Sunday Worship April 18, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty”  LSB # 901

1    Open now thy gates of beauty; Zion, let me enter there,
Where my soul in joyful duty Waits for Him who answers prayer.
Oh, how blessed is this place, Filled with solace, light, and grace!

2    Gracious God, I come before Thee; Come Thou also unto me.
Where we find Thee and adore Thee, There a heav'n on earth must be.
To my heart, O enter Thou; Let it be Thy temple now!

3    Here Thy praise is gladly chanted; Here Thy seed is duly sown.
Let my soul, where it is planted, Bring forth precious sheaves alone,
So that all I hear may be Fruitful unto life in me.

4    Thou my faith increase and quicken; Let me keep Thy gift divine,
Whosoe'er temptations thicken; May Thy Word still o'er me shine
As my guiding star through life, As my comfort in the strife.

5    Speak, O God, and I will hear Thee; Let Thy will be done indeed.
May I undisturbed draw near Thee While Thou dost Thy people feed.
Here of life the fountain flows; Here is balm for all our woes.

P:   In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

C:   Amen.

P:   Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C:   who made heaven and earth.

P:   I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,

C:   and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

(We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves)

P:   O almighty God, merciful Father,

C:   I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You, and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.

P:   Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C:   Amen.

The Introit is read…

(Sung)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

The Antiphon is read…

(Sung)

Lord, have mercy upon us.  Christ have mercy upon us.  Lord, have mercy upon us.

(Glory be to God on high)

…and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.  We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory.  O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father Almighty.  O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, receive our prayer.  Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.  For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord.  Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.

Collect of the Day:

P:   O God, through the humiliation and exaltation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world, Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

First Reading (Acts 3:11-21)

                                    11 “While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

                                    17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 John 3:1-7)

            1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 24th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Luke 24:36-49)

            36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (sung) Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Confession of Faith  --  Apostles’ Creed

C:   I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

      maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

      born of the Virgin Mary,

      suffered under Pontius Pilate,

      was crucified, died and was buried.
      He descended into hell.

      The third day He rose again from the dead.

      He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

      From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,

      the holy Christian Church,
      the communion of saints,

      the forgiveness of sins,

      the resurrection of the body,

      and the life + everlasting. Amen.

Hymn of the Day  “Thy Strong Word”  LSB # 578

1    Thy strong word did cleave the darkness; At thy speaking it was done.
      For created light we thank thee While thine ordered seasons run.
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

2    Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness, Dark as night and deep as death,
      Broke the light of thy salvation, Breathed thine own life-giving breath.
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

3    Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous; Bright with thine own holiness,
      Glorious now, we press toward glory, And our lives our hope confess.
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

4    From the cross Thy wisdom shining Breaketh forth in conquering might;

      From the cross forever beameth All Thy bright redeeming light.

      Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

5    Give us lips to sing Thy glory, Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim,

      Throats that shout the hope that fills us, Mouths to speak Thy holy name.

      Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

6    God the Father, light-creator, To Thee laud and honor be.

      To Thee, Light of Light begotten, Praise be sung eternally.

      Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
      Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Sermon

Prayer of the Church

P:   Lord, in your mercy,

C:   Receive our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
      hallowed be thy name,
      Thy kingdom come,
      Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
      Give us this day our daily bread;
      and forgive us our trespasses
            as we forgive those
            who trespass against us;
      and lead us not into temptation,
      but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
      and the power and the glory
      forever and ever. Amen

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you.

      The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

      The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C:   Amen.

Closing Hymn “God Has Spoken by His Prophets”  LSB # 583

1 God has spoken by His prophets, Spoken His unchanging Word;
   Each from age to age proclaiming God the one, the righteous Lord.
   In the world's despair and turmoil One firm anchor holds us fast:
   God is king, His throne eternal; God the first, and God the last.

2 God has spoken by Christ Jesus, Christ, the everlasting Son,
   Brightness of the Father's glory, With the Father ever one;
   Spoken by the Word Incarnate, God of God, before time was;
   Light of Light, to earth descending, He reveals our God to us.

3 God is speaking by His Spirit, Speaking to our hearts again,
   In the ageless Word declaring His own message, now as then.
   Through the rise and fall of nations One sure faith yet standing fast;
   God abides, His Word unchanging; God the first, and God the last.

Sunday Worship April 11, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia”  LSB # 463

 1    Christ the Lord is ris'n today; Alleluia! Christians, hasten on your way; Alleluia!
Offer praise with love replete, Alleluia! At the paschal victim's feet. Alleluia!

 2    For the sheep the Lamb has bled, Alleluia! Sinless in the sinner's stead. Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris'n on high; Alleluia! Now He lives no more to die. Alleluia!

 3    Hail, the victim undefiled, Alleluia! God and sinners reconciled, Alleluia!
When contending death and life, Alleluia! Met in strange and awesome strife. Alleluia!

 4    Christians, on this holy day, Alleluia! All your grateful homage pay; Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris'n on high; Alleluia! Now He lives, no more to die. Alleluia!

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

P:   If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

C:   But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   (1 John 1:8-9)

(We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves)

P:   Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

C:   Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

P:   Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins.  As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C:   Amen.

(Sung)

P:   In peace let us pray to the Lord.

C:   Lord, have mercy.

P:   For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.

C:   Lord, have mercy.

P:   For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord

C:   Lord, have mercy.

P:   For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.

C:   Lord, have mercy.

P:   Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

C:   Amen.

This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Sing with all the people of God and join in the hymn of all creation.
Blessing and honor and glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.  Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

First Reading  (Acts 4:32-35)

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 John 1:1-2:2)

      1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

All: Alleluia.  Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  Alleluia, alleluia.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 1st chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(John 20:19-31)

      On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

            24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

            26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

            30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia”  LSB # 466

1    Christ has arisen, alleluia. Rejoice and praise him, alleluia.

      For our redeemer burst from the tomb, even from death, dispelling its gloom.

      Let us sing praise to him with endless joy. Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.

      Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!

2    For three long days the grave did its worst until its strength by God was dispersed.

      He who gives life did death undergo, and in its conquest his might did show.

      Let us sing praise to him with endless joy. Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.

      Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!

3    The angel said to them, “Do not fear. You look for Jesus who is not here.

      See for yourselves the tomb is all bare. Only the grave clothes are lying there.”

      Let us sing praise to him with endless joy. Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.

      Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!

