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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
June 21, 2026
52 Pinewood Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Pastor: The Reverend Leonard H. Bolick
Pastor Emeritus: The Reverend Terrell G. Long, Jr.
Kim Ledford, Music Director Judy Parker, Organist

We welcome you to our service today! May God richly bless you as you worship here. If you are visiting for the first time this morning, we ask that you please sign the guest register found in the front entrance of the church.

Gathering music
P: Welcome and announcements
Recognition of fathers
prelude “down to the river to pray”
(In honor of all the fathers who have ever fished with or prayed for a child at the river.)
(Remain seated during prelude)
GATHERING: The Holy Spirit gathers us in Christ’s name!
*(You are invited to stand, facing the procession of the cross.)

Gathering song: “turn your eyes”
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace. Repeat

*greeting
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.

*P With one voice let us pray.....

*(Denotes when congregation stands.)
(Bold italicized print denotes when congregation speaks.)

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity,X one God,
whose compassion endures forever.
Amen.
P: Let us confess our sin to God.
(Silence is kept for reflection.)
P: Compassionate God,
we confess to you all our sins.
Our burden is heavy, and we cannot free ourselves.
In your mercy, call us back to you.
Your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
Restore us to dwell in your peace.
In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.
P: Jesus says, “Come to me,
all you who are weary
and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.”
In the name of God,
Father,X Son, and Holy Spirit,
your sins are forgiven.
Rest in God’s love.
Amen.

(The congregation may be seated.)

Children’s message

first Reading malachi 3: 1-4
The prophet Malachi announces the coming of one who will prepare a way for God’s arrival. His burning program of reform will make God’s people ready for salvation.
A reading from Malachi, the third chapter
1See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like washers’ soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord, as in the days of old and as in former years.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Second reading: acts 13: 13-26
In Antioch of Pisidia, Paul preaches in the synagogue and recalls the ministry of John the Baptist, showing how John was the pivot point between history and the new acts God was performing through Jesus.
A reading from Acts, the thirteenth chapter
13 Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it.” 16 So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: “Fellow Israelites and others who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 After he had destroyed seven peoples in the land

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of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. 22 When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.’ 23 Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; 24 before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his work, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the strap of the sandals on his feet.’ 26 “Brothers and sisters, you descendants of Abraham’s family and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent.”
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Psalm 141 (spoken 2 x 2 Cantor 2; congregation 2)
1 O Lord, I call to you; come | to me quickly; hear my voice when I | cry to you. 2 Let my prayer rise before | you as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the | evening sacrifice. 3 Set a watch before my | mouth, O Lord, and guard the door | of my lips. 4 Let not my heart incline to any | evil thing. Let me not be occupied in wickedness with evildoers, nor eat of | their sweet foods. 5 Let the righteous strike me; their rebukes, as oil upon the head, are not to | be refused. Yet my prayers are continually against the deeds | of the wicked. 6 Let their rulers be thrown down up- | on the stones, that they may hear my words, for | they are sweet. 7 Just as one who tills the earth | breaks the rock, so let their bones be scattered at the mouth | of the grave.

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8 But my eyes are turned to | you, Lord God; in you I take refuge; strip me not | of my life. 9 Guard me from the trap that they have | laid for me and from the snares of | evildoers. 10 Let the wicked fall into | their own nets, while I a- | lone pass through.

*P: Holy Gospel (Stand as you are able.) luke 1:57-67 [68-80]
The birth and naming of John ends his father Zechariah’s silence. He announces the child’s name given by the angel and speaks a prophecy about the newborn infant.
The Holy Gospel according to the first chapter of St. Luke
Glory to you, O Lord.
57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For indeed the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: [ 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his child David, 70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

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71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors and has remembered his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness in his presence all our days. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77 to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. 78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79 to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.]
P: The gospel of the Lord
C: Praise to you, O Christ.

(The congregation may be seated.)

Sermon the rev. leonard H. bolick

*Sermon song: “precious lord, take my hand”
Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord; lead me home.
When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near, when my life is almost gone, hear my cry, hear my call; hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand, precious Lord; Lead me home.
When the darkness appears and the night draws near, and the day is past and gone, at the river I stand; guide my feet, hold my hand. Take my hand, precious Lord; lead me home.

