St James Lutheran Church: Sermons and Worship

In our midweek worship service, we reflect on _Psalm 32_ and the profound

truth of God's gift of forgiveness. By nature, we tend to hide from God, fearing

that if He knew who we really are, He would reject us. Yet, this hiding only leads

to spiritual and physical distress.

True confession begins with speaking the truth about ourselves according to God's

righteous Law. When we acknowledge our sin, we are freed from the burden of

self-justification. God's desire is not to condemn but to forgive. His purpose is to

bring us back into relationship with Him, offering the protection and peace that

come from hiding _in_ Him rather than _from_ Him.

Join us as we explore how God lifts the heavy burden of sin and holds us in the palm

of His hand, offering His gracious gift of forgiveness to all who seek refuge in

Him.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Hiding From God or Hiding in God? — Midweek Lent Service,

March 12, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-midweek-lent-service-1

Order of service:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250312-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Psalm 32

Luke 22:1–38

Songs and Hymns:

- "As Surely as I Live," God Said: Text: Nicolaus Herman, c. 1480–1561; tr. Matthias

Loy, 1828–1915, alt.; Tune: Jeremiah Clarke, c. 1674–1707; Text and tune: Public

domain.

- Magnificat: Text: Luke 1:46 (ESV); public domain. Tune: David Schack (b. 1947), ©

2006 Lutheran Service Book, used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.

- O Christ, You Walked the Road: Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923–2007; © 1997

GIA Publications, Inc., used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220. Tune:

William Daman, c. 1540–1591, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #sin #forgiveness #confession #grace #Psalm32

In our midweek worship service, we reflect on _Psalm 32_ and the profound truth of God's gift of forgiveness. By nature, we tend to hide from God, fearing that if He knew who we really are, He would reject us. Yet, this hiding only leads to spiritual and physical distress.

True confession begins with speaking the truth about ourselves according to God's righteous Law. When we acknowledge our sin, we are freed from the burden of self-justification. God's desire is not to condemn but to forgive. His purpose is to bring us back into relationship with Him, offering the protection and peace that come from hiding _in_ Him rather than _from_ Him.

Join us as we explore how God lifts the heavy burden of sin and holds us in the palm of His hand, offering His gracious gift of forgiveness to all who seek refuge in Him.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Hiding From God or Hiding in God? — Midweek Lent Service, March 12, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-midweek-lent-service-1

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250312-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Psalm 32

Luke 22:1–38

Songs and Hymns:

- "As Surely as I Live," God Said: Text: Nicolaus Herman, c. 1480–1561; tr. Matthias Loy, 1828–1915, alt.; Tune: Jeremiah Clarke, c. 1674–1707; Text and tune: Public domain.

- Magnificat: Text: Luke 1:46 (ESV); public domain. Tune: David Schack (b. 1947), © 2006 Lutheran Service Book, used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.

- O Christ, You Walked the Road: Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923–2007; © 1997 GIA Publications, Inc., used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220. Tune: William Daman, c. 1540–1591, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #sin #forgiveness #confession #grace #Psalm32

Have you ever felt unseen—like no one truly notices or understands what

you’re going through? We are reminded that our God is the God who sees. From the

very beginning, He has always been watching over His people with love and

compassion.

In the garden of Eden, God sought out Adam and Eve even after their disobedience.

Later, in Genesis 16, He saw Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman who had been cast out

and forgotten by others. And in Matthew 9, Jesus looked upon the crowds and had

compassion on them. He saw their struggles, their pain, and their need for a Savior.

Just as they were harassed by three great enemies—the devil, the world, and their

own flesh—we, too, face these same challenges. Yet God does not turn a blind eye to

our suffering. He notices, He cares, and He acts.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His heart by noticing those around

us. Spiritual conversations often begin with simply paying attention. How can we do

this?

- **Pay attention** to the people around you.

- **Pray silently** for those you encounter.

- **Listen genuinely** to their struggles and joys.

When we truly see others, we reflect the heart of our God—the God who sees, notices,

and loves.

Listen to this week’s sermon to hear more about God’s compassion and how we can live

out His love in our daily lives.

The God Who Sees — First Sunday in Lent, March 9, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-first-sunday-in-lent

Order of service:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250309-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Matthew 11:28-30

Psalm 91:1–13

Genesis 16

Romans 10:8b–13

Matthew 9:35–38

Songs and Hymns:

- Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: Text: Liturgy of St. James, 5th century; tune:

French, 17th century; text and tune are in the public domain.

- Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Text: Thomas O. Chisholm; tune: William M. Runyan; Text

and tune are public domain.

- Partita on Hyfrydol: Roland H. Prichard, 1811-1887; Setting by Charles Callahan;

Copyright 1986 by Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO; Used with permission:

LSB Hymn License #110001220.

- Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray: Text: Johann Burkhard Freystein, 1671–1718; tr.

Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Tune: Hundert . . . geistlicher Arien, 1694,

Dresden, alt.; Text and tune: Public domain.

- How Deep The Father's Love For Us: Stuart Townend, © 1995 Thankyou Music; Used

with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Glory Be to Jesus: Text: Italian, c. 18th cent.; tr. Edward Caswall, 1814–78,

alt.; Tune: Friedrich Filitz, 1804–76; Text and tune: Public domain.

- Go, My Children, with My Blessing: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1919–2008, © 1983

Concordia Publishing House; Tune: Welsh, 18th cent.; Used with permission: LSB Hymn

License #110001220.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #sees #notices #compassion #love #Genesis16 #Matthew9

Lent is a journey, and it begins tonight on Ash Wednesday. This journey is

not just about moving forward but about being shaped by God’s work in us. Psalm 6

guides us in this, echoing Luther’s words from the Small Catechism: What does such

baptizing with water indicate? Through the penitential psalms, God teaches us

repentance, renewal, and His enduring mercy. And at the heart of Psalm 6 is a

message of hope—He gives us the gift of forgiveness.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Save Me Because of Your Unfailing Love — Ash Wednesday,

March 5, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-ash-wednesday

Order of service:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250305-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Psalm 6

Joel 2:12–19

2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

Songs and Hymns:

- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: Text by Isaac Watts; tune by Lowell Mason; text

and tune are public domain.

- From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee: Text: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.;

Text and tune: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; Text and tune: Public domain.

-

Liturgies:

- Offertory

#sermon #gospel #lenten #confession #repent #baptism #forgiveness #Psalm6

Lent is a journey, and it begins tonight on Ash Wednesday. This journey is not just about moving forward but about being shaped by God’s work in us. Psalm 6 guides us in this, echoing Luther’s words from the Small Catechism: What does such baptizing with water indicate? Through the penitential psalms, God teaches us repentance, renewal, and His enduring mercy. And at the heart of Psalm 6 is a message of hope—He gives us the gift of forgiveness.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Save Me Because of Your Unfailing Love — Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-ash-wednesday

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250305-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Psalm 6

Joel 2:12–19

2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10

Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21

Songs and Hymns:

- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: Text by Isaac Watts; tune by Lowell Mason; text and tune are public domain.

- From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee: Text: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Text and tune: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; Text and tune: Public domain.

-

Liturgies:

- Offertory

#sermon #gospel #lenten #confession #repent #baptism #forgiveness #Psalm6

Everyone loves the taste of glory. Whether it’s making good grades as a

student, earning the promotion at work, or seeing your favorite team win the

championship, everyone loves that feeling of glory. We’d like to experience that

kind of glory all day, every day.

When Peter experienced the full glory of Jesus, the true son of God, he wanted to

put up tents and camp on the mountain. He wanted to stay and revel in the glory.

But Jesus led his disciples back down the mountain. Both immediately before and

after this moment of glory, he explained that he must go to the cross and be

betrayed into the hands of sinful men. In addition, Jesus stated that if anyone

would come after him, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow him. The

follower of Jesus must lose his life in order to save it.

This is the path to glory. Pain. Suffering. Death. Although this may not sound

appealing to us, we see that Jesus’ path results in true, eternal glory. Because

Jesus took up his cross, suffered, and died for us, we who follow him and take up

our cross, will also be united with him in glory.

A Taste of Glory on the Way to the Cross — The Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 2,

2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord

Order of service:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250302-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Psalm 99

Deuteronomy 34

Hebrews 3:1–6

Luke 9:28–36

Songs and Hymns:

- Press On: Ben Shive, Kristyn Getty; © 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty

Music Publishing; Junkbox Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Jesus on the Mountain Peak: Text: Brian Wren, 1936; © 1977 Hope Publishing Co.;

Tune: Theodore A. Beck, 1929–2003, alt.; © 1998 Theodore A. Beck.; Used with

permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.

- Your Love O Lord: Brad Avery | David Carr | Mac Powell | Mark D. Lee | Tai

Anderson; © 1999 New Spring; Hipgnosis SFH I Limited; Used with permission: CCLI

license #20286740.

- Salvation unto Us Has Come: Text: Paul Speratus, 1484–1551; tr. The Lutheran

Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Tune: Etlich Cristlich lider, 1524, Wittenberg; Text and tune:

Public domain.

- My Savior's Love: Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa; © 2019 Getty Music Hymns

and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Love Your Enemies Publishing, Messenger Hymns;

Used with permission, One License #728607-A.

- This Is My Father's World: Text: Maltbie D. Babcock; Tune: Franklin L. Sheppard;

Text and Tune: Public domain.

- Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow: Text by Thomas Ken; tune by Trente

Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551; text and tune are in public domain.

Liturgies:

- Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #epiphany #theologyofthecross #transfiguration #suffering #glory

#Luke9

Everyone loves the taste of glory. Whether it’s making good grades as a student, earning the promotion at work, or seeing your favorite team win the championship, everyone loves that feeling of glory. We’d like to experience that kind of glory all day, every day.

When Peter experienced the full glory of Jesus, the true son of God, he wanted to put up tents and camp on the mountain. He wanted to stay and revel in the glory.

But Jesus led his disciples back down the mountain. Both immediately before and after this moment of glory, he explained that he must go to the cross and be betrayed into the hands of sinful men. In addition, Jesus stated that if anyone would come after him, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow him. The follower of Jesus must lose his life in order to save it.

This is the path to glory. Pain. Suffering. Death. Although this may not sound appealing to us, we see that Jesus’ path results in true, eternal glory. Because Jesus took up his cross, suffered, and died for us, we who follow him and take up our cross, will also be united with him in glory.

A Taste of Glory on the Way to the Cross — The Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 2, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250302-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Psalm 99

Deuteronomy 34

Hebrews 3:1–6

Luke 9:28–36

Songs and Hymns:

- Press On: Ben Shive, Kristyn Getty; © 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Junkbox Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Jesus on the Mountain Peak: Text: Brian Wren, 1936; © 1977 Hope Publishing Co.; Tune: Theodore A. Beck, 1929–2003, alt.; © 1998 Theodore A. Beck.; Used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.

- Your Love O Lord: Brad Avery | David Carr | Mac Powell | Mark D. Lee | Tai Anderson; © 1999 New Spring; Hipgnosis SFH I Limited; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Salvation unto Us Has Come: Text: Paul Speratus, 1484–1551; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Tune: Etlich Cristlich lider, 1524, Wittenberg; Text and tune: Public domain.

- My Savior's Love: Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa; © 2019 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Love Your Enemies Publishing, Messenger Hymns; Used with permission, One License #728607-A.

- This Is My Father's World: Text: Maltbie D. Babcock; Tune: Franklin L. Sheppard; Text and Tune: Public domain.

- Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow: Text by Thomas Ken; tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551; text and tune are in public domain.

Liturgies:

- Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #epiphany #theologyofthecross #transfiguration #suffering #glory #Luke9

There are three pairs in Luke 6:17-26. There on the "level place" there are

two groups - a crowd of disciples and a multitude of people. They are there on the

"level place" for two reason - to hear Jesus and be healed. But whatever their

motive for being there Luke reminds us he "healed them all."

God is a god of mercy who cannot but help those who come to him in need whether they

deserve it or not. However, there is a word of warning and promise that he speaks to

both disciples and people, both those who come to hear and those who come to be

healed. Woe to those who have nothing but worldly riches, for that's all the

condolence they'll ever have. For the one who is full there is ultimately hunger,

for the one who laughs there is ultimately weeping. Again this is true of all.

However, for those who know this truth, that we are "beggarly poor" (the actual

meaning of poor in the text) there are blessings. Our hunger will be replaced with

satisfaction. Our weeping will be replaced with laughter. All of this comes to us as

a gift from Jesus.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for

your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich—2 Corinthians

8:9.

Woes & Blessings — Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany, February 23, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-seventh-sunday-after-the-epiphany

Order of service:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250223-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Romans 8:35-39

Psalm 1

Jeremiah 17:5–8

1 Corinthians 15:1–20

Luke 6:17–26

Songs and Hymns:

- Christ Our Hope In Life And Death: Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt

Papa, Matthew Merker; © 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing,

Jordan Kauflin Music, Love Your Enemies Publishing, Matthew Merker Music, Messenger

Hymns; Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- Amazing Grace: Text and Tune: John Newton; Louie Giglio; Chris Tomlin; © 2006

Worship Together Music, Vamos Publishing, Rising Springs Music; Used with

permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Blessed Are the Humble: Graham Kendrick; © 2001 Make Way Music; Used with

permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- I Will Wait for You: Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, Stuart Townend;

© 2018 Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Matthew Merker Music; Townend

Songs; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- What Wondrous Love Is This: Text is from A General Selection of Hymns and

Spiritual Songs, 1811; tune is from Southern Harmony, 1835; text and tune are public

domain.

- I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table: Text by Friedrich Christian Heyder, tran. The

Lutheran Hymnal, © 1941 Concordia Publishing House; used with permission, LSB Hymn

License #110001220; tune by Emskirchner Choral-Buch, 1756, public domain.

- Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer: Text: William Williams; tune: John Hughes; text

and tune are in the public domain.

