February 5, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

February 5, 2023–Epiphany 5: Salt and Light

Welcome to our visitors.

May the Lord bless you through His Word together with us today.

Prayer Before Worship - Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me that You are my Savior. Help me to show You to other people by the way I live.

Hymn 394 (Vs 3 cites Matt 5:14 from Gospel lesson)

Service of the Word & Sacrament, front of hymnal page 26

Prayer: Almighty God, /You sent Your One and Only Son/ as the Word of Life for our eyes to see and ours ears to hear. Help us believe what the Scriptures proclaim about Him/ and do the things that are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, / who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now and forever. (Sing) Amen.

Epistle: 1 Peter 2:9-12

Jesus’ followers let their good deeds point to their LORD

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Verse: Alleluia! Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12NIV) Alleluia. (Sing) Alleluia……. front of hymnal.

Gospel: Matt 5:13-20

Jesus’ followers let their good deeds shine a light on the Father in heaven.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Hymn 279 (Vs 3 quotes Matt 5:16 from Gospel lesson)

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Joshua 24:14-24

The LORD’s followers undivided loyalty points others to their LORD.

14 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” 16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 17 It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.” 19 Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” 21 But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the LORD.” 22 Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied. 23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.”

Theme: Is your family an epiphany of Jesus?

1 Who is your God?

Matt 5:14 “You are the light of the world.

2 Why is Jesus our god?

3 How can people tell Jesus is our God

1 Tim 2:4 God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Prayer : LORD JESUS, thank You for giving me my family. Please help us as a family to be an epiphany of You to anybody who visits us.

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, pg 32, Special Prayers, Lord’s Prayer, then 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 the usher. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.

Hymn 491:1-3 during distribution

Continue page 36, front of hymnal

Hymn 491:4 (cites Matt 5:16 from the Gospel lesson)

January 29, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

January 29, 2023–Epiphany 4   

Reflecting Jesus’ Humility

Welcome to our visitors.

May the Lord bless you through His Word together with us today.  

Prayer Before Worship – 

Read A PERSONAL CONFESSION OF SIN, 

front of hymnal, pg 10.  Put “condescension” in the blank..

Hymn 556    (Reflects epistle - “boast in the Lord”)  

Common Service, front of hymnal, page 15-17

Prayer: 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 Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,/ who with You & the Holy Spirit lives & reigns,/ one God, now & forever.  (Sing) Amen.  

Old Testament Lesson: Micah  6:1-8

The Lord brings a case against His people.  They have forgotten His mighty acts on their behalf.  How should they respond to the Lord’s goodness?  With lives of justice, mercy & humility. 

1 Listen to what the LORD says: “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say.  2 “Hear, you mountains, the LORD’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel.  3 “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. 4 I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. 5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered.  Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD.” 6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

Hymn 475 paraphrase of Psalm 1  

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Paul asks us to remember in humility that we cannot claim a place before God because of our worldly stature or wisdom.  God has called us weak and lowly to Himself.  No one may boast before Him.

 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Hymn 346 (reflects the Gospel lesson) 

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, p age 18

Sermon Text: Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are we who glorify Jesus with our lives of humility.

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 

kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn,  for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Sermon Theme: Christians show Jesus to others

1   By their character    

2   Because of their Blessedness

Prayer: Thank you Jesus.  Keep the Holy Spirit coming

Sing: Create in me....., page 20, front of hymnal

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 124

Special Prayers, Lord's Prayer

Hymn 79 

Continue pages 25, front of hymnal

Hymn 81(God’s invitation is to all - epistle lesson) 

January 22, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

January 22, 2023–Epiphany 3 

Theme: Reflecting the Light of the World

Welcome to our visitors.

May the Lord bless you through His Word together with us today.  

Prayer Before Worship – For Courage to Share the Gospel, page 136

Hymn  84

Service of the Word, front of hymnal, page 38-39

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  Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 8:19- 9:2

The brilliant light of the Messiah will shine into every land & bring  joy to all the people.

19 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. 21 Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. 22 Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.  1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—  2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Psalm 27, front of hymnal, page 75

Jesus is the Light who helps us see our salvation.

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

 Jesus fulfilled the prophet’s words that in Galilee a Light would dawn.

12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:  15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,    the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.  21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.  23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Hymn 90

Sermon Text: Epistle - 1 John 2:3-11 

The Light of the world Jesus is displayed by us His followers through the way that we live our lives of love toward others. 