Apostles’ creed
P: And now as we respond to God’s Word, we confess our faith through the words of the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father
He will come again 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
Assisting Minister: United with the great cloud of witnesses throughout the ages, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
(A brief silence we kneel or sit.)
Holy God who reveals all things, distribute throughout your church a wide variety of gifts that, used in harmony, together point to Christ. Stir us to repent from all things that cloud Christ’s presence among us. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
.
Prayers of Intercession

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Bring refreshment to all who seek rest and recreation in this season. Send favorable weather for the growth of crops, and also for opportunities to enjoy creation and to engage in renewing outdoor activities. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Grant wisdom to those who hold power and influence throughout the world, that they exercise their roles with humility. May we yield to truth and strength that surpasses what we can understand, for the sake of all people. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Receive as fragrant incense the prayers of all who cry out to you. Hear the appeals of your faithful people, and respond with mercy and steadfast love for all who long for your deliverance. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Nurture newborn infants and all living creatures not yet able to survive on their own. Through them, give us insight to your new life, and inspire us to care for all who are vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
With John the Baptist and all your saints, shape us to be your prophets, people who speak and live your will. Make your holy presence known in and through us. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
In the company of your saints we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your eternal mercy and love; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

*Sharing of the Peace
P: The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Offering/ Remain seated)
(Giving to those in need, is a sign of the giving of our whole selves in grateful
response for all God’s gifts.)

MEAL: (God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ).

Offertory “we are an offering” elw #692
We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift out lives up to you: we are an offering. Lord , use our voices, Lord, use our hands, Lord, use our lives, they are yours: we are an offering. All that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be, we give to you, we give to you. We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering, we are an offering.

*“Come and See the Glory of the Lord” (The pastor sings the first two verses.)
In the night that Jesus was betrayed, in an upper room,
He took the bread and blessed it as he said..
“Here’s my body broken for you”.
He took the cup and raised it up on high, bowed His head and prayed. And then he said: “My blood for you is shed, a cleansing stream to wash your sins away”.

(Congregation joins in singing)
Come and see the glory of the Lord, come before the Lamb
Come and see the mercy of the King, bowing down before Him
For He is Lord above the heavens, Lord in all the earth.
Lord of all the angels, worthy to be served. Alleluia…..Lord!

P: Invitation to Communion: Heaven has come near. Come, share in the feast!
COMMUNION–communion music

White grape juice is available in the center of the tray for those unable to drink wine.
When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say
The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. and each person may respond: Amen.
**if you would like to take communion in your seat, please indicate to an usher and they will bring it to you.**

*LOrd's Prayer-sing
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 pow’r and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Amen.

Sending: (God blesses us and sends us with gifts of grace in mission to the world.)

P*Blessing
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer,
X one God,
bless, heal, and hold you
today and always.
Amen.

Sending HYMN: “shout to the lord”
My Jesus, my Saviour Lord there is none like You All of my days I want to praise The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter Tower of refuge and strength Let every breath, all that I am Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing Power and majesty, praise to the King Mountains bow down and the seas will roar At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hand Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand Nothing compares to the promise I have In You
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing Power and majesty, praise to the King Mountains bow down and the seas will roar At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hand Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand Nothing compares to the promise I have In You

*Dismissal-assisting minister
Heaven has come near. Go share the good news!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Postlude “stand up, stand up for jesus” shackley

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Hubert Cook by Kelly Taylor

The sanctuary lamp is given to the Glory of God and in memory
of Johnny Parler by Judy Parker

Sunday Servants June 21st
Assisting Minister...............................................................................David Hartmann
Lay Reader.................................................................................................Kelly Taylor
Ushers ……………….....................................................James McGee & Art Chaffee
Greeter............................................................................................Ron & Lisa Herman
Acolyte………………..…………............................................................Kelly Taylor
Crucifer...........................................................................................Amanda Pritchard
Tabulators………………..................................................Marc Woodie & Leah Isley
Altar Guild……..............…….......................................…...Leah Isley & Malinda Clay
Presenters...................................................................................Harold & Judy Smith
Children’s Message................................................................................Katie Hamann

