Pastor Donaldo Sonntag
Sunday School & Bible Classes—9:00 a.m. Worship: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday
P. O. Box 320, 1000 Dorcas Street, Mexico, MO 65265-1129
Cell: 573-253-1594 Office: 573-581-5655 E-mail:office@stjohnsmexico.org
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT - March 15, 2015
ABOUT THE WORSHIP TODAY
The Fourth Sunday in Lent has sometimes been considered an oasis in the midst of Lent. With John 3:16 at the center of today’s Gospel, we find a refreshing oasis as we hear again those beautiful, life-changing, hope-filled words, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” When snakebitten in the wilderness because of their own sin, the Israelites looked up to the bronze serpent given by God, and they lived. When we are snakebitten—troubled by some persistent sin or burdened by some unforeseen event that threatens to overwhelm us—we can remember that God has given us His Son, lifted up on the cross, to look upon, to trust, and thereby to live now and eternally. Made alive in Christ, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). A refreshing oasis indeed!
+ PRE-SERVICE MEDITATION "But I'm Your Father!" +
The son of a wealthy and respected citizen was convicted of a serious offence. Not only did the man's behavior bring disgrace to the family, but it involved the family in a lawsuit that threatened its fortune. The young man was worried about how his father would react. Would his father turn on him in fury and berate him for his horrible act? When the remorseful young man finally met his father, the older man did nothing of the sort. "Son," he said, "I do not condone the terrible things you have done. I condemn them with every fiber of my being. But I'm your father. I'm determined to suffer with you." In a similar but immeasurably higher sense, God took pity on His erring sons and daughters. He condemned their transgressions, and He loathed their sins. But in His mercy, He determined to identify Himself with the sufferings that resulted from their wickedness. God decided to suffer not only with His wayward children, but for them. That is the central message of the Gospel. Who showed His love toward us? God! Who died for us? Christ! There may be much mystery tied up in that sentence, but there can be no doubt about its message: The God of heaven took pity on His erring children and, through Jesus Christ, His Son, He suffered in their stead. God entered into human suffering through His own beloved Son so He could "see us through," so our penalty could be paid, so we could be free forever. The Scriptures say of Christ: "He was wounded for our transgressions...and with His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). God did not have to do this for us. But God is our Father, so He did.
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC - “Open the Eyes of My Heart” BF #129
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see You, I want to see You. (Repeat)
To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory.
Pour out Your power and love
as we sing, “Holy, holy, holy.”
(Repeat whole song)
(Women sing 4 times:) Holy, holy, holy. Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy. I want to see You.
(Men sing 2 times:) Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see You, I want to see You. (Repeat)
by Paul Baloche, © 1997, Integrity Music, Inc., CCLI License #777507
WELCOME & RITE OF FRIENDSHIP
We cordially welcome you this morning to the Lord’s house! Whether this is your first time here, or you come on a regular basis, we invite you to praise God, to grow in your relationship with Jesus and to fellowship with other members of God’s family. Let Jesus live in your heart and guide you every day! Take a few moments to fill out the "friendship form." If you are our guest for the first time, please leave us your address and phone number. Join us again next Sunday! We offer a fellowship time after the worship.
Today we celebrate the Lord’s Supper – If you are prepared to come to this feast, please join us at the altar. Have a blessed day!
TODAY’S THEME: “ever been bitten by a snake?”
+ PREPARATION +
GREETING OF PEACE - We greet one another in the name of the Lord, saying, "Peace be with you," as a sign of reconciliation and of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Matthew 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:1-3.
INVOCATION & OPENING SENTENCES Based on Ephesians 2:1, 4–5
Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
Pastor: Following the course of this world,
People: we were dead in the trespasses and sins in which we once walked.
Pastor: But God, being rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ--
People: by grace we have been saved.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
(There is silence to call to mind your sins in light of God's Word.)
Pastor: Let us cry to the Lord in our trouble, that He may deliver us from our distress. Psalm 107:13.
People: "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord." We have tried to blame God for our own impatience and sin. May the Lord forgive us in His steadfast love and satisfy our longing for peace.
