19th Sunday After Pentecost

October 19, 2014
19th Sunday After Pentecost
1915 Gum Branch Road Jacksonville, NC 28540
www.welsalc.com (910) 937-0022
Email: [email protected]
WELCOME – to all who have gathered to hear the Good News of Jesus!
VISITORS – We are so glad you have joined us today! If you are visiting us for the first
time, please sign our guest register near the front door. Our restroom is in the
back. If we can serve you in any way, please let us know. God bless your worship!
SMALL CHILDREN – Small children are always welcome in our service. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about worship, observe their parents listening to
God’s Word and, most importantly, hear about their Savior! However, should you need
to take your little one for a “time out,” you can still watch the service on closed-circuit
TV in the back.
We are often told that the more we do and the more
we have will somehow make our lives more meaningful. Yet, no matter what we try to fill up on, there
is always a void that cannot be filled with the glitter
and glamour that is advertised as life to the fullest.
Thankfully, there is a way! Our lives are not defined by what we have or by what we do
but, rather, by our Savior who did everything necessary, so that we would have it all—
forgiveness and life in the Kingdom, now and forever. This changes the way we live
our lives and interact with others.
Today, our worship will focus on our new life in Christ and how it effects how we view
and treat each other.
To Live Is Christ
Today—In My Daily Relationships
October 26—With My Resources
All are welcome to participate in the service as indicated. The parts of the service
marked M are spoken by the minister, and the parts marked C are spoken by everyone
in the congregation.
2
ORDER OF SERVICE
SERVICE OF THE WORD
The “Service of the Word” can trace its roots to the historic Christian Church. The structure of this service follows the general pattern that has become traditional in the Lutheran church: confession, praise, reading of God’s Word in Scripture, sermon and creed,
then prayer and blessing.
OPENING HYMN………………………..……………………………..……...CW 237
PLEASE STAND
M:
C:
The grace of our Lord (+) Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of
the Holy Spirit be with you.
And also with you.
CONFESSION OF SINS
In the confession we acknowledge our sins and ask God to forgive them. The absolution stresses the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ for our sins and the sins of the
world. In the absolution we are assured that Christ has forgiven us of all our sins.
M:
C:
M:
C:
We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him
as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and
punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.
Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless
ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child.
But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to
your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are
his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.
Amen.
3
PRAYER AND PRAISE
After hearing the announcement of forgiveness, there is every reason for relief, joy, and
thanksgiving. With that in mind, we sing this song with words taken from Psalm 34:8
and Psalm 119:89.
M:
In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
4
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M:
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may direct and rule our
hearts in all things . Help us to look at others you have placed in our lives as you
have looked on us—with love and concern. We ask you to do this recognizing
that without your help, we easily go astray and are completely unable to serve and
please you; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
THE WORD
This section is the heart and high point of our service. What follows is not the uncertain
word of untrustworthy human beings. It is the Word of God that has called us to faith
and strengthens our faith in Jesus as our Savior.
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON — Acts 10:34-43
Peter reveals to Cornelius, a Gentile, the amazing truth God had given him. Our
Lord does not show favoritism. His grace and mercy is extended to all people
through Christ Jesus who died and rose as the Savior of the world.
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36 You
know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace
through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout
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. 39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on
the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by
witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he
rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he
is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets
testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins
through his name.” (NIV)
5
HYMN OF THE MONTH……..…..….……………..…………………………CW 202
The congregation is invited to join in singing verse three of the hymn.
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON — 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Reconciled and redeemed by Jesus, we are a new creation and, with God’s help, we
live to serve him who loved us first and gave himself for us.
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and
therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for
themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we
regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this
way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the
old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself
through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the
world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed
to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as
though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be
reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we
might become the righteousness of God. (NIV)
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & SONG
(all children are invited to join Pastor up front)
PLEASE STAND
GOSPEL OF THE DAY — Matthew 18:21-35
Christ’s parable of the Good Samaritan asserts that the important question for a
Christian is not “Who is my neighbor?” but, rather, “To whom may I be a neighbor?”