4    Go spread the news; He’s not in the grave He has arisen this world to save.

      Jesus’ redeeming labors are done; Even the battle with sin is won.

      Let us sing praise to him with endless joy. Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.

      Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!

5    Christ has arisen; He sets us free; Alleluia, to Him praises be.

      Jesus is living! Let us all sin; He reigns triumphant, heavenly King.

      Let us sing praise to him with endless joy. Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.

      Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!

Sermon

Confession of Faith  --  Nicene Creed

C:   I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,

            maker of heaven and earth

            and of all things visible and invisible.

      And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

            the only‐begotten Son of God,

            begotten of His Father before all worlds,

            God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,

            begotten, not made,

            being of one substance with the Father,

            by whom all things were made;

            who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven

            and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary

            and was made man;

            and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

            He suffered and was buried.

            And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures

                        and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father.

            And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,

            whose kingdom will have no end.

      And I believe in the Holy Spirit,

            the Lord and giver of life,

            who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

            who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,

            who spoke by the prophets.

            And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church

            I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,

            and I look for the resurrection of the dead

            and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

P:         Lord, in Your mercy

C:         hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
      hallowed be thy name,
      Thy kingdom come,
      Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
      Give us this day our daily bread;
      and forgive us our trespasses
            as we forgive those
            who trespass against us;
      and lead us not into temptation,
      but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
      and the power and the glory
      forever and ever. Amen.

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you.

      The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

      The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C:   Amen.

Closing Hymn  “When Peace, like a River”  LSB # 763

1          When peace, like a river, attendeth my way; When sorrows, like sea billows, roll;
   Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

   It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control,
   That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

   It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

3          He lives—-Oh, the bliss of this glorious thought; My sin, not in part, but the whole,
   Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

   It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

4          And, Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
   The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend; Even so it is well with my soul.

   It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Sunday Worship April 4, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

(The lights are dimmed indicating the early morning hour and the pall of darkness that covers the hearts of the disciples as the women make their way to the tomb of their beloved, crucified Lord.  We rise to face the cross in the back of the church and join the women on their way…)

(P-Pastor; W-Women; M-Men; C-Congregation)

P:  When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.  And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.  And they were saying to one another,

W: “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”

P:  And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.  And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.   And he said to them,

M:  “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here.”

P:  Alleluia! Christ is risen!

C:  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

(The congregation remains standing and continues to face the cross as it makes its way to the chancel)

Hymn: “Jesus Christ Is Ris’n Today”........................................................................ # 457

1 Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
   Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia!
   Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

3 But the pains which He endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
   Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!
   Praise Him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!             

P:   In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C:   Amen.

P:   Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C:   who made heaven and earth.

P:   If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

C:   But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

P:   Since we are gathered to hear God’s Word, call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

C:   Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

P:   Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit

C:   Amen.

(Sung)

Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.

1. To God on high be glory, and peace to all the earth, good will from God in heaven proclaimed at Jesus birth! We praise and bless You, Father; Your holy name we sing—Our things for Your great glory, Lord God, our heav’n-ly king.

2. To You, O sole begotten, The Father’s Son we pray; O Lamb of God, our Savior, You take our sins away. Have mercy on us, Jesus; Receive our heartfelt cry, Where You in power are seated At God’s right hand on high-

3. For You alone are holy; You only are the Lord. Forever and forever, Be worshipped and adored. You with the Holy Spirit Alone are Lord Most High in God the Father’s glory. “Amen!” our glad replay.

Collect for the day:

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.  Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us.  Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (Isaiah 25:6-9)

6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,
    of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.
7 And he will swallow up on this mountain
    the covering that is cast over all peoples,
    the veil that is spread over all nations.
8     He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
    for the Lord has spoken.
9 It will be said on that day,
    “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
    This is the Lord; we have waited for him;
    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

            1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

C:   (Sung)  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 16th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 16:1-8)

            1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “He’s Risen, He’s Risen”  LSB #480

1.   He's risen, he's risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;
      He opened Death's prison, The incarnate, true Word.
      Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song
      While earth, sea, and mountain their praises prolong.

2.   The foe was triumphant when on Calvary
      The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.
      In Satan's domain did the hosts shout and jeer,
      For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones fear.

3.   But short was their triumph, the Savior arose,
      And death, hell, and Satan He vanquished, His foes;
      The conquering Lord lifts his banner on high.
      He lives, yes, he lives, and will nevermore die.

4.   O, where is your sting, death? We fear you no more;
      Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door.
      For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
      Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.

5.   Then sing your hosannas and raise your glad voice;
      Proclaim the blest tidings that all may rejoice.
      Laud, honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain;
      With Father and Spirit He ever shall reign.

Sermon  “He Is not Here!”  (Mark 16:1-8)    

Confession of Faith  --  Nicene Creed

C:   I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,

            maker of heaven and earth

            and of all things visible and invisible.

      And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

            the only‐begotten Son of God,

            begotten of His Father before all worlds,

            God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,

            begotten, not made,

            being of one substance with the Father,

            by whom all things were made;

            who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven

            and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary

            and was made man;

            and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

            He suffered and was buried.

            And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures

                        and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father.

            And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,

            whose kingdom will have no end.

      And I believe in the Holy Spirit,

            the Lord and giver of life,

            who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

            who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,

            who spoke by the prophets.

            And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church

            I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,

            and I look for the resurrection of the dead

            and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

P:         Lord, in Your mercy,

C:         hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
      hallowed be thy name,
      Thy kingdom come,
      Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
      Give us this day our daily bread;
      and forgive us our trespasses
            as we forgive those
            who trespass against us;
      and lead us not into temptation,
      but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
      and the power and the glory
      forever and ever. Amen

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you.

      The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

      The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C:   Amen.

Closing Hymn  “The Day of Resurrection”  LSB # 478

1   The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,
   The passover of gladness, The passover of God.
   From death to life eternal, From sin's dominion free,
   Our Christ has brought us over With hymns of victory.

2 Let hearts be purged of evil That we may see aright
   The Lord in rays eternal Of resurrection light
   And, list'ning to His accents, May hear, so calm and plain,
   His own "All hail!" and, hearing, May raise the victor strain.

3 Now let the heav'ns be joyful, Let earth its song begin,
   Let all the world keep triumph And all that is therein.
   Let all things, seen and unseen, Their notes of gladness blend;
   For Christ the Lord has risen, Our joy that has no end!