Pastor: "You were dead in trespasses and sins. But God made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2: 1
Therefore, upon this, your confession, I, by virtue of my office as a called and ordained servant of Christ, announce the grace of God to all of you. In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
OPENING SONG - “Whom Shall I Fear”
You hear me when I call, You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night, it cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear
You crush the enemy underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield though troubles linger still
Whom shall I fear
Chorus
I know who goes before me - I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever - He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side
My strength is in Your name for You alone can save
You will deliver me, Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear (Chorus)
BRIDGE
Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful, You are faithful
Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful, You are faithful, You are faithful (Chorus x 2)
CCLI # 6440288 2012 A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing
+ WORD +
INTROIT Psalm 27:3–5; antiphon: Psalm 27:1
Lector: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
People: Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
Lector: One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze
upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.
People: For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;
He will lift me high upon a rock.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Lector: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
SONG OF PRAISE - “Forever” BF#178
Give thanks to the Lord our God and King,
His love endures forever
For He is good He is above all things,
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand and out stretched arm,
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn,
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise,
sing praise, sing praise
Chorus:
Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong
Forever God is with us forever,
Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong
Forever God is with us forever, forever, forever
Ccli#3148428© 2001 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
SALUTATION & PRAYER OF THE DAY
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us pray. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING - Numbers 21:4–9 (Moses and the bronze snake)
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
EPISTLE - Ephesians 2:1–10 (“God raised up with Christ.”)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL AND VERSE Hebrews 12:2; John 3:16
Pastor: O come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
People: who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
Pastor: and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
People: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son,
Pastor: that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
HOLY GOSPEL - John 3:14–21 (“The Son of Man must be lifted up.”)
Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the third chapter.
People: Glory to You, O Lord.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
SONG OF THE DAY - “Above All” BF #135
Above all powers,
Above all kings,
Above all nature and all created things,
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man,
You were here before the world began.
Above all kingdoms,
Above all thrones,
Above all wonders the world has ever known.
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth,
There's no way to measure what You're worth.
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a Rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
CCLI 2672885 by Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche, copyright 1999 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
WORSHIPING GOD WITH HEARTS AND VOICES – “Jesus, Draw Me Close”
Jesus, draw me close
Closer, Lord, to You.
Let the world around me fade a - way.
Jesus, draw me close;
Closer, Lord, to You.
For I desire to worship and obey. (repeat)
Ccli#443680 © 1990 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
WORSHIPING GOD WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY - “We Give Thee but Thy Own” LSB #781
GOD’S PEOPLE PRAY
+ SACRAMENT +
THE INVITATION
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Pastor: All praise and thanks be to You, O Lord! Your work is full of splendor and majesty, for You have redeemed Your people. You created the heavens and the earth.
You saved Noah and his family in the flood.
You led Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt to freedom.
You gave the snakebitten Israelites the bronze serpent on a pole to look at and live.
You sent the prophets both to warn and to comfort.
You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world by His death and resurrection.
You give us the gift of the Holy Spirit, to breathe into us Your abundant life.
You alone, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are worthy of our worship, our adoration, and our thanks, now and forever.
People: Amen.
WORDS OF OUR LORD Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–25
Pastor: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My + body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My + blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
PROCLAMATION OF CHRIST
Pastor: As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26
People: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20
Pastor: O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
LORD’S PRAYER (Matthew 6:9–13)
People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
THE PEACE OF THE LORD
Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: Amen.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS –
“Lord Have Mercy” BF #176
Jesus I’ve forgotten the words that You have spoken,
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim.
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief, renew the fire again.
CHORUS
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on me.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on me.
I have built an altar where I worship things of man.
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You.
Now I am returning to your mercies ever flowing.
Pardon my transgressions, Help me love You again.
Chorus
I have longed to know You and all Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness, ever flowing without end.
So I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence.
Your grace forever shining like a beacon in the night.
Chorus
By Steve Merkel, © 2000 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/ASCAP All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission. CCLI License #777507
“In the Secret”
In the secret. In the quiet place.
In the stillness you are there.
In the secret. In the quiet hour I wait only for you.
‘cause I want to know you more.
CHORUS: I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice.
I want to know You more.
I want to touch You. I want to see Your face.
I want to know You more.
I am reaching for the highest goal.
That I might receive the prize.
