Church Service Live Stream

The Second Sunday after the Festival of the Holy Trinity

also known as The Fourth Sunday of the Pentecost Season

June 13, 2021

Serving Us Today

Elders: Steve Stone, Tim Pfortmiller Altar Guild: Christine Quinlan, Linda Winnat

Ushers: Jim Winnat, Robbie Hahn, Nathan Hahn Organist: Debbie Huebner

Custodian: Tina Wambold Secretary: Harriet Johnson

Video: Dale Johannes Pastor: Charles Huebner

Our Privilege and Purpose as Partners in God’s Church

The huge redwood trees in California are amazing. They are the largest living things on earth and the tallest trees in the world. Some of them are 300 feet high and more than 2,500 years old. You would think that trees that large would have a tremendous root system, reaching down hundreds of feet into the earth. But that is not the case. Redwoods have a very shallow root system. The roots of these trees are, however, intertwined. They are tied in with each other; interlocked. Thus, when the storms come and the winds blow the redwoods still stand – together. With an interlocking root system they support and sustain each other. They need one another to survive.

So do we as Christians! And that’s one of the reasons why God has made us members of His Church…..that is, the body of Christ. Here on earth He brings believers together into groups, or congregations united around our love for Him, for each other and for His Word and work. Since every member in a congregation belongs to Christ (after all, He created us and redeemed every one of us!), in a very real sense we also belong to each other – as fellow servants of Christ our Savior. Consequently, the fellowship that we, as individual Christians, have with Christ also means that we are members of the larger family of faith that is the Christian congregation – partners in Christ with our fellow church members in what amounts to a God-given spiritual support system that exists to serve God and to benefit all of us.

Of course, being a member of a community of faith is not always emotionally satisfying. Like everything else in this sinful world, church membership has its share of difficulties and frustrations, doesn’t it? How could it be otherwise, given that every congregation – ours included – is made up of sinners like us? Being all too human, each of us tends to do and say sinful things that rub others the wrong way and offend. At times, we all hurt others and are hurt by others. Problems abound in the church – because every person what walks through its doors has a sinful nature that is all too active and effective.

However, that doesn’t give us the right to take a casual “I’ll-be-involved-but-on-my-terms” approach to church life, let alone to exempt ourselves from engaging in fellowship with other like-believing Christians in a manner that pleases God. (In other words, we can only fellowship with persons who are thoroughly Biblically faithful.) Even though every member is a sinner – you and me included – God calls us to make an unwavering, consistent commitment to be an active part of the community of Biblically-faithful believers known as “the orthodox (true teaching) church.” The reason? So that we can be strengthened in our faith, publicly worship Him with other believers, find opportunities for ministry, enjoy the support of fellow believers, and receive much-needed guidance for our souls.

At times, our challenge of experiencing satisfaction within the church on earth is not unlike what happened in the story about a group of porcupines, that the famous philosopher Schopenhauer once used to illustrate an important point about the value of strength through our support of and dependance upon others. It seems that a group of porcupines was marooned one bitter cold night in the middle of a large frozen field. They couldn’t burrow into the frozen ground. There was simply no way to escape the biting wind. As they huddled together to keep warm, their sharp quills began to pinch and hurt. The closer they moved together, the more the pain increased. Some of the animals couldn’t bear the pain and separated from the group in order to sleep alone. In the morning each porcupine that moved away had frozen to death.

In our humanness there are times – even inside the church – when we hurt each other, or are hurt and feel the inclination to minimize our contact with others…..perhaps even go it alone. That’s a dangerous – potentially damnable – tendency that we must resist with the help of the Holy Spirit. The journey of life and faith is often trying, difficult and painful….particularly as we interact with other sinners. Were going to experience and will be exposed to discouragement, temptation, doubts, weaknesses and burdens, unanswered questions, and rejection….among other challenges.

Nevertheless, in spite of the sinners inside the church (and – again – we all are sinners), each of us needs to be actively involved in church life for the benefits that are found there….such as instruction from the Word, spiritual support and encouragement, Christian love and opportunities for service and worship – to name just a few of those benefits. Is it any wonder then, that God in His grace, has made us part of His Church, and brought us into a Christian fellowship of believers? Being actively involved in a Christian congregation is good for us and of great benefit to our souls. Our Lord knows that congregations such as ours, even with our faults, are an absolutely essential source of spiritual strength, support, and guidance for us all.

