Death Steps Aside for Jesus
What if you could read your obituary before you died? How do people really see you? What would they
write about you one day after you “pass on?”
One morning in 1888 Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, awoke to read a report of his own death and a critical summary of his life. The obituary was printed as a result of a simple journalistic error. You see, it was Alfred’s brother, Ludvig, who had died; a reporter had carelessly written about the death of the wrong brother. Now, anyone would probably be disturbed under the circumstances, but to Alfred the shock was overwhelming ……because, for the first time in his life, he saw himself as the world saw him. The newspaper writer had criticized him as the “Dynamite King,” a greedy industrialist who had made an immense fortune from inventing and selling explosives to kill more and more people faster and faster. That, as far as the general public was concerned, was the sum and substance of Alfred’s life. To the world He was simply “the merchant of death.” And at that moment of truth, Alfred realized that “dynamite” and “death” were the only things for which he would be remembered….Unless….. As he read the obituary with horror, he resolved to change his legacy while he still had the time to do so…..to make clear to the world that there was more to him and his life than money made in connection with destruction and death – that he was someone who could make a positive impact on the world. So what did he do? He changed his will, pledging to dispose of the bulk of his vast fortune in order to endow five annual awards for outstanding contributions in the fields of physics, chemistry, physiology (or medicine), literature, and peace. (A sixth category of economics was added later). That, Alfred was determined,
would be an meaningful expression of his life’s ideals…..promoting the sciences, literature and peace was the legacy he would leave the world. And ultimately, that is how we remember him today: through the Nobel prizes, with the most valuable of the awards, the Nobel Peace Prize, being given to those who have done the most for the cause of world peace.
This morning “death” will be a key topic and emphasis throughout our worship service. We will talk not only about the dual deaths that we deserve – but won’t face – because our sins (physical death, and eternal death)…….but also about the death that Jesus died for us (to pay for our sins), and the reality that through His resurrection He has defeated death for us…..death stepped aside for Him and He conquered it and the grave so that physical and spiritual death will not be the last legacy for you and me. Instead, even though our bodies must all eventually physically die (unless the Last Day comes first), through faith in Jesus Christ crucified and risen for us, each of us can look forward to receiving the ultimate blessings of forgiven sins, and with it the eternal salvation of our souls. Consequently, death is not something that we need to fear, but is something every Christian of any and every age should eagerly anticipate, for its arrival will come the start for us of everlasting life in heaven with our LORD. And – on the Last Day – Jesus will make death forever “step aside” for us when He raises our bodies, glorified, forever.
Today’s Scripture Readings
In addition to our Psalm reading (Ps 98) on this “Cantate/Sing” Sunday, we will be giving our particular attention to four other precious portions of God’s Word. The first of them will be our Epistle Lesson, taken from the opening chapter Scripture’s final book: Revelation. In the first verses we have a reference to our One God as three Persons. Next the risen Christ appears to John instructing him to write a letter of instruction to 7 particular churches. And as Jesus speaks to John we want to note His assuring words that through His resurrection He has power over death because He holds “the keys to death and Hades.”
Today’s Gospel Lesson is one of Jesus’ initial post-resurrection appearances. It occurred Easter morning in front of His recently-vacated tomb. Mary Magdalene had joined a group of women who had gone to the tomb at daybreak in order to complete the embalming of what they were sure was Jesus’ dead body. (There had not been enough time for them to do that late on Good Friday afternoon; Joseph of Arimethea and Nicodemus had “temporarily” prepared Jesus body instead. And no one could perform such a task on the Sabbath/Saturday.) The women found the stone rolled away from the tomb’s entrance and were informed by the angel both that Jesus had risen and that they were supposed to inform Jesus’ disciples of that fact. All of the women left to find the disciples, except Mary. (The other women would encounter Jesus en route to the disciples). Mary, however, lingered at the tomb, filled with grief and self-persuaded that someone – perhaps the gardener – had removed Jesus’ body….instead of that He had risen as He’d promised. But Jesus was about to turn her tears of sorrow into tears of joy. If the other women weren’t the first believers to encounter the risen Christ, then Mary was (commentators debate this, but – in fact – we can’t determine from the text). The moment she hears Jesus’ voice, she knows He is alive….and Mary celebrates that blessed reality – just as we do today. His grave could not contain Him, and because He died and rose for us, our graves will not be able to contain our bodies either. On the Last Day, in the resurrection, Jesus will call all the dead from their graves….and raise the bodies of those who believe in Him in a glorified state – like His – perfectly prepared for everlasting life in heaven.
