Easter Sunday April 17, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Festival of the Resurrection of our Lord 

April 17, 2022


Prayer before Worship - Please read Hymn 150 

Scriptural Greeting: He is Risen

Hymn  157


Invitation to celebrate

 John 11:25  "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 

            {26} and  whoever lives and believes in me will never die.:          

Rev 1:17-18  "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!

Rom 1:4  Jesus Christ our Lord was declared with power

to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.

Rom 6:45 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death  in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 

{5} If we have been united with him like this in his death, 

we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

Phil 3:10-11 I want to know Christ & the power of his resurrection & the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings,  becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Rom 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead/ will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

I Pet 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  {4} & into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you                                                                            

Hymn 150:1

Prayer: Almighty God,/ by the glorious resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ,/ You conquered death & opened the gate to eternal life.  Grant that we, who have been raised with Him through baptism,/ may walk in newness of life,/ & ever rejoice in the hope of sharing His glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who, with You & the Holy Spirit be dominion & praise now & forever.  (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 15:1-11

Moses & Israel sang these words when God led them safely through the    Red Sea & away from Pharaoh & his army.  We rejoice that the risen,      living Jesus brings us safely through the waters of life that daily threaten    us, & delivers us from our enemies as He leads us to our promised home.

    15 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. 2 “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. 3 The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.
4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea. 5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. 6 Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy. 7 “In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble. 8 By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’ 10 But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11 Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory, working wonders?

Hymn 150:2

Epistle: I Corinthians 15:1-11

Jesus our Savior lived, died and rose for us.  He appeared to many proving that He had indeed risen from the dead & is our Savior. 

     Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

Hymn 150:3

Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

The women were the first witnesses of the empty tomb.  The angels          announced “He is not here; He has risen!”  The women told the                disciples.  The disciples were skeptical.

    On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words. 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Hymn  150:4

Confession of faith - Second article of the Apostles’ Creed: 

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,/ who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,/ born of the Virgin Mary,/ suffered under Pontius Pilate,/ was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day He rose again from the dead.  He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.  From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.  

Pastor: What does this mean?

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

This is most certainly true.

Hymn 143

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson

Sermon Theme: The LORD has become my Salvation

                       1.  From enemies                            Hymn 152, verses 1-3          

          2. With His Actions                        Hymn 152, verses 4 & 5

          3. My Response                               Hymn 152, verses 6 -8


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, front of hymnal, pg 126; Special Prayers; 

Lord’s Prayer, pg 32 

Benediction.  (Sing ) Amen. Amen. Amen.

Hymn 159 





April 10, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

April 10, 2022 – Palm Sunday

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, thank You for reminding me You are God and Man.

Hymn 131

Morning Praise, front of hymnal page 45 bottom

Old Testament Lesson: Zechariah 9:9-10

Believers are told to rejoice because their King & Savior is coming. He is almighty & will be victorious over His enemies even though He will come gentle, riding on a donkey.

9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous & victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea & from the River to the ends of the earth.

Hymn 130

Gospel: Luke 19:28-40

The Palm Sunday parade

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

Hymn 133

Sermon Text: Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11

Jesus our Savior is Lord of all. He did not display His glory while on this earth. Instead, He became our humble Substitute & died to save us. Now His Father has exalted Him above all things. He will be revered as King of all by all people.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Sermon

Theme: The Contradiction of Christ(ians)

1. The Attitude of Christ(ians)

2. The Exaltation of Christ(ians)

Response: Praise the LORD.

Hymn 134 replaces pages 48-49

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 page 50 front of hymnal

Prayer: We praise You, O God,/ for the great acts of love/ by which You have redeemed us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As He was acclaimed/ by those who scattered their garments and branches of palms in his path,/ so may we always hail Him as our King/ & follow Him with perfect confidence,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever.

Continue Prayer for Grace page 50-51, front of hymnal

Hymn 540

April 3, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Lent 5 - April 3, 2022

Theme: God offers the Precious Treasure of Salvation

Prayer Before Worship-“Praise & Thanksgiving” pg10 hymnal

Hymn 477 (Epistle)

Common Service, front of hymnal, page 15

Prayer: Eternal God & Father,/ help us to remember Jesus,/ who obeyed Your will & bore the cross for our salvation/ that through His anguish, pain, & death/ we may receive forgiveness of sins & inherit eternal life; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. (sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 43:16-21

The Lord who delivered His people from Egypt continued to offer a new life of blessings to His faithful people.

