FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST - August 28 & 29, 2021

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY
                                  AFTER PENTECOST

                                           August 28 & 29, 2021

MISSION STATEMENT
To reflect God’s love through service to the family of God.

WELCOME STATEMENT
We welcome and encourage the full participation of all
people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age,
ability, appearance, or anything else that threatens to divide
us. We have all been claimed as God’s children, and all are
welcome here.
 “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is
    no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
                              -Galatians 3:28

WORSHIP LEADERSHIP

Preaching Minister—Pastor Tony Dusso
Presiding Minister—Pastor Jason Poole-Xiong
Organist—Cheryl Licary

5:00 pm    Lector—Cindy Helms
service    Vocalist—Lynette Rust
           Usher—Nancy Schmidt

8:30 am    Lector—Deanna Feuerstein
service    Vocalist—Rebecca Wallendal
           Ushers—Terry Amundson and Bob Pederson

10:30 am Lector—Jean Lincoln
service Vocalist—Rebecca Wallendal
         Ushers—Steve Christensen and Rich Olmstead

                         INTRODUCTION
When many are asked about their religion and what they think
about God, often we get the response: “I’m spiritual, not
religious.” On the positive side, this is a recognition that the self
is more than flesh and bone; and that many have experienced
a spiritual truth beyond the things of matter. But on the
negative side, it also recognizes that the tales, narratives,
rituals, and absolutes that too often come to define “religion”
do not satisfy the universal experience of the spiritual and
divine. In today’s text from Mark, Jesus seeks to reclaim religion
by centering on the heart. More than a list of practices and
human traditions, religion can be a doorway to the presence
of God within us all.

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GATHERING_______________________________
PRELUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please rise.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
P Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,
  the God of manna,
  the God of miracles,
  the God of mercy.
C Amen.
P   Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance,
    let us confess our sin.
P God, our provider,
C help us.
  It is hard to believe there is enough to share.
  We question your ways when they differ from the ways
  of the world in which we live.
  We turn to our own understanding
  rather than trusting in you.
  We take offense at your teachings and your ways.
  Turn us again to you.
  Where else can we turn?
  Share with us the words of eternal life
  and feed us for life in the world.
  Amen.
P Beloved people of God:
  in Jesus, the manna from heaven,
  you are fed and nourished.
  By Jesus, the worker of miracles,
  there is always more than enough.
  Through Jesus, the bread of life,
  you are shown God’s mercy:
  you are forgiven and loved into abundant life.
C Amen.

Please be seated.

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OPENING SONG                               O God, My Faithful God

GREETING
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the
  communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C And also with you.

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KYRIE

        5

SONG OF PRAISE

PRAYER OF THE DAY
P The Lord be with you.
C And also with you.
P Let us pray… O God our strength, without you we are weak and
  wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from
  the outside, and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within
  ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus
  Christ, our Savior and Lord.
C Amen

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WORD_____________________________________
FIRST LESSON: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
L A reading from Deuteronomy.
1
 So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am
teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the
land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2You
must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away
anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God
with which I am charging you.
   6
    You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom
and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these
statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning
people!” 7For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the
Lord our God is whenever we call to him? 8And what other great
nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am
setting before you today?
   9
    But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget
the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your
mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and
your children’s children.

L The word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.

PSALM: Psalm 15
    1
    Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle?
     Who may abide upon your holy hill?
   2
    Those who lead a blameless life and do what is right,
     who speak the truth from their heart;
   3
    they do not slander with the tongue, they do no evil to their
friends;
     they do not cast discredit upon a neighbor.
   4
    In their sight the wicked are rejected, but they honor those
who fear the Lord.
     They have sworn upon their health and do not take back their
word.
   5
    They do not give their money in hope of gain, nor do they take
bribes against the innocent.
     Those who do these things shall never be overthrown.

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SECOND LESSON: James 1:17-27
L A reading from James.
17
   Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no
variation or shadow due to change. 18In fulfillment of his own
purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would
become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
    19
      You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to
listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for your anger does not
produce God’s righteousness. 21Therefore rid yourselves of all
sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with
meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
    22
      But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive
themselves. 23For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they
are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24for they look at
themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were
like. 25But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and
persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will
be blessed in their doing.
    26
      If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues
but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27Religion that is
pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans
and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the
world.

