Download April 16 - Bethlehem Lutheran Church

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Welcome to Worship!
Bethlehem Lutheran Church (LCMS),
607 N. Maguire, Warrensburg, Missouri
Rev. Joel R. Kurz, Pastor
April 16, 2017
AS WE GATHER
Easters come and go, and it seems that little changes. Or does it? What we sing and
celebrate today is already ours. We were baptized into His death and raised with Christ
to new and everlasting life. Easter is the celebration not only of Christ’s victory but also
of our own victory in Christ Jesus, our Savior. Christ is risen, and we with Him. It is a
victory already ours but not yet fully complete in us. Part of Christian life is seeing who
we are and the life we live in the context of the baptismal miracle of new identity and
new life that we have been given. Every day we grasp this gift by faith and remember it
is “for me.” We wear a new name and are heirs of an eternal victory and a life that
death cannot overcome. How might our lives change if we lived out this glorious Easter
truth more than one day a year?
Regarding Holy Communion: After his resurrection, the crucified but now-living Jesus
appeared to his disciples and said to Thomas (who had his doubts that Jesus could really
be alive again): ‘Touch my pierced hands and feel my wounded side; stop doubting and
believe.’
We come to the Lord’s Table with our own doubts and worries, fears and sorrows, often
lingering on uncertainty and the realities we think are beyond change. Our Lord points us
to his unchanging yet life-changing reality—he has died, he has risen, he will come
again. His Holy Supper is the place where we encounter his saving, risen, and healing
Body and Blood … as he said: ‘Those who feed on my flesh and drink my blood have
eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.’ Since Christian denominations
have differing understandings of Holy Communion, if you are not a member of a
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation and have not communed here
before, we ask that you speak with the pastor or elder prior to communing with us
the first time. Those not communing are invited to cross their arms over their
chests and approach the pastor for a blessing during the distribution. Also, if
certain factors prohibit you from partaking of regular wine, non-alcoholic wine is
available in the center circle of the tray.
Pre-Service Music
(Please use this time for prayerful listening and preparation. Prayers can be found on the
inside cover of the hymnal and on pages 305-318. If you have a prayer request or
concern, fill out a prayer request—on the back of the pew in front of you—and an usher
will pick it up.)
Visitors: We are glad you have chosen to be with us today! We would especially like to
follow-up with you beyond today, so please take a moment to leave your best contact
information in the guest books at each entrance/exit or in the Record of Fellowship books
found on each pew. Many thanks!
Announcements
Prelude
All will be asked to rise and turn to face the Narthex.
Invocation
The sign of the cross † may be made by all in remembrance of their resurrection with
Christ in Baptism.
In the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Processional Gospel ....................................................... Matthew 28:1-10
The faithful women encounter signs and witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-eighth chapter.
C Glory to You, O Lord.
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great
earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled
back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white
as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the
angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was
crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he
is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they
departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold
of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell
my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
P This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C Praise to You, O Christ.
Processional Hymn ............................ “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” #457
Divine Service—Setting One
Confession and Absolution
The sign of the cross † may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.
Confession and Absolution ............................................................ page 151
Sharing of the Peace
Service of the Word
Entrance Hymn ............................................. “Alleluia, Jesus is Risen” #474
Kyrie ............................................................................................... pages 152-153
Hymn of Praise ................................................. “This is the Feast” page 155
Salutation and Collect of the Day ............................................... page 156
Let us pray.
Mighty Lord, Your own Son left the darkness of the grave to rise and show
forth His glorious body as the firstborn of the dead. As You have united us to
the cross of Christ by Baptism, so raise us up to newness of life that we may
recall our Lord’s resurrection with joy and live it out by the power of the Holy
Spirit in our daily lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sit
First Reading .............................................................................. Acts 10:34-43
Peter declares what Christ did in his ministry, death, and resurrection to life.
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no
partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is
acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of
peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened
throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went
about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with
him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in
Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on
the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been
chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one
appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets
bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through
his name.”
A This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
Gradual Hymn..................“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” #469 vs. 1-4
Second Reading ...................................................................Colossians 3:1-4
Paul reminds the people how being raised with Christ informs life.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ
is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on
things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
A This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
Stand
Nicene Creed ......................................................................................... page 158
Hymn of the Day .........“Scatter the Darkness, Break the Gloom” #481
Sit
Sermon ................................................................ “All Wrapped Up in Easter!”
