May 21, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

May 21, 2023 Easter 7 - The Lord’s Care Sustains

Prayer Before Worship:   Lord, I get sad when I think You are not here any longer as You were once for 33 years.  Help me to get over that by talking to You & by listening to You talk to me through the Bible.

Hymn 558

Common Service , front of hymnal page 15

Prayer: Almighty God,/ Your Son our Savior was taken up in glory/ &   intercedes for us at Your right hand.  Through Your living & abiding Word,/ give us hearts to know Him/ & faith to follow where He has gone; who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever.      (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: 1 Samuel 1:21-28

The Lord’s presence sustained Hannah while she was childless.   She responded to the LORD’s blessing by dedicating Samuel to the LORD.  

 21 When the man Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always.”  23 “Do what seems best to you,” Elkanah her husband told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD make good his word.” So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him.  24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. 25 When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, “As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there. 

Psalm 8, front of hymnal, page 67 

       We praise the Lord’s majesty and His grace to us.  

Epistle - I Peter 4:12-17, 5:6-11

We who are connected with Christ and His resurrection through Baptism look on our sufferings with eyes of faith, and trust in the eternal goodness of God.  That sustains is in difficult times. 

 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 5: 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. 

Verse: Alleluia! Alleluia!  Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia.  I will not leave your as orphans; I will come to you.  Alleluia. (Sing) Alleluia!.....pg 18 front of hymnal

Gospel: John 17:1-11  

Jesus prepared His disciples and us for His ascension with words like these.  Because of Him, God the Son, we are members of the same family of which He is a member.  This knowledge sustains us.        

1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:  “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. 6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.

Apostles' Creed, pg 19

Hymn 174

Sermon Text: 1Pet 5:6-11

Sermon Theme: NOW THAT JESUS ISN’T HERE

            1  Resist the Devil

            2  Cast Your Anxiety on the Lord

            3 Trust God’s Promises

Prayer: LORD JESUS, help me resist the devil, cast my anxiety on You, and trust in Your promises.

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

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

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 126 

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer, page 20

 Hymn 172

Continue page 25, front of hymnal

Hymn  359

May 14, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

May 14,  2023  Easter 6 - Giving Answers

Prayer Before Worship - Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me answers, especially about my life with You now & forever.  Help me to take my responsibility seriously to give answers to people who ask me questions about You.

Hymn 146    

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45

Lesson: Acts 17:22-31

Paul shows that giving answers may take on creative, thought provoking forms.  He informs the Greeks about a God, unknown to them who made the world & calls all to repentance & faith in the One whom He raised from the dead. 

 22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.   24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” 

Hymn 751:3

Epistle: 1 Peter 3:15-22                                                                            Peter encourages us to be ready to confess the hope we have in Christ Jesus even amidst hardship & persecution. In doing so we show we have  been connected to Christ & His resurrection.                                          

  15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Hymn 148

Sermon Text: Gospel: John 14:15-21

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His us.  He also promised not to leave us alone & to return to us.  He encourages us to lovingly obey His commands.

15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

Sermon Theme:  Why do we obey Jesus’ commands

                          1. We realize who Jesus is     

(John 10:30) “I and the Father are one,”

 the crowds (31) “picked up stones to stone him........(33) for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”  

 (John 6:66) many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.”  

(John 14:5) “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

“I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, is my LORD.”   

                           2. We get help from the Holy Spirit  

“not despise preaching and His Word but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it”

“Use My Word.”

                            3. We love Jesus

"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.” (Eph 5:3)

Prayer: LORD JESUS, thank You for Your promise:/ “You will do what I command.”  Through Your Word please keep reminding us who You are,/ and sending the Holy Spirit so we keep loving You and doing what You command.

Hymn 158

Thankoffering & Guest Register

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 take sign the guest register

Continue page 50

Prayer: Father of lights, every good & perfect gift comes from You./  Inspire us to think those things that are true/ & long for those things that are good,/ that we may always make our petitions according to Your gracious will; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. 

Continue pg 50 bottom                                 Hymn 153 

May 7, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

May 7,  2023  Easter 5 -  Built on a Rock

Prayer Before Worship: Lord, thank You for being the Way, the Truth, the Life and the Living Stone for me.  

Hymn 585 

Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal page 26

Prayer: O God,/ You form the minds of Your faithful people into a single will.  Make us love what You command/ & desire what You promise,/ that among the many changes of this world,/ our hearts may ever yearn for the lasting joys of heaven; through Your Son,  Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.  (sing)Amen.

Lesson: Acts 17:1-12

In Thessalonica some received the Word with joy, others with anger.  The Bereans compared Paul’s message with the Word.  In doing so they found Christ to be the Rock on which to build their faith.  

When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go. 10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.

Hymn 247:5

Gospel: John 14:1-12                                                                          

Knowing and trusting Jesus, we have every spiritual blessing and have seen the Father. 

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”  5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”  9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Hymn 379

Sermon Text: Epistle: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Christ, the Living Stone,” builds up His people like living stones into a spiritual house.  In mercy He makes us into a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” that we may declare His praises now & forever.

  4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:    “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,  “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, 8 and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.  9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, 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. 

Theme: We are priests

               1  We are a spiritual house built on a rock

Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving me so much,/ even though I don’t deserve it,/ that I haven’t stumbled and fallen over You,/ but You have made me a stone in Your spiritual house,/ built on a Rock.  

               2   We offer spiritual sacrifices     

Nicene Creed, page 31

Thankoffering & Guest Register

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 our guests sign our guest register.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 32 

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

Hymn 432 during distribution

Continue page 36                                  Hymn 333

April 30, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

April 30, 2023 Easter 4 –  Good Shepherd Sunday

Prayer Before Worship -  Lord, thank You for making me Your sheep, nurturing me, nourishing me and guiding me.

Hymn 374            

Service of Word, front of hymnal page 38

Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ,/ You are the Good Shepherd who laid down Your life for the sheep.  Lead us now to the still waters of Your life-giving Word/ that we may abide in Your Father’s house        forevermore; for you live & reign with Him & the Holy Spirit, one  God, now & forever.  (Sing) Amen.  

 Old Testament Lesson: 1 Samuel 17:34-37

David describes what a shepherd is supposed to do   

 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”  Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you. 

Psalm 23, front of hymnal, page 72 

Gospel: John 10:1-10                                                                           Jesus is recognized by the sheep, and leads us to pasture

1 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Hymn 442

Sermon Text: 1 Peter 2:19-25

19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

 Theme: The Way of the Good Shepherd is for you

1. For your salvation

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”  

2. For our Imitation

Prayer:.  LORD JESUS, please keep me walking on the way of the Good Shepherd.

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, page 42 

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 432 

Continue page 43

Hymn 436

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

April 23, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

April 23 Easter 3 -Speaking of Resurrection

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, sometimes my own enthusiasm about

Your resurrection isn’t shared by the people around me.  That intimidates me.  Please don’t let that happen.  If I don’t speak about Your resurrection, those around me are never going to share my enthusiasm. 

Hymn 160            

Common Service, front of hymnal, page 15

Prayer: O God, by the humiliation of Your Son/ You lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death.  By His resurrection to life,/ grant Your faithful people gladness of heart/ & hope of eternal joys; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.  

Lesson: Acts 2: 14, 36-47

Peter preaches the risen Christ.  Many are added to the disciples.   Blessings follow from the Spirit through Word & Sacrament.

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Psalm 67, front of hymnal, page 91

  We sing, asking the Lord to bless His church with growth to His glory. 

Epistle: 1 Peter 1:17-21

We live as strangers & in reverent fear.  We are in awe of Christ’s  death & His resurrection.   Faith & hope are the essence of our lives.

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 

Verse: Alleluia.  Alleluia.  Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed! Alleluia.  Our hearts were burning within us while He talked with us on the road & opened the Scriptures to us. Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia.......p 30

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

 Jesus appeared to two disciples on Easter eve as they went to Emmaus.   He opened the Scriptures for them, rebuked their doubt & restored their  joy.   Our hope & faith are renewed through Word & Sacrament. 

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 18

Hymn 143 

Sermon Text: Luke 24:13-35  

Theme: Jesus Rose - It is True

 1. He can be with us                  

 2. He can instruct us                                                 

 3. He can set us on fire

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please make our hearts burn within us so that we are eager to run to share with others what we know about You.

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 126

Lord's Prayer pg 20  

Hymn 147  Continue page 25 front of hymnal 

Hymn 162

April 16, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

April 16, 2023 Easter 2: Testimonies of Resurrection 

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for not only rising from death but also appearing to people who could tell me about that wonderful event.

Hymn 150

Morning Praise, front of hymnal page 45

Lesson: Acts 2: 14, 22-32

Peter testifies that Jesus suffering, death & resurrection occurred according to God’s set purpose in fulfillment of the Scriptures.  To this testimony Peter adds his own.  “We are witnesses of the fact.”

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:    “‘I saw the Lord always before me.    Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of  life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ 29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

Hymn 719

Epistle: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Jesus’ resurrection gives us new birth & a living hope.  This confidence  leads us through the problems of this life to our heavenly goal.

 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when  Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Hymn 165: 1-3

Gospel: John 20:19-31

Jesus appeared to His disciples on Easter eve.  Then to Thomas a week  later.  We believe even though we haven’t seen. 

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.  21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”  24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”  29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Hymn 165, verses 4-9

Sermon Text: Gospel

Theme: DID YOU HAVE A PEACEFUL EASTER?

1   Sin Robs us of our Peace

2  Forgiveness gives Peace

3  Jesus’ Presence Gives Peace

Hymn 145

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: O Risen Lord,/ You came to Your disciples & took away their    fear with Your word of peace.  Come to us also by Word & sacrament,/ & banish our fears with the comforting assurance of Your abiding presence; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now and   forever.    

Continue page 50 bottom

Hymn 552:24

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

April 9, 2023 Easter Sunday

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

April 9, 2023 - The Resurrection of our LORD 

Prayer Before Worship: Read Hymn 161:1

Hymn 153

Invitation to Celebrate      

John 11:25  "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; {26} and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

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

Rom 1:4  Jesus Christ our Lord was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.

Rom 6:45  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the  dead  through

the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 

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

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

1 Pet 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, {4} and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you.

Hymn 150:1

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

Old Testament Lesson: Job 19:23-27

   Because Jesus lives, we too will be raised to live with Him 

23 ““Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, 24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! 25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes——I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Hymn 150:2 

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

   Jesus conquered death for us.  We will be raised to live  forever. 

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ““Death has been swallowed up in victory.””55 ““Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?””56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hymn 150:3

Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” :8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Hymn 150: 4 

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

Hymn 158

Sermon Text:  Matthew 28:8-10

Theme: Free to Live 

1. Without any doubt about Jesus  

Response: YES! 

Proof? He rose from the dead       

Hymn 152: 1-3 

1. Without any doubt about the Gospel     

Hymn 152: 4 -6 

3. Without any doubt about the future   

Prayer: LORD JESUS, please help us to celebrate Easter every day by living free from doubt about Jesus, about the Gospel,  and about the future. 

 Hymn 152:7-8

Thankoffering 

Prayer of the Church, pg 126

Special Prayers 

Lord's Prayer. 

Benediction: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

 The Lord look on you with favor, and (+) give you peace.

All: AMEN. 

Hymn 149

April 2, 2023 Palm Sunday

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

April 2, 2023 – Palm Sunday 

Welcome to our visitors.

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

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, following You on Palm Sunday is fun. Make it fun for me all the time even in the midst of sorrow.

Hymn 134

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

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

Old Testament Lesson: Zechariah 9:9-10

The prophet foretells the coming of Zion’s King in humility &   lowliness. He enters “righteous & having salvation.”  He brings peace between God & humans.   

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

Hymn 716 

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11

 We are to imitate the attitude of Jesus who humbled Himself to death on the cross.  But Jesus is also right called “LORD” because He is fully God and to Him all creation will bow.

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

Hymn 130 

Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11

   The Palm Sunday entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”  4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:  5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”  6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”  11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 

Hymn 133

Sermon Text: John 12:1-11

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

  Theme: On Palm Sunday, we get ready

1. For a meal with Jesus

2. For the death of Jesus

3.   To see a risen dead man

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering & Guest Register

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 our guests sign our guest register.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 32 

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

Hymn 131 during distribution

Continue page 36                                  Hymn 132

March 26, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

March 26, 2023 Lent 5: Life and Death

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for giving me life.  Help me face my death with the confidence that You have given me eternal life.

Hymn 226                       Service of Word, front of hymnal page 38

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

(Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: 2 Kings 4:18-37

God through His prophets displays His power over death so we can trust that He can deliver on His promises to us.

      18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!”    His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.  22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.”  23 “Why go to him today?” he asked. “It’s not the New Moon or the Sabbath.”    “That’s all right,” she said.  24 She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, “Lead on; don’t slow down for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.    When he saw her in the distance, the man of God said to his servant Gehazi, “Look! There’s the Shunammite! 26 Run to meet her and ask her, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’”    “Everything is all right,” she said.  27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me why.” 28 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”  29 Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run. Don’t greet anyone you meet, and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the boy’s face.”  30 But the child’s mother said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.  31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So Gehazi went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.”  32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.  36 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite.” And he did. When she came, he said, “Take your son.” 37 She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took her son and went out. 

Psalm 116, front of hymnal, page 107

The LORD has delivered us from death as punishment for sin by giving us salvation through Jesus.

Epistle: Romans 8:11-19

Our lives as believers are closely connected with the life of Christ. Christ    gives us the status of sonship established by the Spirit & the obligation to live as is fitting for those led by the Spirit as the children of God.

      11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.  12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

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

Gospel: John 11:17-27, 38-45                                                                           Jesus equips us so we might comfort those around us who have lost loved ones.  We comfort them by pointing them to Jesus who is the Resurrection and the Life.  

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.  21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”  23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”  27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” 38 Jesus,  once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.    “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”  40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”  41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”  43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.   Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

Hymn 398

Sermon Text: Psalm 116

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me;  I was overcome by distress and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” 5 The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.10 I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; 11 in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.” 12 What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.  .16 Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the Lord—  in your midst, Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.

Theme: It's a Matter of death and life

1  Jesus' death  helps us handle death

 “Neither death.... nor anything else will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.” (Rom 8:38-39).

2  Our lives help others live……….

To love, be faithful to cherish, support, & help in sickness & in health.

Live as if fitting for a child of God, and in faith, word, and deed remain true to the Triune God, even unto death.

To shape your life with God’s Word, to hear it proclaimed every week, to study it with your fellow Christians at every opportunity, to use the LORD’s Supper whenever it is offered.

Prayer: LORD Jesus, You are right.  It’s matter death and life.  

Your death helps us handle death.  Please use our lives to help others have life.   

Apostles' Creed, front of hymnal, page 41

 Thankoffering 

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 42 

Special Prayers; Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 452         Continue page 43                Hymn 608

March 19, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

March 19, 2023 

Lent 4 Repentance, Renewal, Service 

Welcome to our visitors.

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

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, I love to have people wait on me.  It makes me feel good and important.  Thanks for waiting on me.  I sometimes have trouble serving others.  Please empower me to do so.

Hymn 376

Common Service front of hymnal page 15

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

Old Testament Lesson: Hosea 5:15 - 6:3

The Lord  receives in mercy those who turn to Him in repentance & faith. 

(5:15)  Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me." (6:1)  "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. {2} After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. {3} Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."

Psalm 42-43, front of hymnal, page 82

The grace of God gives hope to the troubled soul. 

Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28

Jesus tells of His upcoming suffering.  James' & John’s mother requests the #1 spot for her sons.  Jesus says greatness comes from service.  The Son of Man shows greatness by giving His life as a Ransom.

(17)  Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, {18} "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death {19} and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" {20} Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. {21} "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." {22} "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. {23} Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." {24} When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. {25} Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. {26} Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, {27} and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- {28} just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 19

Hymn 747

Sermon Text: Epistle: Romans 8:1-10

No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  Christ has accomplished salvation by meeting the righteous demands of the Law for us.  We now have a new spirit who is led by the Spirit.  We thus live lives of grateful devotion.  

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

Sermon Theme: IF CHRIST IS IN YOU

I. Are You Condemned?

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me life.  

Response: No Way. 

II. Are You Hostile?

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me life.  

Response: No Way.  

III. Who is in Control?

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me life.  

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

Thankoffering & Guest Register

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 our guests sign our guest register.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 125

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer, page 20

Hymn 525

Continue page 25, front of hymnal

Hymn 401

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

March 12, 2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

March 12, 2023 - Lent 3 Darkness and Light

Welcome to our visitors.

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

Prayer Before Worship –  Lord, You are the Light of the world. Thank You for leading me to see that You are my Savior.  So many things around me try to drag me back into spiritual darkness.  Keep me coming back to the light of Your Word so that I don’t get enveloped by the darkness.

