(image: "Jesus and His Disciples" (c) Alida Bothma Art)

​LECTIONARY TEXTS: 
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 | Psalm 1 | Philemon 1-21

GOSPEL READING: Luke 14:25-33

As scattered grains of wheat are gathered together into one bread, so let us gather our prayers for the church, those in need, and all of God’s good creation.


~ Pause for Reflection ~
We pray for the church around the world and for the mission of the gospel. Refresh the hearts of your people, deepen our understanding of every good thing we share, and strengthen our partnerships in the faith.Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For the well-being of the earth and all its creatures: for trees and forests, for all that will yield fruit this season, and for streams and other bodies of water. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For the nations and those in authority: for the elected leaders of our towns, states, and country, and for international organizations. Grant wisdom to those who govern and raise up citizens who make decisions in the best interest of their neighbors. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For all in need: for those who suffer from disease, who struggle with homelessness or food insecurity, for those whose family life is difficult, and for all in this community who need your care especially Jane Friendshuh, recovering from surgery; Mary Lou Williams, recovering from surgery; Claudia Runnels, recovering from surgery; Carlos Garces, recovering from neck surgery; Bill Viebahn, member, with late stage lung cancer; Mike Murray, in cancer treatment Mary Sue Barber, daughter of Shelby Andress, whose cancer has returned and is worsening. We pray For those who suffer from long COVID, and other effects of the pandemic For those suffering from mental illness For caregivers everywhere in their care for the sick and mentally ill. For the imprisoned who long for hope. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

For this community of faith: for all our labors—begun, continued, and ended in you—that they glorify your holy name. Bless your people with the strength to live into their many vocations for the sake of the world. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for the saints who now rest from their labors. Give us faith, like them, to love you with all our hearts, and by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Gathered together in the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit, gracious God, we offer these and all our prayers to you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.

​

​LECTIONARY READINGS:
Isaiah 58:9b-14 | Psalm 103:1-8 | Hebrews 12:18-29 
GOSPEL TEXT: Luke 13:10-17

OUTDOOR WORSHIP SUNDAY at 10:30am // Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30am! Rev. Dr. Robin Bell will be preaching and presiding. Our Sunday worship will also be streaming here on Zoom. Meeting ID: 899 8339 5756 Passcode: 334806
The link, along with a bulletin for each worship, can also be found here on our website.
 
We thank Kendrick Hall and Randy Romsdahl for leading worship last week, and can’t wait to receive Pastor Jen Collins next Sunday, August 21st, for her first worship service with us! 
 
REDEEMER CALLS PASTOR JEN COLLINS // Pastor Jen Collins has been called to be Senior Pastor of Redeemer!  The congregation voted to call her last month with a unanimous vote of all who were present and she has accepted. Her start date is set for August 15th and her first Sunday will be August 21st. You can view the call meeting from last Sunday and see the presentation the call committee put together that includes a video of her preaching by clicking this link. We look forward to this new chapter of Redeemer's witness as a "beacon of hope" in North Minneapolis!  - Kristen Hoyles, Chair, on behalf of the call committee; Mike Tarras, President, on behalf of the church council.
 
PASTOR PETER ON-CALL // Pastor Peter will remain available for funerals and pastoral emergencies until Pastor Jen arrives. Redeemer will have guest preachers and worship leaders in the month of July and early August. Call 612-900-8410 to reach him. 

OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE HOURS // While finishing her pastoral internship in Richfield, Amy Koopman is serving as interim administrator. She is in the offices on Friday mornings to prepare bulletins, update the website, and send weekly announcements. If you have announcements or concerns to share with our community, please send them to Amy at admin@redeemermpls.org by Thursday night!

PRAYERS for the BRANCH FAMILY // We lift up the Branch family (Lonnie and Doris, Cheryl, and Patricia) and grieve with them as they mourn the sudden and unexpected passing of their son and brother in Atlanta.

CONGRATULATIONS to MENZI! // Menzi Nkambule, who has been an active part of the Redeemer community since his arrival at Luther Seminary several years back, and who preached for us on July 10th, has accepted a call to be the settled pastor for St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Jersey City, New Jersey. Menzi preached at St. Matthew’s and met with their congregation on Sunday, July 31st. The following week he flew back to the Twin Cities and then drove (with his possessions) back to Jersey City.  He officially started work on August 1st. St. Matthew’s council president describes their congregation as “small but mighty,” and they are known for spearheading a food pantry that serves some 500 families a week. Redeemer is grateful for all we have learned and received from Menzi, and for whatever we may have been able to contribute to his growth toward service in the wider Church. Let us rejoice in his call!
 
