REFORMATION DAY October 25, 2015 (Observed) 9:00am St. John Lutheran Church and School The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Senior Pastor: Mark Elliott Associate Pastor: Jeff Caithamer School Principal: Joel Burgener Divine Service V with Holy Communion *stand as you are able Page Prelude Sinfonia, from Cantata 29 Bach Processional Hymn Built on the Rock 645 (sts. 1 Sunday School Choir, 3 Choir) *Invocation, Confession 213 *Introit (dated insert) *Kyrie Kyrie! God, Father 942 *Gloria in Excelsis All Glory Be to God on High 947 *Salutation & Collect 214 First Reading Gradual Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word Walther Choir Epistle Reading Hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (sts. 2 men, 3 women) 656 *Gospel Procession *Creed We All Believe in One True God (st. 1 Choir) 954 Sermon Why I Am a Lutheran *Prayers 215 Gathering of Tithes and Offering A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Brass, Handbells, Piano, Organ, Choir *Service of The Sacrament 216 Sanctus Isaiah, Mighty Seer in Days of Old (960) Choir Agnus Dei Lamb of God, Pure and Holy (st. 3 a capella) 434 Communion Hymns: 617, 627 (sts. 3 men, 5 women, 7 choir, 9 organ alone), 566 *Post-Communion Hymn God s Word Is Our Great Heritage 582 *Post-Communion Collect 218 *Benedicamus and Benediction 218 *Closing Hymn Thy Strong Word (sts. 3 women, 5 men) 578 Postlude Ein Feste Burg Praetorius Preaching: Liturgist: Rev. Mark Elliott Rev. Jeff Caithamer
WELCOME TO ST. JOHN! We ask members and guests to fill out an attendance card located by the hymnals; indicate your attendance at Holy Communion. Cards may be placed in the offering plate. Note that there are two glasses in the center of each tray with diluted wine. ABOUT THE LORD S SUPPER: Our congregation is a member of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod, a family of congregations who pledge themselves to teach and to believe the same doctrines. We invite those persons who are members in good standing of a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or of a church in fellowship with the LCMS to receive the sacrament. We want to express our sincere welcome to guests and to assure them that it is in their spiritual interest that we practice closed communion. Guests desiring to learn more about our beliefs are asked to make an appointment to speak with one of our pastors. SERVING TODAY - Organist & Choir Director: Keith Williams. Elders: Brian, Dan, Joel & Ron. Greeters: Steve & Pam. Acolytes: Charlie, Kai & Ethan. Thanks to the Mixed Choir, Men's Choir, and Alleluia Ringers for their musical leadership this morning. Thank you also to our instrumentalists: Sal, Philip, Terry, trumpets; Matthew, John, Stuart, trombones. OUR CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY - The altar flowers are given by Byron & Lydia in honor of the Reformation. We also remember the following people in our prayers; following surgery: Louise; for healing and recovery: Merv, Kim-niece of Leona, Ed, Leona, Nicholas, Gary & Beverly-parents of Daryl, Tom, John, Chris & Lawrence, Lingli; for successful treatments: Joan, Joe, Lea, Nancy, Maxine, Jeff, Nancy-sister of Judy, Ken-son of Earl; for missions: Pastor Randrianasolo Dembiniana Havanjanakary and the Madagascar Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Magnus Bengston and Lielsalaca Lutheran Church in Latvia, Pastor Obot Ite and the Lutheran Mission in Kingston, Jamaica; for those in the military: Taylor, Ashley, Andy, Luke, James, Christopher, Brandon, Suzzana, Ben, Allyson, Tom; for our homebound: Jim, Mary, Mavis, Walt. Pray Every Day at Noon for St. John Lutheran Church and School is a new bidding from the Voter s Assembly. Whether you are in the car or tractor, at your desk, or walking to lunch, ask God to bless our church and school every day at 12:00. Know when you are praying your voice is being joined by everyone in our congregation. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5 16b EDUCATION HOUR TODAY Adult Bible Class - God s Word for Today, Pastor Elliott, fellowship hall New Member Class - Lutheranism 101, Pastor Caithamer, Room 1A Sunday School - Opening for 3-K will be in 3C & 4C. Opening for 1-8 will be in the Sanctuary. High School will meet in the Youth Room. 3 s- pre K Rooms 3C & 4C 5 th & 6 th Grade Room 4B Kindergarten Room 3A 7 th & 8 th Grade Room 2B 1 st & 2 nd Grade Room 2A High School Youth Room 3 rd & 4 th Grade Room 1C
Some notes about this morning's music - We celebrate our Lutheran musical heritage this morning with selections spanning the full range of our history, from the 16th century to the present day. We sing many hymns written or arranged by Martin Luther himself. The choral motet at the Gradual is from one of the first hymnals of the Lutheran church, commissioned by Luther himself from his friend Johann Walther, who crafted this setting of the chorale as one of many intended to introduce and teach what was then a brand new hymn. Of course we will sing and hear several settings of "A mighty Fortress is our God." Our hymn version (656) combines several 20th century arrangements. The version at the Offering is a very recent arrangement combining this venerable tune with several other elements. No Lutheran musical experience would be complete with music by the great