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Thursday, November 2, 2023

Weekly Newsletter

Glimpses of Glendale
Glendale Lutheran Church Newsletter


November 2, 2023

Gray Is Good - article by Joel Hempel

 

Gray symbolizes far more than aging and the blessing of living into the later years of life. It also represents experience, a seasoned life, more flexible time, and wisdom from reflecting on life from the perspective of Scripture. Of course, it also means there are often increased physical and mental challenges interrupting the flow of life that used to be. That’s the downside of gray.

 

As I sit in the choir loft and observe our congregation, I see a lot of gray. Gray is good (see Proverbs 16:31).

 

Also, from my lofty perch, I see about a half dozen or so young families dotting the sanctuary with glorious energy and delight, and about an equal number of mid-life families.

 

What do these beautiful groups of people have in common? The most obvious answer is Jesus. He is everything to us! But there is more. For example, there’s love. Little kids love spontaneity, laughter, running, jumping, and growing up. Older adults – and probably mid-lifers – love little ones for who they are and their parents for all they’re dealing with. We remember!

 

Another thing all three groups have in common is that they all have made GLC their home – older and middle-aged families by having been members for many years to many decades, and little children because Pastor Scott, their parents, and all of the rest of us welcome their relaxed and playful presence.

 

So, what do you think God wants for a congregation whose majority is rapidly aging at one end and has a wonderful cadre of young and middle-aged families at the other?

 

Gray is good, but for what?

 

Given who we are, what would draw the attention of young individuals and families to our beautiful little church? Here are a few ideas to be critiqued; I’m sure you have additional ones. It is especially critical to hear from younger adult members.

 

1.    As I recall, mid-life families are as busy as young families. So, what if older adults made themselves available to baby or child-sit? This would have to be promoted because young parents would be reluctant to ask.

 

2.    Specialized Mentoring: We have a lot of accomplished and successful retired people in the congregation, people representing many professions with many gifts and skills. I wonder if we could swallow our humility and advertise – discreetly – what we are able to offer in terms of mentoring and consultation.

 

3.    I think we know we are a generous congregation. But could that generosity be organized in such a way that brothers and sisters in need would know they are not only welcome to ask for assistance but encouraged to do so (see Acts 2:45)?

 

4.    How can older members and children serve together, with the “gray” ones serving as models and coaches and the young providing a youthful spark?

 

See how they love one another!

 

Note: Pastor Scott should not be the lone, responsible person for the growth of the congregation. It’s our church and our responsibility!

Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child

It’s time again to pack Christmas boxes for children around the world. Please begin gathering your gifts and the shoeboxes should be available in about two weeks. As alternatives, you may use plastic shoe boxes (available at the dollar store) or your own decorated shoeboxes. Suggestions on how to pack your boxes are on the table in the Fellowship Room. Blessings on your efforts. Questions to Carol Froesel 314-822-1365. 


Filled boxes are due no later than November 12. Thank you so much.

Financial Update

Next Sunday's Bible Readings

Amos 5:18-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

Worship Leaders

This Sunday - 11/5

Lector: Jerry Nicolaus

Communion: Mike Toney and Seminary Student

Greeters: Jean Peterson, Janet Leet

S/V: John Steele

Ushers: Ken Clark, Ron Froesel, Jack Hurley, Tony Petzoldt

Children's Message: Pastor Scott

Next Sunday - 11/12

Lector: Tim Cosby

Communion: Tony Petzoldt and Seminary Student

Greeters: Ron & Carol Froesel

S/V: Mike Toney

Ushers: Rodger Lubben, Gerry Lucas, Steve Phelps, John Steele

Children's Message: Ryan Philpot

The Word Within the Word
Online Calendar

Glendale Lutheran Church

Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm

(314) 966-3220

glendalelutheranchurch@gmail.com

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Worship Bulletin


Welcome to Glendale Lutheran!


Choir rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm. We meet in the choir room. Come join us and find out more about what we’ll do together this fall!