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.  7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.  9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 

 Theme: We Reflect the Light by Walking in the Light

                      1. We Know the Light       

                      2. We see His truth

John 13:34: A new commandment I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  35 All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”   

Matt 5:16 “Let your light shine before men that they may see (something) and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  

                     3. We live in the Light 

1 John 3:15 - Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

1 John 3:16 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”  

Romans 9:33 - See, I lay in Zion a stone(that is a reference to Jesus) that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” 

Prayer : Lord, Jesus, help me to speak so others get to know you.  Help me obey so others get to see You.  Help me live so others keep headed toward You.

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 church, page 42, Special Prayers, Lord's Prayer

 Hymn  85

Continue page 43 & 44, front of hymnal

Hymn 94: 1,4,5

January 15, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

January 15, 2023– Baptism of our Lord

Welcome to our visitors.

May the Lord bless you through His Word together with us today.  

Prayer PreWorship: Remembrance of Baptism, hymnal, pg 10

Hymn 89:1-4   

Morning Praise, front of hymn bottom of page 45

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 42:1-7

The Servant is God’s Chosen-, anointed with the Spirit & the delight of His heavenly Father.  He will bring justice, mercy, & faithfulness for all people.  

 1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,  my chosen one in whom I delight;  I will put my Spirit on him,  and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.” 5 This is what God the LORD says— the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,    who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 6 “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you  to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. 

Verse: Alleluia! You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased. (Mk 1:11) Alleluia. 

Lesson: Acts 10:34-38

   God’s grace is extended to all people in Jesus who, after His baptism by John in the Jordan, embarked on His formal ministry as the Messiah.

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Hymn 89:5-6

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus is baptized to fulfill all righteousness.  The Father publicly approves of Jesus at the start of His ministry. 

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.  16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 

Hymn 88:1-3 (words by Martin Luther)

Sermon Text: Romans 6:3-4

3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 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.

Theme: We were buried with Christ through Baptism

1   Into His death 

Matthew 28:18  Go and make disciples of all nations, washing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” 

 “for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(Acts 2:38)  

“saves.”(I Pet 3:21)   wash away sins”(Acts 22:16).

2 Into a new life

5 For if we have been united with him in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin..... 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.............. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. 

    1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Prayer to end sermon: LORD Jesus, thank You for connecting me through Baptism into your death and into a new life.  

Hymn 88:4-5 replaces pgs 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

Prayer: Father in heaven,/ at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan/ You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son/ & anointed Him with the Holy Spirit.  Keep us who are baptized into Christ/ faithful in our calling as Your children/ & make us heirs with Him of everlasting life; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. 

Continue  Prayer for Grace, pg 50

Hymn 91: 3 & 5 

January 8, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

January 1, 2023 -Christmas 1 – Christ the Child

Prayer Before Worship -  Lord, after the celebration we just had it is hard to get excited about being here again.  I know that sounds silly, since You never stop blessing me.  Help me to overcome the attitude which thinks Your blessings are routine. 

Hymn  45

Word and Sacrament, pg 26

Hymn 35, verse 5 replaces “O Lord, our Lord""  pgs 28-29

Prayer: Almighty God, in mercy You sent Your one & only Son/ to take upon Himself our human nature.  By His gracious coming deliver us from the corruption of our sin/ & transform us into the likeness of His glory;  through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.  Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 63:7-9

Isaiah praises the kindness of God toward His people.  In kindness He became their Savior who redeems & carries them in His grace. 

7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD,  the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. 8 He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so he became their Savior. 9 In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Hymn 35, verses 1-4 replaces Psalm. 

Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7

Christ came at precisely the right time, purposefully, to extend the grace of God over Jew & Gentiles alike, that all who believe might receive adoption into the family of God as His children.

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Hymn 552:8 replaces verse

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

 Herod seeks to take Jesus’ life.  God’s grace will not be thwarted by kings of the earth.  Egypt & then Nazareth provide safety & fulfillment.   

13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”  14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”  19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”  21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Hymn 707

Sermon Text: Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7

              Theme: GOD SENT HIS SON

               1   To Be One with us

               2    To make us One with Him

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, 31

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

Prayer of the church Hymn 38:8-13 (replaces pg 32)

Lord's Prayer, pg 32

Continue page 33, front of hymnal 

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 the worship leader after worship.  We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord,  with us and with our congregation.

Hymn  41 during distribution

Continue pg 36

Hymn 64

December 18, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

December 18, 2022 - Advent 4  Behold

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, today we pause to behold You who came into our world to be our Savior.  Keep us beholding You all the time in our lives so we stay connected with You forever.