4 All praise to God the Father, All praise to God the Son,
   All praise to God the Spirit, Eternal Three in One!
   Let all the ransomed number Fall down before the throne
   And honor, pow'r, and glory Ascribe to God alone!

Good Friday Service 4/2/21

Maundy Thursday Service 4/1/21

Palm Sunday Worship March 28, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is offered each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

THE PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION

The congregation gathers outside the church entrance (weather permitting) and the following order of worship will be used to start the service.

P:   Let us bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

C:  Praise God for the Son of David!

P:   Let us pray. (A brief silence is kept.)

O Lord, Giver of salvation, help us, this week, to concentrate on the mighty acts by which You have given us life everlasting.  We pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C:  Amen.

P:   Hear now Matthew’s account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

P:   “Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”

C:  This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

P:  The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting,

C:  “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

P:   Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy!

C:  Praise God for the Son of David!

P:   Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter!

C:  For the Lord most high is awesome, putting our enemies beneath our feet.  We bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

P:   Let us go forth with praise on our lips.

All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!  Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all. (repeat)

O Seed of Israel’s chosen race, now ransomed from the fall,

Hail Him who saves you by His grace and crown Him Lord of all.

Sinners whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall,

Go, spread your trophies at His feet and crown Him Lord of all.

Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe on this terrestrial ball

To Him all majesty ascribe and crown Him Lord of all.

Oh, that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall!

We’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all!

P:   Let us bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

C:  Praise God for the Son of David!

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:  And also with you.

P:   Let us pray. 

Almighty God, Your most beloved Son did not go up to joy until first He suffered pain; nor did He enter into glory until first He was crucified; as we, this week, walk in the way of His cross, help us to discover that it is the only way of life and peace; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C:  Amen.

Old Testament Lesson (Zechariah 9:9-12)

      Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
        11 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.  12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

L:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:  Thanks be to God.

Epistle Lesson (Philippians 2:5-11)

      Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

L:   This is the Word of the Lord

C:  Thanks be to God.

Hymn:  “No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet”…………..……………………..    # 444

1    No tramp of soldiers’ marching feet With banners and with drums,
      No sound of music’s martial beat: “The King of glory comes!”
      To greet what pomp of kingly pride No bells in triumph ring,
      No city gates swing open wide: “Behold, behold your King!”

2    And yet He comes. The children cheer; With palms His path is strown.
      With ev'ry step the cross draws near: The King of glory’s throne.
      Astride a colt He passes by As loud hosannas ring,
      Or else the very stones would cry “Behold, behold your King!”

3    What fading flow'rs His road adorn; The palms, how soon laid down!
      No bloom or leaf but only thorn The King of glory’s crown.
      The soldiers mock, the rabble cries, The streets with tumult ring,
      As Pilate to the mob replies, “Behold, behold your King!”

4    Now he who bore for mortals’ sake The cross and all its pains
      And chose a servant’s form to take, The King of glory reigns.
      Hosanna to the Savior’s name Till heaven’s rafters ring,
      And all the ransomed host proclaim “Behold, behold your King!”

† St. Mark’s Account of Jesus’ Humiliation and Death †

Jesus is condemned by Israel’s leaders (15:1-14)

      15 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

        6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 

Hymn: “O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken?”…………….. # 439, vv. 2 & 3

2    They crown Thy head with thorns, they smite, they scourge Thee;
      With cruel mockings to the cross they urge Thee;
      They give Thee gall to drink, they still decry Thee;
      They crucify Thee.

3    Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
      It is my sins for which Thou, Lord, must languish;
      Yea, all the wrath, the woe, Thou dost inherit,
      This I do merit.

Jesus is crucified (15:15-36)

        15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

        16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

        21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

        33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 

Hymn: “Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow”………………………………. # 428, vv. 1, 2 & 4

1    Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow, Where the blood of Christ was shed,
      Perfect Man on thee did suffer, Perfect God on thee has bled!

2    Here the King of all the ages, Throned in light ere worlds could be,
      Robed in mortal flesh is dying, Crucified by sin for me.

4    Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow, Where the blood of Christ was shed,
      Perfect Man on thee did suffer, Perfect God on thee has bled!

Jesus dies (15:37-47)

      37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

        42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Hymn: “The Lamb”……………………………………………………………….. # 547, vv. 2-4

2    The Lamb, the Lamb, One perfect final offering.
      The Lamb, the Lamb, Let earth join heav'n His praise to sing.
      Worthy is the Lamb Whose death makes me His own!
      The Lamb is reigning on His throne!

3    The Lamb, the Lamb, As wayward sheep their shepherd kill
      So still, His will On our behalf the Law to fill.
      Worthy is the Lamb Whose death makes me His own!
      The Lamb is reigning on His throne!

4    He sighs, he dies, He takes my sin and wretchedness.
      He lives, forgives, He gives me His own righteousness.
      Worthy is the Lamb Whose death makes me His own!
      The Lamb is reigning on His throne!

Homily (Rev. Roger Wohletz)

Apostles’ Creed  

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life + everlasting. Amen.

The Prayer of the Church

The Benediction

Hymn: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”………………………………………………………  # 443

1    Hosanna, loud hosanna, The little children sang;
      Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
      To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to His breast,
      The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.

2    From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
      The victor palm branch waving And chanting clear and loud.
      The Lord of earth and heaven Rode on in lowly state
      Nor scorned that little children Should on His bidding wait.

3    "Hosanna in the highest!" That ancient song we sing;
      For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heav'n our King.
      Oh, may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice
      And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!

† † †

Sunday Worship March 21, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Baptized into Your Name Most Holy”  LSB # 590 vv. 1-2

1 Baptized into Your name most holy, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly, Among Your saints, Your chosen host.
Buried with Christ and dead to sin, Your Spirit now shall live within.

2 My loving Father, here You take me To be henceforth Your child and heir.
My faithful Savior, here You make me The fruit of all Your sorrows share.
O Holy Spirit, comfort me When threat'ning clouds around I see.

Baptism of Lydia Grace Vanderhyde

Hymn “Baptized into Your Name Most Holy”  LSB # 590 vv. 3-4

3 My faithful God, You fail me never; Your promise surely will endure.
O cast me not away forever If words and deeds become impure.
Have mercy when I come defiled; Forgive, lift up, restore Your child.

4 All that I am and love most dearly-- Receive it all, O Lord, from me.
Let me confess my faith sincerely; Help me Your faithful child to be!
Let nothing that I am or own Serve any will but Yours alone.

