The First Sunday after the Festival of the Holy Trinity
also known as The Third Sunday of the Pentecost Season
June 06, 2021
Serving Us Today
Elders: Steve Stone, Tim Pfortmiller Organist: Debbie Huebner
Ushers: Chris Roberts, Fred Cusanelli Altar Guild: Tina Wambold, Harriet Johnson
Custodian: Tina Wambold Secretary: Harriet Johnson
Video: Dale Johannes Pastor: Charles Huebner
Confessions of a Veteran Believer
In the movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the main character, Indiana Jones, has just taken another beating
at the hands of yet another group of “bad guys” – though he ended up beating them worse. Afterward, battered and worn, his former girlfriend looks at him and says, “You’re not the same man I knew ten years ago.” To which Jones responds, “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage.”
King David could have said very much the same thing in the closing days of his life. Although “only” in his 60’s, life had been hard on Jesse’s son, the boy King, even if it had also brought him success in many ways. Whether or not there had been a bad moment for every good moment, there had been enough hard times to take their toll on David. It was probably near his life’s end that David wrote our Sermon Text, Psalm 38 – one of Scripture’s seven “Penitential Psalms” (along with Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130 and 143) – acknowledging his sinfulness, as well as sin’s debilitating effects on his life.
By this time David has been through many of life’s wars….from the terrors of battle, to being hunted (and hated) by Saul, from establishing a powerful Kingdom, to the personal consequences of some grievous sins, from enduring revolts (including one by Absalom), to having children precede him in death, plus the penalties of costly errors in judgment, betrayal by persons close to him, and a body that was failing him.
As we’ll see in today’s Old Testament Lesson, I Kings 1, David is old, worn, and all-but-spent. (It wasn’t the years for him so much as it was “the mileage.”) David is physically a wreck…..unable to keep warm (probably because of circulatory problems), along with additional health issues, and he had other problems. A spoiled son, Adonijah, is trying to usurp David’s throne…and that son is supported by some of David’s closest friends and allies! However, the LORD had already chosen Solomon to be David’s successor, not Adonijah. And so, assisted by Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, as well as Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah – a soldier loyal to David over many years…..David demonstrated his commitment to God’s plan by ensuring that Solomon became Israel’s next king. David had him publicly crowned just outside the capital city of Jerusalem. Not long afterward, God released David from the constraints of this sinful world and brought him home to heaven – a gracious, glorious (and undeserved) end for him and for everyone who believes in the one, true God…..believers like you, and me too.
As David accepted the reality of his aging body and some more (of what had been many) disappointments in life, he – amazingly – wasn’t bitter or despondent. He had faith in God’s mercy and in His plan for him. He trusted that, though his body was wasting away and his abilities were not what they used to be, that God would take care of him…. and, one day, He would take him to heaven. And so, as life’s journey winds down for him, David not only confesses his sins in this Psalm….He confesses his faith in His God and Savior. So should we – each day – regardless of where we are on our lives’ journeys. True…..We, too, are sinners who endure a myriad of difficulties and miseries because of our sinfulness, as well as due to our living in a sinful world, but we are forgiven sinners in Christ (Who suffered for our sins), and so we know that we are loved and have been saved by our LORD. And, ultimately, isn’t that all that really matters? When we’re finally there, in heaven, all our earthly trials and troubles will vanish. There believers in the only true God will get to enjoy peace, perfection, and Paradise with the LORD forever.
A veteran believer, David looked ahead almost 1000 years in faith to God’s eventual
fulfillment of His promise to send his Savior. His picture was a quite “sketchy” compared to what we know. We get to look back 2000 years with the crystal clarity of Scripture’s testimony. We see – and believe – that God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, came to earth to be the sole Source of our eternal salvation through His sinless life, substitutionary death and bodily resurrection…all achieved to deliver us from sin, eternal death and the devil. One day, at God’s choosing, we’ll join David in heaven. He died confessing his sins but also confessing his faith. He trusted totally in God’s grace to get him to heaven….and he was not disappointed. May we also live and die (…to live in heaven), confessing the same faith David was blessed to possess.
In today’s Epistle Lesson the Apostle Paul talks about a significant physical impediment with which he had to deal during his ministry. Whatever it was (and the Bible doesn’t tell us….perhaps so that we can each relate to his situation), Paul felt it was an impediment to his work for the Lord. Three times he prays for God to remove it, but the Lord doesn’t remove it….because it is actually a benefit for Paul – which the Apostle ultimately recognizes, since this impediment forced him to depend less on himself and more on the Lord.
