The 25th Sunday of after Trinity
the 27th Sunday of the
Pentecost Season
Christ is Our King
It’s not easy to be a king. Today, most kings are rule in “limited constitutional monarchies,” functioning as figureheads, symbols of an age long-past. Their pictures are on postage stamps. They live live in drafty palaces and wear fancy, impractical clothes. They spend much of their time laying cornerstones and presiding at random ceremonies. And a few times a year they read a speech that the real people in power have written for them. Kings and queens are figures of the past – even in the present. So, though there’s still some “prestige” to the role, being a king today doesn’t really amount to much, power-wise. But it wasn’t always that way. There was a time when kings held total authority over their subjects, when kings had whole armies at their disposal, and a king’s word was absolute law. In those days, kings were kings!
We twenty-first century Americans are so far away from that time that we really can’t imagine what it must have been like to be ruled by a king. For example, it’s difficult for us to understand the love that the Polish people had for King Wenceslas. And it’s hard for us to imagine how the British could follow their beloved King Richard the Lion-hearted thousands of miles to Palestine to fight (and die) during the one of the Middle Ages “Crusades.” But for those Poles and Britons, their king was an embodiment of them as a people — and so honoring their king was another way of honoring their nation. What’s more, a good king who used his power for the good of everyone was more than just a symbol; he could dispense justice, he could right wrongs, he could keep evil under control. A good king was a gift from God — God’s way of giving the people peace and prosperity. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why the Bible talks so much about kings. In the Book of Psalms, for an example, you’ll find a number of “royal psalms,” songs that were written to celebrate the Jewish king, psalms like our Psalm for today (Ps 96).
Christ the King Sunday and the
Last Times period of the Church’s Calendar
In ancient Israel an annual festival was held which served as a day of national thanksgiving for God’s benevolence. On that day, as several of the psalms attest – including our Psalm for today (Psalm 96), the LORD was symbolically enthroned as the Ruler of Israel. “Yahweh malak!” was what the people shouted in Hebrew. “The Lord reigns.” Today is Christ The King Sunday, also known as “The Last Sunday of the Church Year.” It’s a day traditionally set aside so that Christians can reflect upon what it means for us that Jesus Christ is our “King.” Unfortunately, throughout much of our lives most of us have treated our King, Christ Jesus, the way that modern countries treat their “constitutional monarchs” — like a figurehead, a symbol, but not someone with real authority in our lives. Yet, if Jesus Christ is our King of Kings – and He is – we must acknowledge Him be our real king, not just a figurehead, and in so doing, to submit to His rule over our lives.
It has long been the custom in Christian Churches like ours (sometimes
known as “liturgical [structured worship] churches” ) to focus our public worship and study attention during the month of November on what the Bible teaches concerning the Last Times and Judgment Day, about Heaven and Hell, as well as the importance of our being spiritually prepared either for Christ’s Second Coming to judge the world, or for the moment of death (at which point eternity for us will begin). We try to do this annually in order for us all to maintain a proper understanding of what the Lord teaches us in Scripture about how the world will end, about what will take place on the Last Day, and about why these are teachings which are not only important for us to know, but which can – and should – be very edifying and encouraging for our Christian faith. At Grace Lutheran we maintain this practice by following what is known as “the Church Calendar.” Through a twelve month cycle that begins in late November/early December with the season of Advent, then follows with the Epiphany, Lent and Easter seasons, and concludes with the half-year long Pentecost/Trinity season…..we devote our public worship and study time in God’s Word to an organized approach that covers both the major events of Christ’s life and the principal ways that we Christians life out our lives of faith. Using such an approach, we believe, helps all who worship here to grow not only in their appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us, but also how we can show our gratitude to our Lord by the lives of faith we lead for the glory of our Savior, Lord and King.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
Our First Scripture Lesson is part of John’s introduction to the book of Revelation. In it he presents Jesus to his readers as our heavenly King, Who is the Eternal God, Who has Redeemed Us, and Who is coming as the Righteous Judge to judge the world on the Last Day and to deliver His Church into glory.