INNVOCATION

P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  

C: Amen.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C: who made heaven and earth.

P: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,

C: and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: O almighty God, merciful Father,

C: I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You, and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.

P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins.  To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit.  May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

P:   Let us pray.  O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength.  By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you….

15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Romans 5:1-11)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 8:27-38)

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 8th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

27And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.

31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: (sung) Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “ ‘Come, Follow Me,’ the Savior Spake”  LSB # 688

1. "Come, follow Me," the Savior spake, "All in My way abiding;
   Deny yourselves, the world forsake, Obey My call and guiding.
   O bear the cross, whate'er betide, Take my example for your guide.

2. "I am the Light, I light the way, A godly life displaying;
   I bid you walk as in the day; I keep your feet from straying.
   I am the way, and well I show, How you must sojourn here below.

3. "My heart abounds in lowliness, My soul with love is glowing;
   And gracious words My lips express, With meekness overflowing.
   My heart, My mind, My strength, My all, To God I yield, on Him I call.

4. "I teach you how to shun and flee What harms your soul's salvation,
   Your heart from ev'ry guile to free, From sin and its temptation.
   I am the refuge of the soul And lead you to your heav'nly goal."

5. Then let us follow Christ, our Lord, And take the cross appointed
   And, firmly clinging to His Word, In suff'ring be undaunted.
   For those who bear the battle's strain The crown of heav'nly life obtain.

Sermon

Prayer of the Church

P: Lord, in your mercy,

C: Receive our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service”  LSB # 848

1. Lord, whose love through humble service Bore the weight of human need,

Who upon the cross, forsaken, Offered mercy’s perfect deed,

We, Your servants, bring the worship Not of voice alone, but heart, 

Consecrating to Your purpose Ev’ry gift that You impart.

2. Still Your children wander homeless; Still the hungry cry fro bread;

Still the captives long for freedom; Still in grief we mourn our dead.

As, O Lord, Your deep compassion Healed the sick and freed the soul,

Use the love Your Spirit kindles Still to save and make us whole.

3. As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love’s revealing light 

In its height and depth and greatness, Dawns upon our quickened sight, 

Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, 

Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share.

4. Called by worship to Your service, Forth in Your dear name we go,

To the child, the youth, the aged, Love in living deeds to show;

Hope and health, goodwill and comfort, Counsel, aid, and peace we give,

That Your servants, Lord, in freedom May Your mercy know and live.

Sunday Worship March 14, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Jesus, Refuge of the Weary”  LSB # 423

1 Jesus, refuge of the weary, Blest Redeemer, whom we love,
Fountain in life's desert dreary, Savior from the world above:
Often have Your eyes, offended, Gazed upon the sinner's fall;
Yet upon the cross extended, You have borne the pain of all.

2 Do we pass that cross unheeding, Breathing no repentant vow,
Though we see You wounded, bleeding, See Your thorn-encircled brow?
Yet Your sinless death has brought us Life eternal, peace, and rest;
Only what Your grace hath taught us Calms the sinner's deep distress.

3 Jesus, may our hearts be burning With more fervent love for You;
May our eyes be ever turning To behold Your cross anew
Till in glory, parted never From the blessed Savior's side,
Graven in our hearts forever, Dwell the cross, the Crucified.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   (1 John 1:8-9)

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY

P: Let us pray. Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Hebrews 5:1-10)

1 “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

“You are my Son,
    today I have begotten you”;

6 as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
    after the order of Melchizedek.”

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 10:35-45)

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 10th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Christ Sits at God’s Right Hand”  LSB # 564

1. Christ sits at God’s right hand, his saving work complete,

To reign till every foe will lie beneath his feet- 

All that the father planned the Son sought to fulfill, 

When first he said Lord here am I to do your will. 

2. Christ was that priest God swore, uniquely first and last, 

Who would in righteousness and love be unsurpassed: 

A priest forevermore an oath God would not break 

A priest within the order of Melchizedek. 

3. Christ’s altar was the tree where on the world‘s behalf 

He shed a blood unlike the blood of goat or calf 

To seal God's guarantee of grace that cannot fail; 

With blood he entered for our good behind the veil. 

4. What costly sacrifice to cover human sin! 

Who but Christ Jesus had the right to enter in? 

His blood that sprinkled price so we might be assured 

That our inheritance and light has been secured. 

5. Then let us now draw near washed in that precious flood 

And enter the Most Holy Place by Jesus’ blood. 

From hearts that are sincere, let tongues our hope profess, 

And trust anew God‘s faithful grace that we confess. 

6. All praise to Christ we bring, our Lord who intercedes, 

Our great High Priest enthroned above who knows our needs 

And to the Father sing our songs of thankful praise, 

Who with the Spirit reigns in love for endless days.

Sermon: Rev. Roger Wohletz

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE NICENE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord, in you mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn “On What Has Now Been Sown”  LSB # 921

1 On what has now been sown Thy blessing, Lord, bestow;
The pow'r is Thine alone To make it sprout and grow.
Do Thou in grace the harvest raise, And Thou alone shalt have the praise!

2 To Thee our wants are known, From Thee are all our pow'rs;
Accept what is Thine own And pardon what is ours.
Our praises, Lord, and prayers receive, And to Thy Word a blessing give.

3 O grant that each of us, Now met before Thee here,
May meet together thus When Thou and Thine appear
And follow Thee to heav'n, our home. E'en so, amen, Lord Jesus, come!

Lenten Wednesday Service 3/10/21

Sunday Worship March 7, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun”  LSB # 868

1 Awake, my soul, and with the sun Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth and joyful rise To pay thy morning sacrifice.

2 In conversation be sincere, Thy conscience as the noon-day clear;
Think how the all-seeing God thy ways And all thy secret thoughts surveys.

3 All praise to Thee, who safe hast kept And hast refreshed me while I slept;
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake, I may of endless light partake.

4 Lord, I my vows to Thee renew; Disperse my sins as morning dew;
Guard my first springs of thought and will And with Thyself my spirit fill.

5 Direct, control, suggest this day All I design or do or say
That all my pow'rs with all their might In Thy sole glory may unite.

6 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C: who made heaven and earth.

P: If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

C: But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

P: Since we are gathered to hear God’s Word, call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

C: Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit

C: Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you. 

C: And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.  O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Exodus 20:1-17)

1 And God spoke all these words, saying,

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) 

18 The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
    and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

gospel Reading (John 2:13-22)

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. John the 2nd chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”  LSB # 425

1 When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride.

2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.

