Green Pastures With Jesus--Shepherd of the Lakes

Worship audio from March 4, Lent 3B.  

Bulletin here or below:

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, zeal for your Father’s house consumed you.  May that same fervor consume us also, who are your spiritual dwelling through faith, that we may offer the   AMEN.

Faith & Forgiveness:

People are also warned that the term faith does not mean simply a knowledge of a history, such as the ungodly and devil have [James 2:19]. Rather, it means a faith that believes, not merely the history, but also the effect of the history. In other words, it believes this article: the forgiveness of sins. We have grace, righteousness, and forgiveness of sins through Christ.

The person who knows that he has a Father who is gracious to him through Christ truly knows God [John 14:7]. He also knows that God cares for him [1 Peter 5:7], and he calls upon God [Romans 10:13]. In a word, he is not without God, as are the heathen.  For devils and the ungodly are not able to believe this article: the forgiveness of sins. Hence, they hate God as an enemy [Romans 8:7] and do not call Him [Romans 3:11–12] and expect no good from Him. 26 Augustine also warns his readers about the word faith and teaches that the term is used in the Scriptures, not for the knowledge that is in the ungodly, but for the confidence that consoles and encourages the terrified mind.

Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 1  (Concordia p. 43)

Because He Knew: He Put His House in Order

Jesus knew all along he was going to die. That was the eternal plan of the Father, that the holy Son of God would suffer and die for a world of sinners. ...

In preparation for that day, Jesus cleansed the Temple during Holy Week, just as he did at the beginning of his ministry.
How does the cleansing of the Temple guide our Christian lives & work today?

OPENING HYMN: 401 – Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ

LITURGY: Common Service with Holy Communion, p. 15
Please rise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: Almighty God, look with favor on your humble servants and stretch out the right hand of your power to defend us against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: Exodus 20:1-17

The Law, given by the LORD our God, demands perfect obedience:

Then God spoke all these words: 

2I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, where you were slaves. 

3You shall have no other gods beside me. 4You shall not make any carved image for yourself or a likeness of anything in heaven above, or on the earth below, or in the waters under the earth. 5Do not bow down to them or be subservient to them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God. I follow up on the guilt of the fathers with their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren, if they also hate me. 6But I show mercy to thousands who love me and keep my commandments.                         

7You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not permit anyone who misuses his name to escape unpunished. 

8Remember the Sabbath day by setting it apart as holy. 9Six days you are to serve and do all your regular work, 10but the seventh day shall be a sabbath rest to the LORD your God. Do not do any regular work, neither you, nor your sons or daughters, nor your male or female servants, nor your cattle, nor the alien who is residing inside your gates, 11for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. In this way the LORD blessed the seventh day and made it holy. 

12Honor your father and your mother so that you may spend many days on the land that the LORD your God is giving to you. 

13You shall not commit murder. 

14You shall not commit adultery. 

15You shall not steal. 

16You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 

17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor. 

This is the Word of the Lord.   
Thanks be to God!

SECOND READING: Romans 8:1-10

The flesh has no strength to free itself from the condemnations of God’s law; but through Christ, God proclaims freedom:

So then, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3Indeed, what the law was unable to do, because it was weakened by the flesh, God did, when he sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to deal with sin. God condemned sin in his flesh, 4so that the righteous decree of the law would be fully satisfied in us who are not walking according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. 

5To be sure, those who are in harmony with the sinful flesh think about things the way the sinful flesh does, and those in harmony with the spirit think about things the way the spirit does. 6Now, the way the sinful flesh thinks results in death, but the way the spirit thinks results in life and peace. 7For the mindset of the sinful flesh is hostile to God, since it does not submit to God’s law, and in fact, it cannot. 8Those who are in the sinful flesh cannot please God. 

9But you are not in the sinful flesh but in the spirit, if indeed God’s Spirit lives in you. And if someone does not have the Spirit of Christ, that person does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 

THEME VERSE: John 3:14-15

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL READING: John 2:13-22

Jesus is serious about his Word, his dwelling-place, and what goes on there:

Glory be to you, O Lord!

13The Jewish Passover was near, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 

14In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers sitting at tables. 15He made a whip of cords and drove everyone out of the temple courts, along with the sheep and oxen. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16To those selling doves he said, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a place of business!” 

17His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 

18So the Jews responded, “What sign are you going to show us to prove you can do these things?” 

19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” 

20The Jews said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! And you are going to raise it in three days?” 21But Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body. 22When Jesus was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this. Then they believed the Scripture and what Jesus had said. 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 456 – Forth in Your Name, O Lord, I Go

SERMON based on John 2: Jesus Promises to Keep Setting His House in Order

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31

OFFERING

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

The sacrament

For our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.

COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33

DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 532 – God is Here! As We His People

SONG OF SIMEON: CW p. 24

CLOSING HYMN: 530 – Hark! The Church Proclaims Her Honor

THIS WEEK

Today        2 Samuel 2

        9:30 - Lent 3 Worship with Holy Communion

        10:45 - Sunday School, Bible class

Monday    2 Samuel 3

Tuesday    2 Samuel 4

        7 PM - CAP Class (Faith, Conversion)

Wednesday    2 Samuel 5

        5-6 PM - Small Catechism Class 

        6-6:45 PM - Lenten Supper

        7 PM - Midweek Lenten Worship

Thursday    2 Samuel 6

        6 PM - Choir

Friday        2 Samuel 7

Saturday    2 Samuel 8

        9:30 AM - Bible Basics (Egg Bake...?)

Sunday    2 Samuel 9

        “Thank God for Coffee!” Sunday
        9:30 - Lent 4 Worship

        10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (Medical Directives & POA for Health Care)

NOTES

Midweek Lenten services continue - 6 PM meal, 7 PM worship.

Catechism class 5-6 PM Wednesday.

Rev. Curt Seefeldt will preach next Sunday & speak during Bible class on the topic of advance medical directives & Power of Attorney for Health Care.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME NEXT WEEKEND.  Spring ahead!

Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:

Theme Lent 4: Because He Knew, He Promised Salvation through Faith
Color Purple

Liturgy Service of the Word, p.38
Hymns 381, 427, 384, 748; CW Psalm 90

Readings from John 3, Numbers 21, Ephesians 2
Verse of the Day John 3:16

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Worship audio from February 25, 2018.  Bulletin PDF or below:

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any questions or concerns.

Lord Jesus, you alone sought us out, forgave us, bought us, made us your own.  You promised a cross for all who follow you.  Lead me to see your cross, that I may find joy in the cross you have given me; AMEN.

