- Hope Lutheran Church

Second Sunday after Christmas
January 5, 2014
Theme for the Day:
The Love of God
4200 Shenandoah Drive
Louisville, KY 40241
Steven Lange, Pastor
(502) 423-1211
www.hopelouisville.net
Our Mission:
Love the Lord. Love each other. Study and spread his Word.
WELCOME to all our guests. It truly is a pleasure to have you with us today. In order to
make your visit as enjoyable as possible, please allow us to answer some common
questions about our church and our worship services.
 Our restrooms are located off the church entryway on either side of the drinking
fountain. Baby changing stations are available in both restrooms.
 We encourage children of all ages to participate in our worship services. So, please
don’t be afraid to bring them into the service. However, we also realize that children
can become restless. We have a nursery room with toys, books, chairs, and other
items that you can use to help calm your child. Our ushers will be glad to direct you
to the nursery room at any time.
 Our entire worship service is printed in this booklet. The order of service that we use
is a version of the historic liturgy that the Christian Church has used for centuries.
Explanations of the various portions of the service are enclosed in square brackets
within the service. Red hymn books containing the hymns for the service are located
in the racks on the pews. If at any time in the service you have a question, please
feel free to ask someone sitting near you for help. We are more than happy to assist
you in any way we can.
 Headsets are available for those who desire assistance hearing the service.
Please speak to an usher to obtain a headset if you would like to use one during the
service.
 Before you leave today, please sign our guest register. It is located on the lectern in
the church entryway.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to speak to our pastor. Our ushers
and greeters also stand ready to assist you.
God bless your visit. We hope to see you again soon.
2
Today we welcome WELS musician and Christian recording artist Stephen Bautista as guest
musician for today’s service. Through the Word of God and song, Stephen will lead us to consider the
many facets of God’s incredible love for us.
Out of courtesy to your fellow worshipers, please silence all electronic devices before the service.
Please hold your applause until the end of the service. Thank you.
A PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Praise to you, O God, maker of all things. You gave me life and breath. You sent your Son to cleanse me
from sin and your Spirit to make me glad. Thank you for providing me with all that I need to live. To
you be honor and glory and praise now and forever. Amen.
“The Most Beautiful Thing”
Words and music by Stephen Bautista
OPENING SONG
the warm subtle hues of a delicate bloom
and a song bird that greets the new morning
a cascading stream flowing through fields of green
and the mountains that rise up before them
in oh so many ways
the beauty of life has shined on my face
and yet I know of one thing
that surpasses by far the beauty I've seen
chorus: the most beautiful thing I know
is the cross with a savior who died for us all
and the blood that flowed
from his hands and feet
and the wounds he bore
so that we'd be redeemed
this is the most beautiful thing
I've stood on the edge of a grand precipice
overwhelmed by the span of creation
then sat teary eyed while the sun paints the sky
as it settles beyond the horizon
and I'm still so amazed
at the beauty that life has shined on my face
but one thing stands alone
unrivaled and incomparable
chorus: the most beautiful thing I know
is the cross with a savior who died for us all
and the blood that flowed
from his hands and feet
and the wounds he bore
so that we'd be redeemed
this is the most beautiful thing
and I'm still so amazed
at the beauty that life has shined on my face
but one thing stands alone
unrivaled and incomparable
3
chorus: the most beautiful thing I know
is the cross with a savior who died for us all
and the blood that flowed
from his hands and feet
and the wounds he bore
so that we'd be redeemed
this is the most beautiful thing
Please stand.
CALL TO WORSHIP
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
M: Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name! (Psalm 30:4)
C: I will sing and make music!
M: I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
C: For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
M: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalm 57:7-11)
C: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
M: Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.
C: Make music to the LORD with the harp and the sound of singing – shout for joy before the
LORD, the King. (Psalm 98:1-5)
M: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)
C: Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. (Psalm 148:1)
M: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
C: Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)
M: Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise!
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
Hymn 195
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
4
CONFESSION OF OUR SINS
M: Almighty God,
C: We come before You in awe and reverence. Your Son commanded us to be perfect even as You
are perfect. We confess to You and before one another that we have not been perfect in our
obedience. We have not loved You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; we have not
loved our neighbors as ourselves. We tremble before Your holiness, and we beg for Your
forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FORGIVENESS
M: God is merciful, and has heard our prayer. He loved us so much that He gave His only Son into
death for our sins, and for His sake, has reconciled us to Himself. By the command and authority of
our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
Please be seated.