Next, in this morning’s Children’s Lesson we’ll use Paul’s inspired words to Timothy to talk about how Jesus – through His resurrection – “abolished”/destroyed the power death had over us…..so that we never need to be afraid of dying….as long as we believe in Christ.
Finally, today’s Sermon is based on one of the New Testament’s resurrection accounts: Jesus’ raising the son of the widow of Nain, under the theme “A Life and Death Collision at Nain.” We’ll talk about how death and sorrow were going out of the city (the dead son and his widowed mother), until life and hope (through Jesus) arrived turning funeral gloom upside down, creating a celebration when the son was returned to life and to his mother.
This Sunday on the Church’s “Calendar”
Throughout the six Sundays that follow Easter, the Christian church has traditionally focused its worship attention on continuing to celebrate Christ’s resurrection and its significance for us. One of the ways we’ll do that today is by singing the familiar Easter Hymns “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” and“Jesus Lives, the Victory’s Won.” Every Sunday during this “Easter Season” has a particular emphasis (Strengthened Faith in the Risen Savior, Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Joy we have as Christians, etc.) which serves to reinforce the truths and blessings we share as believers in the risen Christ. Accordingly, the Fifth Sunday of the Easter Season is known as “Cantate Sunday,” a name taken from the Latin word for “sing,” which is found in our Psalm for this morning, Psalm 98. As we Christians sing for joy over the significance of Christ conquering death through His resurrection – and its result: salvation that is ours through faith in Him . And so we follow the advice of Psalm 98 and “sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm (the crucified and risen Christ) have worked salvation for Him.”
Pre-Service Prayer
The day has dawned and duty calls, So many tasks await.
Lord, strengthen me when my spirit fails, And when I hesitate
To do the things I ought to do, To shun each sinful way.
Jesus, forgive the wrongs I’ll do, And keep me safe today. Amen.
All Scripture Quotations 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 Greeting and Introduction to Worship
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
Pastor “We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Psalm Reading for Today Psalm 98
P: Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him.
C: The LORD has made His salvation known; + He has remembered His righteousness to the eyes of the nations.
P: He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;
C: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
P: Shout for joy to LORD, all the earth; Break out in joyful song! Make music!
C: Make music to the LORD with the lyre, + With the lyre and the sound of music.
P: With trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn;
C: Shout for joy before the King, the LORD.
P: Let the sea roar, and everything that fills it + the world and all who live in it;
C: Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the mountains sing for joy together before the
LORD,
P: For He comes to judge the earth.
C: He will judge the world in righteousness + and the peoples with fairness.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 145 “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
1 I know that my Redeemer lives; What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my ever-living head.
2 He lives to bless me with His love; He lives to plead for me above;
He lives my hungry soul to feed; He lives to help in time of need.
3 He lives to silence all my fears; He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart; He lives all blessings to impart.
4 He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there.
5 He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same;
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives; I know that my Redeemer lives!
After which, the Congregation will be asked to rise for
The Confessional Order of Service
Pastor “O LORD, open my lips.”
Congregation – (sung) And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise
Pastor “Hasten, O God, to deliver me.”
Congregation – (Sung) Make haste to help me, O Lord
Pastor “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.”
Congregation – (Sung) A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou will not despise.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor – “I now ask you before God, who searches your heart, do you confess that you have sinned against God and deserve His wrath and punishment? Then declare so by saying, “I do confess.”
Congregation – “I do confess.”
Pastor – “Truly you should confess, for the Holy Scriptures say, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Second, do you, with all your heart, repent of all your sins, committed in thought, word, and deed? Then declare so by saying, “I do repent.”
Congregation – “I do repent.”
Pastor – “Truly, you should repent, as other penitent sinners have done: King David, who prayed for a contrite heart; Peter, who wept bitterly; the sinful woman, the prodigal son, and others.
