The Baptism of Our Lord

Transcription

1 The Baptism of Our Lord January 14 th, th and Georgia Avenue -- Norfolk, Nebraska Saturday Worship... 6:30 PM Sunday Worship... 9:00 AM Holy Communion on 1st and 3rd Weekends of the Month Radio Service (94.7 FM) Sunday... 9:00 AM T.V. Services Cable Channel 12: (English) Wednesday...9:00 AM (Spanish) Thursday... 2:00 PM

2 Welcome to Worship at St. Paul s! It is our privilege to have you here with us today! We are especially delighted to welcome all our guests who are with us. May the Holy Spirit bless your worship and fill your heart with peace, joy, and faith in your Savior Jesus Christ. Please introduce yourself, sign our guest book in the entryway, and worship with us again soon! Restroom and nursery facilities (with a video link) are located across from the west (drive-up) entrance. If you have any questions about our congregation's ministries or facilities, please do not hesitate to ask one of our Elders. If you are looking for a church home or have questions about what we believe and teach, please speak to our Pastors. Theme of the Day: Jesus Reveals His Glory by Being Baptized for Us Worship: Pastor Mark Reichert Organist: Mrs. Alicia Moyer Radio Broadcaster(s): Joel & Kathy Wiedeman Television Broadcast Technician: Darol Dusseau Serving the Lord On Duty This Week: Elder: John Kouba Miles Spreeman Greeters: Saturday 6:30 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. Leonard & Kathy Janovec Mike & Linda Mullen On Duty Next Week: Damon & Terri Weinrich Gordy & Jane Winter Ushers: Barry Nichols & Brian Sweigard Jeremiah Nichols & Matt Bachman Technology: Cecilea Keating Colton Price Worshipping the Lord Last Week s Attendance: Saturday 6:30 PM 93; Sunday 9:00 AM 116; Total = :15 AM Bible Class - 41; Wed. Bible Class 20 Worship Visitors: 17

3 Service of the Word Christian Worship, p. 38 The Opening Hymn: #89, To Jordan s River Came Our Lord The Invocation 1 M(inister): The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. C(ongregation): And also with you. The Confession of Sins M: Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded Baptism when he said: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All of us are born into this world with a deep need for Baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But Jesus took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptisms he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature need not control us any longer. We recall what Baptism means for our daily lives as we speak these words: C: Baptism means that the sinful nature in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. M: As baptized children of God we confess our sins: 1 Based on 2 Corinthians 13:14, the worship service begins with an exchange of greeting between minister and congregation, expressing unity in faith, purpose, and recognition of their mutual need for God s blessings.

4 C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. The Holy Baptism of Parker Jo Annemarie Preister Born Wednesday, November 29 th, 2017, daughter of Ethan & Carlie Preister M: In obedience to the command of our Lord and trusting in his promise, you have brought this child to be baptized. Jesus told us: Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. It is in Baptism that God grants the new life of forgiveness, joy, and peace to little children. By the power of God s Word, this gracious water of life washes away sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe. Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart to mark you as a redeemed child of Christ. 2 Parker Jo Annemarie Preister, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The Almighty God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has forgiven all your sins. By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in heaven. May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you. 2 Whenever a pastor makes the sign of the cross over his people, believers in Christ can remember and rejoice that through Baptism they have been marked as God s own children and heirs of his Kingdom.

5 The Exhortations 3 M: Dear parents, our Lord Jesus Christ, in instituting Baptism, not only commanded that children should be baptized, but that they should be taught to obey everything he has commanded us. I therefore ask you: Do you sincerely intend to bring up Parker in the way of the Lord and to instruct her in the truths of God s saving Word so that she may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and remain in her baptismal grace till the end? If so, answer: Yes, and we ask God to help us. R(esponse): Yes, and we ask God to help us. M: Brothers and sisters in Christ, our Lord commands that we teach his precious truths to all who are baptized. Christian love, therefore, urges all of us to assist in whatever manner possible so that Parker may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, and we ask God to help us. C: Yes, and we ask God to help us. M: Let us pray. Merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of Baptism by which you wash away sin and give us new and eternal life. Help us each day to remember that through Baptism you clothe us with Christ that we may stand holy and righteous before you. Look with favor on Parker, that she may be kept safe by the gift of your Spirit, grow daily in your grace, and live forever by the power of the risen Christ. Make us willing to carry out our responsibilities to all the baptized, so that all may finally come to the blessed joys of heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen. 3 Holy Baptism is a family affair whereby a person is welcomed into the family of God as a member of the Holy Christian Church. In the exhortations, the family of God together contemplates the Lord s cleansing power, celebrates this new life in baptism, and dedicates themselves to continually nurturing the tender faith of this baptized child of God through mutual encouragement and support in worship and Bible study.

