| Prelude
Greeting and Welcome
Lighting of the Candles
Hymn of Invocation – Alleluia! Let Praises Ring (LSB 822)
Alleluia! Let praises ring! To God the Father let us bring Our songs of adoration. To Him through everlasting days Be worship, honor, pow’r, and praise, Whose hand sustains creation. Singing, ringing: holy, holy, God is holy; spread the story Of our God, the Lord of glory.
Alleluia! Let praises ring! Unto the Lamb of God we sing, In whom we are elected. He bought His Church with His own blood, He cleansed her in that blessèd flood, And as His bride selected. Holy, holy is our union And communion. His befriending Gives us joy and peace unending.
Alleluia! Let praises ring! Unto the Holy Ghost we sing For our regeneration. The saving faith in us He wrought And us unto the Bridegroom brought, Made us His chosen nation. Glory! Glory! Joy eternal, Bliss supernal; there is manna And an endless, glad hosanna.
Alleluia! Let praises ring! Unto our triune God we sing; Blest be His name forever! With angel hosts let us adore And sing His praises evermore For all His grace and favor! Singing, ringing: holy, holy, God is holy; spread the story Of our God, the Lord of glory!
+ Preparation +
Invocation P: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.
Opening Sentences – Psalm 93:1; 95:6 P: The LORD reigns; He is robed in majesty; C: the LORD is robed; He has put on strength as His belt. P: Oh come, let us worship and bow down; C: let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
Confession and Absolution – John 18:37 P: Jesus said, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Today we kneel humbly before Him, our king, confessing the truth that we have sinned against our creator’s clear commands. Let us make our heartfelt petition for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. C: Most merciful Lord, whose majesty has been shown to all nations by Your triumph over all sin and death on Your glorious cross, from Your exalted throne at the right hand of the Father You live and reign over all creation. Receive our humble plea for mercy, life, and forgiveness of our sin, and grant to us Your enlivening grace by speaking Your liberating word of truth. P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. C: Amen.
+ Word +
Choral Introit – Sound the Full Chorus (G.F. Handel)
(Lyrics provided for reflection)
Sound, Sound, sound the full chorus, give praise to the Lord, Give praise to the Lord; O sing a new song. God’s mighty salvation declare day by day, tell it forth; Sing, or sing, all the earth. Sound, Sound, wound the full chorus, give praise to the Lord; O sing a new song. For great is the Lord, the Lord God of hosts. Sound the full chorus, give praise to the Lord. God’s mighty salvation declare day by day, tell it forth; Sing, O sing all the earth.
Salutation and Prayer of the Day P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, so govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that, ever mindful of Your glorious return, we may persevere in both faith and holiness of living; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.
First Reading – Isaiah 51:4–6 “Give attention to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law will go out from me, and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples. My righteousness draws near, my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and for my arm they wait. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.
P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Epistle – Romans 16:1-16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Holy Gospel – Mark 13:24-37 P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the thirteenth chapter. C: Glory to You, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
P: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ.
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.
Children’s Hymn – I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (LSB 411)
I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain
Refrain: In Him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path, And show me the way to the Father. Refrain
Children’s Sermon – Janet Leet
Hymn of the Day – Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending (LSB 336)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending, Once for ev’ry sinner slain; Thousand thousand saints attending Swell the triumph of His train: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Christ the Lord returns to reign.
Ev’ry eye shall now behold Him Robed in glorious majesty; Those who set at naught and sold Him, Pierced and nailed Him to the tree, Deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, Shall their true Messiah see.
Those dear tokens of His passion Still His dazzling body bears, Cause of endless exultation To His ransomed worshipers. With what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture Gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea, amen, let all adore Thee, High on Thine eternal throne; Savior, take the pow’r and glory, Claim the kingdom as Thine own. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Thou shalt reign, and Thou alone!
Sermon
Offering
Choral Offertory – A Mountain Harvest
(Lyrics provided for reflection)
Sing to the Lord of harvest, sing songs of love and praise; With joyful hearts and voices your alleluias raise. Through God the rolling seasons in fruitful order move; Sing to the Lord of harvest a joyous song of love. The storm clouds burst with rainfall, the deserts bloom and spring, The hills leap up in gladness, the valleys laugh and sing. God fills them with His fullness; all things with large increase; He crowns the year with blessing, with plenty and with peace. Bring to this sacred altar the gifts His goodness gave, The golden sheaves of harvest, the souls Christ died ot save. Your hearts lay down before Him when at His feet you fall, And with your lives adore Him who gave His life for all, Who gave His life for all.
Prayers + Celebrating birthdays this week: 25 – Jack Bentzinger, Judy George; 26 – Vince Ryan, Shelley Albers; 28 – Joan Schlichter; 29 – Sue DeFosset; 30 – Suk Wille + Wedding anniversaries: 28 – Jeri & Donald Crotzer
Special Celebrations and Needs: + Church family members: Jean Peterson, recovering from breast cancer surgery; John & Miriam Lee, celebrating the birth of a grandchild; Paul Schultz, now in hospice; Sue DeFosset, with back issues; Gloria Nobis, recovering from knee surgery; Sherman Moore; Sharon Gaal, recovering from surgery; Ken Kight + Friends of our congregation: Karen, extended family member of Valerie Wehmueller, diagnosed with cancer; Barbara Huggins, in rehab + Those who are homebound or in nursing facilities: Twylah Atwood, Mary Aufderheide, Jules Bush, Frank & Sharon Gaal, Mary Guion, Jane Keathley, Vicki Lucas, Cindy Smith, Shirley Williams
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.
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 – He Will Hold Me Fast
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path; For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast. Refrain
Refrain: He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast; For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast; Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast. He’ll not let my soul be lost; His Promises shall last; Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast. Refrain
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast; Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast. Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast ‘Till our faith is turned to sight, when He comes at last! Refrain
Postlude
Altar Flowers this morning are given by Joel & Marcia Hempel In appreciation for Kevin Metzler and his artistic gift in creating beautiful bouquets
+ WORSHIP LEADERS + Preacher/Liturgist – Seminarian Ryan Philpot Organist/Pianist – Seth Carruthers Lector – Greg Frimel Communion – Tony Petzoldt & Seminary Student Sound/Video – Mike Toney Ushers – Rodger Lubben, Jack Hurley, John Steele, Steve Phelps Greeters – Paul & Sandy Barbercheck | 
