The Eighteenth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
Also known as the Sixteenth Sunday after
the Festival of the Holy Trinity – September 20, 2026
A Summer/Fall Study of Philippians:
The Grace of God in Christ is THE Source of our Joy
Christ’s Downward Humility
Exalted Him….and Us
Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was a renowned black educator and author. Shortly after he took over the
presidency of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, he was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Mr. Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he was finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace. A little girl recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.
The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Mr. Washington in his office at the Institute and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in making substantial donations to the Tuskegee Institute.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
This morning, as we continue our summer/fall series on the book of Philippians, we arrive at one of the book’s best-known and most doctrinally-significant passages…. Philippians 2:1-11 (which will serve as our Sermon Text and Epistle Lesson). Here Paul first talks about the importance of our being humble in our relationships with fellow Christians. Then the Apostle presents, as our example and motivation for our humility, the humility of Jesus. He was willing to lay aside many of the advantages and rights of His deity (including remaining in heaven’s perfection and glory), and instead limit (or humble) Himself by assuming our full humanity (other than our sinful nature). In His state of humiliation (described in the Apostles’ Creed from His conception by the Holy Spirit through His burial) Jesus voluntarily chose to come to earth in order to live righteously among us (and for our benefit). Eventually He would sacrifice Himself to death for our sins on the cross and was subsequently buried in a grave.
Following His period of humiliation, God the Father “exalted” Jesus through His resurrection, ascension, and being seated at the Father’s right hand (a position of authority and respect). On Judgment Day Jesus’ exaltation will be complete when He returns to judge the world and bring it to and end. On that occasion everyone – even His enemies and all unbelievers, plus the Devil – will be compelled by His majesty and glory to bow before Him and acknowledge that He (along with the Father and Spirit) is the One, true God and LORD.
The book of Ezekiel provides us with today’s Old Testament Lesson. It is one of the Bible’s most interesting and unusual books, largely because of its many visions and symbolic language. It was written during the days of Judah’s “exile” in Babylon, as a means of encouraging God’s people that He had neither forgotten nor forsaken them. Ezekiel was a priest to whom God gave these visions. He was also required to perform or endure a number of symbolic actions as part of God’s message to His people (including: remaining on his side in one position for a year; remaining mute for an extended period; eating disgusting food; and dealing with the sudden death of his wife).
Our reading is the opening chapter of Ezekiel. It should remind us of all the majesty and glory that belonged to Jesus in heaven, and yet that He chose to lay aside in order to humbly assume our humanity. He did that so, as the God-Man, He could become and do everything necessary to save us. Here we have a vision of God’s majestic glory in heaven. It includes a number of unusual features and images. For example, the “four living creatures” are actually cherubim-angels who attend God as He is seated on His throne. Also, the wheels with eyes symbolize God’s omnipresence (He is everywhere) and His omniscience (He sees/knows everything). We love Jesus because He chose to give up heaven’s glory and beauty so that, by faith in His redeeming work, you and I might live in heaven forever.
In our Gospel Lesson (which also gives us our Children’s Lesson…. about how we can serve others, like Jesus did) our Savior shares the Last Supper with His disciples in the course of celebrating the last Passover with them. He is fully aware that His time to depart the world is near and that He will soon be betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Demonstrating profound humility, Jesus leaves the table, removes His outer garments, wraps a towel around His waist, and begins to wash the disciples’ feet….a task normally reserved for the lowest of servants. Initially, Peter resists, not understanding the significance of what Jesus is doing. But once Jesus explains that this act symbolizes spiritual cleansing and the necessity of humility for those who follow Him, Peter is eager to have Jesus wash his feet. Our Savior emphasizes that those who are part of Him must accept His service (and especially His sacrifice for their sins and salvation). Jesus also indicates by His example and words that true greatness in God’s Kingdom comes from serving others rather than seeking status or authority. After all, His sacrifices for us (of laying aside His divine rights to suffer and die for us) and His saving service are what make Jesus so significant for us, and are why we love Him. After washing their feet, Jesus instructs His disciples to follow His example, teaching that they should serve one another with love and humility. Overall, our Gospel Lesson conveys a powerful message about humility, sacrificial love, and the essence of true discipleship, calling believers to emulate Jesus’ example in their relationships and humble, selfless service to others.
