Sunday Worship July 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 “Christ Is Our Cornerstone”  LSB # 912

1    Christ is our cornerstone, On Him alone we build;
With His true saints alone The courts of heav'n are filled.
On His great love Our hopes we place
Of present grace And joys above.

2    Here may we gain from heav'n The grace which we implore,
And may that grace, once giv'n, Be with us evermore
Until that day When all the blest
To endless rest Are called away.

3    Oh, then, with hymns of praise These hallowed courts shall ring;
Our voices we will raise The Three in One to sing
And thus proclaim In joyful song,
Both loud and long, That glorious name.

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.

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 thanks for Your great glory, Lord God, our heav’nly King.

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 pow’r are seated at God’s right hand on high.

For You alone are holy; You only are the Lord.

Forever and forever, be worshiped and adored;

You with the Holy Spirit alone are Lord Most High,

In God the Father’s glory. “Amen!” our glad reply.

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.

Collect for the day:

Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul.  Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”  #709

1    The King of Love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never;
      I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever.

2    Where streams of living water flow, My ransomed soul He leadeth
      And, where the verdant pastures grow, With food celestial feedeth.

3    Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me
      And on His shoulder gently laid And home rejoicing brought me.

4    In death's dark vale I fear no ill With Thee, dear Lord, beside me,
      Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me.

5    Thou spreadst a table in my sight; Thine unction grace bestoweth;
      And oh, what transport of delight From Thy pure chalice floweth!

6    And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never;
      Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise Within Thy house forever!

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Jeremiah 23:1-6)

1 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord. 3 Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.

            5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Ephesians 2:11-22)

            11 Remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 6th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 6:30-44)

      21 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “The Church’s One Foundation”  LSB # 644

1    The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
      She is His new creation By water and the Word.
      From heav'n He came and sought her To be His holy bride;
      With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died.

2    Elect from ev'ry nation, Yet one o’er all the earth;
      Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth.
      One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food,
      And to one hope she presses With ev'ry grace endued.

3    Though with a scornful wonder The world sees her oppressed,
      By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed,
      Yet saints their watch are keeping; Their cry goes up, “How long?”
      And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song.

4    Through toil and tribulation And tumult of her war
      She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore
      Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest,
      And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest.

5    Yet she on earth has union With God, the Three in One,
      And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won.
      O blessed heav'nly chorus! Lord, save us by Your grace
      That we, like saints before us, May see You face to face.

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  “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”  LSB # 711

1    Savior, like a shepherd lead us; Much we need Your tender care.
In Your pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Your fold prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours.

2    We are Yours; in love befriend us, Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Your flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear us children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear us children when we pray.

3    You have promised to receive us, Poor and sinful though we be;
You have mercy to relieve us, Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Early let us turn to You.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Early let us turn to You.

4    Early let us seek Your favor, Early let us do Your will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior, With Your love our spirits fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have loved us, love us still.

Sunday Worship July 11, 2021

We are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Full, in-person worship has now resumed at 2695 S. Franklin St. in Denver at 12:00pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “O Holy Spirit, Enter In”  LSB # 913 

1    O Holy Spirit, enter in, And in our hearts Your work begin,
Your dwelling place now make us.
Sun of the soul, O Light divine, Around and in us brightly shine,
To joy and gladness wake us
That we may be Truly living, To You giving Prayer unceasing
And in love be still increasing.

2    Give to Your Word impressive pow'r, That in our hearts from this good hour
As fire it may be glowing,
That in true Christian unity We faithful witnesses may be,
Your glory ever showing.
Hear us, cheer us By Your teaching; Let our preaching And our labor
Praise You, Lord, and serve our neighbor. 

3    O mighty Rock, O Source of Life, Let Your dear Word, in doubt and strife,
In us be strongly burning
That we be faithful unto death And live in love and holy faith,
From You true wisdom learning.
Your grace and peace On us shower; By Your power Christ confessing,
Let us see our Savior's blessing.

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 Lord, You granted Your prophets strength to resist the temptations of the devil and courage to proclaim repentance.  Give us pure hearts and minds to follow Your Son faithfully even into suffering and death; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “O God of God, O Light of Light”  LSB # 810 

1 O God of God, O Light of Light, O Prince of Peace and King of kings:
To You in heaven's glory bright The song of praise forever rings.
To Him who sits upon the throne, The Lamb once slain but raised again,
Be all the glory He has won, All thanks and praise! Amen, amen.

2 For deep in the prophets' sacred page, And grand in poets' winged word,
Slowly in type, from age to age The nations saw their coming Lord;
Till through the deep Judean night Rang out the song, "Good will to men!"
Sung once by first-born sons of light, It echoes now, "Good will!" Amen.

3 That life of truth, those deeds of love, That death so steeped in hate and scorn--
These all are past, and now above He reigns, our King once crowned with thorn.
Lift up your heads, O mighty gates! So sang that host beyond our ken.
Lift up your heads, your King awaits. We lift them up. Amen, amen.

4 Then raise to Christ a mighty song, And shout His name, His mercies tell!
Sing, heav'nly host, your praise prolong, And all on earth, your anthem swell!
All hail, O Lamb for sinners slain! Forever let the song ascend!
Worthy the Lamb, enthroned to reign,  All glory, pow'r! Amen, amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Amos 7:7-14)

7 This is what he showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said,

“Behold, I am setting a plumb line
    in the midst of my people Israel;
    I will never again pass by them;
9 the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate,
    and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste,
    and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.”

10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. 11 For thus Amos has said,

“‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword,
    and Israel must go into exile
    away from his land.’”

12 And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, 13 but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.”

14 Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Ephesians 1:3-14)

            3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

            11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 6th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Mark 6:14-29)

            14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

            21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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  “Jesus, Priceless Treasure”  LSB # 743

1 Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, Truest friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for Thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide Thee, Naught I ask beside Thee.

2 In Thine arms I rest me; Foes who would molest me Cannot reach me here.

Though the earth be shaking, ev'ry heart be quaking, Jesus calms my fear.
Lightnings flash And thunder crash;
yet, though sin and hell assail me, Jesus will not fail me.