3 See, from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4 Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a tribute far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all!

Sermon 

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE NICENE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord, in you mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

BENEDICTION

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn  “God of Grace and God of Glory”  LSB # 850

1 God of grace and God of glory, On Your people pour Your pow'r;
Crown Your ancient Church’s story; Bring its bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.

2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us Scorn the Christ, assail His ways!
From the fears that long have bound us Free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.

3 Cure Your children’s warring madness; Bend our pride to Your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal.

4 Save us from weak resignation To the evils we deplore;
Let the gift of Your salvation Be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, Serving You whom we adore,
Serving You whom we adore.

Lenten Wednesday Service 3/3/21

Sunday Worship February 28, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Baptized into Your Name Most Holy”  LSB # 590 vv. 1-2

1 Baptized into Your name most holy, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly, Among Your saints, Your chosen host.
Buried with Christ and dead to sin, Your Spirit now shall live within.

2 My loving Father, here You take me To be henceforth Your child and heir.
My faithful Savior, here You make me The fruit of all Your sorrows share.
O Holy Spirit, comfort me When threat'ning clouds around I see.

Baptism of Lydia Grace Vanderhyde

Hymn “Baptized into Your Name Most Holy”  LSB # 590 vv. 3-4

3 My faithful God, You fail me never; Your promise surely will endure.
O cast me not away forever If words and deeds become impure.
Have mercy when I come defiled; Forgive, lift up, restore Your child.

4 All that I am and love most dearly-- Receive it all, O Lord, from me.
Let me confess my faith sincerely; Help me Your faithful child to be!
Let nothing that I am or own Serve any will but Yours alone.

INNVOCATION

P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  

C: Amen.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C: who made heaven and earth.

P: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,

C: and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: O almighty God, merciful Father,

C: I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You, and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.

P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins.  To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit.  May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

P:   Let us pray.  O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength.  By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you….

15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Romans 5:1-11)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 8:27-38)

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 8th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

27And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.

31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: (sung) Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “ ‘Come, Follow Me,’ the Savior Spake”  LSB # 688

1. "Come, follow Me," the Savior spake, "All in My way abiding;
   Deny yourselves, the world forsake, Obey My call and guiding.
   O bear the cross, whate'er betide, Take my example for your guide.

2. "I am the Light, I light the way, A godly life displaying;
   I bid you walk as in the day; I keep your feet from straying.
   I am the way, and well I show, How you must sojourn here below.

3. "My heart abounds in lowliness, My soul with love is glowing;
   And gracious words My lips express, With meekness overflowing.
   My heart, My mind, My strength, My all, To God I yield, on Him I call.

4. "I teach you how to shun and flee What harms your soul's salvation,
   Your heart from ev'ry guile to free, From sin and its temptation.
   I am the refuge of the soul And lead you to your heav'nly goal."

5. Then let us follow Christ, our Lord, And take the cross appointed
   And, firmly clinging to His Word, In suff'ring be undaunted.
   For those who bear the battle's strain The crown of heav'nly life obtain.

Sermon

Prayer of the Church

P: Lord, in your mercy,

C: Receive our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn “Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service”  LSB # 848

1. Lord, whose love through humble service Bore the weight of human need,

Who upon the cross, forsaken, Offered mercy’s perfect deed,

We, Your servants, bring the worship Not of voice alone, but heart, 

Consecrating to Your purpose Ev’ry gift that You impart.

2. Still Your children wander homeless; Still the hungry cry fro bread;

Still the captives long for freedom; Still in grief we mourn our dead.

As, O Lord, Your deep compassion Healed the sick and freed the soul,

Use the love Your Spirit kindles Still to save and make us whole.

3. As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love’s revealing light 

In its height and depth and greatness, Dawns upon our quickened sight, 

Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, 

Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share.

4. Called by worship to Your service, Forth in Your dear name we go,

To the child, the youth, the aged, Love in living deeds to show;

Hope and health, goodwill and comfort, Counsel, aid, and peace we give,

That Your servants, Lord, in freedom May Your mercy know and live.

Lenten Wednesday Service 2/24/21

Sunday Worship February 21, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “The God of Abraham Praise”  LSB # 798

1 The God of Abr'ham praise, Who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of everlasting days And God of love.
Jehovah, great I AM! By earth and heav'n confessed;
I bow and bless the sacred name Forever blest.

3 The God of Abr'ham praise, Whose all-sufficient grace
Shall guide me all my pilgrim days In all my ways.
He deigns to call me friend; He calls Himself my God.
And He shall save me to the end Through Jesus' blood.

4 He by Himself has sworn; I on His oath depend.
I shall, on eagle wings upborne, To heav'n ascend.
I shall behold His face; I shall His pow'r adore
And sing the wonders of His grace Forevermore.

6 The goodly land I see, With peace and plenty blest:
A land of sacred liberty And endless rest.
There milk and honey flow, And oil and wine abound,
And trees of life forever grow With mercy crowned.

7 There dwells the Lord our king, The Lord our righteousness,
Triumphant o'er the world and sin, The Prince of Peace.
On Zion's sacred height His kingdom He maintains
And glorious with His saints in light Forever reigns.

8 The God who reigns on high The great archangels sing,
And, "Holy, holy, holy!" cry, "Almighty King!
Who was and is the same And evermore shall be;
Jehovah, Father, great I AM! We worship Thee!"

9 The whole triumphant host Give thanks to God on high.
"Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!" They ever cry.
Hail, Abr'ham's God and mine! I join the heav'nly lays:
All might and majesty are Thine And endless praise!

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   (1 John 1:8-9)

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of the Word, I announce the grace of God to  you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY

P: Let us pray. O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of your Church that, following our Savior, we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Genesis 22:1-18)

                  22 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

                                    9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

                                    15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (James 1:12-18)

      12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

            16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 1:21-28)

All: Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 1st chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

            12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

            14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”  LSB # 656

1    A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
      He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.
      The old evil foe Now means deadly woe; Deep guile and great might

Are his dread arms in fight; On earth is not his equal.

2    With might of ours can naught be done, Soon were our loss effected;
      But for us fights the Valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.
      Ask ye, Who is this? Jesus Christ it is, Of Sabaoth Lord,
      And there's none other God; He holds the field forever.

3    Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us.
      We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not overpow'r us.
      This world's prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none.
      He's judged; the deed is done; One little word can fell him.

