An Affiliate of the Church of the Lutheran Confession

Transcription

1 April 2, th Sunday in Lent We Preach Christ Crucified ~1 Corinthians 1:23 An Affiliate of the Church of the Lutheran Confession 9:00am Sunday School & Bible Class / 10:00am Divine Service Visit us at: Church/Office (920) Pastor Neal Radichel Principal David Bernthal Teacher Jennifer Wiese Alter cloths are white; symbolizing for us the glory of God revealed in the humanity of Jesus. Welcome to all! This week s focus: While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." John 12:36 Today s Divine Service Liturgy (how God serves us): Red Hymnal pg Communion: 310, Pre-Service Meditation Psalm 18 (Red Hymnal pg. 125) ~ Opening Bells / Prayer Our worship service centers and glorifies our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please turn off your cell phones to avoid distraction. 1 P a g e

2 THE ORDER OF SERVICE I. WE PREPARE TO MEET OUR LORD THE INVOCATION We invoke ( call upon ) the name of our Triune God. PASTOR: We begin our Savior s Divine Service today in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ALL: II. WE PRAISE OUR LORD OPENING HYMN: #40 [Red Hymnal] III. OUR LORD SPEAKS TO US 1 ST SCRIPTURE LESSON ~ EPHESIANS 2:1-10 Revelation several times talks about a second death, referring to dying forever in hell. It also refers to a first and second resurrection. It is clear from this section that technically, God caused our first resurrection from a dead faith to a living faith. But what does this section go on to show we can look forward to because of this living faith in Christ? 1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 2 ND SCRIPTURE LESSON ~ JOHN 12:27-36 This is the third time God the Father audibly speaks from heaven about Jesus His Son. Jesus clearly speaks about what work He had come to earth to do. He prophecies exactly in what way He would do it as well. Then, what purpose does Jesus give to His followers both then and now? 2 P a g e

3 27 "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 "Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him." 30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 "Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, "We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. OUR CONFESSION OF FAITH ~ THE 2 ND ARTICLE / WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? All: I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true. 3 P a g e

4 HYMN OF THE DAY: #389 [Red Hymnal] SERMON MEDITATION read/watch sermons and services online at Jesus said, " Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" ~Luke 11:28 Genesis 14:14-20 NKJV 14 Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16 So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people. 17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all. Remember the Ministry of Melchizedek! 1. This Contrast of Kings promotes Christ 2. This Conquest of Men promotes Charity 3. This Condition of Gifts promotes Communion THE OFFERTORY We Offer God our hearts again, praying for His Spiritual blessings! 4 P a g e

5 COMMUNION ANNOUNCMENT: (See also blue handout in entry tract rack) Holy Communion is rightly called a Sacrament because it is a Sacred act; not in what WE do for Christ, but in what Christ does for US! Because God s Word presents the reception of this Sacrament as a most intimate expression of spiritual and confessional unity (1 Corinthians 1:10; 10:16-17 Romans 16:17-18), we ask only those who have publicly professed such oneness of faith and belief with us by membership here or another CLC church come forward at this time. This is not a judgment of anyone s faith, but rather an expression of ours. Please speak with pastor if you are seeking a church home or have any questions. We d love to have you! IV. WE OFFER OURSELVES TO OUR LORD AN OFFERING OF THANKFUL HEARTS TO THE LORD So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7 OFFERING MEDITATION: Pie Jesu Andrew Lloyd Webber, CCLI # Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu Merciful Jesus, Merciful Jesus, Merciful Jesus, Merciful Jesus Qui tollis peccata mundi; You who take away the sins of the world; Dona eis requiem, Dona eis requiem. Grant them rest (peace), Grant them rest (peace). Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei, Agnus Dei Lamb of God, Lamb of God, Lamb of God, Lamb of God, Qui tolis peccata mundi; You who take away the sins of the world; Dona eis requiem, Dona eis requiem Grant them rest (peace), Grant them rest (peace). Sempiternam, sempiternam, requiem. Everlasting, everlasting peace. SPECIAL PRAYERS ~ GENERAL PRAYER V. OUR LORD BLESSES US CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION OF SINS P: Knowing that God searches the heart, I ask you, are you sorry that you have sinned against Him in thought, word, and deed; and do you hope by the Holy Spirit, to amend your sinful life? Then declare so by saying, Yes, with the help of God. C: Yes, with the help of God. P: Upon this confession of your sins, I announce the grace and peace of God to you, and by the authority and command of 5 P a g e

