Sunday July 17, 2022

Hymn “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”  LSB # 791

1 All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.

Him serve with mirth, His praise forthtell; Come ye before Him and rejoice.

2 Know that the Lord is God indeed; Without our aid He did us make.

We are His folk, He doth us feed, And for His sheep He doth us take.

3O enter then His gates with praise; Approach with joy His courts unto.

Praise, laud, and bless His name always, For it is seemly so to do.

4For why? the Lord our God is good: His mercy is for ever sure.

His truth at all times firmly stood And shall from age to age endure.

5 To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, The God whom heav'n and earth adore,

From us and from the angel host Be praise and glory evermore.

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

C:   Amen.

P:   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 (Genesis 18:1-10a)

The Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.

P:   O Lord, have mercy on us..

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Colossians 1:21-29)

You, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me

P:      O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (Sung) Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 10:38-42)

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (Sung) Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn “The God of Abraham Praise”  LSB # 798

1 The God of Abr'ham praise, Who reigns enthroned above;

Ancient of everlasting days And God of love.

Jehovah, great I AM! By earth and heav'n confessed;

I bow and bless the sacred name Forever blest.

3 The God of Abr'ham praise, Whose all-sufficient grace

Shall guide me all my pilgrim days In all my ways.

He deigns to call me friend; He calls Himself my God.

And He shall save me to the end Through Jesus' blood.

4 He by Himself has sworn; I on His oath depend.

I shall, on eagle wings upborne, To heav'n ascend.

I shall behold His face; I shall His pow'r adore

And sing the wonders of His grace Forevermore.

7 There dwells the Lord our king, The Lord our righteousness,

Triumphant o'er the world and sin, The Prince of Peace.

On Zion's sacred height His kingdom He maintains

And glorious with His saints in light Forever reigns.

8 The God who reigns on high The great archangels sing,

And, "Holy, holy, holy!" cry, "Almighty King!

Who was and is the same And evermore shall be;

Jehovah, Father, great I AM! We worship Thee!"

9 The whole triumphant host Give thanks to God on high.

"Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!" They ever cry.

Hail, Abr'ham's God and mine! I join the heav'nly lays:

All might and majesty are Thine And endless praise!

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

1 God of grace and God of glory, On Your people pour Your pow'r;

      Crown Your ancient Church’s story; Bring its bud to glorious flow'r.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the facing of this hour,

      For the facing of this hour.

2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us Scorn the Christ, assail His ways!

      From the fears that long have bound us Free our hearts to faith and praise.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the living of these days,

      For the living of these days.

3 Cure Your children’s warring madness; Bend our pride to Your control;

      Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal,

      Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal.

4 Save us from weak resignation To the evils we deplore;

      Let the gift of Your salvation Be our glory evermore.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, Serving You whom we adore,

      Serving You whom we adore.

Sunday July 10, 2022

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.

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.

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:   Lord Jesus Christ, in Your deep compassion You rescue us from whatever may hurt us.  Teach us to love You above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:      Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Leviticus 19:9-18)

               When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.

11 “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. 12 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning. 14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.

15 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.

17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

P:      This is the Word of the Lord.

C:      Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Colossians 1:1-14)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

P:      This is the Word of the Lord.

C:      Thanks be to God.

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

C:      (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Luke 10:25-37)

               And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
                                            

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  “Where Charity and Love Prevail”  LSB #845

1 Where charity and love prevail There God is ever found;

Brought here together by Christ’s love By love are we thus bound.

2 With grateful joy and holy fear His charity we learn;

Let us with heart and mind and soul Now love Him in return.

3Forgive we now each other’s faults As we our faults confess,

And let us love each other well In Christian holiness.

4 Let strife among us be unknown; Let all contention cease;

Be God’s the glory that we seek; Be ours His holy peace.

5 Let us recall that in our midst Dwells Christ, His only Son;

As members of His body joined We are in Him made one.

6 For love excludes no race or clan That names the Savior’s name;

His family embraces all Whose Father is the same.

Sermon (Rev. Mike Hiller) Pastor vacation

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  “May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill”  LSB #698

1 May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfill And do on earth our Father's will

As angels do above; Still walk in Christ, the living way,

With all Thy children and obey The law of Christian love.

2 So may we join Thy name to bless, Thy grace adore, Thy pow'r confess,

From sin and strife to flee. One is our calling, one our name,

The end of all our hopes the same, A crown of life with Thee.

3 Spirit of life, of love and peace, Unite our hearts, our joy increase,

Thy gracious help supply. To each of us the blessing give

In Christian fellowship to live, In joyful hope to die.

Sunday June 26, 2022

Hymn  “God Himself Is Present”  LSB #907

1 God Himself is present: Let us now adore Him And with awe appear before Him.

God is in His temple; All within keep silence; Humbly kneel in deepest rev'rence.

He alone On His throne Is our God and Savior; Praise His Name forever!

2 God himself is present: Hear the harps resounding; See the hosts the throne surrounding.

"Holy, Holy, Holy!" Hear the hymn ascending, Songs of saints and angels blending.

Bow Your ear To us here: Hear, O Christ, the praises That Your church now raises.

3 Fount of every blessing, Purify my spirit, Trusting only in Your merit.

Like the holy angels, Worshiping before You, May I ceaselessly adore You.

Let Your will Ever still Rule Your Church terrestrial As the hosts celestial.

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  “Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens”  LSB #589

1    Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens, Let Your Word to me come near;

Newborn life and spirit give me, Let each promise still my fear.

Death's dread pow'r, its inward strife, Wars against Your Word of life;

Fill me, Lord, with love's strong fervor That I cling to You forever!

2    Oh, what blessing to be near You And to listen to Your voice;

Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice!

Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word;

But to all who feel sin's burden You give words of peace and pardon.

3    Lord, Your words are waters living When my thirsting spirit pleads.

Lord, Your words are bread life-giving; On Your words my spirit feeds.

Lord, Your words will be my light through death's cold and dreary night;

Yes, they are my sword prevailing And my cup of joy unfailing!

4    As I pray, dear Jesus, hear me; Let Your words in me take root.

May Your Spirit e'er be near me That I bear abundant fruit.

May I daily sing Your praise, From my heart glad anthems raise,

Till my highest praise is given In the endless joy of heaven.

(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 of all power and might, author and giver of all good things, graft  into our hearts the love of Your name and nourish us with all goodness that we may love and serve our neighbor; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (1 Kings 19:9b-21)

Behold, the word of the Lord came to [Elijah], and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)

      For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery…13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

      16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 9:51-62)

      When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.

      57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

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

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.

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

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

      Forsaking old, familiar ways For ventures bold and new:

      Grant us to hear your call To risk security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Send us on ways where faith Transcends timidity,

      Where love informs and hope sustains Both life and ministry.

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

      The crucified and risen King To whom the saints belong:

      Though generations pass, Our tribute still we bring,

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

Sermon

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:         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  “We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God”  LSB # 941

We praise You and acknowledge You, O God, to be the Lord,

The Father everlasting, by all the earth adored.

To You all angel powers cry aloud, the heavens sing,

The cherubim and seraphim their praises to You bring:

“O holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth;

Your majesty and glory fill the heavens and the earth!”