L The word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
Please rise.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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GOSPEL: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
P The holy gospel, according to Mark, the 7th chapter.
C Glory to you, O Lord.
1
 Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come
from Jerusalem gathered around [Jesus], 2they noticed that some of
his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing
them. 3(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they
thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the
elders; 4and they do not eat anything from the market unless they
wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe,
the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) 5So the Pharisees and
the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to
the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6He said to
them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,
   ‘This people honors me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me;
   7
    in vain do they worship me,
      teaching human precepts as doctrines.’
8
 You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human
tradition.”
    14
      Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me,
all of you, and understand: 15there is nothing outside a person that
by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.”
    21
      For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions
come: fornication, theft, murder, 22adultery, avarice, wickedness,
deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23All these evil things
come from within, and they defile a person.”

P The gospel of the Lord.
C Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated.

SERMON                                                 Pastor Tony Dusso

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SONG OF THE DAY        Be Thou My Vision

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APOSTLES’ CREED
C   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.

THE PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
P   Made children and heirs of God’s promise, we pray for the
    church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
P We pray for the church, that it is a safe haven for all who seek
  your presence. Fill it with sisters and brothers in Christ who
  express your expansive and generous welcome genuinely from
  their hearts. Lord, in your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P We pray for the whole of creation, that plants and animals have
  the habitat and resources to thrive and flourish. Inspire us to
  protect threatened habitats and ensure a sustainable future for
  generations to come. Lord, in your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P We pray for all who are in need. Support and encourage those
  who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing poverty.
  Bring food, shelter, clothes, and stability for daily life. Heal those
  who are sick and comfort those who grieve. Protect those facing
  danger in Afghanistan and help us successfully bring to safety
  those seeking to leave. Lord, in your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

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P We pray for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and those beginning a
  new school year. Empower teachers and school administrators.
  Guide students in their learning and development. Accompany
  parents, foster parents, and caregivers who provide
  encouragement and love. Lord, in your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P We give thanks for the faithful departed who showed us how to
  honor God with our heart. Inspire us by their example and renew
  our faith, trusting that we will be united with them in glory. Lord,
  in your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
P Receive these prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only
  to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C Amen.

MEAL______________________________________
RECONCILIATION AND OFFERING PRAYER
P God of love, you call us beloved children and welcome us to your
  table. Move us by your Spirit to reach out to others with the Peace
  of the Lord and seek reconciliation with those who differ from us
  so that we can come to your table in unity. Receive our lives and
  the gifts we offer. Abide with us and send us in service to a
  suffering world; for the sake of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
C Amen.

    Your offerings can be placed in the plate at the sanctuary entrance,
           mailed to the church or given online on our website.

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Please rise.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
P   The Lord be with you.
C   And also with you.
P   Lift up your hearts.
C   We lift them to the Lord.
P   Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C   It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P   It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times
     and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and
     merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day
     overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection
     opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the
     choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of
     heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

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THE 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
P The gifts of God for the people of God.
C Thanks be to God.

Please be seated.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
As directed by an usher, you may proceed forward to receive a
sealed package that contains both a wafer and grape juice. You
are welcome to consume the sacrament when you return to your
pew. Please dispose of the waste in a garbage can after worship.
Children may come forward for a blessing.

MUSIC DURING DISTRIBUTION                   Change My Heart, O God

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Please rise.
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
P: Let us pray. Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table
   more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this
   meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life.
   In your name we pray.
C: Amen.

SENDING__________________________________

BENEDICTION

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Congregation is invited to sing the Sending Hymn.
SENDING HYMN                                  On Our Way Rejoicing

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DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace. You are the body of Christ.
C: Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

                                  ☩

                      ANNOUNCEMENTS

WORSHIP TIME UPDATE Beginning this weekend, our Sunday morning
late service will begin at 10:30 am.

OUTDOOR FAMILY WORSHIP | AUG 29 • SEPT 12 • SEPT 19 • SEPT 26
Songs, Children’s messages, Communion, Bible stories, Blessings and
more - mark your calendar and plan to join us at 9:30 am! While this
service will be aimed towards families, everyone is welcome! Bring
your own chairs, or a blanket. Please note, there is no Outdoor
Family Worship on Sunday, September 5, because of Labor Day
weekend.

GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS. SUNDAY | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Check out the bulletin board in the Commons for all of the details.
Service projects include: Caritas, Card for Kindness, 16:49 House,
Birthday Bags, and OSLC Beautification! Sign up today and plan to
join us for lunch; boxed lunches will be provided for all volunteers.

COFFEE HOUR HELP NEEDED We are looking for individuals willing to
make coffee on Sunday mornings from 9:45 -10:25 am in the
Commons. Sign-up sheet is located in the Commons. Any questions
call Nancy at 608-289-3055.
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WELCOME MS. MARIE LEAFBLAD. This morning we welcome Ms. Marie
Leafblad who serves as the Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership
Support for the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA. As a
congregation of the ELCA Our Savior’s is part of the South-Central
Synod of Wisconsin which consists of 138 ELCA worshiping
communities across the region. Ms. Leafblad’s primary responsibilities
include mobility of pastors & deacons, networking, care of
congregations, and youth and family ministries.

GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS. T-SHIRTS A limited supply of "God's work.
Our hands." t-shirts are now available. Please contact the office at
608-362-0716 to make arrangements for pick up. A suggested
donation of $10 is requested to offset the cost of the shirts.

WORSHIP SERVICES ARE LIVESTREAMED The Saturday 5:00 pm service
and the Sunday 8:30 am service are livestreamed. Bulletins for the
services can be found online at oursaviorsbeloitwi.org/worship/.

LISTEN TO WORSHIP ON YOUR PHONE by calling 855-216-7749. No
computer is necessary. Please contact the church office if you have
any questions.

ROCK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Currently, recommends all
people wear a face masks in all indoor, public spaces. If you are in
need of a mask, support our youth by purchasing a custom OSLC
mask during Coffee Hour. Masks cost $5 each.

CONFIRMATION Our middle school faith formation program
(Confirmation) will begin with a parent/family/youth meeting on
Wednesday, September 8 beginning at 6:30 p.m. All those youth and
families in 7th-9th grade this fall are invited to join us. Please contact
Pastor Jason with any questions or if you are unable to be at the
meeting on September 8.

I LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS Pastor Tony’s Autumn Bible Study will
look at Psalms 120-134, the “Songs of Ascent” used in ancient Israel
for pilgrimage journeys. As we journey through life and face many
obstacles on the road, these psalms ground us in our true source of
hope and guide us to dwell in communion with God. Sign up today
to reserve your free copy of A Long Obedience in the Same
Direction by Eugene H. Peterson. Class begins September 19!

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Weekly Calendar
Saturday    August 28      11:00 am Vaccine Clinic
                            5:00 pm Worship
Sunday      August 29       8:30 am   Worship
                            9:15 am   Coffee Hour
                            9:30 pm   Outdoor Family Worship
                           10:30 am   Worship
                            1:00 pm   Televised Worship (Ch. 992)
Monday      August 30        8:30 am Sewing Bee
                             2:00 pm Care Team
Tuesday     August 31       9:30 am Staff Meeting
                           11:00 am Pastors Text Study
Wednesday September 1       9:00 am Men’s Group
                           10:00 am Pastor Tony’s Weekly Devotion
                            5:00 pm Televised Worship (Ch. 992)
Saturday    September 4      5:00 pm Worship
Sunday      September 5     8:30 am   Worship
                            9:15 am   Coffee Hour
                           10:30 am   Worship
                            1:00 pm   Televised Worship (Ch. 992)

Altar Flowers are given today in honor of John and Jean Lincoln’s
45th Wedding Anniversary.

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WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT OUR SAVIOR’S
It is a joy to have you join us for worship this morning. Wherever you are
from, wherever you are in life or on your faith journey, we are glad you
are here. Please fill out a Yellow Slip for attendance and prayer requests.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE                        STAY CONNECTED
We have large print bulletins and           749 Bluff Street, Beloit, WI 53511
hearing enhancers for anyone who            (608) 362-0716
may need them, please see an                office@oursaviorsbeloitwi.org
usher for assistance.                       Senior Pastor: Tony Dusso
                                            Assoc. Pastor: Jason Poole-Xiong
SCRIPTURE
You may want to prepare for next
                                                www.oursaviorsbeloitwi.org
week by studying the scriptures.
• Isaiah 35:4-7a
                                                www.facebook/oslcbeloit
• Psalm 146
• James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17
                                                “Ministry Coordinator OSLC”
• Mark 7:24-37

                                                DWELL IN THE WORD AND NOTICE
...................................            HOW IT CONNECTS WITH YOUR LIFE

Define religion. How does a typical worldly definition of religion fail to
express what should be a route to greater union with God?

Read Mark 7:1-23. Consider the ritual practices that Jesus is criticizing.
What might have been the original good purpose for these practices?
Where did they go wrong, according to Jesus? In seeking to reclaim
religious practice, what does Jesus emphasize?

How does a heart get changed? The heart (in spiritual terms) is the same
as our will. It’s can even be called our spirit. It’s the central processing unit
of our soul. It’s where our thoughts and decisions come from and where
our character lies. Jesus wants our hearts and teaches that we can all
have hearts that are tuned to the kingdom of God. Feeding our minds the
words of Scripture and practicing contemplative prayer are two great
ways that impact a change heart. Introduce time this week to meditate
on the teachings of Jesus.

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