March 13, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Second Sunday in Lent - March 13, 2022

Theme: Salvation through Jesus Rejected

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, sometimes I admit that I am chicken, when it comes to facing opposition. But it’s nice being a chick when I know that You are the hen.

Hymn 478 (vs 3 - foes need not alarm you)

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 26:8-15

Jeremiah faced persecution because of the message God told him to proclaim. Yet, Jeremiah faithfully spoke the truth. He proclaimed God’s judgment on those who rejected his message. He announced God’s love & forgiveness to all who in faith obeyed.

8 But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die! 9 Why do you prophesy in the Lord’s name that this house will be like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted?” And all the people crowded around Jeremiah in the house of the Lord. 10 When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they went up from the royal palace to the house of the Lord and took their places at the entrance of the New Gate of the Lord’s house. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man should be sentenced to death because he has prophesied against this city. You have heard it with your own ears!” 12 Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. 13 Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. 14 As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. 15 Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”

Psalm 42-43, front of hymnal, page 82

Since God is the source of our salvation, we are eager to hear His Word. We put our trust in Him.

Epistle: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Many people resist the Savior & their salvation. Paul encourages us to stand firm in the Lord since we know we are citizens of His kingdom.

7 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. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

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

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

Jesus was rejected & killed. We enjoy the benefit - our salvation.

2

31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’

Hymn 421(Epistle)

Sermon Text: Psalm 42 & 43

Psalm 42 For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. {2} My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? {3} My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" {4} These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. {5} Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and {6} my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermonfrom Mount Mizar. {7} Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. {8} By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me a prayer to the God of my life. {9} I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" {10} My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?" {11} Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43 Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. {2} You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? {3} Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. {4} Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. {5} Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Theme: Where is your God?

He has left you all alone

He lets bad things happen to you

He is here as Savior

Hymn 454 (vs 4 “come bear thy cross with me”)replaces pg 48-49

Thankoffering The members St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Continue pg 50

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

Continue pg 50

Hymn 449 (reflects Gospel)

March 6, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

March 6, 2022 - Lent 1

Theme: Jesus Defeats Satan

Prayer Before Worship - Please read IN THE MORNING prayer

beginning with “Grant us, O Lord,” on page 139 front of the hymnal.

Hymn 585 (Note vs 2:defend when dangers are at hand)

Common Service , front of hymnal, page 15

Prayer: Lord our Strength/ the battle of good & evil rages inside us and all around us,/ & our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits & empty promises. Keep us steadfast in Your Word, & when we fall,/ raise us up again/ & restore us through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Epistle: Hebr 4:14-16 We can be bold and confident about our relationship with God because Jesus successfully conquered every temptation for us.

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hymn 440 Reflects thoughts of Psalm 91

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

Jesus began His public ministry by battling and overcoming the temptations of the devil. He used the Word to defeat Satan

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’]” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 18

Hymn 541:1-5 (the guile and rage of Satan stay)

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Joshua 6 &7 selected verses Temptations to sin are all around us.

{6:16}[Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. (this means that everything was given over to the LORD often by totally destroying them) 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.” {7:13}This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel.14 “‘In the morning, present yourselves. 15 Whoever is caught with the devoted things shall be destroyed by fire, along with all that belongs to him. He has violated the covenant of the Lord and has done an outrageous thing in Israel!’ 16 Early the next morning Joshua had Israel come forward by tribes, and Judah was chosen. 17 The clans of Judah came forward, and the Zerahites were chosen. He had the clan of the Zerahites come forward by families, and Zimri was chosen. 18 Joshua had his family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was chosen. 19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”20 Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 23 They took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and spread them out before the Lord. 24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.” Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. 26 Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.

Theme: We are tempted to redefine God

1. He isn’t all knowing

2. He isn’t most important

3. He doesn’t punish sin

Prayer after sermon: LORD Jesus, thank You for conquering Satan’s temptations for me,/ covering me with your holiness. Please empower me to conquer Satan’s temptations/ so that my words and actions don’t disrupt my relationship with You.

Sing: Create in me.... pg 20

Thankoffering

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 125

Lord's Prayer, Continue pg 21

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Peter's & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with Pastor after worship or during the week. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation

Hymn 447(reflects Gospel) during distribution

Continue page 24 front of hymnal

Hymn 541:6-7 (Your Word alone is our defense)

February 27, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

 Feb 27, 2022 – Transfiguration our Lord

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, sometimes I really want to see You now. You have shown Yourself & Your glory to others in the past.  I know You  could do the same for me, if you wanted to.  Thank You for showing me  Your glory through Your Word.  Help me to be satisfied if that is all You choose to show me while I am on earth.  Give me patience to wait for the full revelation of Your glory when I see You in heaven.