Deacon List…If you need to talk to a fellow believer, email or call Pastor Scott or one of these deacons: Cathie Albers (cathleenalbers@charter.net), Joel Hempel (jhempel411@gmail.com), Marcia Hempel (mshempel11@att.net), Bob Jacobson (rjacobson@hy-c.com), or Tony Petzoldt (tonypetzoldt@sbcglobal.net). 

All Saint's Day

November 5, 2023

Sunday 9:15am

Greeting and Welcome


Lighting of the Candles


Prelude All Saints Triumphant, Raise the Song


Hymn of Invocation – For All the Saints (LSB 677, verses 1-4)


For all the saints who from their labors rest,

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.

Alleluia! Alleluia!


Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;

Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.

Alleluia! Alleluia!


Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,

Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old

And win with them the victor’s crown of gold!

Alleluia! Alleluia!


Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.

Alleluia! Alleluia!


+ Preparation +


Invocation

P: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit

C: Amen.


Opening Sentences

P: Lord, on this All Saints’ Day, we gather to remember and rejoice.

C: We remember the ones we love—ones loved also by You.

P: We remember how You embraced them, showed them grace, and filled them with faith.

C: We remember with heavy hearts. We remember with thankful hearts.

P: We rejoice in the resurrection life promised in and through Jesus.

C: We rejoice that Jesus has overcome death forever.

P: We rejoice that You are God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who will never leave us nor forsake us.

C: Amen.


Confession and Absolution

P: In Baptism, God welcomes us into the family of Christ and embraces us with His love. Welcomed and embraced, we are free to confess our sins, trusting the power of Christ to lead us to newness of life.

C: We confess, good Lord, that we have sinned against You and our neighbors in thought, word, and deed. We have hungered and thirsted for unworthy things. Our hearts are not right within us. Forgive us, O God, for the sake of Jesus, our Brother.

P: Today we hear these beautiful words from John: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” As a called and ordained servant of Christ, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. Thanks be to God for our Baptism into Christ!


+ Word +


Introit 

P: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

C: In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.

P: For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me.

C: Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.


All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen


P: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.


Salutation and Prayer of the Day

P: The Lord be with you. 

C: And also with you.

P: Let us pray. Lord God, You sustained those who have gone before us in faith, You showed them grace, and in their lives You have shown us examples of good works that are the fruit of faith in Christ. So sustain us in faith and grace, that we bear the fruit of faith with perseverance and joy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.


First ReadingRevelation 7:9–17

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

“Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”


P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.


Epistle2 Corinthians 2:1-11

For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 

Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.


P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.


Holy Gospel Matthew 5:1-12

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fifth chapter.

C: Glory to You, O Lord.


Seeing the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”


P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise to You, O Christ.


Children’s Hymn – I’ve Got the Joy (AGPS 140)


I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,

Down in my heart, down in my heart!

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,

Down in my heart to stay! Refrain


Refrain: And it’s the greatest, grandest feeling,

And it’s a feeling here to stay!

And it’s a joy that needs revealing,

So I just want to say:


I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,

Down in my heart, down in my heart!

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,

Down in my heart to stay! Refrain


Children’s Message – Pastor Scott


Hymn of the Day – Joy to the World (LSB 387)


Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room

And heav’n and nature sing,

And heav’n and nature sing,

And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.


Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ,

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.


No more let sins and sorrows grow

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as the curse is found.


He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders of His love.


Sermon 


Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.


And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen.


Remembering the Saints

Form a line to the sides of the lectern and speak the name of a departed saint into the microphone.


We remember especially those Glendale Lutheran members who have joined the saints in heaven since the last All Saints’ Day: Mary Bush, Gene Smith, Kim (nee Frimel) Bartolacci


Choir AnthemI Shall Not Want


(lyrics for reflection)


The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in pastures of green.

He leads me beside the waters still and He restores my soul.

Yes, he restores my soul.

Even though I walk through the shadow of death,

no evil will I fear for You are there.

Thy rod and thy staff they shall comfort even me, even me,

comfort even me.

And my cup overflows.


