Be All That God Intends You (and has gifted you) To Be
In 1972, NASA launched the exploratory space probe Pioneer 10. The satellite’s primary mission was to reach Jupiter, photograph the planet and its moons, and beam data to earth about Jupiter’s magnetic field, radiation belts, and atmosphere. Scientists regarded this as a bold plan, for at that time no earth satellite had ever gone beyond Mars, and they feared the asteroid belt would destroy the satellite before it could reach its target. But Pioneer 10 accomplished its mission and much, much more.
Swinging past the giant planet in November 1973, Jupiter’s immense gravity hurled Pioneer 10 at a higher rate of speed toward the edge of the solar system. At one billion miles from the sun, Pioneer 10 passed Saturn. At some two billion miles, it hurtled past Uranus; Neptune at nearly three billion miles; Pluto at almost four billion miles. By 1997, twenty-five years after its launch, Pioneer 10 was more than six billion miles from the sun. And despite that immense distance, Pioneer 10 continued to beam back radio signals to scientists on Earth.
Perhaps most remarkable, those signals emanated from an 8-watt transmitter, which radiated about as much power as a bedroom night light, and took more than nine hours to reach Earth. The Little Satellite That Could was not qualified to do what it did. Engineers designed Pioneer 10 for a useful life of just three years, but it kept going and going.
Similarly, our Lord takes the seemingly little 8-watt abilities that He’s given us and uses them to accomplish more then we ever think possible – provided we devote them to faithfully serving Him and extending His Kingdom..
To that end…….In today’s worship service we’ll be considering the ways through which we can more faithfully manage the varied resources which God has entrusted to our care for proper use in His Kingdom. We often refer to this as our “Stewardship of the Talents” God has given us.
This morning, our attention will turn first to our Old Testament Lesson where God provides Moses (and us) with an example of the natural talents which He gives to His people, and His expectations for those talents. In this case, artistic talents were given to Bezalel, Oholiab, and Israel’s craftsmen, so that they might use those capabilities in the construction of God’s tabernacle. Likewise, some of us have been given certain “natural talents” which can be put to no better use than in service to our Lord. The question before us, of course, is: “Will we use those talents to serve the Lord, or ourselves?”
Today’s Epistle Lesson outlines some of the “spiritual gifts,” or talents, which God gives to those within His Church. Here we are reminded that, while God gives different gifts in differing amounts to His people, every member of the Church has at least one gift/talent which is supposed to be used for God’s purposes and glory.
In our Gospel Lesson for today is also our Sermon Text for this morning: Jesus’ parable of the talents. Our intent is both to take a personal survey of the talents and capabilities which God has entrusted to our care, and then to consider how we might more faithfully put them to use in service to His Kingdom. Of course, He expects us all to put His talents to good use – promising to reward those who are faithful in their service to Him, and indicating that He will rebuke those who are lazy, selfish and unfaithful.
Through our Children’s Lesson – and using the example of being a participant in a talent show – we’ll talk about the different abilities/talents that God gives us, and how we can use those talents to serve others, to serve God and to honor our Lord.
Pre-Service Prayer –Heavenly Father, please guide me in wisdom and truth through Your Holy Spirit, as I spend this time meditating on Your Word and rejoicing in Your limitless love for me. Assist me in being attentive in heart and mind to Your Word, as well as to the hymns of praise, the various petitions, and the prayers of thanksgiving my voice directs toward You. Use this worship service, O Lord, to deepen my love for You, to strengthen my trust in You, and to renew my commitment to You. All this I ask for the sake of and in the name of Your One and only Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version
Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
Used with permission. Music and lyrics, as needed, are
used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service Music
We Praise Our God
Welcome and Introduction to Worship
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: And of the Son
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
P: And of the Holy Spirit
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 91
He who lives in the shelter of the Most High will stay in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD , “He is my Refuge and my Fortress, + my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely He will rescue you from the fowler’s trap, from the destructive plague.
With His feathers He will cover you, + and under His wings you will find refuge; + His truth will be your shield and armor.
P: You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, C: nor the plague that prowls in the darkness, + nor the pestilence that destroys at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
You will only observe it with your eyes. + You will see the punishment of the wicked.
