St Paul’s

Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660

www.StPaulsManistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

March 16, 2025 Lent 2

NO DETOURS ALLOWED

WELCOME

HYMN 111 “Sweet the Moments Rich in Blessing”

(Please stand for last stanza)

COMMON SERVICE - page 15

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sung) Amen.

FIRST LESSON: Jeremiah 26:8-15

Jeremiah knew the path the Lord had called him to walk—calling the nation to repent—might get him killed. In love for the Lord and for his nation, Jeremiah walked that path willingly.

8 When Jeremiah had finished saying everything the LORD had commanded him to say to all the people, then the priests, the prophets, and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! 9 Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will be like Shiloh and that this city will be desolate with no one living here?” All the people crowded around Jeremiah in the House of the LORD.10 When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they came up from the king’s house to the House of the LORD and sat in the entrance of the New Gate of the LORD’s house. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has been prophesying against this city, as you heard with your own ears.” 12 Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and to all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the things that you have heard. 13 Now reform your ways and your actions, and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring about the disaster he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, look, I am in your hands. Do with me whatever seems good and right in your eyes. 15 But you can be certain of this. If you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live here, for it is true that the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”

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: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Paul explains that being a follower of Jesus means that our path in life will resemble his. Paul encourages us to not try and take detours as we journey toward heaven.

17 Brothers, join together in imitating me and in paying atten-tion to those who are walking according to the pattern we gave you. 18 To be sure, many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. I told you about them often, and now I am saying it while weeping. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their appetite, and their glory is in their shame. They are thinking only about earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. We are eagerly waiting for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 By the power that enables him to subject all things to himself, he will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body. 41So then, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way keep standing firm in the Lord, my dear friends.

P: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

VERSE OF THE DAY:

Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.

GOSPEL: Luke 13:31-35

The Pharisees offer Jesus a detour around danger and a shortcut to safety. But Jesus was determined to continue down the path he was on for us and our salvation.

31 In that very hour, some Pharisees came to him and said, “Leave, and go away from here, because Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I am going to drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal. 33 Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, because it cannot be that a prophet would be killed outside Jerusalem!’ 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I have wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you will say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 19

HYMN 452 “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”

SERMON: Philippians 3:17-4:1 “Walking the Hard Road”

SONG “Create in Me a Clean Heart” – page 20

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN 417 “I'm But a Stranger Here”

PRAYER - page 43 C: Amen. (sung)

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

HYMN 103 “Glory Be to Jesus”

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 – March 19 at 130 pm. We will be joining the member of Redeemer, Scottville, for their Lenten series, “Repentance Reflections” based on Psalm 51. There is no Lunch this Wednesday. All are welcome!

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 ®)