Bulletin August 2nd
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
2305 Goshen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Telephone: (260) 483-9312
Email: pastordale@stmatthewslutheran.com
Website: http://www.stmatthewsfw.org
Ministers: The People Pastor: Dale Henderson
Music Director: Tracy Meihls Sexton: Brock Snyder 10th Sunday after Pentecost August 2, 2026
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
PREPARATION (Confession & Forgiveness) Red Book p. 94
Please Stand
HYMN: Praise and Thanksgiving Red Book # 689
GREETING:
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.
Psalm 145:1, 8-9, 14-21
L: I will exalt you, my God and King,
C: and bless your name forever and ever.
L: The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
C: Lord, you are good to all, and your compassion is over all your works.
L: The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up those who are bowed down.
C: The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season.
L: You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
C: You are righteous in all your ways and loving in all your works.
L: You are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you faithfully.
C: You fulfill the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them.
L: You watch over all those who love you, but all the wicked you shall destroy.
C: My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all flesh bless God’s holy name forever and ever.
All: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Glorious God, your generosity fills the world with goodness, and you cover all creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with it fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord C: Amen
Please be seated.
THE READINGS
SERMON / Presentation by the Bible Quizzers Team
HYMN OF THE DAY Break Now the Bread of Life Red Book # 515
Please stand
APOSTLES’ CREED Red Book p. 105
THE PRAYERS
L: Strengthened by the Spirit who gives us words to speak and hearts that care, let us bring our hopes and needs to God who listens. (A brief silence)
Almighty God, let your blessing be poured out upon your people, that the gospel may be proclaimed to all. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Merciful God, let your compassion fill the leaders of the world, so that all people may find themselves free from abuse and fear and may live in peace. We pray for our own elected national and state leaders, especially in these troubled times. Lead them by your Holy Spirit, that this land may provide liberty and justice for all. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Compassionate Lord, let your healing hand rest on those who are ill, on those who are hospitalized or home-bound, those who struggle with loneliness or depression, and all who call for help, especially… and others dear to us, whom we name before you… May they feel the gentle touch of your all-powerful love. Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Almighty God, let your faithful covenant guide this congregation. We ask your blessing that the hungry may be fed through our food bank ministry and those who hunger spiritually may be fed through our faithful sharing of your holy word. Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
P: Into your hands, merciful Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.. C: AMEN.
Please be seated
OFFERING (Special offering for Lutheran Social Services)
Please stand
OFFERTORY PRAYER
P: Merciful Father:
C: As your dear Son took the child’s offering of five small loaves and two fish and satisfied the hunger of a multitude, even so we pray, receive our humble offering and use it to feed the world with your love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION Setting Three Red Book p. 144
Please stand.
POST COMMUNION
P: The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and his most precious blood, strengthen and preserve you in true faith unto everlasting life. C: Amen.
L: Let us pray… Lord Jesus, you have not only given us this bread and cup, but your very self, that we may feast on your great love. Filled by these signs of your grace, may we hunger for your reign of mercy, and may we thirst for your way of peace, for you are Lord forevermore. C: Amen.
P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
C: Amen.
L: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PARTING HYMN Spirit Song
Oh, let the Son of God enfold you
With his Spirit and his love,
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
Oh, let him have the things that hold you,
And his Spirit like a dove
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.
Refrain: Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
O come and sing this song with gladness
As your hearts are filled with joy,
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.
O give Him all your tears and sadness,
Give Him all your years of pain,
And you'll enter into life in Jesus' name.
CCLI 931594 Maranatha Praise IV
ALTAR FLOWERS are dedicated to the glory of God by MaryAnn Graves in honor of her family.
TODAY’S SERVERS Pianist: Catherine Ji
Liturgist: Ed Stange Ushers: Debra Kiefer, Anthony Kiefer
Altar Guild: Sarah Hoffman
HOLY COMMUNION: All Christian believers are welcome at our Table. We believe and teach that the body and blood of Christ are truly present under the forms of bread and wine. Come, believing the words of Jesus himself: “This is my body given for you…this is my blood shed for you.”
Children who have not received instruction and others who do not wish to receive the sacrament, but who wish to receive a blessing, may indicate so by folding their hands over their heart.
WINE OR GRAPE JUICE Glasses in the center ring of each communion tray contain white grape juice. Glasses in the outer rings contain wine.
TODAY’S NOISY OFFERING will go to Lutheran Social Services.
AFTER TODAY’S SERVICE - You are invited to help fill a backpack with back to school supplies for children at Franke Park Elementary, our Rising Star school.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY: Deborah Esther Circle will meet Tuesday, August 11 at noon in Bethany Hall. Bring your lunch, and dessert and beverage will be provided. This month’s activity is creating artist kits for the Matthew’s House Preschool class.
The ladies luncheon outing to Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury was temporarily postponed due to the severely high temperatures followed by the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Watch for an announcement. Perhaps you can join us on the rescheduled date.
ART SUPPLIES FOR MATTHEW’S HOUSE are still needed. Please see the table display in the Bethany Room and take a tag to donate.
COOKING FOR 1 OR 2: Everyone is invited–women, men, singles, students–to an informative presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1:15-2:30 in Bethany Hall. See the bulletin board for details and sign up.
PLANNING FOR FALL FUN FEST - A committee is being formed to make plans for this year’s Fall Fun Fest, Oct. 24. If you would like to be part of the planning, please see Todd or Vicki Campbell.
KINDNESS KITS: On the doughnut table in the Bethany Room you will find special “Kindness Bags” assembled by the ladies of the Deborah Esther Circle. Please take one to give to someone who needs a bit of encouragement or cheer.
BACKPACK BLESSING SERVICE will be Sunday, August 16.
GRIEFSHARE is a 13 week, Christ-centered support program designed to help individuals grieving the loss of a loved one.
Pastor Dale is considering leading a series if there are members interested in participating. Please let Pastor know of your interest. If you would like to hear more about Griefshare from someone who has personally experienced it, speak with Richard Kunkel.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS: Jamie Sue Becker (4 yr. old daughter of Karlin & Ellie Becker), Henry Volz (8 year-old great nephew of Cindy Beard), Tracey Gross, Jan Diller, Dean Drews, Mike Volz (brother of Cindy Beard), the family of Ursula Long, Pastor Art Klausmeier, John and Sandi Slough (Duane Kiefer’s sister), Theresa Huth (friend of the Wellman Family}, Bob Powelson (Matt’s father), and our homebound members.
(Names normally remain on the prayer list for 6 weeks.
If you would like to add or remove a name.
please speak with Pastor Dale.)
