December 15, 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

December 15, 2024 Advent 3 

A REAL CHRISTMAS  RESULTS IN GREAT JOY 

WELCOME 

HYMN 3 “Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates” 

 (Please stand for the last verse) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance.  Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the  Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sung) Amen

FIRST LESSON: Zephaniah 3:14-17 

We can rejoice, because the Lord has saved us and delights in us. 

14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back  your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any  harm. 16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your  hands hang limp. 17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will  rejoice over you with singing.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 103 – page 105 

I will hear what the LORD proclaims: peace to his people. 

SECOND LESSON: Philippians 4:4-7 

What is the reason for our enduring joy? The Lord is near to us.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident  to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by  prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace  of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in  Christ Jesus. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before 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: Luke 3:7-18 

Those who rejoice in the good news of salvation joyfully produce fruits of repentance. 

7John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of  vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8Produce fruit in keeping  with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our  father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for  Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not  produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 “What should we do  then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share  with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even  tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some  soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and  don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 The people were waiting  expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the  Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more  powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He  will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to  clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the  chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people  and proclaimed the good news to them. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 32 “When Sinners See Their Lost Condition"

SERMON: Luke 3:7-18 

The Joy of Forgiveness 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 7 “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 6 "Come, O Long-Expected 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.  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. 

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP – 5 PM. Join us at 5 pm on Christmas Eve to  worship our newborn King. The children will enhance this service with words and  song. Please invite family, friends, and neighbors. 

There is no Christmas Day service at St. Paul’s. However, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scottville has a 10 am service.

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

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



December 8, 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

December 8, 2024 Advent 2 

A REAL CHRISTMAS IS ROOTED IN REPENTANCE 

WELCOME 

HYMN 12 “Hark the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes” 

 (Stand for the last verse) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. By his coming, give us  strength in our conflicts, and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; 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: Malachi 3:1-7b 

Through God’s Word and the messengers who proclaim it, the Lord encourages his people to return to  him in humble repentance. 

1“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the  Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom  you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his  coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a  launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites  and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring  offerings in righteousness, 4and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable  to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years. 5So I will come to put you on trial.  I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who  defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and  deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty. 6“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are  not destroyed. 7Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my 

decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the  Lord Almighty. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 24 – page 739 

Let the LORD enter; He is the King of Glory! 

SECOND LESSON: Philippians 1:3-11 

God began his good work in us at our baptism, empowering us to love, to demonstrate discernment, and  to produce fruits of repentance. 

3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always  pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until  now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on  to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7It is right for me to feel this way about all  of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and  confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how  I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your  love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may  be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of  Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the  glory and praise of God. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. And all people will see  God’s salvation. 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 3:1-6 

John the Baptist prepared people to meet their Savior by preaching a message of repentance and  forgiveness. 

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was  governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and  Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2during the high-priesthood of Annas  and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He  went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for  the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight  paths for him. 5Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The  crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see  God’s salvation.’” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 16 “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” 

SERMON: John 5:25-29 

A Real Christmas is Rooted in Repentance 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 11 “Comfort, Comfort All My People" 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 14 "Arise, O Christian People" 

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 NIV 2011. Used by permission.



December 1, 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

  website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

December 1, 2024 Advent 1

What Kind of Advent Will You Have? 

WELCOME 

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

– please stand for last stanza 

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the  threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one  God, now and forever. 

(Sing) Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: Jeremiah 33:14-16 

The LORD promised that a descendant of King David would be our righteous Savior. 

14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I  made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make  a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the  land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the  name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 

Christ came the first time so that by his saving work we might be found blameless and holy when he  comes again. 

9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the  presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we  may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the  Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just  as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be  blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus  comes with all his holy ones. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord  Jesus. Alleluia.  

(Sing) 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 19:28-40 

Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey colt, knowing he would soon be put to death. This is why Christ  came. 

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he  approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two  of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it,  you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it  here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those  who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were  untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They  replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt  and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the  whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles  they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in  heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus,  “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the  stones will cry out.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 388 “Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven” 

SERMON: Isaiah 62:10-12 

10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build  up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations. 11 The Lord has 

made procla-mation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Savior  comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’” 12 They  will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called  Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted. 

“What Kind of Advent Will You Have?” 

 1. Will it be an ADVENT filled with preparation?  

 2. Will it be an ADVENT filled with certainty?  

 3. Will it be an ADVENT filled with light? 

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 - pages 36 

BLESSING (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.  

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

NEXT SATURDAY, from 12 noon – 2 pm, St. Paul’s will have an Open House  during the Victorian Sleighbell Festival weekend. Did you know that St. Paul’s Ev.  Lutheran Church’s current building was built in 1890 and is one of Manistee’s oldest 

churches? Visitors will receive a free Christmas ornament. Please join us to  welcome and help answers questions which our visitors might have.

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

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



Thanksgiving Eve 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

November 27, 2024 Thanksgiving 

WELCOME 

HYMN 613 “Come, You Thankful People” 

(please stand for the last verse) 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 100) 

P: A psalm. For giving thanks. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

C: Worship the LORD with gladness;  

P: Come before him with joyful songs. 

C: Know that the LORD is God.  

P: It is he who made us, and we are his;  

C: We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

P: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;  

C: Give thanks to him and praise his name. 

P: For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;  

C: His faithfulness continues through all generations. 

Hymn 610 “Now Thank We All Our God” 

PRAYER 

Almighty God, your mercies are new every morning, and you graciously provide for all our needs  of body and soul. Grant us your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge your goodness, give thanks  for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience all our days; through your Son, Jesus Christ  our Lord. C: Amen. 

FIRST LESSON: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 

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. 

P: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God! 

GOSPEL: Luke 17:11-19 

11 On another occasion, as Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he was passing along the  border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 When he entered a certain village, ten men with  leprosy met him. Standing at a distance, 13 they called out loudly, “Jesus, Master, have  mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As  they went away they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed,  turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. 16 He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, thanking  him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus responded, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the  other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give glory to God except this  foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go your way. Your faith has saved you.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

C: Praise be to you, O Christ! 