Choir Anthem ..................... “Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven” (7:00)
Sunday School Children’s Song ...... “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” (10:30)
(Children only sing v. 1, congregation joins them for vs. 2 & 3) #740
Stand
Prayer of the Church
P
C
....Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Sit
Offering
Stand
Offertory ...................................................................................... pages 159-160
Service of the Sacrament
Communion Liturgy ................................................................ pages 160-164
Communion Instructions
(For standing, continuous distribution: Approach the pastor for the bread, then step to
the left for the chalice or individual cup. Baskets are in front of the lectern for you to
place your empty individual cups in as you return to your pew. Make sure to read the
Regarding Holy Communion statement above as well.)
Communion Hymns ................ “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” #461
“Awake, My Heart, With Gladness” # 467
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing” #475
“Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won” #490
“He’s Risen, He’s Risen” #480
Stand
Post-Communion Canticle ............................ “Thank the Lord” page 164
Post Communion Collect ................................................................. page 166
Sending Hymn ........................ “The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done” #464
Dismissal
Acknowledgements Divine Service, Setting One from Lutheran Service Book
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.
Next week’s readings: Acts 5:29-42, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31
Attendance Last Saturday: 32
Attendance Last Sunday: 146
Total Offering: $8,722.00
SOSF: $0.00
Home Use: $8,207.00
Benevolences: $185.00
Missions: $330.00
Serving us this morning:
Organist ...........................................................................................................................................Todd McClure
Musicians ........................................................... Sherri Mattson, Lorraine Miller, Stephanie Sekelsky
Elder .............................................................................................. 7 a.m. Willie Crespo and Ken Pederson
10:30 a.m. Phil Frerking and Ken Hoemann
Offerings.........................................................................................................................................Lynn Johansen
Choir Director .................................................................................................................................. Cathy Welsh
Altar Committee ............. Teresa Hillsman/Darlene Laubenstein/Darlene Rohner (Co-Chairs),
Holli Burge, Carol Dreier, Karen Haase, Peggy Hoyer, Jennifer Pint
Flower Committee ..................................................................Lana Vanderburgh (chair), Karen Haase
This Week’s Schedule:
Today
6:30 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
12:15 p.m.
12:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
5:15 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Friday
Saturday
9:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
Sunrise Prayer Service
Easter Sunrise Service
Men’s Club “Son”rise Breakfast
Radio Broadcast 98.5 FM
Easter Celebration Service
Offices Closed
Strength Training
Strength Training
Bible Study
Psalter at the Altar
Merry Widows Luncheon
UCM Earth Day Volunteers Here (until 6)
Joining Jesus on His Mission Discussion Group
Stewardship Board Meeting
Choir
Morning Prayer
Card/Game Group
Fellowship Board Meeting
Elders Meeting
Tidings Deadline
Strength Training
Confirmation Preparation
Worship
Bible Study
For Our Confirmands—Addison Bell, Mason Chapman, Gabriel Crespo, Samantha
Fatka, Mary Frerking, Phoebe Kaiser, Genieve Miller, Rebekah Papasifakis, Logan Shaw,
and Brett Wendel as they prepare for confirmation on the 23rd of April.
Invite!
Bob Bennett in Concert Next Here Sunday at 3 p.m.—Invite friends, neighbors, and
family to come with you (or on their own) to hear this superb singer-songwriter/acoustic
guitarist and reflect upon the ongoing meaning of Easter for daily life. Check out
www.bobbennett.com to learn more, and find You Tube videos of “I Know that My
Redeemer Lives,” “Lord of the Past,” “Man of the Tombs,” and “Hand of Kindness” to
get a taste of what he’s about. A free-will offering will be taken, and if you’d like to
write a check toward his honorarium, just indicate “Bob Bennett” on the memo line.
Prayers
For Sustenance, Healing, and Provision—We remember those who are dealing with
illness, homebound, in nursing homes, and recovering from hospitalization or surgery:
Dorothy Bodenstab (Betty Wienberg’s sister), Cindy Clendenin, Ruby Hemme (Eunice
Cobb’s mom), Alice Lane, Marty Lehn, Kathy Marshall, José Messias (Maggie Bessels’
dad), Faith Parker, Sharon Reith, Sandra Schroeder (Lor’s Bell’s mom), and Cindy
Schnell.
For Military Members—We remember our service and support personnel who are far
from home and for their families: Andy Burden, Bethany Keirans, David Meir, and
Branden Waner.
Christian Education
The 2nd & 4th Thursday Bible Study will meet again on April 27th at 6:30 p.m. We’re
only one session into our Reformation 500 observance study called “A Man Called
Martin.” Come learn and grow more grounded in grace-filled believing and living—
which is what Luther was all about!
Psalter at the Altar—All are welcome to gather by the altar (from 12:15 to 12:30) as
we pray our way through the last handful of the 150 psalms.
Thursday Morning Prayer—Join us for 15 minutes of prayerful renewal each Thursday
morning at 9:30 in the Sanctuary.