This morning’s Gospel Lesson deals with one of Jesus’ healing miracles that took place immediately after His glorification on the Mount of Transfiguration. While Jesus was on the mountain, some of His disciples remained below. A man brought his demon-possessed son to them for healing, but they were unable to help. When Jesus returns the father, who is beside himself with concern for his son, asks Jesus to do something – IF He can. Jesus’ response: “All things are possible for the one who believes,” to which this father replies, “I do believe. Help me with my unbelief.” Very often, in adversity, you and I must also admit that our faith can be weak….and so we, too, cry out to the Lord that we need His help to deal with our moments of unbelief. And that help from God is always there!
Finally, in our Children’s Lesson will borrow the closing verses of today’s Epistle lesson. We’ll talk about how important it is for us to depend – not on our strength, or intelligence or abilities, but – on God’s power and strength for this life and for heaven.
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
Pre-Service Prayer:
The day has dawned and duty calls Guide me to do my best for You
So many tasks await. To shun each sinful way.
Strengthen me when my spirit falls — Jesus, forgive the wrongs I do
Or when I hesitate. And keep me safe today. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Pre-Service Music
The Service Introduction and Invitation to Worship
At the pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 230 “Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now”
1 Lord Jesus Christ, be present now; Our hearts in true devotion bow.
Your Spirit send with grace divine, And let your truth within us shine.
2 Unseal our lips to sing your praise; Our souls to you in worship raise.
Make strong our faith; increase our light That we may know your name aright
3 Until we join the hosts that cry, “Hosanna to the Lord most high.”
Then in the light of that blest place We shall behold you face to face.
4 Glory to God the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To you, O blessed Trinity, Be praise throughout eternity!
After which the Congregation will rise for
Invocation
P: We make our beginning this morning, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you
C: And also with you.
The Confession of Sins
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask Him to forgive us.
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 failed to do what is good. + For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, + both now and in eternity. + But I am truly sorry for the evil that I have thought, spoken and done, + and trusting in the sinless life, + sacrificial death for me + and the resurrection of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ, + I pray: + God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Pastor God our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given His only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for all our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of God 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.
Lord Have Mercy
P: For all that we need in life, and for the wisdom to use all Your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.
C: (sung) Lord have mercy.
P: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from Your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ:
C: (sung) Christ have mercy.
P: For the well-being of Your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord
C: (sung) Lord have mercy.
P: Merciful God, Maker and Preserver of life, uphold us by Your power, and keep us in Your tender care:
C: (sung) Amen.
P: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; His name is worthy of praise.
(Sung) O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
Almighty God, merciful Father, Your crown our life with Your love.
You take away our sin; You comfort our spirit;
You make us pure and holy in Your sight.
You did not spare Your only Son, but gave Him up for us all.
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
O Son of God, eternal Word of the Father,
You came to live with us; You made Your Father known;
You washed us from our sins in Your own blood.
You are the King of glory; You are the Lord!
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
after which the Congregation may be seated for
The Word of God For Today
The Old Testament Lesson I Kings 1
When King David was old and advanced in years, his servants covered him with blankets, but he could not get warm. 2 So they said to him, “Let your servants search for a young woman, a virgin, for my lord the king. She will attend to the king and be his nurse. She will lie close to him and keep my lord the king warm.” 3 So they searched the whole territory of Israel for a beautiful young woman. They found Abishag from Shunem and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she served as the king’s nurse, but the king was not intimate with her.
5 Adonijah son of Haggith was pushing himself forward, saying, “I will become king.” He obtained a chariot and charioteers and fifty men to run ahead of him. 6 His father had never rebuked him by saying, “Why are you acting like this?” Adonijah also was very handsome and had been born next in line after Absalom. 7 Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest conspired with Adonijah and gave him their support. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, along with Shimei, Rei, and David’s elite warriors, did not join with Adonijah. 9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, cattle, and specially fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth, which was near En Rogel Spring. He invited all of his brothers, the king’s sons, and all of the king’s officials from Judah. 10 But he did not invite the prophet Nathan, Benaiah, the elite warriors, or his brother Solomon.
11 Nathan said to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, “Haven’t you heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know about it? 12 Now let me give you some advice on how to save your life and the life of your son Solomon: 13 Go to King David and say to him, ‘My lord the king, didn’t you swear to me your servant and promise me, “Your son Solomon will be king after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Then why has Adonijah become king?’ 14 Then, while you are still there speaking with the king, I will come in after you and confirm your words.” 15 So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber. The king was very old, and Abishag from Shunem was taking care of him. 16 Bathsheba knelt and bowed down before the king. The king said, “Why have you come?”