HYMN 615 “We Thanks You for Your Blessings” 

SERMON: Deuteronomy 8:1-10 

1 Be conscientious about carrying out the entire body of commands that I am giving you  today so that you may thrive and increase and you may go in and possess the land that  the Lord promised by oath to give to your fathers. 2 Remember the whole journey on  which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble  you and to test you, in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would  keep his commandments. 3So he humbled you and allowed you to be hungry. Then he fed  you manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known before, in order to teach you  that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the  mouth of the Lord. 4 The clothes you wore did not wear out, and your feet did not swell  these forty years. 5So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so  the Lord your God disciplines you. 6 Therefore you are to keep the commandments of  the Lord your God by walking in his ways and by revering him. 7For the Lord your God  is bringing you into a good land, a land of gullies filled with water, a land with springs and  groundwater that flows out into the valleys and down the mountains, 8a land with wheat  and barley and vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees for oil, and  honey,[a] 9a land where you can eat bread and not be poor, where you will not lack  anything, a land whose rocks are iron and from whose mountains you can mine copper. 10 Then you will eat, and you will be filled, and you will praise the Lord your God for the  good land that he has given you. 

Remember the LORD’S Loving Gifts 

1. Look back and praise Him 

2. Look forward and serve Him 

HYMN 609 “We Praise You, O God”

RESPONSIVE PRAYER (page 128) 

LORD’S PRAYER  

BLESSING 

HYMN 617 “Christ, by Heavenly Host Adored” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

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. 

IF YOU ARE VISITING,  

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK. 

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

Join us this Sunday! 

9 am – Sunday School & Bible Class 

10 am – Worship 

Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2018 The Wartburg  Project. All rights reserved


November 24, 2024

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

November 24, 2024

Christ the King Sunday

Thankful Throughout the Year 

Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having  just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. He suggested that we should “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank  God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” 

WELCOME 

HYMN 250 “From All that Dwell below the Skies” 

M: We give thanks to God in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  C: Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SINS & ABSOLUTION 

M: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. C: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and  purify us from all unrighteous-ness. 

M: Let us confess our sins to the Lord. 

C: Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you  in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole  heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now  and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering  and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner. 

Silence for meditation and reflection 

M: Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who  gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant  of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son  and of the Holy Spirit. 

C: Amen. 

Be Thankful during the ADVENT SEASON 

for HIS GIFT OF HOPE

HYMN 23 (1,4) “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel 

Luke 1:26-38 

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named  Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of  David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who  are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” 9 But she was greatly  troubled by the statement and was wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 The angel  said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have found favor with God. 31 Listen, you  will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and  will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father  David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 34 Mary  said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered her, “The Holy  Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy  one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Listen, Elizabeth, your relative, has also  conceived a son in her old age even though she was called barren, and this is her sixth  month. 37 For nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Then Mary said, “See, I am the Lord’s  servant. May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. 

Be Thankful during the CHRISTMAS SEASON  

for HIS GIFT OF JOY 

HYMN 62 (1,2) “Joy to the World” 

Luke 2:1-20 

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be  registered. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3And  everyone went to register, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out  of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because  he was from the house and family line of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, his  wife,[a] who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. 6And so it was that  while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn  son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room  for them in the inn. 8 There were in the same country shepherds staying out in the fields,  keeping watch over their flock at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory  of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified! 10 But the angel said to them, “Do  not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all  people: 11 Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ[b]the  Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and  lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army,  praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward  mankind.” 15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one  another, “Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has  made known to us.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was  lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they told others the message they had been  told about this child. 18And all who heard it were amazed by what the shepherds said to  them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen,  which were just as they had been told. 

Be Thankful during the EPIPHANY SEASON 

for MAKING HIMSELF KNOWN 

HYMN 82 (1,2) “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” 

John 1:1-5,10-14 

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He  was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him everything was made, and without him not one  thing was made that has been made. 4In him waslife, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 The  light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….10 He was in the world,  and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to  what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who did receive him, to  those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They were  born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God.14 The  Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the  only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

Be Thankful during the LENTEN SEASON  

for HIS PAYMENT OF SIN 

HYMN 104 (1,3) “Go to Dark Gethsemane” 

John 3:14-18 

14 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so  that everyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.16 “For God so loved  the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish,  but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,  but to save the world through him. 18 The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the  one who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of  the only-begotten Son of God. 

Be Thankful during the EASTER SEASON 

for OUR NEW BIRTH 

HYMN 150 (1,4) “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” 

1 Peter 1:3-9 

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us a new  birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4into an  inheritance that is undying, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 Through faith you  are being protected by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end  of time. 6 Because of this you rejoice very much, even though now for a little while, if necessary,  you have been grieved by various kinds of trials 7so that the proven character of your faith— which is more valuable than gold, which passes away even though it is tested by fire—may be  found to result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have  not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet by believing in him, you are 

filled with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9because you are receiving the goal  of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

Be Thankful ASCENSION 

that HE RULES ALL THINGS FOREVER 

HYMN 171 (1,2) “A Hymn of Glory Let us Sing” 

Ephesians 1:17-23 

17 I keep praying that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you the  Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ fully. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart  may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, just how rich  his glorious inheritance among the saints is, 19 and just how surpassingly great his power is for  us who believe. 20 It is as great as the working of his mighty strength, which God worked in  Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly  places, 21 far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, and above every name that is  given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 God also placed all things under his  feet and made him head over everything for the church. 23 The church is his body, the fullness  of him[b] who fills everything in every way. 

Be Thankful for PENTECOST 

for the GIFT OF THE SPIRIT 

HYMN 183 (1,2) “Holy Spirit, Light Divine” 

Acts 2:38-42 

38 Peter answered them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus  Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For  the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord  our God will call.” 40 He testified solemnly with many other words and was appealing to them,  saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message  were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added. 42 They continued to  hold firmly to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and  to the prayers. 

Be Thankful during the PENTECOST SEASON 

for the GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT 

HYMN 297 (1,3) “Baptized in Water” 

Galatians 5:16-25  

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,[b]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 spirit 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. 

PRAYERS & LORD’S PRAYER 

CLOSING THOUGHTS 

BLESSING 

M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy  Spirit be with you all. 

C:Amen. 

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

ANNOUNCEMENT & 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 by the doors  next to the water dispenser. 

VISITORS, PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK 

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

Please join us for our annual  

Thanksgiving Worship Service this Wednesday at 2 pm. 

All Scripture readings are from the Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV). Used by permission.


November 17, 2024

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821

November 17, 2024 Last Judgment

LIVE FREE FROM THE FEAR OF JUDGMENT 

WELCOME 

HYMN 29 “Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending” 

 (Stand for the last verse) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Lord God Almighty, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that we may  always look forward to the end of this present evil age and the day of your righteous judgment.  Keep us steadfast in true and living faith, and present us at last holy and blameless before  you; 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: Daniel 12:1-3 

The prophet Daniel foretells that the world will get worse and then judgment day will come. All whose  names are written by Christ in his book of life need not fear that judgment. 

1“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There  will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until  then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the  book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will  awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those  who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many  to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 16 – page 89 

I will walk in the presence of the LORD, in the land of the living.