In today’s Epistle Lesson Paul sets down his “thesis”for the book of
Colossians: namely, that Christ is the eternal God (not an angel or other being inferior to the Lord), and that He is and always will be the Ruler over all His “Threefold Kingdom;” That kingdom consists of the entire creation (His “Kingdom of Power”) as well as the Church on earth (His “Kingdom of Grace”), and the Church Triumphant in heaven (His “Kingdom of Glory”).
In this morning’s Gospel Lesson we have part of the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate on Good Friday morning. Here Jesus’ “Kingship” is being discussed. Even though He was in His “state of humiliation” (that period when He voluntarily limited the use of His divine abilities in order to further the work of our redemption), Jesus is nevertheless the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” according to both His human nature and His divine nature. However, during that time He chose not to fully or consistently exercise His royal power and authority. And so He didn’t look like a king during His public ministry. But He still was and is.
This morning’s Children’s Lesson also will talk about how Jesus didn’t look like the King of Kings that He was (and is). Most people mocked Him on Good Friday, and even Pilate derisively referred to Him as “The King of the Jews” (though he did not believe He was). But one of the thieves crucified with Christ was able, by grace, to see and believe in Jesus as His Savior, Lord, and King. It took the Holy Spirit’s miracle of conversion – the same miracle of faith which God has also worked in our hearts and through which we see Christ – not as a martyr to a lost cause – but as the Savior of lost souls and our loving Master and Lord.
Finally, today’s Sermon is based on another Good Friday account….this time from Matthew 27:27-31. Our theme will be “A Tale of Two Crowns.” We’ll be considering the crown of thorns forced on Jesus (emblematic of all His sufferings for us and for our sins), and also His crown of glory (evidenced through the power and authority by which He rules over all things for the benefit of us – His Church).
Grace Lutheran Church of Northwest Arkansas
is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, a church body which spans the United States and Canada, and which also operates a number of foreign missions.
Our Vision: Extend God’s Kingdom through His Word,
serving each Soul.
Our Mission: Share the Gospel, Encourage Faith, and Prepare Souls
through Worship, Education and Fellowship.
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
Pre-Service Prayer –
Lord Jesus, though but two or three
In Your dear name assembled be,
You will among them show Your face
And bless them with Your saving grace.
In Your dear name again we meet
And worship humbly at Your feet;
You will Your gracious Word fulfill
And cheer us with Your presence still.
Jesus, from Whom all blessings flow,
Your peace and comfort now bestow;
Abide with us till life is o’er
And keep us Yours forevermore. Amen.
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service Music
We Praise Our God
Welcome and Invitation to Worship
after which, at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise for
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 96:8-13
P: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.
- Bring a gift and come into His courtyards.
P: Bow down to the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.
C: Look away from His face, all the earth.
- Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.
- The world is firmly established.
P: It will not be moved.
C: He will judge the peoples with fairness.
P: Let the heavens be rejoice. Let the earth celebrate.
C: Let the sea roar and all that fills it.
P: Let the field be overjoyed and everything that is in them.
C: Then all the tress of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord
P: for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness
C: and the peoples in His faithfulness.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 225
“This Is The Day The Lord Has Made”
1 This is the day the Lord has made; He calls the hours his own.
Let heav’n rejoice; let earth be glad And praise surround the throne.
2 Today he rose and left the dead, And Satan’s empire fell;
Today the saints his triumphs spread And all his wonders tell.
3 Hosanna to the anointed King, To David’s holy Son!
Help us, O Lord; descend and bring Salvation from the throne.
4 Blessed is Jesus Christ, who came With messages of grace,
Who came in God the Father’s name To save our sinful race.
5 Hosanna in the highest strains The Church on earth shall raise;
The highest heav’ns, in which he reigns, Shall give him nobler praise.