Hymn  221  (reference in vs 2 & 3 darkness and light)    

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 32

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 42: 14-21

God admonishes Israel for her self-worked spiritual blindness.  But the promise is - the Lord will lead the blind & turn the darkness into light.

14 “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools. 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. 17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame. 18  “Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! 19 Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one in covenant with me, blind like the servant of the LORD? 20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.” 21 It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious.

Psalm 143, front of hymnal,  page 118

Recognizing our own sins we pray for the gracious mercy of the Lord.

Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-14

God’s grace changes people from spiritually darkened to spiritually  enlightened.  So, Paul urges: Live as children of light.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

Verse:   Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

Gospel: John 9: 1-7, 13-17, 34-39                                                         

Jesus healed a blind man.  He corrected His disciples.  The Pharisees blindly rejected the miracle & Jesus.  The ex-blind man gets to see Jesus  is His Savior.  The rejecters stay in spiritual blindness.                              

1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.  13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.”  16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided.   17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” 34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”  37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”  38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.  39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 

Hymn 343  (Light)

Sermon Text: Psalm 143, front of hymnal,  page 118

1 O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in Your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. 2 O LORD, do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. 4  My spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. 7 Answer me quickly, O LORD; do not hide Your face from me.  8 Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You.  10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 

Theme: Are we in the dark about?

1. Being righteous 

Prayer: LORD thanks for getting me out of the dark when it comes to being righteous 

2. Taking care of ourselves 

 Prayer: LORD, thanks for getting me out of the dark when it comes to taking care of myself.         

             3. What’s good for us

Prayer: LORD, thanks for getting me out of the dark when it comes to knowing what is good for me. 

Hymn 379 (blind and see)

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 our guests sign our guest register.  

Continue page 50

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

Continue page 50 bottom     Hymn 367 (darkness and light) 

March 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

March 5, 2023–Lent  2–Faith credited as Righteousness  

Welcome to our visitors.

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

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, thank you for giving me greater blessings than You gave Abraham.  I have full knowledge of what You did to be my Savior.  He only could look ahead and hope.  

Hymn 338    (“living water” = Gospel lesson)

Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal, page 26

Prayer: Almighty God, / You see that we have no power to defend

ourselves.  Guard & keep us both outwardly & inwardly/ from all adversities that may happen to the body/ & from all evil thoughts that may assault & hurt the soul;   through Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (sing) Amen

Epistle: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

People are justified by faith not by works.  By faith we are Abram’s children.  We are heirs of God’s promises to Abram fulfilled in Jesus. 

1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”  4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.  16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed— the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Psalm 121, front of hymnal, page 112 

We sing to our gracious God from whom we receive all things.

Gospel: John 4:5-26

Jesus the Messiah gives Himself to people - Living Water which gives      eternal life.

5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.  7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)  9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)  10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”  11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”  13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”  16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”  17 “I have no husband,” she replied.    Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”  19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”    21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”  25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”  26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” 

Hymn 337 (:waters of life = Gospel)

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 12:1-8

God’s love sought Abram.  Abram’s faith led him to leave home & to believe God’s promise.  His faith led him to worship his Lord everywhere.

1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.  2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you,  and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”  4 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.  6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.  8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.

Theme: Children of Abraham live by faith

1. We leave when God tells us to 

“Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.  Keep away from them.”(Rom 16:17)    

“Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Cor 15:33.  

“Flee evil desires of youth.” 2 Tim 2:22  

Prayer: LORD Jesus, help us to live by faith. Please lead us to leave as Abram did. 

                2. We believe God’s promises and receive His blessings 

“Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.” 

(Gen 22:18)

Prayer: LORD Jesus, help us to live by faith.  Please lead us to continue to believe your promises.

               3. We worship only the LORD

Prayer: LORD Jesus, help us to live by faith.  Please lead us to continue to only worship You.      

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 391 during distribution

Continue page 36, front of hymnal

Hymn 395:3 (thirst for grace = Gospel lesson)

February 26,2023

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

February 26, 2023– Lent 1 - Jesus and Satan

Welcome to our visitors.

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

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, the inheritance I have received from Adam and Eve is terrible.  Thank You for telling me that in Jesus Christ  I have a wonderful inheritance waiting for me.    

Hymn 396

Service of the Word, front of hymnal page 38

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

Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 2: 7-9, 15-17; 3:1-7

Adam & Eve could have glorified God by obeying His command. Instead they became our leaders into sin and death.  We grieve over  humanity’s loss of our innate ability to do God’s will. 