17 She said, “My lord, you swore to your servant by the Lord your God and promised, ‘Your son Solomon will be king after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ 18 But now, look, Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, did not know about it. 19 He has sacrificed cattle, specially fattened calves, and sheep in abundance. He has invited all the king’s sons, as well as Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army. But he has not invited your servant Solomon. 20 Now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon you, waiting for you to tell them who will sit on my lord the king’s throne after him. 21 If you do not, when my lord the king rests with his fathers, then I and my son Solomon will be treated like traitors.” 22 Just then, while she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 The king was told, “The prophet Nathan is here.” Nathan went in and bowed down to the ground before the king.
24 Nathan said, “Did you, my lord the king, say, ‘Adonijah will be king after me, and he will sit on my throne’? 25 Today he has gone out and sacrificed a great many cattle, specially fattened calves, and sheep. He has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. They are even eating and drinking with him and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But he has not invited me your servant, Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, or your servant Solomon. 27 Has this command about who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him really come from my lord the king, even though you have not made this known to your servants?” 28 Then King David responded, “Call Bathsheba for me.” She came in and stood before the king. 29 The king swore, “As surely as the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from every tight spot, 30 just as I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, that Solomon your son will be king after me and he will sit on my throne in my place, I will indeed make it happen this very day.”
31 Bathsheba knelt down on the ground and bowed before the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!” 32 King David said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came in before the king. 33 The king said to them, “Take your lord’s servants with you. Have my son Solomon ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon Spring. 34 There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him as king over Israel. Then you are to blow the ram’s horn and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then you are to follow him, as he goes in and sits on my throne, and he will be king in my place. I decree that he will be leader over Israel and Judah.”
36 Then Benaiah son of Jehoiada responded to the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, confirm this! 37 Just as the Lord was with my lord the king, so may he also be with Solomon. May he make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David!” 38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites, and the Pelethites went out. They had Solomon ride on the mule that belonged to King David and brought him down to Gihon Spring. 39 Then Zadok the priest took the horn of olive oil from the Tent and anointed Solomon. After that they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 All the people followed Solomon. The people were playing flutes and rejoicing so greatly that the ground shook from the sound.
41 When Adonijah and all his guests heard it, they stopped eating. Joab heard the sound of the ram’s horn and asked, “Why is the noise from the city so loud?” 42 Just then, while he was still speaking, Jonathan, son of Abiathar the priest, came in. Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man, and you must be bringing good news.”
43 Jonathan responded to Adonijah: Not at all! Our lord King David has made Solomon king! 44 The king sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites, and the Pelethites with Solomon, and they placed him on the king’s mule. 45 Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed him as king at Gihon, and they went up from there rejoicing. The city is in an uproar. That is the noise you have been hearing. 46 Also, Solomon has taken his seat on the throne of the kingdom. 47 The king’s servants have come to bless our lord King David, saying, “May your God treat the name of Solomon even more favorably than your name, and may his throne be greater than your throne.” The king bowed in worship on his bed, 48 and the king spoke the following words: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who today has provided someone to sit upon my throne and has permitted my eyes to see it.”
49 Then all of Adonijah’s guests quickly got up, and each one went his own way. 50 Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he went and held on to the horns of the altar. 51 Solomon was told, “Adonijah is so afraid of King Solomon that he has grabbed the horns of the altar, and he is saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me this day that he will not kill his servant with the sword.’” 52 Solomon said, “If he is a worthy man, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, but if he is caught planning evil, he will die.” 53 Then King Solomon had Adonijah brought down from the altar. He came in and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon told him, “Go to your house.”
The Epistle Lesson II Corinthians 12:1-10
I must go on boasting, although there is nothing to be gained. So I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago, was carried up to the third heaven (whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know—God knows). 3 And I know that such a man (whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know—God knows) 4 was carried up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words that a man cannot possibly speak. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 6 Indeed, if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from doing this, so that no one will think more highly of me than what he sees in me or hears from me.
7 Therefore, to keep me from becoming arrogant due to the extraordinary nature of these revelations, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me, so that I would not become arrogant. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that he would take it away from me. 9 And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will be glad to boast all the more in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may shelter me. 10 That is why I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties for the sake of Christ. For whenever I am weak, then am I strong.
