LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS August 10, 2014 THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH O Holy Spirit, Comforter and Guide, through the Gospel You have worked faith in my heart which receives the greater gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation. Through Word and Sacrament continue to strengthen me in my faith and by Your power in my life help me overcome doubt and temptation. Open my heart to receive more of Your grace and grant that I bear fruit in my faith life which gives glory to You, who with the Father and the Son are One God, One Lord. I pray this in Jesus holy name. Amen WELCOME Welcome to Grace! We thank you for being here this morning and we especially wish to thank those who are visiting for joining with us this morning. In this time it is our hope that, wherever you are in your faith, just beginning to know Jesus, continually struggling to believe in Him or bold and steadfast in your confession of His name, we pray that Gods Word shared here this morning will strengthen you and keep you steadfast in the faith that Jesus is Lord and Savior. If you are not a member of Grace and wish to learn more about our teachings as drawn from Gods Word please speak with our Pastor. We are glad you are here and we invite you to come and worship with us again. We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them. Restrooms are located on the lower level of this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs for anyone who has need. HOLY COMMUNION Holy Communion will be celebrated in the 8:15 Service today. In this sacrament we receive Christs very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Those who are not members of Grace are asked to speak with our Pastor before partaking of this sacrament so that the unity of faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request. AS WE GATHER Job suffered losses that few of us could endure: his livelihood, his family, and his own health. At Jesus invitation, Peter exited the boat and began to walk to Jesus, until he took his eyes off Jesus and paid attention to the wind and the waves and he began to sink. In a familiar hymn we sing, Lord when the tempest rages, I need not fear, For You, the Rock of Ages, are always near. Close by Your side abiding, I fear no foe, for when Your hand is guiding, in peace I go. (LSB 722 stanza 2) This is why todays Gospel is so uplifting. When Peter was sinking, Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him. In Holy Baptism, Jesus reaches out His hand and takes hold of us, granting faith and eternal life. Even as we struggle with temptation and doubt, the Lord graciously leads, guides and directs us, reaching out to us through Word and Sacrament to give us life to the full.
- 2 - THE ALTAR FLOWERS
The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by Robert and Carole Nichols in celebration of their grandson Stephens eighth birthday and in thanksgiving for Gods many blessings.
THOSE WHO SERVE
Pastor: Rev. James C. Walter Vicar: David Witte Director of Parish Music: Nathan Beethe Secretary: Pat Funk Early Childhood Center Director: Colleen Moorman Acolyte: (8:15) Ginger Litwa Cantor: (8:15) Jon Cline Communion Assistant: (8:15) Frank Royster Ushers: (8:15) Roy Andrews, Roy Bullard John Ketcher, Gary Proud Greeters: (8:15) Jack and Pat Funk Altar Guild: (8:15) Dorris Deislinger and Mildred Wilkins Acolyte: (10:45) Anna Kate Manchester Cantor: (10:45) Jeff Ralston Ushers: (10:45) Paul Krueger, Gervais LeBlanc Jeff Ralston, Jacob Ralston Greeters: (10:45) Jeff and Ginny Ralston Altar Guild: (10:45) Ginny Ralston Coffee Hosts: Anna, Christina, Emily and James Junkans Altar Guild: (Wed. evening) Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Nursery Attendant: Mary Ann Dyer
THE APPOINTED READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY, August 11 th , The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, are: The Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8, The Epistle Reading: Romans 11:1- 2a, 13-15, 28-32, and The Holy Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28.
Grace Lutheran Church P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225
- 3 - THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE for THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Pre-Service Music With the Lord Begin Your Task - William Braun
Lighting of the Chancel Candles
Prelude With the Lord Begin Your Task - Jacob B. Weber
Ringing of the Church Bell
Opening Hymn: With the Lord Begin Your Task LSB 869
Confession and Absolution
Stand
The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their baptism.
Invocation Matthew 28:19b; [18:20]
P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen
Exhortation Psalm 124:8; Psalm 130:34; Luke 18:13
P Our help is in the name of the Lord, C who made heaven and earth. P If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? C But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared. P Since we are gathered to hear Gods Word, [and] call upon Him in prayer and praise, [and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar,] let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our
- 4 - sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Confession of Sins
C Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen
Absolution John 20:1923
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 T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen
Service of the Word
Introit Ps. 34:48; antiphon: Ps. 34:1
P I will bless the LORD at all times; C his praise shall continually be in my mouth. P I sought the LORD, and he answered me C and delivered me from all my fears. P Those who look to him are radiant, C and their faces shall never be ashamed. P This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him C and saved him out of all his troubles. P The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, C and delivers them. P Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! C Blessd is the man who takes refuge in him! C 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 I will bless the LORD at all times; C his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
- 5 - Kyrie Mark 10:47
A For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.