Hymn 95 

Service of Word, front of hymnal, page 38

Prayer: Lord God,/ before the suffering & death of Your one & only Son,/ You revealed His glory on the holy mountain.  Grant that we who bear His cross on earth/ may behold by faith the light of His heavenly glory/ & so be changed into His likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.  (Sing) Amen.  

Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35

After Moses was in the presence of the Lord to receive the law, his face   shone so much, reflecting the Lord’s glory, that others were afraid of him.

    29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.

Verse: Alleluia! A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia x3

Gospel - Luke 9:28-36       The transfiguration of our LORD.

28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

Hymn 97

Sermon Text Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6  

The glory of God shines through the Gospel proclaimed by us.  Some  refuse the message and can’t see God’s glory.

  3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

THEME:  Light shines in darkness

1. It has shined

2. It should shine

3. No matter what

Apostles Creed, front of hymnal, page 41

Thankoffering 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the church, page 42,front part of the hymnal

Special Prayers, Lord's Prayer 

Hymn  712

Continue page 43, front of the hymnal 

Hymn 369 

February 20, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

February 20, 2022: Epiphany 7

Theme: Jesus Reveals What Love Is

Prayer Before Worship – Please read “For Love of Others” front of hymnal, page 137

Hymn 257, verses 1 & 2(Reflects the Psalm)

Word & Sacrament, front of hymnal, 26

Prayer: Gracious Father,/ keep Your family, the Church, always faithful to You,/ that we may lean on the hope of Your promises/ & be strong in the power of Your love; through Your Son Jesus Christ our LORD,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 45:3-8, 15

Even though his brothers mistreated him, Joseph shows them love by forgiving them, by revealing himself to them after he led them to repentance, by pointing to God’s providential care, and by providing for their needs and the needs of their families.

3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph,the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

Psalm 103, front of hymnal, page 105

God’s constant and complete forgiveness fills us with peace. His love & compassion remain with us forever.

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-49

Through Christ’s resurrection, the guarantee of our forgiveness, we know that we also shall rise. Our corrupted and sinful flesh will be replaced with the glorious, holy likeness of Christ.

35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”[a]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

Hymn 479

Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

Jesus, whose life & message was one of love for sinners, instructs us to show love to others as well, even to our enemies.

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Sermon Text:Gospel

Theme: Love as Jesus does

1. Whom?

(Rom 8:7)“The sinful mind is hostile to God,”

2. How?

3 Why ?

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering

Prayer of church and Lord's Prayer, page 32

Continue page 33

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17).

Hymn 492 during distribution

Continue page 36

Hymn 257, verse 3

February 13, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

February 13, 2021: Epiphany 6

Sunday Theme: Jesus Reveals He is the Lord who blesses

Prayer Before Worship: “Praise & Thanksgiving”, pg 10

Hymn 353 (Jesus is the Healer & the Teacher - Gospel)

Common Service, page 15, front of hymnal

Prayer: Lord God,/ in mercy receive the prayers of Your people. Grant them the wisdom to know the things that please You/ & the grace & power to accomplish them; through Your Son Jesus Christ our LORD,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-8

The Lord wishes to bless all people through the nourishing grace that come through the Word & sacraments. However, when people remove themselves from the Lord, they do not enjoy His blessings.

5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. 7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Psalm 1, front of hymnal, page 64

The righteous in the Lord are blessed & prosper like a well-watered tree. God guards & protects His people but warns that the wicked will perish.

Gospel - Luke 6:17-26

Jesus blesses us with physical and spiritual blessings. Earthly blessings give temporary contentment. Spiritual blessings give eternal joy.

17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, 19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. 20 Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

Apostles Creed, front of hymnal, page 19

Hymn 403 (OT Lesson)

Sermon Text: Epistle 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

(12) But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? (16) For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. {17} And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. {18} Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. {19} If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. {20} But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Theme: Jesus’ Resurrection Guarantees our Blessings

1. Forgiveness of our sins

2. Resurrection of our bodies

(Sing) Create in me....pg20

Thankoffering The members St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Prayer of the church, page 124

Special Prayers

Lord's Prayer pg 20

Hymn 283 (Gospel)

Continue page 25

Hymn 475(Psalm)

February 6, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

February 6, 2022: Epiphany 5

Theme : Jesus Reveals He is the Lord who sends People

Prayer Before Worship – Please read “For Missionaries”, page 136

Hymn 560

Common Service, page 15

Prayer: Almighty God,/ You sent Your one & only Son as the Word of life/ for our eyes to see/ & our ears to hear. Help us believe what the Scriptures proclaim about Him/ & do what is pleasing to You; through Your Son Jesus Christ our LORD,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 14:12-20

The Lord gives us many gifts so that we might build up each other

12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like

children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

Psalm 85, front of hymnal, page 97

We rejoice because our Lord gives us peace through the Gospel.

