The Fifth Sunday after the Festival of Epiphany
February 06, 2022
Let’s Go Fishing For Souls
Imagine that two men are seated in a plane…..
The stewardess gives one of them a parachute and instructs him to put it on “because it will improve his flight.” Not understanding how a parachute could improve his flight, the first man is a bit skeptical. Finally he decides to see if the claim is true. After strapping on the parachute he notices it s burdensome weight and he has difficulty sitting upright. Consoling himself with the promise of a better flight, our first passenger decides to give it a little time. Because he is one of only two passengers wearing a parachute, the other passengers begin making fun of him. Unable to stand it any longer, the first passenger slumps in his seat, unbuckles the parachute and throws it to the floor. He’s disillusioned and disappointed, because he feels as though he was told a lie.
Another stewardess gives the other man a parachute, as well. But listen to her instructions… She tells him to put it on because at any moment he will be jumping out of the plane at 25,000 feet. The second passenger straps on the parachute. He doesn’t notice the weight upon his shoulders or that he can’t sit upright. In His mind he ponders the thought of what would happen if he jumped without it. He’s grateful that he’s wearing a parachute, which can save him if the plane in which he’s riding fails him. And instead of being intimidated when the other passengers also laugh at him, he urges them to put on a parachute too – so that they can be safe – even as he warns them “You won’t be laughing when you’re falling to the ground.” Unfortunately, most refused to listen. Eventually the plane did crash. And nearly everyone perished, needlessly, because they rejected the offer of the parachute. Similarly, too often today Christians encourage others to know Christ and come to church mainly so that their earthly lives can be improved, so that they can live better. And while it’s true that being a Christian can certainly enrich our lives here on earth, they’re down-playing the main point of having faith in Christ, of worshiping Him and of being part of His Church on earth. In a sense, they’re only offering “Christianity Lite” – and so it shouldn’t be surprising that, after a while, many people…..looking for emotional satisfaction, personal comfort and earthly success…..end up being disillusioned with Christianity and disappointed with Church.
On the other hand, when we encourage people to know Christ and to become part of His Church because their souls are truly in eternal spiritual danger without Him, while not everyone who hears that message believes it, those who do are grateful to God for the gifts of forgiveness and everlasting salvation through faith in Christ. Possessing a deeply- rooted joy and peace in their hearts knowing that Jesus (like a parachute) has saved them from eternal death in hell and guaranteed them a place in heaven, not only gives them the confidence to withstand the mockery of the world, it gives them the gratitude to live for Christ each day here – until they live with Him eternally in Paradise.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
This morning’s Old Testament Lesson is both an appeal and a promise. The appeal: to turn to the Lord and live, to seek Him while He may be found. The promise: that His Word will accomplish the purpose for which He sends us out into the world with it. In our Christian witnessing, we need both to see the situation of those without the LORD (that they do not possess His gift of eternal life), and to recognize that the Gospel we share with them has God’s power and promise for spiritual success behind it. In our Epistle Lesson the Apostle Paul informs us of his attitude toward soul-winning. He let nothing, not even his personal “rights” and preferences, get in the way of his being a tool through which God the Holy Spirit would bring people to faith in Christ. He gladly became “all things to all men, so that by all means possible”, the Lord might save some through his ministry. This morning’s Gospel Lesson is the story of how Jesus effectively witnessed to a Samaritan women, bringing her to faith in Him….and how she, in turn, became a witness to others about Him as she eagerly, joyfully and successfully shared her new-found faith with her friends. Lord, give each of us such an eager and committed faith, willing to actively share the Good News about You with family and friends and strangers alike. In our Children’s Lesson for today we’ll use the example of the links of a chain to talk about our personal responsibility to “pass on” to others the Good News of salvation in Christ that others have shared with us. Finally, the Sermon for this morning is based on the story of another of Jesus’ miracles: the miraculous catch of fish from Luke 5:1-22 (something He would repeat, following His resurrection; see John 21:1-14). Peter and his friends had fished all night, catching nothing. In the morning, Jesus used his boat as a platform to preach God’s Word, after which He instructed Peter to go back out and fish, this time – though – in deeper water than before. On the surface, it seemed like a ridiculous order. The fishing was better at night….everyone knew that. They’d caught nothing earlier. Why try again? But Peter did as Jesus directed and, lo and behold, he caught so many fish his nets began to tear and his boat almost sank! The same thing happened to the boat of Peter’s partners, James and John. It was a miracle! Peter not only recognized Jesus’ awesome power, he saw his own sinfulness because of his reluctance to trust Jesus (yes, he obeyed….but he was sure Jesus was wrong, and that he (Peter) knew better, until he didn’t). We’ll compare ourselves, and the times we’ve “hesitantly trusted” Jesus’ words to us. We’ll also see that Jesus used this incident to move from the matter of catching “fish” to the importance of catching “souls”….something He called Peter and the others to do, and which He also calls all of us today during out lifetime of service to Him and others. We, too have been given the privilege and calling of being “fishers” of souls.