7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.  8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees that were 

pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”  2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”  4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”  6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Verse: It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."

Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11

 Jesus conquered the devil’s temptations as Adam had not.  His victory  is ours.  With God’s Word we also can overcome the devil.

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”  4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:    “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands,    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”  7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”  8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”  10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”  11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. 

Hymn 378.verses 1-3 

Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 11:14 

Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.           

          Theme: Satan has 3 temptations for us too

            1 He is not a problem  

“Through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”(Rom 5:19)

“Jesus shared in our humanity so that by His death He might destoy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil (Hebr 2:14).      

God will crush Satan under our feet.”(Rom 16:20)

 “appeared to destroy the devil’s work”? (I John 3:8) 

(1 Pet 5:8)  Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”  

           2  Miracles are all from Jesus  

 “False prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible.”(Matt 24:24).  

 (2 Thess 2:9) “the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.”  

             3 How to be right with God  

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God Rom 3:23

"The devil has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."(2 Cor 4:4)

Prayer: LORD Jesus, thanks for reminding me that Satan is a problem,/ that not all miracles come from You,/ and that Satan lies about how I get to be right with 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.  However, we do ask that our guests sign our guest register.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 42 

Special Prayers; Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 378:4-6

Continue page 43                                        

Hymn 440 (Based on Psalm  91: Jesus quoted it in Gospel)

February 19, 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 19, 2022 

Festival of the Transfiguration of our LORD 

Welcome to our visitors.

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

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, I want to see Your glory.  Oops!! Sorry. Thanks for showing me the reason You  deserve my praise - You lived & died and rose for me.

Hymn 95

Common Service, front of hymnal page 158

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

Epistle: 2 Peter 1: 16-21

 Peter recounts the transfiguration glory of Jesus  which he witnessed.   Now Jesus reveals His glory to us through the Scriptures.

   16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Verse: Alleluia! A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love.  Listen to him.” Alleluia. Sing: Alleluia……pg 18 front of hymnal

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

 Jesus is transfigured as He prepares to go to Jerusalem to die.  Moses & Elijah attest His glory.  The Father approves. 

   1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.  4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”  6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.  9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 19

Hymn 96 

Sermon Text: O T Lesson: Exodus 24:12, 15-18

Moses went up to the glory of God on Mt Sinai to receive the tables of  the Law.  He later appeared to witness Jesus’ transfiguration.

12 The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”  15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Theme: The Lord allows us to come into His presence

1. To hear His commands  

2. To see His glory

Prayer: LORD Jesus, thank You for letting us come into Your presence to see Your glory.  

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

Thankoffering 

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

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 124

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer, page 20

Hymn 97

Continue page 25, front of hymnal

Hymn 369

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

February 12, 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 12, 2023 -Epiphany 6

Jesus’ followers show people what God is like:

Reflecting commandments 5,6,& 2

Prayer Before Worship – Lord Jesus, I wish people could see You.  Well, I guess I am supposed to help them to do that.  Help me keep Your commandments so that people see what You are like. 

Hymn 286              

Morning Praise, front of hymn bottom of page 45

Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Following God’s commandments keeps us from doing things that destroy our relationship with the LORD.  Following God’s commandments also defines what God is like for anybody watching us. 

     15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.  17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.  19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

Psalm 119a front of hymnal, pg 109

Following God's commandments is the best way to live

Gospel: Matthew 5:21-37

Quoting commandments 5,6, & 2 Jesus indicates how His followers are to live to show others what He is like. 

     21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.    23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.    25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. 31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Hymn 287

Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12(Sermon text vs 11-12)

Following God’s commandments keeps us from doing things that destroy our relationship with the LORD.  Following God’s commandments also wins the respect of anybody watching us.

 1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.  9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 

Theme: Win the respect of outsiders

1. Lead a Quiet Life

2. Mind our own business

.Continue in my word.(John 8:31)

 Love your neighbor  (Matt 22:39)

 Give thanks in all circumstances(1 Thess 5:18)

 Be my witnesses (Acts 1:8).  

3.   Work toward independence

Hymn 283    

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: Lord God,/ in mercy receive the prayers of Your people.  Grant us the wisdom to know the things that please You,/ and the grace and power always to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son,/ Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now and forever   

Continue  Prayer for Grace, pg 50

Hymn 462

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