6 M: Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you by his Spirit, that Christ, dwelling in your hearts by faith, may fill you with all spiritual blessings. Go in peace. M: Let us pray. The Prayer of the Day 4 Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children and make us heirs with him of everlasting life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 4 The Prayer of the Day is the first Proper in the service. Propers are the service elements (such as the Scripture Lessons, the Psalm of the Day, and the Verse of the Day) which change from week to week according to theme, time and place, and circumstance. This allows for diversity, variety, and preference in worship. Ordinaries are the service elements that are mostly unchanging from week to week, such as the Creed and Liturgical songs. These connect with the historic and transcendent aspects of Christian worship.

7 The Word of God 5 The First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-6 Here Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Messiah, the one called specially by the Lord to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. 1 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. 3 He said to me, You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor. 4 But I said, I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord s hand, and my reward is with my God. 5 And now the Lord says he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength 6 he says: It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth. 5 The reading of God s Word is the highlight of the worship service, of vital importance for our life and our relationship with God because faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

8 The Psalm of the Day: Psalm 2, p. 65 in the front of Christian Worship 6 The Congregation will sing the psalm together. Why do the nations conspire* and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD* and against his Anointed One. Refrain The One enthroned in heaven laughs;* the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,* I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill. I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:* He said to me, You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 6 Psalms has long been treasured as the hymnbook of the Old Testament. Here we sing or recite psalm verses along with other believers throughout the last 3,000 years.

9 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. Refrain The Second Lesson: Acts 16:25-34 Holy Baptism is for the salvation of all who believe in the Lord Jesus, because through it God washes away our sins and takes us into his eternal family. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, Don t harm yourself! We are all here! 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household. 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God he and his whole family. The Verse of the Day: Romans 6:4 7 Alleluia! We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Alleluia! 7 In anticipation of hearing the good news about Jesus, we sing Alleluia! (Hebrew for Praise the LORD! ) and John 20:31, which highlights the primary purpose of God s Word: to point us to Christ for life and salvation.

10 The Gospel Lesson: Mark 1: When Jesus was baptized for us, he revealed his glory as the true Son of God who came to identify with us as our substitute and inaugurated his ministry as our perfect Savior. 4 John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. 8 In the past, soldiers put down their weapons and kings removed their crowns when the Gospel was read. Christ his miraculous birth, his perfect life, his words of Law and Gospel, his sacrificial suffering and death, his resurrection, his ascension, his Great Commission to the Church, his promise to return is the center of the Gospel and all of Scripture (John 5:39). The faithful have waited for this moment, this reading. We stand in reverent awe.

11 After the reading of the Gospel, the congregation sings: 9 The Children s Sermon Children ages 3 3 rd grade are invited to come and sit at the front of church. The Hymn of the Day: #88, To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord The Sermon: Acts 16:25-34 This Baptism Is For Us The Apostles Creed C: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. 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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 9 Spiritually refreshed and reinvigorated by the Gospel, the congregation responds in a burst of glorious praise and joyful acclamation to Christ our Lord.

12 Thanksgiving The Offering The members of St. Paul s Lutheran Church give offerings to show love and thanks to God for doing so much for them, as well as to support the Lord's work here in Norfolk and around the world. If you are a visitor, please don t feel obligated to contribute; but if you would like, you are welcome to do so. Scan this code to give a digital donation! The Prayer of the Church 10 M: Lord Jesus, at your baptism you revealed yourself as the obedient Son of Man, fulfilling all righteousness. Your heavenly Father revealed you as his beloved Son, in whom he is well pleased. The Holy Spirit revealed you as the Christ, anointed and armed to destroy the work of the devil. C: We thank you, beloved Son of God, that you took on yourself the nature of a servant, became like us, and were obedient to the will of your heavenly Father. M: Lord Jesus, eternal Word of God, you have connected your mighty Word and gracious promises to the water of Holy Baptism. In Baptism you cleansed us from sin, redeemed us from death, and clothed us in your perfect righteousness. We praise you for the promise and treasure of Baptism. C: Encourage us to remember our baptisms daily as we die to sin and rise to new life with you. M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. Silent prayer. 10 Here the congregation prays in response to the sermon and themes of the day, as well as about specific joys and troubles in our church, community, nation, and around the world.

13 M: Baptized into your name most holy, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, We claim a place, though weak and lowly, among your saints, your chosen host, Buried with Christ and dead to sin. Your Spirit now shall live within. C: All that I am and love most dearly receive it all, O Lord, from me. Let me confess my faith sincerely, and help me your own child to be! Let nothing that I am or own serve any will but yours alone. Amen. The Lord s Prayer 11 C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. Hymn: #297, Baptized in Water The Closing Prayer M: Let us pray. O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 11 When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he responded by teaching them this prayer template (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:1-4). Primarily focusing throughout on spiritual needs rather than physical needs, we close our prayer with a doxology (a phrase of praise) which shows trust that God can and will do all we ask. The bells toll throughout the prayer so that anyone within earshot can pray along with us.