Prayers


+ Celebrating birthdays this week: 5 – Jacob Grossenheider; 6 – Mary Guion, Twylah Atwood; 8 – Lisa DeBord 

+ Wedding anniversaries: 8 – Kelsey & Justin Johnson; 9 – Becci Lauber Sasser & Mark Sasser; 10 – Karl & Jean Das


Special Celebrations and Needs:

+ Church family members: Steve Dixson, in the hospital with blood clots; Sandy Barbercheck, recovering from knee replacement surgery; Hank Schlichter, diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer; Jan Hurley, undergoing radiation and chemotherapy; Ken Kight, battling cancer

+ Friends of our congregation: Seminarian Ryan Barnett, healing from leg surgery; Family and friends of Bill Lubben, upon his death; the son of Ken Kight, undergoing surgery for cancer; Linda, friend of a member, upon her breast cancer diagnosis; Gary Schouten, cousin of Valerie Wehmueller, fighting kidney cancer; Don, friend of the Wehmueller family, upon a diagnosis of liver cancer; Rebecca Guion, daughter-in-law of Mary Guion, in the hospital

+ Those who are homebound or in nursing facilities: Twylah Atwood, Mary Aufderheide, Jules Bush, Frank & Sharon Gaal, Mary Guion, Jerry & Jane Keathley, Jim & Judy Thielker, Shirley Williams

Offering
Please scan the following QR code or visit https://tithe.ly/give?c=815174 to make a donation using your mobile device.

Offertory


+ Sacrament +


Preface

P: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

P: Lift up your hearts. 

C: We lift them to the Lord.

P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

P: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who sustains us with faith, fills us with undeserved grace, and works in us to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:


Sanctus

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow'r and might:

Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.

Hosanna, Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest. 

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

P: God of grace and glory, in love You created us and all living creatures. 

C: You called Abraham and Sarah to follow Your guidance in a confusing world.

P: You fed the Israelites in the wilderness. 

C: You fed Elijah the prophet in a time of drought.

P: Now, in the fulness of time, You sent Jesus, our Lord, who now feeds us with His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. 

C: Thank You, Lord.

P: We give You thanks for this gift of Christ’s body and blood, shared at this altar with angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven. Feed our faith, fill us with Your grace, and guide us by Your Spirit. 

C: Amen.


The Words of Our Lord

P: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My + body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My + blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”


Proclamation of Christ

P: As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

P: O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:


Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.


Pax Domini 

P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: And also with you.


Distribution 


Distribution Hymn – This Joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)


This joyful Eastertide

Away with sin and sorrow!

My love, the Crucified,

Has sprung to life this morrow: Refrain


Refrain: Had Christ, who once was slain,

Not burst His three-day prison,

Our faith had been in vain:

But now has Christ arisen, arisen, arisen;

But now has Christ arisen!


Death’s flood has lost its chill

Since Jesus crossed the river;

Lover of souls, from ill

My passing soul deliver: Refrain


My flesh in hope shall rest

And for a season slumber

Till trump from east to west

Shall wake the dead in number: Refrain


Blessing


Post-Communion Collect

P: Let us pray. As You, Lord Jesus, took bread, gave thanks, blessed it, broke it, and gave it for all to eat, so fill us with the Holy Spirit that we receive the gifts You give with thanks, use our gifts to bless the world, share our bounty for the sake of Your kingdom, and give our lives in service to You. 

C: Amen.


Benediction 

P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

C: Amen.


Closing Hymn – For All the Saints (LSB 677, verses 5-8)


And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,

Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.

Alleluia! Alleluia!


The golden evening brightens in the west;

Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest;

Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.

Alleluia! Alleluia!


But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day:

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of Glory passes on His way.

Alleluia! Alleluia!


From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,

Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:

Alleluia! Alleluia!


Postlude 


+ + +


+ WORSHIP LEADERS +

Preacher/Celebrant/Liturgist – Pastor Scott

Organist/Pianist – Seth Carruthers

Lector – Jerry Nicolaus

Communion – Mike Toney & Seminary Student

Sound/Video – John Steele

Ushers – Ken Clark, Ron Froesel, Jack Hurley, Ron Froesel

Greeters – Jean Peterson, Janet Leet

Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.