SECOND LESSON: Hebrews 9:24-28 

We can live free of the fear of God’s judgment because of the sacrifice our high priest made. 

24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy  of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s  presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high  priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his  own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of  the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away  with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after  that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many;  and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who  are waiting for him. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.  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 5:25-29 

God the Father has given Jesus Christ the authority to judge. 

25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the  voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in  himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him  authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for a  time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out— those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is  evil will rise to be condemned.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 207 “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” 

SERMON: John 5:25-29 

Hear His Voice and Live 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 538 “The Church's One Foundation" 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 213 "Forever with the Lord" 

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. 

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP: We will gather on Wednesday, November 27, at 2 pm for our annual Thanksgiving Eve Service. Please invite your family, friends,  and neighbors. All are welcome!

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

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



November 10, 2024

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821

November 10, 2024 25th Sunday after Pentecost

LIVE A LIFE OF STARTLING GENEROSITY  

WELCOME 

HYMN 233 “All People that on Earth do Dwell” 

 (Stand for the last verse) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Almighty and ever-living God, you have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those  who trust in you. Grant us so firmly to believe in your Son Jesus that our faith may never be  found wanting; 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: 1 Kings 17:8-16 

A widow generously offers up the last bit of food she has to serve the prophet Elijah. 

8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9“Go at once to Zarephath in the region  of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So  he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering  sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may  have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece  of bread.” 12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any  bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few  sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and  die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first  make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then  make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of  Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until  the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” 15 She went away and did as Elijah had told  her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the  word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. 

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 our God. 

SECOND LESSON: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 

The believers in Macedonia demonstrate startling generosity in collecting an offering to help fellow  Christians in need. 

1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has  given the Macedonian churches. 2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing  joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they  gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their  own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the  Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all  to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6So we urged Titus, just as he had  earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your  part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete  earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this  grace of giving. 

8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing  it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus  Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through  his poverty might become rich. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.  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: Mark 12:38-44 

Jesus points to a poor widow as an example of startling generosity. 

38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk  around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have  the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These  men will be punished most severely.” 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the  offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple  treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put  in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him,  Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all  the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in  everything—all she had to live on.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 480 “Almighty Father, Heaven and Earth” 

SERMON: Mark 12:38-44 

Give Like No Other 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 485 “We Give Thee but Thine Own" 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 484 "Brothers, Sisters, Let Us Gladly" 

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 NIV 2011. Used by permission.



November 3, 2024

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660   

 website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

November 3, 2024 All Saints

LIVE KNOWING LIFE ONLY GETS BETTER 

HYMN 551 (1-3,4,5) “For All the Saints” 

– please stand for last stanza 

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Almighty God, you have knit your people together into one holy Church, the body of Christ our  Lord. Grant us grace to follow the example of your blessed saints in lives of faith and willing  service and with them at last inherit the inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who  love you; 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 25:6-9 

The Lord Almighty promises his saints, all those who trust in him, that he will destroy the shroud of death. 

6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a  banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines .7 On this mountain he  will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all  faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. 9In  that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is  the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 34 – page 80 

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 20:1-6 

St. John sees those who had been killed because of their faith in Christ now living and reigning with him  in glory. 

1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or  Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked  and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand  years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. 4I saw thrones on  which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of  those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the  word of God. They[a]had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its  mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a  thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were  ended.) This is the first resurrect-tion. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first  resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God  and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple. 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 11:32-44 

Jesus demonstrates his power over death. 

32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said,  “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33When Jesus saw her  weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in  spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they  replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them  said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across  the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the  dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then  Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they  took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have  heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people  standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus  called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet  wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the  grave clothes and let him go.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 549 “Around the Throne, A Glorious Band” 

SERMON: Isaiah 25:6-9  

It’s Going to Get Better 

NICENE’ CREED - page 31 

PRAYERS & LORD’S PRAYER 

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 communicant members of  WELS and ELS churches come forward to receive the Lord’s body and blood in this  Sacrament. Pastor Himm offers a class so you can receive the Lord’s Supper. 

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - pages 36 

BLESSING (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 555 “For All Your Saints, O Lord” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

OFFERING BASKET BY DOOR – near refreshments 

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

Visitors, please sign our Guest Book in the entryway. 

THANK YOU to all those who helped at Trick or Treat here at the church this past Thursday.  Your service is always appreciated.

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

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



October 27, 2024

FESTIVAL OF THE  REFORMATION October 27, 2024 

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

www.stpaulsmanistee.com

The Explanation of Luther’s Coat of Arms

WELCOME 

INVOCATION 

P: In the name of the Father, 

C: Who loves us in creating and providing for us. 

P: In the name of the Son, 

C: Who loves us by redeeming us from all of our sins.  P: In the name of the Holy Spirit, 

C: Who loves us by keeping us in the saving faith until we are safe  in heaven. Amen. 

HYMN 201 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”  

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon; He helps us free from ev’ry need That has us now o’ertaken. The old evil foe Now means deadly woe; 

Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight; On earth is not his equal. 

With might of ours can naught be done; Soon were our loss  effected. 

But for us fights the valiant one Whom God himself elected. You ask, “Who is this?” Jesus Christ it is, 

The almighty Lord. And there’s no other God; 

He holds the field forever. 

Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us, We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not overpow’r us. This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will, 

He can harm us none. He’s judged; the deed is done! 

One little word can fell him. 

The Word they still shall let remain, Nor any thanks have for it; He’s by our side upon the plain With his good gifts and Spirit. And do what they will—Hate, steal, hurt, or kill—

Though all may be gone, Our victory is won; 

The kingdom’s ours forever! 

REFORMATION DIALOG 

M: I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."  C: One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell  in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the  beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.  

M: Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?  C: He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up  his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.  

M: The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any  who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together  become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.  

C: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;  according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I  know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.  

M: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed  is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him.  

C: I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths; O  Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.  M: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we  will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of  the sea. 

C: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. M: Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only  a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime.  

C: Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his  saints. 

HYMN 277 God, We Praise You (Te Deum) 

God, we praise you! God, we bless you! God, we name you sov’reign Lord! Mighty King whom angels worship, Father, by your Church adored: All creation shows your glory; Heav’n and earth draw near your throne,

Singing, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord of hosts and God alone!” 

True apostles, faithful prophets, Saints who set their world ablaze, Martyrs, once unknown, unheeded, Join one growing song of praise, While your Church on earth confesses One majestic Trinity: 

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God, our hope eternally. 

Jesus Christ, the King of glory, Everlasting Son of God, 

Humble was your virgin mother, Hard the lonely path you trod: By your cross is sin defeated, Hell confronted face to face, 

Heaven opened to believers, Sinners justified by grace. 