And there’s at least one more reason why we need to be active partners in a Christian fellowship. First, I can’t tell you the number of times that people have said to me, “you know, you can be a Christian without going to church!” It’s true. In fact, no one is saved purely by the act of going to church. We’re saved by faith in Jesus, our Savior and Lord, Who paid the price for our souls through His sinless life lived for our benefit, as well as by His death for our sins on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. Yes, it’s true that you “can” be a Christian without going to church……but going to a faithful church – where the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Savior is clearly proclaimed, where the Word of God is correctly taught and the Sacraments are properly employed – indisputably helps you to be and to mature as, as well as to stay a Christian. Souls are at stake! That’s why you and I should cherish our congregational fellowship and do all we can to improve it.

A young fellow who was fed up with church went to see a wise old Christian in his cabin to get some advice. He told him all the things that were bothering him about church, an how he felt that he would be better off without the company of other Christians. As he was speaking, the old man silently took the fire tongs and removed a red-hot glowing coal from the middle of the fire and set it on the hearth. The coal glowed for a while, but eventually dimmed and turned black. He let it sit there a while and then took the tongs and places the coal back in the middle of the fire. Within seconds the coal was glowing red hot once again. The young man took the wordless lesson to heart and left determined to stay an active part of his church.

Just as coals soon burn out when they are removed from the company of other coals, it is very likely that a person will not last long in the faith if he/she is removed (or if we remove ourselves) from fellowship with other Christians around God’s Word and Sacraments.
In this morning’s First Lesson (also our Sermon Text) the inspired writer to the Hebrews urges his listeners to continue to meet together for the purposes of worshiping the Lord and of encouraging each other in the faith. This isn’t optional. It’s imperative for us all…and is consistent with God’s will as expressed in the Third Commandment. When this letter was first written, the Christian congregation in Jerusalem was facing the start of what would be a severe persecution. The members needed to stick together – and to stick with Christ….a point the writer makes rather forcefully in the closing part of our reading. Out of a pastor’s concern for their souls, he evangelically warns his readers of the eternal danger to ones salvation of forsaking Christ for the sake of avoiding persecution (or for the sake of convenience, ease, or other self-serving motives).

Through today’s Epistle Lesson Luke gives us an insight into the early activity of the first Christian congregation in Jerusalem. They were devoted to one another. They spent time together – and weren’t afraid of being persecuted by the Jews for it. They prayed and ate together. They generously shared their earthly possessions with brothers and sisters in need. Together they communed (broke bread) and learned the truths of God from the Apostles. Their Christian witness, worship and work was noticeably impressing. And God blessed them by adding to their membership on a daily basis. If we want our church to grow….THIS is God’s “formula” for spiritual and numerical growth. Among us there’s room for improvement. May God enable us to follow this pattern and enjoy much greater blessings from Him in the future.

Our Gospel Lesson is part of what is commonly known as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.” It was part of His Upper Room discourse with His disciples on Maundy Thursday. In this part He prays for His disciples and for all believers (which means He’s praying for us here.) He asks His Father that we might all glorify Him, remaining fully faithful to His Word and continuing to be completely united with each other in our faith so that we can one day be united with Him – and all the saints – in heaven.

In today’s Children’s Lesson we’ll use words that the Holy Spirit gave Paul to encourage rselves that – regardless of age – all of us are important “bricks” that Christ is using to build His Church…one soul and servant at a time. Today we’ll use the example of how Canadian geese work together and support each other as they fly….also how these geese express a loyalty by “marrying” for the life of their partner. Then we’ll talk about the unity, the servant activity and the personal concern and encouragement for each other that makes for Spiritually satisfying church membership.

Finally today’s Sermon is based on Luke’s report of the early activity of the first Christian congregation in Jerusalem. Using a story about an discontented and generally disconnected church member, along with some applications to Church life in connection with behaviors of Canadian Geese, we’ll talk about the unity, the servant activity and the personal concern and encouragement that makes for Spiritually satisfying church membership.