The band of the apostles in glory sing Your praise;

The fellowship of prophets their deathless voices raise.

The martyrs of Your kingdom, a great and noble throng,

Sing with the holy Church throughout all the world this song:

“O all majestic Father, Your true and only Son,

And Holy Spirit, Comforter forever Three in One!”

You, Christ, are King of glory, the everlasting Son,

Yet You, with boundless love, sought to rescue ev’ry one:

You laid aside Your glory, were born of virgin’s womb,

Were crucified for us and were placed into a tomb;

Then by Your resurrection You won for us reprieve

You opened heaven’s kingdom to all who would believe.

You sit in splendid glory, enthroned at God’s right hand,

Upholding earth and heaven by forces You command.

We know that you will come as our Judge that final day,

So help Your servants You have redeemed by blood, we pray;

May we with saints be numbered where praises never end,

In glory everlasting. Amen, O Lord, amen

Sunday June 5, 2022

Hymn of the Day  “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:   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 “Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid”  LSB # 500

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

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

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

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

(Sung)

P:   In peace let us pray to the Lord.

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.  O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will.  Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

First Reading  (Genesis 11:1-9)

          Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Second Reading    (Acts 2:1-21)

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

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

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

17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

    and your young men shall see visions,

    and your old men shall dream dreams;

18 even on my male servants and female servants

    in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above

    and signs on the earth below,

    blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;

20 the sun shall be turned to darkness

    and the moon to blood,

    before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. John the 14th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(John 14:23-31)

      Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sermon

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  “O Day Full of Grace”  LSB #503

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday May 22, 2022

Hymn “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”  LSB # 821

1, 2 Apologies, these verses were not recorded.

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:   O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn  “Up through Endless Ranks of Angels”  LSB # 491

1 Up through endless ranks of angels, Cries of triumph in His ears,

To His heav’nly throne ascending, Having vanquished all their fears,

Christ looks down upon His faithfull, Leaving them in happy tears.

2 Death-destroying, life-restoring, Proven equal to our need,

Now for us before the Father As our brother intercede;

Flesh that for our world was wounded, Living, for the wounded plead!

3 To our lives of wanton wand’ring Send Your Spirit, promised guide;

Through our lives of fear and failure With Your pow’r and love abide;

Welcome us, as You were welcomed, To an endless Eastertide.

4  Alleluia, alleluia! Oh, to breathe the Spirit’s grace!

Alleluia, alleluia! Oh, to see the Father’s face!

Alleluia, alleluia! Oh, to feel the Son’s embrace!

Scripture Readings

First Reading (Acts 16:9-15)

          A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Revelation 21:9-14, 21-27)

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(John 16:23-33)

          In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
                             

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  “Hear Us, Father, When We Pray”  LSB #773

Hear us, Father, when we pray, through Your Son and in Your Spirit. By Your Spirit’s Word convey all that we through Christ inherit, that as baptized heirs we may truly pray.

When we know not what to say and our wounded souls are pleading, my Your Spirit, night and day, groan within us interceding; by His sighs, too deep for words, we are heard.

Jesus, advocate on high, sacrificed on Calvry’s altar, through Your priestly blood we cry: hear our prayers, though they may falter; place them on Your Father’s throne as your own.

By Your Spirit now attend to our prayers and supplications, as like incense they ascend to Your heav’nly habitations. May their fragrance waft above, God of love.

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  “Abide, O Dearest Jesus”  LSB #919

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday May 15, 2022

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

1    (Apologies - Was not recorded)

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

C:   Amen.

(Sung)

P:   In peace let us pray to the Lord.

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Lord, have mercy.

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

C:   Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.  O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will.  Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

First Reading  (Acts 11:1-18)

          Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 3 “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began and explained it to them in order: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. 6 Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ 10 This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Second Reading    (Revelation 21:1-7)

      Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

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. John the 16th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(John 16:12-22)

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

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing”  LSB # 633

1 At the Lamb's high feast we sing Praise to our victorious King,

Who has washed us in the tide Flowing from His piercèd side.

Alleluia!

2 Praise we Him, whose love divine Gives His sacred blood for wine,

Gives His Body for the feast-- Christ the victim, Christ the priest.

Alleluia!

3 Where the paschal blood is poured, Death's dread angel sheathes the sword;

Israel's hosts triumphant go Through the wave that drowns the foe.

Alleluia!

4 Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed, Paschal victim, paschal bread;

With sincerity and love Eat we manna from above.

Alleluia!

5 Mighty Victim from the sky, Hell's fierce pow'rs beneath You lie;

You have conquered in the fight, You have brought us life and light.

Alleluia!

6 Now no more can death appall, Now no more the grave enthrall;

You have opened paradise, And Your saints in You shall rise.

Alleluia!

7 Easter triumph, Easter joy! This alone can sin destroy;

From sin's pow'r, Lord, set us free, Newborn souls in You to be.

Alleluia!

8 Father, who the crown shall give, Savior, by whose death we live,

Spirit, guide through all our days; Three in One, Your name we praise.

Alleluia!
                                                    

Sermon

Confession of Faith  --  Nicene Creed

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

            maker of heaven and earth

            and of all things visible and invisible.

      And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

            the only‐begotten Son of God,

            begotten of His Father before all worlds,

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

            begotten, not made,

            being of one substance with the Father,

            by whom all things were made;

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

            and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary

            and was made man;

            and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

            He suffered and was buried.

            And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures

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

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

            whose kingdom will have no end.

      And I believe in the Holy Spirit,

            the Lord and giver of life,

            who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

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

            who spoke by the prophets.

            And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church

            I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,

            and I look for the resurrection of the dead

            and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

P:         Lord, in Your mercy

C:         hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you.

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

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

C:   Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”  LSB # 700

1 Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!

Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art;

Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter ev'ry trembling heart.

2 Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit Into ev'ry troubled breast;

Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find Thy promised rest.

Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;

End of faith, as its beginning, Set our hearts at liberty.

3 Come, Almighty, to deliver; Let us all Thy life receive;

Suddenly return, and never, Nevermore Thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,

Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love.

4 Finish then Thy new creation, Pure and spotless let us be;

Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee,

Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav'n we take our place,

Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise!

Sunday May 8, 2022

Hymn  “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”  LSB #469

1    "Christ the Lord is ris'n today!" Saints on earth and angels say;

Raise your joys and triumphs high; Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth, reply.

2    Love's redeeming work is done, Fought the fight, the battle won;

Lo! Our Sun's eclipse is o'er; Lo! He sets in blood no more.

3    Vain the stone, the watch, the seal; Christ hath burst the gates of hell.

Death in vain forbids His rise; Christ has opened Paradise.

4    Lives again our glorious King!  Where, O death, is now thy sting?

Once He died our souls to save; Where thy victory, O grave?

5    Soar we now where Christ has led; Foll'wing our exalted Head.

Made like Him, like Him we rise; Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

6    Hail the Lord of earth and heav'n!  Praise to Thee by both be giv'n!

Thee we greet triumphant now:  Hail, the Resurrection Thou!

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

C:   Amen.

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

C:   who made heaven and earth.

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

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

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

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

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

C:   Amen.

