WELCOME HOME! The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 8:00 a.m. Sunday Worship ORDER OF WORSHIP: Printed below, on p.38 of the hymnal and on the screen OPENING HYMN #234 vv.1-5 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Please stand CALL TO WORSHIP M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. C: And also with you. Getting to Know Our Savior in His Priorities! February 8, 2015 Traditional Worship on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. Bible Study on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Blended Worship on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1 CONFESSION OF SINS M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy. C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt. M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will. C: Amen. PRAYER AND PRAISE M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. C: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed are they who take refuge in him. 2
Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues forever. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed are they who take refuge in him. PRAYER OF THE DAY M: Let us pray. through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. THE WORD CHILDREN S MESSAGE - The children are invited to come forward for an object lesson. FIRST LESSON Job 7:1-7 on page 796 of the pew bible Job s experience of suffering is extreme but by no means unique. The devil causes and uses misery to drive us away from God; God uses it to drive us to our knees and then with the gospel to raise us up again in hope and trust that triumphs even if the suffering stays. PSALM OF THE DAY Meditate silently on the psalm while the handbell choir plays Celebrate with Ringing Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases; he redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with love and compassion. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He does not treat us as our 'sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 3 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that 'we are dust. Our days are like grass, like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone. But the Lord's love is with those who fear him from everlasting to everlasting. SECOND LESSON Romans 8:28-30 on page 1757-1758 of the pew bible Notice: Paul does not say that God pre-determines all things, but that God makes use of all things in the lives of those who love him. Who are the ones who love him? Those he has called. God governs and uses all of their personal history to accomplish his own ultimate purpose of their sharing in his glory. VERSE OF THE DAY M: Alleluia. Jesus said, I am the light of the world. C: Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Alleluia. (John 8:12) Please stand. GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:29-39 on page 1553 of the pew bible Each and every one of the problems and hindrances in Capernaum was a blessing in disguise. Each gave people a reason to despair of their own abilities and to seek in Jesus the compassionate and merciful Savior. Notice that Peter s mother-in-law gets the point of Jesus help immediately: she has been saved to serve. It is very useful for us to put our own problems and hindrances to following Jesus in that kind of a perspective: trials spur us to seek his help; his help should spur us to service. After the reading of the Gospel the congregation responds: M: This is the Gospel of our Lord! C: Praise be to you, O Christ! 4
HYMN OF THE DAY - #93 vv.1-4 Hail to the Lord s Anointed MESSAGE There is additional space for your notes on the sermon on page 7. Please stand. THE APOSTLE S CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe 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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there 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. Amen. THE THANK OFFERING Please fill out the friendship register as it is passed. Guests, please don t feel obligated to take part in the offering. We re just happy you re here as our guest to hear and take to heart the message of Jesus. MUSICAL OFFERING All That I Am Please stand PRAYER OF THE CHURCH M: Lord God, our maker and preserver, we praise and thank you for all that you give us day after day. C: We are not worthy of all the mercies you show us. M: You have given us your precious Word to nourish our souls and to protect us from the temptations of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. C: We thank you for those who teach and preach your saving truth at this place and everywhere. Grant them a rich measure of patience, wisdom, and love. M: Heavenly Father, we pray that you shield us from every kind of danger: sudden catastrophe, terrors of crime, and the pain of disease. Watch over those who travel by land, sea, and air. Keep our loved ones from whatever perils may threaten them. C: Heal those who are sick, cheer those who are sad, calm those who are distressed, and comfort all who are old and infirm. M: Bless our land, our people, and those who hold offices of high trust. Keep our government and schools upright and strong for the advancement of good citizenship and useful vocations, that we may enjoy your gifts of peace, security, and well-being. C: Grant your blessing to every nation on earth. Where there are wars, may there be peace. Where there is hatred, let it be healed. Where there is poverty, danger, or disaster, come with your almighty power to help and restore. Special prayers and intercessions. M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. Silent prayer. M: We bring these requests before you in the name of Jesus our Lord, and ask you to hear. Take all that we have, our bodies and minds, our time and skills, our ministries and offerings, and use them to your glory. C: We give ourselves to you that we may serve you in whatever way is pleasing in your sight. Amen THE LORD S PRAYER 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. Amen. HYMN - #451 vv.1-3 Precious Lord, Take My Hand Please stand. 5 6
