The Epiphany of Our Lord January 6, 2019

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1 150 th Anniversary Celebration News & Notes 2019 Apple Valley Food Pantry Pantry collection dates will typically be on the 2 nd Sun of each month during That means January s date is next Sunday, the 13 th. Items especially needed are pork n beans; canned carrots & mixed vegetables; all canned meats, e.g. tuna, chicken, etc.; crackers; cookies; canned fruit; canned pasta; boxed & canned potatoes; paper toweling; hamburger helper. The Epiphany of Our Lord January 6, 2019 Throughout 2019, we ll be celebrating 150 years of God s abundant grace upon our congregation. That s the theme chosen by our anniversary committee: GOD S GRACE ABOUNDS! Many events are planned, and we hope our members can participate in them all! Today kicks things off. A lunch will be served after the late service, with the meat and buns provided by the anniversary committee and the sides and desserts provided by members potluck-style. Forgot to bring a dish? No problem! Just come and enjoy! We ll also have a chance to formally welcome our new(er) members at the meal. On every first Sunday, we ll wish birthday and anniversary blessings to members celebrating those occasions during that particular month. Red Cross Blood Drive The next drive here at St. John is this coming Wednesday, January 9 th, from 1:00 until 6:00 in the fellowship hall. Signup sheets for both volunteers and donors are in the church entryway. January s Quarterly Voters Meeting Note that the meeting is on the 4 th Monday of the month this time around, instead of the 3 rd. Upcoming Fellowship Events This year s St. John Night at the Green Bay Gamblers is January 19 th. Hockey fans should watch for a ticket order form through the school. Mrs. Bunn will be out on center ice this year in the dash for cash to benefit our school. The annual chili cookoff will take place on February 16 th. Have a favorite recipe? Fix up a pot and let us give it a taste test. Prizes will be awarded for the top three chilis. Volunteer Greeters & Ushers A preliminary schedule has been drawn up, but it s never too late to jump in and help. Speak with Don Treptow if you d like to volunteer. FVL MusicFest 2019 will be held on Sunday, Jan 27 th, with performances beginning at noon. Doors will open at 11:30 and the event will run until 4:00. FVL Junior Foxes Baseball Team Registration is open for boys ages (7 th -12 th grade). The season begins in late April and goes to the third week of July. Registration is open until Mar 8 th. Register through the FVL Schools Youth Sports Page or contact Dennis Plaster at dplaster88@gmail.com or St. John Lutheran Church & School 437 Turner Street, Wrightstown WI, (920) church@stjlw.com pastorgehl@gmail.com (920) [16]

2 By God s grace, we gather to glorify him and grow in his Word, and to go with it into his world. Welcome! We re delighted that you ve joined us today, as we continue to celebrate the birth of our Savior on this final of The Twelve Days of Christmas! May God bless your worship, as you re strengthened and equipped for thankful service to his glory! Today s Theme: The Eastern Church celebrates January 6 th as the Nativity of our Lord. For the West, the Epiphany of Our Lord is the continued celebration of the birth of the Savior of Nations. So bright is the dawning of the Son, so great is the fullness of his glory, that his light not only fills the dark streets of Bethlehem, but the ends of the earth. Jew and Gentile alike gather to worship him who is born ruler of Judah and Shepherd of all Israel. Today s Service is printed in this worship folder, and the hymns are in the red hymnal. For your convenience, everything will also be displayed on the projection screen up front. The biblical practice of close communion is printed on the following page. A Friendship Register is located in each row, toward the center aisle. We ask that before worship or during the offering you fill those out completely with all the information requested and pass them down the row to your neighbor. Be sure to check any applicable boxes. Restrooms are located in our lower level. Head down the stairs to the right as you exit the worship space. Activity Bags for younger children are hanging from a rack in the entryway. Feel free to grab one if it can help to keep your little ones occupied during the service. Prayer Before Worship: Savior of the World, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving-kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts so that, with undivided attention, I may hear your voice and sing your praises. Serving This Week and Next 7:45 10:15 7:45 10:15 Greeters Lois Baumgartener Mary Fritsch Lois Baumgartener Karen Geiger Betty Schmidt Karen G, Rozanne B Betty Schmidt Mary F, Rozanne B Ushers Monty Reynolds Ralph Bohrtz Monty Reynolds Ralph Bohrtz Terry Schaeuble Josh Bohrtz Eric Olp, Noah P. Ken Lemke Ron Van Schyndel Mike Geiger Terry Schaeuble Josh Bohrtz Eric Olp, Noah P. Ken Lemke Ron Van Schyndel Mike Geiger Organist A/V January s Altar Guild: Lou Ann Gutzman, Courtney Schisel, & Janet Wierschke [2] [15]