Pressing onward, pushing ev’ry hindrance aside. Out of my way.
‘cause I want to know you more. (Chorus)
By Andy Park © 1995 Mercy Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. CCLI #777507
“Draw Me Close” BF #171
Draw me close to You. Never let me go.
I lay it all down again to hear You say that I’m Your friend.
Help me find a way; Bring me back to You.
REFRAIN: You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed.
You’re all I want. Help me know You are near.
You are my desire No one else will do
‘cause no one else can take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace,
Help me find a way; Bring me back to You.
By Kelly Carpenter. © 1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Used by permission. CCLI #777507
“Amazing Grace” LSB #744
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see!
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
His grace has brought me safe so far, His grace will see me home.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail And mortal life shall cease,
Amazing grace shall then prevail In heaven's joy and peace.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, Than when we’d first begun.
Ccli# 22025 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain
POST-COMMUNION THANKSGIVING
Pastor: We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.
COMMISSIONING - MISSION TRIP TO NICARAGUA
Katie Blaue, Ryan Nelson, Kathy Gilman, Nancy Blaue
BENEDICTION
Pastor: God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. Baptized into Christ, this promised life is yours.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.
People: Amen.
CLOSING SONG - “Cornerstone” by Hillsong
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust is Jes-us' name
Chorus
Christ a-lone, Corner-stone
Weak made strong in the Sav-ior's love
Through the storm, He is Lord. Lord of all.
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His un-changing grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil (chorus)
He is Lord. Lord of all. (chorus)
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteous-ness alone
Faultless, stand before the throne (chorus)
Through the storm, He is Lord. Lord of all.
by Hillsong CCLI# 6158927 Copyright 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing
DISMISSAL
Pastor: Go in peace.
People: Thanks be to God!
THE WORSHIP IS OVER! THE SERVICE BEGINS!!
AT SAINT JOHN’S WE ARE BELIEVERS
WHO SHARE THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST WITH ALL THROUGH WORD AND ACTION!
JOIN US FOR THE LENTEN SERVICES
WEDNESDAYS, AT 5:30PM – SOUP & SANDWICHES;
7:00PM – LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday School & Bible Classes—9:00 a.m. Worship: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday
P. O. Box 320, 1000 Dorcas Street, Mexico, MO 65265-1129
Cell: 573-253-1594 Office: 573-581-5655 E-mail:office@stjohnsmexico.org
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT - March 15, 2015
ABOUT THE WORSHIP TODAY
The Fourth Sunday in Lent has sometimes been considered an oasis in the midst of Lent. With John 3:16 at the center of today’s Gospel, we find a refreshing oasis as we hear again those beautiful, life-changing, hope-filled words, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” When snakebitten in the wilderness because of their own sin, the Israelites looked up to the bronze serpent given by God, and they lived. When we are snakebitten—troubled by some persistent sin or burdened by some unforeseen event that threatens to overwhelm us—we can remember that God has given us His Son, lifted up on the cross, to look upon, to trust, and thereby to live now and eternally. Made alive in Christ, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). A refreshing oasis indeed!
+ PRE-SERVICE MEDITATION "But I'm Your Father!" +
The son of a wealthy and respected citizen was convicted of a serious offence. Not only did the man's behavior bring disgrace to the family, but it involved the family in a lawsuit that threatened its fortune. The young man was worried about how his father would react. Would his father turn on him in fury and berate him for his horrible act? When the remorseful young man finally met his father, the older man did nothing of the sort. "Son," he said, "I do not condone the terrible things you have done. I condemn them with every fiber of my being. But I'm your father. I'm determined to suffer with you." In a similar but immeasurably higher sense, God took pity on His erring sons and daughters. He condemned their transgressions, and He loathed their sins. But in His mercy, He determined to identify Himself with the sufferings that resulted from their wickedness. God decided to suffer not only with His wayward children, but for them. That is the central message of the Gospel. Who showed His love toward us? God! Who died for us? Christ! There may be much mystery tied up in that sentence, but there can be no doubt about its message: The God of heaven took pity on His erring children and, through Jesus Christ, His Son, He suffered in their stead. God entered into human suffering through His own beloved Son so He could "see us through," so our penalty could be paid, so we could be free forever. The Scriptures say of Christ: "He was wounded for our transgressions...and with His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). God did not have to do this for us. But God is our Father, so He did.