Hymn 23

Common Service, front of hymnal, page 15

Prayer: Stir up Your power, O Lord, & come.  Take away the burden of our sins/ & make us ready for the celebration of Your birth,/ that we may receive You in joy & serve You always;  for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (sing) Amen. 

 Epistle: Romans 1:1-7

Jesus is true man, descendant of David, born of Mary, yet proven to be  the Son of God by the resurrection.  He came & was born to live & die & rise so we might be saved by grace. 

   1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are 

among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.  7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:    Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Verse: Alleluia! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.  Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia! x3 pg 18

Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-25

 Mary fulfills the sign given through Isaiah.  Joseph’s example urges us to live in obedient faith.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 

Apostles Creed, front of hymnal, page 19

Hymn 24 

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-14

The Lord’s gracious sign that the virgin will be with child, given to  unbelieving Ahaz underscores God’s grace to sinners. 

  10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”  12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”  13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

  Theme: A sign to show how God deals with us sinners

 (2 Ki 16:5)  Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem and besieged Ahaz, but they could not overpower him. {6}At that time, Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram by driving out the men of Judah. Edomites then moved into Elath and have lived there to this day. 

{Is7:2}Now the house of David was told, "Aram has allied itself with Ephraim"; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.

{3}Then the LORD said to Isaiah, "Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Washerman's Field. {4}Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood--because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. {5}Aram, Ephraim and Remaliah's son have plotted your ruin, saying, {6}"Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it." {7}Yet this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "'It will not take place, it will not happen, {8}for the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is only Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people. {9}The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.'"

{10}Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, {11}"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."  

{2 Kings 16:7}Ahaz sent messengers to say to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, "I am your servant and vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are attacking me." {8}And Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the temple of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. {9}The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death.          

(Sing) “Create in me…., front of hymnal, page 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 123

Special prayers; Lord’s Prayer, front of hymnal, page 20 

Hymn 36; Continue on page 25, front of hymnal

Hymn 47, verse 5

December 11, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

December 11, 2022 - Advent 3 – Rejoice

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, today we rejoice because You give us the privilege to talk about You to people.   Today we rejoice because You give us the privilege of listening to You tell us about Yourself.  Thanks.

Hymn  20              

Morning Praise, front of hymnal page 45

Epistle: James 5:7-11

 James urges us to temper our joyful anticipation of Jesus’ return with patience. The prophets are examples of patience. The Lord’s mercy brings blessings.

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!  10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Hymn 703

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-15

John sends for an evaluation of Jesus.  Jesus gives an evaluation of John. 

           2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”  7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear. 

Hymn 14

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Job 1:6-22

Because of Jesus we rejoice over the physical blessings that come from the LORD, rejoice that the LORD is in control, and even rejoice when the LORD withdraws physical blessings.

6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” 9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” 12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. 13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Sermon Theme: Rejoice

       1. In the Lord’s Physical Blessings

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for making it possible for me to rejoice in my life on this earth by filling my life with physical blessings.  

       2. That the Lord is in Control

       3. When the Lord withdraws His blessings

Prayer: LORD JESUS, even when I have torn robes and a shaved head, help me rejoice because I have You.  Change that.  Because You have me (in your strong hands.)

Hymn 5

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 

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 50-51                        

Hymn 552:12 

December 4, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

December 4, 2022 - Advent 2 – Prepare

Prayer Before Worship -  Our Sunday School students are preparing for the worship service on Christmas Eve.  We are preparing for our celebration of Your birth.  Don’t let us ever stop preparing ourselves for Your coming into our hearts on a daily basis.

Hymn 11

Service Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal page 26

Prayer: Stir up our hearts, O Lord,/ to prepare the way for Your only Son. By His coming give us strength in our conflicts/ & shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; 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 11:1-10

 Isaiah describes the Coming One, endowed with the Spirit, bringing  peace.  His rule is perfectly righteous.  We(the poor) find deliverance.

 1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.  He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.  6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.  10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

Verse: Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight paths for Him. All mankind will see God's salvation.  (Sing) Alleluia......pg 30 

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

 John the Baptist: “Repent.....Prepare.”  Those given the Spirit stand in the Judgment & enter the kingdom of heaven by grace.

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” 4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 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.  11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 

Hymn 16 

Sermon Text  & Epistle: Romans 15: 4-13

Paul directs us to live the peace of the Lord by showing love, patience, and acceptance of one another.  This is accomplished as we place our trust in the God of all hope & so are filled with joy & peace in Christ.

