Worship Service: October 30, 2022

Reformation Sunday

Prelude

“Amazing Grace”

Brass Musicians

Gathering

Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness

Please stand as you are able. The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

P:  In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C:  Amen.

P:  Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C:  Amen.

P:  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Please kneel or sit as you are able.

Silence for reflection and self-examination.

P:  Most merciful God,

C:  we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. 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.

The minister stands and addresses the congregation.

P:  Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his sake, forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C:  Amen.

Please stand as you are able.

Opening Hymn #229 (green hymnal)

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

1  A mighty fortress is our God,
a sword and shield victorious;
he breaks the cruel oppressor’s rod
and wins salvation glorious.
The old satanic foe
has sworn to work us woe!
With craft and dreadful might
he arms himself to fight.
On earth he has no equal.

2   No strength of ours can match his might!
We would be lost, rejected.
But now a champion comes to fight,
whom God himself elected.
You ask who this may be?
The Lord of hosts is he!
Christ Jesus, mighty Lord,
God’s only Son, adored.
He holds the field victorious.

3  Though hordes of devils fill the land
all threat’ning to devour us,
we tremble not, unmoved we stand;
they cannot overpow’r us.
Let this world’s tyrant rage;
in battle we’ll engage!
His might is doomed to fail;
God’s judgment must prevail!
One little word subdues him.

4  God’s Word forever shall abide,
no thanks to foes, who fear it;
for God himself fights by our side
with weapons of the Spirit.
Were they to take our house,
goods, honor, child, or spouse,
through life be wrenched away,
they cannot win the day.
The kingdom’s ours forever!

Greeting

P:  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C:  And also with you.

Kyrie

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal. p. 78)

P:  In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

C:  Lord, have mercy.

P:  For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

C:  Lord, have mercy.

P:  For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

C:  Lord, have mercy.

P:  For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

C:  Lord, have mercy.

P:  Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

C:  Amen.

Hymn of Praise

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 79)

P:  Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father:
We worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God:
You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Prayer of the Day

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal. p. 82)

P:  The Lord be with you.

C:  And also with you.

P:  Let us pray.
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:  Amen.

The Word

Blessing of the Lector

P:  Let us pray.
Bless Chet, O Lord, as he reads to us the scriptures. As rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return until the earth is watered, let your word not return empty, but accomplish your purpose and succeed in that for which it was sent; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C:  Amen.

Please be seated.

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

  The word of the Lord.

C:  Thanks be to God.

Psalmody

“God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength” (Psalm 46)
Tune: St. Anne

1  God is our refuge and our strength,
in straits a present aid;
therefore, although the earth remove,
we will not be afraid:

2  Though hills amidst the seas be cast;
though waters roaring make,
and troubled be; yea, though the hills
by swelling seas do shake.

3  A river is, whose streams make glad
the city of our God;
the holy place, wherein the Lord
most high hath his abode.

4  God in the midst of her doth dwell;
nothing shall her remove:
The Lord to her an helper will,
and that right early, prove.

Second Reading: Romans 3:19-28

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21 But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

  The word of the Lord.

C:  Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

Gospel Acclamation: Hymn #230 (green hymnal)

“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” v. 1-2

1  Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.

2  Lord Jesus Christ, your pow’r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise triumphantly.

Gospel: John 8:31-36

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 83)

P:  The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the 8th chapter.

C:  Glory to you, O Lord.

31 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

P:  The Gospel of the Lord.

C:  Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated.

Children’s Sermon

Sermon

Silence for reflection and meditation.

Hymn of the Day #747 (blue hymnal)

“Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”

1  Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one;
holy Zion’s help forever
and our confidence alone.

2  To this temple, where we call you,
come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
come with all your lovingkindness,
hear your people as they pray;
and your fullest benediction
shed within these walls today.

3  Grant, we pray, to all your faithful
all the gifts they ask to gain;
what they gain from you, forever
with the blessed to retain;
and hereafter in your glory
evermore with you to reign.