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC - “Open the Eyes of My Heart” BF #129
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see You, I want to see You. (Repeat)
To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory.
Pour out Your power and love
as we sing, “Holy, holy, holy.”
(Repeat whole song)
(Women sing 4 times:) Holy, holy, holy. Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy. I want to see You.
(Men sing 2 times:) Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see You, I want to see You. (Repeat)
by Paul Baloche, © 1997, Integrity Music, Inc., CCLI License #777507
WELCOME & RITE OF FRIENDSHIP
We cordially welcome you this morning to the Lord’s house! Whether this is your first time here, or you come on a regular basis, we invite you to praise God, to grow in your relationship with Jesus and to fellowship with other members of God’s family. Let Jesus live in your heart and guide you every day! Take a few moments to fill out the "friendship form." If you are our guest for the first time, please leave us your address and phone number. Join us again next Sunday! We offer a fellowship time after the worship.
Today we celebrate the Lord’s Supper – If you are prepared to come to this feast, please join us at the altar. Have a blessed day!
TODAY’S THEME: “ever been bitten by a snake?”
+ PREPARATION +
GREETING OF PEACE - We greet one another in the name of the Lord, saying, "Peace be with you," as a sign of reconciliation and of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Matthew 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:1-3.
INVOCATION & OPENING SENTENCES Based on Ephesians 2:1, 4–5
Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
Pastor: Following the course of this world,
People: we were dead in the trespasses and sins in which we once walked.
Pastor: But God, being rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ--
People: by grace we have been saved.
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
(There is silence to call to mind your sins in light of God's Word.)
Pastor: Let us cry to the Lord in our trouble, that He may deliver us from our distress. Psalm 107:13.
People: "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord." We have tried to blame God for our own impatience and sin. May the Lord forgive us in His steadfast love and satisfy our longing for peace.
Pastor: "You were dead in trespasses and sins. But God made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2: 1
Therefore, upon this, your confession, I, by virtue of my office as a called and ordained servant of Christ, announce the grace of God to all of you. In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
OPENING SONG - “Whom Shall I Fear”
You hear me when I call, You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night, it cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear
You crush the enemy underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield though troubles linger still
Whom shall I fear
Chorus
I know who goes before me - I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever - He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side
My strength is in Your name for You alone can save
You will deliver me, Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear (Chorus)
BRIDGE
Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful, You are faithful
Nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful, You are faithful, You are faithful (Chorus x 2)
CCLI # 6440288 2012 A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing
+ WORD +
INTROIT Psalm 27:3–5; antiphon: Psalm 27:1
Lector: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
People: Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
Lector: One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze
upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.
People: For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;
He will lift me high upon a rock.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Lector: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
SONG OF PRAISE - “Forever” BF#178
Give thanks to the Lord our God and King,
His love endures forever
For He is good He is above all things,
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand and out stretched arm,
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn,
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise,
sing praise, sing praise
Chorus:
Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong
Forever God is with us forever,
Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong
Forever God is with us forever, forever, forever
Ccli#3148428© 2001 sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
SALUTATION & PRAYER OF THE DAY
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us pray. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING - Numbers 21:4–9 (Moses and the bronze snake)
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
EPISTLE - Ephesians 2:1–10 (“God raised up with Christ.”)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL AND VERSE Hebrews 12:2; John 3:16
Pastor: O come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
People: who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
Pastor: and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
People: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son,
Pastor: that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
HOLY GOSPEL - John 3:14–21 (“The Son of Man must be lifted up.”)
Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the third chapter.
People: Glory to You, O Lord.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
SONG OF THE DAY - “Above All” BF #135
Above all powers,
Above all kings,
Above all nature and all created things,
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man,
You were here before the world began.
Above all kingdoms,
Above all thrones,
Above all wonders the world has ever known.
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth,
There's no way to measure what You're worth.
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a Rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
CCLI 2672885 by Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche, copyright 1999 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
WORSHIPING GOD WITH HEARTS AND VOICES – “Jesus, Draw Me Close”
Jesus, draw me close
Closer, Lord, to You.