3 Satan, I defy thee; Death, I now decry thee; Fear, I bid thee cease.
World, thou shalt not harm me Nor thy threats alarm me While I sing of peace.
God's great pow'r Guards ev'ry hour;
Earth and all its depths adore Him, Silent bow before Him.

4 Hence, all earthly treasure! Jesus is my pleasure, Jesus is my choice.
Hence all empty glory! Naught to me the story Told with tempting voice.
Pain or loss, Or shame or cross,
Shall not from my Savior move me Since He deigns to love me.

5 Evil world, I leave thee; Thou canst not deceive me, Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did blind me, Get thee far behind me, Come not forth again.

Past thy hour, O pride and pow'r;

Sinful life, thy bonds I sever, Leave thee now forever.

6 Hence, all fear and sadness! For the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father, Though the storms may gather, Still have peace within.
Yea, whate'er I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure!

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 “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise”  LSB # 917

1 Savior, again to Thy dear name we raise

   With one accord our parting hymn of praise;
   Once more we bless Thee ere our worship cease,

   Then, lowly bending, wait Thy word of peace.

2 Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way;

   With Thee began, with Thee shall end, the day.
   Guard Thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame,

   That in this house have called upon Thy name.

3 Grant us Thy peace, Lord, through the coming night;
   Turn Thou for us its darkness into light.
   From harm and danger keep Thy children free;
   For dark and light are both alike to Thee.

4 Grant us Thy peace throughout our earthly life,
   Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife;
   Then, when Thy voice shall bid our conflict cease,
   Call us, O Lord, to Thine eternal peace.

Sunday Worship July 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.

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."

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.  Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our leaning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “Jesus, Lead Thou On”  LSB # 718

1 Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless.
Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland.

2 If the way be drear, If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us;
For through many a woe To our home we go.

3 When we seek relief From a long-felt grief,
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring.
Show us that bright shore Where we weep no more.

4 Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won.
Heav'nly leader, still direct us,
Still support, console, protect us,
Till we safely stand In our fatherland.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Ezekiel 2:1-5)

            1 He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2 And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ 5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Second Reading    (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

      5 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

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 6th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 6:1-13)

      1[Jesus] went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.  And he went about among the villages teaching.

            7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

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  --  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  “Before You, Lord, We Bow”  LSB #966

1 Before You, Lord, we bow, Our God who reigns above

And rules the world below, Boundless in pow'r and love.

Our thanks we bring In joy and praise,

Our hearts we raise To You, our King!

2 The nation You have blest May well Your love declare,

From foes and fears at rest, Protected by Your care.

For this bright day, For this fair land--

Gifts of Your hand-- Our thanks we pay.

3 May ev'ry mountain height, Each vale and forest green,

Shine in Your Word's pure light, And its rich fruits be seen!

May ev'ry tongue Be tuned to praise

And join to raise A grateful song.

4 Earth, hear your Maker's voice; Your great Redeemer own;

Believe, obey, rejoice, And worship Him alone.

Cast down your pride, Your sin deplore,

And bow before The Crucified.

5 And when in pow'r He comes, Oh, may our native land

From all its rending tombs Send forth a glorious band,

A countless throng, With joy to sing

To heav'n's high King Salvation's song!

Sunday Worship June 27, 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 “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”  LSB # 940

1    Holy God, we praise Thy name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in heav'n above adore Thee.
Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign.

2    Hark! the glad celestial hymn Angel choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heav'ns with sweet accord: Holy, holy, holy Lord!

3    Lo, th'apostles' holy train Join Thy sacred name to hallow;
Prophets swell the glad refrain, And the white-robed martyrs follow,
And from morn to set of sun Through the Church the song goes on.

4    Thou art King of glory, Christ; Son of God, yet born of Mary.
For us sinners sacrificed, As to death a Tributary,
First to break the bars of death, Thou hast opened heav'n to faith.

5    Holy Father, holy Son, Holy Spirit, three we name Thee;
Though in essence only one, Undivided God we claim Thee
And, adoring, bend the knee While we own the mystery.

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.

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 thanks for Your great glory, Lord God, our heav’nly King.

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 pow’r are seated at God’s right hand on high.

For You alone are holy; You only are the Lord.

Forever and forever, be worshiped and adored;

You with the Holy Spirit alone are Lord Most High,

In God the Father’s glory. “Amen!” our glad reply.

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.

Collect for the day:

Heavenly Father, during His earthly ministry Your Son Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead.  By the healing medicine of the Word and Sacraments pour into our hearts such love toward You that we may live eternally; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”  #770

1 What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we bear–
All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged–Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness–Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3 Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Lamentations 3:22-33)

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.
27 It is good for a man that he bear
    the yoke in his youth.

28 Let him sit alone in silence
    when it is laid on him;
29 let him put his mouth in the dust—
    there may yet be hope;
30 let him give his cheek to the one who strikes,
    and let him be filled with insults.

31 For the Lord will not
    cast off forever,
32 but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion
    according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
33 for he does not afflict from his heart
    or grieve the children of men

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15)

            1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

            8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich…

            13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 5th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 5:21-43)

      21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24 And he went with him.

      And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28 For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 And he looked around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

            35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Entrust Your Days and Burdens”  LSB # 754

1 Entrust your days and burdens To God's most loving hand;
   He cares for you while ruling The sky, the sea, the land.
   For He who guides the tempests Along their thund'rous ways
   Will find for you a pathway And guide you all your days.

2 Rely on God your Savior And find your life secure.
   Make His work your foundation That your work may endure.
   No anxious thought, no worry, No self-tormenting care
   Can win your Father's favor; His heart is moved by prayer.

3 Take heart, have hope, my spirit, And do not be dismayed;
   God helps in ev'ry trial And makes you unafraid.
   Await His time with patience Through darkest hours of night
   Until the sun you hoped for Delights your eager sight.

4 Leave all to His direction; His wisdom rules for you
   In ways to rouse your wonder At all His love can do.
   Soon He, His promise keeping, With wonder-working pow'rs
   Will banish from your spirit What gave you troubled hours.

5 O blessed heir of heaven, You’ll hear the song resound

   Of endless jubilation When you with life are crowned.