Youth
LWR Chocolate Sales—Junior and Senior Youth are selling premium fair-trade milk
and dark chocolate bars. The funds will go to support upcoming opportunities.
Teens in Christ & St. Louis Servant Trip—Youth ages 16-19 are invited to consider
attending the TEC spiritual life retreat in St. Louis (Affton) from June 10-12, and any
youth from junior high through high school are being sought to participate in a servant
event done in coordination with an LCMS congregation’s community mission program
from 1-3 days before or after TEC—whichever works best for scheduling. We’ll aim to
work in a trip to Concordia Seminary and the LCMS International Center, as well as see
one or two of the big St. Louis sights. The goal is to make the trip well-rounded,
affordable, and coordinated. Those interested should check out www.showmetec.com
and/or communicate to Pr. Joel as soon as possible so that a group can be gauged.
Ways to Serve & Support
The CROP Hunger Walk will take place beginning with registration at 8 a.m. and
kickoff at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th, at the First United Methodist Church. BLC
has a longstanding history of participating in this event that provides money for Church
World Service and for the Johnson County Food Center. Please plan on joining the
Bethlehem Team. If you need more info, call Ellen Pederson or Kaye Fair or sign up
online by going to www.cws.org/crop and click on the Johnson County Walk.
The Mission Board is collecting new or gently used games and puzzles, simple
handicrafts, and cards for the Bethesda Lutheran Communities, a ministry that will be
featured in our spring Mission Festival. Puzzles can be at all levels. Games should be
easy -- “Sorry” would be a good example -- but NOT games geared specifically to
children. Playing cards, games such as UNO and dice would be good. Please place the
items in the marked container in the north entrance. Thank you! The items will be taken
by the Bethesda Ministry Consultant who will be here May 20 & 21.
Taking Care of Our Greenspaces—There’s plenty to do from spring into summer as
we plant and cultivate the vegetable garden, work up the planter tubs, transplant and
keep up the herb garden, as well as doing needed maintenance and upkeep on the
nature trail. We could use people of all ages helping out in dedicated areas throughout
spring and summer. Please volunteer your help by letting Mike or Barbara Chasar or Pr.
Joel know, or sign up on the bulletin board. Training will be given. Thanks for learning,
growing, and serving by helping us steward this corner of our Lord’s good green earth!
UCM Student volunteers will be here on April 19th from 3:30 to 6, so any wanting
to help supervise or work alongside are welcome!
Bethlehem’s Friday Night Meal at Manna Harvest—Did you know that free meals
are provided at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church five nights a week and are staffed by
volunteers from various organizations and congregations—including Bethlehem? The
first Friday of every month is our night. If you’d like to help on May 5th or beyond,
please contact Phil at [email protected]. The meal is served from 5:30 to 6:30, but
help is needed before and after too. This is a great way to serve in our community.
Thanks for your help!
The Food Center needs volunteers to sort and shelve donated food items 3 to 5 p.m.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The Clothes Closet needs help sorting donated
clothing Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. If you can help any of
those times, call Charles Fair, 747-2957.
Food Center Needs—The Food Center needs the following items this month:
Hamburger Helper, canned fruit, pork & beans, cereal and pasta, especially noodles.
Choir meets at 7:00 p.m. this week and beyond once again, now that midweek Lenten
services are done. Voices of all ages and abilities are welcome, no special skills are
necessary.
The Ugandan Kids Choir is Coming to Bethlehem!—These ten children and their
four chaperones (from Childcare Worldwide) will be giving a concert here on Sunday,
June 4. Four host homes are needed for the nights of June 4 & 5, so please let Pr. Joel
know if you could possibly participate in this way—the sooner, the better. This would
be a great chance for an international exchange right here at home!
Fellowship
Evangelism Invitation—During the Easter season, (from Easter Sunday until
Ascension), the Evangelism team invites you to “Join Jesus” on his mission. We will be
using Greg Finke’s book: “Joining Jesus on His Mission: How to Be an Everyday
Missionary”. Pastor Joel and Barb Compton will lead a Discussion Group on
Wednesday the 19th from 5:15 p.m.–6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room, and Pastor
Joel and Natalie Fatka will lead a discussion group on Wednesday, the 26th from 7
p.m.–7:45 p.m. downstairs. Bambi Burden will lead a Facebook discussion, so keep
your eyes open for that too!
Quarterlife—Join us for the next Quarterlife Bible study being held Monday May 8th
at 7p.m. We will begin a new discussion on the book Being Lutheran by Rev. Trevor
Sutton. If you would like more information please contact Andrew at 660 553-8419.