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” 10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again,  “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.”  12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Theme: All I want for Christmas is

1 Hope  2 Unity  3 Joy and Peace

Prayer: Lord, please use the Scripture to give us hope.  Please use the Scripture to give us unity.  Please use the Scripture to give us peace and joy.

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; 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 the usher after worship. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.                      

Hymn 27 during distribution

Continue page 36                                         

Hymn 13

November 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

November 27, 2022 - Advent 1 – Watch

Prayer Before Worship -  Lord Jesus, as I watch all the decorations put up all around me, & as I watch the commotion grow,  help me also to watch out that I don’t lose sight of You.  Help me to watch for Your return too.

Hymn 1

Service of the Word, front of hymnal page 38

Prayer: Stir up Your power, O Lord, & come.  Protect us by Your strength/ & save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaiah describes the peace the Lord will send through the Messiah.  This peace will extend to all nations through the Gospel.   It will find its  ultimate consummation at the return of Jesus.

1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:   2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. 

Psalm 18, front of hymnal, pg 69 

God provides security while we watch.  No enemy can win.

Epistle: Romans 13: 11-14

Jesus’ return at the end of time calls us to patient watching as we live our faith in the daylight of godliness.

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Verse: Alleluia!  He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia .....pg 40

Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

We are to be ready for Jesus’ return at all times.  Ordinariness &  regularity should not lull us into complacency.  The Lord will come.

37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.    42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 

Hymn 25

Sermon Text:  Psalm 18 (verses in CW: 2,16a,17a,19,28,27,35

  {2}The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. {16}“The Lord reached down from on high and took hold of me; {17}He rescued me from my powerful enemy.” {19} “The Lord brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.”  {27}“Lord, you save the humble, but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.”  {28}You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning.  My God turns my darkness into light.  {35} You give me your child of victory, and your right hand sustains me

           Theme: The LORD gives light so we can watch

1. I can see Him     

2. I can see enemies   

3 I can see how to walk

Prayer: Lord Jesus, continue to lead us into Your Word/ so that Your Light makes us able to see You,/ see our enemies,/ and see how we ought to walk.  Then we will be able to keep on watching.

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.  However, we do ask that  everyone introduce yourself to our church family.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 42 

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 15 

Continue page 43, front of hymnal

Hymn 22 

November 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

Christ the King - Nov 20, 2022

Jesus conquered our enemies. He is King. Jesus rules over all things in our best interest. He is our King. Jesus is in charge of my life. He is my King.

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for putting me into a democracy in this world. But thank You for not putting me in a democracy for eternity. It’s much more comforting to know my eternity rests securely in the arms of You, my Almighty King.

Hymn 217 Common Service, pg 15

Prayer: Lord, Jesus Christ,/ by Your victory You 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 & 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: Jeremiah 23:2-6

Jeremiah foretold the righteous Branch of David, our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only by His righteousness, transferred to us by His perfect keeping of the Law, that we enter the kingdom of heaven.

2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. 5 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.

Psalm 98, page 103, front of hymnal

Christ’s righteous reign over all things will bring forth universal praise

Epistle: Colossians 1:13-20

Our King is supreme. His excellence is shown in the way He reconciled all things to the Father through the shedding of His blood.

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Apostles Creed, pg 19

Hymn 216

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 23: 35-43

Our King’s most regal work was done so we could reign with Him forever.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.]” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Sermon Theme: He shall reign forever and ever

1. Does He look like a King?

2. What kind of a kingdom does He have?

“and He shall reign forever and ever.”

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. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourself to our church family.

Prayer of the church , pg 131

Special Prayers, Lord's Prayer, pg 20

Hymn 341

Continue pg 25

Hymn 218

November 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

Saints Triumphant November 13, 2022

God helps us to be triumphant over our spiritual enemies in this life. When we are with the LORD in eternity, there will be no enemies to be triumphant over.

Prayer Before Worship: Lord, we always look to You for victory. We need victory over our spiritual enemies in this life. Thank You for the promise to give us that by finally making us eternally triumphant with You.

Hymn 337

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25

Isaiah describes the great resurrection of all believers to eternal life as an endless time when God’s chosen people will suffer none of the ravages of sin we currently do.

17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.

20 “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. 21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant

vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. 24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.

Psalm 150, front of hymnal,, page 122

Our praise for God on earth is an imperfect predecessor of the endless praise we shall have for Him in heaven.

Gospel: Luke 20: 27-38

To the Sadducees who rejected the resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives a picture of what eternal life will be like. God is the God of the living. We will one day live with Him.