A 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.
A For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.
A Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.
- 6 - Gloria in Excelsis Luke 2:14; John 1:29
Salutation and Collect of the Day
P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Let us pray. Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen
Sit
- 7 - Old Testament Reading J ob 38:418
P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Gradual Ps. 34:9, 19, alt.
Fear the LORD, | you his saints,* for those who fear him lack | nothing! Many are the afflictions of the | righteous,* but the LORD delivers him out | of them all.
Epistle Romans 10:517
P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Stand
Alleluia and Verse
Matt. 14:27 P But immediately Jesus spoke to them, | saying,* Take heart; it is I. Do not | be afraid.
Holy Gospel Matthew 14:2233
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fourteenth chapter. C Glory to You, O Lord.
- 8 - The reading of the Holy Gospel.
P This is the Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to You, O Christ.
Nicene Creed (8:15)
C I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen
- 9 - Apostles' Creed (10:45)
C 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 T everlasting. Amen
Sit
Children's Message
Sermon Hymn: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me LSB 715
Sermon Matthew 14:2233 Little Faith Big Doubts?
Stand
Prayer of the Church
P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Each petition ends with the following:
P Lord, in Your mercy, C hear our prayer.
- 10 - The prayers conclude with the following:
P Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen
Sit
Offering Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me - John Ferguson
Stand
Offertory: We Give Thee But Thine Own LSB 781
6 And we believe Thy Word, Though dim our faith may be: Whateer for Thine we do, O Lord, We do it unto Thee.
Public domain
10:45 Service continues on page 15
- 11 - Service of the Sacrament (8:15)
Preface 2 Timothy 4:22; Colossians 3:1; Psalm 136
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, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, for the countless blessings You so freely bestow on us and all creation. Above all, we give thanks for Your boundless love shown to us when You sent Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into our flesh and laid on Him our sin, giving Him into death that we might not die eternally. Because He is now risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity, all who believe in Him will overcome sin and death and will rise again to new 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 Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9
- 12 - Prayer of Thanksgiving
P Blessed are You, O Lord our God, king of all creation, for You have had mercy on us and given Your only-begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. In Your righteous judgment You condemned the sin of Adam and Eve, who ate the forbidden fruit, and You justly barred them and all their children from the tree of life. Yet, in Your great mercy, You promised salvation by a second Adam, Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and made His cross a life-giving tree for all who trust in Him. We give You thanks for the redemption You have prepared for us through Jesus Christ. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may faithfully eat and drink of the fruits of His cross and receive the blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation that come to us in His body and blood. Hear us as we pray in His name and as He has taught us:
Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:913
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
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 T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me. P 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 T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.
- 13 - Pax Domini John 20:19
P The peace of the Lord be with you always. C Amen
Agnus Dei John 1:29
Sit
Distribution
Communion Instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor says, Take and drink.
Hymn: Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face LSB 631 Hymn: We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight LSB 720 Hymn: Be Still, My Soul LSB 752
Stand
- 14 - Nunc Dimittis Luke 2:2932
Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. Gracious God, our heavenly Father, You have given us a foretaste of the feast to come in the Holy Supper of Your Son's body and blood. Keep us firm in the true faith throughout our days of pilgrimage that, on the day of His coming, we may, together with all Your saints, celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which has no end; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen
- 15 - Benedicamus Psalm 103:1
P Let us bless the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Benediction
P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace. C Amen
Closing Hymn: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me LSB 722
Postlude Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me - Richard Wienhorst
T T T
Service Concludes (10:45)
Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:913
P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: 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
- 16 - Collect
P Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christs holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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 lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace. C Amen
Closing Hymn: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me LSB 722
Postlude Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me - Richard Wienhorst
T T T
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. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
- 17 - THIS WEEK AT GRACE
SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor 9:45 a.m. Sunday School downstairs in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Junior and Senior High classes downstairs in the church 9:45 a.m. Pastor Walters Bible Class upstairs in Parker Hall 10:45 a.m. Divine Service MON - FRI: 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) MONDAY: 7:00 p.m. Board of Elders TUESDAY: 12:00 noon Sit and Sew WEDNESDAY: 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study (St. Vincents) 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service with Holy Communion THURSDAY: 12:00 noon Devotions with Pastor FRIDAY: 3:30 p.m. ECDC Graduation in Parker Hall
TODAY SUNDAY SCHOOL This week in Sunday School, we study Servant H 2 Oh! Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet. Students will learn how God pours out His love for them by sending Jesus to serve them by saving them from sin, death, and the devil and by empowering them to serve others in His name. Parents could ask, How could we as a family serve others?
PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets each Sunday morning upstairs in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter is leading a study of the Letter to the Hebrews, and today he continues with Lesson 7, Chapter 8 of Hebrews.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6 th grade meet in the lower level of the Family Life Center. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES meet in their classrooms downstairs in the church.
WELCOME Randy and Amy Yovanovich and their children Ryan, Garett and Morgan have transferred to Grace from Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock. Please welcome the Yovanovichs to our Grace family.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Aug. 10 Pat and Jack Funk Aug. 13 Ginny and Jeff Ralston Aug. 14 Lisa and Jeff Hicks Aug. 15 Rose and Kurt Shrader
- 18 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Aug. 11 Melanie Stillman Davis Aug. 12 Janet Killough Aug. 13 Stephen Nichols, Charles Stein, Paul Walter Aug. 15 Megan Gipson, Benjamin Hardman, Doris Holzhauer Aug. 16 Mike Paulson
LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 8/3: 199 (8:15 93 and 10:45 106). Mid-Week Service 8/6: 8. Offerings: Sunday 8/3: $13,133.00. Mid-Week Service 7/30: $40.00. Missions: $125.00. Memorials: $25.00. Building Fund: $670.00. Scholarship Fund: $175.00.
REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Allen Deislinger is recovering in rehab following some heart issues. Grant Geuther is recovering at home after being hospitalized at the VA this week. Bill Wilkins is hospitalized at Baptist Medical Center following a colon procedure. Dennis Fastenau is receiving treatments for cancer. Pray for successful test results. Gary Goldsby continues to recover following a heart procedure. Bill Jones is in rehab at Hickory Heights Nursing and Rehab. Sammye Sue Harrill is recovering following knee surgery. Joan Ann Olsen undergoing tests to receive successful diagnosis and treatment. Rudy Bischof is receiving treatments for cancer. Pray for successful test results. The Worden family continues recovery after a tornado severely damaged their home.
OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Brandon Shaw who died suddenly last Saturday in Indiana. Brandon is the nephew of Gary Proud. Please keep Gary and Angie and their family in your prayers.
SIT AND SEW will meet on Tuesday, August 12 th , (note the date change) at 12:00 noon. Bring your project and join them in the downstairs classroom in the church. They will also discuss plans for the Fall Craft Show and Used Book Sale. For details call Carole Nichols, Sammye Sue Harrill or Riley Middaugh.
NOON DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR is Thursday, August 14 th , at 12:00 noon in Parker Hall. Bring your sandwich and join us for Bible study and fellowship. Drinks, chips, and dessert are provided. We eat first and then Pastor Walter shares a devotional Bible study with us. Bring a friend and join us this is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship!!
- 19 - BOARD OF ELDERS will meet on Monday, August 11 th , at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Gary Proud is the director. PARISH PLANNING COUNCIL will meet on Monday, August 18 th , at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. VOTERS MEETING is Monday, August 25 th , in the Sanctuary. Randy Middaugh is the executive director.
MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MR. DONNA NICHOLS TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Paul Nichols
FALL CRAFT SHOW AND USED BOOK SALE
Applications now being accepted for booth rentals at the Grace Fall Craft Show
Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 1 st , 2014 for the Fall Craft Show and Used Book Sale. We gladly accept donations of used books beginning mid- October. The Fall Craft Show and Book Sale will benefit the Seminary Food Bank at Concordia, St. Louis and also Kevin Ray, in his Vicarage year. Matching funds will be donated by Thrivent Financial. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/gracecraftshow. Contact Riley Middaugh at 954-9281 or email at ram0220@aol.com for more information.
- 20 -
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
The Women of Grace are collecting supplies to make School Kits for Lutheran World Relief. To the children who receive School Kits, these supplies mean the difference between getting an education or not. In the places where LWR works, even a few required supplies may be more than families can afford. Items needed for each kit include: Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or college-ruled paper; no loose-leaf paper One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other One pencil sharpener One blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well) Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a rubber band Five black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a rubber band One box of 16 or 24 crayons One 2 eraser Backpack
Our goal is 75 School Kits. Items may be brought to the church and placed in the container marked School Kits.
We are also in need of volunteers to make simple backpacks. A simple pattern is available and material can be provided if needed.
For any questions, please contact Ginny Ralston at 425-1487. Now is a great time to take advantage of the various sales. Thank you for your help!