6 our Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all of your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ALL: Amen. P: Lift up your hearts in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ! P: Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God! P: It is right and spiritually beneficial that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord: ALL: Who with Your only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit are one God, and one Lord. And in the confession of the only true God we worship the Trinity in Person and the Unity in Substance, of Majesty coequal! P: Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, we magnify Your glorious Name, praising You singing: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY SANCTUS 6 P a g e

7 THE LORD S PRAYER P: 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 THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION P: May this peace of our Lord be with you always! LAMB OF GOD AGNUS DEI DISTRIBUTION HYMN: #310, 305 O LORD, NOW LET YOUR SERVANT NUNC DIMITTIS Latin: Now Dismiss. Simeon s words after seeing the Christ Child. (Luke 2:29-32) 7 P a g e

8 THE BENEDICTION The blessing given by God for the blessing of His people (Numbers 6:24-26). P: The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; The LORD turn His face toward you and give you His peace. CLOSING HYMN: #220 [Red Hymnal] ANNOUNCEMENTS Welcome to all! Guests, please sign our guest book in entryway and we hope you will come and join us again! Questions? (920) P a g e

9 THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: If the LORD wills, we will do this or that. James 4:15 *Online calendar at FDLlutheran.com or go to facebook.com/fdl.lutheran Apr 2 Sun Usher Team #3: Steve S, Don E, Dave M, Andrew T, Eric W Organist: Mr. Hay / Counters: TBA 9a Sunday School / Bible Study: Hebrews Superiority of Christ s Work 10a Divine Worship Service 11a Choir Practice in choir room Apr 5 Wed 6:30p Lenten Service Pastor Neal: Joseph and Nicodemus Apr 9 Sun Usher Team #4: Wayne W, Dave B, Bob C, Ron H, Alan K, Larry S Organist: Mrs. Eserhut / Counters: TBA 9a Sunday School / Bible Study: Hebrews Superiority of Christ s Work 10a Palm Sunday Children s Service / LMS Education Fair UPCOMING DATES: Apr 13 Thu 6:30p Maundy Thursday Worship Apr 14 Fri 1:30p Good Friday Worship Apr 16 Sun 9a Easter Brunch (cancelled) 9a Sunday School / Bible Study: Hebrews Superiority of Christ s Work 10a Easter Resurrection Sunday Service Apr 23 Sun 11a Quarterly Voters Meeting (in church) Apr 30 Sun Spring Mission Festival Guest Speaker: Sem Senior Tom Naumann May 18 Thu LMS Last Day of School May 21 Sun 10a Confirmation/Graduation Service GET LMNEWS TEXTED TO YOUR PHONE = Just Text LMNEWS to HOLY COMMUNION TODAY: Announcement for the Lord s Supper can be made by speaking to the pastor, signing the communion sheet in the back of church, or signing a pew card (see p.7). In preparation for the Lord s Supper, the following excerpt from one of our Lutheran forefathers has been included (taken from Ministry, Word & Sacraments by Martin Chemnitz, )): What are the essential parts of the Sacrament? One usually and rightly answers: Word and element. But these must be rightly explained. For, first, to the essence of this Sacrament belong the outward elements of bread and wine (for in the cup that Christ took there was the fruit of the vine, Mt. 26:29). These elements are taken according to the institution and are separated from common use for the purpose of the Sacrament. Second, the word of institution of this Sacrament is added to those elements. And by virtue of that Word that which is present, offered, and received in the use of this Supper is not only bread, not only wine, but the body of Christ, which was given for us, the blood of Christ, which was shed for us for the remission of sins. And what is more, the Word is added to the elements not only in the way in which Christ spoke it once at the first Supper, but as Paul says, 1 Corinthians 10:16: The cup of blessing which we bless, namely through the words of Christ which we repeat in the administration of the Lord s Supper and thus connect the bread and wine with the word of institution, so that in that Sacrament we have neither the element alone, nor the simple Word, but, as Luther says, the word is clothed in the element, and the element connected with the Word. 9 P a g e