Consolation & Comfort through Faith:

In other words, sin terrifies consciences. This happens through the Law, which shows God’s wrath against sin. But we gain the victory through Christ. How? Through faith, when we comfort ourselves by confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake. ... God’s wrath cannot be appeased if we set our own works against it. For Christ has been set forth as an Atoning Sacrifice so, that for His sake, the Father may be reconciled to us. But Christ is not received as a Mediator except by faith. Therefore, by faith alone we receive forgiveness of sins when we comfort our hearts with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake. Likewise, Paul says in Romans 5:2, “Through Him we have also obtained access” and adds, “by faith.” Therefore, we are reconciled to the Father and receive forgiveness of sins when we are comforted with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake.
Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 5   (Concordia p. 130)

Because He Knew:

Jesus knew the cross that awaited him; he knew the resurrection afterward.  He had told this to his disciples numerous times – and now, as the day draws nearer, Jesus prepared his disciples for a cross.
What is our cross, and how may we carry it?

SUNDAY SCHOOL: ”Friend, I’m Sorry”

LITURGY: CW p. 38

Please rise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: Almighty God, you see that we have no power to defend ourselves. Guard and keep us both outwardly and inwardly from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: Genesis 28:10-17

The merciful presence of God is certain, because of grace alone: 

10Jacob set out from Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. 11He came to a certain place and decided to spend the night there, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from that place, put it under his head, and lay down to sleep in that place. 12He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching to heaven. There were angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13There at the top stood the LORD, who said, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you are lying, I give to you and to your descendants. 14Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15Now, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back again into this land. Indeed, I will not leave you, until I have done what I have promised to you.” 

16Jacob woke up from his sleep, and he said, “Certainly the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17He was afraid and he said, “How awe-inspiring is this place! This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven.”   

PSALM OF THE DAY: 73, CW p. 94

SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-11

The miracle of Lent – Christ the innocent, suffering for sinners and in their place makes them innocent in God’s sight:

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we also have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice confidently on the basis of our hope for the glory of God. 

3Not only this, but we also rejoice confidently in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces patient endurance, 4and patient endurance produces tested character, and tested character produces hope. 5And hope will not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us. 

6For at the appointed time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7It is rare indeed that someone will die for a righteous person. Perhaps someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to him. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

9Therefore, since we have now been justified by his blood, it is even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. 10For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life. 11And not only is this so, but we also go on rejoicing confidently in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received this reconciliation. 

THEME VERSE: Philippians 2:8

Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. 

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL READING: Mark 8:31-38

The Cross:

31Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things; be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the experts in the law; be killed; and after three days rise again. 32He was speaking plainly to them. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 

33But after turning around and looking at his disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have your mind set on the things of God, but the things of men.” 

34He called the crowd and his disciples together and said to them, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36After all, what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38In fact, whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 434 – Lord, You I Love with All My Heart

SERMON based on Mark 8: Preparation for the Cross

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Apostles’ Creed, CW p. 41

OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH: CW p. 42

Please rise.

CLOSING PRAYER: CW p. 43

CLOSING HYMN: 355 – Take the World, But Give Me Jesus

NOTES

Bowling today at 3 PM – see the sign-up sheet at the back lectern.

Midweek Lenten services continue - 6 PM meal, 7 PM worship.

Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:

Theme Lent 3 – Because He Knew: He Put His House in Order
Color Purple

Liturgy Common Service, CW p. 15
Hymns 401, 456, 532, 530; CWS Psalm 69

Readings from John 2, Exodus 20, Romans 8
Verse of the Day John 3:14-15

THIS WEEK

Today        1 Samuel 26

        9:30 AM - Second Sunday of Lent

        10:45 AM – Sunday School.  Bible Class: The Flood

Monday    1 Samuel 27

Tuesday    1 Samuel 28

        7 PM - CAP

Wednesday    1 Samuel 29

        5-6 PM – Small Catechism Class

        6 PM - Lenten Supper

        7 PM - Ash Wednesday Worship

Thursday    1 Samuel 30

Friday        1 Samuel 31

Saturday    2 Samuel 1

Sunday    2 Samuel 2

        9:30 AM - Lent 3 Worship with Holy Communion

        10:45 AM – Bible class & Sunday School

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Worship audio from February 18, 2018 - Lent 1B.  Warmly referred to as "Festival of the Means of Grace Sunday."  Bulletin pasted in below.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Bulletin PDF here - or below.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity and fought temptation.  You were victorious!  All praise to you for your perfect obedience!  And miracle of miracles . . . you have credited this perfection to me.  Thank you!  AMEN.

Christ’s Kingdom Grow through the Means of Grace:

Christ’s kingdom exists only with the Word and Sacraments. Therefore, it is necessary to baptize little children, that the promise of salvation may be applied to them, according to Christ’s command to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19). Just as in this passage salvation is offered to all, so Baptism is offered to all, to men, women, children, infants. It clearly follows, therefore, that infants are to be baptized, because salvation is offered with Baptism. Second, it is clear that God approves of the Baptism of little children.  God’s approval of the Baptism of little children is shown by this: He gives the Holy Spirit to those baptized [Acts 2:38–39].
Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 9 (Concordia p. 153)

Because He Knew: He Would Died – He Would Live

Why did Jesus keep moving toward the cross? Surely, he should have known this was coming. Surely, he could have avoided the pain, the suffering, the death. But that’s the point, Jesus knew all along he was going to die. That was the eternal plan of the Father, that the holy Son of God would suffer and die for a world of sinners. However, Jesus also knew that death would not be the end. The payment for sin would be accepted and he would rise to life again and defeat death itself, for us.
How does the Temptation of Jesus solidify our Christian hope today?

OPENING HYMN: 224 – God Himself is Present

LITURGY: Holy Baptism, CW p. 12
Please rise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: Lord our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your Word, and when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: Genesis 22:1-18

What do you love so much that it would be impossible to willingly and gladly give up if the Lord required it?  The time of Lent is a call to serious struggle against sin, including the idolatry of loving anyone or anything more than God:

Some time later God tested Abraham. He called to him, “Abraham!” Abraham answered, “I am here.” 

2God said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains there, the one to which I direct you.” 

3Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, along with Isaac his son. Abraham split the wood for the burnt offering. Then he set out to go to the place that God had told him about. 4On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 

5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go on over there. We will worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and loaded it on Isaac his son. He took the firepot and the knife in his hand. The two of them went on together.                         ( . . . continued . . . )

7Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father?” He said, “I am here, my son.”  He said, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 

8Abraham said, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them went on together. 9They came to the place that God had told him about. Abraham built the altar there. He arranged the wood, tied up Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 

11The Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!”  