I will be out of the office Tuesday, June 23rd-Tuesday, June 30th. I will be able to post emails while I am out of town, so if you have a prayer request or other information that needs to be sent to the congregation, call or text me. ~Joanne

Thanks to all who participated and assisted in the vacation bible school “safety fair” on June 14th. The next bible school date will be Saturday, July 25th from 1:00–4:00 PM. The current plans are for bible stories, crafts, and water play. Invite your friends to a time of fun play and learning! If you have any questions, please see Kay Callihan or Katie Hamann.

!! Save the Date!!
Brenda Henry will meet with the congregation in the fellowship hall following the morning worship service on Sunday, July 26th. She will be discussing with the congregation options for the church’s future ministry.

This Week’s Opportunities
Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Worship
Church council will meet briefly after worship service.
Monday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
Wednesday
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday 7:00 p.m. AA
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

Happy
Father’s
Day

Almighty God, by your gracious providence your servant John the Baptist was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Grant to your people the wisdom to see your purpose and the openness to hear your will, that the light of Christ may increase in us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.

United with the great cloud of witnesses throughout the ages, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Holy God who reveals all things, distribute throughout your church a wide variety of gifts that, used in harmony, together point to Christ. Stir us to repent from all things that cloud Christ’s presence among us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Bring refreshment to all who seek rest and recreation in this season. Send favorable weather for the growth of crops, and also for opportunities to enjoy creation and to engage in renewing outdoor activities. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to those who hold power and influence throughout the world, that they exercise their roles with humility. May we yield to truth and strength that surpasses what we can understand, for the sake of all people. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Receive as fragrant incense the prayers of all who cry out to you. Hear the appeals of your faithful people, and respond with mercy and steadfast love for all who long for your deliverance (especially). Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Nurture newborn infants and all living creatures not yet able to survive on their own. Through them, give us insight to your new life, and inspire us to care for all who are vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

With John the Baptist and all your saints, shape us to be your prophets, people who speak and live your will. Make your holy presence known in and through us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

In the company of your saints we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your eternal mercy and love; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.

United with the great cloud of witnesses throughout the ages, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Holy God who reveals all things, distribute throughout your church a wide variety of gifts that, used in harmony, together point to Christ. Stir us to repent from all things that cloud Christ’s presence among us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Bring refreshment to all who seek rest and recreation in this season. Send favorable weather for the growth of crops, and also for opportunities to enjoy creation and to engage in renewing outdoor activities. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to those who hold power and influence throughout the world, that they exercise their roles with humility. May we yield to truth and strength that surpasses what we can understand, for the sake of all people. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Receive as fragrant incense the prayers of all who cry out to you. Hear the appeals of your faithful people, and respond with mercy and steadfast love for all who long for your deliverance (especially). Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Nurture newborn infants and all living creatures not yet able to survive on their own. Through them, give us insight to your new life, and inspire us to care for all who are vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

With John the Baptist and all your saints, shape us to be your prophets, people who speak and live your will. Make your holy presence known in and through us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

In the company of your saints we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your eternal mercy and love; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Holy God who reveals all things, distribute throughout your church a wide variety of gifts that, used in harmony, together point to Christ. Stir us to repent from all things that cloud Christ’s presence among us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Bring refreshment to all who seek rest and recreation in this season. Send favorable weather for the growth of crops, and also for opportunities to enjoy creation and to engage in renewing outdoor activities. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to those who hold power and influence throughout the world, that they exercise their roles with humility. May we yield to truth and strength that surpasses what we can understand, for the sake of all people. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Receive as fragrant incense the prayers of all who cry out to you. Hear the appeals of your faithful people, and respond with mercy and steadfast love for all who long for your deliverance (especially). Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Nurture newborn infants and all living creatures not yet able to survive on their own. Through them, give us insight to your new life, and inspire us to care for all who are vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

With John the Baptist and all your saints, shape us to be your prophets, people who speak and live your will. Make your holy presence known in and through us. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

In the company of your saints we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your eternal mercy and love; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

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