Sunday Worship November 21, 2021

Hymn “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!

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.

Hymn “At the Name of Jesus”  LSB #512

1    At the name of Jesus Ev'ry knee shall bow,
Ev'ry tongue confess Him King of glory now.
’Tis the Father’s pleasure We should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning Was the mighty Word.

2    At His voice creation Sprang at once to sight,
All the angel faces, All the hosts of light,
Thrones and bright dominions, Stars upon their way,
All the heav'nly orders In their great array.

3    Humbled for a season, To receive a name
From the lips of sinners Unto whom He came,
Faithfully He bore it Spotless to the last,
Brought it back victorious When from death He passed;

4    Bore it up triumphant With its human light,
Through all ranks of creatures To the central height,
To the throne of Godhead, To the Father’s breast,
Filled it with the glory Of that perfect rest.

5    In your hearts enthrone Him; There let Him subdue
All that is not holy, All that is not true:
Crown Him as your Captain In temptation's hour;
Let His will enfold you In its light and pow'r.

6    Christians, this Lord Jesus Shall return again
In His Father's glory, With His angel train;
For all wreaths of empire Meet upon His brow,
And our hearts confess Him King of glory now.

7    Glory then to Jesus, Who, the Prince of light,
To a world in darkness Brought the gift of sight:
Praise to God the Father; In the Spirit's love
Praise we all together Him who reigns above.

(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.  Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and foreve

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Isaiah 51:4-6)

4 “Give attention to me, my people,
    and give ear to me, my nation;
for a law will go out from me,
    and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples.
5 My righteousness draws near,
    my salvation has gone out,
    and my arms will judge the peoples;
the coastlands hope for me,
    and for my arm they wait.
6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment,
    and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;
but my salvation will be forever,
    and my righteousness will never be dismayed.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Jude 20-25)

            20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

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 13th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 13:24-37)

        24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

        28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

        32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying”  LSB #516

1 "Wake, awake, for night is flying," The watchmen on the heights are crying;
   "Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
   Midnight hears the welcome voices And at the thrilling cry rejoices;
   "Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?
   The Bridegroom comes, awake! Your lamps with gladness take! Allelujah!
   With bridal care Yourselves prepare To meet the Bridegroom, who is near."

2 Zion hears the watchmen singing, And all her heart with joy is springing;
   She wakes, she rises from her gloom.
   For her Lord comes down all-glorious, The strong in grace, in truth victorious;
   Her star is ris'n, her light is come.
   Now come, Thou Blessed One, Lord Jesus, God's own Son, Hail! Hosanna!
   We enter all The wedding hall To eat the Supper at Thy call.

3 Now let all the heav'ns adore Thee, Let saints and angels sing before Thee
   With harp and cymbals' clearest tone.
   Of one pearl each shining portal, Where, joining with the choir immortal,
   We gather round Thy radiant throne.
   No eye has seen the light, No ear has heard the might Of Thy glory;
   Therefore will we Eternally Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee!

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.

Sermon

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 “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 honor Christ today And follow Him as Lord.

4 Christ the unfading Light Of everlasting day,

Our Morning Star in splendor 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 November 14, 2021

Hymn “Earth and All Stars”  LSB # 817 (1-3, 6, 7)

1 Earth and all stars, loud rushing planets, sing to the Lord a new song!

O victory, loud shouting army, sing to the Lord a new song!

He has done marvelous things. I, too, will praise him with a new song!

2 Hail, wind, and rain, loud blowing snowstorms, sing to the Lord a new song!

Flowers and trees, loud rustling leaves, sing to the Lord a new song!

He has done marvelous things. I, too, will praise him with a new song!

3 Trumpet and pipes, loud clashing cymbals, sing to the Lord a new song!

Harp, lute, and lyre, loud humming cellos, sing to the Lord a new song!

He has done marvelous things. I, too, will praise him with a new song!

6 Knowledge and truth, loud sounding wisdom, sing to the Lord a new song!

Daughter and son, loud praying members, sing to the Lord a new song!

He has done marvelous things. I, too, will praise him with a new song!

7 Children of God, Dying and rising, Sing to the Lord a new song!

Heaven and earth, Hosts everlasting, Sing to the Lord a new song!

He has done marvelous things. I, too, will praise him with a new song!

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.

Hymn: “Christ Is Surely Coming”  LSB #509

1    Christ is surely coming Bringing His reward,
      Alpha and Omega, First and Last and Lord:
      Root and stem of David, Brilliant Morning Star:
      Meet your Judge and Savior, Nations near and far!

2    See the holy city! There they enter in,
      All by Christ made holy, Washed from ev'ry sin:
      Thirsty ones, desiring All he loves to give,
      Come for living water, Freely drink, and live!

3    Grace be with God's people! Praise His holy name!
      Father, Son, and Spirit, Evermore the same;
      Hear the certain promise From the eternal home:
      "Surely I come quickly! Come, Lord Jesus, come!"

(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 Lord, by Your bountiful goodness release us from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon ourselves, that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Daniel 12:1-3)

1 At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Hebrews 10:11-25)

1 Every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

15 The Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
    after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
    and write them on their minds,”

17 then he adds,

“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 13th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 13:1-13)

          14 As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

          3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

          9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near”  LSB # 508

1 The day is surely drawing near When Jesus, God's anointed,
In all His power shall appear As judge whom God appointed.
Then fright shall banish idle mirth, And flames on flames shall ravage earth
As Scripture long has warned us.

2 The final trumpet then shall sound And all the earth be shaken,
And all who rest beneath the ground Shall from their sleep awaken.
But all who live will in that hour, By God's almighty, boundless pow'r,
Be changed at His commanding.