27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

Hymn 212

Sermon Text: Epistle: Rev 22:1-5

Jesus gave John and us a look at what being triumphant forever with the LORD will be like.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Theme: Saints Triumphant over

Darkness

Eph 5:8. Once you were darkness, but now you are light in the LORD.

Gen 2:6 Streams watered the whole surface of the ground. 10 A river watering the place flowed.

Gen 2:9 In the middle of the garden( of Eden) were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Prayer: LORD Jesus, thank You for making us winners.

Hymn 208

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. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourself to our church family.

Continue page 50 front of hymnal

Lord's Prayer

Prayer: Almighty God & Savior,/ You have set the final day & hour/ when we shall be delivered from this world of sin & death. Keep us ever 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 Prayer for Grace bottom page 50

Hymn 219

November 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

November 6, 2022 -Last Judgment

Prayer Before Worship -Lord, lead me to lift up my head with joy because my redemption is drawing near. As I live each day, looking forward to Your coming, remind me that the best of life is yet to come.

Hymn 209: 1-3

Word and Sacrament front of hymnal, page 26

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 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, now & forever (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 26:1-6

We attempt to be a tool in God’s hand to call people to repentance so they don’t become receivers of God’s eternal punishment.

26 Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done. 4 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse among all the nations of the earth.’”

Hymn 209: 4-7

Epistle: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Those who reject God’s grace in Jesus Christ will be shut out from God’s presence forever.

5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

Hymn 207:1-4

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 19: 11- 27

This parable emphasizes the reality of Christ’s second coming in judgment. Christ calls on us to be faithful with the Gospel with which we have been entrusted.

11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.

Sermon Theme: Proper Preparation for Parousia (2nd Coming of Jesus)

1 Patience

2 Action

Matt 20:21 Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

3 Awareness

Prayer: LORD JESUS, help me to wait patiently for You, and be aware that not everybody is going to want You as their King, so that in spite of rejection I keep working at sharing Your word while I am waiting

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. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourself to our church family.

Prayer of the 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 the ushers. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.

Hymn 316 during distribution

Continue, page 36 Hymn 207:5-6

October 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

October 30, 2022 Festival of the Lutheran Reformation

The LORD grants us people in every generation whom He uses to proclaim and preserve His truth. Luther was one of them. We are called to be others of them.

Prayer Before Worship - (By Martin Luther) I know & confess my great sin & my terrible ingratitude. I have horribly neglected Your precious Word & have been lazy, unwilling to hear it. I have not desired it nor ever given proper thanks for it. My dear God, I have often allowed You to preach in vain to me. I have left this precious treasure to slip away from me, & I have stepped on it. With pure & divine goodness You have tolerated all this & have never stopped on account of this to preach & call with fatherly divine love & faithfulness that my soul be saved. I am sorry for this, & I pray for grace and forgiveness. Amen.

Hymn 199:1-2

Confession of sins: Lord God, all satisfying Father,/ we have received everything from You. The means of grace - the Bible, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper -/ are some of Your generously given satisfying gifts. Despite all of Your bounty,/ we have often given little or no respect to these wonderful means. We have taken them for granted. We have forgotten to use them. And at times we have even rejected them altogether. We beg Your forgiveness for these sins.

Absolution: As one called by you and by God to serve you with God’s Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper, I assure you that the blood of Jesus Christ has purified you from every sin against the means of grace, as well as from every sin against any other command of the Lord.

Response: Lord, bountiful God,/ You so richly load us down with Your benefits. We thank You and praise You for the blessings You continue to pour upon us. Surely we must join Paul in saying, “Lord, You have supplied all our needs.” We ask You to help us to use those blessings for our spiritual benefit and for the spiritual growth of those around us.”

Psalm 46, page 84, front of hymnal (Basis of hymn “A Mighty Fortress)

God is within us, upholds us through His Word & is exalted in the world.

This Psalm inspired Luther to hold to God’s truth even though opposed by all the authorities in church and government.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, our Refuge & Strength,/ pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in Your Word, / protect and comfort them in all temptations,/ defend them against all their enemies,/ and bestow on the Church Your saving peace; / through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives & reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now and forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-34

The Lord’s new covenant of forgiveness is based on the merits of Christ.

31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by

the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,”declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.

I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Hymn 199:3

Epistle: Romans 3:19-28

Righteousness apart from the law through faith in Jesus saves us.