3 The Biblical Practice of Close Communion Through the apostle Paul, God speaks of his desire for all of us to reach perfect unity (Ephesians 4:12,13). We members of St. John Congregation certainly share his desire. We seek to express that unity with our current members, with those who desire membership, and also with Christians around the world. Scripture speaks of two different types of unity. First, Christ has reconciled every single one of us to God through his perfect life and death on our behalf. Even now, God considers us saints and heirs of heaven, clothed with Christ s righteousness. You might think of this as a vertical unity purely between the individual and his or her God. Through Christ, peace with God has been restored. Then, there s also an outward and public unity a horizontal unity as fellow saints worship sideby-side. The celebration of Holy Communion is guided by both types. For communion to be celebrated in a beneficial way, those attending will come united with their God and also with their fellow-communicants. The former is established by repentance a sorrow over sin and a trust in God s forgiveness that he himself produces. It s a matter of the heart. The latter is established by the outward confession of what each of us believes. It s a matter of the mouth. We do not presume to look into the heart, for only God is able to do that. We do, however, seek to establish outward unity by studying God s Word together so that we share a common confession. Our congregation offers a Bible study course that s designed for just that purpose. And so, out of love for God and his Word, we kindly ask that all visitors speak with the pastor about how we can establish that outward unity prior to your attending Holy Communion here at St. John. We desire to make that goal a priority, so that you may receive the Sacrament as soon as possible. May God bless your hearing of the Word today as he reminds you of his full and free forgiveness in Christ! [14] [3]

4 Divine Service I I Opening Hymn Angels from the Realms of Glory (CW 80) Invocation 1 In the name of the Father and of the Son [ ] and of the Holy Spirit. Confession & Absolution 2 Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us. Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless worrying and selfish pride, for sins of habit and sins of choice, for the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do, you should cast me away from your presence forever. O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus sake. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son [ ] and of the Holy Spirit. Lord, Have Mercy (Kyrie) 3 Mark 10:47 In peace, let us pray to the Lord For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from you all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the spread of your life-giving gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in you, hear our prayer, O Christ. Christ, have mercy. For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await your return, hear our prayer, O Lord. Lord, have mercy. 1 The name of the triune God and the sign of the cross remind worshipers of their baptisms. 2 The use of the keys is that special power and right which Christ gave to his church on earth: to forgive the sins of penitent sinners (The Small Catechism, First: What is the use of the keys?). See John 20: Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression Lord, have mercy is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian church. [4] Last Week s Stewardship of the Means of Grace and the Means for His Work Chr. Eve: 202 Chr. Day: 84 NY Eve: 29 Dec 30: 93 Communed: 29 Adult Class: 17 Youth Classes: n/a Dec 30 YTD (27/53 wks) * YTD Goal Budgetary Income $4, $205, $248, *$4, of this amount is from member directives through Thrivent Choice *$50, of this amount is from St. John School tuition The Week+ Ahead as We Live in God s Grace Today (6 th ) January Birthdays & Anniversaries Celebrated 7:45a Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:00a Adult Bible Class (Joseph) 9:00a Youth Sunday School (Daniel; Three Men in the Fiery Furnace) 10:15a Worship w/ Holy Communion 11:30a Potluck: Anniversary Kickoff & New Member Welcome Mon (7 th ) 6:00p English Improvement Opportunities (EIO) Class Tue (8 th ) 12:00p Senior Luncheon Wed (9 th ) 1:00p Red Cross Blood Drive (church basement) 3:30p 5 th -8 th Grade Catechism Class 7:30p Adult Choir Practice Thu (10 th ) 6:30p Worship w/ Holy Communion 7:00p Handbells Practice (at Trinity, Kaukauna) Sun (13 th ) 7:45a Worship 9:00a Adult Bible Class (Joseph) 9:00a Youth Sunday School (Esther) 10:15a Worship Sat (19 th ) 7:05p St. John Night at The Green Bay Gamblers (hockey) (Resch Center) Mon (21 st ) & Tue (22 nd ) Pastors Conference (at St. Peter, Sturgeon Bay) Sun (27 th ) 9:00a Quarterly Open Forum (in place of adult Bible class) 12:00-4:00p MusicFest (at FVLHS) Mon (28 th ) 7:30p Quarterly Voters Meeting Sun (Feb 3) FVL Sunday (here at St. John) February Birthdays & Anniversaries Celebrated Sat (Feb 16) 12:00p Chili Cookoff (in the fellowship hall) Mon (Feb 25) 7:00p FVL General Board Meeting (at FVLHS) [13]