After which the Congregation will rise for
The 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.
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, carrying out my office as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
In joyful response to this reassurance of God’s love and forgiveness for us in Christ, please join me now as we sing the praises of our gracious and majestic Lord:
“Majesty” written by Jack Hayford, Rocksmith Music
used with permission, CCLI # 13666699
Majesty, worship His majesty.
Unto Jesus, be all glory, honor and praise.
Majesty….Kingdom authority, flow from His throne,
unto His own, His anthem raise.
So exalt – lift up on high, the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King.
Majesty, worship His majesty. Jesus Who died.
Now glorified. King of all Kings.
The Prayer for Today
O Precious Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, + You in Whom the Fullness of the eternal God dwells in bodily form, + We thank and praise You for Your amazing, steadfast love for sinners like us! + Though we deserve rejection – not reconciliation with Your Father, + You chose to become one of us – human in every way. + You chose to live a holy life under Your own divine Law – and then You credited us with Your righteousness, + so that we are freed from the Law’s demands and curse, + and regarded as sinless….for Your sake! + Then, through a sacrificial love we cannot comprehend, + You took sole responsibility for all our sins. + You endured for us Your Father’s rejection of our transgressions. + You died the death of hell that we deserve. + And now, because of Your redeeming life and death for us + we are fully forgiven and heirs of heaven – through faith in You, dear Savior. + Grow our faith in You, through Your Holy Spirit, + as we meditate on Your Word this morning, + so that we might love You more completely + and serve You more faithfully all our days. + Also – through our words and our works – + may we let the light of our faith in You shine out brightly in this sin-darkened world + so that many others might believe in You and receive eternal life + through the Christian witness that You will enable us to give them. + We ask this in Your name, dear Savior, + For, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, + You reign as the One, True, and Only God, + for ever and ever. + Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The First Lesson Revelation 1:4-8
4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is, who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his own blood 6 and made us a kingdom and priests to God his Father—to him be the glory and the power forever. Amen.
7 Look, he is coming with clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. And all the nations of the earth will mourn because of him. Yes. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, the one who is, and who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.
The Epistle Lesson Colossians 1:3-23
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 the love that you have for all the saints 5 because of the hope that is stored up for you in heaven. You have already heard about this in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that is present with you now. The gospel is bearing fruit and growing in the entire world, just as it also has been doing among you from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth. 7 You learned this from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. 8 He is the one who told us about your love in the Spirit.
9 For this reason, from the day we heard about your love, we also have not stopped praying for you. We keep asking that you would be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you might live in a way that is worthy of the Lord. Our goal is that you please Him by bearing fruit in every kind of good work and by growing in the knowledge of God, 11 as you are being strengthened with all power because of His glorious might working in you. Then you will have complete endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, Who qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 The Father rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
15 He is the Image of the invisible God, the Firstborn over all creation, 16 for in Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and all things hold together in Him. 18 He is also the Head of the body, the church. He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He might have the highest rank. 19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself (whether things on earth or in heaven) by making peace through the blood of His cross.
21 At one time, you were alienated from God and hostile in your thinking as expressed through your evil deeds. 22 But now Christ reconciled you in His body of flesh through death, in order to present you holy, blameless, and faultless before Him— 23 if you continue steadfast and firm in faith, without being moved away from the hope of the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a minister.
after which the Congregation will rise, for the reading of
The Gospel Lesson John 18:33-37
33 Pilate went back into the Praetorium and summoned Jesus. He asked him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”
36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight so that I would not be handed over to the Jews. But now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. Jesus answered, “I am, as you say, a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”
The Apostles’ Creed to the melody of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’ns and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son, of human birth.
Virgin born, the Lord incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Our salvation to achieve.
Crucified, was dead and buried, Down to hell in victory;
From the dead He rose the third day; Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand He’s ruling, By His will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations, Both the living and the dead.