Gospel Luke 5:1-11

The miraculous catch of fish shows Jesus is the Lord. Jesus calls and sends Peter, James and John to be fishers of men.

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Nicene Creed, page 18

Hymn 481 (Epistle)

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8

When Isaiah was called as a prophet, he was given a glimpse of heaven. He was troubled because he was a sinner. God assured him that his sins had been removed. Isaiah then accepted the Lord’s call.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Theme: Here am I. Send me!

1. In spite of my sin

2. Because of my Savior

(Sing) Create in me....pg 20

Thankoffering

Prayer of the church, pg 129, Special prayers, Lord’s Prayer, page 20

Continue pg 21

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17).

Hymn 573 during distribution

Continue page 24

Hymn 576

January 30, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

January 30, 2021: Epiphany 4

Sunday Theme– Jesus the Prophet

Prayer Before Worship: “For courage to share the Gospel” page 136

Hymn 87

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, bottom of page 45

Epistle : Rom 10:18 – 11:6

God’s Word is proclaimed. Some reject. Some are led by the Holy Spirit to accept.

18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.” 20 And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.” 21 But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”11 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”?

And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Psalm 78, front of hymnal, page 95

The LORD proclaims His Word to us that we might be saved and pass the good news to our children and to future generations.

Gospel- Luke 4:20-32

Jesus announces that He is the Prophet sent from God. People rejected Him.

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.23 Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’”24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha. the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. 31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority

Hymn 81

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson – I Kings 17:7-16

7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 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.

Sermon Theme: Prophets

Sent by God

Communicate

3 Pass Along God’s Promise

Jesus died to wash away your sins.

Jesus lived to cover you with His holiness.

Jesus rose from the dead so you can live forever.

Prayer: LORD Jesus, thank You for being my Perfect Prophet by giving me Your truth. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being one of Your prophets. Motivate, equip, and empower me to pass along Your Promises.

Hymn 395 (reflects thoughts of the Gospel Lesson)

Thankoffering

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Continue front of hymnal, top of page 50

Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Prayer of the Day: Lord, God,/ You know that we are surrounded by many dangers/ & that we often stumble & fall. Strengthen us in body & mind,/ & bring us safely through all temptations; through Your Son Jesus Christ our LORD,/who lives & reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now forever.

Special Prayers

Continue bottom of page 50, front of hymnal

Hymn 556

January 23, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

January 23, 2022 – Epiphany 3

Sunday Theme: Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, I get impatient when I read the Old Testament. Too much history, poetry, ceremonial law, & stuff that isn’t applicable to me. Give me patience to mine the treasures in all Your Word.

Hymn 86 (Note “He comes the King Anointed (Messiah) vs 2)

Service of Word, front of hymnal page 38

Hymn 85:1 replaces “ O Taste and See"……….

Prayer: Almighty God,/ You sent Your Son to proclaim Your kingdom/ & to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of Your spirit/ that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted,/ bind up the brokenhearted,/ & proclaim liberty to the captive; through Your Son Jesus Christ our LORD,/ who lives & reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing)

Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6, 8-10

The people eagerly desired to hear the Word of God, listened intently & praised God for His communication with them.

1 all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he

faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. 5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Hymn 85:2 (Note “deep in the prophets’ sacred page”)

Lesson: Acts 4:23-31

Opposed by societal leaders Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.’ 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Hymn 85:3

Gospel: Luke 4:14-21

In the synagogue in Nazareth in Galilee, Jesus reads a prophecy from Isaiah about the promised Messiah & announces that He is the Lord’s Anointed, the fulfillment of prophecy.

14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Hymn 85:4

Sermon Text: Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11 By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Sermon

Theme: God gives us Epiphanies through

(Tells us something about Himself)

1. The creation 2. Our consciences 3. His Word

End of sermon prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us epiphanies/ through the creation and from our conscience. But most importantly/ thank You for Your Epiphany that come to us through Your Word. The epiphany that reveals Jesus to us. Amen.

Apostles Creed, front of hymnal page 41

Thankoffering

Prayer of the church, pg 42, Special Prayers, Lord's Prayer

Hymn 90 Continue page 43 Hymn 575

December 12,2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

December 12, 2021 Advent 3 -Rejoice

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, it’s hard to avoid getting caught up in the rejoicing that is going on at this time of the year. Thanks

Hymn 11

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45

Old Testament Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-17

Our sinfulness may cause us to fear the Lord’s coming, but we rejoice because the Lord our God is with us (Zion, Israel, Jerusalem)to save 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.” .

