ALL SAINTS DAY November 5 & 6, 2016 5:00 & 8:15 AS WE GATHER When we think of saints, we likely picture well-known disciples, martyrs, and leaders of the Church throughout the years. Familiar names from the pages of Scripture come to mind such as Peter, John, and Paul the type of people we name churches after. Perhaps this is rightly so. After all, the Lord worked in the lives of these individuals in powerful ways. On All Saints Day, however, we also give thanks to God for unsung saints. We remember faithful Christian men and women whose names may not be known to the world but are known to us. We remember the names of mothers and fathers, friends and family, and fellow congregation members who bore witness to Christ through word and deed. We take time to rejoice that they are now in the nearer presence of the crucified and risen Savior they served while among us. PRELUDE RINGING OF THE BELLS - We Prepare our hearts and minds for worship WELCOME (Please Stand) PREPARATION OPENING HYMN For All the Saints LSB 677, v. 1-4 For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia! Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old And win with them the victor s crown of gold! Alleluia! Alleluia! Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! Alleluia! INVOCATION In the name of the Father, who created us. In the name of the Son, who redeemed us. 1
All: In the name of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies and keeps us in the one true faith. CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION 1 John 3:1 3 In today s Epistle, John writes, See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. Yet, we do not live our lives as if we are children of God. Father in heaven, forgive us for not always living in ways that honor Your name, which we bear as Your baptized children. You lavishly love us, but we have not shown love for You or for our neighbor. Because we are by nature sinful and unclean, we set our minds only on the things of this world and not on the world to come. Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Beloved, we are God s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure (1 John 3:2 3). 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. WORD HYMN OF PRAISE Sing with All the Saints in Glory LSB 671 Sing with all the saints in glory, Sing the resurrection song! Death and sorrow, earth s dark story, To the former days belong. All around the clouds are breaking; Soon the storms of time shall cease; In God s likeness we awaken, Knowing everlasting peace. Oh, what glory, far exceeding All that eye has yet perceived! Holiest hearts for ages pleading Never that full joy conceived. God has promised, Christ prepares it; There on high our welcome waits. Ev ry humble spirit shares it, Christ has passed the eternal gates. Life eternal! Heav n rejoices: Jesus lives who once was dead. Shout with joy, O deathless voices! Child of God, lift up your head! Life eternal! Oh, what wonders Crowd of faith; what joy unknown, When, amid earth s closing thunders, Saints shall stand before the throne! SALUTATION The Lord be with you. And also with you. PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. O God of grace and mercy, we give thanks for Your loving kindness shown to all Your servants who, having finished their course in faith, now rest from their labors. 2
Grant that we also may be faithful unto death and receive the crown of eternal life. Grant that, having been loved so richly by You, we would go and do likewise, loving our neighbor as ourselves; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Please Be Seated) FIRST READING Revelation 7:9 17 (The saints praising the Lamb before His throne) [9] After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, [10] and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" [11] And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, [12] saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! " [13] Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" [14] I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [15] "Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. [16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. [17] For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Lector: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. EPISTLE 1 John 3:1 3 (The Father s love for us) [1] See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3] And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Lector: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. (Please Stand) HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 5:1 12 (The Beatitudes) The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fifth chapter. Glory to You, O Lord. Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 3
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 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) CHILDREN S MESSAGE Jesus Loves Me This I Know LSB 588, v. 2 Jesus loves me! He who died Heaven s gates to open wide. He has washed away my sin, Lets His little child come in. Refrain Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. 4
HYMN OF THE DAY Jerusalem the Golden LSB 672 Jerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blest The promise of salvation, The place of peace and rest We know not, oh, we know not What joys await us there: The radiancy of glory, The bliss beyond compare! Within those walls of Zion Sounds forth the joyful song, As saints join with the angels And all the martyr throng. The Prince is ever with them; The daylight is serene; The city of the blessed Shines bright with glorious sheen. Around the throne of David, The saints, from care released, Raise loud their songs of triumph To celebrate the feast. They sing to Christ their leader, Who conquered in the fight. Who won for them forever Their gleaming robes of white. O sweet and blessed country, The home of God s elect! O sweet and blessed country That faithful hearts expect! In mercy, Jesus, bring us To that eternal rest With You and God the Father And Spirit, ever blest. SERMON REMEMBRANCE OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED HYMN Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones LSB 670, v. 1 & 3 Ye watchers and ye holy ones, Bright seraphs, cherubim, and thrones, Raise the glad strain: Alleluia! Cry out, dominions, princedoms, pow rs, Virtues, archangels, angels choirs: Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Respond, ye souls in endless rest, Ye patriarchs and prophets blest: Alleluia, alleluia! Ye holy Twelve, ye martyrs strong, All saints triumphant, raise the song: Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! In joyful expectation of the resurrection to life eternal, we remember before the Lord our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith. 11/18/15 Edith C. Kuhn 12/11/15 Gary Edward Bischoff 12/21/15 Esther M. Greer 12/28/15 Marlyn Graudin 3/20/16 Rev. Dr. Otto Charles Hintze Jr. 4/16/16 James C. Stone 6/11/16 Walter Danneman 6/11/16 Linda Danneman 7/27/16 Virginia M. Bude 10/16/16 Kenneth M. Bartz 5
