| Prelude
Greeting and Welcome
Lighting of the Candles
Hymn of Invocation – I Am Forever Who I Am
Though mountains slide into the sea, And waters rush where fields should be, Though monuments and nations fall, Your holy city stands through all. When nothing seems to stay the same, You teach us your eternal name. Refrain
Refrain: I AM forever WHO I AM. Above you, beneath you, Around you and within you. Be still and know that I AM God.
Each generation looks for truth, And doubt can trouble age or youth. If other gods would take your place Remember us with love and grace. Reclaim us if we go astray; You are the Truth, the Life, the Way. Refrain
Some days seem long, though life is brief, And death is waiting like a thief. When vision fades and dreams go dry, We will on unseen things rely. Our stories take up but a page, But yours goes on from age to age. Refrain
+ Preparation +
Invocation P: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit C: Amen.
Confession and Absolution P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. C: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.
P: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. C: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.
+ Word +
Introit P: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. C: I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. P: My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. C: Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! P: I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. C: When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 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: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Kyrie P: In peace let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. P: For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. P: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. P: For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy. P: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. C: Amen.
This Is the Feast This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Power, riches, wisdom and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are His. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation. Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. For the Lamb who was slain has begun His reign. Alleluia. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Salutation and Collect of the Day P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Let us pray. O God, Your divine wisdom sets in order all things in heaven and on earth. Put away from us all things hurtful and give us those things that are beneficial for us; 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 Reading – Ecclesiastes 5:10–20 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Epistle – Hebrews 4:1–13 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Alleluia and Verse Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia, alleluia.
Holy Gospel – John 15:1-11 P: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the fifteenth chapter. C: Glory to You, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
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!
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!
Children’s Sermon – Janet Leet
Hymn of the Day – Amazing Grace (LSB 744)
Amazing grace—how sweet the sound— That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see!
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; His grace has brought me safe thus far, His grace will lead me home.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail And mortal life shall cease, Amazing grace shall then prevail In heaven’s joy and peace.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.
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.
Prayers + Celebrating birthdays this week: 21 – Jeanne Clark; 22 – Janet Leet; 23 – Phyllis Phelps; 26 – Kelly Climer + Wedding anniversaries: 22 – Rick & Sandy Faeth
Special Celebrations and Needs: + Church family members: Jane Keathley and Jeri Crotzer upon the death of Jerry Keathley; Paul Schultz, now in hospice; Sue DeFosset, with back issues; Gloria Nobis, recovering from knee surgery; Sherman Moore; Sharon Gaal, recovering from surgery; Vicki Lucas, recovering from a stroke; 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, Cindy Smith, Shirley Williams
Offering
Choral Offertory – Remember
(Lyrics provided for reflection)
This is the body that was torn for us This is the blood that was spilt Points to the pain you endured for us Points to the shame, the blame, the guilt Father, Son and Holy Spirit, come Move our hearts to remember This is the Lamb who was slain for us So we the church may enter in So bitter sweet when we think of You The One who bore our curse, our sin Father, Son and Holy Spirit, come Move our hearts to remember, to remember
+ 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 on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. 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: Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross. Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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: Amen.
Agnus Dei Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant us peace. Distribution
Distribution Hymn – I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table (LSB 618)
I come, O Savior, to Thy table, For weak and weary is my soul; Thou, Bread of Life, alone art able To satisfy and make me whole. Refrain
Refrain: Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood Be for my soul the highest good!
Thy heart is filled with fervent yearning That sinners may salvation see Who, Lord, to Thee in faith are turning; So I, a sinner, come to Thee. Refrain
Unworthy though I am, O Savior, Because I have a sinful heart, Yet Thou Thy lamb wilt banish never, For Thou my faithful shepherd art. Refrain
Weary am I and heavy laden; With sin my soul is sore oppressed; Receive me graciously and gladden My heart, for I am now Thy guest. Refrain
What higher gift can we inherit? It is faith’s bond and solid base; It is the strength of heart and spirit, The covenant of hope and grace. Refrain
Blessing
Thank the Lord Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell ev'ryone what He has done. Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name. He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia, alleluia. Post-Communion Collect P: Let us pray. We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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 – Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (LSB 803)
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love! Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Praising Thee, their sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, Drive the gloom of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea, Chanting bird, and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever blessing, ever blest, Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean-depth of happy rest! Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Fountainhead of love divine: Joyful, we Thy heav’n inherit! Joyful, we by grace are Thine!
Postlude
Altar Flowers this morning are given by Janet Leet In thanksgiving to God for blessings received
+ WORSHIP LEADERS + Preacher – Rev. Dr. Matt Hoehner Celebrant/Liturgist – Pastor Scott Organist/Pianist – Seth Carruthers Lector – Stephanie Chapa Communion – Tony Petzoldt & Seminary Student Sound/Video – Terry Young Ushers – Rodger Lubben, Jack Hurley, Terry Buchholz, Gerry Lucas Greeters – Terry & Marilyn Young | 