The portions of God’s that are 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 Pre-worship music
Let Us Praise The Lord
The Introduction and Invitation to Worship
after which, the Pastor will invite the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
We make our beginning
In the name…. of the Father,
Who gave His Son into death for us and raised Him in glory on the third day;
And of the Son,
Who laid down His life only to take it up again on the third day;
And of the Holy Spirit
through Whom Christ was made alive, Who has worked saving faith in our hearts, Who lives in us now through the Word, and Who will one day give life to our mortal bodies.
Amen.
Our Psalm Reading for Today Psalm 110
P: The decree of the Lord to my lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool under Your feet.”
C: The Lord will stretch out Your strong scepter from Zion. + Rule in the midst of Your enemies.
P: Your people will be willing on the day of Your power.
C: In majesty of holiness, from the womb of the dawn, + the dew of your Youth will be Yours.
P: The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever, in the manner of Melchizedek.”
C: The Lord is at Your right hand. + He will crush kings on the day of His wrath.
P: He will judge the nations.
C: He will fill valleys with corpses.
P: He will crush heads over the wide world.
C: He will drink from a stream beside the way; + therefore, He will lift up His head.
The Opening Hymn Hymn 478 “With the Lord Begin Your Task”
With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it.
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it.
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended,
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended.
Let each day begin with prayer, Praise, and adoration.
On the Lord cast ev’ry care; He is your salvation.
Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near you,
Save you from the tempter’s might, With His presence cheer you.
With your Savior at your side, Foes need not alarm you;
In His promises confide, And no ill can harm you.
All your trust and hope repose In the mighty Master,
Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster.
If your task be thus begun With the Savior’s blessing,
Safely then your course will run, Toward the promise pressing.
Good will follow ev’rywhere While you here must wander;
You at last the joy will share In the mansions yonder.
After which the Congregation will rise as
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
After which the Congregation will be seated for
Feed Us, Lord
The Old Testament Lesson Ezekiel 1
In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, when I was among the exiles by the Kebar Canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2 On the fifth of that month, in the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, 3 the word of the Lord came in a dramatic way upon Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, the priest, in the land of the Chaldeans, by the Kebar Canal, and the hand of the Lord was upon him there.
4 As I watched, I noticed a windstorm coming from the north. There was a large cloud, with fire flashing through it, and there was a bright light all around it. In the middle of it, there was something that looked like glowing metal in the middle of the fire.
5 In the middle of it I saw what looked like four living creatures. This was what they looked like. Each of them had a human appearance, 6 but each one had four faces, and each of them had four wings. 7 Each of their legs was straight, and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like polished bronze. 8 They had human hands under their wings on all four of their sides. All four of them had faces and wings.
9 Their wings were touching one another. The creatures did not turn from side to side as they moved, but each one faced straight ahead.
10 This is what their faces looked like. Each one had a face like a man’s face. On the right side of their heads, all four of them had a face like a lion. On the left side, all four of them had a face like an ox. All four of them also had a face like an eagle. 11 Those were their faces.
Their wings were stretched upward. Each of them had one pair of wings which touched the wings of each of the cherubs next to it and another pair of wings which covered their bodies.
12 Each one faced straight ahead as it moved. They went in whatever direction the spirit wanted to go. They did not turn as they moved ahead.
13 The appearance of the living creatures was like red-hot coals, like the appearance of blazing torches. Fire was moving back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and lightning was coming out of the fire. 14 The creatures darted back and forth. They looked like jagged bolts of lightning.
15 As I looked at the living creatures, I noticed one wheel on the ground beside each one of the living creatures that had four faces. 16 The appearance of the wheels and their design were like the sparkle of topaz, and the four of them looked alike. Their appearance and their design were like a wheel within a wheel. 17 They could go in any of the four directions when they moved, but the wheels did not turn from side to side when they moved. 18 As for their rims, they were high and intimidating, and their rims were full of eyes all the way around—all four of them. 19 Whenever the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and whenever the living creatures would rise from the ground, the wheels rose too.
