SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Blessing and Woe February 16 & 17, 2019 AS WE GATHER These Sundays after the Epiphany give us a glimpse and overview of our Lord s earthly ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing. The people who followed Him have seen Him do many great things. In fact, many followed Him mainly in hopes that they would receive healing or some other gift. But today Jesus has everyone stop in their tracks for some teaching, words of wisdom, words of blessing, and words of warning. The blessing is when you know Jesus spiritual promises of forgiveness and assurance of eternal life. The warning is the danger of taking your eyes off of Jesus, being concerned only with the gifts and blessings we receive in this life, that is, things of this world that will surely pass away. As Jesus continues to lead us to His goal His suffering, death, and resurrection we are being drawn to value the spiritual blessings that in faith will provide us with forgiveness and eternal life. WELCOME HANDSHAKES & HUGS Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117, ESV) PREPARATION HYMN #553 O Christ, Our Hope, Our Hearts Desire O Christ, our hope, our hearts desire, Creations mighty Lord, Redeemer of the fallen world, By holy love outpoured: How vast Your mercy to accept The burden of our sin And bow Your head in cruel death To make us clean within. Rise last stanza But now the bonds of death are burst, The ransom has been paid; You now ascend the Father s throne In robes of light arrayed. O let Your mighty love prevail To purge us of our pride That we may stand before Your throne By mercy purified. Christ Jesus, be our present joy, Our future great reward; Our only glory, may it be To glory in the Lord! 1 continued All praise to You, ascended Lord; All glory ever be To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Through all eternity! INVOCATION & OPENING SENTENCES Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Pastor: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, People: but his delight is in the law of the LORD. Pastor: Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, People: whose trust is the LORD. CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION Pastor: Brothers and sisters, as we gather to hear the words and teaching of our Lord today, let us prepare by confessing our need to hear Him. People: Lord God, heavenly Father, we confess the sins of our minds, our speech, our actions, and even our inactions. We beg your mercy and forgiveness. We ask for your grace to fill us with faith in your Son, our Lord, to lead and guide us through all our days that we rejoice in the new, eternal life He has won for us by His cross and resurrection. Amen. Pastor: In His mercy, God has given His Son to die for you and to give you the forgiveness of all your sins. Upon this your confession, as a called and ordained 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. KYRIE Page 204 Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy. GLORIA IN EXCELSIS 2 continued To God on high be glory And peace to all the earth; Goodwill from God in heaven Proclaimed at Jesus birth! We praise and bless you, Father; Your holy name, we sing Our thanks for your great glory, Lord God, our Heav nly King.
To You, O solebegotten, The Father s Son, we pray; O Lamb of God, our Savior, You take our sins away. Have mercy on us, Jesus; Receive our heartfelt cry, Where You in pow r are seated At God s right hand on high. For You alone are holy; You only are the Lord. Forever and forever, Be worshipped and adored; You with the Holy Spirit Alone are Lord Most High. In God the Father s glory. Amen! our glad reply. SALUTATION & PRAYER OF THE DAY Pastor: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Let us pray. Father in heaven, by your mighty Word grant to us every spiritual blessing in Christ, your Son, that He guide us through our days, keeping us safe from everything that would distract us from His constant guiding and care; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. WORD OLD TESTAMENT READING Jeremiah 17:5 8 (Trust in man or in the Lord.) Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. Lector: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. EPISTLE 1 Corinthians 15:1 20 (The resurrection of the dead) Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of 3 continued first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Lector: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. 5:00 BELL ANTHEM My Hope is Built on Nothing Less 8:00 ANTHEM Jesus, Says Follow Me 10:30 ANTHEM The Meditations of My Heart Elaine Hagenberg Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the sixth chapter. People: Glory to you, O Lord. HOLY GOSPEL Luke 6:17 26 (Jesus ministers to a great multitude.) And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. 4 continued
Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, O Christ. CHILDREN S MESSAGE SERMON HYMN #729 I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee; Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free. I am trusting Thee for pardon At Thy feet I bow, For Thy grace and tender mercy Trusting now. I am trusting Thee for cleansing In the crimson flood; Trusting Thee to make me holy By thy blood. I am thrusting Thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead, Ev ry day and hour supplying All my need. I am trusting Thee for power; Thine can never fail. Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me Must prevail. I am trusting Thee. Lord Jesus Never let me fall. I am trusting Thee forever and for all. SERMON Where Do You Place Your Trust? Jeremiah 17:5-8 NICENE CREED I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with 5 continued the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. OFFERING As your offering is collected, please sign our attendance book located at the end of the pew. If you are a visitor, please leave your address and phone. After you are finished, please pass the book along to others in your pew, and return the book to the center aisle. You may check the register to see the names of those to greet after the service. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH Pastor: As the prophet reminds us, blessed are those who trust in the Lord. So we come this day with the concerns of our hearts and our prayers on behalf of all who have need. Blessed Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have delivered your people through the blood of your Son and have given us the new birth into a hope and life that death cannot overcome. Grant to your Church honesty in our preaching and love in our service to those who have not yet heard the Gospel. Lord, in your mercy, Pastor: Blessed Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have given us your pledge and promise that we shall not be alone. Guard your people against the threats of the enemy and the persecution of the world. Deliver all pastors, teachers, missionaries, deaconesses and other church workers from all that would hinder their service. Bestow upon them your Spirit and His gifts for their faithful work. Lord, in your mercy, 6
