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 31, 2025 Pentecost 11

GOD’S GRACE SURPASSES OUR SINS

WELCOME

HYMN 283 “Speak, O Savior; I Am Listening” (Please stand for the last stanza) SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness. Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sung) Amen.

FIRST LESSON: Judges 2:1-5

The Israelites are reminded of God’s deliverance and grace in spite of the people’s disobedience.

1 The Angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim, and he said, “I brought you up out of Egypt, and I brought you to the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, ‘I will not break my covenant with you, forever. 2As for you, do not make a covenant with the people living in this land. You must tear down their altars.’ But you did not listen to my voice. What is this you have done? 3So I say, ‘I will not drive them out before you, but they will be traps for you, and their gods will be a snare to you.’” 4When the Angel of the Lord spoke these things to all the people of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept loudly. 5 They named that place Bokim, and they sacrificed to the Lord there.

P: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM 34 – page 80

Happy the people the Lord ahs chosen to be his own.

SECOND LESSON: Romans 3:21-24

Righteousness from God comes through faith not by works.

21 But now, completely apart from the law, a righteousness from God has been made known. The Law and the Prophets testify to it. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and over all who believe. In fact, there is no difference, 23 because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

P: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

VERSE OF THE DAY:

Alleluia. Jesus replied, “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.

(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: Matthew 5:13-16

Believers make a difference by being salt and light in our sin-filled world.

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its flavor, how will it become salty again? Then it is no good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. 14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. No, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 In the same way let your light shine in people’s presence, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

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

HYMN 484 “Brothers, Sisters, Let Us Gladly”

SERMON: Judges 2:1-5 “Messy People, Merciful God”

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41

PRAYER

LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional)

HYMN 379 “Amazing Grace – How Sweet the Sound”

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen.

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

HYMN 334 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCH PICNIC – Please stay for some delicious food, fellowship and fun. All are welcome. Stay as long as you like. Thank you, Jerry Wright, for your generous donation of food today.

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME AT ST. PAUL’S,

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK.

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

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.

SERVING US TODAY: Retired Pastor Brad Wright grew up in Manistee and was confirmed here at St. Paul’s. He served several places in his ministry including 5 years at Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch, CO, and 23 years at Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, WI, serving as a teacher, coach, and vice principal. His final call was to Mansfield, OH, where served as the first pastor of Risen Savior Lutheran Church for 4 years. He retired in 2023 but recently served a vacancy in CA. Brad & Susan 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Mikayla, and her husband Tyler live in Charleston, SC, with their children, Zara and Theo. Austin, and his wife Addie make their home in Gilbert, AZ, with their son, Micah. Their youngest, Zach, lives in North Phoenix, AZ. They now live in Sun Lakes, AZ. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, playing golf and pickleball, and appreciating the warm Arizona weather. Thank you for serving us for the past 2 Sundays. May the LORD continue to bless you, your children & grandkid and all your activities.

THE WONDERS OF GOD – Join us at Pastor & Kay Himm’s home on Thursdays at 7 pm. as we explore the wonders of God in the pages of God’s Word. The class is open to all. There is no cost nor obligation.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

Sunday School & Adult Bible Class – 9 AM

WORSHIP – 10 AM

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