A Word Of Welcome To Our Guests . . . Good morning and welcome to Grace Lutheran Church. We’re pleased that you’ve chosen to be a part of our worshiping assembly this morning. Whether you are a guest today or a member of this Christian family, your presence at this service is sincerely appreciated. It is our wish that the time you spend here will be enjoyable and spiritually edifying, and so it is our desire to serve you in the best way we can. If there is anything that we might do to assist you in your worship today, please speak with one of our ushers or our Pastor. They will be pleased to serve you in any way they can. After the worship service concludes, we invite you to join those around you for some coffee, refreshments, and good conversation during our fellowship period. If you are able, we would also be honored to have you remain after today’s fellowship time as we further listen to and study the Scriptures in our Bible Classes or Sunday School. And, we hope that you will come back soon to again praise the Lord with us. May God bless you and your worship of Him today.

About Our Worship Service . . . . . The order for our worship service is printed in this service bulletin. You will find that our worship is made up of three essential ingredients: praise, instruction from God’s Word, and prayer. We sing our praises to God for all of His gracious blessings. We receive instruction from His Word in our various Scripture Lessons and through the Sermon. Our prayers consist of expressions of our repentance for our sins, plus requests for God’s forgiveness, guidance, and continued blessings.

A few additional brief explanations of how we worship might be helpful. The congregation in worship (we are not part of an audience, but participants in the action of worshiping) generally are seated to listen to God’s Word and sing the regular hymns. The pastor faces the congregation when he is serving as God’s spokesman. He faces the altar both when he is serving in the capacity of the congregation’s spokesman, and when he joins the congregation as a fellow worshiper. One final note: Because Jesus is our Lord and King as well as our Savior and Redeemer, we customarily stand out of respect for the words of Jesus during the reading of the Gospel Lesson.

About Our Congregation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grace Lutheran Church is a fellowship of families and individuals who have found the Lord Jesus Christ to be the only safe and reliable answer to all of life’s problems and critical questions. We are members of the WELS, or the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Wisconsin indicates the geographical origin of a group of Christians (organized in Milwaukee, WI in 1850) who believe, teach, and confess that the Bible is the inspired and error-free Word of God, and who are united in their efforts to proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. Evangelical declares that we believe and proclaim the great Gospel principles of the Bible that sinners are saved by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone, on the basis of Scripture alone. Lutheran indicates that we hold to the historic Christian faith of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, almost lost to the Church at one time before God restored it through the Lutheran Reformation. Synod states that we are part of a gathering of 1200 Christian congregations throughout the United States plus congregations in 26 other nations, all of which “walk together” for the express purpose of serving and sharing the Good News about our gracious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from

Pre-Service Prayer:

In the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. I thank You, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Your dear Son, that You have kept me through the night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also, from sin and every evil. That all my doings and life may please You. Into Your hands I commit myself, my body, and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the wicked Foe might have no power over me. Amen.

Silent Prayer

Pre-Service Music

The Service Introduction and Greeting

The Opening Hymn “God Is Here Among His People”

sung to the melody of “‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” cwh 1999

God is here among His people! As we join in praise and prayer,

May we find in fuller measure, Jesus’ grace which we all share.

Here, though in the world abiding, as God’s children set apart,

We rejoice to join together, one in faith, in love, in heart.

Here the Means of Grace remind us of our life-long need for grace.

Here are altar, font, and pulpit; here Christ’s cross has central place.

Here in faithful Bible preaching, here in silence and in songs,

Here the Spirit, edifying, heart-felt joy in us prolongs.

Here our children find in Baptism entry to the Shepherd’s fold;

Here, in Sacramental Union, Christ sustains us, young and old.

Here the servants of the Servant, seek in worship to explore

What it means in daily living, to believe and to adore.

Lord of all, the Church and Kingdom, in an age of change and doubt,

Keep us faithful to all Scripture; Help us work Your purpose out.

Here, in bringing praise and off’rings, all we have to give, receive;

We who cannot live without You, We adore You! We believe!” Amen.

At the pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for

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.

Our Declaration of Recommitment and Rededication

Pastor My brothers and sisters in Christ, as the fellowship of believers that is Grace Lutheran Church, this

morning we are focusing our attention on what God’s Word has to teach us about the Privilege and Purpose that are ours as Partners with each other and with Him in this Christian ministry that we share.