4  Praise and honor to the Father,
praise and honor to the Son,
praise and honor to the Spirit,
ever three and ever one:
one in might and one in glory
while unending ages run!

Please stand as you are able.

The Apostles’ Creed

A:  Let us confess our common faith with all Christians throughout time and place, using the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
 creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
 He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
  and born of the virgin Mary.
 He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
  was crucified, died, and was buried.
 He descended into hell.
 On the third day he rose again.
 He ascended into heaven,
  and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
 He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
 the holy catholic Church,
 the communion of saints,
 the forgiveness of sins,
 the resurrection of the body,
 and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers

A:  Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

After each petition:

A:  Lord, in your mercy,

C:  Hear our prayer.

After the last petition:

A:  Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C:  Amen.

Peace

P:  The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C:  And also with you.

The ministers and congregation may greet one another with a gesture of peace.

Temple Talk by Nelson Langefeld and Carolyn Koehl

Offertory

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 86)

What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will take the cup of salvation
and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

Offertory Prayer

A:  Let us pray.

C:  Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us—our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Meal

Dialogue

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 88)

P:  The Lord be with you.

C:  And also with you.

P:  Lift up your hearts.

C:  We lift them to the Lord.

P:  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

C:  It is right to give our thanks and praise.

P:  It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, through Christ our Lord; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Sanctus

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 89)

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
Lord God of pow’r and might:
Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

P:  Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father: Endless is your mercy and eternal your reign. You have filled all creation with light and life; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Through Abraham you promised to bless all nations. You rescued Israel, your chosen people. Through the prophets you renewed your promise; and, at this end of all the ages, you sent your Son, who in words and deeds proclaimed your kingdom and was obedient to your will, even to giving his life.

  In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

  Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

  For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

C:  Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

P:  Therefore, gracious Father, with this bread and cup we remember the life our Lord offered for us. And, believing the witness of his resurrection, we await his coming in power to share with us the great and promised feast.

C:  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

P:  Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit, the spirit of our Lord and of his resurrection, that we who receive the Lord’s body and blood may live to the praise of your glory and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.

C:  Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.

P:  Join our prayers with those of your servants of every time and every place, and unite them with the ceaseless petitions of our great high priest until he comes as victorious Lord of all.

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 91)  

C:  Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

P:  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.

Please be seated.

Agnus Dei

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 92)

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace, grant us peace.

Communion

P:  The Body of Christ, broken for you.

  The Blood of Christ, shed for you.

Those who wish to commune at the altar rail may either bring forward their individual Communion kit, or receive the wafer and wine/grape juice by intinction (dipping) from the Communion Ministers, when they are directed forward by the usher. Those who wish to commune in their seat with their individual Communion kit may remain seated.

Communion Hymn #369 (green hymnal)

“The Church’s One Foundation” v. 1-2, 5

1  The church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the word.
From heav’n he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.

2  Elect from ev’ry nation,
yet one o’er all the earth,
her charter of salvation
one Lord, one faith, one birth:
one holy name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with ev’ry grace endued.

5  Yet she on earth has union
with God, the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
Oh, blessed heav’nly chorus!
Lord, save us by your grace,
that we, like saints before us,
may see you face to face.

Communion Hymn #215 (green hymnal)

“O Lord, We Praise You”

1  O Lord, we praise you, bless you, and adore you,
in thanksgiving bow before you.
Here with your body and your blood you nourish
our weak souls that they may flourish.
O Lord, have mercy!
May your body, Lord, born of Mary,
that our sins and sorrows did carry,
and your blood for us plead
in all trial, fear, and need:
O Lord, have mercy!

2  Your holy body into death was given,
life to win for us in heaven.
No greater love than this to you could bind us;
may this feast of that remind us!
O Lord, have mercy!
Lord, your kindness so much did move you
that your blood now moves us to love you.
All our debt you have paid;
peace with God once more is made.
O Lord, have mercy!

