THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE

THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost June 14-17, 2018

N84 W15252 Menomonee Ave. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 N108 W14290 Bel Aire Lane Germantown, WI 53022 WELCOME TO WORSHIP! We are pleased that you have chosen to worship the Lord with us today. If you are a guest visiting with us, know that we are thankful you have joined us, and please take a moment to sign the friendship register during the offering. Large print hymnals (both locations) are available upon request from an usher. Hearing assist devices are available upon request from an usher. Restrooms are located in the lower level of the church and also down the school hallway. If you need a place to quiet a restless child, the service is streamed to a TV in the lower level. NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY The order of service for today is printed in this folder. The hymns are found in Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, the red hymnal, or are printed in the folder. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION Service of the Word 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted under OneLicnese.net #A-716490 Cover artwork by Ian M. Welch. 2013 Ian M. Welch. All Rights Reserved. www.paramentics.com All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. SERVING IN WORSHIP Preaching Minister Organist Pastor Peter Schmidt Liz Sand 2

THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST The Service of the Word is found on p. 38 in the front of the red hymnal. OPENING HYMN My Soul, Now Bless Your Maker 257 INVOCATION P: 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. CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION P: 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. P: 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. P: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. 3

OH, TASTE AND SEE PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Let us pray. O God, protector of all the faithful, you alone make strong; you alone make holy. Show us your mercy and forgive our sins day by day. Guide us through our earthly lives that we do not lose the things you have prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 4

THE WORD FIRST LESSON Jonah 3:1-4:1 The Word spoken through Jonah works powerfully to bring a city to repentence. However, the preacher is surprisingly upset with the results. 3 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you. 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began by going a day s journey into the city, proclaiming, Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown. 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When Jonah s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish. 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. 4 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. 5

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 115 6

SECOND LESSON Colossians 1:3-8 The Word had a positive effect on the Colossian Christians, and caused them to produce evidences of their faith. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God s people 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. VERSE OF THE DAY Psalm 132:9 P: Alleluia. May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy. Alleluia. Worship services center around the Gospel Reading; we rise to highlight its function. 7

GOSPEL Mark 4:26-34 With a couple parables, our Savior illustrates the power of the Word. 26 He also said, This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come. 30 Again he said, What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade. 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. HYMN OF THE DAY Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid 188 CHILDRENS MESSAGE SERMON Jonah 3:1-4:1 View the Power of God s Word APOSTLES 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. 8

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. THANK OFFERING Please take a moment during the gathering of the thank offering to sign the FRIENDSHIP REGISTER and get to know those seated around you. PRAYER OF THE CHURCH P: 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. P: 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. P: 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. P: 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 may follow. P: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. Silent prayer. P: We bring these requests before you in the name of Jesus our Lord, and ask you to hear us. Take all that we have, our bodies and minds, our time and skills, our ministries and offerings, and use them to your glory. 9

C: We give ourselves to you that we may serve you in whatever way is pleasing in your sight. Amen. 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. HYMN Preach You the Word 544 PRAYER P: 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. BLESSING P: 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. CLOSING HYMN Almighty Father, Bless the Word 323 10

WEEKLY NEWS AND NOTES This week, the flowers beautifying worship in Menomonee Falls are from Ilo Laubenstein, in memory of her husband Bob. CALL UPDATES On Sunday June 10 th, the Voters of Bethlehem extended a call to Pastor Ross Henzi, who currently serves at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion, WI to be Bethlehem's Coordinating and Outreach Pastor. In other call news, Mr. Mike Mittelstadt, Bethlehem s 7 th Grade Teacher, has received a call to St. John s in Libertyville, IL to teach 7th and 8 th Grades, as well as to be leader of the youth group. Please keep Mr. Mittelstadt in your prayers as he considers the Lord s will and where he should serve in His Kingdom. NOW HIRING CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Germantown is hiring a Church Administrative Assistant. The hours are approximately 7:30-3:30 with a choice of 3 or 5 days a week. This is a great opportunity for someone technologically-savvy to have their dream job! Email your resume to rnolte@bethlehem-wels.org and share why you're excited to join us! YOUR LIFE-YOUR PLAN-YOUR LEGACY - KML is hosting the final evening of a special three-night series on estate planning on June 19 th starting at 6:30 PM. Each presentation is unique and will provide valuable and practical information for all who attend. Come hear professionals who can offer clear advice, but without any cost or obligations. Go to www.foundation.kmlhs.org for more information and to RSVP. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FUNDRAISER Matt Seban, who has been Bethlehem s snowplow contractor, is expanding his business into landscaping materials at TLC Acres. He is offering to donate $2 for every yard of mulch purchased by Bethlehem members from now until September. The donations will go the Playground Equipment Fund. Simply contact Matt at (262)888-2309 or matt@tlcacreswi.com and mention Bethlehem. KML CHARITY GOLF OUTING & DINNER - Support tuition assistance by coming to the KML Charity Golf Outing and Dinner and enjoying a great day of golf, fellowship, food and fun. The outing is held at the prestigious West Bend Country Club on Monday, July 16 th. Proceeds from this event go to the KML Foundation and will be used for student assistance. Check out details and register online at www.foundation.kmlhs.org. WAUKESHA COUNTY FAIR BOOTH Bethlehem is working together with two sister churches (Trinity, Waukesha and Grace, Waukesha) to have a booth at this year s Waukesha County Fair. The booth has information about all our Waukesha County WELS churches, 11

