Scripture: Mark 5:21-43 

Script 

Prop: A new band-aid for each child. 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

 Pastor: How are you doing today, Sammy? 

 Sammy: I am doing really well. I had my breakfast this morning and my maa-maa brushed my wool and I made it to church on time.  

 Pastor: That’s great, Sammy!  

 Sammy: How are you, Pastor? 

Pastor: I am doing well, but I have something on my mind. 

 Sammy: What’s on your mind? 

 Pastor: I’m wondering how much faith we have as a congregation. 

 Sammy: What do you mean? 

 Pastor: Well, when I read the gospel reading for today, we heard about Jairus and his faith that Jesus could heal his daughter. And while Jesus was on his way to heal the girl, a woman had such a big faith that Jesus could heal her if she could just reach out and touch his clothes. What do you think, boys and girls? How do we know if we have faith like Jairus and the sick woman? 

 [Allow time for responses] 

 Pastor: These are all great answers, everyone! 

 Sammy: Pastor, I think our congregation has great faith. St. Paul talks about how blessed we are because we have not seen Jesus, and yet we still believe in him. 

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. I was also thinking about how Jesus heals our bodies and also our spirits. He takes care of our physical needs and our spiritual needs. 

 Sammy: Just like in the gospel you read today! Jesus healed a woman and a girl, and when the girl was raised up from the dead, Jesus told her mom and dad to give her something to eat. He knew she was hungry and she needed food. I love that Jesus takes care of us—especially because I am always hungry! 

 Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Remember that Jesus also takes care of our spiritual bodies, our souls, too. When he raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead, his miracle points to the resurrection of his own body when he will rise from the dead. And guess what? 

 Sammy: What? What? 

 Pastor: Jesus will raise each of us from the dead, too. 

 Sammy: That’s so cool! I will get to live forever with Jesus. 

 Pastor: Yes—we get to live with him in Heaven, and one day, he will come back and Heaven and earth will be one. 

 Sammy: And there will be no more death or pain, and we will not need to be healed anymore. We won’t need to buy any more band-aids, Pastor!  

 Pastor: Speaking of band-aids, one of the best ways I know to help us with healing is a band-aid. I am going to give each of you a band-aid (a new one) to remind you that Jesus is our great healer. You can put it on now, or you can save it for when you really need it. 

 Sammy: I want one, too, please! [Pastor puts a band-aid on Sammy] Oooo I love it! Jesus is our healer: both of our bodies and our spirits. 

 Pastor: Let’s say a prayer together. Boys and girls, will you fold your hands and bow your heads with me, please? Dear Jesus, thank you for healing our bodies. Thank you for providing for us. Thank you for raising us up to new life in you. Amen. 

 Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

 Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 28: 10^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, B

Genesis 9:8-17 (God makes rainbow a sign of his covenant with Noah)

RCL/ELW: 2 Kings 4:42-44 (Elisha feeds 100)

Psalm 136:1-9 (Give thanks to God; he is good; his steadfast love endures forever)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 145:10-18 (All eyes look to you, you give food in due season)

Ephesians 3:14-21 (Be strengthened by Spirit, rooted and grounded in Christ)

Mark 6:45-56 (Jesus walks on water, heals many in Gennesaret)

RCL/ELW: John 6:1-21 (Feeding of 5000, walking on water)

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Opening hymn: Evening and Morning: LBW #465, ELW #761, LSB #726

OR Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV # , ELW #733, LSB #809

Hymn of the Day: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me: LBW #333, ELW #767, LSB #722

OR (if using RCL/ELW texts) All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly: ELW #461