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.

(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 God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

First Reading  (Acts 20:17-35)

17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Revelation 7:9-17)

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.

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(John 10:22-30)

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

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

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.

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.

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

1 God of grace and God of glory, On Your people pour Your pow'r;

      Crown Your ancient Church’s story; Bring its bud to glorious flow'r.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the facing of this hour,

      For the facing of this hour.

2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us Scorn the Christ, assail His ways!

      From the fears that long have bound us Free our hearts to faith and praise.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the living of these days,

      For the living of these days.

3 Cure Your children’s warring madness; Bend our pride to Your control;

      Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal,

      Lest we miss Your kingdom’s goal.

4 Save us from weak resignation To the evils we deplore;

      Let the gift of Your salvation Be our glory evermore.

      Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, Serving You whom we adore,

      Serving You whom we adore.

Sunday May 1, 2022

Hymn:  “Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven”   LSB #477

1    Alleluia, alleluia!  Hearts to heav'n and voices raise;
      Sing to God a hymn of gladness, Sing to God a hymn of praise;
      He who on the cross a victim For the world's salvation bled--
      Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, Now is risen from the dead.

2    Alleluia, Christ is risen!  Death at last has met defeat;

      See the ancient pow’rs of evil In confusion and retreat;

      Once He died, and once was buried: Now He lives forevermore,

      Jesus Christ the world’s Redeemer, Whom we worship and adore.

3    Alleluia, alleluia!  Glory be to God on high;
      Alleluia to the Savior Who has gained the victory;
      Alleluia to the Spirit, Fount of love and sanctity!
      Alleluia, alleluia to the triune Majesty.

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

C:   Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

P:   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 (Acts 9:1-22)

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

P:   O Lord, have mercy on us..

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Revelation 5:8-14)

8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll

    and to open its seals,

for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

    from every tribe and language and people and nation,

10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

    and they shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

P:   O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. John the 21st chapter.

C:  (Sung) Glory to You, O Lord.

(John 21:1-14)

1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (Sung) Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day “By All Your Saints in Warfare”  LSB # 517

1 By all Your saints in warfare, For all Your saints at rest,

Your holy name, O Jesus, Forevermore be blest!

For You have won the battle That they might wear the crown;

And now they shine in glory Reflected from Your throne.

4 Apostles, prophets, martyrs, And all the noble throng

Who wear the spotless raiment And raise the ceaseless song --

For these, passed on before us, We offer praises due

And, walking in their footsteps, Would live our lives for You.

12 Praise for the light from heaven And for the voice of awe;

Praise for the glorious vision The persecutor saw.

O Lord, for Paul's conversion, We bless Your name today;

Come shine within our darkness, And guide us on our way.

3 Then let us praise the Father And worship God the Son

And sing to God the Spirit, Eternal Three in One,

Till all the ransomed number Fall down before the throne,

Ascribing pow'r and glory And praise to God alone.

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.

Hymn “The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done”  LSB #464

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

1    The strife is o'er, the battle done;
Now is the victor's triumph won;
Now be the song of praise begun.
Alleluia!

2    The pow'rs of death have done their worst,
But Christ their legions hath dispersed.
Let shouts of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!

3    The three sad days have quickly sped,
He rises glorious from the dead.
All glory to our risen Head!
Alleluia!

4    He broke the age-bound chains of hell;
The bars from heav'n's high portals fell.
Let hymns of praise His triumph tell.
Alleluia!

5    Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,
From death's dread sting Thy servants free
That we may live and sing to Thee.
Alleluia!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Sunday April 24, 2022

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

1 Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

3 But the pains which He endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!

Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!

Praise Him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

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

C:   Amen.

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

C:   Amen.

Hymn of the Day  “Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling”  LSB #650

1    Holy Spirit, ever dwelling In the holiest realms of light;

Holy Spirit, ever brooding O'er a world of gloom and night;

Holy Spirit, ever raising Those of earth to thrones on high;

Living, life-imparting Spirit, You we praise and magnify.

2    Holy Spirit, ever living As the Church's very life;

Holy Spirit, ever striving Through us in a ceaseless strife;

Holy Spirit, ever forming In the Church the mind of Christ;

You we praise with endless worship For your gifts and fruits unpriced.

3    Holy Spirit, ever working Through the Church's ministry;

Quick'ning, strength'ning, and absolving, Setting captive sinners free;

Holy Spirit, ever binding Age to age and soul to soul

In communion never ending, You we worship and extol.

Scripture Readings

First Reading (Acts 5:12-20)

          Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

      17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Revelation 1:4-18)

John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

      Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

      To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

      8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

      9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

      12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

      17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. John, the 20th chapter.

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(John 20:19-31)

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

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

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

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

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (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  “O Sons and Daughters of the King”  LSB #470

1    O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heav'nly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave hath lost its sting!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2    That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3    An angel clad in white they see,
Who sits and speaks unto the three,
"Your Lord will go to Galilee."
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

4    That night the Apostles met in fear;
Among them came their master dear
And said: "My peace be with you here."
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

5    When Thomas first the tidings heard
That they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples' word.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

6    "My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
And look upon My hands, My feet;
Not faithless but believing be."
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

7    No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
"You are my Lord and God!" he cried.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

8    How blest are they that have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been,
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

9    On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voices raise.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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.

Hymn “Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen”  LSB # 474

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easter Sunday April 17, 2022

OPENING HYMN              Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds  LSB 465

(1) Now all the vault of heav’n resounds

In praise of love that still abounds:

    “Christ has triumphed! He is living!”

Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear!

Repeat their song of glory here:

    “Christ has triumphed! Christ has triumphed!”

    Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

(2) Eternal is the gift He brings,

Therefore our heart with rapture sings:

    “Christ has triumphed! He is living!”

Now still He comes to give us life

And by His presence stills all strife.

    Christ has triumphed! He is living!

    Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

(3) O fill us, Lord, with dauntless love;

Set heart and will on things above

    That we conquer through Your triumph;

Grant grace sufficient for life’s day

That by our lives we truly say:

    “Christ has triumphed! He is living!”

    Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

(4) Adoring praises now we bring

And with the heav’nly blessèd sing:

    “Christ has triumphed! Alleluia!”

Be to the Father and our Lord,

To Spirit blest, most holy God,

    All the glory, never ending!

    Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Amen.   

           
INVOCATION

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

C  Amen.

EASTER ACCLAMATION

P     Alleluia! Christ is risen!

C     He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM [LSB p. 268] [Baptism of JieMi Erica Hsu Broome’]

HYMN  Dearest Jesus, We Are Here [v. 5]                                               LSB 592

        5.    Now into Your heart we pour prayers that from our hearts proceeded.

Our petitions heav’nward soar; may our hearts’ desires be heeded!

Write the name we now have given; write it in the book of heaven!         

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

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.

(Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination.)

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 T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C      Amen.

HYMN                    Jesus Christ Is Risen Today                             LSB 457

1 Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia!

Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!

Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!

Unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!

Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

3 But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!

Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!

Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!

Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!

Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!

Praise Him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

KYRIE

(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.

HYMN OF PRAISE                                                             This Is the Feast

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!