The statement of mission that we have adopted as a congregation expresses our joint intention, as God enables every one of us, to serve Him with all of our God-given abilities and resources, in grateful response to His redeeming grace to us in Christ. To that end, the vision that we wish to fulfill in this ministry is to “Extend God’s Kingdom through His Word, serving each Soul.” It remains our intent to accomplish this by “Sharing the Gospel” within this fellowship and throughout our community. Employing the Word of the Lord and Sacraments, relying on the power that God the Holy Spirit exercises in them, we intend to “encourage “growth in our Christian faith, preparing for service here and for eternal life in heaven, the souls we are privileged to serve here through Christian “Worship, Education and Fellowship.”

Accordingly, I now encourage each of you to join me in solemnly and genuinely recommitting ourselves and rededicating these church and schools to the Christian ministry that our Lord and Savior has entrusted to our care, for our joy and to His glory.

Congregation: Lord, today, as a Christian fellowship, + we recommit ourselves to declaring Your praises in word and deed, + to faithfully using Your Word and Sacraments to grow in our faith, + to serve You with our offerings and other resources, + to Spiritually encourage each other in the faith we share, + and to reach out with Your saving Word into our community, + across this country and throughout the world, + so that others might also believe and be saved, + just as You have saved us in Christ.

Lord, we also rededicate all these church facilities, + with all their various parts and furnishings + to be a place of prayer, + for the preaching of Your Word, + for the administration of Your Sacraments, + for Christian instruction for all ages, + and for the Christian fellowship of Your saints here on earth…. + so that we might walk together in Your righteous ways, + out of love for You, + and in Christian charity and concern for one another.

Pastor: My brothers and sisters, having heard – before God – Your solemn promises of faithful recommitment and rededication to the work He has given us to do as the fellowship of Grace Lutheran Church, I now commend each of you – in God’s name – to serve Him faithfully with all that you are and all that you possess, all the days of Your lives….until, by His grace for Jesus’ sake, we all live before Him and serve our Lord eternally in heaven. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

After which the Congregation will be seated for

A Special Vocal Selection “Bless This House” Sung by Danielle Ashley

Bless this house, O Lord we pray Make it safe by night and day

Bless these walls so firm and stout Keeping want and trouble out

Bless the roof and steeple tall Let thy peace lie overall

Bless this door that it may prove Ever open, To joy and love

Bless these windows shining bright Letting in The Father’s Light

Bless the altar, standing there His Word ascending like a prayer!

Bless the people here within Keep them pure and free from sin

Bless us Lord, that we may be Fit to serve You faithfully.

Bless us all that one day we may dwell O Lord! With Thee!

After which, at the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise as

We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God

Pastor: As we approach the Lord in worship today, let us all confess our sins and seek God’s forgiving mercy:

Congregation: O Lord, hear my prayer, + Listen to my cry for mercy + and in Your faithfulness, come to my relief. + Do not bring Your servant into judgment, + for no one living is righteous

before You. + Answer me quickly, O Lord; + my spirit fails. + Do not hide Your face from me, + For I have put my trust in You. + Show me the way I should go, + for to You I lift up my soul. + Teach me to do Your will, + for You are my God.

Almighty God, merciful Father, + I, a troubled and repentant sinner + confess that I have sinned against You in my actions, thoughts and words. + I have not loved You with all my heart; + I have not loved others the way I should. + I have not been a faithful steward of the time, abilities, opportunities and resources + which You have entrusted to my care. + I have not always been eager and willing to worship You, serve You, or learn from You as I ought. + My transgressions, whether deliberate or done out of ignorance + are too numerous for me to recall. + I know that because of them + I deserve Your punishment now and eternally. + But I truly am distressed by + and deeply sorry for my sins. + And so I implore You, for Jesus’ sake, + to have mercy upon me + and to forgive me, + a poor, sinful being.

Pastor: Jesus says to His followers: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven.” Do you believe this word and promise of your Savior?

Congregation: Yes, I believe.

Pastor: Then according to the command and promise of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and in His place, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Be at peace once more with your God, assured that you are a dear child of God and an heir of eternal life in heaven through faith in Christ Jesus.

Congregation: O Lord, my God + I called to You for help + and You answered me. + I thank You for the love You have shown me in Jesus Christ, my Savior. + Through Him You have rescued

me from the guilt and curse of my sin. + Renew me now, through Your Holy Spirit + that I might faithfully fight against all temptation, + correct whatever wrongs I can, + and live in the peace of Your forgiveness. + Let my life be filled with Your love and praise. + Now and forever. + Amen.