Liturgies:

- Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #epiphany #woe #blessings #comfort #riches #healing #Luke6

Psalm 103 says God forgives iniquities and heals diseases. Jesus did both

of these. But the Psalm also goes on to say that God does this for those who keep

His covenant and commandments. In our lesson for today from Luke chapter six, Jesus

shows how forgiveness and healing lead to three great commandments: Loving our

enemies, The Golden Rule, And Judging for Forgiving.

Loving Our Enemies: No other religion teaches this commandment. Christians do not

believe in pacifism or payback. They believe in justice. But we apply justice with

mercy.

Golden Rule: How much justice? How much mercy? The golden rule for applying justice

with mercy is to ask, "Would this be the way I would want to be treated?"

Judgment for Forgiveness: People love to stop short of Jesus when He says, "Judge

not!" But as the verse goes on Jesus says He wants us to forgive. If we are to

forgive we have to call out sin. But we call out sin in others by first calling it

out in ourselves.

Conclusion: This way of living by love calls for some sacrifices. We won't be

doormats, but the process of love does mean getting stepped on. Jesus has one more

remedy for this: "Give and it will be given to you." Every ounce of sacrificial love

which you show, will be rewarded. You won't lose anything in the long run.

Three Lessons for Life — Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 16, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany

Order of service:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250216-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Isaiah 53:4-6

Psalm 103:1–13

Genesis 45:1-15

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 32-42

Luke 6:27-38

Songs and Hymns:

- His Mercy Is More: Tune and text by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa; © 2016 Getty Music

Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Love Your Enemies Publishing, and Messenger

Hymns; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- I Know My Faith Is Founded: Text: Erdmann Neumeister, 1671–1756; tr. The Lutheran

Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Tune: Concentus novi, 1540, Augsburg; Text and tune: Public

domain.

- Press On: Ben Shive, Kristyn Getty; © 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty

Music Publishing; Junkbox Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- I Need Thee Every Hour: Text: Annie S. Hawks and Robert Lowry; tune: Robert Lowry;

text and tune are in the public domain.

- Just as I Am, without One Plea: Text by Charlotte Elliott; tune by William B.

Bradbury; text and tune are public domain.

- Jesus Paid It All: Text by Elvina M. Hall; tune by John T. Grape; text and tune

are in the public domain.

- Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing: Text: John Fawcett; Tune: Henry T. Smart;

Text and tune: Public domain.

Liturgies:

- Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #epiphany #sacrificiallove #judgment #mercy #goldenrule #Luke6

Join us as we explore the origins of the world's many languages and diverse

people groups. We'll begin by considering how many ways we can say "Good Morning"

before diving into the Question of the Day: Why are there so many languages and

cultures? Our journey takes us back to the Tower of Babel, where God responded to

human disobedience by scattering people and confusing their language. But as Paul

explains in Acts 17:27, God's purpose was always to draw people to Himself—so that

all might seek Him, come to know His truth, and find salvation.

Seeking God — Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 9, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany

Order of service:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250209-order-of-service.pdf

Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give

Matthew 11:28-30

Psalm 138

Genesis 11:1–9

Acts 17:22–27

Luke 5:1–11

Songs and Hymns:

- Lift High The Name Of Jesus: Tune: Ed Cash; Fionán de Barra; Kristyn Getty; Keith

Getty; Text: Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty; Fionán De Barra; Ed Cash; Tune and Text: ©

Getty Music; © Fionan De Barra Pub Designee; © Capital CMG Publishing; Used with

permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Catch the Vision: Tune: Unknown, Public domain; Text: Sandra Knoernschild, ©️ 1987

Fellowship Publications, used with permission: Sandra Knoernschild and Fellowship

Publications.

- Listen, God Is Calling: Text and tune: Kenyan; Text: tr. Howard S. Olson,

1922–2010, © Lutheran Theological College, Makumira, Tanzania, used with permission:

LSB Hymn License #110001220; Tune: Public domain.

- “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake: Text: tr. Charles W. Schaeffer, 1813–96;

(sts. 1–3, 5): Johann Schefer, 1624–77; (st. 4): Geistliche Lieder und Lobgesänge,

1695; Tune: Bartholomäus Gesius, c. 1555–1613, adapt.; Text and tune: Public domain

- The Power of the Cross: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2005

Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- What Wondrous Love Is This: Text is from A General Selection of Hymns and

Spiritual Songs, 1811; tune is from Southern Harmony, 1835; text and tune are public

domain.

- Here I Am, Lord: Text: Based on Isaiah 6; Dan Schutte, b.1947. Text and music: ©

1981, Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music. Published by OCP Publications. Used with

permission: One License #728607-A.

Liturgies:

- Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke

- Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #epiphany #languages #command #scattered #seek #find #repentance

#truth #Genesis11 #Acts17