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Hymn 199:4-5

Sermon Text & Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:27-35

27 This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." 29(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: " 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' 33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' 35But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

Sermon Theme: Thank the Lord for His servants because of

1. Their message

Prayer: Lord Jesus thank You for using Martin Luther to restore to its rightful position in the church the Biblical message of Law and Gospel.

Hymn 201, vs 4

2. Their Work

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for using Luther to bring Your Word and Sacraments to the people of his day and through their descendants to us.

Hymn 201:3

3. Their Life-style

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for using Luther to remind us that Your Word is also our standard for lifestyle issues.

Hymn 201, verses 1-2

Final Prayer: Lord, please continue to raise up servants whose work is to teach us Your Word and how to apply it to our lives.

Apostles' Creed, front of hymnal, pg 19

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. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourselves to our chuuch family.

Prayer of the Church, Hymn 203

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Hymn 199:6-7

October 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

Oct 23 2022  - Pentecost 20 Theme: Faith

Prayer before Worship:  Holy Spirit, come through Your Word and promises, which alone can drive away my doubts and fears.  Direct me to my Savior Jesus that I may trust in Him with my whole heart. 

Hymn 347 (Epistle)

Service of Word , page 38

Prayer: Almighty God,/ in Your bountiful goodness keep us safe from every evil of body  & soul.  Make us ready, with cheerful hearts,/ to do whatever pleases You; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now &  forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Habakkuk 1:1-3; 2:1-4

 Our complaints about violence and injustice are answered by the Lord’s promise to reveal His truth and His call on us to believe it.  

1 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. 2 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 2:1 I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. 2 Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. 4 “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faith—

Psalm 27, front of hymnal, page 75

   We trust in the Lord based on His trustworthy deliverance.

Gospel: Luke 17: 1-10

 Faith can do great things like forgiving one who has sinned against us.

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. 7 “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Hymn 444 (Epistle)

Sermon Text: Epistle: 2 Timothy 1:3-14

 Paul asks God to fan into flame Timothy’s faith 

(3)  I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. {4} Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. {5} I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. {6} For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. {7} For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. {8} So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, {9} who has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, {10} but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. {11} And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. {12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. {13} What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. {14} Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Theme: We live by faith

  1. We prayer for others  

  2. We encourage each other  

  3. We testify about Jesus

  4. We hold onto Scripture

{Matt 24:35}My Word shall not pass away.  

Prayer:   Lord, please help us to keep living by faith.  

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.  However, we do ask that  everyone introduce yourselves to our church family.

Prayer of church, front of hymnal, page 42

Special Prayers 

Lord's Prayer

Hymn 424 (Old Testament Lesson) 

Continue page 43

Hymn 493 (Gospel)

October 16, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Oct 16, 2022  Pentecost 19 - Theme: The Good Fight

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, so many things try to distract me from You.  Help me to fight against them.

Hymn 281 (reflects the punch line in the Gospel lesson)

Common Service,  pg 15, front of hymnal

Prayer: Mercifully grant, O God,/ that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct & rule our hearts,/ for without Your help/ we are unable to please You; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

As sinful human beings we tend to focus on our own little corner of the world instead of being concerned about "all people"  and to be quiet about the truth that Jesus is the only way to be right with God so people don't think we are intolerant.  We need to fight against both of  those attitudes.  

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.   

Verse: At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Alleluia!     (Sing) Alleluia.........page 40

Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31

It's easy to focus on the good life.  It's also easy to think that the Bible is just a book and something else would work better to bring people to Jesus.  We need to fight against both of  those attitudes.  

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets(=the Old Testament Scriptures); let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets(=the Old Testament Scriptures), they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Nicene Creed,  front of hymnal, page 18

Hymn 235 (replacement for the Psalm of the day 146)

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Amos 6:1-7

Attachment to worldly things makes us spiritually complacent. We must fight against that. 

1 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!   2 Go to Calneh and look at it; go from there to great Hamath, and then go down to Gath in Philistia.  Are you better than those kingdoms?  Was their land larger than yours?  3 You put off the evil day, and bring near a reign of terror. 4 You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves.  5 You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.  6 You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions,  but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.  7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.

Theme: God's tremendous blessings for this life may lead to

1. Lack of Appreciation 

Prayer: LORD, thank You for filling our lives with earthly blessings.   Please don’t allow us to become complacent.  Don’t let us take things for granted.  Most importantly,/ don’t ever let our feeling of security lead us to a lack of appreciation toward You/ in spite of all that You have given to us. 

2.  Refusal to Repent   

Prayer: LORD, thank You for filling our lives with earthly blessings.  Please don’t allow us to refuse to listen to You as You call us to repent. 