As we consider these various portions of God’s Word before us this
morning, we want to recognize that they all speak about every Christian’s calling in life to bring God’s Word, particularly the Gospel to others for the salvation of their souls. Having already been given our “parachute” (the gracious gift of saving faith in Christ) let’s all willingly embrace the calling that God also has given to us: to bring that Good News of faith in Christ to others. Our objective isn’t simply to increase the size of our congregation, and so to make our “church organization” more secure. We also don’t want to do this just to have others join us in enjoying the earthly blessings and benefits of being part of a church family. Rather, our aim is to share with as many others as possible God’s gift of eternal salvation through faith in Jesus, and to glorify our LORD as His Kingdom grows through the grateful service that we render Him.
The importance and value of every one of us being involved in doing this work of seeing to it that the Gospel of salvation is proclaimed in our world…..as God has given each of us the ability and opportunity – is (I believe) quite well expressed in the following poem . As you read it, please consider both what you haven’t done, and what (God-enabling) you can do to share His Word with others…..out of your love for Him:
- Ten little Christians, standing in a line, one disliked the preacher, then there were nine.
• Nine little Christians stayed up very late, one slept in on Sunday, then there were eight.
• Eight little Christians on their way to heaven, one took his own road, then there were seven.
• Seven little Christians chirping like some chicks, one disliked the music, then there were six.
• Six little Christians seemed very much alive, but one lost his interest, then there were five.
• Five little Christians pulling for heaven’s shore, but one stopped to rest, then there were four.
• Four little Christians, busy as a bee, one got her feelings hurt, then there were three.
• Three little Christians knew not what to do, one couldn’t forgive another, then there were two.
• Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done, quarreled over petty stuff, then there was only one.
• One little Christian, can’t do much ‘tis true; brought his friend to Bible study – then there were two.
• Two earnest Christians, each brought one more, that doubled the number, then there were four.
• Four sincere Christians worked early and worked late, each found another, then there were eight.
• Eight splendid Christians, if they doubled as before, in just a few short weeks, there’d be 1,024.
Pre-Service Prayer – Dear Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul once referred to himself as the Chief of Sinners. But in my heart I know that – not Paul, but – I am that Chief of Sinners…..wholly undeserving of Your love, of Your many mercies, and particularly of the forgiveness and salvation You won for me through Your innocent suffering and death along with Your resurrection. As I confess my sins to You this morning, please remove the burdens of guilt and unworthiness that afflict my heart and conscience. As I hear the assurance that You have wiped my sin-slate clean because of Your great love for my sou, fill me once more with the joy and confidence for eternity that every Christian ought to possess. As I meditate on Your Word today, strengthen my faith and remind me once again of why I am here: To live a life of love and faithful obedience….all to Your glory alone. And, finally, Lord Jesus, send me back out into the world at the conclusion of this day, certain of my salvation, motivated and better equipped by the Holy Spirit to serve You with all that I am and have, eager to share with everyone I can the blessed hope of everlasting life that is ours through faith in You. Now bless the Pastor as he brings Your Word to me. Bless my fellow Christians as they worship You with me. And bless my soul as I mediate on Your Word and worship You today. In Your name I pray. 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
Silent Prayer Pre-service music
We Praise Our God
The Introduction and Invitation To Worship
following which, the Congregation will rise for the invocation
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: And of the Son
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
P: And of the Holy Spirit
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
The Opening Prayer
O Lord God, Heavenly Father, + You have prepared for those who love You + blessings that greatly exceed our understanding: + Pour into our hearts such love toward You, + that we may love You above all things, + and lead us, by faith, + to Your eternal promises, + which exceed all that we can desire. + All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, + Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, + one true God, + now and forever. + Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn “The Morning Sun is Dawning”
To the tune of “The Morning Light Is Breaking”………
vv 1 & 3 adapted from Johannes Nuhlmann’s “Dank Sei Gott in der Hohe”
vv 2 & 4 by cwh, 2001
The morning sun is dawning, And I thank God once more
Beneath Whose care awaking I find the night is o’er:
I thank Him that He’s called me To be His child and heir;
I know, whatever happens I’m safely in His care.