   In your right hand your maker Will place the victor’s palm,

   And you will thank Him gladly With heaven’s joyful psalm.

6 Our hands and feet, Lord, strengthen; With joy our spirits bless

   Until we see the ending Of all our life’s distress.

   And so throughout our lifetime Keep us within Your care

   And at our end then bring us To heav’n to praise You there.

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  “All Glory Be to God on High”  LSB # 947

1 All glory be to God on high And thanks for all His favor;

No harm can touch or terrify A child of God forever.

God shows His good and gracious will And grants His peace, the world to fill

All strife at last has ended.

2 We praise and laud and worship You; We give You thanks forever,

O Father, for Your rule is true And just and changes never.

With boundless pow’r, Your mighty reign

Fulfills whatever You ordain. Lord, grant us ev’ry blessing!

3 O Jesus Christ, the only Son Begotten of the Father,

Your saving death has made us one With God and with each other.

O Lamb of God, to You on high In our distress we sinners cry,

Have mercy on us, amen!

4 O Holy Spirit, our delight And source of consolation,

Protect us from the devil’s might Through Jesus, our salvation,

Who by His death upon a tree Has rescued us from misery:

To this we hold forever.

Sunday Worship June 20, 2021

We are continuing to post our digital services for the time being for those who feel more comfortable worshiping at home. Full, in-person worship has now resumed at 2695 S. Franklin St. in Denver at 12:00pm. Please click the audio bar below to listen to today’s service. Scroll down to follow along with the service text.

Hymn “Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now”  LSB # 902

1 Lord Jesus Christ, be present now; Our hearts in true devotion bow.

  Your Spirit send with light divine, And let Your truth within us shine.

2 Unseal our lips to sing Your praise In endless hymns through all our days.
   Increase our faith and light our minds; And set us free from doubt that blinds.

3 Then shall we join the hosts that cry, "O holy, holy Lord Most High!"
    in the light of that blest place We then shall see You face to face.

4 All glory to the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
   To You, O blessed Trinity, Be praise throughout eternity

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:   Almighty God, in Your mercy guide the course of this world so that Your Church may joyfully serve You in godly peace and quietness; 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 (Job 38:1-11)

            1 Then the Lord answered  Job out of the whirlwind and said:

            2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Dress for action like a man;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb,
9 when I made clouds its garment
    and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and prescribed limits for it
    and set bars and doors,
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)

            1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,

“In a favorable time I listened to you,
    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

            11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 4th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Mark 4:35-41)

            35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

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  “Be Still, My Soul”  LSB # 715

1 Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav'nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2 Be still, my soul; your God will undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3 Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then you will better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

4 Be still, my soul; the hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

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 “In Thee Is Gladness”  LSB # 818

1 In Thee is gladness Amid all sadness, Jesus, sunshine of my heart.
By Thee are given The gifts of heaven, Thou the true Redeemer art.
Our souls Thou wakest, Our bonds Thou breakest; Who trusts Thee surely
Has built securely; He stands forever: Alleluia!
Our hearts are pining To see Thy shining, Dying or living To Thee are cleaving;
Naught can us sever: Alleluia!

2 Since He is ours, We fear no powers, Not of earth nor sin nor death.
He sees and blesses In worst distresses; He can change them with a breath.
Wherefore the story Tell of His glory With hearts and voices;
All heav'n rejoices In Him forever: Alleluia!
We shout for gladness, Triumph o'er sadness,
Love Him and praise Him And still shall raise Him
Glad hymns forever: Alleluia!

Sunday Worship June 13, 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 “O Day of Rest and Gladness”  LSB # 906

1    O day of rest and gladness, O day of joy and light,
O balm of care and sadness, most beautiful, most bright;
this day the high and lowly, through ages joined to bless,
sing, “Holy, holy, holy,” the triune God confess.

2    This day at earth’s creation the light first had its birth;
this day for our salvation Christ rose from depths of earth;
this day our Lord victorious the Sprit sent from heav’n,
and thus this day most glorious a threefold light was giv’n.

3    This day, God’s people meeting, His Holy Scripture hear;
His living presence greeting, through bread and wine made near.
We journey on, believing, renewed with heav’nly might,
from grace more grace receiving, on this blest day of light.

4    That light our hope sustaining, we walk the pilgrim way,
at length our rest attaining, our endless Sabbath day.
We sing to Thee our praises, O Father, Spirit, Son;
the Church her voice upraises to Thee, blest Three in One.

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.  Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our leaning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; 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  (Ezekiel 17:22-24)

                                    22 Thus says the Lord God: “I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out. I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain height of Israel will I plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a noble cedar. And under it will dwell every kind of bird; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest. 24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Second Reading    (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)

      5 We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

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 4th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 4:26-34)

      26[Jesus] said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

            30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

            33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”  LSB # 577

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,
Howsoe'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.

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  “Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices”  LSB #811

1 Oh, that I had a thousand voices To praise my God with thousand tongues!
My heart, which in the Lord rejoices, Would then proclaim in grateful songs
To all, wherever I might be, What great things God has done for me!

2 O all you pow'rs that he implanted, Arise, keep silence now no more;
Put forth the strength that God has granted! Your noblest work is to adore!
O soul and body, join to raise With heartfelt joy our maker's praise!

3 You forest leaves so green and tender That dance for joy in summer air,
You meadow grasses, bright and slender, You flow'rs so fragrant and so fair,
You live to show God's praise alone. Join me to make his glory known!

4 All creatures that have breath and motion, That throng the earth, the sea, the sky,
Come, share with me my heart's devotion, Help me to sing God's praises high!
My utmost pow'rs can never quite Declare the wonders of his might!

5 Creator, humbly I implore you To listen to my earthly song
Until that day when I adore you, When I have joined the angel throng
And learned with choirs of heav'n to sing Eternal anthems to my king!

Sunday Worship June 6, 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 “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven”  LSB # 793

1    Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; To His feet your tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Evermore His praises sing:
Alleluia, alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.

2    Praise Him for His grace and favor To His people in distress;
Praise Him still the same as ever, Slow to chide and swift to bless:
Alleluia, alleluia! Glorious in His faithfulness.