Our Grateful Response for God’s Forgiving Mercy

We praise You O God, our Redeemer Creator

In grateful devotion our tribute we bring:

We lay it before You, we kneel and adore You;

We bless Your holy name; glad praises we sing.

We worship You God of our Fathers, we bless You.

Through life’s storm and tempest, our Guide You have been;

When perils o’er take us, escape You will make us,

And with Your help, O Lord, our battles we win.

With voices united, our praises we offer;

To You, Great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise.

Your strong arm will guide us, Our God is beside us.

To You, our Great Redeemer, fore’er be praise! Amen.

The Prayer for Today

O Almighty God, + bless the preaching of Your Word + throughout the congregation of believers on earth, + that we – Your children by grace – might become and remain wise unto salvation + through faith in Christ Jesus, our Savior. + Through that same Word, + equip us for faithful service to You, + and fill us with joy in that service. + Also strengthen our faith through Your Word and Sacraments + that we might remain in this one, true Christian faith as long as we live. + We ask this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the true one God, for ever and ever. + Amen.

Following this the Congregation will be seated for

We Listen To God’s Word

The First Reading Acts 4:42-47

42 They continued to hold firmly to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to the prayers. 43 Awe came over every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They were selling their possessions and property and were distributing the proceeds according to what anyone needed.

46 Day after day, with one mind, they were devoted to meeting in the temple area, as they continued to break bread in their homes. They shared their food with glad and sincere hearts, 47 as they continued praising God and being viewed favorably by all the people. Day after day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

The Second Lesson Hebrews 10:19-31

19 Brothers, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place through the blood of Jesus. 20 It is a new and living way he opened for us through the curtain, that is, his flesh. 21 We also have a great priest over the house of God. 22 So let us approach with a sincere heart, in the full confidence of faith, because our hearts have been sprinkled to take away a bad conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold on firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.

24 Let us also consider carefully how to spur each other on to love and good works. 25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have the habit of doing. Rather, let us encourage each other, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26 For if we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the full knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains any sacrifice for sins. 27 Instead, there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a raging fire that is going to consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without pity, on the basis of the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much greater punishment do you think will be deserved by the person who trampled the Son of God underfoot, who considered insignificant the blood of the covenant, by which he was sanctified, and who insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the one who said: “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” And again: “The Lord will judge his people.“ 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

After which the Congregation will rise for

The Gospel Lesson John 17:6-26

6 “I revealed your name to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me, and they have held on to your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me, and they received them. They learned the truth that I came from you. They believed that you sent me.

9 “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, because they are yours. 10 All that is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. And I am glorified in them. 11 I am no longer going to be in the world, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by your name, which you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept those you gave me safe in your name. I protected them and not one of them was destroyed, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

13 “But now I am coming to you, and I am saying these things in the world, so that they may be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I am not asking that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the Evil One. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

17 “Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I also sent them into the world. 19 I sanctify myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth.

20 “I am praying not only for them, but also for those who believe in me through their message. 21 May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one: 23 I in them, and you in me. May they become completely one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am so that they may see my glory—the glory you gave me because you loved me before the world’s foundation. 25 Righteous Father, the world did not know you, but I knew you, and these men knew that you sent me. 26 I made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love you have for me may be in them and that I may be in them.”

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. + And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; + Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; + Born of the Virgin Mary; + Suffered under Pontius Pilate; + Was crucified, dead and buried; + He descended into hell; + The third day He rose again from the dead; + He ascended into heaven + And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; + From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. + I believe in the Holy Ghost; + The Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; + The forgiveness of sins; + The resurrection of the body; + And the life everlasting. Amen.

After which the Congregation may be seated for

The Children’s Lesson I Corinthians 12:4, 7

4 There are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit……

7 Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good

Be A Good Goose !

After which the Congregation will be seated for

The Sermon Hymn Hymn 538 “The Church’s One Foundation”

1 The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;

She is his new creation By water and the Word.

From heav’n he came and sought her To be his holy bride;

With his own blood he bought her, And for her life he died.

2 Elect from ev’ry nation, Yet one o’er all the earth;

Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth.

One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses, With ev’ry grace endued.