10 CALL NEWS The Rev. David Schaller, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran, Sister Lakes MI, has the call to be interim pastor at Rock of Ages Lutheran, Grand Rapids MI. <> Immanuel Lutheran, Winter Haven FL, has called Pastor David Schaller as its pastor elect. <> Sherman Carstensen, Markesan WI, has accepted the call to teach and help with the administration of the school at Immanuel Lutheran, Mankato MN. <> The congregation has also called the Rev. Neal Radichel, pastor of Luther Memorial, Fond du Lac WI, to serve as pastor with the Rev. Joe Naumann. <> Redeemer Lutheran, Cheyenne WY, has called Ann Sprengeler of Faith Lutheran, Markesan WI, to teach K-8 at its school. <> Teacher Joshua Ohlmann of Holy Cross Lutheran, Phoenix AZ, has returned the call to Grace Lutheran, Sleepy Eye MN, while Debra Mayhew has accepted the call for pre-school there. <> Amy Mielke returned call from Messiah Lutheran, Eau Claire WI, to teach grades 3-4. Sam Schierenbeck Mission Helper Trip To Nepal Our own LM member, Sam Schierenbeck has volunteered and been selected to travel overseas on our CLC Mission Helper Teams to Nepal! For several weeks, Sam will be extensively traveling the mountainous country to spread the Word of God with many who have yet to hear it as well as encouraging our brethren in fellowship with the CLC. What a wonderful literal illustration of Isaiah 52:7, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Please keep in your prayers Sam and the couple of dozen others traveling around the world to share the gospel of Christ our Savior. If you would like to help financially support Sam s trip, please use the black box next to mailboxes in hallway. IN OUR PRAYERS If you are hospitalized, please let pastor know if you would like a visit! Hospitalized: Jim Fillmore has left UW Madison and has returned home. Praise the Lord. Shut-ins: Pearl Becker (N6329 Colonial Dr), Evelyn Chase (Lutheran Home), Jim Fillmore (1100 Blue Cottage Lane), Eileen Gantner (Woodlands), Dan Immel (Woodlands), Ed Jacobs (868 W Scott St), Gloria Jacobs (Woodlands), Doris Kaiser (Lutheran Home), Jeanette Keipe (675 S. Main St.), John Lenburg (769 Mustang Ln), Marion Mach (Lutheran Home), Lois Jean Martin (Lutheran Home), Jim Steffen (N8652 Linden Beach Rd), Leah Wirkus (Lutheran Home). FRUITS OF FAITH PAST WEEK / FOR THE YEAR Bible Class 21 / Worship 95 LUTHER MEMORIAL CHURCH CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN CONFESSION Budgetary ($3596 budgeted per week) Budgetary ($680 needed per week) $3015 LM General Budget $720 CLC General Budget Non-Budgetary (photo directory to date) $70 Non-Budgetary $45 LM School $ ILC Student Aid Fund $ LM Student Aid Fund $ ILC Building Fund $ LM Debt Retirement $ ILC Improvement Fund $20 LM Maintenance & Improvements $20 Mission Development-(MDF) $12 LM Local Missions/Outreach $10/0 Project Kinship/Orphanage $154 LM Other: RRF $25 CLC Other: Foreign Memorial (Designated): LM LM Budgetary $187,000 (YTD Jan-Dec 13/52 wks) $34,223 $46,748 $0 $25,000 $50,000 $75,000 $100,000$125,000$150,000$175,000 CLC Budgetary $32,500 (YTD July-June 38/52 wks) CLC $19,054 $22,599 $0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 Received Budget Received Budget 10 P a g e