Abraham said, “I am here.” 

12He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 

13Abraham looked around and saw that behind him there was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14Abraham called the name of that place “The LORD Will Provide.” So it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” 

15The Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 

PSALM: CWS 3 (Bulletin p. 6)

SECOND READING: Romans 8:31-39

Lent proves the love of God: God gave his own Son for us all.  With this truth planted into our hearts, God gives us perseverance in all things: 

31What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him? 

33Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies! 34Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the one who is at God’s right hand and who is also interceding for us! 35What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

36Just as it is written: 

    For your sake we are being put to death all day long. 
    We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

THEME VERSE: Matthew 4:10

It is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”  

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:12-15

In his grace, God leads Gentiles to worship Christ:

12The Spirit immediately sent Jesus out into the wilderness. 13He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels were serving him. 

14After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15“The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 201 – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

SERMON based on Mark 1: Only a Victorious Christ could Preach the Gospel

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Luther’s Explanation of Holy Baptism, from the Small Catechism (1529)

M: What is Baptism?

C: Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used by God's command and connected with God's Word.

M: Which is that Word of God?

C: Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

M: What does Baptism do for us?

C: Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

M: What are these words and promises of God?

C: Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

M: How can water do such great things?

C: It is certainly not the water that does such things, but God's Word which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word used with the water. For without God's Word the water is just plain water and not baptism. But with this Word it is baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit.

M: Where is this written?

C: Saint Paul says in Titus, chapter three, “God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.”
    ( . . . continued . . . )

M: What does baptizing with water mean?

C: Baptism means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

M: Where is this written?

C: Saint Paul says in Romans, chapter six, “We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYER: p. 32

The sacrament

For our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.

COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33

DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 737 – God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It

SONG OF THANKS: CW 316 (Purple sheet or hymnal)

CLOSING HYMN: 752 – In Christ Alone

NOTES

All are invited to celebrate Gideon’s baptism at noon at the Pizza Ranch.
See the sign-up at the back of church for next week’s congregational bowling.

Midweek Lenten worship continues with a 6 PM meal & 7 PM worship.  

THIS WEEK

Today        1 Samuel 19

        9:30 - Lent 1 Worship with Holy Communion & Baptismal Affirmation of Gideon Johanson

        10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (The Flood)

        12:01 PM - Baptismal celebration at the Pizza Ranch

Monday    1 Samuel 20

Tuesday    1 Samuel 21

        7 PM - CAP class: The Start of Unit 2! 

Wednesday    1 Samuel 22

        NO CATECHISM CLASS

        6 PM - Lenten Meal

        7 PM - Midweek Lenten Worship

Thursday    1 Samuel 23

Friday        1 Samuel 24

Saturday    1 Samuel 25

Sunday    1 Samuel 26

        9:30 - Lent 2 Worship

        10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (The Flood)

Membership at Shepherd of the Lakes means more than a person’s name on a church roster. Membership is about belonging to Christ, growing in faith, and sharing the joy of salvation together.  

We enjoy life together with a merciful God through faith, growing together as lifelong learners of Jesus, spending time together with one another in Christian friendship and support, and going out together into our communities and circles of friends to make a meaningful difference.

Our new member process aims at nurturing those relationships, which includes but is not limited to an agreement together on the truths of the Bible. Unity of belief is the building block for life together with Christ, growing in faith together, and sharing in the joy of salvation together.

Those who want to join Shepherd of the Lakes coming from other WELS or ELS churches will be familiar with our beliefs.  Others experienced in another church, or who have little or no religious background at all, become members through participation in a Bible information class taught by Pastor Hagen.  Many of our members have taken this class numerous times, as a reminder and refresher on the different teachings in God’s Word.

Togetherness in beliefs then leads to a new member process that nurtures togetherness in relationships with God, church and community.

Speak to Pastor Hagen if you’re interested. There is no charge.  Even if you’re just curious,  come check it out!

Worship audio from Transfiguration Sunday worship.  Bulletin & PDF available below.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Bulletin PDF here.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any questions or concerns.

Lord Jesus, you alone sought us out, forgave us, bought us, made us your own.  Lead us to see your glory on the mountain, that we may be prepared for life in this world of sin & death & pain; AMEN.

The True Worship of God:  

So the worship and divine service of the Gospel is to receive gifts from God. On the contrary, the worship of the Law is to offer and present our gifts to God. However, we can offer nothing to God unless we have first been reconciled and born again. This passage, too, brings the greatest comfort, as the chief worship of the Gospel is to desire to receive the forgiveness of sins, grace, and righteousness. Christ says of this worship, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40). And the Father says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5). 190 [311] The adversaries speak of obedience to the Law, but they do not speak of obedience to the Gospel. We cannot obey the Law, unless we have been born again through the Gospel. We cannot love God, unless we have received the forgiveness of sins.
Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 5   (Concordia p. 130)

Joining Jesus:

During the season of Epiphany, we join Jesus as he reveals his glory.  Today, the final Sunday in Epiphany, we join Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he reveals his glory in fullest measure.  How does this revealing of the glory of God comfort & guide us today?

OPENING HYMN: 95 – How Good, Lord, to Be Here

LITURGY: CW p. 38

Please rise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: Lord God, before the suffering and death of your one and only Son, you revealed his glory on the holy mountain. Grant that we who bear his cross on earth may behold by faith the light of his heavenly glory and so be changed into his likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: 2 Kings 1-12a

Elijah is taken to heaven:

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah was traveling with Elisha from Gilgal. 2Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” 

But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 

3The sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD is taking your master away from you?” 

Then he said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.” 

4Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here because the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” 

But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. 

5Then the sons of the prophets who were in Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD is taking your master away from you?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.”             . . . continued . . . 

6Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here because the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” 

But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 

7Then fifty men from the sons of the prophets came and stood and watched them from a distance, while the two of them were standing at the Jordan. 8Elijah took his cloak, folded it together, and struck the water. The water divided to the right and to the left. Then the two of them crossed on dry land. 

9When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask me for whatever I can do for you before I am taken from you.” 

Then Elisha said, “Let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 

10He said, “You have asked for a difficult thing. If you see me being taken from you, it will surely be yours. But if not, then it will not.” 

11While they were walking and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire, and horses of fire came and separated them. So Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12Elisha was watching and crying out, “My father! My father! Israel’s chariot and its charioteers!” Then he did not see him anymore.  