Hymn 702

Epistle: Philippians 4:4-7

Even though Paul was in prison & had endured many hardships, he could still rejoice & give us the encouragement to do the same. Since God’s forgiveness is constant, our rejoicing will also be constant

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let 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.

Verse: Alleluia! I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will

prepare your way before you. (Mt 11:10). Alleluia!. (Sing) Alleluia

Gospel: Luke 3:7-18

Judgment is coming. Those who refuse to repent & continue to hold on to their sinful lives will be cut down. But those who repent rejoice in God’s good news of forgiveness. This joy will show itself in lives filled

with good works

7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce 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.

Hymn 9

Sermon Text: Psalm 14:7 (1-7)

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4 Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord.5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. 7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Theme: Advent Restoration 1. Captivity of Sin

2. Coming of Salvation

3. Joys of the Saints

LORD Jesus, in spite of terrible things done by wicked people in this world, thank You for giving me the joy and gladness of knowing that I am restored to membership in Your family because You came into my world to give me salvation.

Hymn 5

Thankoffering

Continue page 50 front of hymnal

Prayer: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ,/ & come with the good news of Your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts,/ & fill us with Your light; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.

Special prayers

Continue page 50 front of hymnal

Hymn 14

December 5, 2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

December 5, 2021 – Advent 2: Prepare

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, I am so busy preparing at this time of the year that I don’t have time to prepare. Help me be prepared to meet You in my life all the time.

Hymn 16

Service of Word and Sacrament , front of hymnal, page 26

Prayer: Hymn 27

Old Testament Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4

Malachi calls the promised Messiah “the messenger of the covenant” who is coming. No one will be able to survive in His holy presence unless he is prepared. The Lord promises to send a messenger to prepare the way before Him.

“See, 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, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.

Psalm 24 replaced by hymn 701

Epistle: Philippians 1:3-11

God, who brought us to faith will keep us in the faith until the day when Christ Jesus comes again.

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for 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 until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Verse: Alleluia! Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight paths for him. All mankind will see God’s salvation (Lk 3:4,6) Alleluia (Sing) Alleluia!……….front of hymnal, page 30

Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

John the Baptizer encourages us to prepare the way for the coming Lord. We are truly prepared when we confess our sins & look in faith to Him who comes with forgiveness & salvation.

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— 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”

Hymn 13

Sermon Text: Psalm 24

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.5 They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.7 Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.10 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.

Sermon Theme: Come on in, King of Glory

1 We need You “King of Glory, come in. We need You.”

2 We invite You “Come in. Come into our lives. Heart, open wide. That the King of glory may come in.”

“King of Glory, come in. We invite You.”

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering

Prayer of the church, page 32

Continue page 33

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with Pastor after worship or during the week. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation

Hymn 20

Continue page 36

Hymn 25

November 28, 2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

First Sunday in Advent - Theme: Watch

Prayer Before Worship Lord, there are so many distractions. Everything around me is grabbing my attention. Use my worship today to focus on watching for You. Use it to strengthen me so I don’t get distracted from You.

Hymn 1

Service of Word, front of hymnal, page 38

Prayer: Hymn 22

OT Lesson: Gen 19:15-17,23-29

God comes to judge. We need to watch for His coming.

15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. 17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” 23 By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. 24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. 26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 Early the next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. 28 He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace. 29 So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.

Verse: Alleluia! He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Rev 22:20) Alleluia!

(Sing) “Alleluia…………., front of hymnal, page 40

Gospel: Luke 21:25-36

The end of the world will be preceded by these signs which already began appearing at Jesus’ time. They remind us that the coming of the Lord is near. We need to watch & pray that we don’t fall away.

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Hymn 2

Sermon Text: Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

St Paul prays that the Lord keep us in faith until we enter eternity.

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.

Sermon Theme: What are you watching for?

1. Ways to come into people’s lives

2. Ways to prop up faith

Prayer: “Please use me to supply what is lacking in their faith. Use me to help their love increase for each other and for others?

3. Ways to be blameless and holy

Prayer: LORD JESUS, please help me to be watching for ways to come into people’s lives, to prop up their faith and to be holy and blameless.

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 41

Thankoffering The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. Offerings may be deposited in the basket on the way out of the sanctuary.

Prayer Hymn 31

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 29

Continue page 43, front of hymnal

Hymn 8

All our guests are welcome to worship Jesus the Savior with us again. Kindly sign our friendship register. Graciously receive the greetings & introductions of our church family.

Thanksgiving Eve November 24, 2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Thanksgiving Eve - November 24, 2021

Prayer Before Worship - Lord thank You for giving me life & health & everything I need to sustain both. Please use me to manage Your bountiful physical blessings so that Your world continues to provide for people for as long as You desire that it continues before Your return.