5 Thanksgiving Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) 17 Luke 2:29-32 [sung to the tune of The Church s One Foundation (CW 538)] 1. O Lord, now let your servant 2. All glory to the Father, Depart in peace, assured: All glory to the Son, For I have seen your promised All glory to the Spirit, incarnate, saving Word Forever three in one; A Light that will enlighten For as in the beginning, All gloom where Gentiles dwell; Is now, shall ever be, The brilliant, crowning glory God s triune name resounding Of those in Israel! Through all eternity. Closing Prayer We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that you have given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Blessing 18 Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and [ ] give you peace. Closing Hymn For Builders Bold Whose Vision Pure (CWS 775) [the hymn is printed on pages 14 and 15 of the bulletin] Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you. Glory Be to God (Gloria in Excelsis) 4 Luke 2:14 [sung to the tune of Jesus Shall Reign Where er the Sun (CW 84)] 1. All glory be to God on high! 3. O Lamb of God, to you we pray. Your name, O Lord, we glorify; You take all human sin away. We praise you for your peace and grace, Have mercy, Lord; receive our prayer; Your favor toward our fallen race. From God s right hand, your mercy share. 2. Our grateful thanks to you we bring, 4. You, Christ, are holy Lord alone; For your great glory, heav nly King, The Father s glory you made known. For all, O Father, you have done We by your Spirit sing again: Through Jesus Christ, your only Son. All glory be to God! Salutation 5 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Prayer of the Day The Word Let us pray. Lord God, by the leading of a star you once made known to the nations your one and only Son. Guide us, also, who know him now by faith, to come at last to the perfect joy of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. First Lesson 1 Kings 10:1-9 (EHV) The Queen of Sheba arrives with opulence in her train, but a seeking in her heart. In the court of Solomon she sees the faithfulness of the God of Israel. Her joy is evident as she offers praise to the eternal Lord. She typifies all the Gentiles nations who would hear of the mystery of Christ and come to the brightness of his dawn. 17 The Nunc Dimittis ( Now dismiss ) is also known as the Song of Simeon. Through God s Word and Sacrament, we have seen Jesus Christ, and like Simeon we find divine peace and comfort through faith in the Savior. 18 The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God s people for over 3,500 years. The Lord said, So they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them (Numbers 6:27). [12] 4 Christians praise God by proclaiming the great things he has done to accomplish our rescue from sin. Glory to God in the Highest has been a Christian song of worship since the fourth century. 5 This greeting has deep roots in Christian worship and marks the beginning of the Word section and the Sacrament section of the service. [5]

6 1 The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon s fame, which was connected with the fame of the LORD, so she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great entourage with camels carrying spices and a large quantity of gold and precious stones. She came to Solomon and told him everything that was on her heart. 3 Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 The Queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the house which he built, 5 and the food on his table. When she saw the council meeting of his officials, the careful attention of his ministers, as well as their attire, his cupbearers, and the whole burnt offerings which he offered at the House of the LORD, it took her breath away. 6 She said to the king, The report I heard in my own country about your accomplishments and your wisdom is true. 7 I did not believe the report until I came and saw it with my own eyes. The truth is, not even half of it was told to me! Your wisdom and wealth surpass the report which I heard. 8 Blessed are your men, blessed are your servants, who stand before you continually hearing your wisdom! 9 May the LORD your God be blessed, who was pleased to put you on the throne of Israel. Because the LORD loves Israel forever, he made you king to administer justice and righteousness. Psalm of the Day Psalm 72 Words of Institution 14 Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:24,25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my [ ] body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; this is my [ ] blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. The peace of the Lord be with you always. Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) 15 John 1:29 Endow the King with your justice, O God,* the royal Son with your righteousness. He will defend the afflicted among the people* and save the children of the needy. He will endure as long as the sun,* as long as the moon, through all gener- ations. He will be like rain falling on a mown field,* like showers water- ing the earth. Distribution 16 Refrain All kings will bow down to him,* and all nations will serve him. [6] 14 As he speaks the Words of Institution, the minister both proclaims the words of Jesus to the congregation and sets apart the bread and wine for the Lord s use. The sign of the cross reminds us of Christ s death. 15 Jesus is God s Lamb (Agnus Dei), who was offered as a sacrifice for sin once for all. 16 The Scriptures teach that the celebration of the Lord s Supper connects us intimately with Christ and with one another as Christians who are united around a common confession of faith. [11]

