St Paul’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church
313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660
www.StPaulsManistee.com
facebook.com/SPLCManistee
Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821
October 19, 2025 Pentecost 18
The 175th Anniversary of the WELS
WELCOME
HYMN 623 “God the Father, Son, and Spirit”
INVOCATION
We gather worship and give thanks for the 175th anniversary of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
M: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
C: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
M: If we say we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar,
C: and his Word is not in us.
M: My children, I write these things to you so that you will not sin. If anyone does sin, we have an Advocate before the Father: Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
C: He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the whole world.
M: Let us confess our sins to the LORD.
C: Holy God, merciful Father, I am sinful by nature. I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others like myself; I have not loved and prayed for my enemies. Yes, I deserve your punishment both now and forever. According to your own word, Jesus, your Son, my Lord and Savior, paid for my sins with his perfect life and innocent suffering and death. I truly do trust in him as I pray – God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
C: Amen.
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
HYMN 392 “Not unto Us”
PRAYER OF THE DAY:
Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude as we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We give thanks for your abundant blessings over the years, for the faithful proclamation of your Word, and for the countless lives touched by the Gospel through our synod's ministry. Lord, for many generations, you have preserved and guided your Church both through trials and blessings, raising up pastors, teachers, and lay leaders to serve your kingdom. As we remember this milestone, we ask for your continued guidance and strength to remain steadfast in the truth, proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for the salvation of all. Bless this synod with unity, wisdom, and a renewed commitment to spread the kingdom of God, that your name may be glorified now and forever. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
FIRST LESSON: Romans 5:8-10 Christ FOR Us!
8 But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
HYMN 529 “Built on the Rock”
SECOND LESSON: Deuteronomy 6:3-9 Christ THROUGH Us!
3 Listen, O Israel, and be conscientious about doing those things, so it may go well for you and so you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you. 4 Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God. The Lord is one! 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 These words that I am commanding you today are to be on your heart. 7 Teach them diligently to your children and speak about them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as a sign on your wrists, and they will serve as symbols on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.
HYMN 556 “Rise, Shine, You People”
GOSPEL: Matthew 28:18-20 Christ WITH Us!
18 Jesus approached and spoke to them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and gather disciples from all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and by teaching them to keep all the instructions I have given you. And surely I am with you always until the end of the age.”
RESPONSIVE ANNIVERSARY PRAYER
M: Gracious God, the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ, has redeemed us from sin, and the work of your Spirit in our hearts has brought us to faith. According to your promise, preserve us in faith through your Word and sacraments. Accept our humble thanks for these rich blessings and help us to rejoice in them and use them faithfully. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Gracious God, you have brought us together in a church body in which your Word is proclaimed faithfully, the message of reconciliation through Christ is the central focus of ministry, and the mission is to reach the lost and strengthen the saved. For this gift of your grace, we give you thanks. Work in us by your Holy Spirit to rekindle our zeal for the work you have set before us. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Gracious Lord, you have given us opportunities to proclaim your Word in our nation and throughout the world. Move the hearts of more young people to prepare for the teaching and preaching ministry. Help us view them as your precious gifts. Bless the work of our schools that prepare them for ministry and provide the opportunities for them to serve in your kingdom. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Gracious Lord, you have brought us together as a church body that we may proclaim your praise. Inspire us by your grace to let our light shine so that more people may be led to glorify you. Forgive us when we fall short of living and working together as your people. Renew in us a godly determination to serve you and one another in love. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Gracious Lord, you have preserved our synod and blessed its ministry for the past 175 years. We thank you for the faithful ministers of the gospel throughout our history who have taught your truth and proclaimed your Word. Bless us in the future as you have in the past so that our synod, its congregations, and each of us may boldly confess your name for the salvation of precious souls. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
M: Hear us, help us, and hold your guiding hand over us that in all our service your saving name may be glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN 538 “The Church’s One Foundation”
CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING
HYMN 283 “God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage”
WELS Connection
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS
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.
COUNCIL MEETING will take place after refreshments today.
All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)