The Last Sunday after Epiphany: The Transfiguration of Our Lord February 7, 2016 St. John Ev. Lutheran Church & School 437 Turner Street, Wrightstown WI, 54180 www.stjlw.com Pastor Mike Gehl (pastorgehl@gmail.com)... (920) 309-5171 Church Office (stjohnwrightstown@gmail.com)... (920) 532-4865 School Office (stjlsw@gmail.com)... (920) 532-4361 Mr. Timothy Raddatz, Principal, Grades 4-8... (920) 636-5007 Mrs. Jennifer Bunn, Grades K-3... (920) 217-3405 Miss. Jamie Buss, Preschool mornings... (920) 538-0470 Mrs. Rebecca Wicks, 3 & 4-year-old Preschool... (920) 809-8648 Mr. Terry Sieker, Congregation President... (920) 864-7307 Fox Valley Lutheran High School... (920) 739-4441
Welcome! We extend a very warm and friendly welcome to all who ve joined us for worship today. We pray that the God of grace, who sent his Son to save you and who proved his love for you by raising him from the dead, will fill your heart with joy in knowing that your salvation has been made sure through Jesus. May God bless your worship! If you re a guest with us this morning, please sign the Friendship Register in your row, checking any applicable boxes. If you need assistance of any kind, don t hesitate to ask one of the ushers. If you d like to learn more about St. John congregation or the Bible s teachings, please speak with Pastor Mike Gehl. And if you don t already have a church-home, feel free to return and worship with us again at your earliest convenience. Our restrooms are located downstairs (through the entryway). Activity bags to help keep children occupied are on a hanger in the entryway. We love having your children sit with you during the service, but if you feel that your infant or toddler is getting a little too fussy, you may briefly step out of the sanctuary until they re ready to come back in. Today s order of service is displayed on the screen and printed out in the worship folder (with music notes) for your convenience. Hymns are found in the red book in front of you. St. John also operates an all-day preschool and a fullday kindergarten through eighth grade Lutheran Elementary School. We re a member of the Fox Valley Lutheran High School federation. If you are interested in hearing more about these opportunities for Christian education, please speak with Pastor Gehl or Principal Tim Raddatz. At Your Service Today: 7:45 10:15 Greeters: Jean Brandt Karen Geiger Marna Johns Judy Wicker Lynn Zirbel Ushers: Gary Brandt Mike Geiger Jack Zirbel Reece Schisel Loree Baumgartener Roy Schisel Terry Schaeuble Perry Schisel Troy Schisel Organist: Dan Gresens Dan Gresens Altar Guild: Pat Vickman & Betty Schmidt [2] Mission and Purpose St. John Lutheran Church exists as part of the Holy Christian Church on earth. We engage in the continuing development of disciples of Jesus Christ by GATHERING for worship, education, and fellowship in order to GROW in faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. By God s grace we GO to proclaim Christ and his Word with our lips and lives. We realize that it s only through the GOSPEL in Word and Sacraments that one can be equipped for discipleship and bringing GLORY to God.
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 side-by-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! [3]
Service Theme for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany the Transfiguration of Our Lord: Jesus is revealed as the Lord of glory. Divine Service II Opening Hymn... Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain (CW 712) [4]
Invocation 1 In the name of the Father and of the Son [ ] and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Confession 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. Absolution 2 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. Amen. 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. Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you. Amen. 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 20:21-23. 3 Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression Lord, have mercy is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian church. [5]
Glory Be to God (Gloria in Excelsis) 4... Luke 2:14 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! Amen. Salutation 5 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Prayer of the Day The Word Let us pray. Lord God, before the suffering and death of your one and only Son, you revealed his glory on the holy mountain. Grant that we who bear his cross on earth may behold by faith the light of his heavenly glory and so be changed into his likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. First Lesson...Exodus 34:29-35 The radiant glory of the Lord could be seen reflected in the face of Moses. With hearts veiled by the shame of sin, the people of Israel could not look upon Moses face. The stark contrast between the Lord s glory and our own darkened countenances reminds us of our guilt yet foretells of the glory that awaits us through the Lord s Anointed. 29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and 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. [6]
he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD. Second Lesson... 2 Corinthians 3:12 4:2 The old Covenant is removed as the New Covenant is established in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Spirit, the glory of the New Covenant is ours, reflected in lives lived to the glory of the Lord. 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 1 Therefore, since through God s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone s conscience in the sight of God. Verse of the Day [7]
