The Christian Formerly Known as “Legion” – Second Sunday after Pentecost

In this powerful and deeply human story from Luke’s Gospel, we meet a man known only by the name “Legion”—a name given not by his family or friends, but by the demons that had overtaken his life. Isolated from his home and community, bound in chains, and defined only by the forces that possessed him, Legion had lost his name, his identity, and his place among the living. But then Jesus came to him—crossing a sea, braving a storm, for the sake of one broken man. What happens next is nothing short of miraculous: a life restored, a man renamed, a soul set free.

This week’s message explores the reality of spiritual oppression and the very real “demons” that continue to haunt lives today—not only in the form of supernatural forces but also in addictions, isolation, destructive habits, and the labels that steal our God-given identity. These forces still divide families, trap individuals, and break communities apart. But Jesus has come to undo their work. As 1 John 4:4 promises, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Just as Jesus gave Legion a new identity and a mission—to go and tell what God has done—we too are sent out, not as the broken people we once were, but as children of God, redeemed and renamed in Christ.

Join us as we reflect on the story of the Christian formerly known as Legion—a man whose encounter with Jesus reshaped his life forever. Discover how this story invites us to recognize our own captivity, to rejoice in our release, and to proclaim the freedom we’ve been given through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: Devin Brakenhoff

Order of service:

Second Sunday after Pentecost, Jun 22, 2025

Readings:

Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 8:35–39

Psalm reading is from Psalm 3

Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 65:1–9

New Testament reading is from Galatians 3:23—4:7

Holy Gospel is from Luke 8:26–39

Songs and Hymns:

Baptized into Your Name Most Holy

Text: Johann Jacob Rambach, 1693–1735, abr.; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
Tune: Cornelius Heinrich Dretzel, 1697–1775
Text and tune: Public domain

He Will Hold Me Fast

Ada Ruth Habershon, Matthew Merker
Copyright © 2013 Getty Music Publishing, Matthew Merker Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Grace

Text and tune: Niki Shepherd; Jonny Robinson; Rich Thompson
© 2016 Getty Music Publishing; © Rich Thompson Music
© 2016 Jonny Robinson Music; © Little Life Lines Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

You Shine

Brian Doerksen
© 2001 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Before the Throne of God Above

Text by Charitie Lees Bancroft
Tune by Vikki Cook
© 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740

Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying

Text by Stephen P. Starke, © 1999 Stephen P. Starke
Tune by Jeffrey N. Blersch, © 2003 Jeffrey N. Blersch
Used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220

Lift High The Name Of Jesus

Tune: Ed Cash; Fionán de Barra; Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty
Text: Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty; Fionán De Barra; Ed Cash
Tune and Text: © Getty Music; © Fionan De Barra Pub Designee; © Capital CMG Publishing
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740

Liturgies:

Gloria in Excelsis

Text: Stephen P. Starke

Sanctus

Text: Stephen P. Starke

Agnus Dei

Text: Stephen P. Starke

Recording:

Audio:

Video:

Watch on YouTube

Announcements:

Sunday, Jun 22:

Worship Service (Rev. Tony Boos): 9 AM to 10:15 AM

Congregational Town Hall Meeting: 10:30 AM

Join us for the Congregational Town Hall Meeting immediately following worship in the church sanctuary.

Topics of discussion will be: Financial update; Lutheran education support/scholarship update; Property update; proposed salary increase for Ministry Coordinator.

Wednesday, Jun 25:

Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Thursday, Jun 26:

AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Jun 28:

Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM

AA Meeting: 1:30 PM

Ministry Spotlight – Youth Team

The St. James Youth Team, under the leadership of Stacey Staake, is a dedicated team that meets weekly, on Wednesday evenings with all junior and senior high students. This team is very active and in need of adults to assist with weekly meetings. Please prayerfully consider how you might help in this way. Whether it’s for one Wednesday a month, or more, you can help us to continue and grow this ministry! Contact Stacey Staake at stacey@stjamesglencarbon.org, or the church office for more information.