Hymn 613 Invocation Prayer Hymn 609

Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:1018

Thanksgiving Day can easily become a time when we thank ourselves for all the hard work which we do on account of which we have what we have. Thanksgiving Day should be a day when we acknowledge that the LORD is the source of all the blessings which He gives us through the world He created and through the abilities with which He has endowed each of us.

{10} When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. {11} Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. {12} Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, {13} and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, {14} then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. {15} He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. {16} He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. {17} You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." {18} But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Hymn 611

Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

It is appropriate for us to cry out to the LORD when we have needs. Our requests to the LORD for help are an expression of our faith in Him It is also appropriate for us to cry out to the LORD in thanksgiving for His love and His blessings. Our thanksgiving to the LORD is also an expression of our faith in Him

(11) Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. {12} As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance {13} and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" {14} When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. {15} One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. {16} He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked himand he was a Samaritan. {17} Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? {18} Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" {19} Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

Hymn 612

Sermon Text: 2 Cor 9:6-15

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Theme: God makes us cheerful Thanksgivers

1. God makes His grace abound to us Hymn 610:1

2. God supplies us Hymn 610:2

3. God uses us to make others into Thanksgivers

Hymn 610:3

Thankoffering The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Hymn 615 (Prayer)

Benediction

Hymn 616 (Prayer at Thanksgiving meal)

All our guests are welcome to worship Jesus the Savior with us again.

November 21, 2021

Last Sunday of End Times: Christ the King

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, I can’t relate to kings very well since I have only lived in a democracy. I am glad, however, that this world is not being governed by a democracy, but by an all powerful Savior who loves me and has promised to do what is in the best interest of my soul. Thanks for being King.

Hymn 240 (vs 1 "Ancient of days" from OT lesson)

Service of Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal page 26

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ,/ by Your victory You have broken the power of the evil one. Fill our hearts with joy & peace/ as we look with hope to that day/ when every creature in heaven & earth/ will acclaim You King of kings and Lord of lords/ to Your unending praise & glory;/ for you live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Daniel 7:13-14

A vision of our everlasting King.

13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Hymn 496:1 (Jesus our King)

Epistle Lesson: Revelation 1:4b-8

Our Savior is our Ruler. He will be seen by all. God promises

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Hymn 496:3 ("soon He is returning")

Gospel: John 18:33-37

Jesus is our King from another place. He is King of Truth

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” 35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

Hymn 217

Sermon Text: Epistle;

Theme: EVERY EYE WILL SEE

I. The Ruler of the Kings of the Earth

II. The One who has made us a Kingdom

III. The One Verified by Alpha & Omega

John 14:2-3 I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me

Mat 25:31 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him,

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 32

Special Prayers, Lord’s Prayer, page 32, bottom left column

Continue pg 33

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul’s & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with Pastor after worship or during the week. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.

Hymn 341

Continue page 36, front of hymnal

Hymn 216

All our guests are welcome to worship Jesus the Savior with us again. Graciously receive the greetings & introductions of our church family.

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

November 14, 2021

Sunday Theme: Saints Triumphant

Prayer Before Worship – Lord , most of the time as I am battling sin, I don’t feel very much like a saint. Too often I don’t feel very triumphant either. Keep me focused on the time when I won’t have to be battling sin and when I will have triumphed over all my spiritual enemies. Thanks for making it possible.

Hymn 218

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45

Old Testament Lesson - Daniel 12:1-3

God’s judgment will be a deliverance for us. We want to lead others to righteousness through Jesus so they won’t experience contempt.

“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 will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Hymn 213:1-3

Epistle & Sermon Text: Jude 20-25

20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Hymn 213:4-6

Gospel: John 5:25-29

Jesus our Savior is our Judge. That is comforting. He graciously looks on believers as people who have done good. That is comforting.

25 I tell you the truth, 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 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 good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

Hymn 394

Sermon Text: Jude 20-25

Theme: Saints are triumphant

1. When we are built up in faith and kept in God’s love

2. When we snatch others from the fire

3. Because of Jesus

Hymn 207

Continue page 50 front of hymnal

Prayer: Almighty God & Savior,/ You have set the final day & hour/ when we shall be delivered from this world of sin & death. Keep us every watchful for the coming of Your Son/ that we may sit with Him & all Your holy ones/ at the marriage feast in heaven; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.

Special prayers

Continue page 50 front of hymnal

Hymn 219

All our guests are welcome to come and worship Jesus with us again. Kindly introduce yourselves to our church family.

Thank offering: The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Please place your offering in the basket before you leave today. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

November 7, 2021

Second Sunday of End Times

Sunday Theme: Last Judgment

Prayer Before Worship – O Lord, most people around me are either afraid of Your judgment or they don’t believe it will ever happen. Thank You for making me aware ahead of time that the verdict will be “Not guilty” because of Jesus. That changes my whole attitude toward Your judgment.