I believe in God the Spirit, In His Church, His chosen band.
They are joined in close communion, Holy in His sight they stand.
I believe in sins forgiven; That the dead will rise again;
I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! A – – men!
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Luke 23:38-43
38 There was also an inscription written above Him: “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals hanging there was blaspheming Him, saying, “Aren’t You the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God, since you are under the same condemnation? 41 We are punished justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for what we have done, but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom.”
43 Jesus said to him, “Amen I tell you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
He Didn’t Look Like a King…..
But He Was, and He Is, and He Will Be….Forever
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 341 “Crown Him With Many Crowns”
1 Crown him with many crowns, The Lamb upon his throne;
Hark how the heav’nly anthem drowns All music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing Of him who died for thee,
And hail him as thy matchless King Through all eternity.
2 Crown him the Lord of love – Behold his hands and side,
Rich wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky Can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his wond’ring eye At mysteries so bright.
3 Crown him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o’er the grave
And rose victorious in the strife For those he came to save.
His glories now we sing Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring And lives that death may die.
4 Crown him the Lord of heav’n, Enthroned in worlds above;
Crown him the King to whom is giv’n The wondrous name of Love.
Crown him with many crowns As thrones before him fall;
Crown him, ye kings, with many crowns For he is King of all.
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 27:27-31
27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole cohort of soldiers around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 They twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt in front of Him, and mocked Him by saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spit on Him, took the staff, and hit Him repeatedly on His head. 31 After they had mocked Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.
A Tale of Two Crowns
A Crown of Thorns……and A Crown of Glory
After which, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for the blessing
Pastor Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with
great joy – to the only God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise
We Offer Our Prayers to the Lord
In our Prayers this morning we include:
A Prayer of Continued Support and Strength for these friends in Christ
who were recently hospitalized and are recovering at home:
JoAnn Diewock; Lisa Pudas; and Rudy Ryskey;
and also
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the following couples,
celebrating their anniversaries this week:
Erich and JoAnn Diewock (Friday)
Jim and Andrea Taylor (Friday)
The Prayers of the Church
(The prayer closes with…..)
P: Finally, Eternal God! Keep us all in Your saving faith, by which You enable us to overcome all things through the power of and by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we offer this prayer, and now continue by praying:
C: 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.
The Celebration of the Sacrament
Our Self-Examination Before Receiving The Lord’s Supper
Pastor – Let us now examine ourselves in preparation for receiving this Sacrament, as the inspired Apostle Paul so instructs us in I Corinthians 11, where he writes, “…whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement upon himself.”
Pastor – Accordingly, are you sincerely sorry for your sins and determined, with God’s help, to change your sinful ways?
Congregation Yes, I am sorry for my sins and desire to serve Jesus and not a sinful lifestyle.
Pastor – Do you believe that here in the Lord’s Supper you will receive, along with the bread and wine, the true body and blood of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
Congregation Yes, I believe that I will be receiving the true body and blood of my Lord and Savior, which was given into death for my sins.
Pastor – Are you coming to the Lord’s table as one in the faith with this Christian congregation, as the Scriptures teach?
Congregation Yes I have studied the teachings of this congregation concerning God’s Word; I agree with them; And am one in faith with them, as the Scriptures command me to be before I come to the Lord’s table with anyone.
Pastor – Finally, do you recognize your need for forgiveness and do you believe that you will receive through the Lord’s Supper the full and free forgiveness of all your sins?
Congregation Yes, I have examined my life, see the need for God’s forgiveness and believe that I will receive complete forgiveness for all my sins, as my Savior has promised.
Pastor – Having examined yourselves and confessed your sins, come now with confidence and joy to your Lord’s table and receive here, through His body and blood, the guarantee that your sins are all forgiven, and that eternal life and salvation are surely yours.
The Words of Institution
After which the Congregation may be seated.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper
The Distribution of the Sacramental Elements
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We ask that only “Confirmed, Communicant” members of this congregation, or of one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations come forward to receive the Lord’s Supper at this time.
