GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS September 25, 2011

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today by Rudy Bischof to the glory of our Triune God and in thankfulness for all His blessings and in honor of Sherry Bischofs birthday. THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Guest Preacher: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Communion Elder: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeter: Altar Guild: Acolyte: Cantor: Ushers: Greeter: 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 Rev. Henry Behling Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Mason Andrews Joel Junkans Ralph Olsen Terry Bradshaw, Mark Cate Gary Goldsby, Jim Marvin Jack and Pat Funk Verna, Vera and Shirley Rieve Jack Manchester Ron Krueger Charlie Buchanan, Terry Clawitter Bryan Gipson, David Roberts Chris and Betty Pils Lou Alice May David, Diane and Alex Roberts Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Dearest Lord Jesus, Gods Son, my Savior, You did the will of the Father as You came to earth to give Your life as the once and for all sacrifice for my sins and the sins of all. Empower me by the Holy Spirit to live my life for you, humbly sharing Your love with others and confidently knowing Your forgiveness for all of the times I fail to do what is asked of me. Grant that I grow in my love for You and for my neighbor. In Your name I pray. Amen

WELCOME
In our Introit for today the words of the Psalmist remind us why we have come this morning, Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Welcome to everyone gathered here this morning to hear Gods Word and respond to His love and mercy with songs of praise and thanksgiving. We especially welcome those who are visiting! We ask that everyone present fill out an attendance card found at each pew and return it to an usher as the Offering is collected. Children are welcome in our Service. We do have a nursery for infants and toddlers located downstairs for those who have need. Restrooms are also downstairs in 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. Please come and worship with us again!

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion will be celebrated in the 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
In todays Old Testament reading we hear again Gods call to repent, and in the Gospel reading we find those who question Jesus authority. There are many today who see no reason to repent and we too must confess that we often blame others for our troubles and shortcomings. The authority which Jesus had was given to Him by the Father and He has given that authority to His Church to forgive the sins of the penitent and to retain the sins of those who fail to repent. In the expanded Gospel reading for today we find two sons, one who said that he would not work in the vineyard, but later reconsidered and did, and one who said he would, but then did not. Faith trusts that Jesus has authority to give forgiveness and faith receives that gift granted to those who repent, changing their ways as they are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, October 2nd, The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: The Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7, The Epistle Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14, and The Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-46.
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 FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven LSB 793 Declaration of Grace (10:45)
P
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven - John Behnke

[John 20:1923]

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. Amen

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.

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. Amen

Invocation
P C

Matthew 28:19b; [18:20]

Service of the Word

Introit
Ps. 147:15; antiphon: Ps. 147:6

In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
1 John 1:89

Exhortation
P C

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.

P The LORD lifts up the humble; C he casts the wicked to the ground. P Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; C for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. P The LORD builds up Jerusalem; C he gathers the outcasts of Israel. P He heals the brokenhearted C and binds up their wounds. P He determines the number of the stars; C he gives to all of them their names.

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

Confession of Sins
P C Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. 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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P Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; C his understanding is beyond measure. 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 The LORD lifts up the humble; C he casts the wicked to the ground.

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

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Sit

Old Testament Reading

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

Ezekiel 18:14, 2532

Gradual

Ps. 91:11; 103:1

He will command his angels con- | cerning you* to guard you in | all your ways. Bless the LORD, | O my soul,* and all that is within me, bless his | holy name!

Epistle Salutation and Collect of the Day

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

Philippians 2:14, 1418

Stand

Alleluia and Verse

P Alleluia. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Alleluia. P Let us pray. Almighty God, You exalted Your Son to the place of all honor and authority. Enlighten our minds by Your Holy Spirit that, confessing Jesus as Lord, we may be led into all truth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Matt. 28:18b

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Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-first chapter.

Matthew 21:2332

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

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

Sermon Hymn: How Can I Thank You, Lord Sermon Two Sons Are They Still Alive?
Stand

LSB 703 Apostles' Creed (10:45) Matthew 21:2832

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

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;

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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 18

Sit

Offering
Stand

How Can I Thank You, Lord - Johann Walther

Service of the Sacrament (8:15)

Preface Offertory
Psalm 116:12-13, 17-19 2 Timothy 4:22; [Colossians 3:1]; [Psalm 136]

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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. 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 on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying: C

The Words of Our Lord

P

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

Sanctus

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

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.

Proclamation of Christ
P C P

1 Corinthians 11:26; Revelation 22:20

As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lords death until He comes. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 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:

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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. Hymn: Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord Hymn: O Savior, Precious Savior Hymn: May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill
Stand

Pax Domini

John 20:19

LSB 637 LSB 527 LSB 698

Thank the Lord

Agnus Dei

John 1:29

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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.