3    Father-like He tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame He knows;
In His hand He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia! Widely yet His mercy flows.

4    Angels, help us to adore Him; You behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before Him, All who dwell in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace.

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.

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 thanks for Your great glory, Lord God, our heav’nly King.

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 pow’r are seated at God’s right hand on high.

For You alone are holy; You only are the Lord.

Forever and forever, be worshiped and adored;

You with the Holy Spirit alone are Lord Most High,

In God the Father’s glory. “Amen!” our glad reply.

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.

Collect for the day:

Almighty and eternal God, Your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin.  Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan, and enable us always to do Your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “He Who Is”

When nothing was but He Who Is And darkness covered the abyss,

God made the universe exist Dependent on His Word of pow’r.

With human creatures work He shared For all created things to care.

No pain, no trouble anywhere, But peace for man and beast and flow’r.

Then Satan came the lord of lies, His evil purpose our demise.

“Ignore the Word and you will rise To match the power of your God.”

Deceived, we stumbled into sin And so corruption entered in.

Without the Word whence life was giv’n The road to death we blindly trod.

The fallen world by sin oppressed Could not its fatal course arrest.

Then God in love made manifest The Word incarnate, Jesus Christ.

He gathered all humanity Unto Himself upon the tree.

All share His death who would believe; In resurrection share His life.

Then to His heavenly throne He came O’er heaven and earth in power to reign,

Until the Father should ordain All sin and evil to destroy.

Then by the Word He will restore His creatures who their Lord adore.

With praise and thanks forevermore, We’ll live with Him in peace and joy.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Genesis 3:8-15)

      8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 The Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this,
    cursed are you above all livestock
    and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
    and dust you shall eat
    all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
    and you shall bruise his heel.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1)

            13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

      5 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 3rd chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 3:20-35)

      11 Then [Jesus] went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”

            22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.

            28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

            31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You”  LSB # 668

1. Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you, O Christians lest the foe destroy you;

For Satan has designed your fall.

Wield God’s Word, the weapon glorious; Against all foes be thus victorious,

For God protects you from them all.

Fear not the hordes of hell, Here is Emmanuel, Hail the Savior!

The strong foes yield To Christ our shield, And, we the victors, hold the field.

2. Cast afar this world’s vain pleasure And boldly strive for heav’nly treasure.

Be steadfast in the Savior’s might.

Trust the Lord, who stands beside youm For Jesus from all harm will hide you,

By faith you conquer in the fight.

Take courage weary soul! Look forward to the goal! Joy awaits you.

The race well run, Your long war won, Your crown shines splendid as the sun.

3. Wisely fight, for time is fleeting; The hours of grace are fast retreating;

Short, short is this our earthly way.

When the Lord the dead will waken And sinners all by fear are shaken,

The saints with joy will greet that day,

Praise God, our triumph’s sure. We need not long endure Scorn and trial.

Our Savior King His own will bring To that great glory which we sing.

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  “Jerusalem the Golden”  LSB # 672

1      Jerusalem the golden, With milk and honey blest--
        The promise of salvation, The place of peace and rest--
        We know not, oh, we know not What joys await us there;
        The radiancy of glory, The bliss beyond compare!

2      Within those halls of Zion Sounds forth the joyful song,
        As saints join with the angels and all the martyr throng.
        The Prince is ever with them; The daylight is serene;
        The city of the blessed Shines bright with glorious sheen.

3      Around the throne of David, The saints, from care released,
        Raise loud their songs of triumph To celebrate the feast.
        They sing to Christ their leader, Who conquered in the fight,
        Who won for them forever Their gleaming robes of white.

4      O sweet and blessèd country, The home of God's elect!
        O sweet and blessed country That faithful hearts expect!
        In mercy, Jesus, bring us To that eternal rest
        With You and God the Father And Spirit, ever blest.

Sunday Worship May 30, 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 “Holy, Holy, Holy”  LSB #507

1    Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

2    Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

3    Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity.

4    Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

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:   Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty.  Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Isaiah 6:1-8)

                                    1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

                                    6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

                                    8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Second Reading    (Acts 2:14, 22-36)

            14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words…

      22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
    for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
    my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
    or let your Holy One see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand,
35  until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. John the 3rd chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(John 3:1-17)

            1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

            9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

            16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

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

Hymn of the Day  “Alleluia! Let Praises Ring”  LSB # 822

1 Alleluia! Let praises ring! To God the Father let us bring
Our songs of adoration. To Him through everlasting days
Be worship, honor, pow'r, and praise, Whose hand sustains creation.
Singing, ringing: Holy, holy, God is holy; Spread the story
Of our God, the Lord of glory.

2 Alleluia! Let praises ring! Unto the Lamb of God we sing,
In whom we are elected. He bought His Church with His own blood,
He cleansed her in that blessed flood, And as His Bride selected.
Holy, holy Is our union And communion. His befriending
Gives us joy and peace unending.

3 Alleluia! Let praises ring! Unto the Holy Ghost we sing
For our regeneration. The saving faith in us He wrought
And us unto the Bridegroom brought. Made us His chosen nation.
Glory! Glory! Joy eternal, Bliss supernal; There is manna
And an endless, glad hosanna.

4 Alleluia! Let praises ring! Unto our triune God we sing;
Blest be His name forever! With angel hosts let us adore
And sing His praises evermore For all His grace and favor!
Singing, ringing: Holy, holy, God is holy; Spread the story
Of our God, the Lord of glory!

Sermon

Confession of Faith  --  Athanasian Creed

*Catholic means “universal”

P:   Whoever desires to be saved must, above all, hold the catholic* faith.

C:   Whoever does not keep it whole and undefiled will without doubt perish eternally.

P:   And the catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity,

C:   neither confusing the persons nor dividing the substance.
P:   For the Father is one person, the Son is another,

C:   and the Holy Spirit is another.
P:   But the Godhead of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is one:

C:   the glory equal, the majesty coeternal.