PSALM OF THE DAY: 148, CW p. 121

SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

The gospel proclaims forgiveness – yet this gospel is veiled in weakness:

3But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing. 4In the case of those people, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from clearly seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is God’s image. 

5Indeed, we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For the God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” is the same one who made light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ. 

THEME VERSE: Mark 9:87

Alleluia. A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Alleluia. 

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

GOSPEL READING: Mark 9:2-9

The Transfiguration:

2After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain where they were alone by themselves. There he was transfigured in front of them. 3His clothes became radiant, dazzling white, whiter than anyone on earth could bleach them. 4And Elijah appeared to them together with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 

5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6He did not know what to say because they were terrified. 

7A cloud appeared and overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” 

8Suddenly when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus alone. 

9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 97 – Down From the Mount of Glory

SERMON

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Apostles’ Creed, CW p. 41

OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH: CW p. 42

Please rise.

FAREWELL TO ALLELUIA

Brothers and sisters in Christ, when we next gather for worship, it will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On that day we will begin our solemn journey to the Savior’s cross. 

While the joy of faith remains undiminished throughout the year, our rejoicing during Lent is muted and quiet. For centuries, therefore, the Christian church has omitted its most jubilant songs during this season, including the word alleluia, which means, “praise the Lord.” 

You will notice that during this time of Lent, our worship will omit its normal Alleluia.  We do this to prepare ourselves for the quieter days of Lent.  The alleluias will return on Easter dawn as we gather to shout our praise to the risen Lord.

CLOSING PRAYER: CW p. 43

CLOSING HYMN: 709 – Christ, Your Footprints Through the Desert  (bulletin insert)

NOTES

Wednesday, Ash Wednesday worship.  Meal at 6 PM, worship at 7 PM.  Wednesday evening meal & worship continues through March 21.

Check out www.shepherdofthelakes.net/worship to help prepare your heart for Lent with an overview of our worship themes.

Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:

Theme Lent 1 – Because He Knew

Color Purple

Liturgy Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26
Hymns 224, 201, 714, 752; CWS Psalm 3

Readings from Mark 1, Genesis 22, Romans 8
Verse of the Day Matthew 4:10

THIS WEEK

Today        1 Samuel 12

        9:30 AM - Epiphany Last: Transfiguration Sunday

        10:45 AM – Sunday School.  Bible Class: The Flood

Monday    1 Samuel 13

Tuesday    1 Samuel 14

        7 PM - Council

Wednesday    1 Samuel 15

        5-6 PM – Small Catechism Class

        6 PM - Lenten Supper

        7 PM - Ash Wednesday Worship

Thursday    1 Samuel 16

Friday        1 Samuel 17

Saturday    1 Samuel 18

Sunday    1 Samuel 19

        9:30 AM - Lent 1 Worship with Holy Communion

        10:45 AM – Bible class & Sunday School

Worship audio from Epiphany 5B (February 4, 2018).  Bulletin here or below the notes.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, you gave glimpses of your divine power, glory, and honor – but those glimpses were not as important as your preaching.  Grant that I hear your voice in Holy Scripture today; send your promised Holy Spirit to enliven and strengthen my faith.  AMEN.

The New Life of Faith:

We are regenerated and receive the Holy Spirit for the very reason that the new life may produce new works, new dispositions, the fear and love of God, hatred of lustful desires (concupiscence), and so on.  This faith arises in repentance and should be established and grow amid good works, temptations, and dangers. This is so that we may continually be more firmly persuaded that God cares for us, forgives us, and hears us for Christ’s sake. This is not learned without many and great struggles. How often is conscience aroused, how often does it awaken even to despair when it shows either old or new sins, or the impurity of our nature! This handwriting is not blotted out without a great struggle [Colossians 2:14]. Experience testifies what a difficult matter faith is. While we are encouraged in the midst of the terrors and receive comfort, other spiritual movements grow at the same time: knowledge of God, fear of God, hope and love of God. We are “renewed,” as Paul says, “in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10) and, “Beholding the glory of the Lord, [we] are being transformed into the same image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). In other words, we receive the true knowledge of God, so that we truly fear Him, we truly trust that we are cared for by Him, and that we are heard by Him.

Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 3  (Concordia p. 135)

Joining Jesus:

Jesus could raise the dead, heal the sick, and drive out demons.  But when the crowds came to him in droves, he left that area to preach somewhere else!  What do we learn about our Christian purpose?   How does Christ’s singleminded purpose serve as practical comfort for us today?

OPENING HYMN: 238 – Oh, Bless the Lord, My Soul

LITURGY: Common Service with Holy Communion, p. 15
Please rise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: Almighty God, you sent your one and only Son as the Word of life for our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Help us to believe what the Scriptures proclaim about him and do the things that are pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: 2 Kings 5:1-14

God’s visible power over sickness foreshadows the invisible power of the gospel:

Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.

2 Now bands from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 

4 Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. 5 “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing.   ...cont...

6 The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 

7 As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”                              

8 When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” 

11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage. 

13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. 

This is the Word of the Lord.   
Thanks be to God!

PSALM: 103, p. 105

SECOND READING: Romans 8:28-30

God makes eternally-good, blessed use of all things in the lives of the elect:

28We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose, 29because those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called. Those he called, he also justified. And those he justified, he also glorified.  

THEME VERSE: John 8:12

Alleluia. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Alleluia. 

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Alleluia!  

GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:29-39

Christ reveals his glory through miracles – and those miracles reveal a greater truth:

Glory be to you, O Lord!

29They left the synagogue and went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed, sick with a fever. Without delay they told Jesus about her. 31He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. 

32That evening, when the sun had set, the people kept bringing to him all who were sick and demon-possessed. 33The whole town gathered at the door. 34He healed many people who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. But he did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. 

35Jesus got up early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went out. He withdrew to a solitary place and was praying there. 36Simon and his companions searched for him, 37and, when they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is looking for you!” 

38He told them, “Let’s go somewhere else, to the neighboring villages, so that I can preach there too. In fact, that is why I have come.” 39Then he went throughout the whole region of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 93 – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

SERMON based on Mark 1: The Practical Benefit of Christ’s Divine Purpose

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31

OFFERING

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

The sacrament

For our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.

COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33

DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 312 – Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared

SONG OF SIMEON: CW p. 24

CLOSING HYMN: 760 – When Peace Like a River (back cover)

NOTES

Lenten worship starts Wednesday, February 14 with supper at 6 PM and worship at 7 PM.  Our Lenten series will look at Jesus as our High Priest.

If you are in need of pastoral care toward the end of next week, contact Chris Sulzle: (507) 235-8940.