Johann Sebastian Bach, and our Prelude this morning is one of his sunniest creations. Soli Deo Gloria - to God alone be glory! Pictures for the new Church Directory will be taken in Room 1A located across the hall from the School Office. Please enter through the School entrance on the southeast side of the building. The Recording and Broadcasting of our church services on the radio and internet has met with great success. Many local shut ins and those who otherwise may not be able to attend worship are able to hear God s Word. Unfortunately contributions to our radio ministry have been continuously lacking. Won t you please consider sponsoring a Sunday broadcast? The cost is $105 per broadcast, but any donation is appreciated. Cubs vs. Cards Box Top Contest - Eighth inning score: Cubs 212, total 3513; Cardinals 152, total 2253. There s just 1 more inning to go. Gather up all those Box Tops you ve collected and place them in the containers in the school office. Our school earns 10 cents per Box Top. The students will receive a special prize at the end of the contest. Thank You to everyone who came to the school's Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off. Want to Help? Each week, we will be posting some specific, little things that you can do to show your support for our school. This week, our Kindergarten/1st grade class has a special request. If you would be willing to donate one or more of the following items, please bring them to the school office (217-359-1714): 2 boxes of Cheerios cereal, 2 boxes of Kix cereal, 2 boxes of mini Keebler Club crackers. (Due to food allergy concerns, we need to get these specific brands.) Thank you for your help. OUR WEEK AHEAD Today Reformation Day; 8:00 Coffee Hour; 9:00 Reformation Service; 10:45 Adult Bible Class, New Member Class, Sunday School Monday Newsletter Deadline; Ram Rebate orders due Tuesday 10:15 Adult Bible Class; 6:00 Parish Ed; 6:30 PTF; 7:00 Youth Board Wednesday 5:45 Midweek School, Lifelight; 6:00 Handbells; 7:15 Holy Communion Thursday 9:00 Lifelight; 6:30 Lifelight Friday 8:05 Chapel; Ram Rebate pick up Saturday Daylight Savings Time ends tomorrow
Sunday All Saints Day; 8:00 Holy Communion (Alleluia Ringers); 9:30 Adult Bible Class, New Member Class, Sunday School; 10:45 Holy Communion (Men s Choir) Prayer Chain - The prayer chain is up and running. If you would like to be added to the email list you can email or use the email form on the St John web page under the link Ways to Serve. If you or your family is in need of prayers you can email your prayer request and I will send an email out to the group. Faith The Concordia University Chicago Wind Symphony will be holding their Home Concert on October 30, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. This event will be held in the Chapel of Our Lord that is on campus. If you are unable to go to the school, the concert will be live streamed via the Concordia University Chicago website. Sara McPike is in this group. Ram Rebate - Supporting our Church and School Feature of the Month - Do you buy groceries, gas and clothes? Do you enjoy dining out? Get a gift card before you go shopping or out to eat and receive a rebate. The Ram Rebate fundraising program has been in place for several years and has raised thousands of dollars for our school and their families. This year alone, several people have earned over $100.00, including a couple at about $400.00 and one over $500.00. That s money that can go towards, school tuition, the scholarship account or the general church fund. All it takes it getting the gift card before you head out to the store or restaurant. Purchase your cards through the school office or online at www.shopwithscrip.com. If you register online and sign up for Presto Pay, you can download cards on your computer or phone. Specials and bonus rebates are offered during the Christmas shopping season, but you must have Presto Pay to take advantage of the deals. For more information, call or stop in the school office (359-1714) or call Leah. Issues, Etc. for Reformation Week Oct 26-30 Monday: Challenges to Lutheranism: Pietism by Dr. Larry Rast of Concordia Ft. Wayne; Tuesday: Challenges to Lutheranism: Rationalism by Dr. Martin Noland of Trinity Evansville, IN; Wednesday: Challenges to Lutheranism: Unionism by Pr. Matt Harrison, President of LCMS; Thursday: Challenges to Lutheranism: Missionalism by Dr. Ken Schurb of Zion Moberly, MO; Friday: Challenges to Lutheranism: Postmodernism by Dr. Angus Menuge of Concordia Wisconsin. Listen at your convenience at www.issuesetc.org or live 4-5pm Central Time.
LEARN BY HEART THE FAMILY ALTAR The families of St. John are encouraged to learn these words from the Small Catechism by heart this week: The Apostles Creed The Second Article - And 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 thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. What does this mean? 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. Bible Passage: And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11 Hymn: 656 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Psalm 119:137-144 Bible Readings for the Week: Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple 1 Kings 5:1-18 Solomon Builds the Temple 1 Kings 6:1, 11-30 The Ark of the Covenant Is Brought into the Temple 1 Kings 8:1-21