St. John s Lutheran Church Luke 13:31-35 March 24, 2019
Welcome to St. John s Lutheran Church Good morning and a blessed welcome to you! It truly is an honor to have you worshipping with us this morning and it is our prayer that you find great comfort and peace in Jesus Word of love, mercy, and forgiveness! If you are visiting with us today, please take one of the visitor gift bags from the visitors center. At St. John s we are pleased to offer a variety of service formats on Sunday morning. In our 8:30 a.m. traditional service we offer familiar hymns and rich, traditional worship forms in a meaningful and inspirational setting. Our 11:00 a.m. contemporary service includes the same message as our 8:30 a.m. service but in an informal style, enhanced with contemporary music. We encourage you to try both worship styles! Thank you for worshipping with us; we would love to have you join us again! (If you need any assistance or need a hearing aid device, please see one of the ushers.) Contact Us 2727 North Union Boulevard Decatur, IL 62526 Phone: (217) 875-3656; website: www.stjohnsdecatur.com Church office hours: 8:00 am 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday Members of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod & Lutheran School Association. St. John s Staff Rev. Adam Ray, Lead Pastor... pastoradam@stjohnsdecatur.com Rev. Jonathan Torreson, Assoc. Pastor... pastorjon@stjohnsdecatur.com Malinda Standerfer, Dir. of Christian Ed... dcemalinda@stjohnsdecatur.com Brian McLane, Audio Visual/Praise Team Director... bmclane10@gmail.com Georgia Newman, Office Manager... georgian@stjohnsdecatur.com Carol Reynolds, Financial Secretary... carolr@stjohnsdecatur.com Columbus Miles, Custodian Marilyn Roemelin, Prayer Chain... 428-8081 LSA Faculty & Staff Members of St. John s Lutheran Church Sharon Colbeck Misty Grinestaff-Balvanz Judy Gross Andi Livingston Angela Martinek Brenda Olsen Jeff Salefski Brenda Salogga Melissa Saurmann Ruth Schick Tricia Summers Rachael Tavarczky Lindsay Tipsword
The Third Sunday of Lent March 24, 2019 8:30 a.m. Our Vision: Grounded in Christ, Growing in Faith, Branching Out to Others PRE-SERVICE MUSIC AND A TIME FOR PRAYER Good morning and a blessed welcome to you! It truly is an honor to have you worshiping with us this morning and it is our prayer that you find great comfort and peace in Jesus Word of love, mercy, and forgiveness! Thank you for worshiping with us; we would love to have you join us again! RINGING OF THE BELLS WELCOME/GREETING OF ONE ANOTHER Please take time to complete the appropriate side of the attendance registration cards. Once completed, pass the cards toward the center aisle. They will be collected during the offering. OPENING HYMN OF PRAISE Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness (Vv. 1,3,4,6) LSB 563 INVOCATION CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION PRAYER OF THE DAY LISTENING TO GOD SPEAK TO US THROUGH HIS WORD Ezekiel 33:7-20 7 Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. 8 If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 9 But if you warn them to repent and they don t repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. 10 Son of man, give the people of Israel this message: You are saying, Our sins are heavy upon us; we are wasting away! How can we survive? 11 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? 12 Son of man, give your people this message: The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins. 13 When I tell
righteous people that they will live, but then they sin, expecting their past righteousness to save them, then none of their righteous acts will be remembered. I will destroy them for their sins. 14 And suppose I tell some wicked people that they will surely die, but then they turn from their sins and do what is just and right. 15 For instance, they might give back a debtor s security, return what they have stolen, and obey my life-giving laws, no longer doing what is evil. If they do this, then they will surely live and not die. 16 None of their past sins will be brought up again, for they have done what is just and right, and they will surely live. 17 Your people are saying, The Lord isn t doing what s right, but it is they who are not doing what s right. 18 For again I say, when righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and turn to evil, they will die. 19 But if wicked people turn from their wickedness and do what is just and right, they will live. 20 O people of Israel, you are saying, The Lord isn t doing what s right. But I judge each of you according to your deeds. (NLT) L: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. LISTENING TO GOD SPEAK TO US THROUGH HIS WORD 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (ESV) L: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
HOLY GOSPEL Luke 13:1-9 L: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the thirteenth chapter. C: Glory to You, O Lord. (sung) 1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 6 And he told this parable: A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground? 8 And he answered him, Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down. (ESV) L: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ. (sung) CHILDREN S MESSAGE Jerry Pelz SERMON HYMN Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways LSB 707 SERMON We belong to the One Who Provides 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Pastor Jonathan Torreson APOSTLES CREED GIVING TO JESUS THANKFULLY FROM THE HEART (Offerings & Tithes) MINISTRY OF MUSIC Joyous Voices OFFERTORY HYMN Create in Me LSB 956 PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH The Leader will conclude every prayer with: Lord, in Your mercy, People respond with: watch over us and hear our prayer.