Hymn 209

Common Service, front of hymnal, page 15

Prayer: Lord God Almighty,/ so rule & govern our hearts & minds by Your Holy Spirit/ that we may always look forward to the end of this present evil age/ & to the day of Your righteous judgment. Keep us steadfast in true & living faith/ & present us at last holy & blameless before You; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, how & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Epistle: Hebrews 9:24-28

Jesus now intercedes for us in the presence of God. He can do that because He sacrificed Himself once for all to take away our sins. He will appear again to take us to Himself.

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.

Verse: Alleluia! Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Alleluia. (Sing) Alleluia!.... pg 18

Gospel: John 5:19-24

There is harmony between Jesus & the Father. The Father has handed over everything to Jesus. So we worship the Son as we do the Father. What joy it gives us to know we have eternal life in Jesus.

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. 24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 18

Hymn 382

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson Malachi 4:1,2

Punishment will fall on those who arrogantly insist on their own way of living. Because of God’s gift of righteousness we will be filled with joy.

1 Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.” 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Theme: The Day is Coming

Why talk about the day?

What is the message about the day?

Matt 3:12 “Jesus’ winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering the wheat into his barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Prayer after sermon: LORD JESUS, please use that threat to curb our sinfulness and that comfort for our souls.

(Sing): Create in me....pg 20

Thankoffering

Prayer, pg 129, Special prayers, Lord’s Prayer, continue page 21

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with Pastor after worship or during the week. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.

Hymn 208 during distribution

Continue page 24 & 25, front of hymnal

Hymn 608

October 31, 2021

Festival of the Lutheran Reformation

October 31, 2021

Prayer Before Worship – O Lord, although You are rightfully angry with us on account of our sins, You have never deserted the human race. You have always preserved a church for Yourself among men who have looked to You for all blessings & comfort. You have been their dwelling & their refuge. Dear God, keep us & Your little flock, that we may escape the bitter wrath. May You find us among those who honor & serve Christ, gladly waiting for the judgment with the blessed at His right hand Amen. (Martin Luther)

Hymn 202

Invocation

Confession of sins, Hymn 305:1-2

Announcement of forgiveness, Hymn 305:3

Response Hymn 201 verse 1

Prayer: Hymn 203

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 18:1-11

Reformation is God’s activity. It is spurred on by God’s call to repent, is needed because the pot was marred, and is successful when we are brought to faith.

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it. 11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.’

Hymn 201:2

Epistle: Revelation 14:6,7

The Gospel is eternal – we need not fear it will ever be lost. The Gospel is to be proclaimed to everyone. The Gospel is our reason to give God glory & worship Him. It rescues us from Judgment.

6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth – to every tribe, nation, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Hymn 201:3

Gospel & Sermon Text: Mark 13:5-11

False teachers, wars, natural disasters & persecutions can all be overcome by us when we focus on Jesus’ promise of gospel proclamation & of the Holy Spirit’s help.

5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Sermon Theme: Some things don’t change

False teachers continue to deceive

The world continues to oppose

Hymn 201:4

Creed, Hymn 271(spoken)

Thankoffering. The members of St Paul’s have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Prayer Hymn 205:1,2,4

Lord’s Prayer, Hymn 410(spoken)

Benediction Hymn 205:3

All our guests are welcome to worship Jesus the Savior with us again Graciously receive the greetings & introductions of our church family.

October 24, 2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Pentecost 22 Theme: Service October 24, 2021

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, serving is hard. Help me to do it. Thanks for serving me by giving Your life as a ransom for me.

Hymn 454 (Gospel Lesson) Service of Word, front of hymnal page 38

Prayer: Lord, keep us in continual godliness and set us free from all adversities,/ that under Your protection, we may serve You with true devotion and holy deeds; through Your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God , now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: 2 Chronicles 26:16-23

Self-defined service to the LORD in conflict with the LORD’S will can only lead to disaster.

16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in. 18 They confronted him and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.” 19 Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead. 20 When Azariah the chief priest and all the other priests looked at him, they saw that he had leprosy on his forehead, so they hurried him out. Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the Lord had afflicted him. 21 King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house—leprous, and excluded from the temple of the Lord. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land. 22 The other events of Uzziah’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 23 Uzziah rested with his fathers and was buried near them in a field for burial that belonged to the kings, for people said, “He had leprosy.” And Jotham his son succeeded him as king.

Verse: Alleluia! We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works. (Eph 2:10) Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia pg 40 front of hymnal

Epistle Lesson: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12, 19-23

Serving people with the Gospel demands putting oneself in a position to relate to those we want to serve. Servants are supported by those served.