16 This is what the Lord says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

Verse: The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Gospel: Luke 20: 9-19

As Israel rejected the prophets, so they also rejected and would soon kill the author of their salvation, God’s own Son. Since they rejected their Savior, He would also reject them. May we never reject the precious gift of life from God.

9 He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. 13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!” 17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” 19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 18

Hymn 457

Theme: Success is knowing what is trash and what is treasure

Our best is trash

Jesus is our Treasure

Stay Treasure Focused Sermon Text: Epistle: Philippians 3:5-14

Our greatest treasure is salvation, by which we are righteous before God. This treasure motivates & strengthens us in holy living as we strive to live the godly life to which we were called. We cling to this treasure as we press on to the goal of eternal life. Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; {6} as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. (7) But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. (8) What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ {9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christthe righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. {10} I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. {12} Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. {13} Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, {14} I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Post Sermon Prayer: LORD Jesus, please help me to keep knowing what is trash and what is Treasure.

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, front of hymnal, page 125

Lord's Prayer, page 20 Continue page 21

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul’s and 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 348 during distribution

Continue page 24

Hymn 466

March 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

Sunday Theme: God’s Plan: Foolishness or Wisdom??

Prayer Before Worship -- Hymn 231

Hymn 379 Service of Word, front of hymnal, page 38

Prayer: Almighty God,/ we confess that we deserve to be punished for our evil deeds. But we ask You graciously to cleanse us from all sin/ & to comfort us with Your salvation; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Complete salvation for unworthy sinners didn’t seem logical to the Greeks. The Jews didn’t want a Savior who lived & died humbly. Yet, this is God’s plan of salvation for us. By God’s grace we rejoice in it.

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Hymn 304:1-3

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Because of the son’s sins, he could not expect kindness from his Father. Yet his Father received him as a son & rejoiced over him. This seemed wrong to the brother who didn’t understand repentance & forgiveness.

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Hymn 306

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 12:1-6

God saves us. The wells of salvation are filled with forgiveness & love. With joy & thanksgiving, we sing to the Lord.

12 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Theme: Joyful journey amidst sin and sorrow

1. Cause of Joy

2. Tool to reinforce joy

{Matt 9:2}“Be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven.”

{Rom 8:18} “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be yours with me forever.”

{1 Pet 1:5} “You are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.”

3. Expression of joy

Post sermon prayer: LORD Jesus, thank You for being my friend & Lord without end.

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 41

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 front of hymnal, page 42, Lord's Prayer,

Hymn 304:4-7 Continue page 43, front of hymnal

Hymn 384: 1,2,5

March 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

Lent 3 - March 20, 2022

Sunday Theme: God Calls to Repentance & to Himself

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, use everything in my life to call me to repent of my sins and to bring me back to You.

Hymn 336

Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal, page 26

Prayer: Almighty God, look with favor on Your humble servants,/ & stretch out the right hand of Your power/ to defend us against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.

Epistle - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Some of God’s people Israel fell into sins and lost God’s gift of salvation. If we trust in our own effort to stand firm in the faith, we also will fall. God, however, provides the strength to overcome temptation.

10 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and

drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Verse: Jesus became obedient to death, even death on the cross.

Gospel Luke 13:1-9

Tragedies remind us that the world is infected with sin. The greatest tragedy is to be cut down in judgment by the Lord for resisting His will

13 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” 6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

Hymn 302

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 3:1-8, 10-15

God called Moses to lead Israel out of their suffering in Egypt to Himself.

3 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. 7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” 13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them,

‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’“This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.

Theme: God calls us to change our minds

1. About Ourselves

2. About Him

Prayer after sermon: LORD, thank You for changing our minds about ourselves and about You.

Nicene Creed, pg 18

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 church, pg 32, Special prayers, Lord’s Prayer

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 303 during distribution

Continue page 36

Hymn 345

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, 2022Transfiguration 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