14 The Lord s Blessing 12 M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness. 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. The Closing Hymn: #737, God s Own Child, I Gladly Say It The hymn is printed on the insert in the service folder. Service of the Word 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved. Psalm Refrain Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer Kermit G. Moldenhauer (admin. Northwestern Publishing House). All rights reserved. Used by permission. Prayer of the Church: 1999 Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. God s Own Child, I Gladly Say It Text: Erdmann Neumeister, ; tr. Robert E. Voelker, b Robert E. Voelker. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Growing through the Word, going with the Word... Together by grace alone. Sunday School at 10:15 AM (during school year) Adult Bible Studies Sundays at 8:00 & 10:15 AM 12 The Blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God s people for nearly 3,500 years. When pastors give this blessing, the Lord promises, So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them (Numbers 6:22-27). The congregation expresses their trust and confidence in the Triune God by responding with a threefold, Amen, which comes from the Hebrew for Yes, it shall be so!

15 Announcements 1) Washing of Rebirth Parker Jo Annemarie Preister, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ethan & Carlie Preister, born November 29 th, 2017, will be brought into God s Kingdom of Grace through the washing of Holy Baptism in our service this Sunday. Brandon Preister and Amanda Lawyer will serve as witnesses. We thank the LORD for making Parker His child and heir through Holy Baptism, and pray that she will live in her baptismal grace all the days of her life, and into eternity! God bless you, Parker! 2) Volunteering at the Norfolk Food Pantry It s that time of year again for us to volunteer at the Norfolk Food Pantry. St. Paul s is scheduled to help on Mondays-Fridays from January 16 th -31 st. Hours are 9:30-11:30 AM. Look for the sign-up sheet at the church Communication Center. Thanks! 3) Annual Report Articles Just a reminder to the officers of the various St. Paul s groups, please submit your Annual Report articles this week. You can them to Jeanette at stpls.office@gmail.com. 4) Preschool Registration for 2018/2019 Preschool registration for the 2018/2019 school year has begun and slots are filling up fast! Be sure to speak with Jeanette in the school office if you d like us to save you a spot! Information about the various class times and cost is available on the website. 5) Thank You Notes - From Carole Kopietz: I want to thank my church family for all the cards and for taking the time during the busy Christmas season to come to the Open House for my 80th birthday. You all made it special. Thank you! May God bless all of you. - From Gladys Henseleit, who fought serious illness last month: Thank you to Pastor Reichert for the hospital visit and prayers, and thanks to Pastor Hirsch for his kind words. To my family & church family thank you for prayers, phone calls, cards & gifts, your kindness & caring meant so much. To those who recorded Christmas services for computer & the radio broadcasts they were so wonderful! God Bless!

16 Our Week with Christ Sun., 1/14 Mon. Tues. - 8:00 AM Adult Bible Study (Jesus Is Better) - 9:00 AM Worship Service - 10:00 AM Coffee / 10:15 AM Adult Bible Study (Acts) - 10:15 AM Sunday School - 7:30 PM Worship Service at Immanuel Lutheran, Hadar (in school) - 4:30 PM Girls C-Team Basketball Game (vs Christ Lutheran) at St. Paul s - 5:15 PM Boys C-Team Basketball Game (vs Christ Lutheran) at St. Paul s - 7:00 PM Executive Council Wed. - 9:00 AM Worship Service Broadcast on Local Cable 12-10:00 AM Bible Class (Schliewe) - 7:00 PM Choir Thurs. - 2:00 PM Spanish Worship Service Broadcast on Local Cable 12 Sat. Sun., 1/21 Tues., 1/23-6:30 PM Worship Service with Holy Communion Organist: Mrs. Diane Herbolsheimer - 8:00 AM Adult Bible Study (Jesus Is Better) - 9:00 AM Worship Service with Holy Communion - 10:00 AM Coffee / Open Forum - 10:15 AM Sunday School - 7:00 PM Annual Voters Meeting ============================================================================== Pastor Mark Reichert (Office: , Cell: ) mark.d.reichert@gmail.com Pastor Paul Hirsch (Office: , Cell: ) pahirschki@gmail.com Mike Paulsen, Principal (Office: , Cell: ) mikepaulsen@stpls.com Jeanette Leuthold, Secretary (Office: ) stpls.office@gmail.com St. Paul s Web Site: Synod Web Site: ============================================================================== Church Cleaning Teams: Weeks of Jan. 14 & Jan. 21 Team 4 (Traci Anderson, Pat Jamison, Leonard Janovec, John & Jan Schlomer, Debbie Webb, Marlin & JoAnn Winter) Weeks of Jan. 28 & Feb. 4 Team 5 (Gary & Sue Bretschneider, Joan Ellenberger, Shannon Spreeman, Walt & Marian Tinius