3 The books are opened then to all, A record truly telling
What each has done, both great and small, When he on earth was dwelling,
And ev'ry heart be clearly seen, And all be known as they have been
In thoughts and words and actions.

4 Then woe to those who scorned the Lord And sought but carnal pleasures,
Who here despised His precious Word And loved their earthly treasures!
With shame and trembling they will stand And at the judge's stern command
To Satan be delivered.

5 My Savior paid the debt I owe And for my sin was smitten;
Within the Book of Life I know My name has now been written.
I will not doubt, for I am free, And Satan cannot threaten me;
There is no condemnation!

6 May Christ our intercessor be And through His blood and merit
Read from His book that we are free With all who life inherit.
Then we shall see Him face to face, With all His saints in that blest place
Which He has purchased for us.

7 O Jesus Christ, do not delay, But hasten our salvation;
We often tremble on our way In fear and tribulation.
O hear and grant our fervent plea; Come, mighty judge, and make us free
From death and ev'ry evil.

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  “Jesus Christ My Sure Defense”  LSB # 741 (1-4, 7, 8)

1 Jesus Christ, my sure defense And my Savior, now is living!
Knowing this, my confidence Rests upon the hope here given,
Though the night of death be fraught Still with many an anxious thought.

2 Jesus, my Redeemer, lives; Likewise I to life shall waken.
He will bring me where He is; Shall my courage then be shaken?
Shall I fear, or could the Head Rise and leave His members dead?

3 No, too closely I am bound By my hope to Christ forever;
Faith's strong hand the Rock has found, Grasped it, and will leave it never;
Even death now cannot part From its Lord the trusting heart.

4 I am flesh and must return To the dust, whence I am taken;
But by faith I now discern That from death I shall awaken
With my Savior to abide In His glory, at His side.

7 Laugh to scorn the gloomy grave And at death no longer tremble;
He, the Lord, who came to save Will at last His own assemble.
They will go their Lord to meet, Treading death beneath their feet.

8 O, then, draw away your hearts From all pleasures base and hollow;
Strive to share what He imparts While you here His footsteps follow.
As you now still wait to rise, Fix your hearts beyond the skies!

Sunday Worship November 7, 2021

Hymn “Behold a Host, Arrayed in White” LSB# 676

1    Behold a host, arrayed in white, Like thousand snow-clad mountains bright!
      With palms they stand; Who is this band Before the throne of light?
      These are the saints of glorious fame, Who from the great affliction came
      And in the flood Of Jesus' blood Are cleansed from guilt and shame.
      They now serve God both day and night; They sing their songs in endless light.
      Their anthems ring As they all sing With angels shining bright.

2    Despised and scorned, they sojourned here; But now, how glorious they appear!
      Those martyrs stand, A priestly band, God's throne forever near.
      On earth they wept through bitter years; Now God has wiped away their tears,
      Transformed their strife To heav'nly life, And freed them from their fears.
      They now enjoy the Sabbath rest, The heav'nly banquet of the blest;
      The Lamb, their Lord, At festal board Himself is host and guest.

3 O blessed saints in bright array Now safely home in endless day,
      Extol the Lord, Who with His Word Sustained you on the way.
      The steep and narrow path you trod; You toiled and sowed the Word abroad;
      Rejoice and bring Your fruits and sing Before the throne of God.
      The myriad angels raise their song; O saints, sing with that happy throng!
      Lift up one voice; Let heav'n rejoice In our Redeemer's song!

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.

Matins (sung)

P     O Lord, open my lips,

C     and my mouth will declare Your praise.

P     Make haste, O God, to deliver me;

C     make haste to help me, O Lord.

C     Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to You, O Christ, Alleluia. (Common response)

Psalmody (Psalm 95) (sung)

P:   Blessed be God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

C:   O come, let us worship Him.

O come, let us sing to the Lord. 
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise.
For the Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods.
The deep places of the earth are in His hands;
The strength of the hills is His also.
The sea is His, for He made it, and His hand formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.
For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture
And the sheep of His hand.  

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

P:   Blessed be God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

C:   O come, let us worship Him.

Scripture Readings

First Reading (Revelation 7:9-17)

          7 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

          13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
    and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
    the sun shall not strike them,
    nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
    and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 John 3:1-3)

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.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (Sung) Glory to You, O Lord.

(Matthew 5:1-12)

5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.  2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (Sung) Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day “For All the Saints”  LSB # 677

1    For all the saints who from their labors rest,

      Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

2    Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

3    Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old
And win with them the victor's crown of gold!  Alleluia! Alleluia!

4    Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

5    And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

6    The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

7    But lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

8    From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:  Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sermon

Te Deum (Sung)

We praise You, O God; we acknowledge You to be the Lord.

All the earth now worships You, the Father everlasting.

To You all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the pow'rs therein.

To You cherubim and seraphim continually do cry:

      Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

      heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Your glory.

The glorious company of the apostles praise You.

The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise You.

The noble army of martyrs praise You.

The holy Church throughout all the world does acknowledge You.

The Father of an infinite majesty; Your adorable, true, and only Son;

      also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. You are the king of glory, O Christ;

      You are the everlasting Son of the Father.

When You took upon Yourself to deliver man,

You humbled Yourself to be born of a virgin.

When You had overcome the sharpness of death,

You opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You sit at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.

We believe that You will come to be our judge.

We therefore pray You to help Your servants,

whom You have redeemed with Your precious blood.

Make them to be numbered with Your saints in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your heritage.

Govern them and lift them up forever. Day by day we magnify You.