M: O Lord, God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness. 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. C: Amen. Amen. Amen. WELS CONNECTION Youth Ministry MY NOTES ON THE MESSAGE GATHERING SONG Forever WELCOME OPENING SONG Speak, O Lord THURSDAY HYMN #234 vv.1-5 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Please stand CALL TO WORSHIP M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. C: And also with you. The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 10:30 a.m. Sunday & 6:30 p.m. Thursday Worship ORDER OF WORSHIP: Printed below and on the screen CONFESSION OF SINS M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy. C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt. M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will. C: Amen. 7 8
PRAYER OF THE DAY M: Let us pray. C: Amen. THE WORD CHILDREN S MESSAGE - The children are invited to come forward for an object lesson. FIRST LESSON Job 7:1-7 on page 796 of the pew bible Job s experience of suffering is extreme but by no means unique. The devil causes and uses misery to drive us away from God; God uses it to drive us to our knees and then with the gospel to raise us up again in hope and trust that triumphs even if the suffering stays. PSALM OF THE DAY Meditate silently on the psalm while the handbell choir plays Celebrate with Ringing Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases; he redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with love and compassion. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He does not treat us as our 'sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, 9 he remembers that 'we are dust. Our days are like grass, like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone. But the Lord's love is with those who fear him from everlasting to everlasting. SECOND LESSON Romans 8:28-30 on page 1757-1758 of the pew bible Notice: Paul does not say that God pre-determines all things, but that God makes use of all things in the lives of those who love him. Who are the ones who love him? Those he has called. God governs and uses all of their personal history to accomplish his own ultimate purpose of their sharing in his glory. VERSE OF THE DAY M: Alleluia. Jesus said, I am the light of the world. C: Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Alleluia. (John 8:12) Please stand. GOSPEL LESSON Mark 1:29-39 on page 1553 of the pew bible Each and every one of the problems and hindrances in Capernaum was a blessing in disguise. Each gave people a reason to despair of their own abilities and to seek in Jesus the compassionate and merciful Savior. Notice that Peter s mother-in-law gets the point of Jesus help immediately: she has been saved to serve. It is very useful for us to put our own problems and hindrances to following Jesus in that kind of a perspective: trials spur us to seek his help; his help should spur us to service. SONG By Faith THURSDAY HYMN - #93 vv.1-4 Hail to the Lord s Anointed MESSAGE There is additional space for your notes on the sermon on page 12. 10
Please stand. THE APOSTLE S CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe 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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there 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. Amen. THE THANK OFFERING Please fill out the friendship register as it is passed. Guests, please don t feel obligated to take part in the offering. We re just happy you re here as our guest to hear and take to heart the message of Jesus. MUSICAL OFFERING - All That I Am Please stand PRAYER OF THE CHURCH M: Lord God, our maker and preserver, we praise and thank you for all that you give us day after day. C: We are not worthy of all the mercies you show us. M: You have given us your precious Word to nourish our souls and to protect us from the temptations of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. C: We thank you for those who teach and preach your saving truth at this place and everywhere. Grant them a rich measure of patience, wisdom, and love. M: Heavenly Father, we pray that you shield us from every kind of danger: sudden catastrophe, terrors of crime, and the pain of disease. Watch over those who travel by land, sea, and air. Keep our loved ones from whatever perils may threaten them. C: Heal those who are sick, cheer those who are sad, calm those who are distressed, and comfort all who are old and infirm. M: Bless our land, our people, and those who hold offices of high trust. Keep our government and schools upright and strong for the advancement of good citizenship and useful vocations, that we may enjoy your gifts of peace, security, and well-being. C: Grant your blessing to every nation on earth. Where there are wars, may there be peace. Where there is hatred, let it be healed. Where there is poverty, danger, or disaster, come with your almighty power to help and restore. Special prayers and intercessions. M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. Silent prayer. M: We bring these requests before you in the name of Jesus our Lord, and ask you to hear. Take all that we have, our bodies and minds, our time and skills, our ministries and offerings, and use them to your glory. C: We give ourselves to you that we may serve you in whatever way is pleasing in your sight. Amen THE LORD S PRAYER 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. M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness. 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. C: Amen. CLOSING SONG May the Peace THURSDAY HYMN - #451 vv.1-3 Precious Lord, Take My Hand 11 WELS CONNECTION Youth Ministry 12