P: Yes, Lord, You are my Refuge.
C: If you make the Most High your shelter,
P: evil will not overtake you.
C: Disaster will not come near your tent
Yes, He will give a command to His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands, + so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent
C: The LORD says, “Because he clings to Me I will protect him, + because he acknowledges My name.
He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in distress, I will deliver him and I will honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him + and I will show him My salvation.”
The Opening Hymn Hymn 340 “Oh, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing”
sung antiphonally
Verse 1 – Sung by the entire congregation
Verse 2 – Pulpit Side Verse 3 – Lectern Side
Verse 4 – Women & Girls Verse 5 – Men and Boys
Verse 6 – Sung by the entire congregation
1 Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!
2 My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad,
The honors of your name.
3 The name of Jesus calms our fears
And bids our sorrows cease.
‘Tis music in the sinners ears;
‘Tis life and health and peace.
4 He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin;
He sets the pris’ner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.
5 See all your sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb of God was slain.
His life was once an off’ring made
That you might live again.
6 Glory to God and praise and love
Be ever, ever giv’n
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heav’n.
after which the Congregation will rise
We Make Confession of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
(Sung) Lord have mercy on us.
Christ Have Mercy on Us
Lord have mercy on us.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins.
And now, having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, addressing you as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and under His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
(Sung) Glory be to God on high
and on earth peace good will to men.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.
We glorify You,
we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
O Lord God heavenly King,
God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sin of the world.
Have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world.
Receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father.
Have mercy on us.
For You only are holy. You only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit.
Are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen
Today’s Early Prayer
O Lord God Almighty + You have blessed us, as members of Your Church + with diverse and unique gifts of the Holy Spirit + so that our lives might be enriched + and so that we might be productive servants from You. + Enable us today, + as we meditate upon Your Word, + to overcome all ignorance, selfishness, apprehension, and fear + which hinder us from being more faithful stewards of Your gifts and opportunities. + Also motivate us, dear Lord, + as we consider the greatness of Your grace to us + and the abundance of the Spiritual gifts You have give us + to eagerly and selflessly + seek out new opportunities + to use our gifts and talents for the good of others + and especially for Your glory. + Thank You also, dear God, + for the saving faith in Christ Jesus + which You have placed in our hearts + and which unites us today as this body of believers, + who are gratefully committed to Your service, + and bound to each other in Christian love. + All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, + Your Son, our Lord and Savior, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + As the one true God, forever and ever. + Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson Exodus 31:1-11
The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 “Look, here is Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. I have called him by name. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, and with skill in all kinds of crafts. 4 He has the ability to create designs. He works with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is able to cut and engrave precious stones and mount them. He can also carve wood. He works skillfully in all kinds of crafts.
6 “Not only that, but I have also appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, from the tribe of Dan, to work with him. I have put wisdom into the heart of all the skilled craftsmen, so that they may make everything that I have commanded you: 7 the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the atonement seat that is on it, all the furnishings for the tent, 8 the table and its vessels and accessories, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar for incense, 9 the altar for burnt offerings with all its utensils, the basin and its pedestal, 10 the finely woven garments (the holy garments for Aaron the priest), the garments for his sons to minister in the priest’s office, 11 the anointing oil, and the incense made of fragrant spices for the Holy Place. The skilled craftsmen shall do everything just as I commanded.”
The Epistle Lesson I Corinthians 12
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were deceived and somehow led away to mute idols. 3 Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by God’s Spirit says, “A curse be upon Jesus,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of ministries, and yet the same Lord. 6 There are various kinds of activity, but the same God, who produces all of them in everyone.
7 Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one person a message of wisdom is given by the Spirit; to another, a message of knowledge, as the same Spirit provides it; 9 by the same Spirit, faith is given to someone else; and to another, the same Spirit gives healing gifts. 10 Another is given powers to do miracles; another, the gift of prophecy; another, the evaluating of spirits; someone else, different kinds of tongues; and another, the interpretation of tongues. 11 One and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them to each one individually as he desires.
