SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS AT HOME WORSHIPFOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

AUGUST 29, 2021

PRAYER OF THE DAYO 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. Amen.

GOSPEL READING: MARK 7:1-8,14-15,21-23Mark’s gospel depicts Jesus as challenging traditional ways in which religious people determine what is pure or impure. For Jesus, the observance of religious practices cannot become a substitute for godly words or deeds that spring from a faithful heart.

1Now 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 itis written, ‘This people honors me with their lips,  but their hearts are far from me; 7in vain do they worship me,  teaching human precepts as doctrines.’8You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”  14Then 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.”  21For 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.”

GOSPEL REFLECTION BY ASSISTING MINISTER CONNIE TUCK

Have you ever heard the old saying: “You can’t judge a book by its cover”? It is true with humans too. Last week, I participated in five interviews for a managerial position. It was to be my replacement as manager for a software testing team. One of the candidates was someone that I’ve worked with in the past and who was, until last week, the top contender in my mind. But then I met an amazing group of people who were stronger candidates for the job. While my buddy at first glance seemed like the glaring choice, that wasn’t

necessarily the case. Other candidates brought great examples of leadership, compassion, creative ideas, technical savviness, and stories of perseverance. My good friend and coworker simply didn’t have the A-game needed for this work.

So how does that relate to our gospel story? Well, I could have stuck to my guns and “convinced” the others that my buddy was the best candidate. I could have sat there nitpicking each of the other candidates and their examples, trying to discredit or undermine the overall hiring decision as the Experienced Interviewer. But that’s not God’s way, especially in this gospel story.

How many times have you been somewhere (like a grocery store, a post office, or a school) and noticed what the “kids these days” are wearing or how they’re behaving? How about noticing when the person waiting in line in front of you is pleasant or not? How many times have you listened in on folks complaining about others or comparing who lives a healthy lifestyle (and who doesn’t), whether they’re neat (or sloppy), organized (or messy), clean cut (or grungy), vaccinated (or unvaccinated), educated (or ignorant), good (or bad), kind (or rude), and so on. As humans, we love to put people into categories or bucket them with labels. We just can’t help ourselves; it seems to be how we make sense of the world and our place in it. And yet, God loves all of those people. God loves us too, even when we aren’t at our best and fall short.

And so it is with the Pharisees. Ah, yes, the Pharisees! Always the ones that found fault with disobeying the rules and figuring out who didn’t fit in to their society and religion. The ones advocating for swift and clear punishment and exclusion in the system. The ones who knew exactly what to wear, what to say, and what to do. And yet, God loved the Pharisees. He loved them no less that He loved the disciples. He loved them the same as the crowds who followed Jesus.

Speaking of Jesus, what is His reply? “…it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come…”. Jesus’ message is clear: it’s not what’s on the outside and how each person displays their faith and whether they’re doing it correctly. It’s what’s on the inside. And thank the Lord for that! Nine times out of ten, my prayers don’t sound so good.

I struggle with Bible studies and the meaning of many things. Most of the time, I have to look up the liturgy and don’t know the words of the hymns. But God knows my heart, my mind, and my intentions. He loves me, even though I mess up, time after time, and struggle to get my faith right. My book covers aren’t pretty, but God still loves me, even when those covers are tattered, torn, smudged, or stained. Perhaps you too can relate to that situation. So how do we pay it forward to someone else who is struggling? If you find yourself ready to cast a label to someone else, just remember that each person, each child of God, is another precious book created by Him, another soul waiting to be opened and appreciated just as they are – wondrously made.

Luckily, I’ve never been kicked out of Shepherd (or shown to the Nursery room) when I had crying babies or energetic, rambunctious kids. Let’s make sure that everyone truly feels welcome when we worship together. The world each day becomes more fractured, more polarized and more about the differences. Let’s try to focus on what makes us all the same. So take another look: it’s not the cover that matters. It’s the heart within that loves, and needs love, in order to blossom and thrive.

HYMN OF THE DAY| REVELATION SONG—PHILLIPS CRAIG & DEAN HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/ADVGEGLZ_UI

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSIONMade children and heirs of God’s promise, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need. (We pause in brief silence.)

We pray for the church, that it is a safe haven for all who seek your presence. Fill it with pastors, deacons, and leaders who echo your expansive and generous welcome. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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, hear our prayer.

ZOOM WORSHIPER: We pray for individuals in positions of authority, especially those leading efforts against Covid 19, violence and terrorism. Raise up wise and discerning leaders throughout the world and guide them to seek the benefit of every person. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We pray for all who are in need, especially those seeking comfort through our Prayer Chain. Support and encourage those who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing poverty. Bring food, shelter, clothes, and stability for daily life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for this faith family, especially 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, hear our prayer.(Here other intercessions may be offered.)

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, hear our prayer.

Receive these prayers, O God, and those in our hearts known only to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.FURTHER READINGS:Here are the lessons for the Day so you can read further:

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9Second Reading: James 1:17-27Psalm: Psalm 15

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP: Click on the items below for children’s activities:

BENEDICTION & SENDINGGo out and be doers of the Word.

Cleanse your hearts of all that pollutes it.Be quick to listen and learn. Welcome the Word that God implants in you.Give it life through acts of kindness and compassion.May God pour grace upon you and bless you forever.May Christ Jesus revel to you the truth of God’s ways.May the Holy Spirit fill your life with passion and love.We go now in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of Christ. Amen.

SHEPHERD CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WEEK OF AUGUST 29– SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Sunday, August 29 th —Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost9:30 a.m.—Hybrid Zoom/In-Person Worship w/Holy CommunionWednesday, September 1 st 11:00 a.m.—Amazing Grace Bible Study by ZoomFriday, September 3 rd 7:00 a.m. — Men’s Zoom Breakfast Bible Study5:00 p.m.—Friday Night Perspectives Gathering -Pope RoomSunday, September 5 th 9:30 a.m.—Hybrid Zoom/In-Person Worship with Holy Communion

DAILY LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 22, 2021, YEAR B:Monday, August 30, 2021

Psalm 106:1-6, 13-23, 47-48; Deuteronomy 4:9-14; 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Tuesday, August 31, 2021Psalm 106:1-6, 13-23, 47-48; Deuteronomy 4:15-20; 1 Peter 2:19-25

Wednesday, September 1, 2021Psalm 106:1-6, 13-23, 47-48; Deuteronomy 4:21-40; Mark 7:9-23

Thursday, September 2, 2021Psalm 146; Isaiah 30:27-33; Romans 2:1-11

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS:

GEORGE C. AUGUST 1GERRY M. AUGUST 2MOLLY V. AUGUST 15

CLIF T. SEPT 1CAITLIN G. SEPT 8

JIM E. SEPT 9DOROTHY S. SEPT 19ARLENE F. SEPT 22SCOTT F. SEPT 24

Friday, September 3, 2021Psalm 146; Isaiah 32:1-8; Romans 2:12-16

Saturday, September 4, 2021Psalm 146; Isaiah 33:1-9; Matthew 15:21-31

Sunday, September 5, 2021Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146; James 2:1-10; 14-17; Mark 7:24-37