Theme of the Day: The Church Is for All People
“All are welcome!” Is that true at our church? Or is church meant only for people of the right heritage who behave the right way, “good church folk”? Is it conceivable that a stranger could walk into church unexpectedly and for some reason you would ask yourself, “What is someone like that doing here?” Or perhaps you ask that question about yourself. “There seem to be godly people here. I’m not like them. Do I really belong?”
Today Jesus shows us that the Church is for all people. All of us—regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or social status—have the same problem of sin. And we all have the same Savior. Anyone who comes to Christ’s Church and cries out “Lord, have mercy!” is welcome.
Matthew 15:21-28
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Ephesians 2:13-22
Psalm 67E
920 – Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
855 – The Church’s One Foundation
854 – Church of God, Elect and Glorious
861 – Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head
914 – Christ Is Our Cornerstone
Prayer of the Day: Gracious God, in Christ you bring people from near and far into the fellowship of your church. Open our eyes to your saving plan, and move us to embrace all who seek your salvation so that we may rejoice together at the banquet of your love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Alleluia.