After which the Congregation will rise for
The Gospel Lesson Mark 9:14-29
14 When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and some experts in the law were arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people in the crowd saw Jesus, they were very excited and ran to greet him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 One man from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”
19 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied. “How long will I be with you? How long will I put up with you? Bring him to me.”
20 They brought the boy to Jesus. As soon as the spirit saw him, it threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been happening to him?” “From childhood,” he said. 22 “It has often thrown him into the fire and into the water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 “If you can?” Jesus said to him. “All things are possible for the one who believes.”
24 The child’s father immediately cried out and said with tears, “I do believe. Help me with my unbelief!”
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit. “You mute and deaf spirit,” he said, “I command you to come out of him and never enter him again!” 26 The spirit screamed, shook the boy violently, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many of them said, “He’s dead!” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him up, and he stood up.
28 When Jesus went into a house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why were we not able to drive it out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out, except by prayer and fasting.”
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
The Children’s Lesson II Corinthians 12:9, 10b
9 And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness.” …..For whenever I am weak, then am I strong.
When We’re Weak Personally, We Can Be Strong In the LORD
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 415 “Be Still My Soul”
1 Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide; In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’nly friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2 Be still, my soul; your God will undertake To guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he lived below.
3 Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then you will better know his love, his heart, Who comes to soothe your sorrows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Jesus can repay From his own fullness all he takes away.
4 Be still, my soul; the hour is hast’ning on When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past, All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
After which the Congregation will remain seated for
The Pre-Sermon Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! Amen.
Today’s Sermon Text Psalm 38
1 Lord, do not rebuke me in anger. Do not discipline me in wrath. 2 Indeed, your
arrows have stuck in me. Your hand has come down on me. 3 There is no health in my flesh because of your rage. There is no wellness in my bones because of my sin, 4 because my guilt has gone over my head. Like a heavy burden, it is too heavy for me. 5 My wounds stink and ooze because of my folly. 6 I am drooping. I am completely bent over. All day long I go around mourning. 7 Even my back burns with pain. My whole body is unhealthy. 8 I have become numb. I am totally crushed. I groan loudly because of my anxious thoughts. 9 Lord, all my needs lie before you. My sighs are not hidden from you.
10 My heart beats quickly. My strength leaves me. Even the light of my eyes is gone from me. 11 My loved ones and my friends stand far away because of the blow I have suffered. My neighbors stand at a distance. 12 Those who pursue my life set traps. Those who seek to harm me talk about my ruin. All day long they plot deception. 13 I am deaf. I cannot hear. Like a mute person, I cannot open my mouth. 14 I am like a man who cannot hear. No response comes from his mouth.
15 Yet I wait for you, Lord. You will answer, O Lord my God. 16 So I said, “Do not let them celebrate because of me. Do not let them gloat when my foot slips.” 17 Look! I am about to fall, and I am always in pain, 18 so I declare my guilt, and I am troubled by my sin.
19 My aggressive enemies are numerous. Those who hate me for no reason are many. 20 Those who repay evil for good slander me because I pursue what is good. 21 Do not forsake me, O Lord. My God, do not be far from me. 22 Hurry to help me, O Lord, my salvation.
The Confessions of a Veteran Believer
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Respond To God’s Word through our Offerings
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Because we aren’t able to pass an offering plate today during today’s worship
service those in attendance may leave their offerings in the offering plates
by the exit door at the close of our service today.
For those watching today’s service, 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 the church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com)
and use the giving option there.
We Bring Our Prayers to the Lord
The Prayers for this Day –
In our Prayers this morning we include:
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Zak and Elissa Ferguson, who are celebrating their wedding anniversary today.
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
P: The Lord be with you.
C: (sung) And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: (sung) We lift them up to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
C: (sung) It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
P: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. He sends His Holy Spirit to testify that we are His children, to strengthen us when we are weak, and to enable us to grow in our faith in the one, true God.
Now have come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ. To Him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory forever and ever. Amen
(Sung) Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord of hosts.
The whole earth is full of Your glory
You are my God and I will exalt You.
I will lift You up for You have become my salvation.
Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord of hosts.
The whole earth is full of Your glory
The Words of Institution
P: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.”
C: (sung) Amen.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world,
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Grant us Your peace. Amen.
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 the Lord’s Supper this morning.
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.
The First Distribution Hymn 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.
