The Fourth Sunday after the Festival of Epiphany – February 02, 2025
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Keeping Our Faith Firmly Focused On Jesus
In Life’s Sunshine and During its Raging Storms
I am sure you’ve heard the story about the man who was in the mountains taking pictures of all that
beautiful scenery when he came too close to the edge and started falling down the side of the mountain. On the way down he managed to frantically grab hold of a tree branch, saving himself – at least temporarily. Still, there was no hope of him crawling back up the mountainside to safety. So he started yelling for help, but no one came. You see, he was out there in the wilderness all alone. All of a sudden he heard a voice that said “George.” George replied, “Who’s there?” The answer came back, “It’s the Lord, George. Do you trust me?” “Yes Lord,” George exclaimed. “You know I do — with all my heart!” “My son, how much faith do you really have in Me?” The Lord asked. “Oh Lord, You know I’ll do whatever you say.” “Then George,” that heavenly voice announced, “let go of the branch.” George said “What?” “I said let go of the branch.” There was dead silence, for what seemed like an eternity of time. Finally, George said, quite meekly, “Hello? Is there anyone else up there?”
As we mine the gems of God’s Word this morning, we’ll talk about the importance and peace we can find in learning to better trust the Lord……not only when the sunshine of life warms us, but when the winds, rains, and storms of life cross our paths….and at every other stage and circumstance of life as well.
We’ll start by giving our attention to the inspired words of the Psalmist who, in Psalm 42, longs for relief through the Lord, from life’s storms and disappointments as well as the varied forms of persecution that we, as God’s children, endure on earth. The other portions of Scripture to which we’ll give our attention this morning have been selected to remind us that the LORD does watch over and defend His people. Therefore we can trust in Him at all times and in every situation in life. Israel learned that in dramatic fashion at the beginning of its exodus from Egypt.
In our Old Testament Lesson we’ll hear how God ushered Israel to safety by miraculously parting the Red Sea before them, and then delivering them from Pharaoh’s pursuing army by drowning it in the returning waters of the Sea.
Through our Epistle Lesson the Apostle Paul shares his confidence in the Lord as the One Who can safeguard His children and comfort them in all their troubles. He also talks about how sufferings that he endured for the sake of the Gospel while serving as a missionary in Asia taught him to rely on God, not himself, in his troubles.
This morning’s Gospel Lesson is the account of Jesus’ walking on the waters of Galilee (from which the Children’s Lesson is also drawn). Into every life come the “turbulent storms” of adversity and temptation, but as long as we keep our eyes of faith focused on Jesus as our Protector, we don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone.
In our Children’s Lesson today, we’ll talk about Jesus’ words to His disciples: “Do not be afraid. It is I.” Whenever we start to be afraid, we can find comfort in remembering that Jesus is always with us, watching over us because He loves us.
In our Sermon Text for today Jesus’ disciples begin to learn the lesson of how important and comforting it is for us to trust in Him in the face of the turbulent storms of life (as well as the placid, calm times). Our theme is “Keep Your Faith Focused On Jesus. In addition – and tying in with our Epiphany season emphasis of examining some of the Scripture lessons through which reveals Himself as the Promised Messiah and the Lord God – by successfully ordering a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee to stop, Jesus gives proof that He is in control of all things because He is the Lord of nature.
And so, with our Savior always at our side we can and will “sail”
confidently through all the storms life certain that Christ will see to it that we land safely on that heavenly shore.
Pre-service Silent Prayer Heavenly Father, please guide me in wisdom and truth through Your Holy Spirit, as I spend this hour meditating on Your Word and rejoicing in Your limitless love for me. Assist me in being attentive in heart and mind to Your Word, as well as to the hymns of praise, the various petitions, and the prayers of thanksgiving my voice directs toward You. Use this worship service, O Lord, to deepen my love for You, to strengthen my trust in You, and to renew my commitment to You. All this I ask for the sake of and in the name of Your One and only Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019,
The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission
Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Prayer upon entering the sanctuary Pre-service Music
Let Us Praise The Lord
The Greeting and Invitation to Worship
The Invocation
P: We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today’s Opening Psalm Psalm 42
P: As the doe pants for streams of water,
C: So my soul pants for You, O God.
P: My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and appear before God?
C: My tears have been food for me day and night, + while people are saying to me all day, “Where is your God?“
P: I am overcome by my emotions whenever I remember these things.
C: how I used to arrive with the crowd, + as I led the procession to the house of God, + with loud shouts of thanksgiving + with the crowd celebrating the festival.
P: Why are you so depressed, O my soul, who so disturbed within me?
C: Hope in God, for I will again praise Him, + for salvation from His presence.
P: Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your rapids;
C: all Your breakers and Your waves have swept over me.
P: By day the LORD commands His mercy
C: at night His song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.
P: Why are you so depressed, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
C: Hope in God, + for I will again praise Him, + for my salvation from the face of my God.
Opening Hymn Hymn 234 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,
the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him,
for he is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear Now to his temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration!
2 Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things
is wondrously reigning
And, as on wings of an eagle,
uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen All that is needful has been
Sent by his gracious ordaining?
3 Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully,
wondrously, made you,
Health has bestowed and, when heedlessly
falling, has stayed you.
What need or grief Ever has failed of relief?
Wings of his mercy did shade you.
4 Praise to the Lord, who will prosper
your work and defend you;
Surely his goodness and mercy
shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew What the Almighty can do
As with his love he befriends you.
5 Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all
that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now
with praises before him!