4    The Word they still shall let remain Nor any thanks have for it;
      He's by our side upon the plain With His good gifts and Spirit.
      And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife, Though these all be gone,
      Our vict'ry has been won; The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Sermon

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE NICENE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord, in you mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn  “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”  LSB # 702

1          My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine.
   Now hear me while I pray; Take all my guilt away;
   Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!

2 May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart;
   My zeal inspire!
   As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee
   Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!

3 While life's dark maze I tread And griefs around me spread,
   Be Thou my guide;
   Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away,
   Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.

4 When ends life's transient dream, When death's cold, sullen stream
   Shall o'er me roll,
   Blest Savior, then, in love, Fear and distrust remove;
   O bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

Sunday Worship February 14, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”  LSB # 821

1 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus; His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion Thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of ev'ry nation Has redeemed us by His blood."

2 Alleluia! Not as orphans Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us; Faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him When the forty days were o'er,
Shall our hearts forget His promise: "I am with you evermore"?

3 Alleluia! Bread of heaven, Here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! Here the sinful Flee to You from day to day.
Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth's Redeemer, hear our plea
Where the songs of all the sinless Sweep across the crystal sea.

4 Alleluia! King eternal, Lord omnipotent we own;
Alleluia! Born of Mary, Earth Your footstool, heav'n Your throne.
As within the veil You entered, Robed in flesh, our great High Priest,
Here on earth both priest and victim In the eucharistic feast.

5 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus; His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion Thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of ev'ry nation Has redeemed us by His blood."

Confession & Absolution

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C: who made heaven and earth.

P: If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

C: But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

P: Since we are gathered to hear God’s Word, call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

C: Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit

C: Amen.

Collect for the day

P: The Lord be with you. 

C: And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.  O God, in the glorious transfiguration of your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah.  In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace.  Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven;  through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (2 Kings 2:1-12)

Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”

4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”

6 Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.

9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 10 And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (2 Corinthians 3:12,13; 4:1-6)

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end….

4 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 9:2-9)

C:   (Sung)  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 9th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair”  LSB #413

1 O wondrous type! O vision fair Of glory that the Church may share,
Which Christ upon the mountain shows, Where brighter than the sun He glows!

2 With Moses and Elijah nigh The incarnate Lord holds converse high;
And from the cloud the Holy One Bears record to the only Son.

3 With shining face and bright array Christ deigns to manifest today
What glory shall be theirs above Who joy in God with perfect love.

4 And faithful hearts are raised on high By this great vision's mystery,
For which in joyful strains we raise The voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.

5 O Father, with the eternal Son And Holy Spirit ever one,
We pray Thee, bring us by Thy grace To see Thy glory face to face.

Sermon  “Transfigured”  (Mark 9:2-9)    

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE NICENE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Let us pray to the Lord,

C: Lord have mercy.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

BENEDICTION

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn  “’Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here”  LSB # 414

1 'Tis good, Lord, to be here! Thy glory fills the night;
Thy face and garments, like the sun, Shine with unborrowed light.

2 'Tis good, Lord, to be here, Thy beauty to behold
Where Moses and Elijah stand, Thy messengers of old.

3 Fulfiller of the past And hope of things to be,
We hail Thy body glorified And our redemption see.

4 Before we taste of death, We see Thy kingdom come;
We long to hold the vision bright And make this hill our home.

5 'Tis good, Lord, to be here! Yet we may not remain;
But since Thou bidst us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.

Sunday Worship February 7, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”  LSB # 528

1 Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace!

2 My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad, The honors of Thy name.

3 Jesus! The name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears, 'Tis life and health and peace.

4 He breaks the pow'r of canceled sin; He sets the pris'ner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood avails for me.

5 Look unto Him, ye nations; own Your God, ye fallen race.
Look and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace.

6 See all your sins on Jesus laid; The Lamb of God was slain.
His soul was once an off'ring made For ev'ry soul of man.

7 To God all glory, praise, and love Be now and ever giv'n
By saints below and saints above, The Church in earth and heav'n.

INNVOCATION

P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  

C: Amen.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C: who made heaven and earth.

P: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,

C: and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: O almighty God, merciful Father,

C: I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You, and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.

P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins.  To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit.  May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

P: Let us pray. O Lord, keep your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (Isaiah 40:21-31)

21 Do you not know? Do you not hear?
    Has it not been told you from the beginning?
    Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
    and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
    and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
23 who brings princes to nothing,
    and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.

24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
    scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,
when he blows on them, and they wither,
    and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

25 To whom then will you compare me,
    that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:
    who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
    calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
    and because he is strong in power,
    not one is missing.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
    and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
    and my right is disregarded by my God”?
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 9:16-27)

16 “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 1:29-39)

C: (sung) Alleluia.  Alleluia.  Alleluia.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 2nd chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

29And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: (sung) Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life + everlasting. Amen.

Sermon 

Hymn of the Day  “Son of God, Eternal Savior”  LSB # 842

1 Son of God, eternal Savior, Source of life and truth and grace,
Word made flesh, whose birth among us Hallows all our human race,
You our Head, who, throned in glory, For Your own will ever plead:
Fill us with Your love and pity, Heal our wrongs, and help our need.

2 As You, Lord, have lived for others, So may we for others live.
Freely have Your gifts been granted; Freely may Your servants give.
Yours the gold and Yours the silver, Yours the wealth of land and sea;
We but stewards of Your bounty Held in solemn trust will be.

3 Come, O Christ, and reign among us, King of Love and Prince of Peace;
Hush the storm of strife and passion, Bid its cruel discords cease.
By Your patient years of toiling, By Your silent hours of pain,
Quench our fevered thirst of pleasure, Stem our selfish greed of gain.

4 Son of God, eternal Savior, Source of life and truth and grace,
Word made flesh, whose birth among us Hallows all our human race:
By your praying, by Your willing, That Your people should be one,
Grant, O grant our hope’s fruition; Here on earth Your will be done.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord, in your mercy,

C: Receive our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.

BENEDICTION

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn “O God, My Faithful God”  LSB # 696

1 O God, my faithful God, True fountain ever flowing,
Without whom nothing is, All perfect gifts bestowing:
Give me a healthy frame, And may I have within
A conscience free from blame, A soul unstained by sin.

2 Grant me the strength to do With ready heart and willing
Whatever You command, My calling here fulfilling;
That I do what I should While trusting You to bless
The outcome for my good, For You must give success.