With Christ’s help, we are a neighbor to all he places in our lives.
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked,
“what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How
do you read it?” 27 He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor
as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will
live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell
into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away,
leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when
6
he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to
the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled,
came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him
and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own
donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver
coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I
will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do
you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert
in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (NIV)
M: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
BE SEATED
SERMON HYMN …………………………………….…………...…………...CW 505
SERMON:
SEE PEOPLE DIFFERENTLY!
Based on 2 Corinthians 5:14-16
APOSTLES’ CREED
The Creed is a summary and profession of the Christian faith. This is a confession of
the whole Christian Church on earth concerning the teachings of Scripture and especially about the person of Jesus Christ. Believers join their voices with one another and
the whole Christian Church on earth to speak about God’s truth.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe 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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty. From there 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.
7
OFFERING
Our thank-offering to the Lord flows out of the thankful hearts that have received the
forgiveness of sins though a crucified and risen Savior.
PLEASE STAND
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord invites our prayers and asks that Christians pray for many people and circumstances. He promises to listen to them and respond according to his will in a way that is
best for us. With that in mind, we approach our God with confidence and faith.
M: Eternal God, you are Father of all you have made and Shepherd of all men and
women you have created. You create the times and places in which your people
live, you cause the sun and the rain to fall on the just and unjust in all places and
conditions.
C: We thank you Lord that you have given us life. Enlighten us to see that all
good things come from your guiding hand.
M: Lead us to see in the lives of all our human sisters and brothers the working of your
eternal plan. Preserve us from an arrogance that elevates our service and sacrifice above that of the others.
C: Forgive us Lord for failing to see your gracious hand at work in the people
around us. Help us appreciate their gifts with our lives of humble thanks.
M: We pray for all your created peoples who differ from us in race, language, and culture, that through our words and actions toward them they may grasp how wide
and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
C: Help us Lord to see them as the handiwork of your creative hand and objects
of your saving love.
M: O Lord, pour out your blessing on this gathering of your people. Give us ears to
hear your gospel, eyes to see your glory, and tongues to proclaim your grace. Create in us a burning zeal for you. Empower us to serve you with contentment and
faith in the callings into which you have placed us right now knowing that they are
fashioned by you for your purposes.
C: Give us unity in faith and love so that each of us do our part to build up the
body of Christ to represent your glory and extend the kingdom of Christ on
earth. Amen.
ALL: 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.
BE SEATED
8
HYMN …………………..……………….…….…..……………………………CW 490
PRAYER AND BLESSING
Having seen and heard all that the Lord has done, we are prepared to go from here in
peace, to live in harmony with each other, and serve our God with gladness.
M: Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and
do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be
strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony
with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
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.
CLOSING HYMN
…………………………………….………………………..CW 332
A FEW MOMENTS FOR PERSONAL PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Take a moment to reflect on today’s message, or a hymn during the service. Following
the announcements, feel free to stick around and join us for some refreshments. Have
a blessed week!
Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV). Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights
reserved. Service of Word is from Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, © 1993 Northwestern Publishing
House. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net#A-718787. Reprinted by permission.
9
ASCENSION
NEWS & NOTES
Our Week with the Lord: October 19—October 26, 2014
Today:
Worship………….………....…………………………………….…..9:00 AM
Family Bible Hour ……….…………………...…...…...……….…10:20 AM
Confirmation Class………………………………………………...11:30 AM
Wednesday:
Choir Practice…………………………………………………….….7:00 PM
Thursday:
Sunday School Teacher’s Meeting………………………………...6:00 PM
Sunday:
Worship w/ Lord’s Supper….…………………………..…….….....9:00 AM
Family Bible Hour…………………………………………………..10:20 AM
Confirmation Class…………………………………………………11:30 AM
Please, join us this morning as we continue our Bible Study on
what kind of church Jesus wants us to be. Everyone is welcome,
so grab a cup of coffee and join us, as we study the Word of God
together. During Bible study, the children will gather for some fun
in the Word, as well. See you there!
