The 14^th Sunday of after Trinity

the 16^th Sunday of the

Pentecost Season

September 5, 2021

Timothy: Willing Servant of the Lord

Christian church’s most well-known leaders. His name comes from the Greek language and means “one who honors God.” He was a protégé and associate of the Apostle Paul, an early Christian evangelist, and in his later years was the Christian bishop of Ephesus. According to tradition, he was born about AD 17 and was martyred for Christ around the year AD 97.

He hailed from the city of Lystra, which was located in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). His mother was a Jewish woman who became a Christian. His grandmother, Lois, was also a believer.

His father was ethnically a Greek. We know nothing else about him, including how much of a role he played in Timothy’s life. His mother and grandmother, however, taught him to know the Scriptures from a very early age.

The Apostle Paul met Timothy and his family while Paul was on his first missionary journey, during which he visited Lystra and founded a Christian congregation there (around AD 46). Through Paul’s ministry Timothy became a convert from the Jewish faith to Christianity. A few years later (AD 50) Paul also came to Lystra on his second missionary trip. By that time Timothy had become a well-respected leader in the Christian community. His Godly conduct and character not only impressed others, it edified the Church. Seeing his potential for ministry, Paul invited Timothy to accompany him and his missionary partner, Silas. Timothy was willing to give up his personal plans, family, and familiar surroundings in order to assist Paul in bringing to others the same Gospel of Christ through which Timothy’s salvation was certain. In fact, Timothy was willing to do whatever it took to honor God by serving lost souls with the Gospel. And so, he serves as an example of willing service and faithfulness for all of us.

Over the years that followed, Paul mentored Timothy in the pastoral ministry. Together God used them to found and serve many congregations of believers throughout the Mediterranean world. Timothy was a regular companion of Paul, but also served as one of Paul’s emissaries to various congregations. When problems or theological issues arose, Paul often send Timothy to help their fellow believers deal with those difficult and troubling matters.

Not only did Timothy accompany Paul on his travels, he attended to and encouraged the Apostle during the persecutions the latter faced for Christ’s sake. He was with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment. In addition, he served as Paul’s “scribe” – helping him write at least these six letters of instruction and encouragement to Christian congregations: 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. At one time during the years he assisted Paul, Timothy was also imprisoned for his faith (Hebrews 13:23).

Timothy is mentioned a number of times in the New Testament: Acts 16:1; 17:14-15; 19:22; 20:4; Romans 16i:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10;p 2 Corinthians 1:1; 1:19; Philemon 1:1, 2:19, 22; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 3:2,6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Hebrews 13:23; and in many places in the two letters Paul specifically addressed to him: 1 & 2 Timothy.

Timothy had a very intimate personal and Spiritual relationship with the Apostle Paul. Paul refers to this in 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 when he talks about being Timothy’s Spiritual father – an indication that Paul was probably involved in Timothy’s coming to faith in Christ, as well as in his Spiritual development over time. When Paul was facing death during his second imprisonment in Rome (2 Timothy 4) he asks Timothy – who was serving the church in Ephesus at that time – to come and see him, and to bring with him some of the Apostle’s personal items (a cloak, as well as his parchments and scrolls….that is, his Scriptures). Unfortunately, Scripture doesn’t tell us if Timothy was able to reach his mentor one last time, before

the latter was executed as a martyr because of his faith in Christ.

According to the Acts of Timothy (a 5^th century document), as well as fairly reliable early Church history and tradition, Timothy served as pastor and bishop of the Christian congregation in Ephesus until AD 97. At that time the pagans in Ephesus were celebrating the feast of Catagogion, a festival in which they carried images of their false gods through the city’s streets. Timothy met them, rebuking them for their idolatry. The crowd turned on him, beating him with clubs. Two days later he died from his wounds…..like his mentor, a faithful, willing servant of God and His people, and a martyr for his Lord and Savior.

The Christian church traditionally remembers Timothy’s faithfulness every January 24^th, on the occasion of the Feast of St. Timothy.

As we noted earlier, Paul addressed two letters to him that are included in our New Testament. Along with Paul’s letter to Titus, the three commonly are referred to as “The Pastoral Epistles.”

First Timothy was probably written between AD 62–64. In it, the inspired Apostle offers pastoral advice to Timothy concerning the organization of the church and Timothy’s own leadership within the body. Major themes include the use of the Law; warnings against false doctrine and false teachers; instructions for prayer; advice about the proper roles of women in the church; guidelines regarding the qualifications for leaders of the church; instruction concerning the Church’s treatment of widows, elders, masters, youth, and church members in general; and a number of general counsel and encouragements.

