GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS March 11, 2012

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by Gene and Harold Wells and Jacqueline Flake in memory of their mother, Mrs. Edith Wells, and in thanksgiving for Gods many blessings. THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Communion Assistant: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeters: Altar Guild: Acolyte: Cantor: Ushers: Greeters: Altar Guild: Band: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (8:15) (8:15) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) Rev. James C.Walter Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Emily Junkans Randy Middaugh Carter Stein Terry Bradshaw, Mark Cate Gary Goldsby, Jim Marvin Jim and Florence Marvin Jim and Judy Keppel Anna Kate Manchester Jon Cline Charlie Buchanan, Terry Clawitter Bryan Gipson, David Roberts David, Diane and Alex Roberts Dawn Cline Lutheran High School South, St. Louis Katie Litwa and John Ketcher Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Almighty God, Your weakness is stronger than my strength and Your foolishness is wiser than my wisdom. In your strength and wisdom You sent Your Son to be my Savior through the symbol of suffering and shame. In His weakness You are strong to save me through the forgiveness of my sins which He earned for me by His suffering and death. Through the Gospel You have made me wise to salvation through Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome! We preach Christ crucified, St. Paul writes in our Epistle reading for this morning. This is the heart and center of the Gospel which we are to proclaim for the comfort of our souls in light of the Laws conviction of our hearts. We confess that Jesus was crucified for our sins, He was raised again for our justification and he is now seated at the right hand of the Father where He intercedes for us. Indeed the Gospel is the very power to salvation for all who believe, even as it is the power for us to live our lives in thanksgiving and praise to God. If you are visiting with us we especially wish to welcome you! We ask that everyone fill out an attendance card found at each pew and return it to an usher during the Offering. If you would like to know more about Grace, please speak with our Pastor. Restrooms are located downstairs in this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the Fellowship Hall. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs for anyone who has need.

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion is celebrated in our 8:15 Service this morning. If you are not a member of Grace and desire to receive this Sacrament of Christs body and blood given and shed for the forgiveness of sins, we ask that you first speak with our Pastor so that the unity of faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request.

(Wed. evening)

AS WE GATHER
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride. (LSB 426 stanza 1) The Word today takes our eyes off ourselves and focuses them on the purpose, passion and zeal of Gods saving love for all. If we are to be saved, God must take the initiative. And He has done so. As He gives us His heart in the Ten Commandments, so He gives us new hearts, baptizing us into the love of Christ which alone declares us righteous. Is this foolishness? Maybe it is to the world but we know it to be the very power of God for us and our eternal salvation. Thanks be to God!

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, March 18th: The Fourth Sunday in Lent, are: The Old Testament Reading: Numbers 21:4-9, The Epistle Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10, and The Gospel Reading: John 3:14-21.
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 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen

Absolution (8:15) Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: Go to Dark Gethsemane
Service Note: The band will assist in accompanying this hymn. Lauda Anima - Stephen Bulla

John 20:1923

P Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

Declaration of Grace (10:45) LSB 436

John 1:12; Philippians 1:6

Confession and Absolution

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

P In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. C Amen

Service of the Word

Matthew 28:19b; [18:20]

Invocation

Introit
P C P C P C

Ps. 69:1416; antiphon: Ps. 69:9

P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

Exhortation

1 John 1:89

P If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. C But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.

For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me.

P Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; C according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. C Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen P For zeal for your house has consumed me, C and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.

Confession of Sins
P Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. C Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what

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Canticle: Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved

LSB 945

P Let us pray. O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sit

Old Testament Reading

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

Exodus 20:117

Gradual

Heb. 12:2

1970 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100011479. Public domain

[O come, let us fix our eyes on] | Jesus,* the founder and perfecter | of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despis- | ing the shame,* and is seated at the right hand of the | throne of God.

Salutation and Collect of the Day

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

1 Corinthians 1:1831

Verse of the Day

P Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

John 2:19

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Verse for Lent

Joel 2:13

Sermon Crossed Up?

Stand

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

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.
1978 Lutheran Book of Worship.

Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the second chapter.

John 2:1322

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

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen

Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Service Note: The band will assist in accompanying this hymn.