The Second Distribution Hymn Hymn 315 “Here, O My Lord I See You Face to Face”
1 Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face; Here would I touch and handle things unseen,
Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace, And all my weariness upon you lean.
2 This is the hour of banquet and of song; Here is the heav’nly table spread anew.
Here let me feast and, feasting, still prolong The brief bright hour of fellowship with you.
3 I have no help but yours nor do I need Another arm but yours to lean upon.
It is enough, O Lord, enough indeed; My strength is in your might, your might alone.
4 Mine is the sin but yours the righteousness; Mine is the guilt but yours the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace: Your blood, your righteousness, O Lord, my God.
5 Too soon we rise; the vessels disappear. The feast, though not the love, is past and gone.
The bread and wine remove, but you are here, Nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.
6 Feast after feast thus comes and passes by, Yet, passing, points to that glad feast above,
Giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy, The Lamb’s great marriage feast of bliss and love.
following the distribution of the Lord’s Supper at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise
The Thanksgiving
(Sung) Thank the Lord and sing His praise. Tell everyone what He has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice, and proudly bear His name.
He renews His promises and leads His people forth in joy,
With shouts of thanksgiving, Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Closing Prayer
P: Hear the prayer of Your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised You here may glorify You in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of Your Son may long for His coming again, and that all who have received in his true body and blood the pledge of Your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 323 “Almighty Father, Bless The Word”
1 Almighty Father, bless the word Which through your grace we now have heard.
Oh, may the precious seed take root, Spring up, and bear abundant fruit.
2 We praise you for the means of grace As homeward now our steps we trace.
Grant, Lord, that we who worshiped here May all at last in heav’n appear.
Announcements
This Past Week At Grace Lutheran Sunday Worship Attendance: 64 Online views: 23
Sunday Bible Class: 21 Online views: 9 Sunday School: 3 Tues Bible Class: 24
Budgetary Offerings: $4195 Online Offerings: $41.50
This Week’s Birthdays & Anniversary
June 6 – Zak and Elissa Ferguson; June 6 – Mary Turner; June 10 – Ella Quinlan
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Mrning Worship with the Lord’s Supper, 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship Period, 10:45 a.m. Sunday School/Bible Class, 11 a.m.
Youth Confirmation Class, noon to 1:15 p.m.
June 08 (Tues) Morning Bible Study, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Church Council Meeting, 6 p.m.
June 12 (Sat) Outreach Visits, 10 a.m.
June 13 (Sun) Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Special Fellowship Dinner, after worship
Youth Confirmation Class, noon to 1:15 p.m.
Serving Us Next Sunday Elders: Steve Stone Tim Pfortmiller
Ushers: Jim Winnat, Robbie Hahn, Nathan Hahn
Altar Guild: Christine Quinlan, Linda Winnat Fellowship:
Meditations Reminder Copies of the latest edition (last Sunday through August 29) of Meditations, an excellent daily devotional booklet, are available on the entry table. Please take home your copy today.
Fellowship Volunteers Requested (and Needed) We dearly need your help to preparing the after-worship fellowship-time coffee and other drinks, plus furnishing light snack items. A sign-up poster on the fellowship fall bulletin board covers the remainder of the months of this year. Please consider volunteering to serve one or more Sundays. A reimbursement for expenses can be provided of up to $25 per Sunday. It comes through our “donation jar.”
Bible Classes This Week – In Bible class today we’re starting a study of 3 John. On Tuesday morning, from 10:30-11:30 am, we’re studying I Kings 18-19, covering the stories of “wicked king” Ahab and the prophet Elijah. If you can’t attend in person, please consider participating over the phone. Call 1-701-802-5405, then dial 7519304#. We are broadcasting class through YouTube.com (Search for us at Grace Lutheran Church & Academy.)
NEXT SUNDAY…..JUNE 13 – “Grand Re-Opening/Rededication Sunday”….. We’ve planned a special Sunday service and fellowship for this coming Sunday, June 13. We’re not only hoping that YOU will be present for worship, but that you’ll bring as many guests and friends as you can to formally celebrate with us our return to our chapel for worship (after nearly 15 months of not being able to do that). A congregational potluck dinner will follow in lieu of Bible Class and Sunday School that morning. We also hope to use this occasion to collectively “rededicate” ourselves as the Grace Lutheran Church family of believers to resuming and expanding the ministry that God has called us together to carry out in His name and for His glory.
Church Council Meeting Tuesday – Council members, please keep in mind that we are meeting this coming Tuesday evening, June 8th at 6 p.m.
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.