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free people, and we were all caused to drink one Spirit. 14 Furthermore, the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not part of the body,” it does not on that account cease to be part of the body. 16 If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not part of the body,” it does not on that account cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has arranged the members in the body, each and every one of them, as he desired. 19 If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But as it is, there are many members, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need for you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need for you.” 22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are much more necessary. 23 As for the parts of the body we consider less honorable, these we provide with more honor. We treat our unpresentable parts with more modesty, 24 whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God put the body together in a way that gave more honor to the parts that lack it. 25 He did it so that there might not be any division in the body, but that the members might all have the same concern for one another. 26 So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 You are the body of Christ, and individually you are members of it. 28 And God appointed in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then miracles, healing gifts, helpful acts, leadership abilities, kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? 30 Do all have healing gifts? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly seek the greater gifts. And now, I am going to show you a more excellent way.
after which the Congregation will rise, for the reading of
The Gospel Lesson Matthew 25:14-30
14 “You see, the kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a journey. He called his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to still another one talent, each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The servant who had received the five talents immediately put them to work and gained five more talents. 17 In the same way, the servant who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 But the servant who had received one talent went away, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The servant who received the five talents came and brought five more talents. He said, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’
21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
22 “The servant who received the two talents came and said, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two more talents.’
23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
24 “Then the servant who received one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter seed. 25 Since I was afraid, I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
26 “His master answered him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter seed? 27 Well then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers so that when I came I would get my money back with interest. 28 Take the talent away from him and give it to the servant who has the ten talents. 29 Because everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 Throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light. Very God of Very God. Begotten, not made. Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary And was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried; And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father; And he shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Christian and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, And I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. Amen.
after which the Congregation may be seated.
The Children’s Lesson Romans 12:1-8
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and pleasing to God—which is your appropriate worship. 2 Also, do not continue to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you test and approve what is the will of God—what is good, pleasing, and perfect. 3 So by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think in a way that results in sound judgment, as God distributed a measure of faith to each of you. 4 For we have many members in one body, and not all the members have the same function. 5 In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace God has given us. If the gift is prophecy, do it in complete agreement with the faith. 7 If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. 8 If it is encouraging, then encourage. If it is contributing, be generous. If it is leadership, be diligent. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully.
Today’s Talent Show
The Hymn of the Day “Lord, At Your Word The Heav’ns Were Made”
cwh, 2006 C.M. (sung to the tune of “St. Anne”; CW 441))
Lord, at Your word the heav’ns were made And all that they contain.
You spoke and everything appeared, And o’er it all You reign.
The sun, the moon, the land, the sea, The stars, all….everywhere,
Your mighty power that made them all, Your majesty declare.
You give to us Your varied gifts – Time, talents, treasure too;
You’ve charged us with their faithful use……Employed to honor You.
Each blessing is a sacred trust From You – not ours to own;
We gratefully acknowledge, Lord That all is Yours alone.
God keep us from all selfishness; True stewards may we be,
Of every asset that You’ve giv’n, To use them faithfully.
And let our motivation be Your love, which moved You, Lord,
To earn for us salvation free – Your grace, fore’er adored.
Your Kingdom, by our service, Lord, We pray that You’ll extend,
So precious souls, bought by Your blood, Will gain a heav’nly end.
And then, when on that Day we’ll stand Before You face to face,
Accounting all we’ve done in faith For You, our God of Grace –
May we, dear Jesus, hear You say As You speak from Your throne:
“Well-done, My faithful child and heir, Enter Your heavn’ly home.” Amen.
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge
of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sermon Text Matthew 25:14-30
today’s Gospel Lesson
“Faithful Using the Talents
God Has Entrusted To Us”
Pastor To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority now and forever. Amen.
The Offering Hymn Hymn 480 “Almighty Father, Heaven and Earth”
1 Almighty Father, heav’n and earth With lavish wealth before you bow;
Those treasures owe to you their birth, So richly furnished for us now.
2 The wealth of earth, of sky, of sea, The gold, the silver, sparkling gem,
The waving corn, the bending tree Are yours; you are but lending them.
3 To you, as early morning’s dew, Our praises, gifts, and prayers shall rise
As rose, when joyous earth was new, Faith’s patriarchal sacrifice.
4 We, Lord, would lay, at your request, The costliest off’rings on your shrine,
And when we give and give our best, We but return your gifts divine.
5 O Father, whence all blessings come, O Son, Dispenser of God’s store,
O Spirit, bear our off’rings home – Lord, make them yours forevermore!
We Offer Our Gifts and Prayers to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
We will be passing an offering plate through our chapel at this point. For those unable to worship with us in person, if you would like to participate in this offering, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
After which the Congregation rises
Our Prayers for Each Other and Today’s General Prayer
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 for ever and ever. Amen.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
Pastor – The Lord be with you.
Congregation (sung) And also with you
Pastor – Lift up your hearts.
Congregation (sung) We lift them up un to the Lord,
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation (sung) It is good and right so to do.
P: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give You thanks, O Lord, Holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who has promised that wherever two or three are gathered together in His name, there He is in the midst of them, until the day of His return in glory,
Therefore, with angels and archangel, and all the company of heaven, we praise Your holy name and
join their glorious song:
Congregation
(Sung) Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of heav’nly hosts
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
Blessed is He. Blessed is He.
Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
Consecration of the Communion Elements (Pastor)
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – (Sung) Amen.
The Distribution of the Elements
The Distribution Hymns Hymn 302 “Lord, To You I Make Confession”
1 Lord, to you I make confession: I have sinned and gone astray;
I have multiplied transgression, Chosen for myself my way.
Led by you to see my errors, Lord, I tremble at your terrors.
2 Yet, though conscience’ voice appall me, Father, I will seek your face.
Though your child I dare not call me, Yet receive me to your grace.
Do not for my sins forsake me; Do not let your wrath o’er take me.
3 For your Son has suffered for me, Giv’n himself to rescue me,
Died to save me and restore me, Reconciled and set me free.
Jesus’ cross alone can vanquish These dark fears and soothe this anguish.
4 Lord, on you I cast my burden– Sink it in the depths below!
Let me know your gracious pardon; Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let your Spirit leave me never; Make me only yours forever.
Hymn 312 “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared”
1 Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared This feast for our salvation;
It is your body and your blood, And at your invitation
As weary souls, with sin oppressed, We come to you for needed rest,
For comfort, and for pardon.
2 Although you did to heav’n ascend, Where angel hosts are dwelling,
And in your presence they behold Your glory, all excelling,
And though your people shall not see Your glory and your majesty
Till dawns the judgment morning,
3 Yet, Savior, you are not confined To any habitation,
But you are present ev’rywhere And with your congregation.
Firm as a rock this truth shall stand, Unmoved by any daring hand
Or subtle craft and cunning.
4 We eat this bread and drink this cup, Your precious Word believing
That your true body and your blood Our lips are here receiving.
This Word remains forever true, And there is naught you cannot do,
For you, Lord, are almighty.
5 Though reason cannot understand, Yet faith this truth embraces:
Your body, Lord, is ev’rywhere At once in many places.
I leave to you how this can be; Your Word alone suffices me;
I trust its truth unfailing.
6 Lord, I believe what you have said; Help me when doubts assail me.
Remember that I am but dust, And let my faith not fail me.
Your supper in this vale of tears Refreshes me and stills my fears
And is my priceless treasure.
7 Grant that we worthily receive Your supper, Lord, our Savior,
And, truly grieving for our sins, May prove by our behavior
That we are thankful for your grace And day by day may run our race,
In holiness increasing.
8 For your consoling supper, Lord, Be praised throughout all ages!
Preserve it, for in ev’ry place The world against it rages.
Grant that this sacrament may be A blessed comfort unto me
When living and when dying.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
The Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord look with favor upon you, and give you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 327 “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again”
1 God be with you till we meet again, By his counsels guide, uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you– God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, Till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
Till we meet, Till we meet– God be with you till we meet again.
2 God be with you till we meet again, ‘Neath his wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you– God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, Till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
Till we meet, Till we meet– God be with you till we meet again.
Silent Prayer
Announcements
Post-service music