And we worship Your name forever and ever.

Grant, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let Your mercy be upon us, as our trust is in You.

O Lord, in You have I trusted; let me never be confounded.

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 October 31, 2021

PRESERVICE MUSIC / PIANO & ORGAN DUET         “Reformation Chorale”

WELCOME

OPENING 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!           

INVOCATION & OPENING SENTENCES                                         John 8:31-32

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

C     Amen.

P     Jesus said, “If you abide in My word,

C     you are truly My disciples,

P     and you will know the truth,

C     and the truth will set you free.”

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS                                                        John 8:36

P     With humble hearts, let us approach our Father’s throne of grace.

[Silence to reflect on our sin and our need for the Savior]

P     Together, we pray:

C     Gracious Father, because our entire lives are to be ones of repentance, we bow before You and confess our sins. We have turned away from the truth of Your Word, choosing to go our own way. By what we have thought, by what we have done, and by what we have failed to do, we have broken Your commands and are deserving of Your wrath and punishment. By the mercy of Christ, Your Son, set us free from our captivity. Enable us by Your Holy Spirit to live under You in Your kingdom and to serve You in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Amen.

P     Just as Christ is risen from the dead, He lives and reigns to all eternity! It is most certainly true that He died and rose again for you to make you right with God, to adopt you as children of the heavenly Father, and to set you free from sin and death. 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 T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C     Amen.

P     “So if the Son sets you free,

C     you will be free indeed!”

INTROIT                                          Psalm 34:1–2, 11, 22; antiphon: Psalm 119:46

P     I will speak of your testimonies before kings, [O Lord,]

C     and shall not be put to shame.

P     I will bless the Lord at all times;

C     his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

P     My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

C     let the humble hear and be glad.

P     Come, O children, listen to me;

C     I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

P     The Lord redeems the life of his servants;

C     none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

P     I will speak of your testimonies before kings, [O Lord,]

C     and shall not be put to shame.

HYMN OF PRAISE                      By Grace I’m Saved                      LSB 566

 1 By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless; My soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why stagger at this word of promise? Has Scripture ever falsehood taught?
No! Then this word must true remain; By grace you too will life obtain.

2 By grace! None dare lay claim to merit; Our works and conduct have no worth.
God in His love sent our Redeemer, Christ Jesus, to this sinful earth;
His death did for our sins atone, And we are saved by grace alone.

3 By grace God's Son, our only Savior, Came down to earth to bear our sin.
Was it because of your own merit That Jesus died your soul to win?
No, it was grace, and grace alone, That brought Him from His heav'nly throne.

4 By grace! This ground of faith is certain; So long as God is true, it stands.
What saints have penned by inspiration, What in His Word our God commands,
Our faith in what our God has done Depends on grace--grace through His Son.

5 By grace to timid hearts that tremble, In tribulation's furnace tried,
By grace, in spite of fear and trouble, The Father's heart is open wide.
Where could I help and strength secure If grace were not my anchor sure?

6 By grace! On this I'll rest when dying; In Jesus' promise I rejoice;
For though I know my heart's condition, I also know my Savior's voice.
My heart is glad, all grief has flown Since I am saved by grace alone.          

SALUTATION & COLLECT OF THE DAY

P    The Lord be with you.

C    And also with you.

P    Let us pray.

All: Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and through the abiding Word of Your Son, set us free from our sin that we may know Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

FIRST READING                                                                Revelation 14:6–7

      6Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

L    This is the Word of the Lord.         

C    Thanks be to God.

HYMN OF RESPONSE                God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage LSB 582

God's Word is our great heritage And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way, In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant, while worlds endure, We keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations.           

EPISTLE                                                                                Romans 3:19–28

      19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

      21But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

      27Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

L    This is the Word of the Lord.          C  Thanks be to God.

ALLELUIA VERSE                                                                                                     Luke 12:32

All: Alleluia. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Alleluia.

HOLY GOSPEL                                                                          John 8:31–36

P    The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the eighth chapter.          C  Glory to You, O Lord.

      31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

      34Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

P    This is the Gospel of the Lord.          C  Praise to You, O Christ.

HYMN OF THE DAY                 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God       LSB 656

1    A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

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

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

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

SERMON

                                                   Pastor David Vanderhyde; University Hills Lutheran Church

APOSTLE’S 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 there 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.

OFFERING                                     “Amazing Grace”               by Kevin Sadowski

OFFERTORY                  Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ                LSB 565

1 Thy works, not mine, O Christ, Speak gladness to this heart;
They tell me all is done, They bid my fear depart.
To whom, save Thee, Who canst alone For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

2 Thy wounds, not mine, O Christ, Can heal my bruised soul;
Thy stripes, not mine, contain The balm that makes me whole.
To whom, save Thee, Who canst alone For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

3 Thy cross, not mine, O Christ, Has borne the crushing load
Of sins that none could bear But the incarnate God.
To whom, save Thee, Who canst alone For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

4 Thy death, not mine, O Christ, Has paid the ransom due;
Ten thousand deaths like mine Would have been all too few.
To whom, save Thee, Who canst alone For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?

5 Thy righteousness, O Christ, Alone can cover me;
No righteousness avails Save that which is of Thee.    
To whom, save Thee, Who canst alone For sin atone, Lord, shall I flee?         

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P     Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. Lord Jesus, You have freed us from the captivity to sin and death, from the delusion of trying to earn and maintain our own righteousness, and from the chains of condemnation and fear. That is why we rejoice in Your Word: If the Son sets you free,

C     you will be free indeed!