7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? 8 Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10 Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Hymn 492 (Gospel)

Sermon Text & Mark 10:35-45

Greatness among Jesus’ followers is defined by service. Jesus defined service by His willingness to give up His life for us as a ransom.

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Sermon Theme: If you want to be great

Be a slave of all

Be willing to take abuse

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 41

Thankoffering

Pg. 42,front of hymnal Hymn 518

Pg 43 Hymn 491

October 17, 2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Pentecost 21 Theme: Accountability October 17, 20201

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, please help me remember that I am accountable to You. Then lead me to repent of my sins. Point me to Yourself as the source of forgiveness for my sins. Help me to implement Your demands in the Law as my way of thanking You.

Hymn 441 based on the Psalm; Service of Word and Sacrament, page 26

Prayer: O merciful Lord, grant to Your faithful people pardon & peace/ that we may be cleansed from all our sins/ & serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Amos 5:6,7,10-15

God takes His law seriously. Woe to anyone who does not. Wicked works come from wicked hearts which love evil. God gives a hint of His judgment in this life when He frustrates the plans of those who live only according to “What's in it for me?” When we are reproved by the Law, we go to the Lord for pardon so we don’t have to experience eternal anger. We are accountable to Him.

6 Seek the Lord and live, or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire; it will devour them, and Bethel will have no one to quench it. 7 There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground. 10 There are those who hate the one who upholds justice in court and detest the one who tells the truth. 11 You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.
12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. 13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil. 14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. 15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.

Psalm 90, front of hymnal, page 99

We are products, not just of our fathers and mothers, but of the Lord’s creative powers and his precious thoughts.

Epistle: Hebrews 3: 1-6

We have been unfaithful. Jesus was faithful in all. He has chosen to make us members of His household. Let us hold fast to Him.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Hymn 477 (Reflects the Gospel)

Sermon Text: Gospel: Mark 10:17-27

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. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.' 20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21Jesus 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. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How

hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 24The

disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again,

"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" 27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Sermon Theme: Three views of God’s Law

1.What must I do

Prayer after part one: Lord, don’t let us get taken in by the “I am a pretty nice person based on my outward actions” attitude

2.Who can be saved?

3. All things are possible

Catechism section: “I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ my Lord nor come to him. But the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified me.”

Prayer after sermon: Lord God Holy Spirit, lead us to three proper views of Your law. Lead us to ask: What must I do?” Then on the basis of the demands of the Law lead us to ask :”Who then can be saved?” And then on the basis of Jesus’ words to realize “All things are possible with God.”

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 32,

Continue page 33

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul’s & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith ( 1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with Pastor after worship or during the week. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.

Hymn 390

Continue, page 36, front of hymnal

Hymn 401

October 10, 2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Pentecost 20 Theme– A Family Affair

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, please help me remember that I am a member of Your family because of what Jesus did for me. Use that to remind me what I am supposed to be doing as a member of an earthly family & as a member of a congregational family.

Hymn 505

Morning Praise, bottom of page 45, front of hymnal

Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 2:18-24

God lovingly provided Adam with a partner & then prescribes the roles for each. When He leads us to follow His directives, peace & good order are the resultant blessing.

(18) The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." {19} Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. {20} So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. {21} So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. {22} Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. {23} The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, ' for she was taken out of man." {24} For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Psalm 139b, front of hymnal, page 117

We are products, not just of our fathers and mothers, but of the Lord’s creative powers and his precious thoughts

Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Jesus teaches that it is a sin to break up a family. He also teaches that it is a sin to keep the little members of His family away from Him.

2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" {3} "What did Moses command you?" he replied. {4} They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." {5} "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. {6} "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' {7} 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, {8} and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. {9} Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." {10} When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. {11} He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. {12} And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." {13} People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. {14} When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. {15} I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." {16} And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Hymn 501

Sermon Text: Epistle: Hebrews 2: 9-11

God loved us so much that he gave Jesus into death so we might be Jesus’ brothers. May His example of love & obedience motivate our lives in His family.

9But we look to Jesus (the one who was made lower than the angels for a little while, so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone), now crowned with glory and honor, because he suffered death. 10Certainly it was fitting for God (the one for whom and through whom everything exists), in leading many sons to glory, to bring the author of their salvation to his goal through sufferings. 11For he who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified all have one Father. For that reason, he is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Theme: Jesus is the Perfect Family Man

1. He humbly served His family members

(Eph 5:25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Prayer after part one: Lord Jesus, thank You for being a perfect family man for me, giving up Your life to pay for my sins. Help me to strive to be a perfect family man by giving my life for the benefit of my family.