      3. Lack of Spirituality

Prayer: LORD, please don’t let all these earthly blessings push our relationship with You into the back seat.  Please don’t let us focus on them and abandon You.  Don’t let the abundance of Your earthly blessings lead to a lack of spirituality in our lives.    

Sing: "Create in me....." pg. 20 front of hymnal

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 131, Lord’s Prayer, page 20

Hymn 457 

Continue on page 25 front of hymnal

Hymn 293 (We need to fight to keep the Word correctly presented) 

October 9, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 18: Using our Money to proclaim the Gospel

October 9, 2022

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, I understand that how I handle the money  You give me reflects my relationship with You.  Don’t let me focus on money.  I know that demotes You from Your proper position in my life. 

Hymn 480

Morning Praise, front of hymnal page  45

 Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 14:8-24

Abram's actions underline two principles about our money and possessions.  They are gifts from God.  We are to give  a percentage of our wealth to spread the Good News of Jesus.  

8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim 9 against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills. 11 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. 13 A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshkol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. 17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,     Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And praise be to God Most High,  who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 1 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.”

 Hymn 487:1-3

Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

The person who knows what is valuable offers prayers for all.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.   

Hymn 487:4-5

Gospel: Luke 16: 1-13

This parable teaches us to use our money to spread the Gospel.

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’5 “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe? ’“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ 8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Hymn 484

Sermon Text: Galatians 4:4–5 

4When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Theme:  "When the Time Had Fully Come"

Hymn 469 

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 on page 50, front of hymnal

Prayer: Lord God, You call us to work in Your kingdom/ & leave no one standing idle.  Help us to order our lives by Your wisdom/ & to serve You in willing obedience; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.   Amen.

Continue bottom page 50 51

Hymn 487: 6,7,8 

October 2, 2022

  St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

Oct 2, 2022 - Pentecost Sunday 17

Sunday Theme -God is Patient

Today we are blessed to have Pastor John Eich from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alma, MI lead our worship service today. Pastor Eich will also be leading the worship on Monday morning for the Northern Michigan District Pastor Conference being held here at St. Paul’s Manistee. We welcome them all !

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for patiently applying Your forgiveness to my life every day even though I keep on sinning.  Thank  You for patiently shaping my life with Your Word even though I revert to  my own selfishness too often.

Hymn 392

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

Prayer: Lord, we pray that Your mercy & grace may always go before & follow after us/ that, loving You with undivided hearts,/ we may be ready for every good & useful work; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.  (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 32:1-14

 Moses asked for God’s patience in response to Israel’s sin. God is faithful  to His promises to forgive. 

“When the people saw that Moses was so long(He had been gone for a month)  in coming down from the mountain, they gathered  around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him." 2  Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me." 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."  5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD." 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 7 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ 9 “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”11 But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” 14 Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Verse: Alleluia.  (Rom 15:4)  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia! front of hymnal, page 30

Epistle: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

 God was patient with Paul.  He took a blasphemer/ persecutor & turned  him into a proclaimer of God’s mercy and unlimited patience.

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn 263 (“gather sheep” reflects parable 1 in Gospel)                        

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 15: 1-10

    These parables show the value God places on each individual soul.

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: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

   Theme: "The Found are Left, the Lost are Found."

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 18

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

Continue page 33,front of hymnal 

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 the ushers.  We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord,  with us and with our congregation.     

Hymn 339 during distribution

Continue page 36 front of hymnal               

Hymn 569 

September 25, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 16 - Sept 25, 2022  

Theme: Christianity Costs

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for all the benefits of being a member of Your family.  Lord, give me the wisdom to be open about my  faith and to live my godliness even though I know it will cost me.

Hymn  464 (Gospel Lesson)

Service of Word, front of hymnal, page 38

Prayer: Let Your continual mercy, O Lord,/ cleanse & defend Your Church; & because it cannot continue in safety without Your help,/ protect & govern it always by Your goodness; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit, / one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen. 

Old Testament Lesson: Proverbs 9: 8-12

True wisdom finds its beginning in respecting the one true God.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;  if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

Psalm 19, front of hymnal, page 70

 We see God’s glory in the works of nature & in His Word.

Epistle: Philemon 1: 1, 10-21

 Philemon would show his Christian faith by accepting Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother.

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker. 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Hymn 428 (Gospel)

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 14: 25-33

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Theme: Following Jesus means

1. Hating

2. Committing

         3. Fighting

Prayer: Lord help us to continue to hate what is necessary, commit what is necessary, and fight what is necessary so that we might continue to  follow Jesus.