Our 2017 Annual Report is at the back table.  Watch the Messenger for a link to our 2017 Wisconsin Synod annual report!

THIS WEEK

Today        1 Samuel 5

        9:30 - Epiphany 5 Worship with Holy Communion

        10:45 - Sunday School, Annual Voters’ Mtg

Monday    1 Samuel 6

Tuesday    1 Samuel 7

        7 PM - CAP Class (Christ’s Threefold Office)

Wednesday    1 Samuel 8

        5-6:45 PM - Small Catechism Class 

        6, 8 PM - www.wels.net/interactivefaith

Thursday    1 Samuel 9

        6 PM - Choir

Friday        1 Samuel 10

Saturday    1 Samuel 11

Sunday    1 Samuel 12

        9:30 - Transfiguration Sunday Worship

        10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class (Genesis 6)

Worship audio from January 21, 2018 – Epiphany 3B.

Bulletin here, or below:

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me through your Gospel, and for keeping me in this true faith. Grant that I serve you without hesitation; AMEN

Repent and Believe:

Christ says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Here there are two parts. The “labor” and the burden signify the contrition, anxiety, and terrors of sin and death. To “come to” Christ is to believe that sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. When we believe, our hearts are brought to life by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s Word. 45 Here, therefore, are these two chief parts: contrition and faith. In Mark 1:15, Christ says, “Repent and believe in the gospel.” In the first clause He convicts of sins, and in the second He comforts us and shows the forgiveness of sins. Believing the Gospel is not the general faith that devils also have, but in the proper sense it is believing that the forgiveness of sins has been granted for Christ’s sake. This is revealed in the Gospel. You see also here that the two parts are joined: contrition when sins are rebuked; and faith when it is said, “Believe in the gospel.”

Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 12  (Concordia p. 163)

Joining Jesus:

Jesus shows his glory in the kind of people that he calls to serve him and in using the gospel to make them willing to follow him, no matter the cost.  
How can I join Jesus today - without hesitation?

OPENING HYMN: 85 – O God from God, O Light from Light

OPENING RESPONSES

Please rise.

M:  In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C:  Amen.

Dear friends: Let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin.  

For faithless worrying and selfish pride,

For thoughtless sin and sin I have willfully chosen,

For the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do,

You should cast me away from your presence forever.  

O Lord, I am sorry for my sin; forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.

Christ has died.  Christ has risen.  Christ will come again.  In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins.  Hear the word of Christ through his called servant: 

         I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of      
         the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.  For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from you all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord:

Lord, have mercy.

For the spread of your life-giving gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in you, hear our prayer, O Christ:

Christ, have mercy.

For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await your return, hear our prayer, O Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you.

Amen.

Let us respond to God’s grace in the song of the angels: Glory to God in the Highest, as printed on the next page.

 All glory be to God on high!                                                                 
Your name, O Lord, we glorify;                                                                  
We praise you for your peace and grace,                                                  
Your favor toward our fallen race.

Our grateful thanks to you we bring.                                                           
For your great glory, heav’nly King,                                                            
For all, O Father, you have done                                                                 Through Jesus Christ, your only Son.

O Lamb of God, to you we pray.                                                               
You take all human sin away.                                                                      
Have mercy, Lord; receive our prayer;                                              
From God’s right hand, your mercy share.                                                 

You, Christ, are holy – Lord alone;                                                           
The Father’s glory you made known.                                                                   We by your Spirit sing again:                                                                          
“All glory be to God!”  Amen.

M: The Lord be with you.    

C: And also with you.

Let us pray:  Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:19-21

Through his gospel, God provides a joyful prophet:

19So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. Elisha was doing the plowing with twelve teams of oxen in front of him, and he himself was driving the twelfth team. Elijah crossed over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20Then Elisha left the oxen and ran after Elijah. He said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother good-bye! Then I will follow you.”  

Then Elijah said, “Go back! For what have I done to you?” 

21So Elisha turned back from following him. Then he took the team of oxen and slaughtered them. Using the equipment from the oxen as fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he got up, followed Elijah, and served him.   

PSALM OF THE DAY: CWS 37 (next page) 

SECOND READING: Acts 13:1-5

Through his gospel, Christ provides committed Christians for service:

Now in the church at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas; Simeon, who was called Niger; Lucius of Cyrene; Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch; and Saul. 2While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3Then, after they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them off. 

4So they were sent out by the Holy Spirit and went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. 5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant. 

THEME VERSE: Matthew 4:23

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing every disease. 

GOSPEL READING: Mark 1:14-20

The message of forgiveness through Jesus means that joining Jesus is a joy:

14After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15“The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 

16As Jesus was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 17Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 18Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat mending the nets. 20Immediately Jesus called them. They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.  Thanks be to God!

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 18

HYMN OF THE DAY: 91 – The Star Proclaims the King is Here

SERMON based on Mark 1: Joining Jesus - Counting the Cost

OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH & LORD’S PRAYER

The Sacrament

For our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.

Our communion liturgy today will be sung as one continuous, responsive hymn, without pauses or breaks.  The tune is from Hymn 78 (or 279).  The organist will play a verse of introduction.

Preface

M: May God the Lord be with you.

C: God also be with you.

M: Lift up your hearts rejoicing!

C: We lift them up anew!

M: Give unto God all glory, all honor and all praise.

C: To God is due thanksgiving and worship all our days.

Sanctus

M: It's right and salutary to give you thanks, O God,

At all times, in all places, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The saints and angel chorus rejoice in boundless mirth;

We join, to sing your praises, the Church in heav'n and earth:

C: O holy, holy, holy   Lord God of pow'r and might,

Your glory fills the heavens,   and earth shines in your light.

Hosanna in the highest!   Blest ever is the One

Who comes the Lord's name bearing.   Hosanna, Risen Son!

Institution

C: The night he was abandoned,   the night he was betrayed,

Our Lord took bread and blessed it,   then broke it, gave it, said:

M: Take, eat, this is my body,   given in death for you.

Remember, as you taste it,   my grace and mercy true.

C: Again, the supper ended,   before we all had fled,

He lifted in thanksgiving   the cup, then passed it, said:

M: Drink, in my blood shed for you, forgiveness of your sin.

Poured out for you, rememb'ring, your love I then might win.

C: Amen! Then come, Lord Jesus; be present at your feast.

Amen! O Holy Spirit, unite us in your peace.

Amen! Almighty Father, give strength to do your will.

O Trinity most holy, feed us and love us still.

Agnus Dei

C: O Lamb of God, Christ Jesus, our sin you take away;

O Lamb of God, Redeemer, have mercy now, we pray.