P:   Such as the Father is, such is the Son,

C:   and such is the Holy Spirit:
P:   the Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, the Holy Spirit uncreated;

C:   the Father infinite, the Son infinite, the Holy Spirit infinite;

P:   the Father eternal, the Son eternal, the Holy Spirit eternal.

C:   And yet there are not three eternals, but one eternal,

P:   just as there are not three Uncreated or three Infinites,
C:   but one Uncreated and one Infinite.

P:   In the same way, the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, the Holy Spirit almighty;
C:   And yet there are not three Almighties, but one Almighty.

P:   So the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God;
C:   and yet there are not three Gods, but one God.
P:   So the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Spirit is Lord;
C:   and yet there are not three Lords, but one Lord.
P:   Just as we are compelled by the Christian truth to acknowledge each distinct person

      as God and Lord, 

C:   so also are we prohibited by the catholic religion to say that there are three Gods or

      Lords.

P:   The Father is not made nor created

C:   nor begotten by anyone. 

P:   The Son is neither made nor created,

C:   but begotten of the Father alone.
P:   The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son,

C:   neither made nor created nor begotten, but proceeding. 

P:   Thus, there is one Father,

C:   not three Fathers;

P:   one Son,

C:   not three Sons;

P:   one Holy Spirit,

C:   not three Holy Spirits.
P:   And in this Trinity none is before or after another;

C:   none is greater or less than another;
P:   but the whole three persons are coeternal with each other and coequal, so that in all

      things, as has been stated above,

C:   the Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity is to be worshiped. 
P:   Therefore, whoever desires to be saved

C:   must think thus about the Trinity.

P:   But it is also necessary for everlasting salvation

C:   that one faithfully believe the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
P:   Therefore, it is the right faith that we believe and confess

C:   that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is at the same time both God and man.
P:   He is God,

C:   begotten from the substance of the Father before all ages;

P:   and He is man,

C:   born from the substance of His mother in this age: 

P:   perfect God and perfect man,

C:   composed of a rational soul and human flesh;

P:   equal to the Father with respect to His divinity,

C:   less than the Father with respect to His humanity.
P:   Although He is God and man,

C:   He is not two, but one Christ:
P:   one, however, not by the conversion of the divinity into flesh

C:   but by the assumption of the humanity into God;
P:   one altogether, not by confusion of substance,

C:   but by unity of person.
P:   For as the rational soul and flesh is one man,

C:   so God and man is one Christ,
P:   who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day

      from the dead,
C:   ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, God Almighty,

      from whence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
P:   At His coming all people will rise again with their bodies 

C:   and give an account concerning their own deeds. 

P:   And those who have done good will enter into eternal life,

C:   and those who have done evil into eternal fire.

P:   This is the catholic* faith;

C:   whoever does not believe it faithfully and firmly cannot be saved.

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 “Glory Be to God the Father”  LSB # 506

1 Glory be to God the Father, Glory be to God the Son,
Glory be to God the Spirit: Great Jehovah, Three in One!
Glory, glory While eternal ages run!

2 Glory be to Him who loved us, Washed us from each spot and stain:
Glory be to Him who bought us, Made us kings with Him to reign!
Glory, glory To the Lamb that once was slain!

3 Glory to the King of angels, Glory to the Church’s King,
Glory to the King of nations; Heav'n and earth, your praises bring!
Glory, glory To the King of glory sing!

4 Glory, blessing, praise eternal! Thus the choir of angels sings:
Honor, riches, pow'r, dominion! Thus its praise creation brings.
Glory, glory, Glory to the King of kings!

Sunday Worship May 23, 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 “Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid”  LSB # 500

1    Creator Spirit, by whose aid The world's foundations first were laid,
Come, visit ev'ry humble mind; Come, pour Your joys on humankind;
From sin and sorrow set us free; May we Your living temples be.

2    O Source of uncreated light, The bearer of God's gracious might,
Thrice holy fount, thrice holy fire, Our hearts with heav'nly love inspire;
Your sacred, healing message bring To sanctify us as we sing.

3    Giver of grace, descend from high; Your sev'nfold gifts to us supply;
Help us eternal truths receive And practice all that we believe;
Give us Yourself that we may see The glory of the Trinity.

4    Immortal honor, endless fame Attend the almighty Father's name;
The Savior-Son be glorified, Who for all humankind has died;
To You, O Paraclete, we raise Unending songs of thanks and praise.

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.  O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will.  Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; 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 Reading

First Reading  (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

                                    1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. 2 And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

                                    7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

                                    11 Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. 14 And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Second Reading    (Acts 2:1-21) 

      2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

            5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

            14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams;
18 even on my male servants and female servants
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,
    blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
20 the sun shall be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood,
    before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

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 15:26-27; 16:4b-15)

      26[Jesus said:] “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning…

      4b “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

            12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest”  LSB # 498

1    Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, And make our hearts Your place of rest;
      Come with Your grace and heav'nly aid, And fill the hearts which You have made.

2    To You, the Counselor, we cry, To You, the gift of God Most High;
      The fount of life, the fire of love, The soul's anointing from above.

3    In You, with graces sevenfold, We God's almighty hand behold
      While You with tongues of fire proclaim To all the world His holy name.

4    Your light to ev'ry thought impart, And shed Your love in ev'ry heart;
      The weakness of our mortal state With deathless might invigorate.

5    Drive far away our wily foe, And Your abiding peace bestow;
      With You as our protecting guide, No evil can with us abide.

6    Teach us to know the Father, Son, And You, from both, as Three in One
      That we Your name may ever bless And in our lives the truth confess.

7    Praise we the Father and Son, And Holy Spirit, with them One,
      And may the Son on us bestow The gifts that from the Spirit flow!

Sermon

Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen

Today is the Feast of Pentecost.  For six months out of the year we celebrate the church year which takes us from Advent to Pentecost.