O Lord of all creation, Watch over me this day;
In all I do be near me, For others too I pray –
To You I do commend them: Our church, our youth, our land;
Direct them and defend them, When dangers are at hand.
You are the Vine, O Savior, May we, Your branches be,
Connected to You firmly, And for eternity.
Your Spirit place within us, And let His gifts of grace
Empower us to serve You – throughout our earthly race.
So grant us, Lord, Your blessing That we may do Your will,
No more Your ways transgressing, Our calling to fulfill;
To go and tell the Good News: Christ died for all, that we –
through faith in Him, forgiven — Have heaven eternally. Amen
After which the Congregation will rise
We Confess Our Sins Together
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do
what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
(Sung) Lord have mercy on us; Christ have mercy on us;
Lord, have mercy on us.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty
God, be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, addressing you as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and under His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
(Sung)
Glory be to God on high and on earth peace good will to me.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.
We glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
O Lord God heavenly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world. Receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father. Have mercy on us.
For You only are holy. You only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit.
Are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen
after which, the Congregation will be seated
We Give Our Attention To God’s Word
This Morning’s Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 55:1-11
All of you who are thirsty, come to the water, even if you have no money! Come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why do you spend money on something that is not bread? Why do you waste your labor on something that does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good. Satisfy your appetite with rich food. 3 Turn your ear toward Me, and come to Me. Listen, so that you may continue to live.
Yes, I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the faithful mercies promised to David. 4 Look, I appointed him as a witness for peoples, a leader and commander of peoples. 5 Look, you will call out to a nation you do not know, and a nation that does not know you will run to you, on account of the Lord your God, because of the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. 6 Seek the Lord while He may be found! Call on him while He is near! 7 Let the wicked man abandon his way. Let an evil man abandon his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will show him mercy. Let him turn to our God, because He will abundantly pardon.
8 Certainly My plans are not your plans, and your ways are not My ways, declares the Lord. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My plans are higher than your plans. 10 Just as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and do not return there unless they first water the earth, make it give birth, and cause it to sprout, so that it gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 in the same way My word that goes out from My mouth will not return to Me empty. Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please, and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it.
The Epistle Lesson I Corinthians 9:19-23
19 In fact, although I am free from all, I enslaved myself to all so that I might gain many more. 20 To the Jews, I became like a Jew so that I might gain Jews. To those who are under the law, I became like a person under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might gain those who are under the law. 21 To those who are without the law, I became like a person without the law (though I am not without God’s law but am within the law of Christ) so that I might gain those who are without the law. 22 To the weak, I became weak so that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all people so that I may save at least some. 23 And I do everything for the sake of the gospel so that I may share in it along with others.
after which the Congregation will rise out of respect for our Savior’s words
The Gospel Lesson John 4:25-42
25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (the One called Christ). “When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I, the One speaking to you, am He.”
27 Just then His disciples returned and were surprised that He was talking to a woman. Yet no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are You talking to her?”
28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back into town. She said to the people, 29 “Come, see the Man Who told me everything I ever did. Could This be the Christ?” 30 They left the town and came to Him. 31 Meanwhile, the disciples kept urging Him, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But Jesus said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 Then the disciples said to each other, “Did anyone bring Him something to eat?”
34 Jesus told them, “My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Four more months and the harvest will be here’? Pay attention to what I am telling you. Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are already ripe for harvest. 36 The reaper is getting paid and is gathering grain for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. 37 Indeed in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap a harvest for which you did no hard work. Others have done the hard work, and you have benefitted from their labor.”