2. He is not ashamed to call us brothers & sisters

Prayer after part two: Lord Jesus, thank You for being a perfect family man for me, not being ashamed to call a sinner like me Your brother. Help me to have the courage to strive to be a perfect family man by being willing to call You my brother in every circumstance of my life.

Hymn 507 (replaces Te Deum pg 48-49)

Thank offering

Continue page 50

Prayer of the day Hymn 500; Special prayers

Continue with Prayer for Grace, bottom of page 50 -51

Hymn 504

October 3, 2021

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor

Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Pentecost 19 Theme– Servants

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, please make it possible for me to

consider myself a servant. Serving You, my Lord and King, seems like a

privilege. But serving other humans sometimes seems degrading. Help

me to realize that service is not degrading. After all, that’s what You

have done for me.

Hymn 471 (Gospel Lesson)

Common Service, page 15

Prayer: Mercifully grant, O God,/ that Your Holy Spirit

may in all things/ direct & rule our hearts,/ for without

Your help we are unable to please You; through Your Son

Jesus Christ, our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the

Holy Spirit,/one God , now & forever.

(Sing) Amen

Old Testament Lesson – Numbers 11:16, 24-29

We are humble servants of the Lord. We share in that work with Jesus

and with each other. The Holy Spirit enables us to do it. We share in

Jesus’ mission because we want God glorified.

(16) The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who

are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them

come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you.

(24) So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said. He

brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the

Tent. {25} Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him,

and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy

elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not

do so again. {26} However, two men, whose names were Eldad and

Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but

did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they

prophesied in the camp. {27} A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad

and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” {28} Joshua son of Nun, who

had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord,

stop them!” {29} But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I

wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the LORD would

put his Spirit on them!”

Psalm 51b, front of hymnal, page 87

With a clean heart we have joy in salvation and the desire to serve God.

Epistle: James 4:7-12

We ought to lament the crosses we impose on one another, when our

jealousy and pride produce strife and faultfinding. True repentance means

humility that serves with a pure heart.

(7) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee

from you. {8} Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash

your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. {9}

Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy

to gloom. {10} Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you

up. {11} Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks

against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it.

When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment

on it. {12} There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to

save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Verse: Alleluia! At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every

tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

(Phlp 2:10,11) Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia.......(pg 18 front of hymnal)

Gospel: Mark 9:38-50

Jesus puts a quick end to personal pride. Humble service to His glory in

accord with His Word is the important thing. Honestly we would have to

amputate everything – tainted with sin. It all gets in the way of our path-

way to heaven and our service to others. Thanks to God for His mercy.

38 “Teacher” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name

and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”{39} “Do not

stop him” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the

next moment say anything bad about me, {40} for whoever is not against

us is for us. {41} I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of

water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his

reward. {42} “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe

in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a

large millstone tied around his neck. {43} If your hand causes you to sin,

cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to

go into hell, where the fire never goes out. {45} And if your foot causes

you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have

two feet and be thrown into hell. {47} And if your eye causes you to sin,

pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye

than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, {48} where their worm

does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”{49} Everyone will be salted

with fire. {50} “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you

make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each

other.”

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 18

Hymn 469 (reflects thoughts of the Epistle lesson)

Sermon Text: Psalm 51:10-12

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast

spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take

your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your

salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

Theme: LORD, I offer myself to You

1. You have to make my heart pure

Prayer after part one: “LORD, I want to give myself to You.

Help me do that. Make my heart pure.”

2. You have to motivate me

Prayer after part two: “LORD, I want to give myself to You.

Help me do that. Don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.”

3. You have to strengthen me

Prayer after part three: “Lord, I want to give myself to You.

Help me do that. {10}Renew a steadfast within

me.{12}Grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”

Prayer at end of sermon: “LORD, I want to thank You for all

that You have done for me. Here is my life as a thank-You

offering. I want You to have it. I want to serve You with it.

Please create in me a pure heart. Don’t cast me from Your

presence. Don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore

to me the joy of Your salvation. Renew a steadfast spirit

within me. Grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”

“Create in me….front of hymnal, page 20

Thank offering

The members of St Paul’s have joined together to do the Lord’s work in

this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to

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

Prayer of the church, page 127

Continue p 21

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul’s & other

WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated

they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express

oneness in faith ( 1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had

the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the

Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with Pastor

after worship or during the week. We would be delighted to help you

come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and

with our congregation.

Hymn 305 (Reflects thoughts in Epistle James 4:8-10)

Continue, front of hymnal, page 24 (second prayer)

Hymn 462 (Reflects the thoughts of the Epistle lesson)

All our guests are welcome to worship Jesus the Savior with us again

Graciously receive the greetings & introductions of our church family.