Third, do you sincerely believe that God, by grace, for Jesus’ sake, will forgive you
all your sins? Then declare so by saying, “I do believe.”
Congregation – “I do believe.”
Pastor – “Truly you should so believe, for the Holy Scriptures say, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Fourth, do you promise that with the help of the Holy Ghost, you will, from this time forward, reform your sinful life? Then declare it by saying, “I do promise.”
Congregation – “I do promise.”
Pastor – “Truly, you should so promise, for Christ, the Lord says: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Finally, do you believe that through me, a called servant of God, you will receive from God the forgiveness of all your sins? Then declare it by saying, “I do believe.
Congregation – “I do believe.”
Pastor – “Upon this, your confession, I, because of my office as a called and ordained servant of God’s Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And, in the place, and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Peace be with you. Amen.”
The Prayer for Cantate Sunday
Almighty and merciful God, + You have filled us with the new light of the Word, + Who became flesh and lived among us. + Let the light of faith in You as the one, true God + shine forth in all that we say, think, and do. + And in Your mercy enable our continued growth + in our faith, knowledge and service to You + until we inherit by Your grace, through faith + everlasting life in heaven. + We offer this prayer in the name + and for the sake of Jesus Christ, + Your Son our Savior and Lord, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit + as the one true God, + now and forever. Amen.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
We Give Our Attention To God’s Word
The Epistle Lesson Revelation 1:4-20
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.
9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingship and patient endurance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.
10 I was in spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard a loud voice behind me, like a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
12 I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like a Son of Man. He was clothed with a robe that reached to His feet, and around His chest he wore a gold sash. 14 His head and His hair were white, like white wool or like snow. His eyes were like blazing flames. 15 His feet were like polished bronze being refined in a furnace. His voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in His right hand. A sharp two-edged sword was coming out of His mouth. His face was shining as the sun shines in all its brightness.
17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last— 18 the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I also hold the keys of death and hell. 19 So write what you have seen, both those things that are and those that will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars, which you saw in My right hand, and the seven gold lampstands is this: The seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
after which the Congregation will rise out of respect for the words of our Savior
The Gospel Lesson John 20:11-18
11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, weeping. As she wept, she bent over, looking into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white clothes sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She told them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid Him.”
14 After she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know It was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if You carried Him off, tell me where You laid Him, and I will get Him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and replied in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means, “Teacher”).
17 Jesus told her, “Do not continue to cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” She also told them the things He said to her.
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 Timothy 1:10
Our Savior Jesus Christ abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel
Did Jesus REALLY Destroy Death?
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 145 “Jesus Lives, the Victory’s Won”
1 Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won! Death no longer can appall me.
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done! From the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence; This shall be my confidence.
2 Jesus lives! To Him the throne High o’er heav’n and earth is given.
I shall go where He is gone, Live and reign with Him in heaven.
God is faithful; doubtings, hence! This shall be my confidence.
3 Jesus lives! For me He died; Hence will I, to Jesus living,
Pure in heart and act abide, Praise to Him and glory giving.
All I need God will dispense; This shall be my confidence.
4 Jesus lives! I know full well Nothing me from him shall sever,
Life nor death nor pow’rs of hell Part me now from Christ forever.
God will be a sure defense; This shall be my confidence.
5 Jesus lives! And now is death But the gate to life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense: “Jesus is my confidence!”
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Greeting
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
The Sermon Text Luke 7:11-17
11 Soon afterward Jesus went on His way to a town called Nain, and His disciples and a large crowd were traveling with Him. 12 As He was approaching the town gate, there was a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother. She was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not cry.” 14 He went up to the open coffin, touched it, and the pallbearers stopped. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear gripped all of them, and they glorified God, saying, “A great Prophet has arisen among us” and “God has visited His people!” 17 This was reported about Him in all of Judea and in all the surrounding countryside.
Death Steps Aside for Jesus
following the Sermon, the Congregation will rise for the post-sermon blessing
Pastor Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory and great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, dominion and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Because we aren’t able to pass an offering plate today, as we would during a regular worship 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 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.
as the offerings are brought forward the Congregation will rise for
The Prayers of the Church
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
Congregation
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts.