Christ, at God’s right hand victorious, You will judge the world you made; Lord, in mercy help your servants For whose freedom you have paid: Raise us up from dust to glory; Guard us from all sin today. 

King enthroned above all praises, Save your people, God, we pray. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

M: Gracious Lord, our refuge and strength, pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful  people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in all  temptations, defend them against all their enemies, and bestow on the Church  your saving peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns  with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.  

  

 AN EXPLANATION OF 

 LUTHER’S COAT OF ARMS 

Martin Luther designed this seal  

while teaching at the university  

in Wittenberg, Germany.

Black Cross  

 “The first thing expressed in my seal is a cross, black, within the red   heart to put me in mind that faith in Christ crucified saves us.” 

For the wages of sin is death,  

but the undeserved gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 

HYMN 303 (1,4,5) With Broken Heart and Contrite Sigh

With broken heart and contrite sigh,  

A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry. 

Your pard’ning grace is rich and free— 

O God, be merciful to me! 

No gifts, no deeds that I have done  

Can for a single sin atone. 

To Calvary alone I flee— 

O God, be merciful to me! 

And when, redeemed from sin and hell,  

With all the ransomed souls I dwell, 

My joyous song shall ever be:  

God has been merciful to me! 

Red Heart  

 “Now, although the cross is black, shameful, and intended to cause pain,   yet it does not change the color of the heart, does not destroy nature.   In other words, it does not kill but keeps alive. "For the just shall live   by faith" – by faith in the Savior.” 

But if we walk in the light, just as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,  and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin

1 John 1:7 

HYMN 377(1-4) Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice, With exultation springing, And, with united heart and voice And holy rapture singing,

Proclaim the wonders God has done, How his right arm the vict’ry  won. How dearly it has cost him! 

Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay; Death brooded darkly o’er me. Sin was my torment night and day; In sin my mother bore me. Yet deep and deeper still I fell; Life had become a living hell, So firmly sin possessed me. 

My own good works availed me naught, No merit they attaining; My will against God’s judgment fought, No hope for me remaining. My fears increased till sheer despair Left naught but death to be  my share And hell to be my sentence. 

But God beheld my wretched state Before the world’s foundation, And, mindful of his mercies great, He planned my soul’s salvation. A Father’s heart he turned to me, Sought my redemption  fervently; He gave his dearest treasure. 

3. White Rose  

 “But this heart is fixed on the center of a white rose to show that faith  causes joy, comfort, and peace. The rose is white, not red, because   white is the ideal color of all angels and blessed souls.” 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,  

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:7 

HYMN 390 (1,2,6) Salvation unto Us Has Come 

Salvation unto us has come By God’s free grace and favor. Good works cannot avert our doom; They help and save us never. Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone, Who did for all the world atone; He is the one Redeemer. 

What God does in his law demand And none to him can render, Brings wrath and woe on ev’ry hand For man, the vile offender. Our flesh has not those pure desires The spirit of the law requires,

And lost is our condition. 

All blessing, honor, thanks, and praise To Father, Son, and Spirit, The God who saved us by his grace—All glory to his merit! O Triune God in heav’n above, You have revealed your saving love; Your blessed name be hallowed! 

4. Blue Sky  

 “This rose, moreover, is fixed in a sky-colored background to show  that such joy of faith in the spirit is but a promise and beginning of   heavenly joy to come. This joy, though not yet revealed, is looked   forward to and held by the hope which we have.” 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us get rid  of every burden and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with patient  endurance the race that is laid out for us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is  the author of our faith and the one who brings it to its goal. In view of the joy set  before him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat  at the right hand of God’s throne. 

Hebrews 12:1,2 

HYMN 219 - Lord, When Your Glory I Shall See 

Lord, when your glory I shall see 

And taste your kingdom’s pleasure, 

Your blood my royal robe shall be, 

My joy beyond all measure! 

When I appear before your throne, 

Your righteousness shall be my crown; 

With these I need not hide me. 

And there, in garments richly wrought, 

As your own bride I shall be brought 

To stand in joy beside you. 

5. Gold Circle  

 “Around this background is a ring to show that such bliss in heaven is   endless. And since the ring is made of gold, the best and most precious metal, it also shows that the bliss of heaven is more precious than all other joys and treasures.” 

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid  again. In his joy, he goes away and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Matthew 13:44 

HYMN 728 (1,2) Jerusalem the Golden 

Jerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blest 

The sight of it refreshes The weary and oppressed: 

I know not, oh, I know not What joys await us there, 

What rediancy of glory, What bliss beyond compare: 

To sing the hymn unending With all the martyr throng, Amidst the halls of Zion Resounding full of song. 

Oh, sweet and blessed country, The home of God’s elect!

Oh sweet and blessed country That eager hearts expect,

Where they who with their leader Have conquered in the fight Forever and forever Are clad in robes of white. 

Jesus in mercy bring us To that dear land of rest  

Where sings the host of heaven Your glorious name to bless. 

CONFESSION OF FAITH – THE APOSTLES’ CREED As explained by Martin Luther in his Small Catechism 

I believe that God created me and all that exists, and that he gave  me my body and soul, eyes, ears and all my members, my mind and  all my abilities. And I believe that God still preserves me by richly  and daily providing clothing and shoes, food and drink, property and  home, spouse and children, land, cattle and all I own, and all that I  need to keep my body and life. God also preserves me by defending  me against all danger, guarding and protecting me from all evil. All  this God does only because he is my good and merciful Father in  heaven, and not because I have earned or deserve it. For all this I  ought to thank and praise, to serve and obey him. This is most  certainly true. 

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from  eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. He  has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and  won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil,  not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood and with his  innocent suffering and death. All this he did that I should be his own,  and live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting  righteousness, innocence and blessedness,  

I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in  Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has  called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and  kept me in the true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers,  enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and  keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian  church he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers. On  the Last Day he will raise me and all the dead and give eternal life  to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true. 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER 

M: Lord, our refuge and strength, we gather to worship and praise you for your  ongoing work of reformation in your Church. 

C: Lord, to you alone be glory. 

M: God of grace, in unfathomable love you pitied us sinners and sent your Son as  our substitute to deliver us from sin, guilt, death, darkness, and despair. C: For your grace, Lord, to you alone be glory. 

M: By your grace you sent your Spirit to call us to repentance. Your powerful gospel  rescued us from rebellion and fills us with faith in you, the true and living God. C: For saving faith, Lord, to you alone be glory. 

