Worship Guide - 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Worship with One Click

You can choose to watch all of this Sunday's worship service in a series of linked videos, one after the other by clicking this link. Just press the button that says "PLAY ALL" and sit back and relax. You can also just click on the graphic to the left.​ Otherwise, proceed as normal through the sections.

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Nevertheless she persisted…

There are at least two important models for faith that Matthew brings to us in this week’s story. There is, of course, Jesus who listens, learns, and changes. Our tradition may find these to be unfamiliar actions for Jesus. Even more so as we examine more closely his initial prejudiced response to the Canaanite woman which leaves much to be desired.
 
And then there’s this woman. Persistent. Tenacious. Humble and strong. Her commitment to seek help for those who are powerless to do so themselves puts us on notice of what we are both called to do and capable of doing.

She does not slink away. She refuses to be silenced until her daughter is healed. What has she and what has Jesus to teach us of faith in this time? 
 
Enter into worship. ​

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Connections with Andrea

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Prelude

If you have prayers you would like to share, please do so here. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is not shared online in a searchable form.

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Gathering Song

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​Holy One of Israel, covenant-keeper,
you restore what is lost,
heal what is wounded,
and gather in those who have been rejected.
Give us the faith to speak as steadfastly
as did the Canaanite woman,
that the outcast may be welcomed
and all people may be blessed. Amen.

Hymn of Praise

Confession, Forgiveness

Send a text to a couple of people. Make a call. Who comes to mind for you? Wish them well. More than that, wish them the peace that comes with justice. Then click below.

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Listen

Lord,
by the power of your Spirit
give us your words of life
that our faith may increase
and our hearts be made whole.
Amen.
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Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 † Psalm 67 † Romans 11:1-5, 29-32 † Matthew 15:21-28*
*In the season after Pentecost (also known as Ordinary Time, or "Proper" Sundays, the first reading can follow one of two tracks—either a semi-continuous track that stays with a story over a number of Sundays or a paired track that companions more closely the gospel reading. This summer we are mostly using the paired readings.

Psalm Response

Gospel Reading and Reflection

Sing in Response

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Give Thanks in Word, Action, and Thought

If you haven’t already, set the elements—some bread, some juice or wine—in the room where you worship in these days with our faith community. Add flowers. Something that grows and spreads. Water. Today, of all days, water. Give thanks for God’s provision!

​If a joy or a concern has come to mind, please share it with the assembly here so you do not carry it alone. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is emailed to a curated group, not shared or posted online in a searchable form.

As we respond to God's grace and new life, consider those ways you can express gratitude, thanksgiving and blessing. And remember that we continue to keep our financial commitments to our mission partners and staff. Thank you for remembering to send in your financial pledges and offerings.

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Sending Song

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Blessing and Charge