The whole earth is full of Your glory.
Your are my God and I will exalt You.
I will give You thanks for You have become my salvation.
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts.
The whole earth is fully of Your glory.
Consecration of the Elements (Pastor)
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – 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.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper (Pastor)
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 this morning, we appreciate your presence among us. It is an honor to have you join with us as we worship our Lord and listen to His Word. We truly consider it a privilege to spend this time with you! It is our hope that you will both return in the future to worship with us again, and – perhaps – that You will even choose to become part of our congregation’s membership and our Synodical (WELS) fellowship, so that you might become even more involved in worship, study of God’s Word, and in Christian ministry and fellowship with us.
In connection with our worship as Christians, we regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion. But, as a key part of our church’s Biblically-based communion practice, before we can ask anyone to commune with us, we are compelled to first sit down with that individual and establish (upon a comprehensive study of the teachings of Scripture) that we are united in full doctrinal/ teaching fellowship…….which Scripture requires of any and all Christians before they can commune together.
Accordingly, we can offer the Lord’s Supper this morning only to those individuals who have completed that course of study, and who have chosen to become confirmed, communicant members of Grace Lutheran congregation or from one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) or Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) congregations.
For some guests, this Biblical practice of “Close Communion“ is both unfamiliar and (quite possibly) uncomfortable. We realize that, unfortunately, few churches today continue to follow this approach to communion…..though, in the past (when many churches were more concerned about following all of God’s Word than is the case today) nearly all did. We understand that it is not necessarily easy to watch others receiving the Lord’s Supper, while being asked – respectfully — to refrain from receiving it. Many of us who are communing today once also watched others receive the Lord’s Supper, as you are asked to do this morning, while waiting for the privilege of one day being an active partner in this “Close Communion.” We want to assure you that we are not judging your faith in Christ today. Nor it is our desire to offend you. But it also is not our desire to offend or disobey our Lord’s expectations for the proper use of His Supper. Indeed, we must all obey Him above all others, and we want to obey Him. Consequently, if you have any questions or concerns about our use/practice of the Lord’s Supper (and we invite you to ask or express them — if you do), please feel free to speak with our Pastor after the service, or at your convenience. He considers it a privilege to share with you and others the Biblical reasons for our approach to receiving and offering the Lord’s Supper. In addition, you can also find a brochure in our tract/brochure rack in the entryway; it is entitled “Our Communion Practice.” This brochure also provides our guests and friends with the Scripture-based explanation for our understanding of and use of the Lord’s Supper.
Finally, please know that we truly are grateful for your participation – as a fellow Christian – in this morning’s worship service. We also thank you for your patience and understanding, and for respecting this Biblical approach we must take as we endeavor to faithful make us of our Lord’s Supper. We hope and pray that you will come back to worship with us again — often. And that one day you might become a part of this Christian fellowship, not only as we worship and hear God’s Word from these pews, but as we receive the Lord’s Supper together. May God bless and keep you always!
The Distribution Hymns Hymn 302 “Lord, To You I Make Confession”
1 Lord, to You I make confession: I have sinned and gone astray;
I have multiplied transgression, Chosen for myself my way.
Led by You to see my errors, Lord, I tremble at Your terrors.
2 Yet, though conscience’ voice appall me, Father, I will seek Your face.
Though Your child I dare not call me, Yet receive me to Your grace.
Do not for my sins forsake me; Do not let Your wrath o’er take me.
3 For Your Son has suffered for me, Giv’n himself to rescue me,
Died to save me and restore me, Reconciled and set me free.
Jesus’ cross alone can vanquish These dark fears and soothe this anguish.
4 Lord, on You I cast my burden– Sink it in the depths below!
Let me know Your gracious pardon; Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let Your Spirit leave me never; Make me only Yours forever.
Hymn 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, at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise as
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
The Benediction The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 327 “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
1 God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you–
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain: Till we meet, Till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet. Till we meet, Till we meet–
God be with you till we meet again.