In the season of Advent, we hear the prophetic Word that delivers to God’s people the promise and the hope of the coming Savior.  At Christmas we join the angels in proclaiming Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem, born in flesh to redeem our flesh.  We celebrate Jesus’ baptism by John in the river, His anointing as Messiah, the Christ, to be the sin-bearer for the entire human race.  During Lent we feel the weight of our sin, the consequences of our guilt, as we prepare repentant hearts and look in faith on his sacrifice as he lays down his life for all of us, suffers and dies on the cross in great humiliation and anguish, forsaken by the Father, and then rises from the dead on Easter morning. Forty days later Christ ascends into heaven, to act as our great high priest, bringing the blood of sacrifice into the Holy of Holies, - blood that atones for every sin, blood that covers us and washes us clean, blood that satisfies God’s wrath so that our heavenly Father welcomes us as his dear children.  Now Christ sits as mediator between God and men.  Jesus Christ  speaks on your behalf, on my behalf.

Last week in John’s Gospel we left the disciples back in Jerusalem, choosing Matthias by lot to take Judas’s place among their number.  Jesus had told them before he ascended to wait in the city until they were clothed with power.  In our Gospel lesson today we flash back to what Jesus had said to them on the night he was betrayed, while he’s still at supper with them in the upper room.  They’re celebrating the Passover together, the feast held every year to remind God’s people of his protection from death, protection from his judgment against Egypt.  The blood of the Passover lamb protected the people of Israel from death.  The blood of the true Passover Lamb is about to be shed, blood that protects us from death.

Jesus knows he will be arrested soon, tried, convicted, crucified in the morning.  And Jesus tells the disciples that he’s not going to leave them alone.  He’s going to send to them the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity

He says, “when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

“When the Helper comes…”

ESV – Helper

NIV – Advocate

KJV – Comforter

RSV – Counselor

Paraclaytus

3875 paráklētos (from 3844 /pará, "from close-beside" and 2564 /kaléō, "to call") – properly, a legal advocate who makes the right judgment-call because close enough to the situation. 3875 /paráklētos ("advocate, advisor-helper") is the regular term in NT times of an attorney (lawyer) – i.e. someone giving evidence that stands up in court

It also means ‘One who is called to someone’s aid’

It is used in a general sense to mean ‘One who appears in another’s behalf, a helper’

Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be the disciples’ Paraclete, to be our Paraclete.   He calls him to our side and says that he is the Spirit of Truth who will bear witness about Jesus.

Luke records in Acts that there was a mighty rushing wind – like the sound, maybe, of a tornado, which we’re told sounds like a train coming – and tongues of flame divided and rested on each one of them, and they were given the ability to speak in other languages – languages that represent all the areas around the Mediterranean Sea.  And that great, terrific sound drew a few thousand people to gather around the disciples.

Something powerful just happened.  One of the Trinity… one of the three “persons” of God… God’s Holy Spirit has just come and filled Jesus’ followers – likely not just the disciples, but a number closer to 120, as Luke says a few verses before.  The believers are all gathered together, and the coming of the Holy Spirit that Pentecost was a such a supernatural event that a great number of the people there in Jerusalem crowded around to find out what had happened.

This would be a great time to reveal the Holy Spirit of God to the masses.  But as the crowds look on, it isn’t the Holy Spirit and his qualities that they’re hearing about.  The people are each hearing in their own language, “the mighty works of God.” (Acts 2:11)

And I think it’s safe to say that the “mighty works of God” that were being spoken involved Jesus Christ.  That’s what the Holy Spirit does – he points people to Jesus.  The Holy Spirit empowers Peter to stand up before the crowd and speak.  He explains that what the people are witnessing is in fulfillment of prophecy.  He goes on to witness that Jesus is the Christ, sent by God, that although he was crucified, he was raised to life again, that he is ascended to the right hand of God and has now sent the Holy Spirit.  It’s all about Jesus.

Repent, Peter says, and be baptized in the name of Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.  And that day 3000 souls were added to the Church.

Our reading from the Old Testament today was from the vision that Ezekiel has from God.  Ezekiel sees dry dead bones covering the valley floor.  The nation of Israel, God’s precious people, are cut off from God because of their sin.  And Ezekiel sees the nation lying dead on the valley floor.  And not just dead corpses, but the bones only, very dry, very dead.  That’s what sin does – it kills.  It cuts us off from God where our life is.

God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?”   God says prophesy to the bones – and Ezekiel prophecies – he speaks God’s Word to the bones. And these are words of comfort, that God would put sinews back on the bones, and flesh, and put his breath back into the bones and they will live.  And the bones come together.  And then God tells Ezekiel to prophesy, to speak and to call for the breath from the four winds, and breath enters them, and they live!  And we can imagine the sound of the bones rattling as they come together and the sound of the wind as the breath of God blows on and into the still dead bodies and brings life to them.

We said earlier that the Holy Spirit points people to Jesus because in Jesus there is life.  Jesus says – “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”   The only way for us poor sinners to be made alive again is for God to forgive our sin, to remove the guilt of that sin from us and put it on someone else.  That happens in the cross.  That happens as Jesus Christ takes our sin on himself and pays the debt of death that we owed.  This is what the Spirit testifies to: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for sinners like you, and for sinners like me.

When you were baptized, God called the Holy Spirit to live in you, he called him to your side, to create faith in your heart – faith that sees Jesus as your Savior.  Faith that acknowledges our weakness and our need,  faith that clings tenaciously to Christ, who died and rose for us.

King David, we are told, was a man “after God’s own heart.”  And yet he is led astray by his flesh and enticed to sin.  He commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah who was away fighting in the army on behalf of David.  And David thinks he’s got his sin covered up and everything’s okay.  But it’s not okay.  And then his sin gets worse when he finds out that Bathsheba is pregnant because then David has her husband killed, and takes her to be his own wife.

And still, David believes he’s got things covered.  But it’s not alright – David’s bones are dry.  But God calls  Nathan the prophet to come alongside David.  And Nathan tells David about a man who has wronged his neighbor in a really terrible way, so that David says, “this man shall die!”  And Nathan says, “you are the man!”  And God’s Word convicts David and brings him to repent and confess his sin.  And the next words out of the prophet’s mouth are “the Lord has put away your sin.  You shall not die.”  The forgiveness that David receives from God is won on the cross by Jesus Christ.