11 GET UPDATES FROM OUR CLC MISSIONS SITE! LutheranMissions.org CLC Missionary Todd Ohlmann has left on his trip to West Africa to continue the Lord s mission work there at this time. For more information on this trip, go to: (Encouragement to both meditate on and share with others in the spirit of the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation) We will be celebrating the Lord s Supper during our worship service today. Communion registration sheets are in their usual place in back of church and in the church pews. As an aid to proper selfexamination, we do well to remember a simple, four-point method for preparing to commune: Point to yourself, recognizing the sin that dwells there and your need for the Savior. Point to the cross, where Jesus fully paid for each and every sin. Point to the bread and wine, believing that Jesus real body and blood are present in this Supper, as He said. Point to the back door, remembering that, as we leave this place, it should be with the earnest desire to live a new life for Christ. May our Lord bless your Communion with Him! LM REMODEL - How Can I Help? Our building project is in full swing and a lot of exciting improvements are happening every week! Below is an update on the progress of the remodel as well as some small ways you can help in cutting costs. Every little bit helps! The following chart shows what we have to date: RRF Remodeling for our Redeemer Fund - Estimated Project Total: $706,000 $531k $706k $k $100k $200k $300k $400k $500k $600k $700k Bring the Change Coin Drive Our School and Sunday School is holding a coin drive to help the children get excited and involved with the remodel project. Each Sunday their coin jug will be out for donations. Bring any change you would like to donate as we try to fill our coin bank by summer break! Received Budget Aluminum Cans While it has not been advertised for awhile, the church is still collecting aluminum cans. If you have any soda cans that you would like to bring in, please drop them off at any time by the Radichel s garage door. (We will not be collecting cans at the shed anymore due to the construction equipment.) 11 P a g e

12 Garage Sale The ladies are planning to hold a garage sale this summer with all profits going toward our remodel project. Please keep this in mind as you are spring cleaning. We are not collecting any garage sale items yet, but please watch for more info as summer months get closer! Daily Bible Readings for Home Devotions Mon Deuteronomy 7:6-11 explains how God operates: He set His love on Israel simply because He loved them and would not renege on His promise (8). What promise? His nuclear promise to crush Satan under the heel of His Son. Since God loves you/me as only God can, you/i have the privilege of responding in a suitable manner (11). Tues John 11:46-57 Although Jesus caught some, others were crushed between the Rock (Jesus) and the hard place of self-image (46-48). The rationale of Caiaphas was captivating, and his cronies agreed to kill Jesus (53). On God s plan, Passover was a good time to demonstrate that God saves those who hide under the blood of the Lamb. Wed Revelation 5:8-14 Jesus arrived for the showdown, as we know, and not only survived but also earned heavenly praise. We know the theme, but have we memorized the lyrics (9, 12)? In due time we will join the choir (13), and our worship services will go on forever (14). Thurs Psalm 51 What s so complicated about life as God s child? We admit that we are sinners, and we apologize for being sinners; then we remind ourselves that God has a forgiving heart and keeps the front door open for us, for Jesus is the door-keeper. Don t you wish everybody would know both themselves and Jesus as you do (15-17)? Fri Luke 1:46-55 Jesus Jewish mother knew it, as her newly minted hymn shows. What was her theme? God is Savior, who holds humility in high regard (47-50) but despises human pride and vain self-image (51-53). [P.S.: God s salvation program will NOT be derailed (54-55).] Sat Hebrews 12:1-6 presents a simple equation: When we consider a) what Jesus went through for you/me, then b) we can endure whatever chastening (cleansing and scrubbing) that God puts us through. But why did Jesus go through virtual hell, and what was the pay-off? Answer: Jesus went through hell and came safely out the other side for a wonderful pay-off. He endured the cross and despised the shame, too, to get you into heaven (2). Seeing you/me safe in heaven was so thrilling for Jesus that the vision buoyed Him up through all the sorrows and pains of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. For this we thank and praise You, dear Lord Jesus. 12 P a g e