Almighty God, we remember with thanksgiving those who loved and served You in Your Church on earth and who now rest from their labors. Keep us in fellowship with all Your saints, and bring us at last to the joy of Your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. HYMN Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones LSB 670, v. 4 O friends, in gladness let us sing, Supernal anthems echoing: Alleluia, alleluia! To God the Father, God the Son, And God the Spirit, Three in One: Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Please Stand) PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Psalm 31:5 As those who have been made saints by God s grace through faith in Christ Jesus, let us come before our Father in heaven in prayer. Blessed are the poor in spirit. Lord God, we recognize that we are spiritually poor and morally bankrupt. Grant us forgiveness for the sake of Jesus. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. Blessed are those who mourn. Lord God, we mourn our sin, but we also mourn the wages that sin brings death. Give us the comfort that Jesus gives, which will be fully realized in heaven. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. Lord God, watch over us when we are persecuted for following You. Grant us and to all Christians steadfastness of faith. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. [Special petitions may follow.] O Lord, into Your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy. (Please Be Seated) (Please Stand) GATHERING OF OFFERINGS OFFERTORY Create in Me LSB 192 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Amen 6
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. [2 Timothy 4:22] And also with you. Lift up your hearts. [Colossians 3:1] We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. [Psalm 136] It is right to give Him thanks and praise. PROPER PREFACE It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God. In the communion of all Your saints gathered into the one Body of Your Son, You have surrounded us with so great a cloud of witnesses that we, encouraged by their faith and strengthened by their fellowship, may run with perseverance the race that is set before us and, together with them, receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing: SANCTUS LSB 208 Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth adored; Heav n and earth with full acclaim shout the glory of Your name. Sing hosanna in the highest, sing hosanna to the Lord; Truly blest is He who comes in the name of the Lord! THE WORDS OF OUR LORD Matthew 26:26 28; Mark 14:22 24; Luke 22:19 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23 25 LORD S PRAYER As children of our heavenly Father, we pray the prayer Jesus taught us. 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. PAX DOMINI The peace of the Lord be with you always. 7
AGNUS DEI LSB 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. (Please Be Seated) DISTRIBUTION HYMNS Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness LSB 563 Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress; Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head. Bold shall I stand in that great day, Cleansed and redeemed, no debt to pay; Fully absolved through these I am From sin and fear, from guilt and shame. Lord, I believe Thy precious blood, Which at the mercy seat of God Pleads for the captives liberty, Was also shed in love for me. Lord, I believe, were sinners more Than sands upon the ocean shore, Thou hast for all a ransom paid, For all a full atonement made. When from the dust of death I rise To claim my mansion in the skies, This then shall be my only plea: Jesus hath lived and died for me. Jesus, be endless praise to Thee, Whose boundless mercy hath for me, For me, and all Thy hands have made, An everlasting ransom paid. Father Welcomes LSB 605 Refrain: Father welcomes all His children to His fam ly through His Son. Father giving His salvation, Life forever has been won. Little children, come to Me, For My kingdom is of these. Life and love I have to give, Mercy for your sin. Refrain In the water, in the Word, in His promise be assured: Those who are baptized and believe Shall be born again. Refrain Let us daily die to sin; let us daily rise with Him, Walk in the love of Christ our Lord, Live in the peace of God. Refrain 8
Rejoicing, O Pilgrim Throng LSB 813 Rejoice, O pilgrim throng! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing; Your festal banner wave on high, The cross of Christ your king. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing! With voice as full and strong As ocean s surging praise, Send forth the sturdy hymns of old, The psalms of ancient days. Refrain With all the angel choirs, With all the saints on earth Pour out the strains of joy and bliss, True rapture, noblest mirth. Refrain Yet on and onward still, With hymn and chant and song, Through gate and porch and columned aisle The hallowed pathways throng. Refrain Still lift your standard high, Still march in firm array, As pilgrims through the darkness wend Till dawns the golden day. Refrain At last the march shall end; The wearied ones shall rest; The pilgrims find their home at last, Jerusalem the blest. Refrain Praise Him who reigns on high, The Lord whom we adore: The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, One God forevermore. Refrain (Please Stand) POST-COMMUNION CANTICLE Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow LSB 805 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav nly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. BENEDICTION Revelation 7:12 All: Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! 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. Numbers 6:24 26 9
CLOSING HYMN For All the Saints LSB 677, v. 5-7 And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave again and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia! The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest; Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day: The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of Glory passes on His way. Alleluia! Alleluia! From earth s wide bounds, from ocean s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Alleluia! Alleluia! 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 10