OR (ditto) Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, LSB #763

Communion Hymn #2: : All Creatures of Our God and King: LBW #527, v. 1-3, 6-7

“All Creatures, Worship God Most High”- fewer verses, altered: ELW #835

Closing Hymn: God the Omnipotent: LBW #462

OR I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

OR I Come With Joy:  ELW #482

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for your steadfast love! Thank you for Jesus, your Word and Love made flesh. Thank you for strengthening us in faith, hope, and love, through the gift of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have rooted and grounded the Church in the life-giving body of your dear Son. May that Church always feed, heal, teach, and draw many souls to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shelter and bless all who suffer for naming Jesus as Lord. By their faithful endurance and charity, soften the hearts of their enemies. Bring many to repentance and salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Nourish the people of this congregation with the living Bread of heaven. Heal us with your mercy and forgiveness. Make us brave and wise as we strive to share your saving love with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our young adults with strength of character, to resist the follies of the culture. Channel their energy and idealism into deeds of mercy and words of wisdom. Use them to introduce skeptical friends and cynical co-workers to you, the source of all goodness, truth, and beauty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give upright hearts to those entrusted with leadership in government, education, industry, or the arts. Teach them to love wisdom and righteousness. Help them to use power and authority rightly, so all people are blessed with freedom, justice, and opportunity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who risk their lives on behalf of ours. Equip them with every virtue they need to do their jobs faithfully and well. Help us to honor their service and sacrifice. Help them use their skills in new ways when their duties are completed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow your Holy Spirit upon all who cry out to you, especially: {List}. Graciously heal, restore, and strengthen them. Bless everyone who assists them in their time of need. Increase their trust in you, their Strength and their Redeemer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your tender care, dear Father, all who have died trusting in your promises. Heal our grief, strengthen our faith, and forgive our sins. Nourish us with the Bread of Life, and refresh us with your Holy Spirit. Lad us into your heavenly Kingdom, where with all the redeemed, we shall rejoice in your goodness forever.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 21: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, B

Jeremiah 23:1-5 (God will replace Israel’s false shepherds; righteous branch of David)

Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd)

Ephesians 2:11-22 (Joined together in Christ, he is our peace through blood of his cross)

Mark 6:30-44 (Feeding the 5000)

RCL/ELW: Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56 (Jesus teaches [before feeding 5000] and heals [after; will get

feeding miracle from John])

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Opening hymn: The Church’s One Foundation LBW #369, ELW #654, LSB #644

OR Church of God, Elect and Glorious: LSB #646 (Really nice. Tune is same as “Lord, You

gave the great commission”)

Hymn of the Day: Word of God, Come Down on Earth: WOV #716, ELW #510, LSB #545

OR Break Now the Bread of Life: LBW #235, ELW #515

Communion Hymn #1: Let Us Break Bread Together: LBW #212, ELW #471

Communion Hymn #2: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us:

LBW #481, ELW #789, LSB #711 (ELW and LSB use the MUCH more familiar tune, “Bradbury.” If you use LBW and don’t like the tune used there, rustle up an old SBH, it’s #524. You’re welcome.)

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing (2^nd verse is perfect!): LBW #196, ELW #544

OR With God as Our Friend: LBW #371 (it sings like a Swedish folk tune; words are delightful)

OR Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing: LBW #259, ELW #545, LSB #924