3 The Church shall never perish. Her dear Lord, to defend,

To guide, sustain, and cherish, Is with her to the end.

Though there be those that hate her And strive to see her fail,

Against both foe and traitor She ever shall prevail.

4 Though with a scornful wonder The world sees her oppressed,

By schisms rent asunder, By heresies distressed,

Yet saints their watch are keeping; Their cry goes up, “How long?”

And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song.

5 Mid toil and tribulation And tumult of her war

She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore

Till with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest

And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest.

This Morning’s Devotion based on Hebrews 10:23-25

23 Let us hold on firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. 24 Let us also consider carefully how to spur each other on to love and good works. 25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have the habit of doing. Rather, let us encourage each other, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Privilege and Purpose of Being Part of the Church

The Post-Message Blessing

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord

Because we aren’t passing offering plates at this time,

we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings

through our ministry:

1) Those present for worship may leave their offerings in the baskets near the exit doors; or

2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6^th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)

2) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.

After which the Congregation will rise for

Give Online

We Bring our Prayers Before Our Lord

P: Dear Heavenly Father, once again we have enjoyed the privilege of gathering together in this place to sing Your praise, to worship You, and to hear Your Word. We praise and thank You for all that You give us each day. We are not worthy of the many mercies You show us.

C: Bless every person here today, that we might grow in Your grace, and rededicate ourselves to conforming our faith and lives to Your sure Word alone.

P: Daily cover our human faults, frailties, and sins, that they might not hinder the work which You have entrusted to us as Your servants here on earth. And grant that all our words, our actions, and our intentions reflect our love for the Lamb of God Who has taken away the sin of the world.

C: Keep our sinful instincts and ambitions from dominating our lives + and, instead, empower us through Your Spirit + to make the crucified and risen Christ + the very center of all our worship, faith, and living.

P: Bless our individual congregations and church body – indeed, Your Church at large throughout the world – by granting them faithful pastors, teachers, leaders, and lay members.

C: Watch over Your missionaries wherever they are, + at home and abroad + and enable them to serve You faithfully and joyfully. + Remind us to hold them up regularly in our prayers + and to support them generously with our gifts. + Let no area of Your harvest field wither and perish + because we have failed to do what You require of us.

P: Hear us also, LORD, as we take a few moments to silently offer You our personal petitions and praises.

A Moment for Silent Prayer

Included in our Prayers This Morning, we offer:

A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Ann and Michael King, who will be

celebrating their wedding anniversary this coming Wednesday;

and also

A Prayer of Intercession for our brother, Fred Cusanelli, as he anticipates

and undergoes heart surgery this coming Friday – that it might be successful

in every way, and that His recovery will be swift and satisfying.

Plus

We pray, as well, for all those persons in our church family who are dealing with

various health and other personal problems, ranging from minor to major, from annoying

to burdensome, to threatening….that You, O Lord, would comfort them with Your’

presence and promises for today and forever, graciously employing Your power

to grant them the strength to persevere, plus healing and good health according to Your will.

P: Finally, Lord God, accept our thanks for the tremendous privilege of being called Your children, and of being able to come to You now and at any time in prayer. Help us to grow intellectually, emotionally, spiritually through Your Word, so that we may be faithful servants for You in our homes, and communities, in our congregations, and as members of Your Church on earth. Mercifully hear our prayer, and bless us one and all, for the sake and in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God, forever and ever. And in Whose name we also offer our Lord’s Prayer, set to music:

(To the melody “Immortal, Invisible”) cwh

Our Father in heaven, we hallow Your name,

May Your Kingdom grow, Lord, as it to us came.

Your will, may it be done on earth as in heav’n,

Our daily bread, give to us and to all men.

Forgive us our sins, Father, and so may we

Forgive those who sin against us. Now we plea:

Guard us from temptation, without and within,

Deliver us finally, from Satan and sin.

The kingdom, the power, the glory are Yours

both now, and forever, O Lord of all Lords.

We offer this prayer, by Your Son’s name alone,

Through Whom we, in confidence, approach Your throne. Amen.

We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing

The Benediction

The LORD bless you and keep you,

The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you,

The LORD look upon you with favor, and grant you His peace. Amen.

The Closing Hymn Hymn 610 “Now Thank We All Our God”

1 Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things has done, In whom his world rejoices,

Who from our mother’s arms Has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love And still is ours today.