SALUTATION & COLLECT OF THE DAY

P     The Lord be with you.

C And also with you.

P     Let us pray.

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

OLD TESTAMENT READING                                                 Isaiah 65:17–25

17“Behold, I create new heavens
      and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered
      or come into mind.
18But be glad and rejoice forever
      in that which I create;
for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,
      and her people to be a gladness.
19I will rejoice in Jerusalem
      and be glad in my people;
no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping
      and the cry of distress.
20No more shall there be in it
      an infant who lives but a few days,
      or an old man who does not fill out his days,
for the young man shall die a hundred years old,
      and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.
21They shall build houses and inhabit them;
      they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22They shall not build and another inhabit;
      they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
      and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23They shall not labor in vain
      or bear children for calamity,
for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord,
      and their descendants with them.
24Before they call I will answer;
      while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;
      the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
      and dust shall be the serpent’s food.
They shall not hurt or destroy
      in all my holy mountain,”
says the Lord.

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

EPIST LESSON                                                     1 Corinthians 15:19–26

      19If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

      20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

A    This is the Word of the Lord.         

C    Thanks be to God.

ALLELUIA VERSE

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

HOLY GOSPEL                                                                          Luke 24:1–12

P    The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the twenty-fourth chapter.

C Glory to You O Lord.

      1On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8And they remembered his words, 9and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

P    This is the Gospel of the Lord.         

C Praise to You, O Christ.

HYMN OF THE DAY       Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia                      LSB 466

 1 Christ has arisen, alleluia.
Rejoice and praise him, alleluia.
For our redeemer burst from the tomb,
even from death, dispelling its gloom.
Let us sing praise to him with endless joy.
Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia!

2 For three long days the grave did its worst
until its strength by God was dispersed.
He who gives life did death undergo,
and in its conquest his might did show.
Let us sing praise to him with endless joy.
Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia!

3 The angel said to them, “Do not fear.
You look for Jesus who is not here.
See for yourselves the tomb is all bare.
Only the graveclothes are lying there.”
Let us sing praise to him with endless joy.
Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia!

4 “Go spread the news: he’s not in the grave.
He has arisen this world to save.
Jesus’ redeeming labors are done.
Even the battle with sin is won.”
Let us sing praise to him with endless joy.
Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia!

5 Christ has arisen to set us free.
Alleluia, to him praises be.
Jesus is living! Let us all sing;
he reigns triumphant, heavenly king.
Let us sing praise to him with endless joy.
Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia!        

SERMON: He Is Not Here

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.

OFFERING / CHORAL SELECTION                      “Jesus, Victorious Lamb”

OFFERTORY        Crown Him with Many Crowns                          LSB 525

4 Crown Him the Lord of Life,
Who triumphed o'er the grave
And rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing,
Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring
And lives that death may die.

5 Crown Him the Lord of heav'n,
Enthroned in worlds above,
Crown Him the King to whom is giv'n
The wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns
As thrones before him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns,
For He is King of all.       

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. With great joy and thanksgiving, we praise You, our Father in heaven, for the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. By His life, death, and resurrection, He has granted us everlasting life with You. He has opened the way for us to know You forever and to live with confidence that You hear us when we pray, for: He lives, He lives, who once was dead;

C     He lives, my ever-living head.

P     In a world full of chaos and confusion, we find refuge in the fact that You are on Your throne as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Instead of foolishly looking to this world for our peace and purpose, help us, O Father, to look to Jesus, who is seated in power at Your right hand, for: He lives all-glorious in the sky;

C     He lives exalted there on high.

P     We bring to You, faithful Lord, the needs of our lives and the concerns of those we love. For those who are hungry and hurting, doubting and dismaying, grant that the message of Christ’s resurrection bring restoration and peace, for we know: He lives my hungry soul to feed;

C     He lives to help in time of need.

P     There are many among us who are in need, O Lord. For the sick, suffering, hurting, and ailing, we ask for Your healing touch, [especially . . .]. Help them to know that: He lives to comfort me when faint;

C     He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

P     When the troubles of life seem overwhelming, steady us with Your presence, gracious God. Be the rock on which Your Church is built and through whom we confidently share the Good News of Christ’s resurrection with the world He died to save. When we waver, help us to remember: He lives to calm my troubled heart;

C     He lives all blessings to impart.

P     Death was not the end for Jesus; neither is it the end for those who trust in You. Give peace, hope, and the certainty of the coming Day of resurrection to all those who mourn and grieve, We are confident that: He lives my mansion to prepare;

C     He lives to bring me safely there.

P     What a blessing it is to be in Your house today, Lord God, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior! His triumph over sin, death, and the devil is the reason we rejoice this day, and every day, knowing that: He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;

C     He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

P     He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same;

C     Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!

BENEDICTION                                                                           Numbers 6:24-26

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.

EASTER ACCLAMATION

P     Alleluia! Christ is risen!          C  He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

CLOSING HYMN              I Know That My Redeemer Lives             LSB 461

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday April 10, 2022

THE PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION

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

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

C:  Praise God for the Son of David!

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

               O Lord, Giver of salvation, help us, this week, to concentrate on

               the mighty acts by which You have given us life everlasting.  We

               pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C:  Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

C:  Praise God for the Son of David!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C:  Praise God for the Son of David!

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:  And also with you.

P:   Let us pray. 

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

C:  Amen.

Old Testament Lesson (Deuteronomy 32:36-39)

      For the Lord will vindicate his people

    and have compassion on his servants,

when he sees that their power is gone

    and there is none remaining, bond or free.

37 Then he will say, ‘Where are their gods,

    the rock in which they took refuge,

38 who ate the fat of their sacrifices

    and drank the wine of their drink offering?

Let them rise up and help you;

    let them be your protection!

39 “‘See now that I, even I, am he,

    and there is no god beside me;

I kill and I make alive;

    I wound and I heal;

    and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

L:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:  Thanks be to God.

Epistle Lesson (Philippians 2:5-11)

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

L:   This is the Word of the Lord

C:  Thanks be to God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus is condemned by Israel’s leaders (23:1-25)

      Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

Hymn: “O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken?”…………….. # 439, vv. 1 & 5

1 O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken

That such sharp sentence should on Thee be spoken?

Of what great crime hast Thou to make confession,

What dark transgression?

5 The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;

The sinful child of man may live in gladness;

Man forfeited his life and is acquitted;

God is committed.

Jesus is crucified (23:26-43)

          And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Hymn: “Cross of Jesus, Cross of Sorrow”……………………………….            # 428

2 Here the King of all the ages, Throned in light ere worlds could be,

Robed in mortal flesh is dying, Crucified by sin for me.

3 O mysterious condescending! O abandonment sublime!

Very God Himself is bearing All the sufferings of time!

4 Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow, Where the blood of Christ was shed,

Perfect Man on thee did suffer, Perfect God on thee has bled!

Jesus dies (23:44-56)

      It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

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

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

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

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

Homily

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.

Offering

The Prayer of the Church

The Benediction

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

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

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

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

Sunday April 4, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

C:   Amen.

Collect for the day:

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

C:   Amen.