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for our Good Shepherd! Thank you for his compassion and mercy. Thank you for the peace he gives through the blood of his Cross. Thank you. We adore and bless you for your loving-kindness to sinners like us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Establish the Church as your living temple, built on the foundation of prophets and apostles, with Christ as its cornerstone. Make its words precious and its actions holy. Use it to feed the world with the living bread of your holy Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the faithful Shepherd to your persecuted Church. Protect them from those who hate the name of Jesus and seek to scatter and destroy his flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for making this congregation part of the Body of Christ. Keep us in union with him, our Cornerstone and Savior. Let all we do conform to the witness of prophets, apostles, and martyrs.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom and guidance to everyone learning to be a spiritual director, discipleship partner, or mentor for those seeking to walk more closely with Christ. Make them humble, faithful, and radiant with the beauty of the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You condemned kings who were abusive shepherds of your people. Warn and guide our earthly leaders. Teach them to use power and authority to protect and bless their citizens, and to do your will. Teach each of us to share what we have with the poor and hungry. Teach us to believe that you bless and multiply our gifts to your glory and for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be with those whose work is difficult and dangerous, especially military and first responders. Make them brave, wise, and just. Use them to bring safety and hope to dangerous places. Raise and heal them when they fall. Give steadfast hearts to their loved ones until they are reunited.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the poor and needy, the sick and injured, the lonely and grieving, the imprisoned and abused, the homeless and dispossessed. Ease their suffering or sorrow. Today we also pray for: {List}. Be their Good Shepherd. Feed them with the bread of healing, forgiveness, and hope. Bless everyone who cares for them, and give them strength and joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, keep safe our beloved dead until you reunite us in your own House. Grant us faith in your dear Son to walk confidently through death’s dark vale, encouraging one another in his name. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you feed all whom you have redeemed with the banquet fare and rich wine of the Lamb’s high feast.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 14: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, B

Amos 7:7-15 (Amos speaks of God’s judgment, and is told by king to take a hike)

Psalm 85:1-13 (Restore us, O God of our salvation; righteousness and peace have kissed)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 85:8-13 (Eliminates wrath, plea for forgiveness)

Ephesians 1:3-14 (Spiritual blessings in Christ, who has prepared our eternal inheritance)

Mark 6:14-29 (John the Baptist loses his head)

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Opening hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686

OR My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #968

Hymn of the Day: All Who Would Valiant Be: LBW #498

(gotta love a John Bunyan “Pilgrim’s Progress” hymn!)

OR Faith of Our Fathers: LBW #500, ELW #812/813 (813 is the “inclusive” version, keeps old 1^st verse,

adds new ones that are a tad earnest but quite good).

OR Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/458; ELW #775 (same as LBW 457); LSB #743
Communion Hymn #1:  He Leadeth Me: LBW #501

OR Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me: LBW #327, ELW #623, LSB #761

Communion Hymn #2: Fight the Good Fight: LBW #461, LSB #664

OR Here is Bread: ELW #483

Closing Hymn: O Jesus, I Have Promised: LBW #503, ELW #810

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we give uneasy thanks for prophets and martyrs. They’re hard to listen to, much less imitate! We give you uneasy thanks for the times you test our faith. Remind us that your grace is sufficient, and the inheritance you have stored up for us in Christ is eternal.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be merciful as you judge your Church. Drive out false teaching and unholy living. Give bishops, pastors, and theologians the courage and faithfulness of John the Baptist. Let your Word of Law and Gospel be proclaimed to all people, so that many be drawn to repentant faith in your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like John the Baptist, many of your servants are in danger today. Keep them steadfast in faith, bold in witness, patient in suffering, and joyful in hope, always giving thanks to their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation faithful to our mission: to proclaim Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, for the forgiveness of sins unto life everlasting. Make our words wise; our actions gracious; and our lives holy, so others want to meet the Lord we love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our youngsters as they enjoy their summer vacation. Delight them with the wonders of your creation; and instill in them a love of learning that does not end with classroom bells.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give the leaders of the nations advisors who speak truth to power. School them in integrity, justice, and mercy. Give each of us a teachable spirit. Help us hear your commandments, obey them, and live at peace with our neighbors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prosper the work of all who defend life and liberty, here and abroad. Make them strong, competent, and faithful. Deliver them from evil, and give them a joyful homecoming. Grant healing to those who are injured and honor to all who have died in the line of duty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, thank you for the inheritance given to us in Jesus. Thank you for the promise of life everlasting. Thank you for fulfilling your promises to all who died trusting them. Give us strength to trust your Son completely; to confess him boldly; and to rejoice in him always. Bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into your Kingdom, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

Prayers, Hymns, and Lessons, July 7: 7^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 9

Ezekiel 2:1-5 (God’s Spirit within the prophet called to speak to rebellious people)