P     Lord Jesus, only Your mercy and grace enable us to know, find, and live in the freedom of Your eternal Gospel. Send Your Spirit upon Your Church that we continue in the truths of the Reformation, and that, to all the peoples of the world, we proclaim this truth: If the Son sets you free,

C     you will be free indeed!

P     Lord Jesus, free us from self-centeredness and pride. Turn our focus toward You first in faith and then toward others in love. Bless all who serve You and others in their homes, in the church, in the workplace, and in our community to rejoice in knowing that if the Son sets you free,

C     you will be free indeed!

P     Lord Jesus, You proclaim freedom for the captives and recovery for those with infirmities. Grant Your healing, in both soul and body, to those we name before You, [especially . . .]. Rejoicing in Your healing touch, grant that all who receive Your Good News boldly say: If the Son sets you free,

C     you will be free indeed!

P     Lord Jesus, for these and all other concerns we have, please hear and answer our prayers according to Your gracious will

C     that we live each day in the freedom we have come to know. Amen.

LORD'S PRAYER  

P     O Lord Jesus Christ, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: 

C     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 upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you His peace.      

C   Amen.

CLOSING HYMN                        Amazing Grace                             LSB 744

1 Amazing grace--how sweet the sound-- That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see!

2 The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.

3 Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
His grace has brought me safe thus far, His grace will lead me home.

4 Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail And mortal life shall cease,
Amazing grace shall then prevail In heaven's joy and peace.

5 When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.         

POSTLUDE                                    “A Mighty Fortress”        by Johann Pachelbel

Sunday Worship October 24, 2021

Hymn “Praise the Almighty”  LSB # 797

1 Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him! Yes, I will laud Him until death;
With songs and anthems I come before Him As long as He allows me breath.
From Him my life and all things came; Bless, O my soul, His holy name.
Allelujah, allelujah!

2 Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal; Earth-born they are and soon decay.
Vain are their counsels at life's last portal, When the dark grave engulfs its prey.
Since mortals can no help afford, Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.
Allelujah, allelujah!

3 Blessed, oh, blessed are they forever Whose help is from the Lord Most High,
Whom from salvation can nothing sever, And who in hope to Christ draw nigh.
To all who trust in Him, our Lord Will aid and counsel now afford.
Allelujah, allelujah!

4 Penitent sinners, for mercy crying, Pardon and peace from Him obtain;
Ever the wants of the poor supplying, Their faithful God He will remain.
He helps His children in distress, The widows and the fatherless.
Allelujah, allelujah!

5 Praise, all you people, the name so holy Of Him who does such wondrous things!
All that has being, to praise Him solely, With happy heart its amen sings.
Children of God, with angel host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Allelujah, allelujah!

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 helper of all who call on You, have mercy on us and give us eyes of faith to see Your Son that we may follow Him on the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”  LSB # 549

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

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

2    Crown Him, ye martyrs of our God, who from His altar call;

      Extol the stem of Jesse’s rod and crown Him Lord of all. (repeat)

3    Ye 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. (repeat)

4    Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line, whom David Lord did call,

      The God incarnate, man divine, and crown Him Lord of all. (repeat)

5    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. (repeat)

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

      To Him all majesty ascribe and crown Him Lord of all. (repeat)

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

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Jeremiah 31:7-9)

7 Thus says the Lord:
“Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
    and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
    ‘O Lord, save your people,
    the remnant of Israel.’
8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country
    and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
    the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together;
    a great company, they shall return here.
9 With weeping they shall come,
    and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back,
I will make them walk by brooks of water,
    in a straight path in which they shall not stumble,
for I am a father to Israel,
    and Ephraim is my firstborn.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Hebrews 7:23-28)

                    23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Mark 10:46-52)

          46 They came to Jericho. And as [Jesus] was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
                             

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  “Rise, Shine, You People”  LSB # 825

1 Rise, shine, you people! Christ the Lord has entered

Our human story; God in him is centered.

He comes to us, by death and sin surrounded, With grace unbounded.

2 See how he sends the pow’rs of evil reeling;

He brings us freedom, light and life and healing.

All men and women, who by guilt are driven, Now are forgiven.

3 Come, celebrate, your banners high unfurling,

Your songs and prayers against the darkness hurling.

To all the world go out and tell the story Of Jesus’ glory.

4 Tell how the Father sent his Son to save us.

Tell of the Son, who life and freedom gave us.

Tell how the Spirit calls from ev’ry nation His new creation.

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 “We Are Called to Stand Together”  LSB # 828

1    We are called to stand together With the saints of ages past,

      With the patriarchs and prophets In the faith they once held fast;

      Promises and hopes they treasured Now we find fulfilled at last!

2    Those whom Jesus called apostles Journeyed with Him side by side,

      Heard His teaching, felt His power, Saw the way He lived and died;

      Then the news of resurrection They delivered far and wide.

3    Through the intervening ages Round the world the Gospel spread:

      Faithful heralds took the message, Guided where the Spirit led;

      So the body grew in stature, Serving Christ, the living head.

4    Now in many tongues and cultures Songs of celebration ring;

      Millions who confess our Savior Honor Him as Lord and King

      And, for courage, grace and guidance Ev’ry day their prayers they bring.

5    To each coming generation Tell the truth, persuade, explain,

      Till the time when time is ended, Till the Savior comes again—

      Till the saints are all united Under Christ’s eternal reign!

Sunday Worship October 3, 2021

Hymn “Only-Begotten , Word of God Eternal”  LSB # 916

1    Only-begotten, Word of God eternal,
Lord of creation, merciful and mighty:
Hear us, Your servants, as our tuneful voices
Rise in Your presence.

