GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS February 23, 2014

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Lord Jesus Christ, my Rock and my God, upon You Your Church is built and through Your mercy and grace I have been incorporated into the Body of believers. Keep me steadfast in my faith anchored to You through Word and Sacrament. Grant that as the Spirit dwells in me I show forth Your love and mercy to others. I pray this in Your holy name. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! The Epiphany season continues into yet another Sunday. As Christians built upon the Rock, Jesus Christ, we are called to recognize that only those who build upon this foundation give glory to God and have the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life. Gathered in the name of the Lord we continue to receive His gifts freely given to us to strengthen us in our faith and life as Gods people. It is good for you to be here today. Please come and worship with us again. We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Restrooms are located on the lower level of this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions please ask one of our greeters or ushers. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs for anyone who has need.

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion will be celebrated in our 8:15 Service today. In this sacrament we receive Christs very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Those who are not members of Grace are asked to speak with our Pastor before partaking of this sacrament so that the unity of faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request.

AS WE GATHER
The light of Epiphany shines brightly through todays Scripture readings. St. Paul confronts us with a frightful, yet amazingly graceful, truth about ourselves: Do you not know that you are Gods temple and that Gods Spirit dwells in you? Each of the baptized is Gods temple, an in dwelling of Gods Spirit! This could frighten us. Or, and this is what Paul was getting at, it could enliven us to show the mercy of God in our lives. Provide for the poor. Deal truthfully in business. Care for those with disabilities. Love your neighbor as yourself. Lutherans know that none of these earns us salvation; but we also know that since in Christ we are Gods temple, where the Spirit dwells, loving our neighbor as ourselves in not optional. It is the fruit that we bear as the people God made us to be. And so again God calls us to let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. This is bright Epiphany light indeed.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His house by Dave and Diane Roberts - "13 years ago God graced us with a miracle baby, Alex. We are so proud of the young lady you are becoming. We love you, Mom and Dad" THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Vicar: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Communion Assistant: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeter: Altar Guild: Acolyte: Cantor: Ushers: Greeters: Altar Guild: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (8:15) (8:15) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (Wed. evening) Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Ethan Andrews Paul Walter Dave Graf Robert Jones, Robert Nichols Paul Walter, Robert Wilimzig Sally McNabb and Brenda Parscale Sandy Price and Pat Funk Maxwell Baker Suzanne Lambert Shaun Baker, Ron Krueger Tim Sweeney, Greg Warren David, Diane and Alex Roberts Ken and Becky Ross Youth Group Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, March 2nd, The Transfiguration of Our Lord, are: Old Testament Reading: Exodus 24:8-18, Epistle Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21, and Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9.
Grace Lutheran Church P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225 www.gracelutheranlr.org Telephone Number: 501-663-3631

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THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: Glorious Things of You Are Spoken LSB 648
Suite on "Glorious Things of You Are Spoken" - Benjamin M. Culli

Confession and Absolution

Stand The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation
P C In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 32:5

Exhortation
P P C P C

Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

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Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.

Confession of Sins (8:15)

P C O almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.
John 20:1923

Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and 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 T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Confession of Sins (10:45)

P Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. O most merciful God, who has given Your only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us and for His sake grant us remission of all our sins; and by Your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You and of Your will and true obedience to Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Mark 16:16; John 1:12

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. To those who believe on His name He gives power to become the children of God and has promised them His Holy Spirit. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. Grant this, Lord, unto us all. Amen

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Service of the Word

Introit
P Bless the LORD, O my soul, C and forget not all his benefits, P who forgives all your iniquity, C who heals all your diseases. P The LORD is merciful and gracious, C slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. P He will not always chide, C nor will he keep his anger forever. P He does not deal with us according to our sins, C nor repay us according to our iniquities. P For as high as the heavens are above the earth, C so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him.
Ps. 103:811; antiphon: Ps. 103:23

Gloria Patri

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

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Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

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Salutation and Collect of the Day

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sit

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Old Testament Reading

P C This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Leviticus 19:12, 918

Gradual

Ps. 117:12a; 96:8

Praise the LORD, all | nations!* Extol him, all | peoples! For great is his steadfast | love toward us,* and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for- | ever. Ascribe to the LORD the glory | due his name;* bring an offering, and come in- | to his courts!

Epistle
P C This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

1 Corinthians 3:1023

Stand

Alleluia and Verse

P Love your | enemies* and pray for those who per- | secute you.

Matt. 5:44b

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Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fifth chapter.

Matthew 5:3848

The reading of the Holy Gospel P This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Nicene Creed (8:15)

C I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

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And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen

Apostles' Creed (10:45)

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life T everlasting. Amen

Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: Built on the Rock LSB 645

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Sermon Its Foundational

Stand

1 Corinthians 3:1023

Offertory

Psalm 51:1012

Sit

Offering
Stand

Built on the Rock - John A. Behnke

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Prayer of the Church

P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Each petition ends with the following: P C Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

The prayers conclude with the following: P C Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

10:45 Service continues on page 20

Service of the Sacrament (8:15)

Preface
2 Timothy 4:22; Colossians 3:1 Psalm 136

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Proper Preface
P It is truly meet, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; for what had been hidden from before the foundation of the world You have made known to the nations in Your Son. In Him, being found in the substance of our mortal nature, You have manifested the fullness of Your glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:
Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

Sanctus

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Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:913