M: By your grace we are heirs of your eternal Word and trustees of the inspired  Scriptures, through which you proclaim your saving truth to every generation. By  the Scriptures you overthrew the darkness of those who perverted your teachings  and restored to your church the message of salvation by grace alone. 

C: For the Holy Scriptures, Lord, to you alone be glory.

M: In these last days, Lord Jesus Christ, protect your little flock. We are like sheep  living among fierce wolves. Satan stalks us like a roaring lion. Defend us from  false teachers who twist your Word to satisfy the latest longing. 

C: For wisdom and watchfulness under attack, hear our prayer, O  Lord. 

M: Never in the history of the world has your Holy Word been so accessible. We  lack only the zeal to treasure your restored truth with lives of faithful Bible study. C: For the noble character to search the Scriptures daily, hear our  prayer, O Lord. 

M: As we celebrate the Reformation that restored your pure gospel to your Church,  we also celebrate our common confession of the pure gospel in Word and  sacrament. 

C: For this unity of faith, we give you thanks, O Lord. 

M: We remember the faithful confessors of this and former generations, who have  passed down to us your Word of Truth.C: For these faithful servants, we give you thanks, O Lord.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow. 

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

Silent prayer. 

M: In thanksgiving for the many and amazing blessings restored to your Church  through the Reformation, we now commit ourselves to your care.  

C: Be our mighty fortress, our trusty shield and weapon, O Lord.  Amen. 

LORD’S PRAYER 

BENEDICTION 

M: The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make his face shine upon you  and be gracious to you. The LORD look on you with favor and give you peace. C: Amen. 

HYMN 752 In Christ Alone 

In Christ alone my hope is found; 

He is my light, my strength, my song; 

This cornerstone, this solid ground, 

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace, 

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! 

My comforter, my all in all— 

Here in the love of Christ I stand. 

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, 

Fullness of God in helpless babe! 

This gift of love and righteousness, 

Scorned by the ones He came to save. 

Till on that cross as Jesus died, 

The wrath of God was satisfied; 

For ev'ry sin on Him was laid— 

Here in the death of Christ I live. 

There in the ground His body lay, 

Light of the world by darkness slain; 

Then bursting forth in glorious day, 

Up from the grave He rose again! 

And as He stands in victory, 

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me; 

For I am His and He is mine— 

Bought with the precious blood of Christ. 

No guilt in life, no fear in death— 

This is the pow'r of Christ in me; 

From life's first cry to final breath, 

Jesus commands my destiny. 

No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, 

Can ever pluck me from His hand; 

Till He returns or calls me home— 

Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand. 

Text, Tune, Setting: Keith Getty, ©2002 Thankyou Music 

Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2018  The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved

“We believe that the very beginning and  

end of salvation and the sum of  

Christianity, consists of faith in Christ,  

who by His blood alone, and not by any  

works of ours has put away sin, and  

destroyed the power of death.” 

-- Martin Luther 

SOLA FIDE by FAITH alone 

SOLA GRATIA by GRACE alone 

SOLA SCRIPTURA by SCRIPTURE alone 

.


October 20, 2024

 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 20, 2024

21st Sunday after Pentecost

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST MAINTAIN PROPER PRIORITIES 

WELCOME 

HYMN 477 “What Is the World to Me” (Stand for the last verse) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Grant, O merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all  their sins and serve you with a quiet mind; 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: 2 Kings 5:14-27 

The prophet Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, prioritized riches over God. 

14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told  him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. 15 Then Naaman  and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I  know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your  servant.” 16 The prophet answered, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not  accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused. 17 “If you will not,” said  Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry,  for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but  the LORD.18 But may the LORD forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master  enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow  there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD forgive your servant  for this.” 19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said. After Naaman had traveled some distance, 20 Gehazi,  the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman,  this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will  run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When  Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. “Is  everything all right?” he asked. 22 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent  me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from  the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’” 23 “By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up  the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his  servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. 24When Gehazi came to the hill, he took  the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they  left. 25When he went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you  been, Gehazi?” “Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered. 26 But Elisha said to him,  “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this  the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and  herds, or male and female slaves? 27 Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your  descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it  had become as white as snow. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: Hebrews 4:12,13 

God’s Word is like a sword. It cuts through our pretentions and pride and exposes our true priorities. 

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it  penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and  attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is  uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation. 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: Mark 10:17-27 

Jesus helps a young man see a problem deeper than his failure to keep God’s law perfectly—that he  prioritized his wealth above the call to follow Christ. 

17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good  teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me  good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the  commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal,  you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”  20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and  loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the  poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22At this the man’s face  fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his  disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were  amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is  rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each  other, “Who then can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is  impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 421 “All Depends on Our Possessing” 

SERMON: 2 Kings 5:14-27 

Paying the Price 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 401 “Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ " 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 482 "Forgive Us, Lord" 

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. 

VOTERS’ MEETING – The Voters will meet after refreshments.


October 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

October 13, 2024

20th Sunday after Pentecost

The End of the World Highlights the Importance of Forgiveness

WELCOME 

HYMN 383 "Blessed Are They, Forever Blest"  

 (Please stand for the last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Almighty God, in your bountiful goodness keep us safe from every evil of body and soul. Make  us ready, with cheerful hearts, to do whatever pleases you; 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: Genesis 28:10-17 

The account of Jacob’s ladder 

10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he  stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put  it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway  resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were  ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am  the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and  your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the  dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north  and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back  to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 When  Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not  aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other  than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

SECOND LESSON: Ephesians 4:17-28 

Paul urges us to put off the sinful flesh and put on the new-self found in Christ’s forgiveness 

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the  Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their  understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in  them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given  themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are  full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard  about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You  were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is  being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your  minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and  holiness. 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your  neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not  let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a  foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing  something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with  those in need. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. I will proclaim your name to my people; in the midst of the congregation I will  praise 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: Matthew 9:1-8 

Jesus forgives the paralytic and shows his divine authority to by healing him 

1Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2Some men  brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to  the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 At this, some of the teachers of  the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” 4 Knowing their  thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Which is  easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the  paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” 7 Then the man got up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised  God, who had given such authority to man. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 235 "Praise the Almighty; My Soul, Adore Him" 

SERMON: Matthew 9:1-8 

The Surprising Comfort of God's Forgiveness 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 391 "God Loved the World so that He Gave" 

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 TODAY is Rev. Joshua Becker from Christ Lutheran Church in Shields (near  Saginaw). He and Erin are here with their five children: Julia (16), Lydia (15), John (13), Anna (10),  and Claudia (8). Pastor Becker enjoys woodworking, family hikes, and games. He also serves as  chairman of our Northern Conference Steering Committee. Thank you for serving us and  blessings on your family and ministry. 