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

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

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

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Isaiah 43:16-21)

16 Thus says the Lord,

    who makes a way in the sea,

    a path in the mighty waters,

17 who brings forth chariot and horse,

    army and warrior;

they lie down, they cannot rise,

    they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:

18 “Remember not the former things,

    nor consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;

    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

    and rivers in the desert.

20 The wild beasts will honor me,

    the jackals and the ostriches,

for I give water in the wilderness,

    rivers in the desert,

to give drink to my chosen people,

21     the people whom I formed for myself

that they might declare my praise.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Philippians 3:8-14)

      8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

      12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

P:  The holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 20th chapter.

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 20:9-20)

      9 [Jesus] began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. 10 When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” 17 But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone’?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

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.

Hymn of the Day  “My Song Is Love Unknown”  LSB # 430 vv. 1-4

1    My song is love unknown, My Savior’s love to me,

      Love to the loveless shown That they might lovely be.
      Oh, who am I That for my sake
      My Lord should take Frail flesh and die?

2    He came from His blest throne Salvation to bestow;
      But men made strange, and none The longed-for Christ would know.
      But, oh, my friend, My Friend indeed,
      Who at my need His life did spend!

3    Sometimes they strew His way And His sweet praises sing;
      Resounding all the day Hosannas to their King.
      Then “Crucify!” Is all their breath,
      And for His death They thirst and cry.

4    Why, what hath my Lord done? What makes this rage and spite?
      He made the lame to run, He gave the blind their sight.
      Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
      Themselves displease And 'gainst Him rise.

Sermon

Hymn of the Day  “My Song Is Love Unknown”  LSB # 430 vv. 5-7

5    They rise and needs will have My dear Lord made away;
      A murderer they save, The Prince of Life they slay.
      Yet cheerful He To suff'ring goes
      That He His foes From thence might free.

6    In life no house, no home My Lord on earth might have;
      In death no friendly tomb But what a stranger gave.
      What may I say? Heav'n was His home
      But mine the tomb Wherein He lay.

7    Here might I stay and sing, No story so divine!
      Never was love, dear King, Never was grief like Thine.
      This is my friend, In whose sweet praise
      I all my days Could gladly spend!

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, 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 March 27, 2022

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!

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 “What Wondrous Love Is This”  #543

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this That caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down Beneath God's righteous frown,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

3 To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM.

While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing.

While millions join the theme, I will sing.

4 And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on;

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on.

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing His love for me,

And through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on,

And through eternity I'll sing on.

(Sung)

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

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.

Collect for the day:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul.  Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Isaiah 12:1-6)

You will say in that day:

“I will give thanks to you, O Lord,

    for though you were angry with me,

your anger turned away,

    that you might comfort me.

2 “Behold, God is my salvation;

    I will trust, and will not be afraid;

for the Lord God is my strength and my song,

    and he has become my salvation.”

3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:

“Give thanks to the Lord,

    call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

    proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;

    let this be made known in all the earth.

6 Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,

    for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

          16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 15:11-32)

      1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable…  

“There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day  “God Loved the World So That He Gave”  LSB # 571

1 God loved the world so that He gave His only Son the lost to save,

That all who would in Him believe Should everlasting life receive.

2 Christ Jesus is the ground of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death;

All then who trust in Him alone Are built on this chief cornerstone.

3 God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is nigh;

His Spirit in the Word declares How we in Christ are heaven's heirs.

4 Be of good cheer, for God's own Son Forgives all sins which you have done;

And, justified by Jesus' blood, Your Baptism grants the highest good.

5 If you are sick, if death is near, This truth your troubled heart can cheer:

Christ Jesus saves your soul from death; That is the firmest ground of faith.

6 Glory to God the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One!

To Thee, O blessed Trinity, Be praise now and eternally!

Sermon

Confession of Faith  --  Nicene Creed

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

            maker of heaven and earth

            and of all things visible and invisible.

      And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

            the only‐begotten Son of God,

            begotten of His Father before all worlds,

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

            begotten, not made,

            being of one substance with the Father,

            by whom all things were made;

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

            and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary

            and was made man;

            and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

            He suffered and was buried.

            And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures

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

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

            whose kingdom will have no end.

      And I believe in the Holy Spirit,

            the Lord and giver of life,

            who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

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

            who spoke by the prophets.

            And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church

            I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,

            and I look for the resurrection of the dead

            and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

P:         Lord, in Your mercy

C:         hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Benediction

P:  The Lord bless you and keep you.

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

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

C:   Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Go, My Children, with My Blessing”  LSB #922

1    Go, my children, with my blessing, Never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you; You are my own.
In my love's baptismal river I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing - You are my own.

2    Go, my children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, What I can cure.
Here you heard my dear Son's story; Here you touched him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure.

3    Go, my children, fed and nourished, Closer to me;
Grow in love and love by serving, Joyful and free.
Here my Spirit's power filled you; Here his tender comfort stilled you.
Go, my children, fed and nourished, Joyful and free.

4    I the Lord will bless and keep you And give you peace;
I the Lord will smile upon you And give you peace;
I the Lord will be your Father, Savior, Comforter, and Brother.
Go, my children; I will keep you And give you peace.     

Sunday March 20, 2022

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.

Refrain:

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. [Refrain]

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! [Refrain]

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

C:   Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

P:   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 (Ezekiel 33:7-20)

“So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8 If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.

10 “And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: ‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?’ 11 Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?

12 “And you, son of man, say to your people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him when he transgresses, and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall by it when he turns from his wickedness, and the righteous shall not be able to live by his righteousness when he sins. 13 Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die. 14 Again, though I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ yet if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right, 15 if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 16 None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.

17 “Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just,’ when it is their own way that is not just. 18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it. 19 And when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he shall live by this. 20 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways.”

P:   O Lord, have mercy on us..

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

P:   O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (Sung) Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 13:1-9)

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (Sung) Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways”  LSB # 707

1 Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways To keep His statutes still!

Oh, that my God would grant me grace To know and do His will!

2 Order my footsteps by Thy Word And make my heart sincere;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.

3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray, A stricter watch to keep;

And should I e'er forget Thy way, Restore Thy wand'ring sheep.

4 Make me to walk in Thy commands--'Tis a delightful road--

Nor let my head or heart or hands Offend against my God.

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  “How Can I Thank You, Lord”  LSB #703

1 How can I thank You, Lord, For all Your loving-kindness,

That You have patiently Borne with me in my blindness!

When dead in many sins And trespasses I lay,

I kindled, holy God, Your anger ev'ry day.

2 It is Your work alone That I am now converted;

O'er Satan's work in me You have Your pow'r asserted.

Your mercy and Your grace That rise afresh each morn

Have turned my stony heart Into a heart newborn.

3 Lord, You have raised me up To joy and exultation

And clearly shown the way That leads me to salvation.

My sins are washed away; For this I thank You, Lord.

Now with my heart and soul All evil I abhor.

4 Grant that Your Spirit's help To me be always given

Lest I should fall again And lose the way to heaven.

Grant that He give me strength In my infirmity;

May He renew my heart To serve You willingly.

5 O Father, God of love, Now hear my supplication;

O Savior, Son of God, Accept my adoration;

O Holy Spirit, be My ever faithful guide

That I may serve You here And there with You abide.