7 It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who came as the Light of the world so that the world may have light and life through him. Therefore with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song: Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus) 12 Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9 [sung to the tune of Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (CW 130)] 1. O holy, holy, holy 2. Hosanna in the highest! Lord God of pow r and might, How truly blest is he Your glory, earth and heaven Who in God s name is coming In countless ways recite. To set his people free! Hosanna! Come and save us, He comes to bring salvation Lord God of hosts on high, And with his blood outpoured, And in your grace and mercy Deliver us from bondage Receive our fervent cry. Hosanna, mighty Lord! Prayer of Thanksgiving 13 All glory and splendor, thanks and praise are yours, O Lord, heavenly Father. You pierced the gloomy darkness of sin and unbelief with the brilliant light of your Son. You guided the Magi to worship the Christ and revealed the mystery of your eternal plan to save both Jew and Gentile. You declared Jesus your beloved Son at the Jordan River and, with your Spirit, you anointed him to be the Savior of all people. Bless our reception of your Son s body and blood that we may shine with the joy of faith. Use this most Holy Sacrament to illumine our lives and minds with Christ s forgiveness, peace, and comfort. Refresh our faith, and help us to reflect his truth and grace to the world. We ask this that you may receive endless honor, glory, and praise from every tribe and language and people and nation. The Lord s Prayer Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. All nations will be blessed through him,* and they will call him blessed. Praise be to the LORD God, who alone does mar- velous deeds.* May the whole earth be filled with his glory. Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the be- ginning, * is now, and will be forever. Refrain Second Lesson Ephesians 3:2-12 (EHV) Paul knew what it meant to be suddenly bathed in light for the ultimate good of his soul. Now he rejoices in the revelation of the Christ not only to the House of Israel but to the Gentiles fellow heirs in the promise of Christ Jesus. 2 Surely you have heard of the administration of God s grace given to me for you, 3 namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation (as I have already written briefly). 4 When you read this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This mystery was not made known to people in past generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and people who also share in the promise through the gospel. 7 I became a servant of this gospel, in keeping with the gift of God s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. 8 To me even though I am the very least of all the saints was given this grace: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ 9 and to enlighten everyone about the administration of this mystery. In past ages this mystery remained hidden in God, who created all things. 10 He did this so that, through the church, the multifaceted wisdom of God in the heavenly places might now be made known to the rulers and authorities. 11 This was done according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we can freely approach God with confidence through faith in him. Verse of the Day 12 Sanctus means holy. Used possibly as early as the second century, this canticle was in wide use among Christians in worship by the fourteenth century. 13 Jesus took bread and gave thanks (Matthew 26:26). [10] [7]

8 Please stand 6 Gospel Lesson Matthew 2:1-12 (EHV) So long on the outside, looking in, the nations of the earth had viewed the glory of the Lord with a sense of mystery and awe while all but a faithful few in the chosen nation of Israel forsook and dishonored the God of the covenant. Yet, in the Lord s faithfulness, the promise is fulfilled as the Savior is born. The heralding star beckons the Magi to come and worship the King. Others wish to come for the purposes of evil. But the power of the Most High protects the Hope of Nations in his mother s arms. We offer our best in response to the greatest treasure salvation in Christ. The Gospel according to Matthew chapter 2. Glory be to you, O Lord. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2 Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. 3 When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 He gathered together all the people s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said to him, In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: 6 You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel. 7 Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him. 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11 After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. this is the Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ. Hymn of the Day 7 How Lovely Shines the Morning Star (CW 79) Sermon Matthew 2:1-12 The Glory of the Savior Is Revealed! Nicene Creed 8 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian 9 and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Thank-Offering 10 Prayer of the Church Preface 11 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is good and right so to do. The Sacrament 6 The congregation stands and speaks words of acclamation out of respect for the words of Christ, our King. 7 The Hymn of the Day is assigned to this day because of its rich content and connection to the day s Gospel. [8] 8 Public confession is faith s response to God s saving Word. Christians composed the Nicene Creed in the fourth century to defend the Bible s teachings that both Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are true God, equal to the Father in one eternal, undivided Trinity. 9 The original text here reads catholic, a word meaning universal. The Church consists of all believers in heaven and on earth, of every time in history. 10 Moved by God s love in Christ, we offer him our first and best gifts, purely out of thanks to him. Our guests should not feel obligated to give an offering, but may do so if they wish. 11 The words of the Preface mark the beginning of the Sacrament section of the service and lift the worshipers hearts in praise. The opening sentences are among the oldest in the Christian liturgy. [9]