LSB 425

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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

Offering
Stand

O God Our Help in Ages Past - James Curnow

Offertory

Psalm 116:12-13, 17-19

Reception of New Members Adult Confirmation (10:45)

Stand

Prayer of the Church

P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. Each petition ends with the following: P Lord, in Your mercy, C hear our prayer. The prayers conclude with the following: P Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen

10:45 Service continues on page 16

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Service of the Sacrament (8:15)

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

Sanctus

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

Prayer of Thanksgiving
P Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross. Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen

Proper Preface
P It is truly good, 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, who overcame the assaults of the devil and gave His life as a ransom for many that with cleansed hearts we might be prepared joyfully to celebrate the paschal feast in sincerity and truth. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

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The Words of Our Lord

Matthew 26:2628; Mark 14:2224 Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:2325

Pax Domini

John 20:19

P Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat; this is My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me. In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.

Agnus Dei Proclamation of Christ

1 Corinthians 11:26; Revelation 22:20

John 1:29

P As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lords death until He comes. C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. P 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
C Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen

Matthew 6:913

Sit

Distribution Communion Instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor says, Take and drink. Anthem Hymn: Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray Hymn: Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed Hymn: In the Cross of Christ I Glory
Abide With Me - Fred Allen

LSB 623 LSB 437 LSB 427

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Stand

Benediction
Luke 2:2932

Numbers 6:2426

Nunc Dimittis

Closing Hymn: We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died Postlude

LSB 429
Praise to the Lord - James Ployhar

Service Concludes (10:45)

Lord's Prayer
P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: C Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
Matthew 6:913

Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. 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 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.

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

THIS WEEK AT GRACE SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion Fellowship and Coffee in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Pastor Walters class will not meet today Young Women of Grace Bible Class 10:45 a.m. Divine Service 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center NO 7th Grade Confirmation 6:00 p.m. Board of Evangelism 6:00 p.m. Childrens Choir 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Class St. Vincents, 4th floor 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner 5:45 p.m. Handbell Choir 7:00 p.m. Lenten Vespers 7:00 p.m. LWML Evening Guild NO 8th Grade Confirmation

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

MON-FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY:

Closing Hymn: We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died Postlude

LSB 429
Praise to the Lord - James Ployhar

THURSDAY: FRIDAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY - Students in Sunday School today explore the story Jesus Clears the Temple. Jesus cleansing of the temple carries a twofold message for the Jews and for us: first, that the true Lord of the temple was here in the flesh and, second and more important, that Jesus is the true temple, who houses and perfects us, raising our bodies to be like His. Parents could ask, Why did Jesus clear the temple? How is Jesus our temple? SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS Pastor Walters Bible Class will not meet this morning. Pastor will continue the study of the book of Exodus next Sunday. THE YOUNG WOMEN OF GRACE will meet for Bible study each Sunday morning in the classroom downstairs in the church. Child care is available in the church nursery. If you want more information about their class, contact Gina Junkans 455-9245. OUR THANKS to the Wind Symphony and Jazz Band of Lutheran High School South in St. Louis for being with us in concert on Saturday evening and for participating in our Worship Services this morning. They are under the direction of John W. Miller and Matthew C. Janssen. We pray for safe travel as they continue their tour. - 18 -

Acknowledgments
Verse for Lent 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. 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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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Mar. 13 Jeremy Hammond Mar. 15 Deena Reynolds, Bryan Gipson, Betty Wyma Mar. 16 Will Harrod Mar. 17 Benjamin John David Bischof, Jr. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 3/4: 166 (8:15 106 and 10:45 60). Lenten Vespers Service 3/7: 120. Offerings: Sunday 3/4: $9,974.00. Lenten Vespers Service 2/29: $646.00. Building Fund: $255.00. Fan into Flame: $426.00. Memorials: $185.00. REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Vera Rieve continues her recovery at home. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. Jeanette Keehn continues her recovery at home. Dave Graf continues healing from an injury to his eye. NEW MEMBER In our 10:45 service this morning, John and Megan Calvillo will be received as new members of our Grace congregation by Adult Confirmation. Please welcome John and Megan to our Grace Family. 7th and 8th GRADE CONFIRMATION CLASSES will not meet this week. LENTEN SERVICE Our mid-week Lenten Vespers services continue this Wednesday, March 14th, at 7:00 p.m. Our Lenten theme is Words of Life from the Cross The Cross. focus this week is The Compassionate Word John 19:26-27, Woman, behold, your son...Behold, your mother! Dinner will be served before the service in Parker Hall at 5:30 p.m. The ACTS group will serve spaghetti. ALTAR FLOWERS We have a few dates available on the calendar to place flowers on the Altar: April 29th, September 2nd and 30th, and December 9th and 30th are still available. Please take a look at the calendar in the Ushers Room and sign up for the date that you would like to place flowers on the Altar. Call the church office if you have questions. GRACE FOOD PANTRY Its time to restock the Grace Food Pantry. We can use canned meats, vegetables, and fruit, packaged meals, chunky soup, cereal, and other nonperishable food items. If you can help, please place these items on the counter in the kitchen downstairs in the church. Thank you for your help. - 19 -