3 Keep me from saying words That later need recalling;
Guard me lest idle speech May from my lips be falling;
But when within my place I must and ought to speak,
Then to my words give grace Lest I offend the weak.

4 Lord, let me win my foes With kindly words and actions,
And let me find good friends For counsel and correction.
Help me, as You have taught, To love both great and small
And by Your Spirit's might To live in peace with all.

5 Let me depart this life Confiding in my Savior;
By grace receive my soul That it may live forever;
And let my body have A quiet resting place
Within a Christian grave; And let it sleep in peace.

6 And on that final day When all the dead are waking,
Stretch out Your mighty hand, My deathly slumber breaking.
Then let me hear Your voice, Redeem this earthly frame,
And bid me to rejoice With those who love Your name.

Sunday Worship January 31, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee”  LSB # 750

1 If thou but trust in God to guide thee And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He'll give thee strength, whate'er betide thee, And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God's unchanging love Builds on the rock that naught can move.

2 What can these anxious cares avail thee, These never-ceasing moans and sighs?
What can it help if thou bewail thee O'er each dark moment as it flies?
Our cross and trials do but press The heavier for our bitterness.

3 Be patient and await His leisure In cheerful hope, with heart content
To take whate'er thy Father's pleasure And His discerning love hath sent,
Nor doubt our inmost wants are known To Him who chose us for His own.

4 God knows full well when times of gladness Shall be the needful thing for thee.
When He has tried thy soul with sadness And from all guile has found thee free,
He comes to thee all unaware And makes thee own His loving care.

5 Nor think amid the fiery trial That God hath cast thee off unheard,
That he whose hopes meet no denial Must surely be of God preferred.
Time passes and much change doth bring And sets a bound to ev'rything.

6 All are alike before the Highest; 'Tis easy to our God, we know,
To raise thee up, though low thou liest, To make the rich man poor and low.
True wonders still by Him are wrought Who setteth up and brings to naught.

7 Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving, Perform thy duties faithfully,
And trust His Word; though undeserving, Thou yet shalt find it true for thee.
God never yet forsook in need The soul that trusted Him indeed.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   (1 John 1:8-9)

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of the Word, I announce the grace of God to  you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY

P: Let us pray. Almighty God, you know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)

15 “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the LORD said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 1:21-28)

All: Alleluia.  Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  Alleluia, alleluia.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 1st chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “O Christ, Our True and Only Light”  LSB # 839

1 O Christ, our true and only light, Enlighten those who sit in night;
Let those afar now hear Your voice And in Your fold with us rejoice.

2 Fill with the radiance of Your grace The souls now lost in error's maze;
Enlighten those whose inmost minds Some dark delusion haunts and blinds.

3 O gently call those gone astray That they may find the saving way!
Let ev'ry conscience sore oppressed In you find peace and heav'nly rest.

4 Shine on the darkened and the cold; Recall the wand'rers to Your fold.
Unite all those who walk apart; Confirm the weak and doubting heart,

5 That they with us may evermore Such grace with wond'ring thanks adore
And endless praise to You be giv'n By all Your Church in earth and heav'n.

Sermon

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE NICENE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord, in you mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”  LSB # 685

1 Let us ever walk with Jesus, follow his example pure, 

Through a world that would deceive us And to sin our spirits lure.

Onward in his footsteps treading, Pilgrims here, our home above, 

Full of faith and hope and love, Let us do our Savior's bidding. 

Faithful Lord, with me abide; I shall follow where you guide. 

2 Let us suffer here with Jesus, And with patience bear our cross. 

Joy will follow all our sadness; Where he is there is no loss. 

Though today we sow no laughter, We shall reap celestial joy: 

All discomforts that annoy Shall give way to mirth hereafter. 

Jesus, here I share your woe; Help me there your joy to know.

3 Let us gladly die with Jesus. Since by death he conquered death, 

He will free us from destruction, Give to us immortal breath. 

Let us mortify all passion That would lead us into sin; 

And the grave that shuts us in Shall but prove the gate to heaven. 

Jesus, here with you I die, there to live with you on high. 

4 Let us also live with Jesus. He has risen from the dead 

That to life we may awaken. Jesus, you are now our head, 

We are your own living members; Where you live, there we shall be 

In your presence constantly, Living there with you forever. 

Jesus, let me faithful be; Life eternal grant to me.

Sunday Worship January 24, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “As with Gladness Men of Old”  LSB # 397

1    As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led by Thee.

2    As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to Thy lowly bed,
There to bend the knee before Thee, whom heav'n and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

3    As they offered gifts most rare At Thy cradle, rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heav'nly King.

4    Holy Jesus, ev'ry day Keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

5    In the heav'nly country bright Need they no created light;
Thou its light, its joy, its crown, Thou its sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing Alleluias to our King.

INVOCATION

P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  

C: Amen.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C: who made heaven and earth.

P: If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

C: But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

P: Let us consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

C: Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you. 

C: And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.  Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (Jonah 3:1-5, 10)

      Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days' journey in breadth. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.

            10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL READING (Mark 1:14-20)

C:   (Sung)  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 1st chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

            14 After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “O Christ, Who Called the Twelve”  LSB #856

1    O Christ, who called the Twelve To rise and follow you,

      Forsaking old, familiar ways For ventures bold and new:

      Grant us to hear your call To risk security

      And, bound in heart and will to you, Find perfect liberty.

2    O Christ, who taught the Twelve The truth for ages sealed,   

      Whose words and works awakened faith, The ways of God revealed:

      Instruct us now, we pray, By your empow’ring Word.

      True teacher, be for all who seek Their light, their life, their Lord.

3    O Christ, who sent the Twelve On roads they’d never trod

      To serve, to suffer, teach, proclaim The nearer reign of God:

      Send us on ways where faith Transcends timidity,

      Where love informs and hope sustains Both life and ministry.

4    O Christ, th’apostles’ Lord, The martyrs’ strength and song,

      The crucified and risen King To whom the saints belong:

      Though generations pass, Our tribute still we bring,

      Our hymns a sacrifice of praise, Our lives an offering.