VOTERS MEETING will be held next Sunday after worship. 

TRICK OR TREAT – St Paul’s will be distributing candy and other items on Thursday,  October 31 to those in our community. Come lend a helping hand, or stop by if you are  out with your children or grandchildren.


October 6, 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660   

 website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee  

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

October 6, 2024 Pentecost 19 

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST HAVE POWERFUL ALLIES 

WELCOME 

HYMN 196 “Lord God, to You We All Give Praise” (tune 334– please stand for last stanza 

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of  angels and mortals. Mercifully grant that as your holy angels always serve and worship you in  heaven, so by your direction they may help and defend us here on earth; 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: 2 Kings 6:8-17 

As Elisha fulfilled his mission to proclaim the word and will of God, the angels fulfilled their mission by  providing Elisha with protection. 

8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he  said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9 The man of God sent word to  the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down  there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time  and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This  enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell  me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12 “None of us, my lord the king,”  said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel  the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king  ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in  Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by  night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went  out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the  prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of  fire all around Elisha. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 91 – page 100 

Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. 

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 12:7-12 

When war broke out in heaven, Michael and his angels defeated Satan and his demons. 

7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and  the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost  their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient  serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled  to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now  have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority  of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before  our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They triumphed over him by the  blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so  much as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in  them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He  is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding. Alleluia.  (Sing) 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 10:17-20 

We rejoice that Christ enables us to overcome the work of demons. We rejoice even more that our names  are written in heaven. 

17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us  in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given  you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit  to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 431 (1-4) “I Walk in Danger All the Way” 

SERMON: 2 Kings 6:8-17 

Lord, Open Our Eyes! 

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 ask that only WELS and ELS communicant members  receive the Sacrament. 

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - pages 36 

BLESSING (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 198 “Around the Throne of God a Band” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

OFFERING 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. 

NEXT SUNDAY: Pastor Joshua Becker from Christ Lutheran Church, in Shields, Michigan will  serve us. 

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



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


September 29, 2024

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 September 29, 2024 18th Sunday after Pentecost 

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST ARE HUMBLE SERVANTS 

WELCOME 

HYMN 486 “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us” 

 (Please stand for the last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Lord God, you call us to work in your kingdom and leave no one standing idle. Help us  to order our lives by your wisdom and to serve you in willing obedience; 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: Numbers 12:1-15 

The pride of Aaron, the high priest, and Miriam, a prophetess, led them to badmouth humble Moses and  belittle Moses’ wife, simply for being of another race. 

1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for  he had married a Cushite. 2“Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they  asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. 3(Now  Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of  the earth.) 4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to  the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out. 5 Then  the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent  and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, 6he  said, “Listen to my words: “When there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord,  reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. 7 But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak face to  face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were  you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 The anger of  the Lord burned against them, and he left them. 10 When the cloud lifted from  above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous—it became as white as snow. Aaron  turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease, 11 and he said to  Moses, “Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so  foolishly committed. 12 Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its  mother’s womb with its flesh half eaten away.” 13 So Moses cried out to  the Lord, “Please, God, heal her!” 14 The Lord replied to Moses, “If her father  had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine  her outside the camp for seven days; after that she can be brought back.” 15 So  Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not  move on till she was brought back. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 31 – page 77 

Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and  my sure defense, and he will be my Savior. 

SECOND LESSON: James 3:3-18 

St. James teaches that ambitiously pursuing greatness is not just prideful but also demonic. True greatness  in Jesus’ kingdom is acting toward others in ways that are humble. 

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can  turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large  and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder  wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body,  but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small  spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It  corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself  set on fire by hell. 7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are  being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame  the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With the tongue we praise  our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made  in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My  brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and saltwater  flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives,  or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by  deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter  envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the  truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly,  unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you  find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from  heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of  mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace  reap a harvest of righteousness. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  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: Mark 9:30-37 

The greatest in Jesus’ kingdom is the one humble enough to gladly serve a little child who could not  possibly repay that favor. 

30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to  know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to  them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will  kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what  he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to  Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you  arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had  argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and  said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of  all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his  arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my  name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the  one who sent me.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 452 “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus” 

SERMON: Mark 9:30-37 

How Childish Are You? 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 493 “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 330 “Now, the Hour of Worship O’er” 

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. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS are held at 9 am before our worship at 10 am. You and your family are always invited to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord as  we study his living Word.

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

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



September 22, 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

September 22, 2024 17th Sunday after Pentecost 

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST ARE ARMED FOR THE BATTLE 

WELCOME 

HYMN 474 “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” (Please stand) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Lord, we pray that your mercy and grace may always go before and follow after us that, loving  you with undivided hearts, we may be ready for every good and useful work; 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: 1 Kings 18:21-39 

In a showdown between Elijah and the prophets of the idol Baal, the LORD makes it clear that all the  combined forces of hell are nothing compared to the almighty power of God. 

21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two  opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people  said nothing. 22 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the LORD’s prophets  left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.23 Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s  prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the  wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but  not set fire to it.24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name  of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said,  “What you say is good.” 25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls  and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but  do not light the fire.”26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they  called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted.  But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. 27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he  is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and  must be awakened.”28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords  and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.29 Midday passed, and they  continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there  was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.30 Then Elijah said to all the  people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD,  which had been torn down.31 Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes  descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name  shall be Israel.”32 With the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he  dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs[a] of seed.33 He arranged the  wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four  large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.”34 “Do it again,”  he said, and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third  time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.36 At the  time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of  Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I  am your servant and have done all these things at your command.37 Answer me, LORD,  answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are  turning their hearts back again.”38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the  sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God!  The LORD—he is God!” 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 116 – page 107 

I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living. 

SECOND LESSON: Ephesians 6:10-18 

So that they might be ready for the battle, followers of Christ put on the full armor of God. 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of  God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle  is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the  powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly  realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,  you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to  stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the  breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness  that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of  faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the  helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind,  be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 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: Mark 9:14-27 

As we fight spiritual battles, Jesus assures us that “Everything is possible for the one who believes,” that  is, the one who relies on Christ, who has already won the war. 

14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and  the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they  were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with  them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my  son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes  him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and  becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How  long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the  spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground  and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long  has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him  into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my  unbelief!” 5 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the  impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him  and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came  out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus  took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 579 “Lift High the Cross” 

SERMON: Ephesians 6:10-18 

Dressed for Battle

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 353 “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 537 “Onward Christian Soldiers” 

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. 