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, front of hymnal, pg 42

Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 550 (Gospel) 

Continue page 43, front of hymnal

Hymn 510 (OT Lesson)

September 18, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

                        Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 15 - Sept 18, 2022  Theme  Humility

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, please motivate me to serve you with my whole life.

Hymn 231 

Common Service, page 15, front of hymnal

Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ,/ preserve the congregation of believers with Your never-failing mercy.  Help us avoid whatever is wicked & harmful, / & guide us in the way that leads to our salvation; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.    

(Sing) Amen.

Epistle: Hebrews 13: 1-8

We serve the Lord by living our lives for the benefit of (loving) the people around us

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. 4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you;     never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Replace Psalm with Hymn 779

Gospel: Luke 14: 1, 7-14

Christians are humble and generous without thought of repayment.

14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that 

when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Apostles' Creed, pg 19

Hymn 397

Sermon: Old Testament Lesson: Proverbs 25: 6,7

Self-exaltation has no place in the life of God’s child.

6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; 7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

  Theme: What are you worth?

1. On your own

{Lev 19:2}“Be holy because I the LORD your    God am holy.”  

              2. In Christ Jesus

Jeremiah.  (9:24) “Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth.” 

(2 Cor 12:9) “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power my rest on me.”  

1 Cor 1:31: “Let him who boasts, boast in the LORD.” 

Human beings on our own - _______________

Human beings in Christ - _________________    

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, pg 127

Special Prayers

Lord's Prayer, pg 20

Hymn 491   

Continue page 25 front of hymnal 

Hymn 324

September 11, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 14 - Sept 11, 2022  Theme: Love Speaks Precisely

Prayer Before Worship: Lord Jesus, please let me love those around me by speaking Your truth precisely to them.    

Hymn 544

M: It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”

C: With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.

M: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—

C: with great patience and careful instruction.

M: I Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

C: “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”

M: But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

C: Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Hymn 245 replaces “ O, come let us sing….

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah  66:18-24

The great dichotomy is clear. Those who see God’s sign will give him glory in eternity, but those who rebel against him will know the undying worm and unquenched fire. As we speak, love for souls leads us to speak precisely.

18 “And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory. 19 “I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations— to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations. 20 And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the LORD. “They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels. 21 And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites,” says the LORD. 22 “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the LORD, “so will your name and descendants endure. 23 From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the LORD. 24 “And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

Verse: Alleluia. Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Alleluia. (Sing) Alleluia, pg 18.

Epistle: Romans 9:1-9

The Jewish nation had all the benefits, all the advantages, but not faith. All the emotions in the world cannot save, and Paul spoke clearly and precisely as to why. His love for them could not help but speak.

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. 6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary,

“It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will

return, and Sarah will have a son.”

Hymn 356

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Love speaks with precision about the Narrow Door.

22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don't know you or where you come from.’ 26 “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 “But he will reply, ‘I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” 

Sermon Theme: Love Speaks Precisely that there is a Narrow Door

1. It  lets some in          

John 10: 7 - “I am the gate for the sheep.”  9 - “I am the gate; whoever  enters through me will be saved.” 

John 14:6 -  “I am the way;.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”    

II. –It keeps some out

Hymn 570

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: M: Dear Father in heaven, with your gift of a Savior you restored hope for our fallen world and brought glory to your name. We thank you for the good news that you  reconciled the world to yourself through your Son.

C: Be with us as you give us opportunities to proclaim your glorious name of salvation in Jesus Christ our Savior.

M: O Jesus, Lamb of God, we praise you for offering yourself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of all. On the cross you declared the sacrifice for sins completed. At the open tomb, you assured the world that sinners are reconciled to God.

C: Be with us as you have promised, so that we may be bold and confident witnesses to our family members and friends.

M: Holy Spirit, blessed Counselor, use your Word of Truth and power to break down the barriers to our witness, including fallen mankind’s natural hatred for God and Satan’s wicked work among us.

C: Empower us by your gospel, and encourage us to speak precisely as we witness to the people among whom we live and work.

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

Silent prayer

M: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, send us by the power of your Word into the mission fields beyond the walls of our church. Give us hearing ears and seeing eyes that seize the opportunities you set before us to be your witnesses.

C: Guide us, strengthen us, and bless us as we declare Christ to our world. Amen.    

Lord’s Prayer   Blessing page 51, front of hymnal     

Hymn 518