GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Blessed be the holy Trinity,
☩ one God,
the fountain of living water,
the rock who gave us birth,
our light and our salvation.
Amen.
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning,
your Spirit moved over the waters,
and by your Word you created the world,
calling forth life in which you took delight.
Through the waters of the flood,
you delivered Noah and his family.
Through the sea, you led your people Israel
from slavery into freedom.
At the river your Son was baptized by John
and anointed with the Holy Spirit.
By water and your Word
you claim us as daughters and sons,
making us heirs of your promise
and servants of all.
We praise you for the gift of water
that sustains life,
and above all we praise you
for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.
Shower us with your Spirit,
and renew our lives
with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise
through Jesus Christ our Lord
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
GATHERING SONG
WORD
36 One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. After he entered the Pharisee’s home, he took his place at the table. 37 Meanwhile, a woman from the city, a sinner, discovered that Jesus was dining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought perfumed oil in a vase made of alabaster. 38 Standing behind him at his feet and crying, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured the oil on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw what was happening, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. He would know that she is a sinner.
40 Jesus replied, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
“Teacher, speak,” he said.
41 “A certain lender had two debtors. One owed enough money to pay five hundred people for a day’s work.[a] The other owed enough money for fifty. 42 When they couldn’t pay, the lender forgave the debts of them both. Which of them will love him more?
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the largest debt canceled.”
Jesus said, “You have judged correctly.”
44 Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your home, you didn’t give me water for my feet, but she wet my feet with tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has poured perfumed oil on my feet. 47 This is why I tell you that her many sins have been forgiven; so she has shown great love. The one who is forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other table guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this person that even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Luke 7:36-50, CEB
HYMN OF THE DAY
CREED
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.*
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Into your hands, gracious God,
we commend all for whom we pray,
trusting in your mercy;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace, and may say, “Peace be with you,” or similar words.
The presiding minister leads one of the following or another appropriate prayer.
Let us pray.
O God of justice and love,
we give thanks to you
that you illumine our way through life
with the words of your Son.
Give us the hope we need,
awaken us to the needs of others,
and at the end bring all the world to your feast;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory forever.
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever.
Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you
with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor
and ☩ give you peace.
Amen.
SENDING SONG
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. To Love and Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.