Second Timothy was written shortly after First Timothy (perhaps around AD 65-67). According to the letter, Paul urges Timothy not to have a “spirit of timidity” and not to “be ashamed to testify about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:7–8). He also entreats Timothy to come to him before winter, and to bring Mark with him. Paul clearly anticipates his being put to death and some of the challenges that the church will face afterward. He exhorts his “son Timothy” to be diligent and steadfast in the face of false teachings and false teachers, offering advice for how to combat them. He reminds Timothy of what he had been taught from infancy onward, including what Paul had taught him. He urges him to be faithful and patient in the face of inevitable persecution (2 Timothy 1:6–15), and to faithfully discharge of all the duties of his pastoral office (2 Timothy 4:1–5). Paul offers this counsel with the confidence of a man who is about to appear before the Judge of the living and the dead.

Today’s Scripture Lessons

Our First Reading introduces Timothy to us (and Paul). The Apostle was on his second missionary journey and came to Lystra, a city in modern day Turkey. Timothy and his family lived there. They had become part of the Christian faith during Paul’s first visit to Lystra, about four years earlier. We learn from this reading that Timothy was highly regarded by the Christian community due to his faithfulness. That becomes even more evident when the Apostles invites Timothy to become part of his missionary team, which Timothy willingly does, beginning a life-long association with Paul and the public ministry. In today’s Sermon Text, we learn more about Timothy and his willingness to serve Christ. His faith was developed early in life through the Spiritual instruction given him by his mother and grandmother. The “laying on of hands” indications Timothy was ordained into the public ministry by Paul and others. The Apostle encourages him not to be discouraged by Paul’s sufferings for Christ, but to join him in being persecuted for the sake of the Gospel that had saved them….and through which God would use them to save and serve others. Finally he urges Timothy to hold firmly to his faith (the good deposit) and to remain committed to the sound teaching Paul had brought him. Our Epistle Lesson are Paul’s last written testimony to the Church. He talks with Timothy about his impending death as a martyr and his eagerness to go to heaven to be with Jesus. He asks Timothy to come quickly to visit him, bringing also Mark, plus Paul’s cloak (for warmth in cold prison) and his scrolls and parchments (his Scriptures, for encouragement). Finally, he warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, a person in Ephesus (where Timothy was serving as a pastor) who was hostile to the Gospel. In our Children’s Lesson we’ll talk about the time when Timothy (like Paul) was actually put in jail for his faith in Jesus. And, finally, our Gospel Lesson includes Peter’s confession of faith in Christ, plus Jesus’ notice to His disciples that He would suffer and die at the hands of His enemies. Then Jesus talks about what it takes to be one of His followers: self-denial and the willingness to suffer for His names sake. Timothy did that admirably as a follower of Christ. May each of us be as faithful and willing in our discipleship and service to Christ and others.

A Word Of Welcome To Our Guests ….Thank you for choosing to worship with us this morning at Grace Lutheran Church. Whether as a guest today, or a member of this congregation, we are grateful for your presence and your Christian encouragement. We hope the time you spend here will be enjoyable and edifying for your faith. Because we want to serve you in the best way we can, please speak with our ushers, elders, or pastor if there is anything we can do to help you worship better today. After our worship service, please join us in our gymnasium/fellowship hall for some coffee, refreshments, and good conversation. If you are able, we’d also be honored to have you remain after today’s fellowship time in order to further study the Scriptures with us in our Bible Class or Sunday School. Finally, please come back soon to again worship with us. God bless you and your worship of Him today.

Some Remarks About Our Worship Service ….Today’s service is printed out entirely on the following pages of this flyer. Our worship consists 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 added insights into how we worship might be helpful. We do not regard the congregation in worship as an “audience,” but rather as participants in the act of worshiping. Generally we are seated to listen to God’s Word and sing our hymns. The pastor faces the congregation when he is serving as God’s spokesman. He faces the altar when he serves in the capacity of the congregation’s spokesman, and when he joins the congregation as a 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 and Church Body....We are a member-congregation 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 says that we believe and proclaim the Gospel: that sinners are saved by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone, on the basis of Scripture alone. Lutheran declares that we hold to the historic Christian faith of Jesus Christ and the Apostles, once lost to the Church before God restored it through the Lutheran Reformation. And Synod states we are part of a group of congregations throughout the United States and in 24 other nations, who all “walk together” in order to serve God and share the Good News about our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Pre-Service Prayer – O Lord God, Almighty Creator, my merciful Father in heaven, from Whom every good and perfect gift comes……You have bountifully blessed me throughout my life. You have preserved me in Your Word. You have provided for my bodily needs. You have protected me from spiritual harm and have kept me in the true faith. For your abundant goodness to me, I humbly praise and thank You. As I prepare for worship this morning – and every day You allow me to live on this earth – please bless me with Your continued presence, Your Fatherly protection, and Your divine guidance in all areas of my life. I submit myself to Your gracious will with the confidence that You will use me, as Your humble servant, in whatever ways will serve to further Your glory and Your kingdom. Bless and enrich my faith as I hear Your Word today, and receive my heart-felt praises in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Savior. It is in His name that I offer this prayer. Amen.

Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831

Prayer upon entering the sanctuary

Pre-service Music

We Praise Our God

The Introduction and Invitation to Worship

The Invocation

Pastor – We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Opening Hymn Hymn 369 “Beautiful Savior”

1 Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man!

Truly I’d love Thee, Truly I’d serve Thee,

Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

2 Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands,

Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring;

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer; He makes our sorr’wing spirit sing.

3 Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight,

Bright the sparkling stars on high;

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer Than all the angels in the sky.

4 Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, Praise, adoration,

Now and forevermore be Thine!

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.

(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 Hear God’s Word

The First Lesson Acts 16:1-5

Paul arrived in Derbe and in Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, who was the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews who lived in those places, because they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled through the towns, they delivered the resolutions decided by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to keep. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number day by day.

The Epistle Lesson 2 Timothy 4:6-18

6 You see, I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will give it to me on that day, and not only to me but also to everyone who loved his appearing.

9 Make every effort to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this present world, has forsaken me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me for ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, and the scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did. 15 You be on your guard against him also, because he vehemently opposed our message.

16 At my first hearing, no one came to my defense, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles would hear it, and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Afterward the Congregation will rise, out of respect for the words of Christ

The Gospel Lesson Luke 9:18-27

18 One time when Jesus was praying alone and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They answered, “‘John the Baptist,’ but others say, ‘Elijah,’ and others say, ‘one of the ancient prophets come back to life.’” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

21 He gave them a strict command not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law. He must be killed and be raised on the third day.”

23 Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 After all, what will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world, but destroys himself or is lost? 26 In fact, whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels. 27 I am telling you the truth: There are some standing here who will certainly not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

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 Hebrews 13:23

23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives very soon, he and I will see you.

Timothy Went To Jail For Jesus

The Sermon Hymn Hymn 453

“Come Follow Me, The Savior Spoke”

1 “Come, follow me,” the Savior spoke, “All in my way abiding.

Deny yourselves; the world forsake; Obey my call and guiding.

Oh, bear the cross, whate’er betide; Take my example for your guide.

2 “I am the light; I light the way, A godly life displaying.

I bid you walk as in the day; I keep your feet from straying.

I am the way, and well I show How you should journey here below.

3 “My heart abounds in lowliness, My soul with love is glowing,

And gracious words my lips express, With meekness overflowing.

My heart, my mind, my strength, my all To God I yield; on him I call.

4 “I teach you how to shun and flee What harms your souls’ salvation,

Your hearts from ev’ry guile to free, From sin and its temptation.

I am the refuge of the soul And lead you to your heav’nly goal.”

5 Then let us follow Christ our Lord And take the cross appointed

And, firmly clinging to his Word, In suff’ring be undaunted.

For those who bear the battle’s strain The crown of heav’nly life obtain.

After which the Congregation will REMAIN seated for

The Pre-Sermon Greeting

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge

of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sermon Text 2 Timothy 1:3-14

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clean conscience as my ancestors did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 When I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I remember your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it also lives in you.

6 For this reason I am reminding you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a timid spirit, but a spirit of power and love and sound judgment. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Instead, join with me in suffering for the gospel while relying on the power of God. 9 He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 and it has now been revealed through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles, 12 and that is why I am suffering these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

13 Hold fast to the pattern of sound words that you heard from me, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you.

Timothy: A Willing Servant of the Lord

Pastor May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that You may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Offertory – based on Psalm 51:10-12

(Sung)

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Your presence.

And take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation.

And uphold me with Your free Spirit. 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. 6^th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)

3) 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

Today’s General Prayer

Our Special Prayers

In our prayers this morning we include:

A Prayer of Intercession for Joe D. Larson, who will be undergoing surgery this coming Friday at Washington Regional Hospital;

In addition, we offer

A Prayer of Thanksgiving and God’s Continued Blessings for Dick and Janet Milas, who soon will be moving to Colorado to begin a new

chapter in their lives under God’s blessing.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper

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 Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper

(Please read the following if you have not spoken with

our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)

TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS

We ask that only “Confirmed, Communicant” members of this congregation, or of one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations come forward to receive the Lord’s Supper at this time.

We believe, according to Scripture, that only those who are “one,” that is, in complete doctrinal agreement, united in a common public confession of faith, are to commune together at the same altar (see I Corinthians 10:17 and I Corinthians 1:10).

To be “in communion” means to share and to hold in common. By eating and drinking at our Lord’s Table, we are not only sharing in, with, and under the bread and wine, Jesus’ very body and blood…we are also publicly declaring that we hold in common a specific confession of faith. In other words, as a result of having comprehensively studied the Scriptures together all of our communicants have agreed to accept and proclaim the same Biblical doctrines and practices.

Through membership in a particular church body (for us, that church body is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), each person makes a public statement that he/she is in full agreement with the teachings and practices of that body. Because not every church body or Lutheran Synod teaches and practices the same things, we in the WELS want to be honest in our recognition of the doctrinal differences that, here on earth, separate us from other church bodies. Please bear in mind that we are not, in any way, judging the legitimacy of your Christian faith. Still, we ask that if you have not (upon study of the Word with us) declared yourself to be in full doctrinal agreement with us, you would respectfully not join us in the Lord’s Supper this morning.

It is our prayer that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage anyone among us today who is not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of his/her church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word.

And if you are guest among us today, we want you to know that it is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the Biblical doctrines our congregation confesses, in order that you might one day join with us at the Lord’s altar in this public expression of full unity of doctrine and practice. Until then, please know that we are most grateful for your participation as a fellow Christian in this worship service, and that we appreciate your understanding and respect of our Communion practice.

The Distribution Hymn Hymn 313 verses 1-4; verses 5-8

“Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior”

1 Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior, Turned away God’s wrath forever;

By his bitter grief and woe He saved us from the evil foe.

2 As his pledge of love undying, He, this precious food supplying,

Gives his body with the bread And with the wine the blood he shed.

3 Jesus here himself is sharing; Take heed how you are preparing,

For if you do not believe, Judgment instead you shall receive.

4 Useless would be Jesus’ passion If salvation you could fashion.

Do not come if you suppose You need not him who died and rose.

+ + + + + + + + + +

5 Christ says, “Come, all you that labor, And receive my grace and favor;

Those who feel no pain or ill Need no physician’s help or skill.”

6 Then hold fast with faith unshaken That this food is to be taken

By the souls who are distressed, By hearts that long for peace and rest.

7 Praise the Father, who from heaven Unto us such food has given

And, to mend what we have done, Gave into death his only Son.

8 If your heart this truth professes And your mouth your sin confesses,

Surely you will be his guest And at his banquet ever blest.

Following the distribution, the Pastor will invite the Congregation ro rise as

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 upon, and grant you His peace. Amen.

The Closing Hymn Hymn 323 “Almighty Father, Bless The Word”

1 Almighty Father, bless the word

Which through your grace we now have heard.

Oh, may the precious seed take root,

Spring up, and bear abundant fruit.

2 We praise you for the means of grace

As homeward now our steps we trace.

Grant, Lord, that we who worshiped here

May all at last in heav’n appear.

Announcements

Last Week At Grace: Sunday in church: 62 Online views : 11

Bible Class: 22 Online views: 7 Tuesday Bible Class: 21 Budget: $1891 Online: $20 Benevolence: $20

This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church

Today Morning Worship with the Lord’s Supper, 9:30 a.m.

Fellowship, 10:45 a.m. Bible Class/SS, 11:05 a.m.

Tuesday Morning Bible Class, 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Midweek Evening Bible Class, 6-7 p.m.

Saturday Outreach Calling/Visitation, 11 a.m.

Sunday Choir Rehearsal, 8:40 a.m.