2    Holy this temple where our Lord is dwelling;
This is none other than the gate of heaven.
Ever Your children, year by year rejoicing,
Chant in Your temple.

3    Hear us, O Father, as we throng Your temple.
By Your past blessings, by Your present bounty,
Smile on Your children, and in grace and mercy
Hear our petition.

4    God in three persons, Father everlasting,
Son co-eternal, ever blessed Spirit:
To You be praises, thanks, and adoration,
Glory forever.

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.

Matins (sung)

P     O Lord, open my lips,

C     and my mouth will declare Your praise.

P     Make haste, O God, to deliver me;

C     make haste to help me, O Lord.

C     Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to You, O Christ, Alleluia. (Common response)

Psalmody (Psalm 95) (sung)

P:   Blessed be God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

C:   O come, let us worship Him.

O come, let us sing to the Lord. 
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise.
For the Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods.
The deep places of the earth are in His hands;
The strength of the hills is His also.
The sea is His, for He made it, and His hand formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.
For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture
And the sheep of His hand. 
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

P:   Blessed be God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

C:   O come, let us worship Him.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Genesis 2:18-25)

            18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones
    and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
    because she was taken out of Man.”

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

L:   O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Hebrews 2:1-13)

            1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

            5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,

      “What is man, that you are mindful of him,
          or the son of man, that you care for him?
            7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
          you have crowned him with glory and honor,
            8     putting everything in subjection under his feet.”

      Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

            10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,

      “I will tell of your name to my brothers;
          in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

13 And again,

      “I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

      “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

L:   O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (sung) Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 10:2-16)

            2 Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

            10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

            13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (sung) Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “If Your Beloved Son, O God”  LSB # 568

1    If Your beloved Son, O God, Had not to earth descended
And in our mortal flesh and blood Had not sin's power ended,
Then this poor, wretched soul of mine In hell eternally would pine
Because of my transgression.

2    But now I find sweet peace and rest; Despair no more reigns o'er me.
No more am I by sin oppressed, or Christ has borne sin for me.
Upon the cross for me He died That, reconciled, I might abide
With You, my God, forever.

3    I trust in Him with all my heart; Now all my sorrow ceases.
His words abiding peace impart; His blood from guilt releases.
Free grace through Him I now obtain; He washes me from ev'ry stain,
And pure I stand before Him.

4    All righteousness by works is vain; The Law brings condemnation.
True righteousness by faith I gain; Christ's work is my salvation.
His death, that perfect sacrifice, Has paid the all-sufficient price;
In Him my hope is anchored.

5    My guilt, O Father, You have laid On Christ, Your Son, my Savior.
Lord Jesus, You my debt have paid And gained for me God's favor.
O Holy Spirit, Fount of grace, The good in me to You I trace;
In faith and hope preserve me.

Sermon

Te Deum (Sung)

We praise You, O God; we acknowledge You to be the Lord.

All the earth now worships You, the Father everlasting.

To You all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the pow'rs therein.

To You cherubim and seraphim continually do cry:

      Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

      heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Your glory.

The glorious company of the apostles praise You.

The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise You.

The noble army of martyrs praise You.

The holy Church throughout all the world does acknowledge You.

The Father of an infinite majesty; Your adorable, true, and only Son;

      also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. You are the king of glory, O Christ;

      You are the everlasting Son of the Father.

When You took upon Yourself to deliver man,

You humbled Yourself to be born of a virgin.

When You had overcome the sharpness of death,

You opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You sit at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.

We believe that You will come to be our judge.

We therefore pray You to help Your servants,

whom You have redeemed with Your precious blood.

Make them to be numbered with Your saints in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your heritage.

Govern them and lift them up forever. Day by day we magnify You.

And we worship Your name forever and ever.

Grant, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let Your mercy be upon us, as our trust is in You.

O Lord, in You have I trusted; let me never be confounded.

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, My Happy Home”  LSB # 673

1 Jerusalem, my happy home, When shall I come to thee?
When shall my sorrows have an end? Thy joys when shall I see?

2 O happy harbor of the saints, O sweet and pleasant soil!
In thee no sorrow may be found, No grief, no care, no toil.

3 Thy gardens and thy gallant walks Continually are green;
There grow such sweet and pleasant flow'rs As nowhere else are seen.

4 There trees forevermore bear fruit And evermore do spring;
There evermore the angels dwell And evermore do sing.

5 Apostles, martyrs, prophets, there Around my Savior stand;
And soon my friends in Christ below Will join the glorious band.

6 O Christ, do Thou my soul prepare For that bright home of love
That I may see Thee and adore With all Thy saints above.

Sunday Worship September 26, 2021

Hymn “O Worship the King”  LSB # 804

1    O worship the King, all-glorious above.
O gratefully sing His pow'r and His love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

2    O tell of His might, O sing of His grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.

3    This earth, with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, Thy pow'r hath founded of old,
Established it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.

4    Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

5    Frail children of dust and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail.
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend!

6    O measureless Might, ineffable Love.
While angels delight to hymn Thee above,
Thy humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to Thy praise.

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:   Everlasting Father, source of every blessing, mercifully direct and govern us by Your Holy Spirit that we may complete the works You have prepared for us to do;  through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “Lord, Jesus Christ, with Us Abide”  LSB # 585

1.   Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide, For round us falls the eventide.

      O let Your Word, that saving light, Shine forth undimmed into the night.

2.   In those last days of great distress Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness

      That we keep pure till life is spent Your holy Word and Sacrament.

3.   To hope grown dim, to hearts turned cold Speak tongues of fire and make us bold

      To shine Your Word of saving grace Into each dark and loveless place.

