Please note that due to holiday schedules there will not be a live-stream link for August 7, 14 and 21. Live-stream services will resume on August 28.
INTRODUCTION
Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s Day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing.
The Lessons: (Link to the Readings)
First Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14
God promises those who have returned from exile that where justice and mercy prevail, the ruins will be rebuilt and light will rise in the darkness. It is a day for new beginnings.
Psalm: Psalm 103:1-8
The LORD crowns you with mercy and steadfast love. (Ps. 103:4)
Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-29
Using images of Moses, the writer presents a striking vision of the new covenant of God made possible in Christ. There is no longer fear; only awe in the new promise in Christ into which we are invited.
Gospel: Luke 13:10-17
Jesus heals a woman on the sabbath, offering her a new beginning for her life. When challenged by a narrow reading of the sabbath command, Jesus responds by expanding “sabbath work” to include setting people free from bondage.
O God, mighty and immortal, you know that as fragile creatures surrounded by great dangers, we cannot by ourselves stand upright. Give us strength of mind and body, so that even when we suffer because of human sin, we may rise victorious through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen