August 10, 2025

 St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

August 10, 2025 Pentecost 8

Forgiveness for All Nations 

WELCOME 

HYMN 566 “We All Are One in Mission”  

 (Please stand for the last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your Word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy and to bring forth fruits  in faith and hope and love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and  forever. (Sung) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 6:1-8 

Being in the presence of the LORD God is an unforgettable experience. His grace motivates our service. 

1In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two they covered their faces. With two they covered their  feet. With two they flew. 3 One called to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies! The whole earth is full of his  glory! 4 The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of the one who called, and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 Then  I said, “I am doomed![a]I am ruined, because I am a man with unclean lips, and I dwell among a people with unclean lips, and because  my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies!” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, carrying a glowing coal in his hand, which  he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with the coal and said, “Look, this has touched your lips, so your  guilt is taken away, and your sin is forgiven.” 8 Then I heard the Lord’s voice, saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” Then I said,“HereI am. Send me!” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 42-43 – page 82 

 Blessed are they who hope, who hope in the Lord. 

SECOND LESSON: Colossians 4:2-6 

Paul encourages us to a life of prayer and living a life that affects those around us. 

2 Be persistent in prayer, and as you pray, be alert and thankful. 3At the same time, pray for us too, that God might open a door  for our message, so that we can tell the mystery about Christ, for which I am in prison. 4Pray that I may make it known clearly, as  it is necessary for me to speak. 5Walk in wisdom in the way you act toward those on the outside, making the most of your  opportunity. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you are to answer each person. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. The Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Alleluia.  

(Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

These words are written that we may believe  

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL: Luke 24:45-48 

Jesus, the Word made flesh, unfolds the Scriptures to his followers on the road to Emmaus. He reminds us of our mission to be witnesses of him 

and the Scriptures.  

45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “This is what is written and so it must be: The  Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to  all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 256 "How Great Thou Art"  

SERMON: Luke 24:45-48 “Forgiveness for All Nations” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER - page 42 

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

BLUE HYMNAL HYMN 850 “It is Well with My Soul”  

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

BLESSING - page 44 C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

BLUE HYMNAL HYMN 510 “In Christ Alone” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined together to do the Lord’s work here and  around the world. Our guests may but are not expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  The basket is located next to the water dispenser.

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

SERVING US TODAY: Pastor Timothy Redfield was born and raised in Oconomowoc, WI, attended Lakeside Lutheran High  School in Lake Mills, WI, then went on to Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (graduating in 2009). He served at  St. Peter’s in Darwin, MN and St. Paul’s in Litchfield, MN from 2009 to 2014 and then he served at Trinity in Belle Plaine, MN from  2014 to 2020. Since Spring of 2020, he has served at St. Luke’s in Watertown, WI. Pastor Redfield married Megan (Favorite) in 2006, 

They adopted their daughter, Libby, in 2012. Libby is blind and has other special needs including autism. Megan is currently teaching  piano at Luther Prep School and Trinity-St. Luke’s Elementary School in Watertown. This is the Redfields’ third time visiting Manistee  and they greatly appreciate this opportunity to serve you and enjoy this area. May the Lord continue to bless the Redfields and their  ministries. 

ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC will be held immediately following the morning service on Sunday, August 31st, Come, enjoy a  time of fellowship, food, and fun for all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, connect with one another, and celebrate the  close of summer as a church community. Delicious food will be provided, courtesy of Jerry Wright – many thanks to him for his  generosity! Bring a chair or blanket, and feel free to invite friends and family. We’ll have plenty of space to gather and enjoy the  afternoon together. We hope to see you there! All are welcome!

Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

August 3, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

  website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

 August 3, 2025 Pentecost 7

THE PRIVILEGE AND PURPOSE OF PRAYER 

WELCOME – We will be using the red hymnal today. 

HYMN 409 “Come, My Soul, with Every Care” – please stand for last stanza SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT – page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

God of all power and might, you are the giver of all that is good. Help us love you with all our  heart, strengthen us in true faith, provide us with all we need, and keep us safe in your care;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one  God, now and forever.

(Sing) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 18:20-32 

Abraham prays on the basis of what he knows about the LORD: that the LORD is a just judge, that the  LORD shows mercy, and that the LORD invites us to be bold in our prayers. 

20 So the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and  because their sin is very flagrant, 21 I will go down now and see if what they have done is  as bad as the outcry that has come to me. If not, I will know.” 22 The two men turned  from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before  the Lord. 23 Abraham approached him and said, “Will you really sweep away the righteous  along with the wicked? 24What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you  really sweep them away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who  are in it? 25 You would never do such a thing, killing the righteous along with the wicked,  treating the righteous the same as the wicked. You would never do such a thing. The  Judge of all the earth should do right, shouldn’t he?” 26 The Lord said, “If I find fifty  righteous people within the city of Sodom, then I will spare the entire place for their  sake.”27 Abraham answered, “See now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it on  myself to speak to my Lord. 28 What if there are five fewer than fifty righteous? Will you  destroy the entire city if the number is five short?” He said, “I will not destroy it if I find  forty-five there.” 29 He spoke to him yet again and said, “What if only forty are found  there?” He said, “I will not do it for the sake of the forty.” 30 He said, “Please, do not be angry, my Lord, but I will speak again. What if thirty are found there?” He said, “I will not  do it if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “See now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to  my Lord. What if there are twenty found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the  sake of the twenty.” 32 He said, “Please, do not be angry, my Lord, but I will speak just  once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of  the ten.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 

Paul teaches us that the ultimate purpose for everything we ask is that God’s will would be done. 

1First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made  for all people, 2for kings and all those who are in authority, in order that we might live a  quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleasing in the sight of  God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the  truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man  Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper  time. 7For this testimony, I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I speak the truth; I  am not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Happy are they who hear the Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and  bring forth fruit with patience. Alleluia. 

(Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe  that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL: Luke 11:1-13 

Jesus teaches us how to pray and how our Father will answer.  

1 On another occasion, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his  disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.”2 He  said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your  kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us each day our daily  bread. 4Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us  not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’” 5 He said to them, “Suppose one of you has  a friend, and you go to him at midnight and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of  bread, 6because a friend of mine who is on a journey has come to me, and I do not have  anything to set before him.’ 7 And the one inside replies, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is  already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you.’ 8I tell  you, even if he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because  of his bold persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9“I tell you, keep  asking, and it will be given to you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it  will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds. And 

to the one who knocks, it will be opened. 11 “What father among you, if your son asks for  bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of  a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, would give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are  evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly  Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 411 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” 

SERMON: Psalm 67:1-7 

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us. May his face shine on us—2so that your way  may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3 May the peoples praise you,  O God. May the peoples praise you—all of them. 4 May the countries be glad and sing for  joy, because you rule the peoples with fairness, and you guide the countries of the earth.  5 May the peoples praise you, O God. May the peoples praise you—all of them. 6 The  earth will yield its harvest. God, our God, will bless us. 7 God will bless us, and all the ends  of the earth will fear him. 

Dear God: "Sorry, Thanks, and Please" 

NICENE CREED – page 31 

PRAYER 

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) – page 32 

COMMUNION LITURGY - pages 33-35 

Because God’s Word clearly teaches us about the Real Presence and the fellowship connected with the  Lord’s Supper, we kindly ask that only WELS and ELS communicant members come forward to receive the  Lord’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Pastor Himm offers a free class so you can become a  communicant member. 

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - pages 36 

BLESSING pages 37 (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 406 “This is the Threefold Truth” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

is located at the back door near the water cooler. 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined 

together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

SERVING US TODAY: Pastor Joshua Free serve as one of three pastors at St. Paul's in Livonia,  MI, since 2021. Before Livonia, he served at Abiding Peace in Elgin, IL for ten years. His wife, Joanna (Joey), works part time as a RN so she care for the kids and house. She also volunteers at our church and school. Their oldest daughter is Eloise (Ellie) is 11. She loves reading, music,  and making videos. Their second oldest, Olive, is 8. She also loves reading, music, and making  videos. Ellie and Olive are best buddies. Their son, Henry, is 5 years-old and loves playing all  sports, especially golf. Heny often has his set of clubs with him, and he and his Dad were able to  golf a round in the Manistee area, Henry starts Kindergarten in the fall. The Free family  cherishes this trip to Manistee every summer! This is our 4th summer here! May the Lord  continue to bless the Frees and their work at St. Paul’s, Livonia.

Service of the Word & Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

July 27, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

July 27, 2025 Pentecost 6

THE ONE THING NEEDED 

WELCOME – All responses will be spoken today. 

HYMN 283 “Speak, O Savior; I Am Listening” (Please stand for last stanza) 

INVOCATION & CALL TO WORSHIP 

L: We gather in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. 

L: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who comforts us in our troubles, C: So that we can comfort others in their troubles with the same comfort we  ourselves have received from God. 

L: For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, 

C: So also through Christ our comfort overflows to others. 

L: Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. C: One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of your  mighty acts. 

L: Our God is a God who saves. 

C: He does not treat us as our sins deserve. 

L: For God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, 

C: So that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 

L: Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, and therefore all died. C: And He died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves,  but for Him who died for them and was raised again. 

L: May His Spirit inspire our giving thanks for all of His blessings to us, 

C: And make us able to serve Him throughout our lives. 

L: Let us pray. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you. Pour into our hearts  such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all  that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the  Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 18:1-14 

With his gracious visit and gracious words, the Lord gives Sarah exactly what she needs most—a  strengthened faith in God’s promise of a child. 

1 The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he was sitting by the door to his  tent during the heat of the day. 2Abraham looked up, and he saw three men standing in front  of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and he bowed down  to the ground. 3 He said, “My lord. if I have now found favor in your sight, please do not pass  your servant by. 4 Now let me get a little water so that all of you can wash your feet and rest  under the tree. 5Let me get some bread so that you can refresh yourselves. After that you  may go your way. That is why you have come to your servant.” They said, “Yes, do as you  have said.” 6Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly prepare twenty  quarts of fine flour, knead it, and make some loaves of bread.” 7Abraham ran to the herd,  brought a good, tender calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to prepare it. 8 He took  cheese curds, milk, and the calf that he had prepared and set it before them. He stood beside  them under the tree while they ate. 9 They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?” He said,  “She is over there in the tent.” 10 One of the men said, “I will certainly return to you when  this season comes around next year. Then Sarah your wife will have a son.” Sarah was listening  to this from the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well  into old age. Sarah was past the age for childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After  I am worn out, will I have pleasure, since my lord is also old?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham,  “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really give birth to a child though I am old?’ 14 Is anything  impossible for the Lord? At the set time next year I will return to you, and Sarah will have a  son.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: Colossians 1:1-14 

Through the gospel Christ gives us what we need—a faith which bears fruits in our individual lives and in  his wider church. 

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy  and faithful brothers[a]in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.  3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because  we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the  saints 5because of the hope that is stored up for you in heaven. You have already heard about  this in the word of truth, the gospel 6that is present with you now. The gospel is bearing fruit  and growing in the entire world, just as it also has been doing among you from the day you  heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth. 7 You learned this from Epaphras, our  dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. 8 He is the one who  told us about your love in the Spirit. 9For this reason, from the day we heard about your  love, we also have not stopped praying for you. We keep asking that you would be filled with  the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you might live in  a way that is worthy of the Lord. Our goal is that you please him by bearing fruit in every  kind of good work and by growing in the knowledge of God, 11 as you are being strengthened  with all power because of his glorious might working in you. Then you will have complete endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who qualified us to share in the  inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 The Father rescued us from the domain of  darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have  redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  Alleluia.  

GOSPEL: Luke 10:38-42 

One sister served Jesus, which was lovely. The other sister wanted to be served by Jesus, which is the one  thing needed. 

38As they went on their way, Jesus came into a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed  him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who was sitting at the Lord’s feet and was  listening to his word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her serving. She came over and  said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help  me.”41 The Lord answered and told her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about  many things, 42 but one thing is needed. In fact, Mary has chosen that better part, which will  not be taken away from her.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 290 “One Thing Needful” 

SERMON: Luke 10:38-42 “You Are Served by the Savior” (written by Circuit Pastor John Eich) 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER - page 42  

HYMN 421 “All Depends on Our Possession” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: Amen. (spoken) 

BLESSING - page 44 C: Amen. (spoken) 

HYMN 394 “Blessed Are the Saints of God” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined 

together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS: No class this week. Next class will be on Thursday, August  7, at Pastor Himm’s house. 

SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS will be held as usual at 9 am. There is no Sunday School during the  summer months.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®) 

© 2017 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

July 20, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660

 www.StPaulsManistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

July 20, 2025 Pentecost 6

Take Up Your Cross 

WELCOME 

HYMN 238 “Oh, Bless the Lord, My Soul” (Please stand for the last stanza)

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you. Pour into our hearts  such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all  that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the  Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sung) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Ruth 1:1-19a 

The LORD moves a Moabite woman named Ruth to care for her widowed mother-in law, even though it  meant leaving her people, her country, and her way of life behind. 

1 During the days of the judges, a famine occurred in the land. So a man left Bethlehem in  Judah to stay awhile in the territoryof Moab—he, his wife, and his two sons. 2 The man’s name  was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and  Kilion. They were from the clan of Ephrath from Bethlehem in Judah. They entered the  territory of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, so she was left  with her two sons. 4 They then married Moabite wives. The name of the first was Orpah, and  the name of the second was Ruth. They lived there for about ten years. 5 But Naomi’s sons,  Mahlon and Kilion, also died. So the woman was left without her two children and without  her husband. 6 Then Naomi set out with her daughters-in-law to return from the territory of  Moab, because while she was in the territory of Moab, she had heard that the Lord had  graciously visited his people by providing them with food. 7So she left the place where she  had been, and her two daughters-in-law left with her. They set out on the road to return to  the land of Judah. 8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back. Both of you return  to your mother’s house. May the Lord show you kindness[e]as you have shown kindness to  the dead and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you finds security[f]in the house of a  husband.” Then she kissed them, and they wept loudly. 10 But they said to her, “No, we will  return with you to your people.” 11 Then Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters. Why should  you go with me? Am I going to give birth to any more sons[g] who could become your  husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters. Go! For I am too old to be married to another  husband. Suppose I say, ‘I have hope, and I will be married to another husband tonight, and I  will even give birth to sons.’ 13Would you wait for them until they grow up? On the basis of  that hope would you give up the chance to marry another husband? No, my daughters. It is  much more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has reached out against  me.” 14 They once again wept loudly. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth would  not let her go. 15 Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has returned to her people and to her  gods. Go back! Follow your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to abandon you  or to turn back from following you. Because wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you  make your home, I will make my home. Your people will be my people, and your God will be  my God. 17Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me  severely and double it if anything but death[i]separates me from you.” 18When Naomi saw  that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. 19 Then the two of them traveled until they arrived at Bethlehem. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 118 - pages 108 

 This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! 

SECOND LESSON: Galatians 5:1,13-25 

Those who have been set free from the law by Christ naturally bear fruit that benefits their neighbor. 

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not allow anyone to  put the yoke of slavery on you again….13After all, brothers, you were called to freedom. Only  do not use your freedom as a starting point for your sinful flesh. Rather, serve one another  through love. 14 In fact, the whole law is summed up in this one statement: “Love your  neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out that  you are not consumed by one another. 16What I am saying is this: Walk by the spirit, and you  will not carry out what the sinful flesh desires. 17 For the sinful flesh desires what is contrary  to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the sinful flesh. In fact, these two continually  oppose one another, so that you do not continue to do these things you want to do. 18 But if  you are led by the spirit, you are not under the control of the law. 19 Now the works of the  sinful flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, complete lack of restraint, 20 idolatry,  sorcery, hatred, discord, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions,  heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things similar to these. I warn you, just  as I also warned you before, that those who continue to do such things will not inherit the  kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the spiriy is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,  faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who  belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live  by the spirit, let us also walk in step with it. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  Alleluia.  

(Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

These words are written that we may believe  

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL: Luke 9:21-27 

One sister served Jesus, which was lovely. The other sister wanted to be served by Jesus, which is the one  thing needed.. 

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. 25After 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.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 453 "Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke"  

SERMON: Luke 9:21-27 “Take Up Your Cross” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41

PRAYER  

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 465 "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken"  

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

BLESSING - page 44 C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 582 “Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is  located next to the water dispenser. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

SERVING US TODAY: Pastor Joel Krieger, a son of St. Paul’s, serves as School Pastor at St.  Marcus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he has joyfully ministered for the past  three years. He is married to Kate, who serves as Ministries Coordinator at St. Marcus, and they  are the proud parents of three children: Reuben (8, entering 3rd grade), Armin (5, starting  kindergarten), and Ramona (3). May the Lord continue to bless the ministries of the Kriegers at  St. Marcus, along with their children. Thank you for serving us, today.

Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

July 13, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

July 13, 2025 Pentecost 4

THE WANT FOR WORKERS 

WELCOME 

HYMN 260 “Let All Things Now Living” 

 (Please stand for the last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O God, protector of all the faithful, you alone make strong; you alone make holy. Show us your mercy  and forgive our sins day by day. Guide us through our earthly lives that we do not lose the things you  have prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the  Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sung) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Ezekiel 2:9-3:11 

Ezekiel was called to proclaim the word of the Lord to his fellow exiles, regardless of whether they listened  or failed to listen. 

9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out toward me, and in it there was a rolled-up  scroll. 10 He unrolled it in front of me, and there was writing on both sides. Written on it was:  Laments, Groaning, and Woe. 31 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat what you have  received. Eat this scroll, and then go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2I opened my mouth, and  he fed me the scroll. 3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your belly  with this scroll that I am giving you.” I ate, and in my mouth it was sweet like honey. 4 He then  said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them. 5For  you are not being sent to a people who have incomprehensible speech or a difficult language,  but you are being sent to the house of Israel. 6 Nor are you being sent to many peoples who  have incomprehensible speech and difficult languages, whose words you cannot understand.  Certainly, if I were to send you to such people, they would listen to you. 7 But the house of  Israel will not be willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, because  the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. 8Look, I have made your face just  as hard as their faces and your forehead just as hard as their foreheads. 9I have made your  forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not fear them, and do not be intimidated by their looks, for they are a rebellious house.” 10Then he said to me, “Son of man, receive  into your heart all my words that I will speak to you, and hear them with your ears. 11 Go  now to the exiles, to your own people. You shall speak to them and say to them, ‘This is what  the Lord God says,’ whether they listen or they do not.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 32 - pages 78 

 Remember your mercy, O Lord; remember your mercy and love. 

SECOND LESSON: 1 Peter 5:1-4 

Ministers are to shepherd God’s flock exactly as Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, would himself. 

1 Therefore, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who also  shares in the glory that is about to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: 2Shepherd  God’s flock that is among you, serving as overseers, not grudgingly but willingly, as God  desires, not because you are greedy for money but because you are eager to do it. 3 Do not  lord it over those entrusted to your care, but be examples for the flock. 4And when the Chief  Shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy. Alleluia..  (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

These words are written that we may believe  

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL: Luke 10:1-12,16-20 

Jesus sends out messengers of his Word who were to serve the people they met exactly as Jesus would  have if he had been there himself. 

1After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out two by two ahead of  him to every town and place where he was about to go.2 He told them, “The harvest is  plentiful, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into  his harvest field. 3 Go your way. Look, I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Do not  carry a money bag or traveler’s bag or sandals. Do not greet anyone along the  way. 5Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6And if a peaceful  person is there, your peace will rest on him, but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in that  same house, eating and drinking what they give you, because the worker is worthy of his pay.  Do not keep moving from house to house. 8Whenever you enter a town and they welcome  you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are in the town and tell them, ‘The  kingdom of God has come near you.’ 10 “But whenever you enter a town and they do not  welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust from your town that clings to  our feet, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this: The kingdom of God has come  near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on that day than for that town….16Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And  whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” 17 The seventy-two returned with joy,  saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” 18 He told them, “I was watching  Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Look, I have given you authority to trample on snakes  and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. And nothing will ever harm  you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names  have been written in heaven.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 283 “Speak, O Savior; I am Listening” 

SERMON: Ezekiel 2:9-3:11 "Eat the Scroll!" 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER - page 42 

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 284 “Precious Is the Book Divine” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

BLESSING - page 44 C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 562 “I Love to Tell the Story” 

WELS Connection Video 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is  located next to the water dispenser. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

SERVING US TODAY: Pastor Brian K. Diring is a second-career pastor, a former lapsed  Catholic, and an adult convert to the Christian faith. After resigning from his first career, he  attended Martin Luther College for two years, then entered Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.  Before completing seminary, he served two years as a missionary, deacon and instructor (of  biblical Greek) for the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. He served 11 years as pastor of Our Shepherd 

Lutheran Church in Lancaster, CA (in the Mojave Desert), before accepting the call to serve as  pastor of St. James Ev. Lutheran in North Branch, MI, in 2021. He is also currently serving as the  Vacancy Pastor for St. Paul Ev. Lutheran in Mayville. His wife, Oksana, grew up in Ukraine, in the  USSR, and is also an adult convert to Christianity. She served the Ukrainian Lutheran Church as  a financial auditor, seminary librarian and secretary, and a contributing editor for the  ULC's Styah magazine for 10 years before marrying Deacon Diring and relocating to the United  States. Their children, Danilo (8) and Yesenia (6) attend St. Luke's Lutheran School in Vassar. Thank you for serving us today and may the LORD continue to bless your ministry and family.

Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

July 6, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660   

 website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

July 6, 2025 Pentecost 3 

CHRIST’S CALL FOR COMMITMENT 

WELCOME – We will be using the red hymnal today. 

HYMN 618 “Before the Lord We Bow” 

– please stand for last stanza 

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O God, the strength of all who trust in you, mercifully hear our prayers. Be gracious to us in  our weakness and give us strength to keep your commandments in all we say and do; through  Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,  now and forever. (Sing) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: 1 Kings 19:19-21 

Elisha commits himself completely to the work to which the Lord had called him, leaving family and wealth  behind. 

19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. Elisha was doing the  plowing with twelve teams of oxen in front of him, and he himself was driving the  twelfth team. Elijah crossed over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20 Then Elisha  left the oxen and ran after Elijah. He said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother good 

bye! Then I will follow you.” Then Elijah said, “Go back! For what have I done to you?” 21 So Elisha turned back from following him. Then he took the team of oxen and  slaughtered them. Using the equipment from the oxen as fuel, he cooked the meat and  gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he got up, followed Elijah, and served him. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: Romans 12:14-21 

The Apostle Paul reminds us in our call to commitment that we are to show mercy to all because of  God’s constant mercy he showers on us.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who  are rejoicing; weep with those who are weeping. 16 Have the same respect for one  another. Do not be arrogant, but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly  of yourselves. 17 Do not pay anyone back evil for evil. Focus on those things that  everyone considers noble. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, maintain peace  with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.  For it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 But: If your enemy  is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For by doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by  evil, but overcome evil with good. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and entrusting to us the message  of reconciliation. Alleluia. 

C: Alleluia Response – page 30 

GOSPEL: Luke 9:51-62 

Jesus teaches that following him means leaving this world behind. 

51 When the days were approaching for him to be taken up, Jesus was determined to  go to Jerusalem. 52 He sent messeng-ers ahead of him. They went and entered a  Samaritan village to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not welcome  him, because he was determined to go to Jerusalem. 54 When his disciples James and  John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to  consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. “You don’t know what kind of  spirit is influencing you. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s souls,  but to save them.” Then they went to another village. 57 As they went on the way, a  man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus said to him, “Foxes have  holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me!” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury  my father.” 60 Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and  proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Another man also said, “I will follow you, Lord, but  first let me say good-bye to those at my home.” 62 Jesus told him, “No one who puts  his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 469 “Take My Life and Let It Be”

SERMON: Romans 12:14-21 

In view of God's Mercy 

NICENE CREED – page 31 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH 

LORD’S PRAYER – page 32 

COMMUNION LITURGY - pages 33-35 

Because God’s Word clearly teaches us about the Real Presence and the fellowship connected  with the Lord’s Supper, we kindly ask that only WELS and ELS repented communicant members  come forward to receive the Lord’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Pastor Himm offers a free  class so you can become a communicant member. 

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - pages 36 

BLESSING pages 37 (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 619 “God Bless Our Native Land”  

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is  located next to the water dispenser. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

SERVING US TODAY: Pastor Joshua Krieger, a son of St. Paul’s, Manistee, has been a pastor  for 14 years, and the last 8 years he has served as the youth, family (focusing on 15-35 year olds), and evangelism pastor at St. Paul's in Livonia, Michigan. His wife, Julie, is the 4K teacher and  preschool director at St. Paul’s school. They have been married for 15 years. They enjoy  swimming, hiking, camping, reading, going to Detroit Tigers' games, and trying to keep up with  our four boys (Anthony- 11, Darion- 9, Jaden- 7, and Kayden- 5). The Kriegers are thrilled to be  back in Manistee where his father, Phillip, served as pastor... some years ago). May God continue  to bless the Kriegers and their ministries at St. Paul’s, Livonia. Thank you for leading us in worship.

Service of the Word & Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the NIV 2011. Used by permission.

June 29, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

June 29, 2025 Pentecost 2

THE MISSION RIGHT BEFORE US 

WELCOME – We will be using the Blue Hymnal today 

HYMN 738 “The Son of God, Our Christ” (Please stand for the last stanza)

THE SERVICE: Setting 2 – page 172 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O God, you rule over all things in wisdom and kindness. Take away everything that may be harmful  and give us whatever is good; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you  and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 43:8-13 

Those who have seen what the Lord has done are witnesses who testify on his behalf right where they  live. 

8 Bring out the people who are blind, though they have eyes, and the people who are deaf,  though they have ears. 9Let all the nations be gathered together, and let peoples be assembled. Who among them has declared this? Who has made known to us the former things? Let them  produce their witnesses to show that they were right, so that people can hear and say, “This  is truth.” 10 You are my witnesses, declares the Lord. You are my servant, whom I have  chosen, so that you may know me and believe in me, so that you will understand that I am  he. Before me no god was formed, and after me there will not be another. 11 I, yes I, am  the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. 12 I myself declared it. I brought salvation, and  I announced it. It was not some strange god among you. You are my witnesses, declares  the Lord, and I am God. 13 Indeed, from the first day, I am he. There is no one who can deliver  anyone from my hand I act, and who can reverse it? 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM OF THE DAY – Psalm 63

The Cantor will sing the refrain and then the Congregation will sing it. 

The Cantor will sing the verses and the Congregation will sing the refrain.

SECOND LESSON: 2 Timothy 1:3-10 

The grace of God has been revealed to all in Jesus Christ; all who have seen it serve as witnesses of God’s  grace in their various callings. 

3I thank God, whom I serve with a clean conscience as my ancestors did, as I constantly  remember you in my prayers night and day. 4When I remember your tears, I long to see you,  so that I may be filled with joy. 5I 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. 6For  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. 7For God did not give us a timid spirit, but a spirit of power and love  and sound judgment. 8So 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. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: 

(sung) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia 

Your words are my joy and my heart’s delight. 

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia 

GOSPEL: Luke 8:26-39 

Jesus sets a demon-possessed man free then instructs the man to return to his home and be a witness  to the goodness of God. 

26 They sailed down to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across from Galilee. 27When  Jesus stepped ashore, a man from the town met him. He was possessed by demons and for a  long time had not worn any clothes. He did not live in a house but in the tombs. 28When he  saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, “What do I have to  do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torment me!” 29 For Jesus had  commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. In fact, the unclean spirit had seized  him many times. He was kept under guard, and although he was bound with chains and  shackles, he would break the restraints and was driven by the demon into deserted places. 30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He said, “Legion,” because many demons had gone  into him. 31 They were begging Jesus that he would not order them to go into the abyss. 32A  herd of many pigs was feeding there on the mountain. The demons begged Jesus to let them  go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 The demons went out of the man and  entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 34When those who were feeding the pigs saw what happened, they ran away and reported it  in the town and in the countryside. 35 People went out to see what had happened. They came  to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet. He  was clothed and in his right mind, and the people were afraid. 36 Those who saw it told them  how the demon-possessed man was saved. 37 The whole crowd of people from the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were gripped  with great fear. As Jesus got into the boat and started back, 38 the man from whom the  demons had gone out begged to be with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to  your home and tell how much God has done for you.” Then he went through the whole town  proclaiming what Jesus had done for him. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 744 “Rise, Shine, You People” 

SERMON: Luke 8:26-39 “Jesus has Power over Evil!” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 181 

PRAYER  

HYMN 813 "He Will Hold Me Fast"  

The Cantor will sing stanzas 1 and 2 with the Refrain 

The Congregation is welcome to join with the Cantor for the 3rd stanza. 

After the 3rd stanza the refrain is sung twice.

PRAYER - page 171 C: Amen. 

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

BLESSING C: Amen. 

HYMN 932 "Sent Forth by God’s Blessing" 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is  located next to the water dispenser. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

SERVING US TODAY: Pastor Brad Krause and his wife Heidi have been living in Appleton,  WI since 2016 where he has served as a campus pastor at Fox Valley Lutheran high school. He  previously served as an instructor and dorm supervisor at Nebraska Lutheran High School from  2007-2009. He and Heidi were married in the summer of 2009 and then went to Mexico where  he served as a missionary to Mexico until 2016. God has blessed them with five children: Sienna  (12 years old), Natalia (11), Leonardo (9), Owen (7) and Caleb (4). The children attend Mount Olive Lutheran School in Appleton where the family are members. Thank you, Pastor Krause for  serving us and God bless your family & ministry! 

THANK YOU to Kay Himm (organ) & her daughters for helping us with our music this morning:  Rachel Kolterjahn (preservice), Bekah Schaffer (pianist), and Abby Koehler (Cantor). 

Have a blessed 4th of July as we honor & celebrate our American freedoms. 

Christian Worship Hymnal – Service 2 © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®) 

June 22, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

June 22, 2025 Trinity Sunday

THE MYSTERY AND MAJESTY OF OUR GOD 

WELCOME 

HYMN 194 "Oh, That I Had a Thousand Voices "  

 (Please stand for the last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Almighty God and Father, dwelling in majesty and mystery, filling and renewing all creation by your  eternal Spirit, and manifesting your saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ: in mercy cleanse our  hearts and lips that, free from doubt and fear, we may ever worship you, one true immortal God,  with your Son and the Holy Spirit, living and reigning, now and forever. (Sung) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Numbers 6:22-27 

The Lord charges his priests to speak a threefold blessing upon the people. We close our services confident  that our Triune God gives us the majestic things these words pronounce. 

22 The Lord told Moses 23 to speak to Aaron and to his sons and to tell them to bless the  Israelites with these words: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you. 25 The Lord make his face  shine on you and be gracious to you. 26 The Lord look on you with favor and give you  peace.27 In this way they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 150 - page 122 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

SECOND LESSON: Romans 5:1-5 

We have peace because the love of the Father has been demonstrated in his Son and poured out into  our hearts through the Holy Spirit. 

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we  stand. And we rejoice confidently on the basis of our hope for the glory of God. 3 Not only  this, but we also rejoice confidently in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces  patient endurance, 4and patient endurance produces tested character, and tested character  produces hope. 5And hope will not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured  out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. Alleluia.  (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

These words are written that we may believe  

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL: John 16:12-15 

The Son receives what he has from the Father. The Spirit receives what he has from the Son. We receive  what we have from the Spirit. 

12 “I still have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 But when he, the  Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own, but  whatever he hears he will speak. He will also declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify  me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything the Father has  is mine. This is why I said that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 177 "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest "  

SERMON: Numbers 6:22-27 “What a Blessing!” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER  

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 270 "We All Believe in One True God "  

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

BLESSING - page 44 C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 332 "Go, My Children, with My Blessing" 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is  located next to the water dispenser. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

SERVING US THIS WEEK: Pastor Roger Riedel from Beautiful Savior, Petoskey is leading us  in worship today and his wife, Beth, is playing the organ. Pastor Riedel has served congregations  in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota before accepting the  Call to Beautiful Savior in May, 2024. He enjoys sharing the good news about Jesus our Savior,  spending time with his family, visiting with people, trains, fishing and enjoying God's great  outdoors. Pastor met his wife, Beth, in Chicago, where she was teaching the second grade at a  WELS grade school. In addition to being a talented teacher, Beth is a gifted musician and an  accomplished cook. They were married in 1999 and have six children, Emily (24), Samuel (23),  Susan (21), Mary (19), Rachel (15) and Joseph (13). May the Lord continue to bless his family and  ministry. Thank you for serving!

Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

June 15, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

June 15, 2025

Pentecost CHRIST SENDS US HIS SPIRIT 

WELCOME 

HYMN 229 "This Day at Your Creating Word"  

 (Please stand for the last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Holy Spirit, God and Lord, come to us this joyful day with your sevenfold gift of grace. Rekindle in our  hearts the holy fire of your love that in a true and living faith we may tell abroad the glory of our  Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, one God, now and forever. (Sung) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 11:1-9 

At Babel, sin led to God confusing people’s language. Grace would lead the Holy Spirit to share the gospel  in many languages on Pentecost. 

1 The whole earth had one language and a single vocabulary. 2As people traveled in the east,  they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they settled there. 3 They said to one another,  “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used mud brick instead of stone  for building material, and they used tar for mortar. 4 They said, “Come, let’s build a city for  ourselves and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves, so  that we will not be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” 5 The Lord came down  to see the city and the tower that the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If this is the first  thing they are doing as one people, who all have one language, then nothing that they intend  to do will be too difficult for them. 7 Come, let’s go down there and confuse their language,  so that they cannot understand one another’s speech.” 8So the Lord scattered them from  there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city. 9It was named  Babel,[a]because there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth. From there  the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM 51b - pages 87 

 Come, Holy Spirit, renew our hearts and kindle in us the fire of your love, 

SECOND LESSON: Acts 2:1-21 

On Pentecost the disciples proclaimed the gospel. Through their words the Holy Spirit unleashed his saving  power. 

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound  like the rushing of a violent wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they  were sitting. 3 They saw divided tongues that were like fire resting on each one of them. 4 They  were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, since the Spirit was  giving them the ability to speak fluently. 5 Now there were godly Jewish men from every nation  under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6When this sound was heard, a crowd came together and  was confused, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were  completely baffled and said to each other,[a]“Look, are not all these men who are speaking  Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them speaking in his own native  language? 9Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, and of Judea,  Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya around  Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them  declaring in our own languages the wonderful works of God.” 12 They were all amazed and  perplexed. They kept saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocked  them and said, “They are full of new wine.” 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his  voice, and spoke loudly and clearly to them: “Men of Judea, and all you residents of Jerusalem,  understand this, and listen closely to my words. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose,  for it is only the third hour of the day.[b] 16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken by the  prophet Joel: 17 This is what God says will happen in the last days: I will pour out my Spirit on  all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your  old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my  Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs  on the earth below, blood and fire and a rising cloud of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to  darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.  21And this will happen: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and kindle in them the fire of your  love. Alleluia.  

(Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

These words are written that we may believe  

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL: John 14:23-27 

Through his Word Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit and gives us peace.

23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will hold on to my word. My Father will love  him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 The one who does not love  me does not hold on to my words. The word that you are hearing is not mine, but it is from  the Father who sent me. 25 “I have told you these things while staying with you. 26 But the  Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things  and remind you of everything I told you. 27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not let it  be afraid. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 176 "Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord"  

SERMON: written by Circuit Pastor John Eich 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER - page 42 

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 190 "We Now Implore God the Holy Ghost"  

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

BLESSING - page 44 C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 183 "Holy Spirit, Light Divine" 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is  located next to the water dispenser. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS: Pastor Himm will be starting a Bible Information Class (BIC)  soon. Are you interested in learning more about the Bible & the Christian faith, or church  membership? Are you already a member of St. Paul’s and would like to review the Christian faith?  Let Pastor know if you want to join this next group of learners.

June 8, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

June 8, 2025 Easter 7

CHRIST CREATES UNITY WITHIN DIVERSITY 

WELCOME 

HYMN 558 "Christ High Ascended"  

 (Please stand for the last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right  hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow  where he has gone; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and  forever. (Sung) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Acts 16:6-10 

The ascended Lord directs Paul to leave Asia and preach the gospel for the first time in a territory that  today we call Europe. 

6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, because they were prevented  by the Holy Spirit from speaking the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they went  as far as Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow  them. 8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul  during the night. A Macedonian man was standing there, urging him, “Come over to  Macedonia and help us!” 10 As soon as he had seen the vision, we immediately made  plans to proceed to Macedonia, because we concluded that God had called us to  preach the good news to them. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 47 - pages 85 

 Let the people praise you, O God. Let all the people praise you.

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 22;12-17, 20 

St. John sees individuals of every nation, tribe, language, and people in heaven. They are perfectly united  in the fact that all are wearing the robe of Christ’s righteousness. 

12 Look, I am coming soon and my reward is with me, to repay each one according to  what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the  Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may  have the right to the Tree of Life and so that they may enter through the gates into  the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, that is, the sorcerers, the adulterers, the murderers,  the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 I, Jesus, have sent my  angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of  David, the bright Morning Star.17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the  one who hears this say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one  who wants the water of life take it as a gift…20 The one who testifies about these  things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia.  

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Alleluia.  

(Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

These words are written that we may believe  

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

GOSPEL: John 17:20-26 

Jesus prays that all his followers might be one, just as he and the Father are one. 

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[a]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.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN 576 "Spread, Oh, Spread the Mighty Word" 

SERMON: Acts 16:6-10 

Helping Others with the Good News 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER - page 42 

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 566 "We All Are One in Mission" 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

BLESSING - page 44 C: (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 579 "Light High the Cross" 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is  located next to the water dispenser. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS: Pastor Himm will be starting a Bible Information Class (BIC)  soon. Who is it for? 

✓ Those who want to find out more about the Bible 

✓ Those who want to know what Lutherans (WELS) believe 

✓ Those who want to become members of St. Paul’s 

✓ Those who want to review their Christian faith 

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Himm for day & time, 

YOUR LABOR IN THE LORD IS NOT IN VAIN – Thank you for all who work behind the  scenes showing your love for your Savior and others. 

Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

June 1, 2025

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660   

 website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

 June 1, 2025 Ascension 

JESUS REIGNS OVER EVERYTHING FOR THE BENEFIT OF HIS CHURCH 

WELCOME – We will be using the red hymnal today. 

HYMN 171“A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing” 

– please stand for last stanza 

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT – page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Lord Jesus, King of glory, on this day you ascended far above the heavens and at God’s right  hand you rule the nations. Leave us not alone, we pray, but grant us the Spirit of truth that  at your command and by your power we may be your witnesses in all the world; for you live  and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sing) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Acts 1:1-11 

Jesus ascends to rule over all things as his Church serves as his witnesses. 

1I wrote my first book, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began doing and  teaching 2until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the  Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After he had suffered, he presented himself  alive to the apostles with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period  of forty days and told them things about the kingdom of God. 4 Once, when he was  eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for  what the Father promised, which you heard from me. 5For John baptized with water,  but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6So when they  were together with him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when you are going to  restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times  or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power  when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,  in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said these things, he  was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 They were looking intently into the sky as he went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes  stood beside them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking  up into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will  come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 19:11-16 

St. John sees the ascended Lord as a warrior riding on a white horse fighting against all those who  oppose Christ’s gospel and his Church. 

11 I saw heaven standing open, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful  and True, and he judges and makes war in righteousness. 12 His eyes are like blazing  flames, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him, which no  one knows except he himself. 13 He is also clothed in a garment that had been dipped  in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies in heaven, which were  clothed with white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses. 15 Out of his  mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will shepherd  them with an iron staff. He himself is going to trample the winepress of the fierce  anger of the Almighty God. 16 On his garment and on his thigh this name is written:  King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia.  

Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age. Alleluia.  

C: Alleluia Response – page 30 

GOSPEL: Luke 24:44-53 

Before he ascends, Jesus promises to send the disciples power from on high to carry out the mission of  the Church. 

44 He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you:  Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets,  and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He  said to them, “This is what is written and so it must be: The Christ will suffer and rise  from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be  preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jeru-salem. 48 You are witnesses of  these things. 49 Look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city  until you are clothed with power from on high.” 50 He led them out as far as the vicinity  of Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them,  he parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshipped him and  returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 They were continually in the temple courts,  praising and blessing God. Amen.

P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 169 “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” 

SERMON: Revelation 19:11-16  

Our Ascended Lord – the Real Superhero 

HYMN 341 (1,4) “Crown Him with Many Crowns” 

NICENE CREED – page 31 

PRAYER 

LORD’S PRAYER – page 32 

COMMUNION LITURGY - pages 33-35 

Because God’s Word clearly teaches us about the Real Presence and the fellowship connected with the  Lord’s Supper, we kindly ask that only WELS and ELS communicant members come forward to receive the  Lord’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Pastor Himm offers a free class so you can become a  communicant member. 

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - pages 36 

BLESSING pages 37 (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 173 “On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

is located at the back door near the water cooler. 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

CLASS STARTING: Pastor Himm will be starting a Bible Information Class soon. Are you  interested in learning more about the Bible & the Christian faith, or church membership? Let  Pastor know if you want to join this next group of learners.

Service of the Word & Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)

May 25, 2025

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

May 25, 2025 Easter 6 

BECAUSE HE LIVES WE HAVE DEEP AND LASTING JOY 

WELCOME: We will use the red hymnal today. 

HYMN 582 “Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun” 

 (please stand for last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Father of lights, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Inspire us to think those things that are  true and long for those things that are good, that we may always make our petitions according to  your gracious will; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy  Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sing) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Acts 14:8-22 

As a witness of Christ’s resurrection, Paul’s joy and his ministry were unaffected by circumstance. 

8In Lystra there was a man who was sitting down because he had no strength in his feet. He  had never walked because he was lame from birth. 9When he was listening to Paul as he was  speaking, Paul looked at him closely and saw that he had faith to be healed. 10 Paul said in a  loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk. 11When the  crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language,  “The gods have come down to us in human form.” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they  called Hermes, because he was the main speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was  just outside the city, brought bulls and garlands to the city gates, because he wanted to offer  sacrifices along with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Paul and Barnabas heard about this,  they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15 “Men, why are you doing these  things? We too are men with the same nature as you. We are preaching the good news to  you so that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven,  the earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to  go their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without testimony of the good he does. He  gives you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons. He fills you with food and fills your  hearts with gladness.” 18 Even though they said these things, they had a hard time stopping the  crowds from sacrificing to them. 19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and  persuaded the crowds to stone Paul. When they thought he was dead, they dragged him out of the city. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he stood up and went into the  city. The next day, he left with Barnabas for Derbe. 21After they preached the good news in  that city and had gathered many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and  Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the  faith. They told them, “We must go through many troubles on our way to the kingdom of  God.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 65 – page 89 

The earth is full of the goodness of God, the goodness of God. 

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 21:21-27 

The great joy we have now will soon be made perfect and complete. 

21 The twelve gates are twelve pearls. Each of the gates is made out of one pearl. And the  street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 I did not see a temple in the city,  because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the  sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God has given it light, and the Lamb is  its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 There is no day when its gates will be shut, for there will be no night in that place. 

26 They will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 27 Nothing that is unclean and  no one who does what is detestable or who tells lies will ever enter it, but only those who  are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. If anyone loves me, he will obey my  teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Alleluia. (Sing) Alleluia.....page 40 

GOSPEL: John 16:16-24 

Jesus promises that our grief will be turned to perfect joy. 

16 “In a little while you are not going to see me anymore, and again in a little while you will  see me, because I am going away to the Father.” 17 Therefore some of his disciples asked one  another, “What does he mean when he tells us, ‘In a little while you are not going to see me,  and again in a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going away to the Father’?” 18 So  they kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he’s  saying.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you  trying to determine with one another what I meant by saying, ‘In a little while you are not  going to see me, and again in a little while you will see me’? 20Amen, Amen, I tell you: You  will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow  will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth has pain, because her time has come. But when she  has delivered the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, because of her joy that a person has been born into the world. 22 So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your  heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. 23 In that day you will not ask  me anything. Amen, Amen, I tell you: Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give  you. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so  that your joy may be made complete. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! (sung) 

HYMN 145 “Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won” 

SERMON: John 16:16-24 - written by Circuit Pastor John Eich 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

RESPONSIVE PRAYER - page 42 

LORD’S PRAYER 

HYMN 377 (1-4,7) “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: Amen. (sung) 

BLESSING - page 43 C: Amen. Amen. Amen. (sung) 

HYMN 323 “Almighty Father, Bless the Word” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area and  around the world. Our guests may but are not expected to participate in this  offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Guests, please sign the Guest Book in the entryway.

Common Service © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the NIV 2011. Used by permission.

May 18, 2025

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

May 18, 2025 Easter 5 

BECAUSE HE LIVES WE LIVE LIVES OF LAVISH LOVE 

WELCOME – we will be using the blue hymnal today. 

HYMN 731 “Oh, How Good It Is”  

(Please stand for last stanza) 

THE SERVICE – Setting One - page 154ff  

NOTE: all responses will be spoken. (omit Glory Be to God) 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O God, you form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command  and desire what you promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may ever yearn  for the lasting joys of heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you  and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Acts 11:1-18 

The Lord taught Peter that racial and cultural differences are not to prevent us from showing lavish love  to all people. 

1 The apostles and brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the  word of God. 2When Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who insisted on circumcision  criticized him, 3saying, “You went to visit men who were uncircumcised and ate with them!” 4So Peter began to explain everything to them, point by point. He said, 5“I was in the city of  Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision in which an object like a large sheet was let down  from heaven by its four corners. It came right to me. 6When I inspected it very carefully, I  saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7I also heard  a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter! Kill and eat!’ 8 But I replied, ‘Certainly not, Lord, for nothing  impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9A voice spoke from heaven a second time:  ‘What God has made clean, you must not continue to call unclean.’ 10 This happened three  times, and then everything was pulled up into heaven again. 11At that very moment, three  men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were. 12 The  Spirit told me to go with them without any hesitation. These six brothers also accompanied  me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he saw an angel standing in his house  and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and call for Simon, the one called Peter. 14 He will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit  came down on them, just as he came down on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered  how the Lord had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy  Spirit.’17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus  Christ, who was I to try to stand in God’s way?” 18When they heard these things, they had  no further objections, and they praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted repentance  that results in life also to the Gentiles!” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 

The defining mark of Christians is not the spiritual gifts that they possess, but it is the lavish love that is  demonstrated as they use those gifts for the benefit of others. 

1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a noisy  gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and know all the mysteries and have  all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am  nothing. 3If I give away everything I own, and if I give up my body that I may be burned but do  not have love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy. It does not  brag. It is not arrogant. 5It does not behave indecently. It is not selfish. It is not irritable. It  does not keep a record of wrongs. 6It does not rejoice over unrighteousness but rejoices  with the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love  never comes to an end. But if there are prophetic gifts, they will be done away with; if tongues,  they will cease; if knowledge, it will be done away with. 9For we know only in part, and we  prophesy only in part, 10 but when that which is complete has come, that which is partial will  be done away with. 11When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned  like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see indirectly using  a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just  as I was fully known. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life,  says the Lord. Alleluia. 

HYMN 726 “Love in Christ Is Strong and Living” 

GOSPEL: John 13:31-35 

The Father has glorified the Son. Christ shares that glory with us and commands us to show others the  same lavish love he has shown to us. 

31After Judas left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.  32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify the Son in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Dear children, I am going to be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just  as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34A new 

commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you are to love  one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one  another.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 728 “This Is My Will” 

SERMON: John 13:34-35 “Known for Love” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 163 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH - page 164 

LORD’S PRAYER - page 171 

BLESSING: C: Amen. 

HYMN 730 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE CLASSES: Are you interested in learning more about the  Bible & the Christian faith, or church membership? Pastor Himm will be happy to arrange a class  for you.

Christian Worship Hymnal © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)  

© 2017 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

May 11, 2025

St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

May 11, 2025 Easter 4 

BECAUSE HE LIVES 

WE KNOW JESUS IS TRUSTWORTHY AND TRUE 

WELCOME – All responses will be spoken today. 

HYMN 360 “The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want” (Please stand for last stanza) 

INVOCATION & CALL TO WORSHIP 

L: We gather in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. 

L: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who comforts us in our troubles, C: So that we can comfort others in their troubles with  

 the same comfort we ourselves have received from God. 

L: For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, 

C: So also through Christ our comfort overflows to others. 

L: Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. C: One generation will commend Your works to another;  

 they will tell of your mighty acts. 

L: Our God is a God who saves. 

C: He does not treat us as our sins deserve. 

L: For God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, 

C: So that in Him we might become the righteousness of  

 God. 

L: Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for  

 all, and therefore all died. 

C: And He died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves,  but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

L: May His Spirit inspire our giving thanks for all of His blessings to us, 

C: And make us able to serve Him throughout our lives. 

L: Let us pray 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us  now to the still waters of your life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house  forevermore; for you live and reign with him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Acts 13:15-16,26-39 

St. Paul points out that Jesus’ death and resurrection both fulfilled the Scripture. They prove not only  that we are forgiven, but that God’s promises are trustworthy and true. 

15After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent a  message to them, saying,…“Gentlemen, brothers, if you have a word of encouragement  for the people, say it.” 16 Then Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and said,  26 “Gentlemen, brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God,  this message of salvation has been sent to you.27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers  did not recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the statements of the  prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no grounds for a death  sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29When they carried out everything  that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a  tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those  who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These same individuals are now his  witnesses to the people. 32We are preaching to you the good news about the promise  that was made to our fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this promise for us, their children, by  raising up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: You are my Son. Today I have  begotten you.34 That God would raise him from the dead never again to be subject to  decay, God said in this way: I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.  35 Therefore he also says in another place: You will not let your Holy One see decay. 36 For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, was laid  to rest with his fathers, and saw decay. 37 But the One God raised did not see decay. 38 So,  gentlemen, brothers, let it be known to you that through this Jesus forgiveness of sins is  being proclaimed to you, also forgiveness from everything from which you could not be  justified through the law of Moses. 39 In this Jesus, everyone who believes is justified. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 7:9-17 

God’s promise to lead all believers from great tribulation to the green pastures of heaven is trustworthy  and true. St. John sees that promise fulfilled through the work of the Lamb. 

9After these things I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count,  from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing in front of the throne and of the  Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 10 They called out  with a loud voice and said: Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and  from the Lamb. 11All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living  creatures. They fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, 12 saying: Amen.  Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might belong to our  God forever and ever. Amen. 13 One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people  dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” And I answered  him, “Sir, you know.” 14And he said to me: These are the ones who are coming out of  the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Because of this they are in front of the throne of God, and they serve him  day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 They will never be hungry or thirsty ever again. The sun will never beat upon them, nor  will any scorching heat, 17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their  eyes. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the good shepherd; I know my  sheep and my sheep know me. Alleluia. 

GOSPEL: John 10:22-30 

Because our Good Shepherd is trustworthy and true, we eagerly listen to his voice. 

22 Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was  walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 So the Jews gathered around Jesus,  asking, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I am doing in  my Father’s name testify about me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not my  sheep, as I said to you.27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I  give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one can snatch them  out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 375 “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” 

SERMON: John 10:22-30 (written by Circuit Pastor John Eich) 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER - page 42  

HYMN 369 “Beautiful Savior” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: Amen.  

BLESSING - page 44 C: Amen.  

HYMN 432 “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS: Are you interested in learning more about the Bible &  the Christian faith, or church membership? Pastor Himm will be happy to arrange a class for  you. 

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®) 

© 2017 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

May 4, 2025

 St Paul’s  Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660   

 website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

May 4, 2025 Easter 3 

BECAUSE HE LIVES WE CAN SEE THINGS CLEARLY 

WELCOME – We will be using the red hymnal today. 

HYMN 141“At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing” 

– please stand for last stanza 

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O God, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death. By his  resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; through  your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  (Sing) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Acts 9:1-22 

To get his attention, Jesus struck Saul blind. Then he not only restored Saul’s physical sight but also  gave Saul spiritual sight. Saul was given faith in the One who had risen from the dead. 

1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord.  He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, so that  if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he might bring them to Jerusalem as  prisoners. 3As he went on his way and was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from  heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul,  why are you persecuting me?” 5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus,  whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you  need to do.” 7 The men traveling with him stood there speechless. They heard the voice but  did not see anyone. 8 They raised Saul up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he  could not see anything. They took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9For three  days he could not see, and he did not eat or drink. 10 There was a disciple in Damascus named  Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The  Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for  a man from Tarsus named Saul. In fact, at this very moment he is praying. 12 In a vision he has  seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he can regain his sight.” 13Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man and how much harm he did to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has authority here from the chief priests  to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 The Lord said to him, “Go! This man is my chosen  instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. 16 Indeed,  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17Ananias left and entered the house.  Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, whom you saw on your way  here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately  something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was  baptized. 19And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul stayed with the disciples  in Damascus for several days. 20 Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,  saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21All who heard him were amazed and said, “Isn’t this the one  who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? Didn’t he come here for  this very purpose: to bring them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul continued to  get stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is  the Christ. 

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 5:11-14 

While in exile on the island of Patmos, St. John was given special sight, the ability to see the sacrificial  Lamb who is worthy of our worship and praise. 

11And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels who were around the throne and around  the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand, and  thousands upon thousands. 12With a loud voice they were saying: Worthy is the Lamb who  was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and  blessing. 13 I also heard every creature that is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and  on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be  blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever. 14 The four living creatures said,  “Amen,” and the elders bowed down and worshipped. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. Our hearts were burning within us while  he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us. Alleluia. 

C: Alleluia Response – page 30 

GOSPEL: John 21:1-14 

Many of the disciples first met Jesus while fishing near the Sea of Galilee. At the time they were spiritually  blind, not realizing who Jesus was. The resurrected Jesus now appears again to these disciples while they  are fishing, and this time they see him clearly through eyes of faith. 

1 After this, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is how he  showed himself: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee,  the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I’m  going fishing.” They replied, “We’ll go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but  that night they caught nothing. 4Early in the morning, Jesus was standing on the shore, but  the disciples did not know it was Jesus. 5Jesus called to them, “Boys, don’t you have any fish?” “No!” they answered. 6 He told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you  will find some.” So they cast the net out. Then they were not able to haul it in because of the  large number of fish. 7 The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard, “It is the Lord!” he tied his outer garment around him (for he had taken  it off) and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat, dragging the  net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about one hundred yards. 9When they  stepped out on land, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. 10 Jesus said to  them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed aboard and hauled  the net to land, full of large fish, 153 of them. Yet even with so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come, eat breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are  you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them,  and also the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was  raised from the dead. 

HYMN 145 “Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won” 

SERMON: Acts 9:1-22 Was Blind But Now I See HMYN 379 (1,2) 

RESPONSIVE PRAYER – page 126 

LORD’S PRAYER – page 32 

COMMUNION LITURGY - pages 33-35 

Because God’s Word clearly teaches us about the Real Presence and the fellowship connected  with the Lord’s Supper, we kindly ask that only WELS and ELS communicant members come  forward to receive the Lord’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Pastor Himm offers a free class  so you can become a communicant member. 

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD - pages 36 & 

PRAYER  

BLESSING pages 37 (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 580 “Every Morning Mercies New” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

OFFERING BASKET 

is located at the back door near the water cooler.

Service of the Word & Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All Scripture readings are from the NIV 2011. Used by permission.

April 27, 2025

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis J. Himm (810) 252-5821 

April 27, 2025 Easter 2 

BECAUSE HE LIVES WE HAVE A MEANINGFUL MISSION WELCOME – we will be using the Blue Hymnal today. 

HYMN 470 “Like the Golden Sun Ascending” (Please stand for last stanza) THE SERVICE – Setting One - page 154ff NOTE: all responses will be spoken HYMN 456 (1,9) “O Sons and Daughters of the King” 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to  us also by your Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your  abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Acts 5:12,17-32 

The apostles were not going to let opposition and persecution prevent them from fulfilling their  meaningful mission of telling others about Christ’s death and resurrection. 

12 Many signs and wonders were done among the people through the hands of the apostles.  With one mind, they all continued meeting in Solomon’s Colonnade….17 The high priest rose  up, along with his associates (that is, the party of the Sadducees), because they were filled  with envy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the  night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, brought them out, and said, 20 “Go,  stand in the temple and keep on telling the people the whole message about this life.” 21After  they heard this, they entered the temple courts at daybreak and began to teach. When the  high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin (that is, the whole  council of elders of the people of Israel). Then they sent orders to the jail to have the apostles  brought in. 22 But when the officers arrived, they did not find them in the prison. They  returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at  the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24When the captain of the  temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were puzzled about them,  wondering what could have happened. 25 Then someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courts and teaching the people.” 26 Then  the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles in without force, because they  were afraid that the people might stone them. 27After they brought them in, they had them  stand before the Sanhedrin. The high priest asked them, 28 “Did we not give you strict orders  not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are  determined to bring this man’s blood down on us!” 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We  must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you arrested  and killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his right hand as Prince and Savior,  to give repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins. 32We are witnesses of these things,  and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 1:4-18 

The risen Savior promises to be with his churches as they carry out the meaningful mission of sharing the  light of the gospel. 

4John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who  is, who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits that are before his throne, 5and  from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings  of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his own blood 6and made  us a kingdom and priests to God his Father—to him be the glory and the power forever.  Amen. 7Look, he is coming with clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who  pierced him. And all the nations of the earth will mourn because of him. Yes. Amen. 8“I am  the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, the one who is, and who was, and who is  coming, the Almighty. 9I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingship and  patient endurance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and  the testimony about Jesus.10 I was in spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard a loud voice behind  me, like a trumpet, 11 saying, “Write what you see on a scroll and send it to the seven  churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 12 I  turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned, I saw seven gold  lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was clothed with a  robe that reached to his feet, and around his chest he wore a gold sash. 14 His head and his  hair were white, like white wool or like snow. His eyes were like blazing flames. 15 His feet  were like polished bronze being refined in a furnace. His voice was like the roar of many  waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand. A sharp two-edged sword was coming out of  his mouth. His face was shining as the sun shines in all its brightness. 17When I saw him, I fell  at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am  the First and the Last— 18 the Living One. I was dead and, see, I am alive forever and ever! I  also hold the keys of death and hell. 

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. Blessed are those who have not seen  and yet have believed. Alleluia.

456 (8) “O Sons and Daughters of the King” 

GOSPEL: John 20:19-31 

Jesus lovingly deals with our doubts and provides us with peace so that we might be empowered to  carry out the meaningful mission of sharing Christ’s forgiveness. 

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked  doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them,  “Peace be with you!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples  rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the  Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” 22After saying this, he breathed on them and said,  “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever  you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one  called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling  him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands,  and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the  doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then  he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it  into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and  my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are  those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, did  many other miraculous signs that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that  you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have  life in his name. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 447 “Christ Is Risen, He is Risen Indeed” 

- Sharon Spencer (1,2) Congregation (3-5) 

SERMON: Acts 5:27-32 “He Lives! We Must!” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 163 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYER 

BLESSING: C: Amen.  

HYMN 441 (1,2,6-8) “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not 

expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

BIBLE INSTRUCTION: Pastor Himm offers a free, no obligation classes to help you  grow in faith and Bible knowledge, or to become a communicant member of St. Paul’s.  Please contact Pastor Himm to set up a convenient time to meet for a class designed for  you.

Christian Worship Hymnal © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)  

© 2017 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Easter Sunday 4/20/2025

Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 

St Paul’s  

 Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

  website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

M: The Lord is risen! C: He is risen indeed! 

WELCOME 

M: The Lord is risen! 

C: He is risen indeed! 

M: The Lord is risen! Alleluia! 

C: The Lord has done great things. 

M: Why do you look for the living among the dead? 

C: Remember how he told you, the Son of Man must be  

 crucified and on the third day be raised again? 

M: I will not die but live. 

C: And will proclaim what the Lord has done. 

M: Open the gates of righteousness. 

C: I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. Alleluia! 

HYMN 449 (1,2) – This Joyful Eastertide  

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you conquered death and  opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through  baptism, may walk in the newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory;  through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit be dominion and  praise now and forever. C: Amen. 

FIRST LESSON – Matthew 28:1-15 

Jesus Appears to the Women at the Grave 

HYMN 445 (1,4) – He’s Risen, He’s Risen 

SECOND LESSON – John 20:1-8 

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene 

HYMN 438 (1,2) – Jesus Christ Is Risen Today 

THIRD LESSON – Luke 24:13-35 

Jesus Appears to the Two Disciples on the Way to Emmaus 

HYMN 467 (1,3) – With High Delight Let Us Unite 

FOURTH LESSON – John 20:19-31 

Jesus Appears to His Disciples 

HYMN 441 (1,5,8) – I Know That My Redeemer Lives

FIFTH LESSON – 1 Corinthians15:1-22,51-58 

The Blessed Fruits of Christ’s Resurrection 

HYMN 453 – The Tomb Is Empty 

MESSAGE: Luke 24:4-8  

4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed  like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their  faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among  the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still  with you in Galilee: 7‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men,  be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” 8 Then they remembered his words. 

“Why Do You Look for the Living  

Among the Dead?” 

APOSTLES’ CREED – page 163 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER 

BLESSING  

HYMN 510 – In Christ Alone 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

OFFERING BASKET BY DOOR – near water cooler 

With this offering the members of St Paul's support the ministry here, throughout America, and  around the world through our synod, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Our  guests may but are not expected to give. We thank the Lord for these gifts of love. 

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs leading to the basement. 

THANK YOU  

➢ To the women who gathered here this past Tuesday to plan, clean and decorate. 

➢ To all who joined us for breakfast today and those who provided the delicious  food. 

➢ To all who gathered here to celebrate our Savior’s glorious resurrection.

➢ To our organist, Kay Himm. 

➢ To our faithful God who gives us living hope through Jesus’ resurrection from the  dead. 

NEXT SUNDAY 

➢ Children’s Sunday School at 9 am 

➢ Adult Bible Class - Apologetics - at 9 am 

➢ WORSHIP at 10 am 

SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Pastor Himm offers a free, no obligation classes to help you  grow in faith and Bible knowledge, or to become a communicant member of St. Paul’s.  Please contact Pastor Himm to set up a convenient time to meet for a class designed for  you.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®) 

April 13, 2025

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

April 13, 2025 Lent 6

PASSION SUNDAY – Surrender Buries Seizure  

WELCOME 

HYMN 98 (1,6) Jesus, I Will Ponder Now” 

INVOCATION 

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen. 

M: Dear friends in Christ, during the weeks of Lent we have been preparing to commemorate  our Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Today we come together to begin the solemn  journey of Holy Week. Christ entered in triumph into his own city to complete his work as  our Savior and to gain for us the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. We follow him in faith  and praise him with joy. 

C: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! 

HYMN 131(1,5) “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” 

Luke 19:28-44 Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem  

M: Let us pray. 

God our Father, we remember how Jesus entered Jerusalem and was welcomed as a king by  those who shouted “Hosanna” and spread their clothing and palm branches in his path.  Accept our praise and listen to our prayers as we rejoice in our triumphant King, Jesus Christ,  your Son, our Lord. C: Amen. 

M: Let us go forth in peace, 

C; in the name of the Lord. 

M: The Lord be with you. 

C: And also with you. 

M: Let us pray. 

Almighty and everlasting God, you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon himself  our flesh and suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example  of his great humility and patience and be made partakers of his resurrection; through your  Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now  and forever. C: Amen.

HYMN 136 (1,2) ‘Twas on that Dark, that Doleful Night” 

Luke 22:1-38 Plot, Passover, and Lord’s Supper  

HYMN 104 (1,2) “Go to Dark Gethsemane”  

Luke 22:39-54 Gethsemane  

HYMN 105 (1,2) “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”  

Luke 22:55-71 Denial and Trial    

HYMN 115 (1,4) “He Stood Before the Court”  

Luke 23:1-25 Pontius Pilate 

HYMN 122 (1,2,5) “Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle”  

Luke 23:26-56 Crucifixion, Death, and Burial 

PRAYER 

M: Heavenly Father, you loved the world and gave your Son to liberate us from sin and death by  his obedient death on the cross. 

C: We confess that without your love we are lost. 

M: Lord of the Church, we thank you for the treasure of the gospel. By your Spirit, keep our eyes  fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. 

C: Strengthen our determination to do what pleases you, no matter what the  danger or the cost. 

M: Let us pray for those who carry a cross in the name of Christ and face ridicule and persecution  for the sake of the kingdom: missionaries and chaplains, young people who stand up for what  is right in the face of pressure to do what is wrong, and all who pay a high price for their faith  and their values as Christians. 