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The Words of Our Lord

Matthew 26:2628; Mark 14:2224 Luke 22:1920; 1 Corinthians 11:2325

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Pax Domini

John 20:19

Agnus Dei

John 1:29

Sit

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Distribution Communion Instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor says, Take and drink. Hymn: Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face Hymn: Hail to the Lord's Anointed Hymn: O Savior, Precious Savior
Stand

LSB 631 LSB 398 LSB 527

Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:2932

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Thanksgiving

Psalm 107:1

Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Salutation

2 Timothy 4:22

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Benedicamus

Psalm 103:1

Benediction

Numbers 6:2426

Closing Hymn: How Firm a Foundation Postlude

LSB 728

How Firm a Foundation - J. Wayne Kerr

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Service Concludes (10:45)

Lord's Prayer
P C Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: 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
Matthew 6:913

Collect
P Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christs holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Benediction
P C The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace. Amen

Closing Hymn: How Firm a Foundation Postlude

T
Acknowledgments

LSB 728
How Firm a Foundation - J. Wayne Kerr

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion
Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor following 8:15 Service

MON - FRI: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY:

9:45 a.m. Sunday School downstairs in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Junior and Senior High classes downstairs in the church 9:45 a.m. Pastor Walters Bible Class upstairs in Parker Hall 10:45 a.m. Divine Service 3:00 p.m. High School Youth meet with Pastor at Grace 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 5:15 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study at St. Vincents 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service with Holy Communion 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, the theme is love for ones enemies as recorded from Jesus Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3848). The children studied the account of Ananias and Saul from Acts 9:1019. Talk with your children about what made these two natural enemies. Ask your children to tell you how Jesus instructs us to treat our enemies. Talk about how we were enemies of God and how through Jesus God has made us His friends. PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets this morning at 9:45 a.m. upstairs in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter has been leading a study of The Augsburg Confession and Its Apology The Lutheran Confessions Series. This week he will conclude the last study Session 13 - The Return of Christ. Come and review what we believe, teach and confess as Lutheran Christians. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th grade meet in the lower level of the Family Life Center. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES meet in their classrooms downstairs in the church. CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Peggy Honeywell, sister-in-law of Carol Ann Honeywell, who died on Tuesday in Sweet Home, Oregon. Please remember Carol Ann and her family in your prayers. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Feb. 25 Russlynn and Ron Krueger, Nancy and Jim Wade - 21 -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Feb. 23 Anna Lane Feb. 24 Annalia Buchanan, Robert Wilimzig Feb. 26 Matthew Warren, Linnea Weed Feb. 27 Frederick Zweifel Feb. 28 Stephen Douglas REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Ann Stoker had a successful heart procedure on Friday. Allen Deislinger continues his cardiac rehab. Grant Geuther continues his rehab at Fort Roots Veterans Rehab following a fall. Harold Wells continues his recovery at home following a couple of falls. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 2/16: 193 (8:15 101 and 10:45 92). Mid-week 2/19: 18. Offerings: Sunday 2/16: $7,238.50. Mid-week 2/12: $140.00. Memorials: $180.00. Building Fund: $150.00. Missions: $160.00. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH meet at Grace at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon for devotion, bowling, and dinner with Pastor and Paula. 7TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor. 8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor. SCHLUTERMAN BABY SHOWER Youre invited to a Baby Boy Shower for Lauren Schluterman on Saturday, March 8th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Lauren and Craig are registered at Babies R Us and Amazon.com. The hostesses are Megan Calvillo, Alisa Coffey, Pat Funk, Anna Lane, Jennifer Wunderlich, Paula Walter and Megan Witte. CONGRATULATIONS Abby Litwa and five of her dance mates won first place in the 11-14 age small group competition and first place in Lyrical Dance as they performed to Hallelujah in the Nexstar Dance Competition last weekend. Abby dances with Little Rock School of Dance. Congratulations, Abby!! READING GLASSES FOUND Four pair of reading glasses have been found at various times and in various places around the church. If you have misplaced a pair, check out the glasses on the table in the breezeway.

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MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MRS. CONNIE DEISLINGER TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig IN MEMORY OF MRS. NORMA BISGOOD TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Walter and Jayne Morris IN MEMORY OF MRS. DONNA NICHOLS TO THE GRACE YOUTH By Paul Nichols and family IN MEMORY OF MRS. JEANETTE KEEHN TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig

LITTLE ROCK MARATHON NEXT SUNDAY March 2nd

The Little Rock Marathon will be held next Sunday, March 2nd, beginning at 8:00 a.m. with the race route going past Grace. Both lanes of Lookout will be closed and one lane of Kavanaugh from downtown to Hillcrest will be closed. The best route to the church will be to go east on Lee to Beechwood, turn left on Beechwood going across Kavanaugh to Hillcrest. Turn left on Hillcrest and come to the church. Coming from the west on Cantrell, you can also take Kavanaugh to Hillcrest and very carefully turn left onto Hillcrest. Please proceed with care.

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A Lenten Service
of

Evening Prayer
March 16th 6:00 p.m.
at

Grace Lutheran Church 5124 Hillcrest Little Rock, Arkansas

Featuring the Central Arkansas Kantorei
Participants are men from Lutheran Churches in Central Arkansas Nathan Beethe, Director For more information, contact Nathan Beethe at 501-663-3631 or nathan@gracelutheranlr.org A Reception will be held following the Service in Parker Hall

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