3  May God bestow on us his grace and favor
to please him with our behavior
and live together here in love and union,
nor repent this blest communion.
O Lord, have mercy!
Let not your good Spirit forsake us,
but that heav’nly-minded he make us;
give your church, Lord, to see
days of peace and unity.
O Lord, have mercy!

Table Blessing

P:  The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C:  Amen.

Post-Communion Canticle

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 92)

Thank the Lord and sing his praise; tell ev’ryone what he has done.
Let ev’ryone who seeks the Lord rejoice and proudly bear his name.
He recalls his promises and leads his people forth in joy
with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Post-Communion Prayer

A:  Let us pray.
We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life; and we pray that in your mercy you would strengthen us, through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

C:  Amen.

Sending

Announcements for God’s Mission in the World

Please stand as you are able.

Blessing

♫ LBW Setting II
(green hymnal, p. 94)

P:  Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

C:  Amen.

Closing Hymn #297 (green hymnal)

“Salvation unto Us Has Come” v. 1-2, 4-5

1  Salvation unto us has come
by God’s free grace and favor;
good works cannot avert our doom,
they help and save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,
who did for all the world atone;
he is our mediator.

2  Theirs was a false, misleading dream
who thought God’s law was given
that sinners might themselves redeem
and by their works gain heaven.
The law is but a mirror bright
to bring the inbred sin to light
that lurks within our nature.

4  Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone
and rests in him unceasing;
and by its fruits true faith is known,
with love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify;
works serve our neighbor and supply
the proof that faith is living.

5  All blessing, honor, thanks, and praise
to Father, Son, and Spirit,
the God who saved us by his grace;
all glory to his merit.
O triune God in heav’n above,
you have revealed your saving love;
your blessed name we hallow.

Dismissal

A:  Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

C:  Thanks be to God.

Postlude

“Thy Strong Word”

Brass Musicians


Worship Leaders

The Rev. Emily Beckering, Pastor
Kris Keith, Music Director
Kate Wollenburg, Organist **away
Carolyn Koehl, Substitute Organist
Addy Kruse, Hymn Leader
Carroll Mayhugh, Assisting Minister
Chet Laine, Reader

Guest Musicians:
Jonathan Wiseman, trumpet
Spencer Merk, trombone

Upcoming Events

Sunday, October 30: Reformation Sunday

9 am Sunday School
9 am Adult Forum: “Stewardship: Time, Talent, and Treasure”
10:30 am Worship (in-person / livestreamed)
After worship: Reformation potluck dinner

Tuesday, November 1

5:30 pm Confirmation Class
7 pm Christian Ed meeting

Sunday, November 6: All Saints Sunday

9 am Sunday School
9 am Adult Forum: “Stewardship: Time, Talent, and Treasure”
10:30 am Worship (in-person / livestreamed)
After worship: Quarterly Congregational Meeting
After worship: Evangelism Committee

Tuesday, November 8

6:30 pm Venture Scouts

Thursday, November 10

6 pm Scouts BSA

Stewardship Campaign 2022: “The Joy of Giving: Time, Talent, and Treasure”

Fall has arrived, and with it, the beginning of St. Paul’s Fall Stewardship Drive.

As you receive information about this year’s stewardship campaign via email, social media, and postal mail, please prayerfully consider how you can help our church maintain its many ministries through the use of your Time, Talents, and Treasures.

Appeal Sunday is November 6, 2022!

Copyright Notices

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word: Setting © 1970 Neues Choralbuch, Bärenreiter-Verlag Kassel and Basel. Used by permission.

O Lord, We Praise You: Text © 1941 Concordia Publishing House; setting © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship.

Thy Strong Word: Text and arr. © 1969 Concordia Publishing House.

Hymns/anthems: Music reprinted and streamed by permission under ONE LICENSE #A‐726103 and CCLI Licenses #21045423 and #21045416. All rights reserved.

Liturgical texts and service music: From SundaysandSeasons.com. Copyright © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS010308.