O Lamb of God, our Savior, your grace in us increase;

Behold us with your favor, and grant to us your peace.

HYMN: 532 – God is Here! As We His People

SONG OF SIMEON

O Lord, now let your servant   Depart in peace, assured:

For I have seen your promised,  incarnate, saving Word –

A Light that will enlighten   All gloom where Gentiles dwell

The brilliant, crowning glory   Of those in Israel!

All glory to the Father,  All glory to the Son,

All glory to the Spirit,  Forever three in one;

For as in the beginning,  Is now, shall ever be,

God’s triune name resounding  Through all eternity.

We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that you have given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament.  Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love.  By your Spirit help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb - who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you.  The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.  The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

Amen.

CLOSING HYMN: 406 – This Is the Threefold Truth

NOTES

Today, Congregational Update.  Open discussion at the start of Bible class.

January 28, Mission Fest: Jesus Cares Ministry with Rev. Joel Gaertner.  It’ll be a special “Worship at the Cross” service as designed for Jesus Cares ministry, using a simplified liturgy & song selection.  Potluck at 11:50 AM!

Annual Voters’ Mtg, February 4.

Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:

Theme Epiphany 4: Joining Jesus (Jesus Cares Ministry)

Color Green

Liturgy Worship at the Cross
Hymns Jesus Loves Me; God Loves Me Dearly; Father, I Love You; This Little Light

THIS WEEK

Today        Judges 16

        9:30 AM - Epiphany 3 Worship with Holy Communion

        11 AM - Open Forum; Conclusion of Genesis 3

Monday    Judges 17

Tuesday    Judges 18

        7 PM - CAP Class

Wednesday    Judges 19

        5-6:45 PM – Small Catechism Class

        6, 8 PM - www.wels.net/interactivefaith

Thursday    Judges 20

        6 PM - Choir

        7 PM - Book Club at the Deep Freeze

Friday        Judges 21

Saturday    Ruth 1

Sunday    Ruth 2

        9:30 AM - Worship at the Cross (Jesus Cares Ministry)

        11 AM - Jesus Cares Presentation, Potluck afterward

Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Audio recording of January 7 worship - Epiphany Festival.  Bulletin pasted below:

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity in order to live under the law and redeem us.  Grant that I always marvel at your grace, and receive you with joy;  AMEN.

Christ, our Advocate:

Our churches teach that the history of saints may be set before us so that we may follow the example of their faith and good works, according to our calling. For example, the emperor may follow the example of David [2 Samuel] in making war to drive away the Turk from his country. For both are kings. 2 But the Scriptures do not teach that we are to call on the saints or to ask the saints for help. Scripture sets before us the one Christ as the Mediator, Atoning Sacrifice, High Priest, and Intercessor [1 Timothy 2:5–6]. 3 He is to be prayed to. He has promised that He will hear our prayer [John 14:13]. This is the worship that He approves above all other worship, that He be called upon in all afflictions. 4 “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1).  Augsburg Confession, Article 21 (Concordia p. 44)

Glory Revealed:

God has blessed us with 40 years of worship here.  What a miracle!

An heir was placed in the lap of bereaved Naomi.  What a miracle!
The Magi worshipped the young Christ-child.  What a miracle!
Paul reveals the mystery of the miraculous: God’s grace is for all people!
How does Epiphany relate to our gospel proclamation today?

OPENING HYMN: 83 – As with Gladness Men of Old

LITURGY: Service of Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26
Please rise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: Lord God, by the leading of a star you once made known to the nations your one and only Son. Guide us, also, who know him now by faith, to come at last to the perfect joy of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: Ruth 4:13-17

Through Ruth, God provided a descendent for bereaved Naomi; in the mystery of his grace, God included Gentiles in the ancestry of Christ:

13Then Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went to her. The LORD enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son. 14Then the women said to Naomi: 

Blessed is the LORD, who has not left you without a redeemer today. 

May his name be proclaimed in Israel! 

15He will restore your life 

and care for you in your old age, 

because your daughter-in-law, who loves you, has given birth to him. 

She is better for you than seven sons! 

16Then Naomi took the boy and put him on her lap, and she became his caregiver. 17The neighboring women named him, saying, “A son is born to Naomi!” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

PSALM: 72, p. 93

SECOND READING: Ephesians 3:2-12

God has proclaimed the mystery: Through this gospel, we can approach God in freedom & confidence:

2Surely you have heard of the administration of God’s grace given to me for you, 3namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation (as I have already written briefly). 4When you read this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5This mystery was not made known to people in past generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and people who also share in the promise through the gospel. 

7I became a servant of this gospel, in keeping with the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. 8To me—even though I am the very least of all the saints—was given this grace: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ 9and to enlighten everyone about the administration of this mystery. In past ages this mystery remained hidden in God, who created all things. 10He did this so that, through the church, the multifaceted wisdom of God in the heavenly places might now be made known to the rulers and authorities. 11This was done according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him we can freely approach God with confidence through faith in him. 

THEME VERSE: Matthew 2:2

Alleluia. We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Alleluia. 

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Alleluia!  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 2:1-12

In his grace, God leads Gentiles to worship Christ:

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2“Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: 

6You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.” 

7Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.” 

9After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31

HYMN OF THE DAY: 79 vv. 1-3 – How Lovely Shines the Morning Star

SERMON based on Psalm 72: The Fulfillment of the King’s Reign

HYMN: 79 vv. 4-5 – How Lovely Shines the Morning Star

OFFERING

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

The sacrament

For our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.

COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33

DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 310 – I Come, O Savior, to Your Table

SONG OF THANKS: CW p. 36

CLOSING HYMN: 622 – For Many Years, O God of Grace

NOTES

Christmas undecorating today at 11:30 AM.
All are invited to the parsonage for chili lunch.  (517 Tilden St)

Starting this Wednesday, 6 & 8 PM - WELS Online Bible Study.  Tune in from the comfort of your home computer - www.wels.net/interactivefaith

February 4, Annual Voters’ Mtg.

THIS WEEK

Today        Judges 2

        9:30 - Epiphany Festival Worship

        10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class: Genesis 3

        11:30 - Christmas undecorating

        12:02 - Lunch at the Parsonage

Monday    Judges 3

Tuesday    Judges 4

        7 PM - Council

Wednesday    Judges 5

        11:30 AM - LW @Perkins

        5 PM - Small Catechism Class

Thursday    Judges 6

        6 PM - Choir

Friday        Judges 7

Saturday    Judges 8

Sunday    Judges 9

        9:30 - Epiphany 2 Worship

        10:58 - Bible Class: Genesis 3 & Godly Discipline

Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

elcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity in order to live under the law and redeem us.  Grant that I always marvel at your grace, and receive you with joy;  AMEN.