39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony: “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them. And He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His message. 42 They told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said. Now we have heard for ourselves. And we know that This really is the Savior of the world.”
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.
Our Children’s Lesson Acts 22:14-15
14 “Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear the sound of His voice. 15 For you will be His witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.
Be A “Link” in the Good News Chain
The Sermon Hymn Hymn 573 “Hark the Voice of Jesus Crying”
1 Hark! the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today?
Fields are ripe and harvests waiting; Who will bear the sheaves away?”
Loud and long the Master calleth; Rich reward he offers thee.
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I– send me, send me?”
2 If you cannot speak like angels, If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus; You can say he died for all.
If you cannot rouse the wicked With the Judgment’s dread alarms,
You can lead the little children To the Savior’s waiting arms.
3 If you cannot be a watchman, Standing high on Zion’s wall,
Pointing out the path to heaven, Off’ring life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your off’rings You can do what God demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron, Holding up the prophet’s hands.
4 Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do,”
While the multitudes are dying, And the Master calls for you.
Take the task he gives you gladly; Let his work your pleasure be.
Answer quickly when he calleth, “Here am I– send me, send me!”
After which the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord. May the God of peace fill you with all joy in believing! Amen.
Today’s Sermon Text Luke 5:1-11
One time, while the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats there along the lakeshore. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. He sat down and began teaching the crowds from the boat. 4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water, and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered Him, “Master, we worked hard all through the night and caught nothing. But at Your word I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets were about to tear apart. 7 They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord.” 9 For Peter and all those with him were amazed at the number of fish they had caught, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, “Have no fear. From now on you will be catching people.” 11 After they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Him.
Go Fish!
following the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for the post-sermon blessing
Pastor 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.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Offering Hymn Hymn 566 “We all are one in mission”
This hymn is copyright-restricted by the publisher
We Offer Our Gifts and Prayers to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.
However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can donate on our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
the Congregation will please rise as the offerings are brought to the altar
The Lord’s Prayer and Response
Congregation: Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name;
Pastor Grant Father, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be proclaimed freely among us and throughout the world, and that we may live holy, Godly lives to the glory of Your name.
C: Thy Kingdom come;
P: Grant, Father, that the proclamation of the Gospel may bear much fruit, so that large numbers of men, women, and children from every nation and tribe may come to know and believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
C: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
P: Grant, Father, that we may never forget that it is Your will that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Grant that we may remember that we are to carry out Your will by being witnesses of Christ to the world. Father, may Your will be done through us!
C: Give us this day our daily bread;
P: Grant, Father, that we may always remember that every good gift is from above and that the earth and all that is in it are Yours. May we also trust in Your for our daily bread. Then we will confidently share our blessings with others and return to You a large, generous portion of the gifts You have entrusted to us.
C: And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
P: Forgive us, Father, for all the times we have given offense and kept others from coming to You. Forgive us for being so indifferent and cold to Christ’s command to preach the Gospel to every nation. Forgive us for so frequently forgetting that Christ died for us and that we should no longer live for ourselves, as a result, but for Him who died and rose again for us. Grant that we may also forgive those who sin against us, love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and do good to those who hate us, that we might, by all means possible, lead some to Christ.
C: And lead us not into temptation;
P: Grant, Father, that Satan, the world, and our own sinful flesh may not tempt us to neglect the supreme task of the Church. Grant that we never squander away our time while the world rushes toward Judgement Day; that we never waster our financial resources on the pleasures and luxuries of this life, and in so doing deny others the Bread of Life. Heavenly Father, keep us from these and all other temptations.
C: But deliver us from evil;
P: Protect us, Father, from all harm and danger, but grant that we will always boldly confess our faith in Jesus no matter what the circumstances, no matter what the result may be.
C: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
Pastor – The Lord be with you.
Congregation (Sung) And with You also
Pastor – Lift up your hearts.
Congregation (Sung) We lift them up to the Lord
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation (Sung) It is good and right so to do.
Pastor – It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lived among us as a human being and revealed His glory as Your only Son, full of grace and truth. Therefore with angels and archangel, and all the company of heaven, we praise Your holy name and join their glorious song:
(Sung)
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of heavenly hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He, Blessed is He, Blessed is He
Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Consecration of the Elements
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – (Sung) Amen.