Sunday March 6, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C:   Amen.

Hymn “O Christ, You Walked the Road”  LSB # 424

O Christ, You walked the road  Our wand’ring feet must go.

You faced with us temptation’s pow’r  And fought our ancient foe.

No bread of earth alone  Can fill our hung’ring hearts.

Lord, help us seek Your living Word,  The food Your grace imparts.

No blinding sign we ask,  No wonder from above.

Lord, help us place our trust alone  In Your unswerving love.

When lures of easy gain  With promise brightly shine,

Lord, help us seek Your kingdom first;  Our wills with Yours align.

O Christ, You walked the road  Our wand’ring feet must go.

Stay with us through temptation’s hour  To fight our ancient foe.

Kyrie

(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.

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

Collect for the day:

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

C:   Amen.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)

When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it, 2 you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make his name to dwell there. 3 And you shall go to the priest who is in office at that time and say to him, ‘I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our fathers to give us.’ 4 Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the Lord your God.

5 “And you shall make response before the Lord your God, ‘A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. 6 And the Egyptians treated us harshly and humiliated us and laid on us hard labor. 7 Then we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. 9 And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Romans 10:8b-13)

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 4:1-13)

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God,

    and him only shall you serve.’”

9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,

    to guard you,’

11 and

“‘On their hands they will bear you up,

    lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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!

      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

Prayer of the Church

P:         Lord, in Your mercy

C:         hear our prayer.

Offertory

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?  I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord.  I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord.  I will pay my vows to the Lord, now in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

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

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!

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!

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!

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 February 27, 2022

Hymn “Alleluia, Song of Gladness”  LSB # 417

1 Alleluia, song of gladness, Voice of joy that cannot die;

Alleluia is the anthem Ever raised by choirs on high;

In the house of God abiding Thus they sing eternally.

2 Alleluia, thou resoundest, True Jerusalem and free;

Alleluia, joyful mother, All thy children sing with thee,

But by Babylon's sad waters Mourning exiles now are we.

3 Alleluia cannot always Be our song while here below;

Alleluia, our transgressions Make us for a while for-go;

For the solemn time is coming When our tears for sin must flow.

4 Therefore in our hymns we pray Thee, Grant us, blessed Trinity,

At the last to keep Thine Easter With Thy faithful saints on high;

There to Thee for ever singing Alleluia joyfully.

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  “O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair”  LSB #413

1    O wondrous type! O vision fair Of glory that the Church may share,

      Which Christ upon the mountain shows, Where brighter than the sun He glows!

2    With Moses and Elijah nigh The incarnate Lord holds converse high;

      And from the cloud the Holy One Bears record to the only Son.

3    With shining face and bright array Christ deigns to manifest today

      What glory shall be theirs above Who joy in God with perfect love.

4    And faithful hearts are raised on high By this great vision's mystery,

      For which in joyful strains we raise The voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.

5    O Father, with the eternal Son And Holy Spirit ever one,

      We pray Thee, bring us by Thy grace To see Thy glory face to face.

(Sung)

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

To God on high be glory and peace to all the earth;

Good will from God in heaven proclaimed at Jesus’ birth!

We praise and bless You, Father; Your holy name, we sing,

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

To You, O sole-begotten, the Father’s Son, we pray;

O Lamb of God, our Savior, You take our sins away.

Have mercy on us, Jesus; Receive our heartfelt cry,

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

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

Forever and forever, be worshiped and adored;

You with the Holy Spirit alone are Lord Most High,

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

P:   The Lord be with you.

C:   And also with you.

P:   Let us pray.

Collect for the day:

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

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading  (Deuteronomy 34:1-12)

Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Hebrews 3:1-6)

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 9:28-36)

          Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Hymn  “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer”  LSB # 918

1 Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land.
   I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy pow'rful hand.
   Bread of heaven, bread of heaven Feed me till I want no more;
   Feed me till I want no more.

2 Open now the crystal fountain Whence the healing stream doth flow;
   Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through.
   Strong deliv'rer, strong deliv'rer, Be Thou still my strength and shield;
   Be Thou still my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside;
   Death of death and hell's destruction, Land me safe on Canaan's side.
   Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to Thee;
   I will ever give to Thee.

Sunday February 20, 2022

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.

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

C:   Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

P:   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 (Genesis 45:3-15)

          3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

4 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’ 12 And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 You must tell my father of all my honor in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” 14 Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him.

P:   O Lord, have mercy on us..

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42)

21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death…

30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.

P:   O Lord, have mercy on us.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (Sung) Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 6:27-38)

27 [Jesus said:] “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   (Sung) Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn of the Day “My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker”  LSB # 820

1 My soul, now praise your Maker! Let all within me bless His name

Who makes you full partaker Of mercies more than you dare claim.

Forget Him not whose meekness Still bears with all your sin,

Who heals your ev'ry weakness, Renews your life within;

Whose grace and care are endless And saved you through the past;

Who leaves no suff'rer friendless But rights the wronged at last.

2 He offers all His treasure Of justice, truth, and righteousness,

His love beyond all measure, His yearning pity o'er distress,

Nor treats us as we merit But sets His anger by.

The poor and contrite spirit Finds His compassion nigh;

And high as heav'n above us, As dawn from close of day,

So far, since He has loved us, He puts our sins away.

3 For as a tender father Has pity on His children here,

God in His arms will gather All who are His in childlike fear.

He knows how frail our powers, Who but from dust are made.

We flourish like the flowers, And even so we fade;

The wind but through them passes, And all their bloom is o'er.

We wither like the grasses; Our place knows us no more.

4 His grace remains forever, And children's children yet shall prove

That God forsakes them never Who in true fear shall seek His love.

In heav'n is fixed His dwelling, His rule is over all;

O hosts with might excelling, With praise before Him fall.

Praise Him forever reigning, All you who hear His Word--

Our life and all sustaining. My soul, O praise the Lord!

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  “Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense”  LSB #741 vv. 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 February 13, 2022

Hymn “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright”  LSB # 395

O Morning Star, how fair and bright! You shine with God’s own truth and light,
Aglow with grace and mercy!
Of Jacob’s race, King David’s son, Our Lord and master, you have won
Our hearts to serve you only!
Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, All victorious, rich in blessing!
Rule and might, o’er all possessing!

Come, heav’nly Bridegroom, Light divine, And deep within our hearts now shine;
There light a flame undying!
In Your one body let us be As living branches of a tree, Your life our lives supplying.
Now, though daily Earth’s deep sadness May perplex us And distress us,
Yet with heav’nly joy you bless us.

Lord, when you look on us in love, at once there falls from God above

A ray of purest pleasure.
Your word and Spirit, flesh and blood, refresh our souls with heav’nly food.
You are our dearest treasure!
Let your mercy warm and cheer us! O draw near us! For you teach us
God’s own love through you has reached us.

Almighty Father, in Your Son You loved us when not yet begun
Was this old earth’s foundation!
Your Son has ransomed us in love to live in Him here and above:
This is your great salvation.
Alleluia! Christ the living, to us giving life forever,
Keeps us Yours and fails us never!