4.   May glorious truths that we have heard, The bright sword of Your mighty Word,

      Spurn Satan that Your Church be strong, Bold, unified in act and song.

5.   Restrain, O Lord, the human pride That seeks to thrust Your truth aside

      Or with some man-made thoughts or things Would dim the words Your Spirit sings.

6.   Stay with us, Lord, and keep us true; Preserve our faith our whole life through –

      Your Word alone our heart’s defense, The Church’s glorious confidence.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29)

            4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at…”

      10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their clans, everyone at the door of his tent. And the anger of the Lord blazed hotly, and Moses was displeased. 11 Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.”

            16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you…”

      24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord. And he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tent. 25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it.

            26 Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” 29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (James 5:13-20)

            5 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

            19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Mark 9:38-50)

            38 John said to [Jesus], “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.

            42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with 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  “When to Our World the Savior Came”  LSB # 551

1 When to our world the Saviour came The sick and helpless heard His name,
And in their weakness longed to see The healing Christ of Galilee.

2 That good physician! Night and day The people thronged about His way;
And wonder ran from soul to soul, "The touch of Christ has made us whole!"

3 His praises then were heard and sung By opened ears and loosened tongue,
While lightened eyes could see and know The healing Christ of long ago.

4 Of long ago: yet living still, Who died for us on Calv'ry's hill;
Who triumphed over cross and grave, His healing hands stretched forth to save.

5 His sov'reign purpose still remains Who rose in pow'r, and lives and reigns;
Till ev'ry tongue confess His praise, The healing Christ of all our days.

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 “Son of God, Eternal Savior”  LSB # 842

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

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

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

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

Sunday Worship September 19, 2021

Hymn “Today Your Mercy Calls Us”  LSB # 915

 1 Today Your mercy calls us To wash away our sin.
However great our trespass, Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy Our hearts have turned away,
Your precious blood can wash us And make us clean today.

2 Today Your gate is open, And all who enter in
Shall find a Father's welcome And pardon for their sin.
The past shall be forgotten, A present joy be giv'n,
A future grace be promised, A glorious crown in heav'n.

3 Today our Father calls us; The Holy Spirit waits;
His blessed angels gather Around the heav'nly gates.
No question will be asked us How often we have come;
Although we oft have wandered, It is our Father's home.

4 O all-embracing Mercy, O ever-open Door,
What should we do without You When heart and eye run o'er?
When all things seem against us, To drive us to despair,
We know one gate is open, One ear will hear our prayer.

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.

Hymn “Father Welcomes”  LSB # 605

1  Father welcomes all his children To His family Through His Son.

Father giving His salvation, Life eternal has been won.

Little children, come to Me, For My kingdom is of these.

Life and love I have to give, Mercy for your sin.

Father welcomes all his children To His family Through His Son.

Father giving His salvation, Life eternal has been won.

In the water, in the Word, In His promise, be assured:

Those who are baptized and believe Shall be born again.

Father welcomes all his children To His family Through His Son.

Father giving His salvation, Life eternal has been won.

Let us gladly die to sin; Let us daily rise with Him,

Walk in the love of Christ our Lord, Live in the peace of God.

Father welcomes all his children To His family Through His Son.

Father giving His salvation, Life eternal has been won.

(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

Old Testament Reading  (Jeremiah 11:18-20)

 18 The Lord made it known to me and I knew;
    then you showed me their deeds.
19 But I was like a gentle lamb
    led to the slaughter.
I did not know it was against me
    they devised schemes, saying,
“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,
    let us cut him off from the land of the living,
    that his name be remembered no more.”
20 But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously,
    who tests the heart and the mind,
let me see your vengeance upon them,
    for to you have I committed my cause.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (James 3:13-4:10)

      13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

      4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

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 9th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 9:30-37)

      30 [The disciples] went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

            33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us”  LSB # 851

1    Lord of Glory, You have bought us With Your life-blood as the price,
Never grudging for the lost ones That tremendous sacrifice;
And with that have freely given Blessings countless as the sand
To the unthankful and the evil With Your own unsparing hand.

2    Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to give You Gladly, freely of Your own.
With the sunshine of Your goodness Melt our thankless hearts of stone
Till our cold and selfish natures, Warmed by You, at length believe
That more happy and more blessed 'Tis to give than to receive.

3    Wondrous honor You have given To our humblest charity
In Your own mysterious sentence, "You have done it all to Me."
Can it be, O gracious Master, That You deign for alms to sue,
Saying by Your poor and needy, "Give as I have giv'n to you"?

4    Lord of glory, You have bought us With Your life-blood as the price,
Never grudging for the lost ones That tremendous sacrifice.
Give us faith to trust You boldly, Hope, to stay our souls on You;
But, oh, best of all Your graces, With Your love our love renew.                

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  “The Son of God Goes Forth to War”  LSB #661

1    The Son of God goes forth to war A kingly crown to gain.
His blood-red banner streams afar; Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink His cup of woe, Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below-- He follows in His train.

2    The martyr first, whose eagle eye Could pierce beyond the grave,
Who saw his Master in the sky And called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong-- Who follows in his train?

3    A glorious band, the chosen few, On whom the Spirit came,
Twelve valiant saints--their hope they knew And mocked the cross and flame.
They met the tyrant's brandished steel, The lion's gory mane;
They bowed their necks their death to feel-- Who follows in their train?

4    A noble army, men and boys, The matron and the maid,
Around the Savior's throne rejoice, In robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of heav'n Through peril, toil, and pain.
O God, to us may grace be giv'n To follow in their train!