The Distribution of the Elements (Pastor)
(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 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 worshipers this evening), and also a public expression of our complete doctrinal agreement as a congregation (as I Corinthians 1:10 and 10:17 requires of us).
Accordingly, we are not, in any way, judging your Christian faith by respectfully asking you not to join us in the Lord’s Supper this evening. 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.
The 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.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
The Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon You and be gracious unto you,
The Lord look upon you with favor, and grant you His peace. Amen.
Closing Hymn Hymn 362 “I Love To Tell The Story”
I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love;
I love to tell the story Because I know ‘tis true.
It satisfies my longings As nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story — ‘Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, For some have never heard
The message of salvation From God’s own holy Word.
I love to tell the story, ‘T’will be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting To hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,
‘Twill be the old, old story That I have loved so long.
I love to tell the story, ‘T’will be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story Of Jesus and His love.
Silent Prayer, Announcements, Post-service music
Announcements
This Past Week at Grace Worship Attendance: 69 (Online: 16) No Bible Class: (voters’ mtg)
Tuesday Bible Class: 11 Budgetary Offerings: $4220 Online Budgetary Gifts: $293.03
Capital Improvement: $10 Benevolence Fund: $50
Serving Us Next Sunday Elders: John Johnson, Tim Pfortmiller
Ushers: Murray Mansch, Jim Taylor, Jim Winnat, James Boatwright
Altar Guild: Christine Quinlan, Linda Winnat
Birthdays and Anniversaries This Week: Feb 06 – Linda and Jim Winnat; Feb 08 – Kasey Schroeder;
Feb 10 – Janice and Steve Davis; Feb 11 – Bob Neubauer; Feb 12 – Vicki Walker
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Morning Worship with the Lord’s Supper, 9:30 a.m. Fellowship 10:45 am
Bible Class/Sunday School 11am Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Monday Pastor out of town, at a conference in Springfield, MO
Tuesday Pastor out of town, at a conference in Springfield, MO NO Morning Bible Class (see below)
Wednesday Evening Bible Classes, 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Saturday Outreach Visitation, meeting at church at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Choir Rehearsal, 8:40 to 9:10 a.m. Pre-service hymn singing, 9:25 a.m
Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Bible Class/Sunday School – 10:45 a.m.
POT LUCK/FELLOWSHIP Dinner, 11:45 a.m.
This Week’s Bible Classes
.In Bible Class today we’ll be studying what God has to say to us through I Corinthians chapters 12 and 13. Along with chapter 14, these three chapters lead an important discussion that deals with the various Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
There will be no Tuesday morning Bible class this week, since Pastor Huebner will be out of town, participating in a pastors’ conference in Springfield (see below).
Wednesday, from 6-7 p.m. we’ll offer two Bible classes, one for men, the other for women Our men’s class is studying in the book of Psalms – specifically this week, we’re studying the Imprecatory Psalms. Our women’s class will begin a study of the book of Hosea.
Pastor Huebner will be out of town on Monday and Tuesday of this week for a pastors’ conference at Zion Lutheran Church in Springfield, MO. He will be returning home Tuesday afternoon.
We’re Looking for More Voices…. … (perhaps yours???) to be a part of our church choir. Whether you’d be willing to try singing with the choir for a just a rehearsal to see if you’d like it (we’ll rehearse next Sunday, February 13th, from 8:40 to 9:10 a.m.), or for the upcoming Lent and Easter season, or even longer, you can speak with Debbie Huebner for more information on how often we rehearse. If you think God might have given you the singing ability, and/or if you know you have that gift, we’d be honored to have you as a part of our church choir.
Valentines/Pot-Luck Fellowship Dinner NEXT SUNDAY after our Bible Class/Sunday School hour. A sign up sheet can be found on the entryway table. Please make your plans to be part of what truly is an important opportunity to spend time getting to know better your/our fellow church members.
Eearly Rummage Annoucement…..our Women’s Group will sponsor a rummage sale again this year…..in early June. So, as you start planning your spring cleaning, please keep our rummage sale in mind. For those who might need to bring items earlier than the week prior to the sale, early drop offs will be available in early May. Please speak with Pastor about this when the time comes. We’ll do our best to work with you.