We believe, according to Scripture, that only those who are “one,” that is, in complete doctrinal agreement, united in a common public confession of faith, are to commune together at the same altar (see I Corinthians 10:17 and I Corinthians 1:10).
To be “in communion” means to share and to hold in common. By eating and drinking at our Lord’s Table, we are not only sharing in, with, and under the bread and wine, Jesus’ very body and blood…we are also publicly declaring that we hold in common a specific confession of faith. In other words, as a result of having comprehensively studied the Scriptures together all of our communicants have agreed to accept and proclaim the same Biblical doctrines and practices.
Through membership in a particular church body (for us, that church body is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), each person makes a public statement that he/she is in full agreement with the teachings and practices of that body. Because not every church body or Lutheran Synod teaches and practices the same things, we in the WELS want to be honest in our recognition of the doctrinal differences that, here on earth, separate us from other church bodies. Please bear in mind that we are not, in any way, judging the legitimacy of your Christian faith. Still, we ask that if you have not (upon study of the Word with us) declared yourself to be in full doctrinal agreement with us, you would respectfully not join us in the5] Lord’s Supper this afternoon.
It is our prayer that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage anyone among us today who is not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of his/her church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word.
And if you are guest among us today, we want you to know that it is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the Biblical doctrines our congregation confesses, in order that you might one day join with us at the Lord’s altar in this public expression of full unity of doctrine and practice. Until then, please know that we are most grateful for your participation as a fellow Christian in this worship service, and that we appreciate your understanding and respect of our Communion practice.
Distribution Hymns Hymn 306 “Before You God, the Judge of All”
1 Before you, God, the Judge of all, With grief and shame I humbly fall.
I see my sins against you, Lord, My sins of thought and deed and word.
They press me sore; to you I flee: O God, be merciful to me!
2 O Lord, my God, to you I pray: Oh, cast me not in wrath away!
Let your good Spirit ne’er depart, But let him draw to you my heart
That truly penitent I be: O God, be merciful to me!
3 O Jesus, let your precious blood Be to my soul a cleansing flood.
Turn not, O Lord, your guest away, But grant that justified I may
Go to my house at peace to be: O God, be merciful to me!
Hymn 309 “Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord”
1 Draw near and take the body of the Lord,
And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.
Offered was he for greatest and for least,
Himself the victim and himself the priest.
2 He that his saints in this world rules and shields
To all believers life eternal yields,
With heav’nly bread makes them that hunger whole,
Gives living waters to the thirsty soul.
3 Come forward, then, with faithful hearts sincere,
And take the pledges of salvation here.
Before your altar, Lord, your servants bow;
In this your feast of love be with us now.
following the distribution, the Congregation will REMAIN seated
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Scripture Reading Revelation 22:10-22
10 The angel also said to me: Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who is unjust continue to be unjust. Let the one who is filthy continue to be filthy.
Let the one who is just continue to do what is just. Let the one who is holy continue to be holy. 12 Look, I am coming soon and My reward is with me, to repay each one according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and so that they may enter through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, that is, the sorcerers, the adulterers, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears this say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who wants the water of life take it as a gift. 18 I give this warning to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree of Life and in the Holy City, which are written in this book. 20 The One Who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.
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 upon you with favor, and grant you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Choral Selection “Go Now And Pass It On”
May the Lord walk beside us, as we leave this quiet place,
For the Lord will always guide us if we walk in the light of His grace.
May we feel God’s love around us as it keeps us faithful and strong,
for the peace of God surrounds us, and now we must pass it on.
Go now and pass it on.
Announcements
We’re Looking for a More Voices … (perhaps yours???) to be part of our church choir – if only for the Advent/Christmas season. We rehearse on the first three Sundays of the month from 8:40 to 9:10 a.m. For more information, please speak with Debbie Huebner.
