TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST CALLED TO SERVE October 23, 2016 11: :00 AS WE GATHER Look unto Him.... Look and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace (LSB 528:5). The words of this well-loved hymn remind us that our justification our being made right with God comes as a gift from His storehouse of mercy. Even when sin is as its worst, the mercy of God is more powerful. Knowing that we are justified by His triumphant grace shapes our prayers and enlivens our praises. The song of our lives is one of triumphant joy in Jesus, the justifier. PRE-SERVICE Even So Come Tomlin/Ingram/Cates All of creation all of the earth Make straight a highway a path for the Lord Jesus is coming soon Call back the sinner wake up the saint Let ev'ry nation shout of Your fame Jesus is coming soon CHORUS 1: Like a bride waiting for her groom We'll be a Church ready for You Ev'ry heart longing for our King we sing There will be justice all will be new Your name forever faithful and true Jesus is coming soon. CHORUS 1 So we wait we wait for You God we wait You're coming soon So we wait we wait for You God we wait You're coming soon CHORUS 2: Like a bride waiting for her groom We'll be a Church ready for You Ev'ry heart longing for our King we sing... Like a bride waiting for her groom We'll be a Church ready for You Ev'ry heart longing for our King we sing WELCOME 1
PREPARATION OPENING SONG All Creatures of Our God And King Arr. Crowder/Milligan All creatures of our God and King. Lift up your voice and with us sing O praise Him alleluia. Thou burning sun with golden beam. Thou silver moon with softer gleam O praise Him, O praise Him. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Thou rushing wind that art so strong. Ye clouds that sail in Heav'n along O praise Him alleluia. Thou rising moon in praise rejoice. Ye lights of evening find a voice O praise Him, O praise Him. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Let all things their Creator bless. And worship Him in humbleness O praise Him alleluia. Praise praise the Father praise the Son. And praise the Spirit three in One O praise Him, O praise Him. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Praise praise the Father praise the Son. And praise the Spirit three in One O praise Him, O praise Him. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. OPENING SENTENCES I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, Because He judged me faithful, Appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12 We rejoice that we are Called to serve! CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19b If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8 9 Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. 2
Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. [John 20:19 23] SALUTATION AND COLLECT OF THE DAY SERVICE OF THE WORD The Lord be with you. And also with you. THE PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we are to pray and always ready to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour down on us the abundance of Your mercy. Forgive us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and give us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask except by the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Please Be Seated) OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 4:1 15 (Abel is killed by his brother, Cain.) [1] Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord." [2] And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. [3] In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, [4] and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, [5] but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. [6] The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? [7] If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." [8] Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. [9] Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" [10] And the Lord said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. [11] And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. [12] When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." [13] Cain said to the Lord, "My punishment is greater than I can bear. [14] Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me." [15] Then the Lord said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3
EPISTLE 2 Timothy 4:6 8, 16 18 (Paul reflects on his life and ministry.) [6] For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing....[16] At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! [17] But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. [18] The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. HOLY GOSPEL Luke 18:9 17 (A teaching parable and a loving action of Jesus) The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the eighteenth chapter. Glory to You, O Lord. [9] He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: [10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." [15] Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [17] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, O Christ. APOSTLES CREED LSB 159 I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. 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. 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. (Please Be Seated) 4