Psalm 123 (Have mercy; we have had enough of contempt)

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (Paul’s visions, and the thorn in the flesh)

Mark 6:1-13 (Jesus rejected in Nazareth; the 12 are sent on mission trip)

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Opening hymn: Before You, Lord, We Bow: LBW #401, ELW #893, LSB #966

Hymn of the Day: Lord, You Give the Great Commission: WOV #756, ELW #579

OR Rise Up, O Saints of God: LBW #383, ELW #669

Communion Hymn #1: O Master, Let Me Walk With You: LBW #492, ELW #818

Communion Hymn #2: Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling: LBW #381, LSB #827

OR Here I Am, Lord: WOV #752, ELW #574

Closing Hymn: (If celebrating Independence Day this weekend): God of Our Fathers:  LBW #567

OR This is My Song: ELW #887 (tune is Finlandia; nice words)

OR On Eagles’ Wings: WOV # , ELW #787, LSB #727

THE PRAYERS 

Let us pray to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, sometimes we give you thanks, then gulp. Thank you for your prophets, even when their words are hard. Thank you for your grace, even when it doesn’t remove suffering. Thank you for making us your disciples, even when the world hates you. Thank you – and deal patiently with us while we gulp!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You commissioned Ezekiel to speak to your people. Your Son chose the Twelve to spread the Gospel. Give your Spirit to the Church, so it speaks words of warning and grace to all people. Grant that many are brought to repentance, faith, and redemption in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant your all-sufficient grace to your persecuted servants. By their faithful witness, turn their enemies toward the cross of Christ, there to be forgiven and transformed. Bestow your favor and guidance upon your missionaries, especially those serving in dangerous places.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for calling this congregation into fellowship with your Son. Give us the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Make us disciples and heralds of your Kingdom. Grant us courage to boldly share the Good News. Give us kindness, so that others may gladly hear it.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have given us this good land as our heritage. Let us always remember your generosity and do your will. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, and every evil course of action. Give us what outward prosperity may be your will; but above all things, give us faith in you, that our nation may glorify your name and be a blessing to all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep our military personnel and first responders in your care. Equip them to secure and further the blessings of peace, justice, and liberty. Help us to support and encourage their families until they are reunited. Heal all whose lives have been shattered by the violence of war.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

St. Paul prayed that his thorn in the flesh might be removed.  We pray for all who suffer, especially: {List}. Heal them according to your will. Give them confidence in your grace, which is sufficient for their needs. Thank you for all caregivers. Give them competence, kindness, and patience. Keep all for whom we pray in close communion with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we praise you for your never-failing mercy. We entrust to that mercy all our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Keep us close to your heart throughout our lives. Support us with your grace, and heal us with your forgiving love. Lead us by your Spirit into the Kingdom won for us by your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, dear Lord, as it is best for us and most glorifies your holy name. Amen.

“ Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”  But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:12-22).

Funerals are big business.  We want to celebrate the life of the one gone, even if they were not decent people in life.  It is much more understandable when they were decent people.  But this misses the point.  We are called to look to Jesus, and He is calling us to the eternity for which we are heading.  Yes, honor the dead, but do not let your focus remain there.  Be guided to live into the life to which you have been called.

Holy Spirit, you know how much my inner life conflicts with my life in this world.  It is not that You are calling me to go into seclusion, but that You are calling me to live a balanced life.  Guide me, Lord, so that I may always walk humbly with You.  Lead me to become the person I am being made to be by grace through faith.  Guide me to see that in You alone is my future.

Lord Jesus, You are not being harsh, but truthful.  Lead me according to Your goodness to live this day with my eyes always upon You.  No matter what I do, let it be with the heavenly kingdom in mind.  May my actions on this day be faithful.  Help me so that nothing gets in the way of me living faithfully with You.  Let me be obedient in doing what You give me to do.  Help me to always follow You.  Amen.