Sunday, September 15th Information
Worship Musicians (Ardor)
The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week of the month. The musicians rehearse from 9:00 – 9:45 am every Sunday morning. All are welcome! Contact the office if you plan to help lead worship.
Worship Information
Join us in-person or via Facebook live for the Worship Service at 10 am on Sunday where we will celebrate the 17th Sunday after Pentecost.
If you would like the words for the worship service, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information.
Pentecost Autumn/November Theme (2nd half of Pentecost)
Living out the Kingdom with a generous spirit
Theme Write-up written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries
As we conclude the Pentecost season, we are reminded that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom. “Living out the Kingdom with a generous spirit” calls us to embody the generosity of God in our daily lives, reflecting the abundance of His love and grace. The Kingdom of God is not just a future promise but a present reality, manifest in our willingness to give freely—of our time, resources, and compassion. Just as the early church shared everything in common and no one was in need, we are invited to continue this legacy of selfless giving, ensuring that our communities are marked by care, kindness, and mutual support.
This theme challenges us to see generosity not as a mere act of giving, but as a lifestyle rooted in the Kingdom values of justice, mercy, and humility. When we live with a generous spirit, we mirror the heart of Christ, who gave His all for us. This generosity transcends material wealth; it includes offering forgiveness, extending grace, and providing encouragement. As we live out the Kingdom in this way, we become living testimonies of God’s love, drawing others into the transformative power of His Kingdom. Let us, therefore, embrace this call to generosity, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in building a world that reflects the generosity of our Savior.
Altarscape
Julie, Thank you for the beautiful altarscape for the season. Let it remind us that the Holy Spirit is living within all of us and we should spread the good news to all.
Introduction Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.
Three weeks ago we heard Peter’s confession of faith as told in John’s gospel. This week we hear Mark’s version, when Peter says, “You are the Messiah.” In John, the stumbling block is Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh, given for the life of the world. In Mark too the scandal has to do with Jesus’ words about his own coming death, and here Peter himself stumbles over Jesus’ words. But Jesus is anointed (the meaning of messiah) in Mark only on the way to the cross (14:3); so we are anointed in baptism with the sign of the cross.
Prayer of the Day
O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Scripture Introductions (2 read on Sunday morning) Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.
- Isaiah 50:4-9a
The image of the servant of the Lord is one of the notable motifs in the book of Isaiah. Today’s reading describes the mission of the servant, whom early Christians associated with Jesus. Like Jesus, the servant does not strike back at his detractors but trusts in God’s steadfast love.
- Psalm 116:1-9
I will walk in the presence of the Lord. (Ps. 116:9)
- James 3:1-12
This text uses various images to illustrate how damaging and hurtful the way we speak to and about others can be. Not only are we to control our speech, but what we say and how we say it are to reflect our faith.
- Mark 8:27-38
This story provides the turning point in Mark’s gospel. Peter is the first human being in the narrative to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, but he cannot accept that as the Messiah Jesus will have to suffer. Moreover, Jesus issues a strong challenge to all by connecting discipleship and the cross.
Fellowship Time
You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.