This Past Week At Grace Lutheran Worship Attendance: 59 Sunday School Attendance: 4 Sunday Bible Class: 24
Tuesday Bible Study: 8 Wednesday Bible Classes: 5 men; 4 women
Sunday Offerings: Budgetary: $3458 Online: $110.71
Capital Improvement Fund: $1 Bev Anderson memorial: $100
Serving Us Next Sunday (12-02) Elders: Tim Pfortmiller, Steve Stone
Ushers: John Johnson, Taylor Ashley, John Wambold,
Altar Guild: Karen Swogger, Mary Karloski
Birthdays/Anniversaries 11/21 Darrell Anderson; 11/26 Erica Higgins;
11/26 – Erich and JoAnn Diewock; 11/26 Jim and Andrea Taylor;
11/26 Duane Pansegrau; 11/27 Wilma Jean Carr; 11/27 Bryce Gerlach;
Looking Ahead For Grace Lutheran Church
Today Choir, 8:40 a.m. Worship with Communion, 9:30
Fellowship, 10:45 Sunday School/Bible Class 11:05 a.m.
Nov 23 (Tues) Morning Bible Class, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Nov 25 (Thurs) Thanksgiving Day worship service and dinner, 9:30 a.m
Nov 27 (Sat) Church Decorating Day….9:00 a.m.
Nov 28 (Sun) Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Fellowship 10:35 a.m.
Bible Classes/Sunday School, 11:05 a.m.
Do You Know Anyone…. who is not currently attending a church? Have you prayerfully taken the opportunity to invite him/her/them to worship with you (and us) some Sunday morning? Would you be willing to share that person’s/their name and address with us, so that we might send periodic invitations to them to visit us for worship? If so, please speak with Pastor, as we are looking for more souls to which we can reach out with our Savior’s Gospel of love, forgiveness, and everlasting life. Thank you for helping us do that important work for the Lord.
The Upcoming Edition of “Meditations”, our WELS’ daily devotional
booklet is available through our congregation to everyone who
worships here. The November 28-February 26, 2022 edition can be
found on the table in the front entry. It starts in two weeks and covers three months’ worth of devotions for time well-spent in God’s Word.
Thanksgiving Day Worship and Dinner Please plan to join us this Thursday, November 25th, as we join in a special service of celebration and thanksgiving at 9:30 a.m. We’ll follow our worship service with a pot-luck/fellowship Thanksgiving dinner. In addition to this service being a special opportunity for us to thank the Lord for His many blessings to us, please use this as an “outreach opportunity” (since few churches hold Thanksgiving Day worship services). If can, invite your family members and a friend (or friends) to join you (and us) here Thanksgiving morning as we worship and enjoy a special fellowship meal together.
We’ll Decorate Church for Christmas on Saturday, November 27th ….That’s six days from today. We could use your help in putting up the Christmas trees and other decorations in the chapel and throughout the church. We’ll start at 9:00 a.m. (come whenever you can, and for as long as you can) and we’ll go until we finish decorating. For more information, please speak with Pastor.
Midweek Advent Worship Services Ahead – As part of our congregational preparation for the celebration of our Savior’s birth, we’ll hold 3 special, midweek worship services in December. The Advent season anticipates the coming of Christ as the Savior from sin. Its purpose is to encourage us to penitently prepare for the celebration of His birth. This year’s services will be on the Wednesday evenings (7:00 p.m.) of December 1, 8, and 15. Incidentally, the first midweek service will include a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Also, preceding each service we will hold a soup and sandwich dinner. Meals will run from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
Today’s and Tuesday’s Bible Classes ……..In our Sunday Bible Class we’re studying First Corinthians. Today we’ll work through chapter ten which focuses on the Lord’s Supper. Tuesday morning, from 10:30-11:30,
we’re studying 2 Kings 15-16. As we do, we’ll talk about more of Judah’s and Israel’s kings…..and about the final defeat and destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.