Weekly News BACKPACKS PROJECT We are taking a special collection of grocery items this week for Rapids Family Backpacks. This program provides healthy weekend meals in a backpack to families at four local elementary schools. Backpacks include a recipe and all of the items necessary to create that meal, along with a breakfast item and other "meal stretchers". We are collecting canned tuna/chicken, low sodium canned vegetables, fruit in juice or water, whole grain cereal, whole grain pasta, dried or canned beans, canned spaghetti sauce, low sodium soups, baking mix, pancake mix, and muffin mix. The program could also use donations of scrip/money or new backpacks. Drop off your donations at the display in the Welcome Center by Sunday, Feb. 15. LENT BEGINS FEB. 18 Our Thursday evening services will be taking a break after Feb. 12 as we begin Lent. These will be replaced by Midweek Lenten services on Wednesdays at 3:30 & 6:30 p.m. These services are an extra opportunity to focus on Christ s sacrifice and follow a different theme than the Sunday services. This year, we will be looking at God s plan of deliverance through passages from Isaiah. We will once again have a special magnet piece for the children to collect each week. BOOKFAIR IN THE RESOURCE CENTER Little Lambs is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair in the library this Sunday, Feb. 8. There is a large selection of books, and we have a credit card machine to make payment easy! Stop in and see what is available. WOVEN TOGETHER IN LOVE! Join us at Footsteps as we discover God s Valentine message for each of us! Children will weave a colorful cross, sing a new song about God s love for sinners and complete a My Valentine from God activity book. All of the program s activities will focus on how we are woven together as a loving family of believers in Jesus. Children ages 2-2 nd grade, siblings and parents, are welcome to join us. Encourage your friends and family to join us Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. 13 DISTRICT PINE CAR DERBY NEXT SATURDAY We are hosting the District Pioneers Pine Car Derby at St. Paul s next Saturday, Feb. 14. Volunteers are needed to work in the concession stand throughout the day. We also need donations of food items for the concession stand. For more information, see the sign up sheets in the Welcome Center. VISIT THE HOMEBOUND We are still in need of a person or persons to visit members of our congregation who are homebound or in care facilities. Short visits are made once a month. For more information, please contact Carol Newsom at 715-424-2608. OPERA FOR THE YOUNG Everyone is invited to a performance of Beauty and the Beast in St. Paul s gym on Monday, Feb. 16 at 9:30 a.m. Our school students and a guest star called worker will join Opera for the Young in this musical retelling of the classic tale. WHAT IS THE STEPHEN SERIES? St. Paul s recently decided to enroll in the Stephen Series, a system for training laypeople to do caring ministry. Those training for Stephen Ministry will learn skills and develop their talents for bringing Christ s healing love to people who are grieving, depressed, or experiencing other stresses in life. TOGETHER WE SHINE RESERVATIONS DUE BY FEB. 16 You are invited to Northland Lutheran High Schools Together We Shine celebration on Sunday, March 1, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. A catered meal will be served. The cost is $20/person or $10 for those aged 6 th grade and under. Contact NLHS at www.nlhs.org. ATTENDANCE & OFFERING REPORT Last Week s Attendance: 373 YTD Average Sunday Attendance: 323 Feb. 1, 2015 Month to date Year to date Needed $21,569 $21,569 $603,932 Received $20,416 $20,416 $ 577,939 Line of credit loan balance: $45,551 Mortgage balance: $2,186,688 Cheerful Givers This Week: $1,205 Total to Date: $318,132 14
CALENDAR Sun 2/8 8:00am Worship Service 9:15am Adult Bible Study in the Dining Room 9:15am Sunday School for children 3-yrs-old thru 8 th grade 10:30am Worship Service 2:00pm Co-ed Adult Volleyball in the gym Mon 2/9 9:30am Service at Arborwood Lodge 10:30am Service at Arborview Court 11:30am Service at St. Paul s 1:00pm Service at Pine Ridge Asst. Living 2:30pm Service at Bethel center in Arpin Tues 2/10 6:45am Men s Bible Study at From the Ground Up Coffee Shop 9:45am Women Walking in the Word in the Resource Center 5:30pm Handbell Practice in the balcony 6:30pm Bible Information Class 7:00pm Choir Practice in the balcony Wed 2/11 9:00am School Chapel Service 10:30am Midweek Bible Study in the Bible Study Room 6:00pm Footsteps in the Dining Room 6:30pm Bible Book Group in the Resource Center 6:30pm Catechism Class in Room 108 6:30pm Contemporary Praise Team Practice in the Balcony 6:30pm Financial Peace University in the Bible Study Room Thur 2/12 7:00am Men s Small Group at From the Ground Up Coffee Shop 2:00pm Hafermann Singers at Rapids Care Center 6:00pm Men s Basketball in the gym 6:30pm Worship Service Sat Sun 2/14 12:30pm District Pioneer Pinecar Derby 2/15 8:00am Worship Service 9:15am Adult Bible Study in the Dining Room 9:15am Sunday School for children 3-yrs-old thru 8 th grade 10:30am Worship Service 2:00pm Co-ed Adult Volleyball in the gym 15 St. Paul s Lutheran Church & School 311 14 th Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 715-421-3634 churchoffice@stpaulswr.org Visit us online at www.stpaulswr.org. WELCOME TO WORSHIP IT S JOY TO HAVE YOU WITH US TODAY! If you are a visitor to our church, we extend you a warm welcome. One of our ushers or greeters can help you find the restrooms, family room or answer your other questions. BRING YOUR CHILDREN. It s encouraging to see parents bring their families to worship the Lord. If your child is restless, we all understand. You can use the Family Room to calm your child. RESTROOMS are located in the hallways along either side of the Worship Center. FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, large print copies of the service and listening devices are available from the ushers. A PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Dear Father of time and eternity, you have given us another day in which to pray, praise and give thanks. Who of us can show the kind of love which you bestow on us each day. Dear Lord, encourage us to work together so that we can faithfully do the tasks you have given us. We ask you to comfort our people, especially those who are ill and those who have lost a loved one. Keep them from despair as they live out the life you give to them. You are an awesome God, worthy of adoration. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen. NEED TO CONTACT US? Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Give us a call or send us an email! Phone: 715-421-3634 CHURCH Pastor Jim Douglas pastordouglas@stpaulswr.org ext. 14 Pastor Martin Baur pastorbaur@stpaulswr.org ext. 13 SCHOOL Principal Jon Engelbrecht jonengelbrecht@yahoo.com ext. 16 LITTLE LAMBS Mrs. Hannah Mueller littlelambs@stpaulswr.org ext. 15 16