O let the harps break forth in sound! Our joy be all with music crowned,
Our voices gladly blending!
For Christ goes with us all the way today, tomorrow, ev’ry day!
His love is never ending!
Sing out! Ring out! Jubilation! Exultation! Tell the story!
Great is He, the King of glory!

What joy to know, when life is past, the Lord we love is first and last,
The end and the beginning!
He will one day, oh, glorious grace, transport us to that happy place
Beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness!
We are yearning for the day of your returning!

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 strength of all who put their trust in You, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Hoy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:   Amen.

Hymn “Renew Me, O Eternal Light”  LSB # 704

1 Renew me, O eternal Light,

And let my heart and soul be bright,

Illumined with the light of grace

That issues from Your holy face.

2 Remove the pow'r of sin from me

And cleanse all my impurity

That I may have the strength and will

Temptations of the flesh to still.

3 Create in me a new heart, Lord,

That gladly I obey Your Word.

Let what You will be my desire,

And with new life my soul inspire.

4 Grant that I only You may love

And seek those things which are above

Till I behold You face to face,

O Light eternal, through Your grace.

Scripture Readings

Old Testament Reading (Jeremiah 17:5-8)

          5 Thus says the Lord:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man

    and makes flesh his strength,

    whose heart turns away from the Lord.

6 He is like a shrub in the desert,

    and shall not see any good come.

He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,

    in an uninhabited salt land.

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

    whose trust is the Lord.

8 He is like a tree planted by water,

    that sends out its roots by the stream,

and does not fear when heat comes,

    for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

    for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (1 Corinthians 15:12-20)

          12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  (sung) Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

(Luke 6:17-26)

          17 [Jesus] came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

“Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
                             

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 “Lord of All Hopefulness”  LSB # 738

1 Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares can destroy,

Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,

Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

2 Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,

Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,

Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,

Your strength in our hearts, Lord at the noon of the day.

3 Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,

Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,

Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,

Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

4 Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,

Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,

Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,

Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

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 “Almighty Father, Bless the Word”  LSB # 923

1    Almighty Father, bless the Word Which through Your grace we now have heard.

      Oh, may the precious seed take root, Spring up, and bear abundant fruit!

2    We praise You for the means of grace As homeward now our steps we trace.

      Grant, Lord, that we who worshiped here May all at last in heav'n appear.

3    Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;

      Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Sunday January 9, 2022

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

1    Hail to the Lord's anointed, Great David's greater Son!

      Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!

      He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,

      To take away transgression And rule in equity.

2    He comes with rescue speedy To those who suffer wrong,

      To help the poor and needy And bid the weak be strong;

      To give them songs for sighing, Their darkness turn to light,

      Whose souls, condemned and dying, Were precious in His sight.

3    He shall come down like showers Upon the fruitful earth;

      Love, joy, and hope, like flowers, Spring in His path to birth.

      Before Him on the mountains Shall peace, the herald, go;

      And righteousness in fountains From hill to valley flow.

4    Kings shall fall down before Him And gold and incense bring;

      All nations shall adore Him, His praise all people sing.

      To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend;

      His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end.

5    O'er ev'ry foe victorious, He on His throne shall rest,

      From age to age more glorious, All blessing and all-blest.

      The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;

      His name shall stand forever– That name to us is Love.

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: “O Savior of Our Fallen Race”  LSB #403

1    O Savior of our fallen race, O Brightness of the Father’s face,

      O Son who shared the Father’s might Before the world knew day or night Alleluia!

2    O Jesus, very Light of Light, Our constant star in sin’s deep night:

      Now hear the prayers Your people pray Throughout the world this holy day.  Alleluia!

3    Remember, Lord of life and grace, How once, to save our fallen race,

      You put our human vesture on And come to us as Mary’s son.  Alleluia!

4    Today, as year by year its light Bathes all the world in radiance bright,

      One precious truth outshines the sun: Salvation comes from You alone.  Alleluia!

5    For from the Father’s throne You came, His banished children to reclaim;

      And earth and sea and sky revere The love of Him who sent You here.  Alleluia!

6    And we are jubilant today, For You have washed our guilt away. 

      O hear the glad new song we sing On this, the birthday of our King!  Alleluia!

7    O Christ, Redeemer virgin-born, Let songs of praise Your name adorn,

      Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Spirit evermore.  Alleluia!

(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  (Isaiah 43:1-7)

1 But now thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob,

    he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

    I have called you by name, you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

    and the flame shall not consume you.

3 For I am the Lord your God,

    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

I give Egypt as your ransom,

    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

4 Because you are precious in my eyes,

    and honored, and I love you,

I give men in return for you,

    peoples in exchange for your life.

5 Fear not, for I am with you;

    I will bring your offspring from the east,

    and from the west I will gather you.

6 I will say to the north, Give up,

    and to the south, Do not withhold;

bring my sons from afar

    and my daughters from the end of the earth,

7 everyone who is called by my name,

    whom I created for my glory,

    whom I formed and made.”

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading    (Romans 6:1-11)

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

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

P:   This is the Word of the Lord.

C:   Thanks be to God.

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

C:  Glory to You, O Lord.

(Luke 3:15-22)

          15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

P:   This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C:   Praise to You, O Christ.

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.

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

1    To Jordan's river came our Lord, The Christ, whom heav'nly hosts adored,

      The God from God, the Light from Light, The Lord of glory, pow'r and might.

2    The Savior came to be baptized – The Son of God in flesh disguised –

      To stand beneath the Father's will And all his promises fulfill.

3    As Jesus in the Jordan stood And John baptized the Lamb of God,

      The Holy Spirit, heav'nly dove, Descended on him from above.

4    Then from God's throne with thund'rous sound Came God's own voice with words profound:

      "This is my Son," was his decree, "The one I love, who pleases me."

5    The Father's word, the Spirit's flight Anointed Christ in glorious sight

      As God's own choice, from Adam's fall To save the world and free us all.

6    Now rise, faint hearts: be resolute! This man is Christ, our substitute!

      He was baptized in Jordan's stream, Proclaimed Redeemer, Lord supreme

Sermon

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  “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”  LSB # 394

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday January 2, 2022 Sermon text only

Audio Block

Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more

Sermon - The Wisdom of God - 1/2/22

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

We heard a lot about wisdom in our readings for this Second Sunday after Christmas.  Our Gospel lesson begins and ends with the child Jesus, who is said first to be filled with wisdom and then, after returning to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, he is said to be increasing in wisdom.

And, there in the middle, Mary and Joseph are searching frantically for the boy, Jesus.  And they find him in the temple, in his Father’s house.  And what’s he doing?  He’s sitting among the teachers and listening, and asking questions…

And as a former teacher, I know what it’s like to have a really smart student in the classroom, the one who raises his hand and asks that question that’s a really good question, and you as the teacher don’t have an answer.  But I imagine that Jesus, even as a boy of twelve, was able to ask questions in a way that didn’t put the teachers of the Law off, or antagonize them, but make them think and ponder…

He’s listening and asking questions, and everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and at his answers.  And don’t you wonder what it was they were talking about?  Was it about the coming of the Messiah and what freedom that Messiah would bring?  Was Jesus laying groundwork for another day?