5
“Saved”
Words and music by Stephen Bautista
SONG
weary, worn, and tattered
tossed about and battered
like a boat out on the raging sea
gone a drift and helpless
broken down, in distress
then the Lord stretched out his arms to me
now I'll be
Refrain I: safe and warm from the storm
kept from harm in his arms
when the tempest hits me
I'm sheltered by his mercy
safe and warm from the storm
just when I had floundered
quickly going under
Jesus pulled me from the crashing waves
now that I have been kept
from sinking to a great depth
I rejoice and praise his holy name
cause I've been saved
Refrain I: safe and warm from the storm
kept from harm in his arms
when the tempest hits me
I'm sheltered by his mercy
safe and warm from the storm
Refrain II: and I sing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
safe and warm from the storm
safe and warm from the storm
Refrain II: and I sing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I sing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
safe and warm from the storm
6
FIRST DEVOTION
“Love Chose”
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (Ephesians
1:4)
“You Thought of Me”
Words and music by Stephen Bautista
SONG
when you made the universe
formed the heavens and the earth
when you planned eternity
did you really think of me?
when you breathed the living breath
made us into your likeness
when you said that you were pleased
did you really think of me?
and on the day
that we rebelled
was I in your thoughts
as your tears fell
when you left your mighty throne
to fix the damage we had done
when you became the least of these
did you really think of me?
when you were betrayed by a kiss
and felt the nails go through your wrist
when you suffered agony
did you really think of me?
and the moment when
you left the grave
was I on your mind
as the debt was paid
you wrote your word upon my heart
to say you knew me from the start
and that you planned out everything
all because you thought of me
SECOND DEVOTION
“Love Sent”
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with
water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or
any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
7
“You Never Did”
Words and music by Stephen Bautista
SONG
I never fully understood
why you agreed to save us
when you knew the price you had to pay
was pain beyond endurance
I know if I were in your shoes
I wouldn't hesitate
to leave this world of fools
Chorus: but you never did
you never budged an inch
you never did
you never even flinched
you could've left us all
and wrote us off as a lost cause
but you never did
you freely took that heavy cross
when you could've easily left it
you let them pierce your mighty hands
when you had the power to stop them
you could've flown at lightning speed
when they challenged you
to come down off that tree
Chorus: but you never did
you never budged an inch
you never did
you never even flinched
you could've left us all
and wrote us off as a lost cause
but you never did
Bridge: you stuck through all the pain
and endured our guilt and shame
when you really could have left us
you really could have left us
Chorus: but you never did
you never budged an inch
you never did
you never even flinched
you could've left us all
and wrote us off as a lost cause
but you never did
you really could have left us
but you never did
8
(Please turn the page.)
9
“In Christ Alone”
Hymn 752
CONGREGATION HYMN
10
THIRD DEVOTION
“Love Found”
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a
chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could
not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was
coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down
immediately, I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All
the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’” But Zacchaeus
stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and
if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him,
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of
Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:1-10)
11
“I Finally Know Who You Are”
Words and music by Stephen Bautista
SONG
I used to think that you were nothing more
than a mythical deity
or a distant god that lived so far away
wanting nothing to do with me
caught up in the world's point of view
perpetually blind and confused
and constantly questioning
just who you are
then I saw the light and there you were
standing right here in front of me
revealing all the wonders that you are
that I once could never see
you gave me a whole new insight
that opened my mind so that I
am no longer questioning
just who you are
chorus: you are the creator
who's big enough to hold every star
you are the savior
who's small enough to live in my heart
the friend of a sinner
who hung upon a cross
and healed the deepest of scars
now I have no doubt
I finally know who you are
you gave me a whole new insight
that opened my mind so that I
am no longer questioning
just who you are
chorus: you are the creator
who's big enough to hold every star
you are the savior
who's small enough to live in my heart
the friend of a sinner
who hung upon a cross
and healed the deepest of scars
now I have no doubt
I finally know who you are
12
FOURTH DEVOTION
“Love Returned”
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy
and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1)
“Offering”
Words and music by Stephen Bautista
SONG
During this song, the offering will be taken.