Pastor: Heavenly Father, you hold in your hand all the might of man and you have promised to make all things work together for your purposes. Bless our nation and those who lead us our president, Congress, judges and magistrates and enlighten them with your Word, so that they would work for the common good. Lord, in your mercy, Pastor: Blessed Father, you sent your Son that we might have healing through His wounds. Be with the sick, the hospitalized, the aged, the infirm, the dying and the troubled in mind or heart especially your servants Cliff, Susan, Marlene, Nancy, Grant, Henry, LuEva, Nancy, Marge, Dolores, Dick, Herb, Cindy, Arlene, Shirley, Gladys, Russ, John, Arlene, Jack, Shirley, Jonathan, Sarah and those we name in our hearts. Help them to know your presence, give them peace in their afflictions, and grant them healing and relief as you will. Lord, in your mercy, Pastor: Lord of the Church, we are the blessed and chosen people of your grace and favor. You have called us by your Word and gathered us by your Spirit before this altar. Grant to us repentance and faith, that as we partake of the Lord s supper we may be forgiven and transformed by this blessed communion with Christ. Lord, in your mercy, Pastor: Blessed Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, though now we weep in the face of death, we rejoice to know the power of Christ and His resurrection. In this hope, we commend to you all the faithful who have died in your faith and fear. Bring us with those who have fallen asleep in Christ to that blessed day when the dead shall be raised, when sin shall no more accuse, when death shall no more grieve and when we will live in your presence forevermore. Lord, in your mercy, 7 Pastor: All these things, blessed Father, and those things you know we need, we pray you to grant us for the sake of and because of the merits of Jesus Christ alone, with whom you live and reign, the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. THE LORD S PRAYER THE WORDS OF OUR LORD SACRAMENT THE PEACE OF THE LORD Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always. AGNUS DEI Page 210 O Jesus Christ, true Lamb of God, You take the sin of the world away; O Jesus Christ, true Lamb of God, Have mercy on us, Lord, we pray. O Jesus Christ, true Lamb of God, You take the sin of the world away; Have mercy on us, Jesus Christ, And grant us peace, O Lord, we pray. DISTRIBUTION Those guests who desire to commune who are members of another LCMS congregation may do so; if you are coming from another church background, please see the pastor or an elder first. HYMN #705 The Man Is Ever Blessed The man is ever blessed Who shuns the sinners ways, Among their counsels never stands, Nor takes the scorner s place. But makes the Law of God His study and delight Amid the labors of the day And watches of the night. He like a tree shall thrive, With waters near the root; Fresh as the leaf his name shall live, His works are heav n-ly fruit. Not so the wicked race, They no such blessings find; Their hopes shall flee like empty chaff Before the driving wind. 8 continued
How will they bear to stand Before the judgment seat Where all the saints at Christ s right hand In full assembly meet? He knows and He approves The way the righteous go; But sinners and their works shall meet A dreadful overthrow. HYMN Behold the Lamb Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, slain for us: And we remember the promise made that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross. Refrain: So, we share in this Bread of Life, and we drink of His sacrifice, as a sign of our bonds of peace around the table of the King. The body of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, torn for you: Eat and remember the wounds that heal, the death that brings us life, paid the price to make us one. Refrain: So, we share in this Bread of Life, and we drink of His sacrifice, as a sign of our bonds of love around the table of the King. The blood that cleanses ev ry stain of sin, shed for you: Drink and remember He drained death s cup that all may enter in to receive the life of God. Refrain: So, we share in this Bread of Life, and we drink of His sacrifice, as a sign of our bonds of grace around the table of the King. And so with thankfulness and faith we rise to respond and to remember our call to follow in the steps of Christ as His body here on earth. Refrain: As we share in His suffering, we proclaim: Christ will come again! And we ll join in the feast of heav n around the table of the King. HYMN #726 Evening and Morning Evening and morning, sunset and dawning, Wealth, peace, and gladness, Comfort in sadness: These are Thy works; all the glory be Thine! Times without number, Awake or in slumber, Thine eye observes us, From danger preserves us, Causing Thy mercy upon us to shine. Father, O hear me, Pardon and spare me; Calm all my terrors, Blot out my errors That by Thine eyes they may no more be scanned. Order my goings, Direct all my doings; As it may please Thee, Retain or release me; All I commit to Thy fatherly hand. Ills that still grieve me Soon are to leave me; Though billows tower, And winds gain power, After the storm the fair sun shows its face. Joys e er increasing And peace never ceasing: These shall I treasure And share in full measure When in His mansions God grants me a place. To God in heaven All praise be given! Come, let us offer And gladly proffer To the Creator the gifts He doth prize. He well receiveth A heart that believeth; Hymns that adore Him Are precious before Him And to His throne like sweet incense arise. COMMON DISMISSAL 9 10
POST-COMMUNION THANKSGIVING Pastor: Let us pray. We give thanks to you, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore you that of your mercy you would strengthen us through the same in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. BENEDICAMUS & BENEDICTION Pastor: Let us bless the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. CLOSING HYMN #921 On What Has Now Been Sown On what has now been sown Thy blessing, Lord, bestow; The pow r is Thine alone To make it sprout and grow. Do Thou in grace the harvest raise, And Thou alone shalt have the praise! To Thee our wants are known, From Thee are all our pow rs; Accept what is Thine own And pardon what is ours. Our praises, Lord, and prayers receive, And to Thy Word a blessing give. O grant that each of us, Now met before Thee here, May meet together thus When Thou and Thine appear And follow Thee to heav n, our home. E en so, amen, Lord Jesus, come! Preacher Pastor Noah Kegley Liturgist Pastor Harold Bender Lectors Russell Hurst, Debra Nier, Dalen Heinzen Acolytes Erika Graf, Ryann Gutknecht, Angelee Schmitz Organist, Bell Choir and 1 st Grade Director Michelle Prince Choir Director Nancy Hoelke Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish, Series C, Quarter 1. Copyright 2018 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission. 11