Our society wants to turn a blind eye to sin.  In our postmodern, post-Christian world, anything and everything goes as long as it works for you and doesn’t condemn someone else.  But it’s a lie of Satan – and his goal is to fill the valley with dry bones.

what sins do we struggle with?  Pride, greed, lust, selfishness, anger?   Are we carrying deep guilt as David was, shoving it back into the recesses of our minds but haunted by it nonetheless?  If you’ve not confessed that sin to God, then do that.  Come to me as your pastor I’ll hear your confession.  Or unload it to God in prayer.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you to the cross to witness that sin paid for in full. 

If you have confessed your sin – then leave it in the nail printed hands of your Savior, and give your thanks to God as your guilt is replaced with great joy in the face of God’s forgiveness in Christ.

Thank God that he has sent us such a Helper, a Comforter, a Counselor, a Paraclete called to our side who helps us repent of our sin and points us to Jesus Christ our Savior.  He died and rose from the dead, that our dry bones might live.  It is God’s great promise that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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

Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Gracious Lord, Your Spirit fills the world and gladdens Your Church with the remembrance of all Christ Jesus has spoken. Glorify His name among us in every word and deed. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, by Your Spirit You have established Your Holy Church on the proclamation of Christ, our Savior. Sustain the apostolic preaching to the ends of the earth, that in every tongue the mighty works of God in Christ may be heard. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of comfort, give hope to Your people in the midst of this world of death and despair. Put Your Spirit within us to believe, to live and to serve according to Your promises and commands. Lead our homes to confess our confidence in Your power to raise the dead — now and at the Last Day. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, Your Son acknowledged Satan as ruler of this world and its ways, yet one whose reign is judged and whose time is short. Beat back his lies and deadly work, that the order of Your creation may be seen. Give us good government and leaders who are both honest and faithful. Even so, let us look eagerly for Your Son’s return, and let that be quickly. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

We call on Your name, O Lord, praying in Your Spirit to help and save all [especially Kareen, JoAnn, Craig, Phyl, Judy, Gloria Garcia, Lauren, Patti, Barbara, Pam, Danielle, Piper, Roger, Nancy, Trish, and Molly.  Guard and keep all first responders and those who serve in our military, especially Matt, Lee, Ethan and Tony.  Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, send Your Holy Spirit upon Your faithful people, that convicted of their sin they may also be convinced that the righteousness of Christ is theirs, and in repentance and faith receive the things of Christ present in this Supper: His holy body and precious blood for the forgiveness of sins. Unite us by Your Spirit of truth in faith and confession, and comfort us with the knowledge that this world’s prince is judged. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord God, heavenly Father, through Your Son You promised Your Holy Spirit, who would convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. Enlighten our hearts so that we confess our sins, obtain everlasting righteousness through faith in Christ and, through every trial and temptation, abide in the consolation that Christ is Lord over the devil, death and all things, and that He will graciously deliver us from all affliction to make us partakers of eternal salvation; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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 Day Full of Grace”  LSB #503

1    O day full of grace that now we see Appearing on earth’s horizon, 

      Bring light from our God that we may be Replete in his joy this season.

      God, shine for us now in this dark place; Your name on our hearts emblazon.

2    O day full of grace, O blessed time, Our Lord on the earth arriving;

      Then came to the world that light sublime, Great joy for us all retrieving;

      For Jesus all mortals did embrace, All darkness and shame removing.

3    For Christ bore our sins, and not his own, When he on the cross was hanging;

      And then he arose and moved the stone, That we, unto him belonging,

      Might join with angelic hosts to raise Our voices in endless singing.

4    God came to us then at Pentecost, His Spirit new life revealing, 

      That we might no more from him be lost, All darkness for us dispelling.

      His flame will the mark of sin efface And bring to us all his healing.

5    When we on that final journey go That Christ is for us preparing,

      We gather in song, our hearts aglow, All joy of the heavens sharing,

      And walk in the light of God’s own place, With angels his name adoring.

Sunday Worship May 9, 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 “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”  LSB # 791 

1    All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with mirth, His praise forthtell; Come ye before Him and rejoice.

2    Know that the Lord is God indeed; Without our aid He did us make.
We are His folk, He doth us feed, And for His sheep He doth us take.

3    O enter then His gates with praise; Approach with joy His courts unto.
Praise, laud, and bless His name always, For it is seemly so to do.

4    For why? the Lord our God is good: His mercy is for ever sure.
His truth at all times firmly stood And shall from age to age endure.

5    To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, The God whom heav'n and earth adore,
From us and from the angel host Be praise and glory evermore.

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, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; 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

First Reading (Acts 10:34-48)

        34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

        44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 John 5:1-8)

            1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

            6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. John the 15th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(John 15:9-17)

            9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

            12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

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  “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”  LSB # 700

1 Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter ev'ry trembling heart.

2 Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into ev'ry troubled breast;
Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find Thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty.

3 Come, Almighty, to deliver; Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return, and never, Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love.

4 Finish then Thy new creation, Pure and spotless let us be;
Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee,
Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav'n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise!

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 “Christ the Eternal Lord”  LSB # 829

1 Christ the eternal Lord, Whose promise here we claim,

Whose gifts of grace are freely poured On all who name Your name;

With thankfulness and praise We stand before Your throne,

Intent to serve You all our days And make Your glory known.

2 Christ the unchanging Word To ev'ry passing age,

Whose timeless teachings still are heard Set forth on Scripture's page;

Transform our thought and mind, Enlighten all who read,

Within Your word by faith to find The bread of life indeed.

3 Christ the redeeming Son, Who shares our human birth,

And by His death salvation won For ev'ry child of earth;

Inspire our hearts, we pray, To tell Your love abroad,

That all may honour Christ today And follow Him as Lord.

4 Christ the unfading Light Of everlasting day,

Our Morning Star in splendour bright, The Life, the Truth, the Way;

That light of truth You give To servants as to friends,

Your way to walk, Your life to live, Till earth's brief journey ends.

5 Christ the ascended King Exalted high above,

Whose praise unending ages sing, Whom yet unseen we love;

When mortal life is past Your voice from heaven's throne

Shall call Your children home at last To know as we are known.

Sunday Worship May 2, 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! Jesus Is Risen”  LSB # 474

1    Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Trumpets resounding in glorious light!