2 Oh, may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us,

With ever-joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us

And keep us in his grace And guide us when perplexed

And free us from all ills In this world and the next.

3 All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given,

The Son, and him who reigns With them in highest heaven,

The one eternal God, Whom earth and heav’n adore!

For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.

How to Become a Member of Our Congregation

Thank you for being a part of our worshiping assembly this morning.

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

This Past Week At Grace Lutheran Sunday Worship Attendance: 69 Communed: 61

Sunday worship online views: 15 Sunday School: 3 Bible Class: 22 Online views: 7

Tuesday Bible Class: 24 Budgetary Offerings: $8756 School Fund: $51 Capital Imv Fund: $70

This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church

Today Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Special Fellowship/Potluck Dinner, 11 a.m.

Youth Confirmation Class, noon to 1:15 p.m.

June 15 (Tues) Morning Bible Study, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

June 19 (Sat) Outreach Visits, 10 a.m.

June 20 (Sun) Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. with the Lord’s Supper

Fellowship Time, 10:45 a.m. Bible Class and Sunday School, 11 a.m.

Youth Confirmation Class, noon to 1:15 p.m.

This Week’s Birthdays & Anniversaries

June 15- Ken Pudas; June 16 – Kristopher and Megan Arthur; June 16 – Addison Arthur;

June 16 – Ed Bratton; June 17 – Mike & Ann King; June 17 – Tony & Jamaica Hoyord;

June 19 – Paula Ihms

Serving Us Next Sunday Elders: Steve Stone Tim Pfortmiller

Ushers: Terry Burns, Tom Otto, Tim Huebner Altar Guild: Harriet Johnson

Meditations Reminder Copies of the latest edition (May 30 through August 29) of Meditations, an excellent daily devotional booklet, are available on the entry table. Please take home your copy today.

Fellowship Volunteers Requested (and Needed) We dearly need your help to preparing the after-worship fellowship-time coffee and other drinks, plus furnishing light snack items. A sign-up poster on the fellowship fall bulletin board covers the remainder of the months of this year. Please consider volunteering to serve one or more Sundays. A reimbursement for expenses can be provided of up to $25 per Sunday. It comes through our “donation jar.”

Bible Classes This Week – Due to our Fellowship meal today, we will not be having a Sunday Bible class. Class will resume next week as we complete a study of 3 John. On Tuesday morning, from 10:30-11:30 am, we’re studying I Kings 19-20, covering the stories of “wicked king” Ahab and the prophet Elijah. If you can’t attend in person, please consider participating over the phone. Call 1-701-802-5405, then dial 7519304#. We are broadcasting class through YouTube.com (Search for us at Grace Lutheran Church & Academy.)

PLEASE JOIN US TODAY FOR A SPECIAL POT-LUCK DINNER….. which we’ll begin as quickly as we can after the completion of today’s worship service. We’ll be holding in down in the gym. Even if you can’t stay for the meal, please come down to the gym for a while for some coffee, conversation and fellowship.

For a Great Devotion sent to Your Computer or “Smart Phone” every Day……please consider subscribing to the excellent daily devotions available from our Synod’s www.whataboutjesus.com web site. Then, go to the drop down menu for “worship” on the far right of the home page. Daily devotions can be found there, but near the bottom is a subscription button that brings the daily devotions to your phone, computer or tablet.

DO YOU KNOW ANYONE…. within your circle of friends, relatives, acquaintances, or neighbors who is not currently attending a church? Have you prayerfully taken the opportunity to invite them to worship with you (and us) some Sunday morning? Would you be willing to share his/her/their name with us, so that we might include them on our monthly mailing list? If you can answer “yes” to this last question, please speak with Pastor, as our Outreach ministry is always looking for more souls to which we can reach out with our Savior’s Gospel of love, forgiveness, and everlasting life. Your prayers and your support in this vital area of our collective ministry will be most appreciated.

Grace Lutheran Church of Northwest Arkansas

is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, a church body which spans the United States and Canada, and which also operates a number of foreign missions.

Our Vision: Extend God’s Kingdom through His Word, serving each Soul.

Our Mission: Share the Gospel, Encourage Faith, and Prepare Souls

through Worship, Education and Fellowship.

Our Privilege and Purpose as Partners in God’s Church

Our Location

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