BOARD OF EVANGELISM will meet on Monday, March 12th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Pat Funk is the director. EASTER LILIES To place an Easter lily in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday, please fill in the information on the order form in the bulletin this morning, attach your check for $14.00, and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office. The deadline to order your lily is Sunday, March 18th. LWML EVENING GUILD will meet on Thursday, March 15th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Our guest speaker will be Mrs. Roxie Becker, who will share information about Basket of HOPE, a ministry which gives hope to children diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. Right now most of their requests are for infants and some of the items they need are: booties, bottles, disposable cameras, rattlers, but no diapers. Contact Judy Rivers for more information. A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - The Thrivent Director of Congregational Advocates for the Heartland Chapter is looking for volunteers from Grace. These volunteers should be Thrivent members. The job would entail finding one thing in your congregation that they can support, i.e. fundraiser, educational or social activity. The job is not time consuming, but is very beneficial to your congregation. Thrivent will be very supportive of you with suggestions, ideas, etc. If interested, please contact Arlene Behmer, (501) 246-4037 or (501) 425-6873. Email is arlenebehmer@att.net. Thanks for considering this important volunteer opportunity. INSTALLATION OF PASTOR - Pastor Dan Hauser will be installed as Senior Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church and School on Sunday, March 18th at 3:30 p.m. You are invited to attend his installation and a reception that follows in the fellowship hall. Please join the members at Christ as they welcome Pastor Hauser, his wife Andrea and their three children, six year old Elizabeth and four year old twins Nathanael and Hannah. CAMP FALCON NEEDS A DIRECTOR! - Christ Lutheran School offers Camp Falcon, a fun and safe summer day camp experiences where kids play, read, bond, and have educational-themed units and fun related activities. We need a director to organize, plan and oversee workers in this great summer camp! The salaried position begins in March to organize and plan and continues through the end of summer camp (generally end of July/early August). Please contact Heidi Guelzow at hguelzow@clutheran.org or 6635212 if you wish to apply for the Camp Falcon director position. - 20 -

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - Were on an Amazing Desert Journey this summer in VBS! Come explore Bible stories, take Bible challenges, make crafts, eat snacks, play games, sing, and more on this exciting expedition where we will learn about Gods love and how He provides for our lives now and in eternity through Jesus, His Son, our Savior! Our Journey will take place June 10th-14th! Look for volunteer and registration opportunities coming soon! MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MR. HENRY GREVER TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Tim and Sandy Sweeney IN MEMORY OF MRS. ELAINE SHARP Mother of Hope Wistrand TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Rudy and Sherry Bischof TO THE GRACE MUSIC FUND By Gary and Angie Proud IN MEMORY OF MR. ROLLARD CARLSON Cousin of Mark Peterson TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Allen and Dorris Deislinger IN MEMORY OF MR. EDWARD BERNER Brother of Elsie Westerfield TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Verna, Vera and Shirley Rieve IN MEMORY OF MRS. DOROTHY REMMERT Grandmother of Paula Walter TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Tim and Sandy Sweeney

WORDS OF LIFE FROM THE CROSS

LENTEN SERVICES and Dinners Lenten Services 7:00 p.m. Lenten Dinners 5:30 p.m. in Parker Hall *********** Lenten Midweek March 14th - The Compassionate Word (John 19:26-27) Dinner served by the ACTS - Spaghetti Lenten Midweek March 21st - The Suffering Word (John 19:28) Dinner served by the LWML Evening Guild - Meatloaf Lenten Midweek March 28th - The Dying Word (Luke 23:46) Dinner served by the Board of Evangelism and Young Women of Grace Chicken Soft Tacos and Mexican Rice Maundy Thursday April 5th - The Remembering Word (1 Cor. 11:23-26) Dinner will be servedwatch the bulletin for more Good Friday April 6th - The Fulfilled Word (John 19:30)

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