LAST SUMMER COOKOUT // We hope you’ll join us THIS WEDNESDAY, August 17th, for our final cookout of the summer! It’s been great to host these events again this summer, after a couple years off, and we look forward to celebrating summer’s closing with us this week! For more information please contact Lonna at lonna.field@gmail.com.
 
REDEEMER GARDEN EVENTS THIS WEEK // Check out these garden events this weekend and next week! 
> Saturday August 13th @ 4-5:30pm: "Make your own garden sauce" -  join us at the Peace and Power Garden (344 Morgan Ave N) and make and take your own pesto or chimichurri sauce. Most ingredients will be from the garden!
> Sunday August 14th @ 5-7pm: "Pizza Party" - come make your own pizza in our outdoor bread oven at the Peace and Power Garden (344 Morgan Ave N). We will provide all the supplies and fresh veggies you need!
> Friday August 19th @ 8-10pm: "Movie Night: Wall-E" - bring a blanket or chair and come watch a movie in the OH Peace Garden (1803 Emerson Ave N). Refreshments and snacks will be provided!
> Sunday August 21st @ 1-3pm: "Free produce distribution" - come grab some free produce we grew in the Peace and Power Garden (344 Morgan Ave N).

Trusting in God’s extravagant love, let us come near to the Holy One in prayer.

Let your lovingkindness be upon your church. Fill all who proclaim the gospel with your Spirit. Equip your flock to speak your word of promise and hope in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your lovingkindness be upon your creation. Dwell among us and sustain our earthly home. In places of famine, provide nourishment. In places of plenty, fashion us to be good stewards of your bounty. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your lovingkindness be upon your world. Be our helper and our shield in places torn by strife and violence (especially). Raise up courageous leaders to govern with compassion and justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your lovingkindness be upon your children. Look upon all who wait for your steadfast love. Console those who grieve and embrace those who cry out to you especially The Torrence Family, grieving the death of their beloved RayAndre; Carolyn Campbell, recovering from hip surgery; Sharon Peterson, recovering from a hospitalization; Mike Murray, in cancer treatment; Claudia Runnels, recovering from surgery; Mary Sue Barber, daughter of Shelby Andress, whose cancer is in remission; Donna von Fischer, mother-in-law of Pastor Peter, recovering from a broken hip. We pray for all who are suffering from long COVID, and other effects of the pandemic and for caregivers everywhere in their care for the sick. We pray for the mental health of our children who need special care. Help us to trust your promise and not be afraid. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let your lovingkindness be upon this community. Fashion our hearts to strive for the way of peace. Strengthen the outreach ministries of this congregation and all who care for those in need. Prepare us to provide a loving and hospitable welcome to Pastor Jen Collins, and surround her with our prayers of anticipatory joy and celebration as she prepares to lead us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With thanksgiving we remember all who have died in faith and now rest in you. As they placed their hope in you, so strengthen us to trust in your promise of new life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Receive the prayers of your children, merciful God, and hold us forever in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our holy Wisdom. Amen.

Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, let us come near to the Holy One in prayer.
 
*pause for reflection*

O God, you are wholeness. Where there is division in your church, bring reconciliation and healing. Guide the work of theologians, Sunday school teachers, seminary professors, and all who provide instruction for the building up of your church. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, you are the source of all life. Where creation cries out in distress, bring relief and renewal. Bless farmers, ranchers, distributors, and all who provide our food. Nourish the land and all its habitants. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, you are wisdom. Where nations and communities yearn for peace, bring justice. Strengthen those who toil for the welfare of others, especially military personnel, police, first responders, and activists, and for the healing of the nations. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, you are life. Where your people are overwhelmed with the busy-ness of life, bring encouragement. Accompany all who experience emotional, mental, or physical distress. We especially remember Claudia Runnels, recovering from surgery; Carolyn Campbell, undergoing hip surgery this coming week; Sharon Peterson, recovering from a hospitalization; Mike Murray, in cancer treatment; Mary Sue Barber, daughter of Shelby Andress, whose cancer is in remission; and Donna von Fischer, Pastor Peter’s mother-in-law, recovering from a broken hip. We pray for all who are suffering from long COVID, and other effects of the pandemic and for caregivers everywhere in their care for the sick.
We pray for the mental health of our children who need special care. Renew us at your table of mercy. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, you are our treasure. Where scarcity and anxiety pervade your church, bring abundance and vitality. Guide the work of our church council and committees and give them clarity for the work of ministry in this place, especially as we prepare to welcome Pastor Jen Collins into ministry with us. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God, you are resurrection. We give you thanks for all your saints. Inspire us by their example of faithful living to set our minds on things above and to be rich in love toward you. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Receive the prayers of your children, merciful God, and hold us forever in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our holy Wisdom.
Amen.