Please stand 6 Gospel Lesson... Luke 9:28-36 Once again Jesus is revealed as the Lord s Anointed. Basking in the divine glory that has been his from eternity, the Son of Man is proclaimed to be God the Son with the approval of God the Father. We stand with Moses and Elijah, the disciples, and saints throughout the ages in this sure and certain hope: the Christ has come and our salvation is at hand. The Gospel according to chapter. Glory be to you, O Lord. 28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him. 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. [the lesson ends with the words] this is the Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ. Hymn of the Day 7... Down from the Mount of Glory (CW 97) Sermon... Luke 9:28-36 Jesus Reveals His Glory to You! The glory hidden beneath The glory that gives his human life you eternal life 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]
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. Amen. 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 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. 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]
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 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. Amen. 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. Amen. 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]
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. Amen. Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) 15... John 1:29 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. [11]
Distribution 16 Distribution Hymns... How Good, Lord, to Be Here (CW 95)... O, Lord, We Praise You (CW 317) Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis) 17... Luke 2:29-32 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. Amen. 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. Amen. Farewell to Alleluia Brothers and sisters in Christ, when we next gather for worship, it will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On that day we will begin our solemn journey to the Savior s cross. While the joy of faith remains undiminished throughout the year, our rejoicing during Lent is muted and quiet. For centuries, therefore, the Christian 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. 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]
churches have omitted their most jubilant songs during this season, including the word alleluia, which means, praise the Lord. Now for a time we say farewell to alleluia. We do this to prepare ourselves for the quieter days of Lent. The alleluias will return on Easter dawn as we gather to shout our praise to the risen Lord. Closing Hymn... Alleluia, Song of Triumph [13]
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Last Week s Stewardship of the Means of Grace and the Means for His Work Worship 140 ABC: 26 SST: 5 YSS: 27 LW YTD YTD Goal Home Operations $3,609 $162,490 $184,388 Fox Valley Lutheran $50 $6,949 $5,983 Missions $223 $10,981 $10,757 The Week Ahead as We Live in God s Grace Today (7 th ) 7:45 am Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:00 am Sunday School and Adult Bible Class (sacraments) 10:15 am Worship w/ Holy Communion Mon-Fri St. John LES Spirit Week Monday (8 th ) 6:30 pm Elders Meeting 7:30 pm Church Council Meeting Tuesday (9 th ) 11:30 am Senior Luncheon & Fellowship Wednesday (10 th ) 8:15 am St. John LES Chapel Devotion (at school) 3:30 pm 6 th -8 th Grade Catechism Class 5:00 pm Fellowship Meal 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Worship w/ Holy Communion 7:30 pm Adult Choir Practice Thursday (11 th ) 4:00 pm St. John LES Faculty Meeting Sunday (14 th ) 7:45 am Worship 9:00 am Sunday School and Adult Bible Class (the church) 10:15 am Worship (St. John LES/SS sings) [15]
News & Notes Flowers at the Feet of Jesus This Sunday the flowers that adorn the feet of Jesus are in memory of Jacob Van Schyndel. We look forward to a joyful reunion in heaven. Upcoming Meetings The elders and church council have their next meetings scheduled for tomorrow evening, February 8 th, at 6:30 and 7:30 pm respectively. Please speak with Ron Zahn or Terry Sieker if you wish to pass along any needs or concerns that you d like your church leadership to be aware of or address. Midweek Lenten Worship This week Wednesday, we begin our 40- day journey to the cross of our Savior. The midweek services follow a separate theme (and tone) from the Sunday services even during the season of Lent, each Sunday is a little Easter. Holy Communion will be celebrated on Ash Wednesday, and a fellowship meal precedes each Wednesday service. Please set aside these additional opportunities to hear the Word and grow in your faith and appreciation for the Savior s work as our perfect Substitute. St. John LES Open House is planned for Friday, Feb. 19 th. Please speak with Principal Tim Raddatz to see how you might assist in promoting our school and church both to members and to the community at large. Please Keep in Your Prayers Gloria Schroeder, as she adjusts to assisted living care and awaits a possible move to Matthews Senior Living here in town. She s currently at Maple Ridge in Green Bay. Mabel Bohrtz, who recently moved into the Bornemann Senior Communities in Green Bay. Ken Maass, as he recovers from this past Tuesday s stent procedure. All our shut-ins and those unable to regularly attend worship. [16]