The Role of the Law in the Life of the Christian:

The whole world with all diligence has struggled to figure out what God is, what He has in mind and does. Yet the world has never been able to grasp ‹the knowledge and understanding of› any of these things. But here [in the Apostles’ Creed] we have everything in richest measure.  For here in all three articles God has revealed Himself and opened the deepest abyss of His fatherly heart and His pure, inexpressible love [Ephesians 3:18–19]. He has created us for this very reason, that He might redeem and sanctify us. In addition to giving and imparting to us everything in heaven and upon earth, He has even given to us His Son and the Holy Spirit, who brings us to Himself [Romans 8:14, 32]. For we could never grasp the knowledge of the Father’s grace and favor except through the Lord Christ. Jesus is a mirror of the fatherly heart [John 14:9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3], outside of whom we see nothing but an angry and terrible Judge. But we couldn’t know anything about Christ either, unless it had been revealed by the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 2:12].    Large Catechism, Apostles’ Creed (Concordia p. 406)

Born to Save Us:

There is nothing trite or trivial in what has happened at Christmas: The deepest lowliness is but the mask for the greatest glory, the glory of him who came to be our Savior!
How does the birth of Christ comfort & encourage us?

OPENING HYMN: 56 – Gentle Mary Laid Her Child

LITURGY: Service of Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26
Please rise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: Almighty God, grant that the birth of your one and only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: Amen.

The Word

FIRST READING: Isaiah 52:7-10

God has kept his word: Hidden in the lowliness of the manger is the glory of God for our salvation. 

7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of a herald, 

who proclaims peace and preaches good news, 

who proclaims salvation, 

who says to Zion, “Your God is king!” 

8The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voices. 

Together they shout for joy, 

because with both eyes they will see it 

when the LORD returns to Zion. 

9Break out, shout for joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, 

because the LORD is comforting his people. 

He is redeeming Jerusalem. 

10The LORD lays bare his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, 

and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation from our God. 

The Word of the Lord.   
Thanks be to God!

PSALM: 98, p. 103

SECOND READING: Hebrews 1:1-9

In the manger, we see Eternal God in the form of a baby:

In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of the divine nature. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 

4The Son became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5For to which of the angels did God ever say: 

    You are my Son. Today I have begotten you? 

And again: 

    I will be his Father, and he will be my Son. 

6And again, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said: 

    Let all God’s angels worship him. 

7About the angels he says: 

    He makes his messengers winds and his ministers flaming fire. 

8But about the Son he says: 

    God, your throne is forever and ever, 

    and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 

    9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. 

    Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond     your companions. 

THEME VERSE: Galatians 4:4-5

Alleluia. When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law. Alleluia. 

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Alleluia!  These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

GOSPEL READING: John 1:1-14

As the manger and the Virgin’s arms held him whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, so we too recognize and receive him who has come in human flesh and blood to dwell in us through the Word and sacrament:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

6There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as an eyewitness to testify about the light so that everyone would believe through him. 8He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 

9The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God. 

14The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 35 – Of the Father’s Love Begotten

SERMON based on Hebrews 2: Radiance in Humility

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31

OFFERING

ADULT CONFIRMATIONS

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

The sacrament

For our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.

COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33

DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 40 – O Jesus Christ, Your Manger Is

SONG OF THANKS: CW p. 36

CLOSING HYMN: 58 – See in Yonder Manger Low

NOTES

No 7 PM Worship tonight.  Stay warm!

February 4, Annual Voters’ Mtg.

THIS WEEK

Today        Joshua 19

        9:30 - Christmas 1 Worship with Holy Communion

Monday    Joshua 20

Tuesday    Joshua 21

Wednesday    Joshua 22

Thursday    Joshua 23

Friday        Joshua 24

Saturday    Judges 1

        8 AM - Men’s Bible Breakfast @The Ranch

Sunday    Judges 2

        9:30 - Epiphany 1 Worship with Holy Communion; 40         Years of SOTL

        10:58 - Bible Class: Genesis 3 & Godly Discipline

Worship audio from Dec 24, 2017 - Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

Bulletin here, text at the bottom.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

elcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, bless our Christmas celebrations.  You know me far better than I know myself; you came to this world as a baby in order to create peace between me and you.  Grant me a quiet heart to hear your Word, and remind me again with the joy of your birth; AMEN.

The Gift of Christmas:

“In the obedience of this person Jesus . . . Christ has covered all our disobedience, which dwells in our nature and its thoughts, words, and works.  Our disobedience is not charged against us for condemnation; it is pardoned and forgiven out of pure grace alone, for Christ’s sake.”

Formula of Concord, Article 3  (Concordia p. 545)

Our worship this evening is an adaptation of the Lessons and Carols service traditionally held at King's College, Cambridge, England, on December 24th every year. Lessons and Carols was first held on Christmas Eve, 1918. It was planned by Eric Milner-White, who at the age of thirty-four had just been appointed Dean of King’s College after experience as an army chaplain.  

The lessons for tonight have been used for almost 100 years to recall God’s promise to send a Savior, as well as that promise’s fulfillment.  

EXHORTATION & PRAYER

Please rise.

Dear people of God, in this Christmas season, it is our duty and delight to hear again the message of the angels and, in heart and mind, to go to Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us — the Christ Child lying in a manger, born to save us.

Let us read and learn in Holy Scripture the story of the loving purposes of God from the first days after our fall into sin to the glorious redemption brought to us by this holy child.

But first, let us pray for people all over the world who would delight with us to know the good news of Jesus Christ and who would join with us in singing his praises. Let us pray for the people of our community and our church.

And, because this would please the Lord, let us remember in his name the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, the sick and those who are sad, the lonely and the unloved, and the elderly and the little children. 

We especially remember all those who do not know the Lord Jesus, those who do not love him, and those who by unrepentant sin have grieved his heart of love.

Finally, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us in heaven, who live in greater light than we, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, who died in faith, and who live before the throne of God and praise him each day in his temple. We confess that we are united with them as we are united with one another.

To sum up all these petitions, let us pray as Christ himself taught us:

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.

OPENING HYMN: 55 – Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15
God promises that a descendant of Eve, as the champion and substitute of all mankind, would win a victory over Satan and rob him of his power.

8They heard the voice of the LORD God, who was walking around in the garden during the cooler part of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 

9The LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 

10The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” 

11God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?” 