20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they would go. Wherever the spirit wanted to go, the wheels would rise together with them, because the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 21 Whenever the living creatures moved, the wheels would move. Whenever the living creatures stood still, the wheels would stand still. Whenever the living creatures rose from the ground, the wheels would rise together with them, because the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
22 There was something above the heads of the living creatures like the dome of a vaulted ceiling. It looked like ice. It was spectacular. It stretched out above their heads. 23 Under the dome, two of their wings were stretched out to touch the wing of another one of the creatures. Each of the creatures also had two wings covering themselves, each had two wings covering themselves—covering their bodies. 24 I heard the sound of their wings, like the sound of rushing water. It was like the voice of the Almighty when they moved—a sound of commotion, like the noise in an army camp. When they stood still, they lowered their wings. 25 A voice came from above the dome that was over their heads. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
26 Above the dome that was over their heads, there was something that appeared to be a sapphire that was shaped like a throne. Seated on that throne-like form there was a Figure that looked like a Man. 27 I saw something like the gleam of glowing metal with fire in it and all around it. It extended upward from what appeared to be the Man’s waist. Below what appeared to be His waist, I saw what appeared to be fire, and a bright light surrounded Him. 28 The bright light that surrounded Him looked like the rainbow that is in the clouds on a rainy day.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the Glory of the Lord.
The Epistle Lesson Philippians 2:1-11
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility consider one another better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look carefully not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Indeed, let this attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. 6 Though He was by nature God, He did not consider equality with God as a prize to be displayed, 7 but He emptied Himself by taking the nature of a servant. When He was born in human likeness, and His appearance was like that of any other man, 8 He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
After which, the Congregation will rise for
The Gospel Lesson John 13:1-17
Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 By the time the supper took place, the Devil had already put the idea into the heart of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God. 4 He got up from the supper and laid aside His outer garment. He took a towel and tied it around His waist. 5 Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus answered him, “You do not understand what I am doing now, but later you will understand.”
8 Peter told Him, “You will never, ever, wash my feet!”
Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 “Lord, not just my feet,” Simon Peter replied, “but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus told him, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet, but his body is completely clean. And you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 Indeed, He knew who was going to betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garment, He reclined at the table again. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. 13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord. You are right, because I am. 14 Now if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 Yes, I have given you an example so that you also would do just as I have done for you. 16 Amen, Amen, I tell you: A servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
We Confess our Faith through the words of 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 will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson John 13:12-15
12 After Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garment, He reclined at the table again. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. 13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord. You are right, because I am. 14 Now if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 Yes, I have given you an example so that you also would do just as I have done for you.
Let’s Serve Others Like Jesus Serves Us
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 256 “How Great Thou Art”
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hands hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; Refrain
3. And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross my burden gladly bearing
he bled and died to take away my sin; Refrain
4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim: “My God, how great thou art!” Refrain
After which the Congregation will rise for
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord. May the God of peace fill you with all joy in believing! Amen.
Sermon Text Philippians 2:5-11
Christ’s Downward Humility
Exalted Him….and Us
following which the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May the God of peace, Who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, now equip you with everything good for doing His will! Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated
Lord, Receive our Offerings and Prayers
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.
at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise for
Today’s Prayers
In our prayers today we include Prayers of Thanksgiving for:
Jim Taylor, who has returned home from the hospital
following his recent heart bypass operation
and
Janet Milas (a former member of Grace) whom our LORD called home to heaven yesterday morning from her Colorado home.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven, + Hallowed be Thy name; + Thy Kingdom come; + Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; + Give us this day our daily bread; + and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; + and lead us not into temptation; + but deliver us from evil; + for Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. + Amen.
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 to the Lord,
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation (sung) It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Consecration of the Communion Elements (Pastor)
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – (Sung) Amen.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We offer the Lord’s Supper this morning only to those individuals
who are confirmed, communicant members of Grace Lutheran congregation, or of a member congregation of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. To our Guests this morning, we genuinely appreciate your presence among us and celebrate the faith in Christ which we share with you. However, we ask that you will please respect our communion practice (see above). A brochure further explaining the Biblical basis for our Communion practice is available on the tract rack in the church entryway. We encourage you both to examine it – especially the Biblical references within it, and also to speak with our Pastor after the service (at your convenience) so that you might better understand and appreciate our Biblically-based “Close Communion” practice. Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and for your presence here among us today.
Distribution Hymn 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
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord in gladness.
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.
Closing Hymn Hymn 326 “May the Grace of Christ, our Savior”
1 May the grace of Christ our Savior
And the Father’s boundless love
With the Holy Spirit’s favor
Rest upon us from above.
2 So may we abide in union
With each other and the Lord,
Gathered here in blest communion
By the power of his Word.
Now with all the saints in heaven
Thanks and praise to You we sing
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Three in One, our Triune King.
Silent Prayer
Announcements
Post-service Music