Quarterlife is aimed at those in their 20s and 30s, encouraging friendship and growth in
faith.
Miscellaneous
Big Thanks to all who baked, brought, and bought baked goods for this past
weekend’s Confirmand Project bake sale. $603.75 came in from some very generous
people! These funds will allow Smile Train to do two cleft palate surgeries (plus) for
children in desperate need. Their lives will be radically better due to you!
Lutheran Bible Translators Mission Event—Mart Green, owner of Mardel Christian
Bookstores and Chairman of the Board of Hobby Lobby, will be the guest speaker at
this event held on the evening of Wednesday, May 3, at the Concordia Community
Center. RSVP must be made by April 20. Visit www.lbt.org/events or call 660.225.0810.
Prayer Shawls are a way to comfort the grieving, provide hope to the weary, and
celebrate new life, among other things. If you know of someone who would benefit
from receiving a prayer shawl, or like to crochet or knit, please contact Ellen Pederson
or the church office to request a shawl or to make one.
Exercise Class—Bethlehem offers a free exercise class at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays! This class is open to anyone who wants to increase their
strength, and improve/maintain their balance and flexibility.
Card/Game Group—Bethlehem has a group of people that get together in the
fellowship hall to play on Thursday afternoons from 2 – 4 p.m. If you like to play or
want to join, just show up on Thursday. For more info contact Melvin Theroff at 573619-5554.
Administrivia
Office Hours: 7:30 – 4:30 Monday – Friday (747-6742)
Bulletin Article Submission Deadline: Wednesday noon weekly
Tidings Article Submission Deadline: 21st of each month
Website
articles/notices
can
be
submitted
to
the
[email protected].
office
via
Elders
Wilfredo Crespo—Head Elder, Members whose last name falls in the P-Schl alphabet–
660 679-8121
Ken Hoemann—Members whose last name falls in the A-C alphabet—660 909-3512
Rick Mills—Members whose last name falls in the D-H alphabet—660 441-1980
Ken Pederson—Members whose last name falls in the I-L alphabet—660 441-7586
Mark Steitz—Members whose last name falls in the M-O alphabet—660 238-8404
Phil Frerking—Members whose last name falls in the Schm-Z alphabet—731 441-1111
Stewardship Emphasis
April 16 –Easter
John 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." Jesus is not only risen from the dead and the
Victor over sin: He even calls us by name. He still calls us His friends and brothers and
means to bring us through death to join Him in His resurrection. Christ is risen, He is
risen indeed!
Easter Flowers—Thank You
Easter Lilies
The Becker Family—In Memory of Betty Becker
Delores Christianson—In Memory of Dean Christianson (husband)
Cindy Clendenin—In Memory of Stan Clendenin (husband)
Galen & Eunice Cobb--Eunice & Galen Cobb—In Memory of Eunice’s dad Hubert
Brunkhorst and Galen’s parents Gerald & Vela Cobb
Galen & Eunice Cobb—In Honor of Ruby Brunkhorst Hemme (Eunice’s mother)
Sue Cottrill—In Memory of John A. Cottrill (husband), Lawrence & Marie McMullin
(parents), Pete, Virginia& Irvin Lee Cottrill (in-laws and brother-in-law)
Sue Cottrill—In Honor of the Fatka family
Berylene Dodson—In memory of husband Gerald L. Dodson and Tom Dodson Jr
Berylene Dodson—In Honor of all of those who have served
Cody Droege—In Memory of Andy Droege
Larry & Karen Haase—In Memory of Mr. & Mr. Albert Haase and Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth
Egbert
Jeff, Julie & Norine Harris—In Memory of Ben & John
Don & Teresa Hillsman—In Memory of Glen & Doris Stanley and Jim & Ruby
Hillsman
Sharon Hochsprung—In Memory of Clarence Hochsprung
Charles & Esther Keseman—In Memory of Loved Ones
Darlene Laubenstein—To the Glory of God
Duane & Rebecca Limback—To the Glory of God
Bob & Carolyn Ohrenberg—In Memory of Bob’s parents Walter and Helen Ohrenberg
and In Memory of Carolyn’s parents Marvin & Edna Wienberg
Alan and Lorraine Miller—In Memory of Robert & Joanne Miller, Darrell, Alice and
Curtiss Carlson
Darlene Rohner—In Memory of husband Ronald Rohner Sr. and Richard & Martha
Herrick (parents)
Roy & Judy Schache—In Memory of the Loth and Schache families
Flowers for the Easter Cross
Sue Ann Carter—In Memory of Mike Carter, his parents Kenneth & Alice Carter and
his sister Sharon Ann. In Memory of SueAnn’s parents Ralph & Gerry Hovde and
her brother Buck.