MANY THANKS: We sincerely thank the ladies of St. Paul’s for their wonderful service of  cleaning the parsonage after each guest pastor and his family use it. They have thoroughly cleaned  it 13 times. (NOTE: We have one more guest pastor scheduled for October 12.) You are the  backbone to make the Visiting Pastor Program work. Each pastor and family feel the love &  kindness you show them. Remember, your labor in the Lord is never in vain. 

The ladies are asked to meet briefly to confirm that the Visiting Pastor Program will be done for  this year after the October 12. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS is held at 9 am before our worship at 10 am. You and your family are always invited to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord as  we study his living Word.

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

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



September 15, 2024

 St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821

September 15, 2024 16th Sunday after Pentecost 

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST  

SEE THE TRUE PURPOSE OF HIS POWER 

WELCOME 

HYMN 235 “Praise the Almighty; My Soul, Adore Him” 

(Please stand for last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and because it cannot  continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; for you  live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  (Sung) Amen

FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 35:4-7a 

Through the prophet Isaiah God promised that he would come, making the blind see and the lame  leap. But the ultimate purpose of his coming was to save us. 

4say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will  come to save you.” 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the  deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for  joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. 7 The burning  sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 146 – page 120 

I will praise your name forever; my King and my God.

SECOND LESSON: Acts 3:1-10 

Christ gave his follower Peter the power to heal a man who was lame from birth. When healed, the  man does not go first to family and friends but to the temple to praise God. 

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three  in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the  temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into  the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for  money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So  the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter  said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus  Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and  instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began  to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and  praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they  recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called  Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to  him. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 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: Mark 7:31-37 

Mark 7:31-37 – Jesus uses his power not to elicit praise from the crowd but to demonstrate his love for  a man who was deaf and mute. 

31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of  Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a  man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand  on him. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the  man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and  with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the  man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 

36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they  kept talking about it. 37 People were over-whelmed with amazement. “He has done  everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 353 “Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness” 

SERMON: Mark 7:31-37 

Followers of Christ Know His True Power 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 520 “Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 585 “While Yet the Morn is Breaking” 

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. 

GUEST PASTOR: We thank Pastor John Eich for serving us today. Pastor Eich serves Good  Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alma, MI. As our Circuit Pastor, Pastor Eich shared his written  sermons with us while Pastor Himm was serving in Las Vegas last winter. He and Susan were  married in 1983. The Lord blessed their marriage with three boys. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS is held before worship at 9 am. You and  your family are always invited to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord as we study his  living Word.

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

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



September 8, 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660 

 www.StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook.com/SPLCManistee 

 Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821 

September 8, 2024 15th Sunday after Pentecost 

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST OBEY  HIS LAW FROM THE HEART 

WELCOME 

HYMN 459 “O God, My Faithful God” (stand for last stanza) 

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

O Lord Jesus Christ, preserve the congregation of believers with your never-failing mercy. Help us  avoid whatever is wicked and harmful, and guide us in the way that leads to our salvation; for  you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sung) Amen

FIRST LESSON: Deuteronomy 4:1,2,6-9 

God is serious about his law because he knows that when his children follow the law carefully, the result  is blessing and honor. 

1 Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that  you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your  ancestors, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from  it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you….6 Observe them  carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear  about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding  people.” 7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way  the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? 8And what other nation is so  great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before  you today? 9 Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the  things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM 119c – page 111 

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. 

SECOND LESSON: Romans9:30-10:4 

Followers of Christ obey the law, not to attempt to become righteous, but to show heartfelt love to the  God who declares us righteous through faith in Jesus. 

30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have  obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the  law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they  pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling  stone. 33 As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a  rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”  10:1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they  may be saved. 2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal  is not based on knowledge. 3Since they did not know the righteousness of God and  sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the  culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. Your words became a joy to me, and the delight of my heart. 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: Mark 7:1-8,14,15,21-23 

The Pharisees established traditions which they thought safeguarded obedience to God, but they missed  God’s desire for heartfelt love 

1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem  gathered around Jesus 2and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were  defiled, that is, unwashed. 3(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give  their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4When they come  from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other  traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) 5So the Pharisees and  teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition  of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was  right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me  with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings  are merely human rules.’ 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on  to human traditions.”…14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me,  everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”…21 For it is from within,  out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft,  murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewd ness, envy, slander, arrogance and  folly. 23All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 286 “The Law Commands and Makes Us Know” 

SERMON: Mark 7:1-8,14,15,21-23 

Jesus Doesn’t Want You Religious 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 541 (1-5) “Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 455 Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You” 

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. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS is held before worship at 9 am. You and  your family are always invited to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord as we study his  living Word.

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

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



September 1, 2024

St Paul’s  

Evangelical Lutheran Church 

 313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660   

 website: StPaulsManistee.com 

 facebook: SPLCManistee 

Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821

September 1, 2024 14th Sunday after Pentecost

THE ONLY FOOD WE REALLY NEED 

HYMN 402“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” – please stand for last stanza

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - page 26 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  

Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus as the heavenly bread of life. Grant us faith to feast on  him in your Word and sacraments that we may be nourished unto life everlasting; 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: Exodus 16:15-31 

In sending manna, a bread that stayed fresh for a short time, the LORD not only cared for Israel’s physical  well-being but also fortified trust that God would continue to provide. 

15When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not  know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to  eat. 16 This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they  need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’” 17 The Israelites did as they  were told; some gathered much, some little. 18And when they measured it by the omer,  the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did  not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed. 19 Then Moses  said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning.” 20 However, some of them paid  no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and  began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. 21 Each morning everyone gathered as  much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. 22 On the sixth day,  they gathered twice as much—two omers for each person—and the leaders of the  community came and reported this to Moses. 23 He said to them, “This is what  the LORD commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to  the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever  is left and keep it until morning.’” 24 So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded,  and it did not stink or get maggots in it. 25 “Eat it today,” Moses said, “because today is a  sabbath to the LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today. 26 Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any.” 27 Nevertheless,  some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28 Then  the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you[c]refuse to keep my commands and my  instructions? 29 Bear in mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the  sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where they are on the  seventh day; no one is to go out.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day. 31 The  people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like  wafers made with honey. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 34 – page 80 

SECOND LESSON: 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 

The Israelites had spiritual food in the wilderness. The pre-incarnate Christ was with them! Yet some  cared more about physical blessings than spiritual ones. 

1For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors  were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized  into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4and drank  the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them,  and that rock was Christ. 5 Never-theless, God was not pleased with most of them; their  bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. The one who comes to me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in me will  never be thirsty. 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 6:24-35 

Jesus is the bread of life. 

