfect. For Luther, commandments end up pointing out our need for the forgiveness and mercy of God and drive us into the arms of Christ. This approach sees the Beatitudes as so challenging that we will never be able to fulfill them on our own. The bar is set too high-for perfection. We need to turn to the grace and mercy offered in Christ if we are ever to be made right with God-driving us to our knees so Jesus can lift us up. We can’t be perfect-so we need Jesus our savior.
~~~The Beatitudes—and indeed the whole Sermon on the Mount—are something that Jesus saw as applying to all his disciples, not just an elite few. Jesus meant for his followers to try to live this way. Maybe not attainable but our faith calls us to at least try and not give up to be what Christ calls us to be. That’s why we need the Christian community and the gift of the Spirit to support and encourage us on the way.. These are not things for spiritual superheroes, but for communities to live out together as together we try to make a difference in the world in Jesus’ name, doing God’s work with our hands. And that’s probably also why Jesus stressed the need and reality of forgiveness and reconciliation in our communities. These things are going to take practice.
~~~So, one of the reasons why we have this Gospel on All Saints’ Day is because they are practices for all the saints. You and me and all the faithful. And by all the saints, we mean everybody who has been baptized into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are practices for all of us ordinary saints of God. Sinners washed in baptismal forgiveness through Jesus and his love.
~~~Let’s look at one beatitude and explore how we might try to live that out in our ordinary lives. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” Most of us probably will not be Nobel Peace Prize winners. But that doesn’t mean we are not called in our own ways to be peacemakers. How may we go about this in our lives? Author Paul Wadell gives us some practical guidance on how we all can be
peacemakers. He reminds us that in Ephesians, Paul speaks of Christ and his cross breaking down the walls that divide us, removing all the barriers that keep us apart, and overcoming the hostilities that so often leave us living more in opposition with one another than in peace. Saints are the ones who work for unity and peace in our world-then and now. Saints are the ones who see each person as a brother or sister.
Saints are those who lead by love as Jesus calls us to love God by loving others.
~~~~Wadell says, “There is no shortage of barriers that need to be dismantled if God’s dream of peace is to become a reality. We create barriers through our attitudes toward others. We create barriers when we freeze people out or simply ignore them. We create barriers when we refuse to talk to certain people. We create barriers when we refuse to deal with problems that weaken relationships. We create barriers when we refuse to give ourselves to others. We create barriers when we hold on to grudges and refuse to forgive. We create barriers when we nurture cynicism, bitterness, and resentment instead of seeking peace.”
~~~~In Ephesians, St. Paul tells us to get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. St. Paul says leave all that behind, get away from it, and refuse to be ruled by it, because all those things put walls and barriers between ourselves and others. Instead, Paul says be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ. These are the practices of peace. We nurture peace among ourselves and others when we are people marked by kindness, compassion, healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness. As saints of God, and as those who have gone before us in faith as saints who have touched our lives or the world, we are called to live out kindness. To live out compassion, To live out healing. To live out reconciliation. To live out forgiveness. To live in love always and in all ways. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Happy All Saints’ Day to all you saints of God. The Beatitudes are for US! Amen
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Longing for Christ’s reign to come among us, we pray for the outpouring of God’s power on the church, the world, and all in need. A brief silence.
Lord of all the saints, we praise you for evangelists and martyrs whose sacrifices witness to your gospel across time and space. Inspire us by their courage to carry our faith to new people and places around us. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord of every place, the universe proclaims your greatness from generation to generation. Bless the work of naturalists, conservationists, and park rangers who train our attention to the wonders of the world you have made. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord of every nation, guide this country—red states and blue states, rural voters and urban voters, young and old—as we share in another national election. Kindle hearts eager to understand our common needs and seek our common good. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord of every blessing, your Son’s blessing came to those living with poverty, grief, hunger, thirst, and persecution. Shape our vision of the saints to match his own. Awaken in us your call to serve all who suffer, especially…. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord of every time, countless are the multitudes you have called by name and gathered to yourself. Comfort us as we grieve those who have died in the past year and all those saints who have touched our lives of faith… With all your saints, may we join in ceaseless praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Receive our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, until that day when you gather all creation around your throne where you will reign forever and ever. Amen.
OUR FATHER…
BLESSING Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.
DISMISSAL We go in peace with grateful hearts for all God has done for us as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! Thanks be to God!!!
HOPE HAPPENINGS
We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen.
Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church.
Next Week’s Readings: Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13;
The October thru December Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS
Altar Guild -Candy Ogden
Ushers – Alan & Cindy Beicht
Counters –Lorraine Maass
FINANCIAL INFO: Two Air Conditioners = $11,180 goal. As of 10/18/2020, only $55 to goal. Thank you for your generosity.
PRAYER LIST
Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
John Greene, Millie’s husband, for strength and healing
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Larry and Barbara Brady, as they focus on healing
Pr. Pat for healing
Sandy for healing
Jean and David for healing
Ian, nephew of Barbara Johnson, as he goes through testing
Susan for healing
Jason for healing
Pr. Marilyn for healing
Bobby Toomire for healing
Healing for all those infected by Covid 19
Jill Mead for healing
For all people to remain safe and show wisdom in these days of chaos
NEW AT HOPE
HOPE’S LOVE PANTRY UPDATE Hope’s Love Panty is finally reaching the individuals in our community who need our help. It has been restocked with many protein items which are important to those in need. I have received monetary donations as well as actual food items due
to the generosity and love of our church community. We received a note from a person using our panty, letting us know that these are hard times and this pantry is a blessing & that we truly are doing God’s Work. It warms my heart to know that we are helping our neighbors and Sharing God’s Love With All. Suggestions for donations: Hearty Soups with protein, Cans of protein, tuna, chicken, roast beef, ham (many available at Walmart at good prices), Boxed milk (available at Dollar Tree), Cereals, Canned pasta dishes with meat, Canned beans, and other items you feel are necessary & needed. I truly thank all who have donated and continue to donate. God’s Love, Peace & Blessings to you. Linda Kraigenow, Pantry coordinator
BIBLES AND BAGELS suspended October 19th and 26th . Will resume November 2nd .
CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND LOVE ARE NEEDED!!!! Our bother in Christ, Walter Crowley, continues to heal at home, but he would certainly appreciate a card to lift his spirits. Walter and Kathryn’s address is: Walter Crowley 3935 Wall Lane, North Port, FL 34287
A NEW WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AT HOPE!! Beginning Wednesday, Oct 14, there will be a 10am worship in the parking lot for all those who wish to join us for prayer, a brief homily and study of Scripture and sharing in the Eucharist. Prayer is always a good thing, but considering how things are in our community, our country, and our world right now, our calling as Christians is to be even more fervent and vigilant in our payers, focusing our attention on God’s Word and sharing in the life-giving and hope-filled gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood in Holy Communion. Please join us- beginning Oct 14 at 10am!!! ALL ARE WELCOME! Spread the Word!!
BIBLE STUDY ON THE ACT OF THE APOSTLES ONLINE!!!! Pr. Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis is hosting a new Bible Study based on the amazing book of Acts. If you would like to be a part of this group, please contact either the church office or Pr Cheryll directly at cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com and let her know to sign you up! Please join us as we discover anew the growth of the church in the earliest days and how that impacts our faith today!!
NEW FM RADIO STATION. Anyone can now listen to worship in their vehicles by tuning into FM Radio station 88.3. All services will be broadcast on radio station FM 88.3.
HOPE’S LOVE PANTRY. If anyone would like to donate nonperishable goods for our pantry, please put items on the shelves of our pantry located on the walkway to the left of the main entrance. Also, please let people in our area who may be in need, know that they may take some food from our pantry. No need to sign up. It is anonymous, no questions asked.
MASKS – Our supply of masks is getting low. Any donation of additional masks would be greatly appreciated.
HYMN REQUESTS If there are any particular hymns that you would like to hear at worship, please submit the names to Pastor Jen at hopeluthern1@comcast.net. If our licensing agreement permits, look forward to hearing them soon.
HOPES AND DREAMS FOR HOPE – If you have a suggestion for a Hope or Dream for Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor Jen and your council would love to hear it. Please feel free to place any Hope or Dream in the mailbox in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. All requests will be kept confidential and you will receive a timely response.
NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETING will be held on November 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM.
BLOOD DRIVE Save the Date – November 22, 2020 in the parking lot.
ADVENT WEDNESDAY SERVICES will be held on December 2nd , 9th , 16th at 6:30 PM. Look for more details soon.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLING – Save the date – Sunday, December 20, 2020 time to be determined.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP will be held at 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 7:00 PM. Christmas Day will be
held at 10:00 AM.
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