2 God be with you till we meet again,
‘Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you–
God be with you till we meet again. Refrain
Silent Prayer
Announcements
Post-service music
How to Become a Member of Our Congregation:
Should your contact with the life-enriching Word of God today and your desire for a church-home prompt you to desire membership in our Christian congregation, we want to help you take the first step. We would consider it an honor for you to join us in this family of faith! Communicant membership in our church is established by an informed declaration of fellowship upon transfer from a Lutheran congregation, or upon completion of our Pastor’s New Membership / Bible Information Course, whichever is appropriate for you. To make a personal appointment to discuss this further, please speak with Pastor Huebner today or at your convenience.
Announcements
Last Week At Grace: In-person Attendance: 62 Online views: 19
Bible Class: 18 Online views: 4 Sunday School: 6 Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 17
Budgetary Offerings: $3463 Endowment: $1200 Benevolence: $2 Online Offerings: $350.77
Wednesday Evening Bible Classes: 6 women 6 men
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Morning 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, 12 -1:15 p.m.
Monday Church Secretary in the Office
Tuesday Morning Bible Class, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Wednesday Evening Bible Studies: 6 to 7 p.m.
Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Period, 10:45 a.m.
Bible Class/Sunday School, 11 a.m4. Youth Confirmation, 12-1:15 p.m.
Birthdays and Anniversary this week
May 04 – Micah Galvan; May 07 – Ben Quinlan; May 08 – Andy & Bill Franzmeier;
Serving Us NEXT SUNDAY, May 9th Elders: Vic Walker, Rick Tragasz
Ushers – Jim Winnat, John Wambold Altar Guild – Christine Quinlan, Linda Winnat
The Upcoming Edition (May/June to August) of “Meditations” is Available for all of you. This is our Synod’s very good, daily devotional booklet. It can be found on both tables in the front entryway, and on the table in the west entryway . Please take home your copy today.
Ascension Day Special Worship Service Reminder – In eleven days…..on Thursday, May 13th we will conduct an Ascension Day service, beginning at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in our chapel. Please join us (and bring a guest) for this often-overlooked, but spiritually significant celebration. We’ll include the Lord’s Supper as part of our service that evening.
Bible Classes Today and Tuesday – Today’s Bible class will study First John chapter 5. We’re in the final verses of that chapter and are going to discuss the danger of being unrepentant. We’ll also begin our study of Second John. Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 am we’ll be studying I Kings 13-14, covering the reigns of Judah’s King Rehoboam and Israel’s King Jeroboam. If you can’t attend in person, you can participate over the phone by calling 1-701-802-5405, then dial 7519304#.
Wednesday Evening Bible Class – We’re holding women’s and men’s Bible classes from 6 to 7 p.m. Our men are studying various Psalms (this week Psalm 22) while our women are studying Philippians. You can participate in person, or over the phone by calling….women’s class: 1-605-313-5470, then dialing 334007#; Or the men’s class: 1-701-802-5405 and dial 7519304#.
Whom can you bring to worship next Sunday? Yourself (and your spouse and children) of course. But could you invite and bring your adult children? Grandchildren? Your parents? An unchurched neighbor? Someone with whom you work? How about a stranger that you’ve yet to meet…but whom you might meet later this week Maybe even a member of Grace who hasn’t been in church for a very long time…..? Many people we know haven’t been in church to worship our Lord in a very long time, and not just because of Covid. Not attending church regularly can cause a person not only to “lose interest” in church, but worse, to lose interest in Christ. God placed us in the lives of others because He wants us to be examples of faith in Christ to them. He’s also called us to witness to them about how essential faith in the crucified and risen Christ is for us…and for them. Our calling includes being Christ’s “ambassadors” who present the Gospel to others so the Holy Spirit can either work or strengthen faith in their hearts. So, please witness for Jesus and invite (and bring) someone to worship next Sunday.
Women’s Fall Retreat Early Notice ….Our women’s group is making plans to hold a retreat this Fall over the October 1-2 weekend. A “Brainstorming” session for planning will be held TODAY after Bible class in the library room. YOUR INPUT would be gratefully received and is very much needed. For more information, please speak with Harriet Johnson.
Have You Changed Your Address, Phone number, or Email Lately? ….if so, could you please provide that new information – in written form – to our church office? Please give your new information to either Harriet Johnson or Pastor. Thank you!