24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into  the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25When they found him on the  other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus  answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I  performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that  spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For  on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What  must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you  give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the  manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread  from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the  bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of  life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never  be thirsty. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 331 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” 

SERMON: John 6:24-35 

Jesus is the True Wonder Bread 

NICENE’ CREED - page 31 

PRAYERS & LORD’S PRAYER 

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 communicant members of WELS  and ELS churches come forward to receive the Lord’s body and blood in this Sacrament.  Pastor Himm offers a class so you can receive the Lord’s Supper. 

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION 

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - pages 36 

BLESSING (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen. 

HYMN 616 “Feed Your Children, God Most Holy” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS 

OFFERING BASKET BY DOOR – near refreshments 

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

Visitors, please sign our Guest Book in the entryway.

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

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



August 25, 2024

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 25, 2024            13th Sunday after Pentecost

TAKE COMFORT IN THE LORD GOD

WELCOME

HYMN 399 “To God be the Glory” (please stand for last stanza)

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44

PRAYER OF THE DAY: 

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift of grace that we come into your presence and offer true and faithful service. Grant that our worship on earth may always be pleasing to you, and in the life to come give us the fulfillment of what you have promised; 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: Psalm 91

A psalm of comfort in the security we have in the LORD.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

P: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM 91 – page 100

Keep me, as the apple of Your eye, Hide me, in the shadow of Your wing.

SECOND LESSON: Philippians 3:12-21

We press on toward the goal since our citizenship is in heaven.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

P: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

VERSE OF THE DAY: 

Alleluia. The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 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 21:33-43

The parable of the tenants who didn’t return the fruits to the owner.

33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. 35 “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. 38 “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39 So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” 42 Jesus said to them,  “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?  43 “Therefore, I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”


P: The Gospel of the Lord.

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


HYMN 446 “I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus”


SERMON: Psalm 91     My God, in Whom I Trust


APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41


PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional)


HYMN 440 “On Eagles’ Wings”


PRAYER - page 43    C: (sung) Amen.


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


HYMN 321 “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name”


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.


TODAY’S GUEST PASTOR is Pastor Brad Wright. Brad, who grew up in Manistee, retired from the full-time ministry last year.  He and Susan live Sun Lakes, AZ. Thank you for serving us.



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

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



August 18, 2024

August 18, 2024 

Pastor Garrett Alford 

garrett@goodviewtrinity.org

Service Order 

Song • What Wondrous Love Is This

Reading • Luke 7:36-38

36When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him,  he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37A  woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was  eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an  alabaster jar of perfume. 38As she stood behind him at his feet  weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped  them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

Dialogue • Confession 

We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love  and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him  and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy. 

Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In  countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to  be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray:  Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me  from my sin, and take away my guilt. 

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. 

Amen.

Readings • Ephesians 5:1-4, 8-10   

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and  walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself  up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual  immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these  are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be  obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but  rather thanksgiving. 

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all  goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases  the Lord. 

Luke 7:39 

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to  himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is  touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a  sinner.”

Song • Chief of Sinners 

Readings • 1 Peter 2:21-25   

21Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should  follow in his steps. 

22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”  

23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when  he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to  him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on  the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;  “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep  going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and  Overseer of your souls. 

Luke 7:40-46 

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 

41“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed  him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had  the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now  which of them will love him more?” 

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt  forgiven.” 

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you  see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any  water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped  them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman,  from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did  not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.

Song • In Christ Alone, verses 1-3

Sermon

 Luke 7:47-50 

47 “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been  forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever  has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among them selves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved  you; go in peace.” 

Romans 5:20 Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.

Song • In Christ Alone, verse 4 

 The Lord’s Prayer 

Our Father, who art in heaven, 

hallowed be thy name, 

thy kingdom come, 

thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; 

and forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom 

and the power and the glory 

forever and ever. 

Amen.

Blessing 

Song • Joyful Joyful

What Wondrous Love is This

Words and Music by Anonymous Arrangement: Koiné  

Public Domain 

In Christ Alone 

Words and Music Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend 

Service Folder Art 

Corissa Nelson 

corissanelsonart.com 

Chief of Sinners 

Words by William McComb 

Music by Richard Redhead 

Public Domain 

Arranged by Koiné 

Adapted by Garrett Alford 

Joyful Joyful 

Text, verses 1-3 by Henry Van Dyke Text, verse 4 by Girolamo Savonarola; translated by Jane F. Wilde 

Tune by Ludwig van Beethoven Arranged by Garrett Alford 

Inspired by Mervyn Warren

 


August 11, 2024

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 11, 2024 11th Sunday after Pentecost FEAR NOT, FOR THE LORD IS WITH YOU 

WELCOME 

HYMN 403 “I Know My Faith Is Founded” 

(please stand for 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: 2 Kings 6:8-17 

Elisha’s ministry had resulted in Elisha and his servant being surrounded by an enemy army. But they  didn’t need to fear, for the LORD and his mighty army of angels were with them. 

8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he  said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9 The man of God sent word to  the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down  there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time  and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This  enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell  me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12 “None of us, my lord the king,”  said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel  the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king  ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in  Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by  night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and  went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded  the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. 16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are  with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then  the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and  chariots of fire all around Elisha. 

P: The Word of the Lord. 

C: Thanks be to God. 

PSALM 145 – page 119 

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. 

SECOND LESSON: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 

Paul knows that soon he will be executed for performing gospel ministry. Yet he is not afraid, for he  knows the Lord Jesus has always been by his side. 

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my  departure is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept  the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,  the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to  all who have longed for his appearing….16 At my first defense, no one came to my  support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord  stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully  proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s  mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to  his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

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: Mark 6:45-56 

Before engaging in ministry at Gennesaret, Jesus comes to the disciples, dispelling their fears with his  comforting and powerful presence. 

45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to  Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a  mountainside to pray. 47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and  he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind  was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought  he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.  Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then  he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely  amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.  53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 As  soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55 They ran throughout that  whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And  wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the  marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all  who touched it were healed. 

P: The Gospel of the Lord. 

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

HYMN 416 “How Firm a Foundation” 

SERMON: Mark 6:45-56 

“Have No Fear, Jesus Is Near” 

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 41 

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER (Traditional) 

HYMN 402 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” 

PRAYER - page 43 C: (sung) Amen. 

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

HYMN 389 “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” 

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.  

TODAY’S GUEST PASTOR is Pastor Adam Zimpelmann. He is married to Lindsay.  They have 3 boys: Asher (8), Ezra (7) and Noah (3). He is currently serving at Good  Shepherd in Fond du Lac, WI. 

NEXT SUNDAY: Pastor Garrett Alford from Goodview Trinity Lutheran Church in 

Goodview, MN.

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

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