Sunday Worship September 12, 2021

Hymn “From All That Dwell Below the Skies”  LSB # 816

1    From all that dwell below the skies Let the Creator's praise arise;
Alleluia, alleluia!
Let the Redeemer's name be sung Through ev'ry land by ev'ry tongue.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

2    Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord; Eternal truth attends Thy Word.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore Till suns shall rise and set no more.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

3    All praise to God the Father be, All praise, eternal Son, to Thee.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Whom with the Spirit we adore Forever and forevermore:
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, 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.

Hymn “Word of God, Come Down on Earth”  #545

1 Word of God, come down on earth, Living rain from heav’n descending;

Touch our hearts and bring to birth Faith and hope and love unending.

Word almighty, we revere You; Word made flesh, we long to hear You.

2 Word eternal, throned on high, Word that brought to life creation,

Word that came from heav’n to die, Crucified for our salvation,

Saving Word, the world restoring, Speak to us, Your love outpouring.

3 Word that caused blind eyes to see, Speak and heal our mortal blindness;

Deaf we are: our healer be; Loose our tongues to tell Your kindness.

Be our Word in pity spoken, Heal the world, by sin now broken.

4 Word that speaks God’s tender love, One with God beyond all telling,

Word that sends us from above, God the Spirit, with us dwelling,

Word of truth, to all truth lead us; Word of life, with one bread feed us.

(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:

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Isaiah 50:4-10)

4 The Lord God has given me
    the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
    him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
    he awakens my ear
    to hear as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear,
    and I was not rebellious;
    I turned not backward.
6 I gave my back to those who strike,
    and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face
    from disgrace and spitting.

7 But the Lord God helps me;
    therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
    and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
8     He who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
    Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
    Let him come near to me.
9 Behold, the Lord God helps me;
    who will declare me guilty?
Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment;
    the moth will eat them up.

10 Who among you fears the Lord
    and obeys the voice of his servant?
Let him who walks in darkness
    and has no light
trust in the name of the Lord
    and rely on his God.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (James 3:1-12)

            1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

      How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 9:14-29)

      14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken”  LSB # 521

1    Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken By the devil’s seething rage,

Thwarts the plan of Satan’s minions; Wins the strife from age to age;

Conquers sin and death forever; Slams them in their steely cage.

2    Michael fought the heavenly battle, Godly angels by his side;

Warred against the ancient serpent, Foiled the beast, so full of pride,

Cast him earthbound with his angels; Now he prowls, unsatisfied.

3    Long on earth the battle rages, Since the serpent’s first deceit;

Twisted God’s command to Adam, Made forbidden fruit look sweet. 

Then the curse of God was spoken: “You’ll lie crushed beneath His feet!”

4    Jesus came, this word fulfilling, Trampled Satan, death defied;

Bore the brunt of our temptation, On the wretched tree He died

Yet to life was raised victorious; By His life our life supplied.

5    Swift as lightning falls the tyrant From his heavenly perch on high,

As the word of Jesus’ victory Floods the earth and fills the sky. 

Wounded by a wound eternal Now his judgment has drawn nigh!

6    Jesus, send Your angel legions When the foe would us enslave.  

Hold us fast when sin assaults us; Come, then, Lord, Your people save.  

Overthrow at last the dragon; Send him to his fiery grave.

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  “How Great Thou Art”  LSB # 801

1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the works Thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee.

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

2 When through the woods and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee.

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

3 But when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in--
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin;

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee.

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

4 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee.

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Sunday Worship September 5, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Matins (sung)

P     O Lord, open my lips,

C     and my mouth will declare Your praise.

P     Make haste, O God, to deliver me;

C     make haste to help me, O Lord.

C     Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to You, O Christ, Alleluia. (Common response)

Psalmody (Psalm 95) (sung)

P:   Blessed be God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

C:   O come, let us worship Him.

O come, let us sing to the Lord. 
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise.
For the Lord is a great God and a great king above all gods.
The deep places of the earth are in His hands;
The strength of the hills is His also.
The sea is His, for He made it, and His hand formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.
For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture
And the sheep of His hand.  

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

P:   Blessed be God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

C:   O come, let us worship Him.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Isaiah 35:4-7a)

4 A Say to those who have an anxious heart,
    “Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God
    will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God.
    He will come and save you.”

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
    and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For waters break forth in the wilderness,
    and streams in the desert;
7 the burning sand shall become a pool,
    and the thirsty ground springs of water;

L:   O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (James 2:1-10, 14-18)

             My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

            8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it…

      14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

            18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

L:   O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 7th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory to You, O Lord.

(Mark 7:31-37)

            14 [Jesus] returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
                       

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (sung) Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”  LSB # 524

1 How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, And drives away our fear.

2 It makes the wounded spirit whole And calms the heart's unrest;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul And to the weary, rest.

3 Dear name! The rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place;
My never-failing treasury filled With boundless stores of grace.

4 O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my life, my way, my end, Accept the praise I bring.

5 How weak the effort of my heart, How cold my warmest thought!
But when I see Thee as Thou art, I'll praise Thee as I ought.

6 Till then I would Thy love proclaim With ev'ry fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name Refresh my soul in death!

Sermon

Te Deum (Sung)

We praise You, O God; we acknowledge You to be the Lord.

All the earth now worships You, the Father everlasting.

To You all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the pow'rs therein.

To You cherubim and seraphim continually do cry:

      Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

      heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Your glory.

The glorious company of the apostles praise You.

The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise You.

The noble army of martyrs praise You.

The holy Church throughout all the world does acknowledge You.

The Father of an infinite majesty; Your adorable, true, and only Son;

      also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. You are the king of glory, O Christ;

      You are the everlasting Son of the Father.