Let the world around me fade a - way.
Jesus, draw me close;
Closer, Lord, to You.
For I desire to worship and obey. (repeat)
Ccli#443680 © 1990 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
WORSHIPING GOD WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY - “We Give Thee but Thy Own” LSB #781
GOD’S PEOPLE PRAY
+ SACRAMENT +
THE INVITATION
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Pastor: All praise and thanks be to You, O Lord! Your work is full of splendor and majesty, for You have redeemed Your people. You created the heavens and the earth.
You saved Noah and his family in the flood.
You led Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt to freedom.
You gave the snakebitten Israelites the bronze serpent on a pole to look at and live.
You sent the prophets both to warn and to comfort.
You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world by His death and resurrection.
You give us the gift of the Holy Spirit, to breathe into us Your abundant life.
You alone, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are worthy of our worship, our adoration, and our thanks, now and forever.
People: Amen.
WORDS OF OUR LORD Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–25
Pastor: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My + body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My + blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
PROCLAMATION OF CHRIST
Pastor: As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26
People: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20
Pastor: O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
LORD’S PRAYER (Matthew 6:9–13)
People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
THE PEACE OF THE LORD
Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: Amen.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS –
“Lord Have Mercy” BF #176
Jesus I’ve forgotten the words that You have spoken,
Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim.
With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom
Forgive me for my unbelief, renew the fire again.
CHORUS
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on me.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on me.
I have built an altar where I worship things of man.
I have taken journeys that have drawn me far from You.
Now I am returning to your mercies ever flowing.
Pardon my transgressions, Help me love You again.
Chorus
I have longed to know You and all Your tender mercies
Like a river of forgiveness, ever flowing without end.
So I bow my heart before You in the goodness of Your presence.
Your grace forever shining like a beacon in the night.
Chorus
By Steve Merkel, © 2000 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/ASCAP All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission. CCLI License #777507
“In the Secret”
In the secret. In the quiet place.
In the stillness you are there.
In the secret. In the quiet hour I wait only for you.
‘cause I want to know you more.
CHORUS: I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice.
I want to know You more.
I want to touch You. I want to see Your face.
I want to know You more.
I am reaching for the highest goal.
That I might receive the prize.
Pressing onward, pushing ev’ry hindrance aside. Out of my way.
‘cause I want to know you more. (Chorus)
By Andy Park © 1995 Mercy Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. CCLI #777507
“Draw Me Close” BF #171
Draw me close to You. Never let me go.
I lay it all down again to hear You say that I’m Your friend.
Help me find a way; Bring me back to You.
REFRAIN: You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed.
You’re all I want. Help me know You are near.
You are my desire No one else will do
‘cause no one else can take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace,
Help me find a way; Bring me back to You.
By Kelly Carpenter. © 1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Used by permission. CCLI #777507
“Amazing Grace” LSB #744
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see!
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
His grace has brought me safe so far, His grace will see me home.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail And mortal life shall cease,
Amazing grace shall then prevail In heaven's joy and peace.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, Than when we’d first begun.
Ccli# 22025 © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain
POST-COMMUNION THANKSGIVING
Pastor: We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.
COMMISSIONING - MISSION TRIP TO NICARAGUA
Katie Blaue, Ryan Nelson, Kathy Gilman, Nancy Blaue
BENEDICTION
Pastor: God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. Baptized into Christ, this promised life is yours.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.
People: Amen.
CLOSING SONG - “Cornerstone” by Hillsong
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust is Jes-us' name
Chorus
Christ a-lone, Corner-stone
Weak made strong in the Sav-ior's love
Through the storm, He is Lord. Lord of all.
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His un-changing grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil (chorus)
He is Lord. Lord of all. (chorus)
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteous-ness alone
Faultless, stand before the throne (chorus)
Through the storm, He is Lord. Lord of all.
by Hillsong CCLI# 6158927 Copyright 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing
DISMISSAL
Pastor: Go in peace.
People: Thanks be to God!
THE WORSHIP IS OVER! THE SERVICE BEGINS!!
AT SAINT JOHN’S WE ARE BELIEVERS
WHO SHARE THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST WITH ALL THROUGH WORD AND ACTION!
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