LORD S PRAYER BLESSING ANNOUNCEMENTS SENDING HYMN In the Cross of Christ I Glory LSB 427 POSTLUDE Acknowledgments Divine Service, Setting Five from Lutheran Service Book Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
The Third Sunday of Lent March 24, 2019 11:00 a.m. Our Vision: Grounded in Christ, Growing in Faith, Branching Out to Others Please take time to complete the appropriate side of the attendance registration card. Once completed, pass the cards toward the center aisle. They will be collected during the offering. WELCOME/GREETING OPENING PRAISE SONGS Your Love Never Fails This Is Amazing Grace One Thing Remains CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION GIVING TO JESUS THANKFULLY FROM THE HEART Who You Say I Am SCRIPTURE READING 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 CHILDREN S MESSAGE Jerry Pelz MESSAGE We belong to the One Who Provides 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Pastor Jonathan Torreson APOSTLE S CREED PRAYERS LORD S PRAYER ANNOUNCEMENTS SENDING SONGS Never Gonna Stop Singing My Lighthouse BLESSING
Sunday Servants Pastor... Pastor Jon Torreson Worship Leaders... Pastor Adam Ray Reader... Jan Bryant Lay Minister... 8:30 a.m. Alan Bishop 11:00 a.m. Marty Maxey Greeters... 8:30 a.m. Mary Jo Riley/Nancy Scribner 11:00 a.m. Steve Skibbens/Dan Zimmerman Organist... 8:30 a.m. Sharon Cripe Ushers... 8:30 a.m. Dave Vanskike/Ron Koopman Computer... Emma McConnell Thank You for Your Service! Praise Team Vocals... Amanda Ray, Melissa Saurmann, Brian McLane Guitars...Brian McLane Piano... Angela Cushing Audio... Doug Hicks Computer... Sarah Hicks St. John s Lutheran Church 2727 North Union Boulevard Decatur, IL 62526 Phone: (217) 875-3656; website: www.stjohnsdecatur.com Church office hours: 8:00 am 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday Members of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod & Lutheran School Association. Our Mission We are restored to God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. As a family of Christians, we are dedicated to the love and forgiveness of Christ as we reach out, preach and teach the truth of God s Word to each other, our Community and the world.
CHURCH CHATTER In Need of Prayer: If you would like to be added to the prayer list, please contact the church office. If you would like your request on our prayer chain, please call Marilyn Roemelin at 217-428-8081. Please call the prayer chain with an update of your prayer request. Hospital: DMH: Nancy Klebe In the Military: Laura Byers, Bryon Chaney, Kimberly Chaney, Kristel Chaney, Travis Chaney, Dan Cheney, Tristin Comer, Randy Edwards, Austin Highcock, Destiny Little, Aaron Lung, Andrew Nailer, Caleb Pinney, Jared Pinney, Caitlin Salefski, Tyler Salefski, Jacob Thornell Thank you for all the cards, well wishes, gifts, and words of encouragement. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the people at St. John s. I have many stories and fond memories during my time of service here. Continue blessings to you. Jerry Pelz Congregation News Door Offering is for the LSA assessment. Lenten Service this Wednesday, March 27 at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. at St. John s Lutheran Church. The Lenten meal will begin at 5:00 p.m. Menu: Crustless Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit. Provided by the Social Ministry. Call Night - Bring your phone and join us on Wednesday, March 27th after the evening Lenten service, to call members and invite them to Easter Service. We will give you a list of names and you can call them from church or the comfort of your home. Chicken Noodle Dinner: Our spring noodle dinner will be held on Sunday, April 7 from 11:00 am 1:00 pm. Cost is Adults - $8.50 and Children 3-12 - $3.50.