When You took upon Yourself to deliver man,

You humbled Yourself to be born of a virgin.

When You had overcome the sharpness of death,

You opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You sit at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.

We believe that You will come to be our judge.

We therefore pray You to help Your servants,

whom You have redeemed with Your precious blood.

Make them to be numbered with Your saints in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your heritage.

Govern them and lift them up forever. Day by day we magnify You.

And we worship Your name forever and ever.

Grant, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let Your mercy be upon us, as our trust is in You.

O Lord, in You have I trusted; let me never be confounded.

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

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.

Still Your children wander homeless; Still the hungry cry for 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.

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.

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 August 22, 2021

Hymn “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”  LSB # 821

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

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

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

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

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

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 merciful God, defend Your Church from all false teaching and error that Your faithful people may confess You to be the only true Gods and rejoice in Your good gifts of life and salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “Oh, Blest the House”  LSB # 862

1 Oh, blest the house, whate'er befall, Where Jesus Christ is all in all!
A home that is not wholly His-- How sad and poor and dark it is!

2 Oh, blest that house where faith is found And all in hope and love abound;
They trust their God and serve Him still And do in all His holy will!

3 Oh, blest the parents who give heed Unto their children's foremost need
And weary not of care or cost. May none to them and heav'n be lost!

4 Oh, blest that house; it prospers well. In peace and joy the parents dwell,
And in their children's lives is shown How richly God can bless His own.

5 Then here will I and mine today A solemn promise make and say:
Though all the world forsake His Word, I and my house will serve the Lord!

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Isaiah 29:11-19)

11 And the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed. When men give it to one who can read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12 And when they give the book to one who cannot read, saying, “Read this,” he says, “I cannot read.”

13 And the Lord said:
“Because this people draw near with their mouth
    and honor me with their lips,
    while their hearts are far from me,
and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,
14 therefore, behold, I will again
    do wonderful things with this people,
    with wonder upon wonder;
and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,
    and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.”

15 Ah, you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel,
    whose deeds are in the dark,
    and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?”
16 You turn things upside down!
Shall the potter be regarded as the clay,
that the thing made should say of its maker,
    “He did not make me”;
or the thing formed say of him who formed it,
    “He has no understanding”?

17 Is it not yet a very little while
    until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field,
    and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest?
18 In that day the deaf shall hear
    the words of a book,
and out of their gloom and darkness
    the eyes of the blind shall see.
19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord,
    and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Ephesians 5:22-33)

            22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

            25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 7th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Mark 7:1-13)

            14 When the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
    teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”

9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

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  “Oh, How Great Is Your Compassion”  LSB # 559

1 Oh, how great is Your compassion, Faithful Father, God of grace,
That with all our fallen race In our depth of degradation
You had mercy so that we Might be saved eternally!

2 Your great love for this hath striven That we may, from sin made free,
Live with You eternally. Your dear Son Himself has given
And extends His gracious call, To His Supper leads us all.

3 Firmly to our souls' salvation Witnesses Your Spirit, Lord,
In Your Sacraments and Word. There He sends true consolation,
Giving us the gift of faith That we fear not hell nor death.

4 Lord, Your mercy will not leave me; Ever will Your truth abide.
Then in You I will confide. Since Your Word cannot deceive me,
My salvation is to me Safe and sure eternally.

5 I will praise Your great compassion, Faithful Father, God of grace,
That with all our fallen race In our depth of degradation
You had mercy so that we Might be saved eternally.

Sermon

Offertory

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence,
and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation,
and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Amen.

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 “Jesus Shall Reign”  LSB # 832

1   Jesus shall reign where'er the sun Does its successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2  To Him shall endless prayer be made, And endless praises crown His head;
His name like sweet perfume shall rise With ev'ry morning sacrifice.

3 People and realms of ev'ry tongue Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on His name.

4 Blessings abound where'er He reigns; The pris'ners leap, unloose their chains,
The weary find eternal rest, And all who suffer want are blest.

5  Let ev'ry creature rise and bring Honors peculiar to our King;
Angels descend with songs again, And earth repeat the loud amen.

Sunday Worship July 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 “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,
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.

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.

Hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”  LSB # 809

1    Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not: Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

2    Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

3    Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

(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

Old Testament Reading  (Genesis 9:8-17)

            8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Ephesians 3:14-21)

      14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

            20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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 6:45-56)

      45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness”  LSB # 849

1    Praise the One who breaks the darkness With a liberating light;
Praise the One who frees the pris'ners  Turning blindness into sight.
Praise the One who preached the Gospel, Healing ev'ry dread disease,
Calming storms, and feeding thousands With the very Bread of peace.

2    Praise the One who blessed the children With a strong, yet gentle word;
Praise the One who drove out demons With the piercing two-edged sword.
Praise the one who brings cool water To the desert's burning sand;
From this Well comes living water Quenching thirst in ev'ry land.

3    Let us praise the Word incarnate, Christ, who suffered in our place.
Jesus died and rose victorious That we may know God by grace.
Let us sing for joy and gladness, Seeing what our God has done;
Let us praise the true Redeemer, Praise the One who makes us one.

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  “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”  LSB #739

1 Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I'm weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light

Take my hand, precious Lord; Lead me home.

2 When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near,

When my life is almost gone,

Hear my cry, hear my call; Hold my hand lest I fall.

Take my hand, precious Lord; Lead me home.

3 When the darkness appears And the night draws near

And the day is almost gone,

At the river I stand; Guide my feet, hold my hand,

Take my hand, precious Lord; Lead me home.

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!