provides free balloons for kids, and runs drawings for a Luxury Experience at Miller Park and several Kwik Trip Gift Cards. We re looking for volunteers who are willing to work 2- hour shifts (which range from 12:00-9:00 PM) from July 18-22. Volunteers get free admission to the Fair and free parking for the day which means you can come early or stay after your shift to enjoy the Fair! Volunteers are asked to attend a brief training session at Grace in Waukesha on either Thursday, July 12 @ 6:30 PM or Saturday, July 14 at 9:00 AM. If you re interested in signing up to help or if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Arnold (parnold@bethlehem-wels.org). Thank you for prayerfully considering helping with this opportunity to share Jesus with our community! Church Attendance Last Week: 656 Unified Offerings Last Week: $21,391.21; Building Relationships Offerings Last Week: $2,125.00 Serving in Worship Service Overseer: Communion Assistants: Sunday, June 17 th Thursday, June 21 st Menomonee Falls Larry Grodek 6:45 PM David Boxill Germantown Jim Affeldt Saturday, June 23 rd Sunday, June 24 th 5:00 PM Bryan Cook & Joe Bartz Menomonee Falls Gary Schilling Sunday, June 24 th Germantown Jim Henne 8:00 AM Jim Casper 10:30 AM Reinhard Liebner Set Up Teams (Germantown): Sunday, June 17 th Greeters: Team 3 Todd Plichta Thursday, June 14 th Sunday, June 24 th 6:45 PM Bob & Julie DeNicola Team 4 Mark Ignatowski Saturday, June 16 th 5:00 PM Bev George & Barb Bartel Ushers: Sunday, June 17 th Saturday, June 16 th 8:00 AM Chris & Liz Sand 5:00 PM Team 2 Siwy 9:15 AM Jeff & Cynthia De Vor Sunday, June 17 th 10:30 AM Gary & Careyann Vogt 8:00 AM Team 1 Cook Thursday, June 21 st 9:15 AM Team 19 Schulz 6:45 PM Ken & Ione Pruess 10:30 AM Team 16 Neuberger Saturday, June 23 rd Saturday, June 23 rd 5:00 PM Gus Dougherty & Hailey Schultz 5:00 PM Team 16 Neuberger Sunday, June 24 th Sunday, June 24 th 8:00 AM Jim & Barb Casper 8:00 AM Team 2 Siwy 9:15 AM Jeff & Christa Potratz 9:15 AM Team 1 Cook 10:30 AM Steven & Cristal Olsen 10:30 AM Team 19 - Schulz 12

The Week Ahead Sunday, June 17 th 8:00 AM Worship Service M 9:15 AM Worship Service G 10:30 AM Bible Study G 10:30 AM Worship Service M Counters: Burton s Team Monday, June 18 th 9:30 AM Morning Summer Bible Camp M 6:00 PM Quilters M 6:00 PM Evening Summer Bible Camp G 6:00 PM Adult and Teen Bible Study G 7:00 PM Hope Grows Bible Study G Tuesday, June 19 th 9:30 AM Morning Summer Bible Camp M 10:15 AM Bible Study M 6:00 PM Evening Summer Bible Camp G 6:00 PM Adult and Teen Bible Study G Wednesday, June 20 th 9:30 AM Morning Summer Bible Camp M 6:00 PM Bible Study M 6:00 PM Evening Summer Bible Camp G 6:00 PM Adult and Teen Bible Study G Thursday, June 21 st 9:30 AM Morning Summer Bible Camp M 6:00 PM Evening Summer Bible Camp G 6:00 PM Adult and Teen Bible Study G 6:45 PM Worship Service w/ Communion M Friday, June 22 nd 9:30 AM Morning Summer Bible Camp M 6:00 PM Evening Summer Bible Camp G 6:00 PM Adult and Teen Bible Study G Saturday, June 23 rd 8:00 AM Men s Bible Study M 5:00 PM Worship Service w/ Communion M Sunday, June 24 th Communion 8:00 AM Worship Service M 9:15 AM Worship Service G 10:30 AM Bible Study G 10:30 AM Worship Service M 13