CHILDREN S MESSAGE Christ Be My Leader LSB 861, v. 1 Christ be my Leader by night as by day; Safe through the darkness, for He is the way. Gladly I follow, my future His care, darkness is daylight when Jesus is there. SONG OF THE DAY Blessed Assurance Knapp Blessed assurance Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of glory divine Heir of salvation purchase of God. Born of His Spirit washed in His blood CHORUS: This is my story, this is my song Praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission perfect delight. Visions of rapture now burst on my sight Angels descending bring from above. Echoes of mercy whispers of love. CHORUS Perfect submission all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and blest Watching and waiting looking above. Filled with His goodness lost in His love. CHORUS SERMON PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. We pray for the nations of the world, asking that voices that call for peace may be heard and that the rich bounty of creation may be carefully developed and thoughtfully shared. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer Grant a sense of satisfaction to all people in their various vocations, that together we may rejoice in times of prosperity and in times of adversity may support one another. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray for those whose lives know burdens and challenges. This day we commend to Your benediction [names] and all of Your children who are in need of the prayers here offered. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray that our offerings are sacrifices acceptable to You, O Lord, and that, with Your blessing, they be used to Your glory. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. (Special Petitions) These things and whatsoever else we should have asked of You, grant us by Your mercy, O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. 5
(Please Be Seated) GATHERING OF OFFERINGS OFFERTORY Forever Tomlin Give thanks to the Lord our God and King. His love endures forever. For He is good. He is above all things. His love endures forever. Sing praise, sing praise. With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, His love endures forever. For the life that's been reborn, His love endures forever. Sing praise, sing praise. Sing praise, sing praise. CHORUS: Forever God is faithful. Forever God is strong Forever God is with us. Forever, forever. From the rising to the setting sun, His love endures forever. And by the grace of God we will carry on. His love endures forever. Sing praise, sing praise. Sing praise, sing praise. CHORUS X2 SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT The Lord s Supper is celebrated at Ascension in the confession that, as He says, our Lord gives not only bread and wine but His very body and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of sins and to strengthen our union with Him and one another. Our Lord invites to His table those who trust His words, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and loves us. All those who are not yet instructed, in doubt or who hold a confession differing from that of this congregation and The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and yet desire to receive the Sacrament, are asked first to speak with the pastor. PREFACE The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give Him thanks and praise. PROPER PREFACE It is truly good, right, and proper that we should give thanks to You, merciful Father, for in Your goodness You have given your only-begotten Son for our salvation. Through the guidance of Your Spirit, lead us to offer sacrifices that are acceptable to You. Grant that we receive the body and blood of our Lord as a guarantee of our salvation and as a foretaste of the feast to come in Your heavenly kingdom. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and praise, together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever praising you and singing: 6
SANCTUS Revelation Song Riddle Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come With all creation I sing: Praise to the King of Kings! You are my ev rything, And I will adore You! REPEAT THE WORDS OF OUR LORD LSB 162 LORD S PRAYER LSB 162 Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: 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. Matthew 6:9 13 PAX DOMINI The Peace of the Lord John 20:19 (Spoken) LSB 163 The peace of the Lord be with you always. (Please Be Seated) DISTRIBUTION SONGS Mighty to Save Fielding/Morgan Everyone needs compassion. Love that's never failing. Let mercy fall on me. Everyone needs forgiveness. The kindness of a Savior, the hope of nations. CHORUS: Savior, He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save. He is mighty to save. Forever, Author of salvation. He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. Interlude So take me as You find me. All my fears and failures. Fill my life again. I give my life to follow. Everything I believe in, now I surrender. CHORUS Shine your light and let the whole world see. We're singing for the glory of the risen King. Jesus, Shine your light and let the whole world see. We're singing for the glory of the risen King. CHORUS So take me as You find me. All my fears and failures. Fill my life again. I give my life to follow. Everything I believe in, now I surrender. 7
Now Unto Him Morris Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling; And to make you stand in His presence, blameless and with great joy. To the only God, our Savior; through Jesus Christ, our Lord; Be the glory and the majesty, dominion and authority, both now and ever, amen. CCLI License No. 219979 POST-COMMUNION PRAYER O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24 26 LSB 166 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 SONG I ll Fly Away Brumley Some glad morning when this life is o'er I'll fly away To a home on God's celestial shore I'll fly away CHORUS: I'll fly away O glory I ll fly away (in the morning) When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away When the shadows of this life have grown I'll fly away Like a bird from prison bars has flown I'll fly away CHORUS Just a few more weary days and then I'll fly away To a land where joys shall never end I'll fly away CHORUS POSTLUDE Instrumental Music Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish, Series C, Part 4. Copyright 2016 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Text 2015 Ascension Lutheran Church. Used by permission. LSBHymnLicense.net #100012046 8