Today’s Lesson: God Answers Abraham’s Prayer for a Son
Next Week: God makes Abraham’s Faith Grow
Memory Treasure: Ask and it will be given to you. (Matthew 7:7)
10
Next week we conclude our worship series To Live is Christ as we look how our new
life in Jesus changes the way we view and use all the resources God has blessed us
with.
To Live is Christ
Next Sunday—With My Resources
October 28th ~ This is the last day to donate to
the care packages being sent to our deployed
members and friends!
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED:
Am I good enough?
With so many religious books out there, how can I be
sure the Bible is truth?
Can we really know for sure what happens after death?
With billions of people on the planet, does God really
care about me?
How do I live my faith in a world that is hostile toward
Jesus and Christians?
We all have questions and our God has the answers!
Starting in November, we will be conducting a new basic Christianity class for visitors
and members alike. Whether you are new to God’s Word or looking for a refresher, this
is the class for you! So come and recharge your spiritual batteries, and even forge new
friendships as we let God answer our deepest questions and satisfy our greatest
needs.
If you are interested, please contact Pastor Lange at (910) 937-0022 for more details.
Conference: Pastor Lange will be attending a conference in Raleigh this week. He will
11
return Wednesday night.
We are still looking for those willing to help usher on Sunday mornings. This is a very
important job here at Ascension because we only have one chance to make a first impression. Our goal with the usher program is to ensure that every person, especially
guests and visitors, have the best possible experience here at church. We want them
to feel welcomed, comfortable and informed. Please sign the roster if you are interested in volunteering. A brief training class will be offered to anyone who is willing to help!
Keep in your prayers our members and friends who are Serving Overseas: Nick Greuel, Lucas Winter, Morgan & Scott Voigt, Chris Frame &
Scott Schmitt.
WE THANK THOSE WHO SERVE!
Usher
This Sunday: Zach Hare
Next Sunday:
Refreshments
This Sunday: Hare Family
Next Sunday: Megan McDonald
Cleaning
Coming Week: Hare Family
Following Week: Lange Family
Last Week
Worship Attendance: 54
Bible Class: 23
12
Sunday School: 17
THE WORD "GOSPEL"
Our English word "gospel" is a translation of the Greek word "evangelion." "Evangelion"
means "an announcement of something good," "good news," or "good tidings." In earlier English "gospel" was spelled "godspell." "God" meant "good;" and "spell” meant
"story." A "god-spell" therefore meant "a story of something good" or "good news." Our
modern word "gospel" means exactly the same as the Greek "evangelion": "good
news." When the word "gospel" is used in the New Testament, it always means "the
good news that God has provided salvation for man through Christ." It was not until
about 150 A.D. that the name "Gospel" began to be used to refer to the first four books
of the New Testament. Today we commonly call the four books of Matthew, Mark, Luke
and John "The Four Gospels;" and we often speak of "The Gospel According to St.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John." By those names we are, of course, speaking of the entire inspired books, which they wrote, and not just of the "good news" part of their
books. The writers of the Four Gospels are often called the "Four Evangelists." An
"evangelist" is someone who tells good news, specifically, the good news of salvation in
Christ. "Evangelist" and "gospel speaker" or "gospel writer" mean the same thing.
"Copied with permission from WhatAboutJesus.com. WELS © 2011."
13
14
MISSION STATEMENT
As a family of believers in our Savior Jesus Christ, we proclaim the Gospel in
Word and sacrament to gather souls, nurture believers, and encourage Christian living within our community and throughout the world.
Ascension is a congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We
invite you to visit our congregation’s website (www.welsalc.com) or our synod’s
website (www.wels.net) for more information about our locations, beliefs, and
practices.
Our Regular Sunday Morning Schedule:
Sunday Morning Worship — 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School — 10:30 a.m.
Bible Class — 10:30 a.m.
By searching our Facebook web address, Ascension.WELS
15
16