      Splendor, the Lamb, Heaven forever! Oh, what a miracle God has in sight!

      Jesus is risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia!

2    Walking the way, Christ in the center Telling the story to open our eyes;

      Breaking our bread, Giving us glory: Jesus our blessing, our constant surprise.

      Jesus is risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia!

3    Jesus the vine, We are the branches; Life in the Spirit the fruit of the tree;

      Heaven to earth, Christ to the people, Gift of the future now flowing to me.

      Jesus is risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia!

4    Weeping, be gone; Sorrow, be silent: Death put asunder, and Easter is bright.

      Cherubim sing: “O grave, be open!” Clothe us in wonder, adorn us in light.

      Jesus is risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia!

5    City of God, Easter forever, Golden Jerusalem, Jesus the Lamb,

      River of life, Saints and archangels, Sing with creation to God the I AM!

      Jesus is risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia!

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.  O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will.  Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; 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

First Reading  (Acts 8:26-40)

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:  “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.  Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”

                                    34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 John 4:1-11)

      4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

            7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

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 15:1-8)

      I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Christ, the Word of God Incarnate”  LSB # 540

1    Christ, the Word of God incarnate, Lord and Son of Abraham;

      Christ, the radiance of the Father, Perfect God, the great I Am;

      Christ, the light, You shine unvanquished, Light and life You bring to all;

      Light our path with Your own presence, Grant us grace to heed Your call.

2    Christ, the living bread from heaven, Food for body, food for soul;

      Christ, the manna daily given, Nourish, strengthen, make us whole.

      Feed us with the food of heaven, Fore-taste of the feast to be;

      Quench our thirst with living water Springing up eternally.       

3    Christ, the shoot that springs triumphant From the stump of Jesse’s tree;

      Christ, true vine, You nurture branches To bear fruit abundantly.

      Graft us into You, O Savior; Prune our hearts so we remain

      Fruitful branches in Your vineyard Till eternal life we gain.

4    Christ, our good and faithful shepherd, Watching all Your lambs and sheep;

      Christ, the gate that guards the sheepfold, Never failing vigil keep.

      When we stray, Good Shepherd, seek us, Find us, lift us, bear us home;

      Lamb of God, our shepherd, keep us; Let us hear Your voice alone.

5    Christ, the way that leads unfailing To the Father’s home on high,

      Christ, the truth that frees the captive, Christ, the life that cannot die.

      Mediator to the Father, Sacrifice and great High Priest:

      Lead us to Your heav’nly mansions, There to share Your wedding feast.

6    Christ, the Alpha and Omega, Christ, the firstborn from the dead,

      Christ, the life and resurrection, Christ, the Church’s glorious head:

      Praise and thanks and adoration And unending worship be

      To the Father and the Spirit And to You eternally.

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  “Abide, O Dearest Jesus”  LSB #919

1    Abide, O dearest Jesus, Among us with Your grace
That Satan may not harm us Nor we to sin give place.

2    Abide, O dear Redeemer, Among us with Your Word,
And thus now and hereafter True peace and joy afford.

3    Abide with heav'nly brightness Among us, precious Light;
Your truth direct and keep us From error's gloomy night.

4    Abide with richest blessings Among us, bounteous Lord;
Let us in grace and wisdom Grow daily through Your Word.

5    Abide with Your protection Among us, Lord, our strength,
Lest world and Satan fell us And overcome at length.

6    Abide, O faithful Savior, Among us with Your love;
Grant steadfastness and help us To reach our home above.

Sunday Worship April 25, 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”  LSB # 469

1    "Christ the Lord is ris'n today!" Saints on earth and angels say;
Raise your joys and triumphs high; Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth, reply.

2    Love's redeeming work is done, Fought the fight, the battle won;
Lo! Our Sun's eclipse is o'er; Lo! He sets in blood no more.

3    Vain the stone, the watch, the seal; Christ hath burst the gates of hell.
Death in vain forbids His rise; Christ has opened Paradise.

4    Lives again our glorious King! Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once He died our souls to save; Where thy victory, O grave?

5    Soar we now where Christ has led; Foll'wing our exalted Head.
Made like Him, like Him we rise; Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

6    Hail the Lord of earth and heav'n! Praise to Thee by both be giv'n!
Thee we greet triumphant now: Hail, the Resurrection Thou!

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.

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 thanks for Your great glory, Lord God, our heav’nly King.

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 pow’r are seated at God’s right hand on high.

For You alone are holy; You only are the Lord.

Forever and forever, be worshiped and adored;

You with the Holy Spirit alone are Lord Most High,

In God the Father’s glory. “Amen!” our glad reply.

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.

Collect for the day:

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word; 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

First Reading  (Acts 4:1-12)

      1 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

            5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 John 3:16-24)

            16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

            19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(John 10:11-18)

      11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”  LSB # 709

1    The King of Love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never;
      I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever.

2    Where streams of living water flow, My ransomed soul He leadeth
      And, where the verdant pastures grow, With food celestial feedeth.

3    Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me
      And on His shoulder gently laid And home rejoicing brought me.

4    In death's dark vale I fear no ill With Thee, dear Lord, beside me,
      Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me.

5    Thou spreadst a table in my sight; Thine unction grace bestoweth;
      And oh, what transport of delight From Thy pure chalice floweth!

6    And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never;
      Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise Within Thy house forever!

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  “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”  LSB # 461

1          I know that my Redeemer lives; What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
   He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my ever-living head.

2 He lives triumphant from the grave; He lives eternally to save;
   He lives all-glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high.

3 He lives to bless me with His love; He lives to plead for me above;
   He lives my hungry soul to feed; He lives to help in time of need.

4 He lives to grant me rich supply; He lives to guide me with His eye;
   He lives to comfort me when faint; He lives to hear my soul's complaint.

5 He lives to silence all my fears; He lives to wipe away my tears;
   He lives to calm my troubled heart; He lives all blessings to impart.

6 He lives, my kind, wise, heav'nly Friend; He lives and loves me to the end;
   He lives, and while He lives, I'll sing; He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

7 He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death;
   He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there.

8 He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same;
   Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives; I know that my Redeemer lives!

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!