Thrivent Members..If you still have Choice Dollars for 2018 they must be directed by March 31. This can be done by calling 800-847-4836 or online at Thrivent.com. Call Steve Wright if you have questions 425-8894. New Life Pregnancy Center Please remember to bring your bottles, including the empty ones, to the church and place them on the table, back of sanctuary. There are several still not returned. They will be taken to New Life. Thank you! Thank you to all who volunteered to prepare and serve lunch to 143 folks at the Good Samaritan Inn last Sunday, and also to Thrivent Financial for their support of the event. Attention Parents of Sunday School Children: Sunday School classes are collecting Ramen Noodles during the month of March 2019. A note to parents of young children: Did you know that when your child reaches age 3, he or she is welcome to start Sunday School? Living a Generous Life Luke 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. The season of Lent is all about repentance turning back to the Lord, away from our sins, in faith. We know that it is only in the Lord that we can find salvation. So we do well in this season of repentance to examine ourselves, asking questions like, What is trying to keep me away from Jesus? What is a temptation I face? What is a sin I need to repent of and leave behind? Then we turn to the Lord for the strength to leave these sins behind, and we pray for the courage to follow Him in faith and faithful living. LSA News Re-enrollment for current students is going on now! The March fees are $100 per student. Do you know a child who is eligible to begin Kindergarten next year? Contact Susan Keane at skeane@lsadecatur.net for a tour. LSA 2019 Dinner Auction is April 6. Tickets on sale starting March 1.
Last Week s Giving General Fund... $12,259.75 Special Caring & Sharing... $1,331.00 Amount Needed To Meet Budget... $13,462.00 Adult Sunday School Offering... $27.00 Children s Sunday School... 76 pkgs. Of Ramen Noodles Last Week s Attendance 8:30 a.m.... 163 11:00 a.m.... 105 Total... 268 Adult Sunday School... 47 Children s Sunday School... 56 Lenten Service 1:00 p.m.... 24 Lenten Service 6:30 p.m.... 85 Nursing Home Services Generations at McKinley Court... 6 Generations at McKinley Place... 22 Decatur Rehab... 14 Total 42 Pro-Life Corner: The Virgin Mary s womb became the dwelling place of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Word by whom all things were made. Within the first month, the heart of the Logos in human flesh was beating, like ours, with electrical impulses, pumping blood through His body, blood He would later shed for our sins. But the full miracle of the Incarnation was not just in seeing the Man in the flesh but much more: in Mary s Son we saw with our eyes real things that are only visible by their effects: divine mercy, love, compassion, faith, meekness, and justice. James M. Kushiner, The Fellowship of St. James
THE LORD S WORK Sunday, March 24 8:30 a.m.... Traditional Service 9:45 a.m.... Education Hour 11:00 a.m.... Contemporary Service Monday, March 25 9-11:00 a.m.... YMCA Preschool 6:30 p.m.... Cub Scouts Tuesday, March 26 1:00 p.m....staff Meeting 3-5:00 p.m.... YMCA Preschool 6:30 p.m.... Worship Practice Wednesday, March 27 9-11:00 p.m.... YMCA Preschool 10:00 a.m.... Adult Bible Study 1:00 p.m....lenten Service 5:00 p.m.... Lenten Meal (Chicken Pot Pie) 6:30 p.m....lenten Service 7:30 p.m.... Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m.... Call Ministry Thursday, March 28 3-5:00 p.m.... YMCA Preschool 5:30 p.m.... TOPS Friday, March 29 No church activities scheduled. Saturday, March 30 No church activities scheduled. Sunday, March 31 8:30 a.m.... Traditional Service 9:45 a.m.... Education Hour 11:00 a.m.... Contemporary Service 6:00 p.m.... Sr. High Youth Groups