12The man said, “The woman you gave to be with me—she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 

13The LORD God said to the woman, “What have you done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14The LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all the livestock, and more than every wild animal.  You shall crawl on your belly,
and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.  15I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed.  He will crush your head, and you will crush his heel. 

SECOND LESSON: Genesis 22:15-18
God repeats his promise: All nations will be blessed through Abraham’s descendent.  

15The Angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16and said, “I have sworn by myself, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your descendants greatly, like the stars of the sky and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the city gates of their enemies. 18In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 

CONFESSION OF FAITH

From the Augsburg Confession, Article 3:

M: Our churches teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God, assumed the human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary. 

C: So there are two natures — the divine and the human — inseparably joined in one person. 

There is one Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried. 

He did this to reconcile the Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original sin and guilt, but also for every sin of all humanity.  

He also descended into hell, and truly rose again on the third day. 

Afterward, he ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. 

There he forever reigns and has dominion over all creatures.  

He sanctifies those who believe in Him, by sending the Holy Spirit into their hearts to rule, comfort, and make them alive. 

He defends them against the devil and the power of sin.

The same Christ will openly come again to judge the living and the dead, according to the Apostles’ Creed.

THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The Promised One will rule on David’s throne forever.

2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.
On those living in the land of the shadow of death, the light has dawned. ... 

6For to us a child is born.  To us a son is given.  The authority to rule will rest on his shoulders. His name will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  

7There will be no limit to his authority and no end to his peace. 

He will rule on David’s throne and over his kingdom to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of Armies will accomplish this. 

HYMN: 42 – Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising

FOURTH LESSON: Micah 5:2-4
God points to the place where the Messiah will be born.

2“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come the one to be ruler in Israel.  His goings forth are from ancient times, from eternity.” 

3Therefore he will surrender them until the time she who is in labor gives birth to a child.  Then the remainder of his brothers will return to the children of Israel. 4He will stand and shepherd with the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.  They will dwell securely, for at that time he will be great to the ends of the earth. 

FIFTH LESSON: Matthew 1:18-25
The angel’s announcement to Joseph.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother, Mary, was pledged in marriage to Joseph. Before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her. So he decided to divorce her privately. 20 But as he was considering these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son. And they will name him Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.”

24 When Joseph woke up from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him. He took Mary home as his wife, 25 but he was not intimate with her until she gave birth to her firstborn son.[f] And he named him Jesus.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

Adapted from Dr. Martin Luther’s seventh sermon on John 1, from 1537/8.  (LW 22:102f)

M:  John’s Gospel says: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”  Earlier, John called the Word ‘God,’ then a Light which came into the world and created the world - and yet, was not accepted by the world.  

C:  With this word ‘flesh,’ we see how God has assumed our human flesh and blood.  Human reason cannot comprehend the mercy of our God, choosing to share our humanity.  

M:  We Christians learn to prize and esteem these words, for herein we see the gospel.  The Son of God did not take on himself the nature of angels, but humbled himself and took on the seed of Abraham.  

C:  Jesus Christ, who is of my flesh, blood, and soul, is seated in heaven at the right hand of God the Father.  The humanity of Christ is enduring proof of God’s mercy toward me, on account of Jesus.  

M:  These words are not given for you to misuse or merely take up on occasion; these words are given for you to believe.  

C:  Therefore, we should constantly have such words in our heart and on our lips.  Let us learn not to argue with the devil when he tempts us; rather, let us put him to flight with the heartfelt words: “The Word became flesh for me!”

M:  The eternal Son of God ‘committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth;’

C:  And though he was not guilty of death, he became man for our comfort and salvation.  Yes, he became a curse and sin for us, in order to deliver us from the eternal curse, and to justify us.  

M: We believe the Scriptures and confess with the holy Christian church, which existed at all times and will endure until the end of the world: This article of our Christian faith, together with all the others, is firmly and solidly established by the apostles & prophets, the spokesmen of the Holy Spirit:

All:  That Christ, our Lord and God, assumed true human nature; and that he became a natural man like any other man.  He dwelt among us, with a human body as you & I have; he was nourished and grew as every other human, except without sin.  

SIXTH LESSON: Luke 2:1-7
The birth of our Lord.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3And everyone went to register, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family line of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.                ( . . . continued . . . )

6And so it was that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

HYMN: 61 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

SEVENTH LESSON: Luke 2:8-20
The angel’s announcement to the shepherds.

8There were in the same country shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified! 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: 11Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.” 

15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they told others the message they had been told about this child. 18And all who heard it were amazed by what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

HYMN: 263 – All Glory Be to God on High

Sermon based on Luke 2: A Song about Peace

OFFERING
After the offering, an usher will come to your pew and light the candle nearest the center aisle. Please then light the candle next to you until all the candles are lit in the pew.  When all the candles are lit, the lights will be dimmed.  Remember to tip the unlit candle and leave the lit candle vertical.

PRAYER

O God, who makes us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your only Son, Jesus Christ; grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, so may we also behold him with sure confidence when he shall come to be our judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever;
Amen.

BLESSING

May he who by his incarnation gathered things earthly and heavenly into one, fill us with such joy that comes with the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life.  

And the blessing of God Almighty - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - be upon you and remain with you always;

Amen!

CLOSING HYMN
Please be seated for our closing hymn:

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.  Glories stream from heaven afar; Heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia;  Christ, the Savior, is born!  Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night!  Holy night!  Son of God, Love's pure light

Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

December 31 worship at 9:30 AM & 7 PM.  All are welcome to the parsonage (517 Tilden St) for fellowship after New Year’s Eve worship.   
Adult confirmation for Ingrid Chrisman, Josh Chrisman,
Travis & Ventura Ulrich will be next Sunday.

THIS WEEK

Today        Joshua 12

        9:30 AM - Advent 4 Worship with Holy Communion
        6:30 PM - Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Monday    Joshua 13

Tuesday    Joshua 14

Wednesday    Joshua 15

Thursday    Joshua 16

Saturday    Joshua 17

        9:15 AM - Bible Basics: Fellowship & Evangelism

Sunday    Joshua 18

        9:30 AM - Christmas 1 Worship with Holy Communion

        7 PM - New Year’s Eve Worship with Holy Communion

Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:

Theme Christmas 1

Color White

Liturgy CW p. 15 with Holy Communion
Hymns 78, 77, 5, 76

Readings from Isaiah 45, Colossians 3, Luke 2; Psalm 111
Verse of the Day Colossians 3:15

Worship audio from the second Sunday in Advent - December 10, 2017.

Bulletin here.