---------------------

They are all amazed at his understanding and his answers – and maybe we could say they were amazed at his wisdom.  Jesus goes with Mary and Joseph, submits to them, and what did the teachers of the Law say about him amongst themselves afterward? 

·       Did they start texting the district office or the synodical president saying, “We need to keep our eye on this one.  He's going places!  He could really be somebody if we groom him right!”

·       Or did they shake their heads and say, “Too bad he’s from Nazareth.  He would have made a fine priest or rabbi.

·       Were they reminded of the legendary wisdom of King Solomon, and did they think that this young boy would be a much better and wiser king than Herod?

--------------

We also read today how Solomon came to have such wisdom.  He’s very young when David puts him on the throne, and when God appears to him in a dream and asks him to name what God should do for him, Solomon doesn’t ask for riches or long life or for victory in battle.  He asks for an understanding mind to govern the people, and to discern between good and evil.

And this greatly pleases God.  And because Solomon did not ask for blessing and gifts for himself, but something for the good of God’s people, God gives him great wisdom, so that none before and none after Solomon were as wise and discerning as he was.  He taught about the trees and about the animals, and people from all sorts of nations came to hear him speak – most famously the queen of Sheba.  His wisdom was, truly, legendary!

--------------

You and I have just left 2021 behind us.  And in these days of transition, there might be some evaluating going on as we look at the events of the past year.  We might examine the decisions we’ve made, how wisely did we spend our time or our money.  Did our plans work out the way we’d hoped?  What wisdom have we gained from the year gone by that will carry us into the new year?

----------

I don’t know if you remember the old TV show, The A-Team, where Hannibal and his team of ex-military people would go around helping people out of impossible situations.  And B.A. Baraccus (played by Mr. T) had a  black suped up van that they rode around in, and there was always something blowing up.

In the show, the initials B.A. stand for “Bad Attitude”, and Mr. T played a really tough guy.  But this past New Year’s Eve, Mr. T sent out a tweet.  He said:  “During My A-Team Days, we would ask Hannibal, “What’s the plan”?  He would tell us “The Plan” and then say, “I love it when a plan comes together!”  Well, that was TV!  But in Real Life, no plan has a chance without God!”  It turns out that B.A. stands for “Born Again!”  Mr. T is a Christian and openly speaks about his faith.

-------------

And what Mr. T says is sage advice.  And, by the way, that’s all you’ll get if you go to an herbalist looking for wisdom…

We, as Christians, don’t rely on wisdom gained from this past year to carry us through 2022.  The wisdom of men is worthless if we rely on it instead of on our heavenly Father.  Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools (those who do not fear God) fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Job 12:13 says, “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.”  God has understanding.  He is omniscient – he knows all things, the past, the future… He knows each one of us, our problems and our pain, our joys and our misgivings.  He knows our fears about what might come to us in this new year.  And when we stand at the end of 2022 looking back, not one moment of it will have been a surprise to God.

And that should comfort us, as we stand on the brink of a new year, that the God who keeps the stars burning and ordains the movement of the planets, who makes the sun to shine and the rain to fall and the seed to sprout, that this God also knows every one of our steps through the coming year – not only knows our steps, but walks beside us all the way, never leaving or forsaking us.  And his promise to be with us, and his promise to work all things for our good, these promises are not conditional on our obedience, our right choices or a display of wisdom.  Rather, “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

All things in the coming year will work together for your good.  That’s God’s promise to you – to you who have been called according to His purpose!

You see, there is another wisdom that appears today in our readings.  This wisdom appears in the Epistle lesson where Paul speaks of the riches of God’s grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time.

God’s wisdom is so far above our own.  And here in Ephesians we read that, in God’s wisdom, he made known to us his grace, the mystery of his will…  God’s will is a mystery to us.  Once we walked with God in the Garden, but after the fall, God became hidden to us.  All of our wisdom and musings can’t find him or know him.  Beyond knowing that there must be a God and that he must be good, we can’t know or understand him.

But in his wisdom, he has made himself known to us.  He has revealed what his purpose for us is, and that purpose is that we would be brought back into relationship with him.  This was his plan, this was his will for us, and he set that will forth, he brought it to fruition in Jesus Christ.  “When the time was right, God sent his Son.” 

Paul writes that we were predestined for adoption through Jesus Christ.  Our path back to God, not as enemies brought in chains to be condemned for our sin, but our path back to God as his beloved children, as redeemed people adopted by our heavenly Father, that path was through Jesus Christ.

Paul says, “In [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.”  Through his blood!  God “chose us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” (v 3).  That means that before the world was begun, before God laid its foundation or said “Let there be light,” he had already purposed to adopt you as his child.  His will was that you, a sinner, would be made holy and blameless before him.

-------------

This year, as far as we’re concerned, is a blank slate.  It is still new and unmarred.  What if we resolved right now not to sin once from here on out, so that we could come to December 31st, 2022, and turn and look back at the year and say, “Wow, I did it.  I didn’t sin one time.  Everything was perfect.  This year, finally, I am blameless!”  … I think we’d all agree that that would be a pretty unrealistic outlook.  Maybe we should set our sights a little closer, like maybe the next ten minutes…

God, in his wisdom, sent to us a mediator.  He sent a Savior, to do the work of saving.  Our redemption comes through blood – through the blood that Jesus gave to redeem us, to bring us forgiveness.

And this, Paul says, is in accordance with God’s grace, God’s undeserved love.  God loved the world so that he gave His one and only Son.  And this sacrifice demonstrates just how much God loves you.  It reveals the driving power of his love for you – that this was his plan “for the fullness of time,” that you would be his child to spend, not just this next year, but all of eternity with him in his kingdom.

God’s grace is something unique to Christianity.  All the other religions of the world attach strings to any benevolence from the gods: 

·       The Buddhists have an eight-fold path that one must walk to reach enlightenment

·       The Hindus must live good lives in order to become one with the supreme being

·       A Muslim must give their god obedience since he will come to judge everyone by their deeds

·       Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, all other religions of the world require obedience, or some form of restitution on man’s part to gain favor with god.

Christianity alone is built on the grace of God, on the historical truth that the God who will judge the thoughts, words and deeds of all flesh, became himself flesh, to take our evil thoughts, words and deeds into himself.  And, bearing that burden, also took also God’s punishment for every evil act of mind, body and heart.  That’s grace.  That’s God’s love in action for you.  His actions for your salvation, choosing you before creation, all of his promises of a Savior for you, and the fulfillment of those promises all the way to the cross and the resurrection, all of this shows how powerful God’s love is for you.

---------------

When you were baptized, you received the promised Holy Spirit.  And what did Paul say of that Holy Spirit.  He said, “In [Christ] 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, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

The Holy Spirit within you is the seal and guarantee that you have been chosen by God since the foundation of the world; he is the guarantee that your sins are forgiven by the blood of Christ, that your name is written in the Book of Life, and that you will spend eternity with God in heaven.

That’s a lot to think about in this new year.  May God grant us his grace to think on the mystery of the will of God in Christ Jesus, to gift us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, having predestined us for adoption through our Lord Jesus.  In His name, amen.

Now, may the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Amen!