Let the Amen Sound from his people again;
Gladly forever adore him!
after which the Congregation will rise
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, + I confess that I am by nature sinful + and that I have disobeyed
You in my thoughts, words, and actions; + I have done what is evil in Your sight + and have failed to do what is good. + For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, + both now and for eternity. + But I am truly sorry for all my sins, + and trusting in the perfect life + and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, + I plead: + God have mercy on me, a sinner.
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, by His command and under His authority, I assure you that your sins are all forgiven – and that eternal life is yours, by grace through faith…….in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God rest upon all of you.
Congregation 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
The Prayer For This Day
Lord God, + You know that there are all sorts of dangers and adversities + that surround me in this life. + Sometimes You even send them as special blessings to me – + though it is often difficult for me to see that in the moment. + Too often I rely on faulty human remedies – particularly my own efforts and ideas – instead of trusting in You for the comfort and deliverance I need. + And so, as I meditate on Your Word this morning, + increase my feeble faith in You + so that I might turn to You confidently + in all my trials and problems, distresses and disappointments. + Graciously grant me such strength of faith, along with godly wisdom, and divine protection + that I might trust in You totally, + confident that I will be safely supported by You + in every trouble, and through all temptations. + This I humbly ask in the name of Jesus Christ, + Your Son, my Lord, + Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, + one God, now and forever. + Amen.
After which the Congregation may be seated
Feed Us, Lord
The Old Testament Lesson Exodus 14:21-31
21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all night long the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned the sea into dry land. The waters were divided. 22 The Israelites went into the middle of the sea on dry ground. The waters were like a wall for them on their right and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued them, and all of Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his charioteers went after them into the middle of the sea. 24 During the last watch of the night, the Lord looked down on the Egyptian forces from the pillar of fire and cloud. Then He confused the Egyptian forces. 25 He jammed their chariot wheels, and they had difficulty driving them. The Egyptians said, “We must flee from Israel, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!”
26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, and the waters will come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their charioteers.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal place. While the Egyptians were fleeing from it, the Lord threw the Egyptians into the middle of the sea. 28 The waters came back and covered the chariots and the charioteers, the entire army of Pharaoh that went into the sea after the Israelites. Not even one of them survived.
29 But the Israelites went through the middle of the sea on dry land, and the waters were like a wall for them on their right and on their left. 30 On that day the Lord saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the mighty hand which the Lord put into action against the Egyptians, and the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in Moses, His servant.
The Epistle Lesson 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
As fellow workers we also urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For He says: “At a favorable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Look, now is the favorable time! See, now is the day of salvation! 3 We are giving no one a reason to stumble in any way, so that our ministry will not be blamed. 4 Rather, in every way we show ourselves to be God’s ministers: in great endurance, in troubles, in hardships, in difficulties, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in times of hunger; 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness on the right and on the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, through bad report and good report; treated as deceivers yet being honest, 9 treated as unknown and yet being well known; as dying, and yet look—we live; as punished yet not put to death; 10 as grieving yet always rejoicing; as poor yet making many rich; as having nothing yet possessing everything.
Our Gospel Lesson Matthew 14:22-36
22 Immediately Jesus urged the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. 23 After He had dismissed the crowd, He went up onto the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. 24 By then the boat was quite a distance from shore, being pounded by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and cried out in fear, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once, saying, “Take heart! It is I! Do not be afraid.” 28 Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 Jesus said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat, walked on the water, and went toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid. As he began to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!” 34 When they had crossed over, they came to the shore at Gennesaret. 35 When the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all the surrounding region. They brought to Him all who were sick 36 and begged that they might just touch the fringe of His garment. All who touched it were completely cured.
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.
The Children’s Lesson Matthew 14:27
But Jesus spoke to them at once, saying, “Take heart! It is I! Do not be afraid.”
What Are You Afraid Of?
The Sermon Hymn 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 rise
The Greeting
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ! O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise. Amen.
Today’s Sermon Matthew 14:22-36
today’s Gospel Lesson
Keep Your Faith Focused on Jesus
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, now encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
We Bring our Prayers Before Our Lord
Included in our prayers this morning is:
Prayers of Intercession for:
Tim Pfortmiller who is receiving treatments for cancer;
for Diane Pfortmiller, who is contending with a number of health issues;
for Carol Ruiz, recovering at home from surgery a week ago;
for Murray Mansch, who is recovering at home from open heart surgery;
and for the family of Ruth Strackbein (Cynthia Tragasz’ mother), who passed away this past week following a stroke. Plus
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
on behalf of Linda & Jim Winnat, whose anniversary is Thursday
Today’s Prayer concluding with…..
Our Father, Who art in heaven Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
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 be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love He has blessed us with every Spiritual blessing. In the past He spoke to us through the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, Who is the Radiance of His glory. Now have come the salvation and the 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 for ever and ever.
(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
Distribution Hymn Hymn 312 “Lord Jesus Christ You Have Prepared verses 1-4; 5-8
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.
(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. To us the Lord’s Supper is both an expression of our common faith in Christ (which we share with all our fellow Christian worshipers this morning), and also a public expression of our complete doctrinal agreement as a congregation and church body (as I Corinthians 1:10 and 10:17, as well as Romans 16:17 and I John 4:1 require of us).
Accordingly if you are not a communicant member of Grace Lutheran Church or our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, we are not, in any way, judging your Christian faith by respectfully asking you not to join us in the Lord’s Supper this morning. Rather, we pray that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage all those Christians who are not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of their church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word. It is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the doctrines of our congregation, so 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 patience and understanding of our Communion practice. Finally, if you do have any questions or concerns about our “Close Communion” practice, please speak with our Pastor following this worship service, or at your convenience.
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!
We Leave with the Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
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 Choral Selection “Go Now In Peace”
Go now in peace, Go now in peace,
May the love of God surround you everywhere, everywhere
you may go.