Pre-Service Hymn singing, 9:25 a.m. Worship, 9:30 a.m. Fellowship, 10:40 a.m. Bible Class/SS 11:05 a.m.

This Week’s Birthdays

9/09 – Rod Calkins; 9/10 – Barbara Center; 9/11 – Jim Winnat;

serving Us Next Sunday (8/22) Elders: Steve Stone, Rick Tragasz

Altar Guild: Christine Quinlan, Linda Winnat

Ushers: Murray Mansch, Jim Taylor, JimWinnat

Fellowship Volunteers Needed Would you be willing to volunteer to prepare after-worship coffee, drinks, and light snacks? A sign-up poster is on the fellowship hall bulletin board. We need more volunteers for the rest of this year (Sept-Dec). A reimbursement of $25 per week for expenses is available to help defray costs. (It comes through our “donation jar.”)

The Current Edition of “Meditations”, our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s daily devotional booklet, published every three months, and available through our congregation to every family who worships here, can be found on the table in the front entrance. The “new” edition’s devotions (which began last Sunday) covers three months worth of time well-spent in God’s Word. Please take home and use your copy today.

This Week’s Bible Classes ……..In our Sunday Bible Class we’re studying First Corinthians. Today we’re continuing to examine chapter four (“A Friendly Word – or two – about Ministers”). Tuesday morning, from 10:30-11:30, we’re studying 2 Kings 6. As we do, we’ll examine the story of Elisha “capturing” a detachment of Syrian soldiers sent to take him captive. If you can’t join us in person, watch our class online at YouTube.com, under “Grace Lutheran Church & Academy.”

CHOIR RESUMES NEXT SUNDAY…… On September 12^th, at 8:40 a.m., we’re going to hold the first choir rehearsal we’ve had in over 18 months. We need all the voices we can gather….including yours. Many in our church family have sung in choirs before, whether here at Grace or elsewhere. We could use your help, so won’t you please blend your voice with ours to glorify God here at Grace and edify others too. Rehearsal will be from 8:40-9:10, and will be held afterward on the first and second Sundays of the month. For more information, talk to Debbie Huebner.

Evening Bible Classes Will Be Resuming THIS WEDNESDAY …..September 8^th. We’ll hold classes for both men and women, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. You can participate in person, online, or over-the-phone. Our men will be studying various Psalms, while our women will be studying the Lord’s Prayer.

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 Church through His Word, serving each Soul

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

through Worship, Education and Fellowship.

The Objectives of Our Christian Ministry are:

*To maintain and enrich the faith of our membership and friends by providing them with a variety of opportunities (congregational and personal) to continue their spiritual growth through the Means of Grace. (II Peter 3:18)

*To equip and train our member and friends through God’s Word to be faithful stewards of all that He gives us for service in His Kingdom. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

*To reach out as a congregation into our community and throughout the world through our words, actions, and offerings with the Good News of Jesus Christ, God’s only-begotten Son. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-10)

*To provide an atmosphere of brotherly Christian love and encouragement through all of our organizations and activities for the edification of our membership and friends. (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42,44; Hebrews 10:24-25)

*To develop Grace Lutheran Church into an indigenous congregation of Northwest Arkansas. (Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 9:19-23)

*To establish Grace Lutheran Church as the flagship congregation for the WELS in Northwest Arkansas.

On the Basis of God’s Word Alone, We Believe, Teach and Confess that:

…the Bible is the totally inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God.

(2 Timothy 3:15-17)

…the Bible is the only source and standard of faith and life for the Christian.

(John 10:35)

…God created this world and our first parents to be perfect and holy.

(Genesis 1:31; Leviticus 19:2)

…because of sin, we have all failed to live up to God’s holy standards; consequently, we deserve to be punished eternally. (Rom 3:23; Romans 6:23)

…the only way for anyone to be saved from the terrible consequences of our sins is through faith in Jesus Christ our Savior. (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:17)

…that faith is God the Holy Spirit’s work, and not something we personally accomplish. (I Corinthians 12:3)

…we are saved by God’s grace (His undeserved love), and that no one can earn his or her way into God’s favor by doing good deeds. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

…in response to God’s love for us, Christians will want to live God-pleasing lives and seek to serve God and to do His will. (I Corinthians 10:31)

…that whoever trusts in Jesus Christ as their Savior from sin will not die eternally, but will have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

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Timothy: Willing Servant of the Lord

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