you raised me up, I deserved to fall
you gathered all my sins and then forgave them all
you took the wounds and gave me life
your love goes beyond anything that I deserve
and there's little I can offer in return
Chorus: I could say "Praise the Lord"
I could give thanks to you
I could lift up my voice
I could sing "Hallelu"
a better way to thank you Lord
with heartfelt gratitude
is to give my broken life to you
you looked at me and saw my stain
you left a royal realm so you could take the blame
it was my cross, you made it yours
what you endured for me is hard to comprehend
and there's nothing I can do to make amends
Chorus: I could say "Praise the Lord"
I could give thanks to you
I could lift up my voice
I could sing "Hallelu"
a better best way to thank you Lord
with heartfelt gratitude
is to give my broken life to you
Bridge: this life is all I have to give
it's my heart's desire to live
for you as my offering
Chorus: I could say "Praise the Lord"
I could give thanks to you
I could lift up my voice
I could sing “Hallelu”
a better best way to thank you Lord
with heartfelt gratitude
is to give my broken life to you
this is my offering, to give my broken life to you
13
Please stand.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
M: Let us pray, brothers and sisters, for the holy Church of God throughout the world, that God the
almighty Father gather and guide it so that we may worship him in peace and tranquility:
Almighty and eternal God, you have shown your glory to all nations in Jesus Christ. Guide the work
of the Church. Help it to persevere in faith, proclaim your Word, and bring salvation to people
everywhere. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Let us pray for our pastors and teachers and all leaders of the Church, and for all the people of God:
Almighty and eternal God, your Spirit guides the Church and makes it holy. Strengthen and uphold
all who serve you and your people. Keep them in health and safety for the good of the Church. Help
each of us to do faithfully the work to which you have called us. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Let us pray for those who do not believe in Christ, that the light of the Holy Spirit may show them
the way to salvation:
Almighty and eternal god, enable those who do not acknowledge Christ to receive the truth of the
gospel. Help us, your Church, to grow in love for you and for one another, so that we become more
perfect witnesses of your love for all people. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Let us pray for those who serve in public office, that God may guide their minds and hearts, so that
all of us may live in true peace and freedom:
Almighty and eternal God, graciously direct those who have been set in positions of authority among
us, so that people everywhere may enjoy justice, peace, freedom, and a share in the goodness of your
creation. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
M: Let us pray that God, the almighty and merciful Father, may heal the sick, comfort the dying, give
safety to travelers, and free those unjustly deprived of liberty:
Almighty and eternal God, you give strength to the weary and new courage to those who have lost
heart. In your mercy hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble, that they may have the
joy of receiving your help in their need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
Reprinted from Lutheran Book of Worship: Minister’s Desk Edition, © 1978, by permission of Augsburg Fortress.
LORD’S PRAYER
C: 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.
Please be seated.
14
“When Peace Like A River”
Hymn 760
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
Please stand.
PRAYER
C: Jesus, light of the world, you have freely given me the light of life, and have illuminated in me
the hope of my salvation. Give me a caring heart to love and seek the lost, and share my hope
of salvation with those who have no hope. Make me faithful in my daily life so that all I say and
do may glorify you. Amen.
15
BLESSING
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.
C: Amen.
“Jesus Loves Me”
Words by Anna Warner, William Bradbury
Bridge by Stephen Bautista
The congregation is invited to sing along on the verses and the chorus.
Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so
Jesus loves me this I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so
Jesus loves me, He who died,
Heaven's gate to open wide;
He has washed away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so
Bridge (sung by Stephen Bautista):
It tells me of his grace,
How my sins were erased,
How he restored my soul,
How he calls me his own
This I know for the Bible tells me so
Jesus loves me! He will stay,
close beside me all the way;
He's prepared a home for me,
And some day His face I will see.
Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so
Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me;
Yes, Jesus loves me The Bible tells me so
CLOSING SONG
Copyright Acknowledgements
Worship materials contained in this service folder are reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net A-702363 and CCLI License #3039838.
Cover artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2013 Ian M. Welch. All Rights Reserved.
16