Sermon:  “Called to Follow”  (Mark 1:14-20)   

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE NICENE CREED

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Let us pray to the Lord,

C: Lord have mercy.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

BENEDICTION

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn  “How Firm a Foundation”  LSB #728

1  How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
   Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
   What more can He say than to you He has said
   Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?                                                                       

2 "Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed,
   For I am your God and will still give you aid;
   I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
   Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

3 "The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
   I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
   That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
   I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

4 "When through fiery trials your pathway will lie,
   My grace, all-sufficient, will be your supply.
   The flames will not hurt you; I only design
   Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

5 "Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove
   My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
   And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn,
   Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne."

Sunday Worship January 17, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning”  LSB # 400

1 Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2 Cold on His cradle the dew-drops are shining;
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.

3 Shall we not yield Him, in costly devotion,
Fragrance of Edom and off'rings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

4 Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure,
Richer by far is the heart's adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

5 Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

INNVOCATION

P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  

C: Amen.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C: who made heaven and earth.

P: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,

C: and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: O almighty God, merciful Father,

C: I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You, and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.

P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins.  To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit.  May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

C: Amen.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

P:   Let us pray.  Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of your people and grant us your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

10 The young man Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.

2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.

4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.

6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (John 1:43-51)

C: (sung) Alleluia.  Alleluia.  Alleluia.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 2nd chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: (sung) Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

CONFESSION OF FAITH: THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life + everlasting. Amen.

Hymn of the Day  “O Savior of Our Fallen Race”  LSB # 589

1 Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens, Let Your Word to me come near;
Newborn life and spirit give me, Let each promise still my fear.
Death's dread pow'r, its inward strife, Wars against Your Word of life;
Fill me, Lord, with love's strong fervor That I cling to You forever!

2 Oh, what blessing to be near You And to listen to Your voice;
Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice!
Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word;
But to all who feel sin's burden You give words of peace and pardon.

3 Lord, Your words are waters living When my thirsting spirit pleads.
Lord, Your words are bread life-giving; On Your words my spirit feeds.
Lord, Your words will be my light through death's cold and dreary night;
Yes, they are my sword prevailing And my cup of joy unfailing!

4 As I pray, dear Jesus, hear me; Let Your words in me take root.
May Your Spirit e'er be near me That I bear abundant fruit.
May I daily sing Your praise, From my heart glad anthems raise,
Till my highest praise is given In the endless joy of heaven.

Sermon 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord, in your mercy,

C: Receive our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.

BENEDICTION

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.

Closing Hymn “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing”  LSB # 924

1 Lord, dismiss us with Your blessing; Fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, Your love possessing, Triumph in redeeming grace.
O refresh us, O refresh us, Trav'ling through this wilderness.

2 Thanks we give and adoration For Your Gospel's joyful sound.
May the fruits of Your salvation In our hearts and lives abound.
Ever faithful, ever faithful To Your truth may we be found.

3 Savior, when Your love shall call us From our struggling pilgrim way,
Let not fear of death appall us, Glad Your summons to obey.
May we ever, may we ever Reign with You in endless day.

Sunday Worship January 10, 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and local recommendations, we are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Socially-distanced in-person worship is now resuming each Sunday at 12pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”  LSB # 398

1 Hail to the Lord's anointed,
Great David's greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression
And rule in equity.

2 He comes with rescue speedy
To those who suffer wrong,
To help the poor and needy
And bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing,
Their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying,
Were precious in His sight.

3 He shall come down like showers
Upon the fruitful earth;
Love, joy, and hope, like flowers,
Spring in His path to birth.
Before Him on the mountains
Shall peace, the herald, go;
And righteousness in fountains
From hill to valley flow.

4 Kings shall fall down before Him
And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore Him,
His praise all people sing.
To Him shall prayer unceasing
And daily vows ascend;
His kingdom still increasing,
A kingdom without end.

5 O'er ev'ry foe victorious,
He on His throne shall rest,
From age to age more glorious,
All blessing and all-blest.
The tide of time shall never
His covenant remove;
His name shall stand forever–
That name to us is Love.

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION

P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   (1 John 1:8-9)

We reflect on God’s Word and examine ourselves.

P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of the Word, I announce the grace of God to  you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen.

COLLECT FOR THE DAY

P:   Let us pray.  O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of Your people who call upon You and grant that they both perceive and know what things they ought to do and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfill the same; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Genesis 1:1-5)

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Romans 6:1-11)

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading (Mark 1:4-11)

All: Alleluia.  Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  Alleluia, alleluia.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 1st chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord”  LSB # 405

1 To Jordan's river came our Lord, The Christ,

whom heav'nly hosts adored, 

The God from God, the Light from Light,

The Lord of glory, pow'r and might. 

2 The Savior came to be baptized

– The Son of God in flesh disguised – 

To stand beneath the Father's will

And all his promises fulfill. 

3 As Jesus in the Jordan stood

And John baptized the Lamb of God, 

The Holy Spirit, heav'nly dove,

Descended on him from above. 

4 Then from God's throne with thund'rous sound

Came God's own voice with words profound: 

"This is my Son," was his decree,

"The one I love, who pleases me." 

5 The Father's word, the Spirit's flight

Anointed Christ in glorious sight 

As God's own choice, from Adam's fall

To save the world and free us all.

6 Now rise, faint hearts: be resolute!

This man is Christ, our substitute! 

He was baptized in Jordan's stream,

Proclaimed Redeemer, Lord supreme

Sermon:  The Baptism of Our Lord (Rev. Roger Wohletz)

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord, in you mercy,

C: hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen

Closing Hymn  “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”  LSB # 394

1 Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,
Manifested by the star
To the sages from afar,
Branch of royal David's stem
In Thy birth at Bethlehem:
Anthems be to Thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.

2 Manifest at Jordan's stream,
Prophet, Priest, and King supreme;
And at Cana wedding guest
In Thy Godhead manifest;
Manifest in pow'r divine,
Changing water into wine;
Anthems be to Thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.

3 Manifest in making whole
Palsied limbs and fainting soul;
Manifest in valiant fight,
Quelling all the devil's might;
Manifest in gracious will,
Ever bringing good from ill;
Anthems be to Thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.

4 Sun and moon shall darkened be,
Stars shall fall, the heav'ns shall flee;
Christ will then like lightning shine,
All will see His glorious sign;
All will then the trumpet hear,
All will see the Judge appear;
Thou by all wilt be confessed,
God in man made manifest.

5 Grant us grace to see Thee, Lord,
Present in Thy holy Word–
Grace to imitate Thee now
And be pure, as pure art Thou;
That we might become like Thee
At Thy great epiphany
And may praise Thee, ever blest,
God in man made manifest.

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.