C: By your Spirit, O Lord, grant them patience and endurance. M: Let us pray for those who carry heavy burdens in life: the sick and the chronically ill, the  depressed and the lonely, those torn by conflict in personal relationships, those victimized by  war and injustice, and all who face the terrors of life with a heavy heart. 

C: Grant them peace, O Lord, and in your mercy, be their guardian and friend,  their comfort and hope. 

M: Let us pray for those who care for others: pastors and counselors; physicians and nurses;  social workers and caring friends; all who feed the hungry, comfort the hurting, and stand  beside the dying. 

C: Strengthen them in their work, O Lord, and do not let them become weary  in doing good. 

Special prayers and intercessions may follow. 

M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. 

Silent prayer. 

M: Help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Keep us faithful even to the point  of death, that we may receive the crown of life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. C: Amen.

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. 

PARTING THOUGHTS 

APOSTLES’ CREED 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy  Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,  died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again  from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of  God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and  the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life  everlasting. Amen. 

BLESSING 

M: The Lord bless you and keep you. 

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. 

The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace. 

P: Amen. 

HYMN 319 “On My Heart Imprint Your Image” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP – We will be joining the members of Redeemer, Scottville, for  their Maundy Thursday & Good Friday services. Both services are at 1:30 pm.  

EASTER SUNDAY BREAKFAST: Join us at 9 am for our annual Easter Sunday  Breakfast. Although it is not required, we encourage you to bring a dish to pass. Our 

Easter Celebration service will begin at 10 am.  

BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS: Do you have the desire to learn more about God  and the Bible? Are you interested in church membership? Then Pastor Himm has a class  for you. It is free and there is no obligation. Contact Himm to set up a time for you.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®) 

© 2017 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

April 6, 2025

St Paul’s 

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

  website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

April 6, 2025 Lent 5

HIDING TREASURE IN THE TRASH 

WELCOME 

HYMN 125 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” 

 – please stand for last stanza 

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Eternal God and Father, help us to remember Jesus, who obeyed your will and bore the cross for our  salvation that through his anguish, pain, and death we may receive forgiveness of sins and inherit  eternal life; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,  one God, now and forever. (Sing) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 43:16-21 

Isaiah prophesied that the nation of Babylon would trash Judah and carry them into captivity. Isaiah also  prophesied that this would produce the treasure of spiritual renewal. 

16 This is what the LORD says, who makes a road through the sea and a path through mighty  waters, 17 who brings out the chariot and the horses, the army and the strong warrior. They  will all lie down together. They will not get up. They are extinguished. Like a wick they go  out. 18 Do not remember the former things. Do not keep thinking about ancient things. 19Watch, I am about to do a new thing. Now it will spring up. Don’t you know about  it? Indeed I will make a road in the wilderness. In the wasteland I will make rivers. 20 The wild  animals, the jackals and ostriches, will honor me, because I am providing water in the  wilderness, rivers in a parched waste-land, water for my chosen people to drink. 21 This  people that I formed for myself will declare my praise. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 73 – page 94 

SECOND LESSON: Philippians 3:4b-14

St. Paul views as trash what most consider to be treasure and treasures what most consider to be trash. 

4b If anyone else thinks that he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have  more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a  Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6in regard to zeal, persecuting the  church; in regard to the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. 7 But, whatever things  were a profit for me, these things I have come to consider a loss because of Christ. 8 But even  more than that, I consider everything to be a loss because of what is worth far more: knowing  Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have lost all things and consider them rubbish, so that I  may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, which comes  from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes  from God by faith. 10 I do this so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and  the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 in the hope that in some way  I may arrive at the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or  have already reached the goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus also  took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it yet, but there  is one thing I do: Forgetting the things that are behind and straining toward the things that  are ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal, for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ  Jesus. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for  many.  

GOSPEL: Luke 20:9-19 

God the Father sent his Son into the world knowing the world would consider Jesus trash, even though  Jesus is the precious cornerstone upon which God builds his house. 

9 He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, leased it to some tenant  farmers, and went away on a journey for a long time. 10When it was the right time, he sent a  servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenant farmers  beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. 11 The man went ahead and sent yet  another servant, but they also beat him, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty handed. 12 He then sent yet a third. They also wounded him and threw him out. 13 The owner  of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my son, whom I love. Perhaps they will  respect him.’ 14 But when the tenant farmers saw him, they talked it over with one another.  They said, ‘This is the heir. Let’s kill him, so that the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 They threw  him out of the vineyard and killed him. So what will the owner of the vineyard do to  them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenant farmers and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “May it never be!” 17 But he looked at them and said, “Then  what about this that is written: The stone that the builders rejected has become the  cornerstone? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush  the one on whom it falls.” 19 That very hour the chief priests and the experts in the law began  looking for a way to lay hands on him, because they knew he had spoken this parable against  them. But they were afraid of the people.

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 349 “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” 

SERMON: Philippians 3:4b-14 

Know the Difference Between Trash & Treasure 

NICENE CREED - page 31 

PRAYERS & LORD’S PRAYER (traditional) 

COMMUNION LITURGY - pages 33-35 

Because God’s Word clearly teaches the Real Presence of Christ body and blood, and the  fellowship connected with the Lord’s Supper, we kindly request that only WELS and ELS  communicant members receive this Sacrament. For more information, please contact Pastor  Himm.  

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - page 36 

BLESSING (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 316 “O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee” 

WELS Connection 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

WEDNESDAY LENTEN WORSHIP – April 9 at 1:30 pm at Redeemer Lutheran in Scottville. Lunch will be served at 12:30 pm. 

SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Pastor Himm offers a free, no obligation class to help you grow in  faith and Bible knowledge, or to become a communicant member of St. Paul’s. Contact Pastor  Himm to set up a convenient time to meet for a class designed for you.

Service of the Word & Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®) 

March 30, 2025

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

March 30, 2025 Lent 4 

GRACE INSTEAD OF CONDEMNATION 

WELCOME – we will be using the Blue Hymnal today. 

HYMN 394 “Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain”  

(Please stand for last stanza) 

THE SERVICE – Setting One - page 154ff  

NOTE: all responses will be spoken 

HYMN 948 “Thank the Lord and Sing His Praise” 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Almighty God, we confess that we deserve to be punished for our evil deeds. But we ask you graciously  to cleanse us from all sin and to comfort us with your salvation; through your Son, Jesus Christ our  Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 12:1-6 

God’s grace turns the fear of our condemnation into the joy of our salvation. 

1 In that day you will say: I will give thanks to you, Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away, and you comfort me. 2Surely God is my salvation. I will trust  him and will not be afraid, because Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song, and he has become  my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4In that  day you will say: Give thanks to the Lord! Proclaimhis name. Declare among the peoples what  he has done. Proclaim that his name is exalted! 5Sing to the Lord, for he has done amazing  things! Let this be known in all the earth! 6Shout aloud and sing for joy, daughter of Zion, for  the Holy One of Israel is great among you! 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 32 – Refrain read in unison; Verses read responsively 

SECOND LESSON: Romans 8:1-10 

In Christ Jesus, God has already condemned all sin. For us there is only grace and the gift of the Holy 

Spirit. 

1So then, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.2For in Christ  Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3Indeed, what the  law was unable to do, because it was weakened by the flesh, God did, when he sent his own  Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to deal with sin. God condemned sin in his flesh, 4so that  the righteous decree of the law would be fully satisfied in us who are not walking according  to the flesh, but according to the spirit. 5 To be sure, those who are in harmony with the  sinful flesh think about things the way the sinful flesh does, and those in harmony with the  spirit think about things the way the spirit does. 6Now, the way the sinful flesh thinks results  in death, but the way the spirit thinks results in life and peace. 7For the mind-set of the sinful  flesh is hostile to God, since it does not submit to God’s law, and in fact, it cannot. 8 Those  who are in the sinful flesh cannot please God. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him  shall not perish but have eternal life. 

GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-3,11-32 

How does God respond to those who object to or are enraged by his grace? He responds with more  grace. 

1 All the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and  the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 He told them this parable:…11 Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 The younger of  them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property  between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all that he had and  traveled to a distant country. There he wasted his wealth with reckless living. 14After he had  spent everything, there was a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 He  went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields  to feed pigs. 16 He would have liked to fill his stomach with the carob pods that the pigs were  eating, but no one gave him anything. 17When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of  my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, and I am dying from hunger! 18 I will  get up, go to my father, and tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I  am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 He  got up and went to his father. While he was still far away, his father saw him and was filled  with compassion. He ran, hugged his son, and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I  have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick, bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a  ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and  celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.’  Then they began to celebrate. 25 His older son was in the field. As he approached the house,  he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what was going  on. 27 The servant told him, ‘Your brother is here! Your father killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 The older brother was angry and refused to go  in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 He answered his father, ‘Look, these  many years I’ve been serving you, and I never disobeyed your command, but you never gave  me even a young goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours arrived after wasting your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for  him!’ 31 The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 But  it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive  again. He was lost and is found.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! (sung) 

HYMN 523 “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” 

SERMON: Luke 15:1-3,11-32 “Who is the Biggest Prodigal?” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 163 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYER 

BLESSING: C: Amen.  

HYMN 579 “His Mercy Is More” (Refrain sang 3x after verse 3) 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR 

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined  together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not  expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING. 

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement. 

LENTEN WEDNESDAY WORSHIP – We will be joining the members of Redeemer,  Scottville, at 1:30 pm for their Lenten series, “Reflection on Repentance.” Based on Psalm  51. No lunch.

Christian Worship Hymnal © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)  

© 2017 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.