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

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. Amen

Closing 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

Closing Hymn: Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing

LSB 924
C

Postlude

Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing - Rolf Unkel

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. Amen

T
Closing Hymn: Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing Postlude T T LSB 924
Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing - Rolf Unkel

Acknowledgments 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 9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Pastor Walters Bible Class Young Women of Grace Bible Class 10:45 a.m. Divine Service DEADLINE FOR THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) 4:30 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:00 p.m. Childrens Choir 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study (St. Vincents) 6:00 p.m. Bell Choir 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service with Holy Communion 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir 4:15 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation 5:30 p.m. Congregational Fish Fry at Maumelle Park Pav. #2

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Sept. 26 Crystal and Matt Taylor Sept. 27 Lyndsey and John Allen, Marietta and Frank Gutierrez HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Sept. 26 Madison Derden Sept. 27 Terry Hill Sept. 28 Sherry Bischof, Brandy Dean, Daniel Loyd Sept. 29 Kaylee Hammond, Robert Middaugh Sept. 30 Casey Neeley Oct. 1 Rob Wistrand REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Lucia Jones as she prepares for upcoming surgery on Thursday. Frank Gutierrez is recovering from a fall. Elwanda Wells is recovering at home following eye surgery. Dave Graf as he continues treatment and for upcoming surgery on his eye. Bob Grant is recovering at home following surgery. Joe Gelzine continues his recovery at home. Bud Tschiemer continues his recovery at home. Henry Grever continues his recovery at home. Martha Pils has moved to Briarwood Healthcare and Rehab for additional therapy. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 9/18: 173 (8:15 102 and 10:45 71. Mid-Week Service 9/21: 13. Offerings: Sunday 9/18: $6,855.50. Mid-Week Service 9/14: $415.00. Building Fund: $175.00. Memorials: $90.00. Fan into Flame: $205.00. OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Shelly Kay Whittle who died on Wednesday evening. Shelly is the niece of Kay Jenkins. OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Austin Phillips who died suddenly on Monday, September 12th. Austin is the son of Lori Dumonts cousin. 7th GRADE CONFIRMATION CLASS is each Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the Parlor. 8th GRADE COMFIRMATION CLASS is each Friday at 4:15 p.m. in the Parlor. PORTALS OF PRAYER devotion books with for October through November, 2011 are available on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick up your copy today. - 20 -

MON - FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY:

FRIDAY: SATURDAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY - The account of Joseph continues in our lesson for today. Genesis 39 teaches us that the Lord was with Joseph so that His people could be saved. The children will learn that Christ, a descendant of Josephs brother, is with us in every situation, earning our salvation from sin when He died and rose again. A family discussion could begin about temptations. Joseph resisted the temptation to do wrong with Potiphars wife but still suffered when she falsely accused him. Joseph served in Potiphars house just as we serve in our various vocations. God was with Joseph, and in Christ, God is with us in all the situations of life, providing, protecting, and forgiving us. SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS Pastor Walters Bible Class meets at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday morning in Parker Hall. Pastor Behling will lead our Bible class this morning. THE YOUNG WOMEN OF GRACE will meet for Bible study each Sunday morning in the classroom downstairs in the church. Bible study materials are provided, and child care is available in the church nursery. Contact Gina Junkans for more information. GUEST PREACHER Serving us today is Rev. Henry Behling, a retired Pastor living in Hot Springs Village. Pastor Behling served Faith Lutheran in Hot Springs Village from 1989 to 1996 when he retired. Previously he served seven years in Canada and 24 years in Minnesota. Please welcome Pastor Behling and his wife Barbara to Grace. - 19 -

GRACE CRAFTERS The Grace Craft Fair is November 5th. We will have a booth that will sell items made and donated by the Grace members. The proceeds will be donated to scholarships at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. If you would be willing to donate items for this booth, please contact Sammye Harrill 501-352-1877, 501-223-3834, or [email protected]. FUNDRAISER for PASTOR MATTHEW PETERSON Are you aware that we are conducting a fundraiser for Pastor Matthew Peterson as part of the Fish Fry on October 1st? Matching funds up to $800 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have been approved and are just waiting for our enabling contributions. So if you cant join us on October 1st, please consider making your presence felt with a large or small donation that will be matched to help our fund raising effort! We hope to see you at the Fish Fry but if your plans dont include our fish-fry event, please consider and pass along your contribution before or after the fish-fry event to Ron or Russlynn Krueger, or Pat Funk. Thank you for your consideration and thanks to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for their matching support!
Ron and Russlynn Krueger, ACTS Co-chairmen

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF LAYETTES - We continue to collect items for Lutheran World Relief Layettes. During September we are collecting bath-size bars of soap for the Layettes. There is a collection box in the breezeway. Thank you for your support. MEMORIALS
IN MEMORY OF MRS. SHIRLEY BOYETTE Sister of Russlynn Krueger TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND BY Allen and Dorris Deislinger Verna, Vera, and Shirley Rieve Warren and Judy Rivers Ken and Becky Ross

Congregational Fish-Fry

Saturday - October 1, 2011

5:30PM Maumelle Park Pavilion #2
Fish & some chicken this year. Park and swings next to pavilion. Sign-up sheets & Maps are in the breezeway. We would like to have you there if you are part of Grace or would like to meet our members. Entre supplied by ACTS group, potluck format for side dishes, and great conversation and fellowship with the Grace Family. Dont forget to sign up in the breezeway! If you can and would like to, we will be conducting a Free-Will offering at the fish-fry to assist Pastor Matthew Peterson in his battle with cancer. Matching funds up to $800 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have been approved Questions Contact Ron or Russlynn Krueger 221-7383 or Pat Funk (Church office).

FALL CRAFT SHOW Grace Lutheran Fall Craft Show - Join us Saturday, November 5th, from 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. for a great craft show combined with a Used Book Sale. The Grace LWML will offer breakfast and lunch, for the convenience of vendors and shoppers. Back by popular demand are the best of the wonderful Oktoberfest pastries. The Grace Bakers will have a booth selling German Chocolate Cake, Applekuchen and many more of your favorites. Proceeds benefit Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Do you sew, quilt, make candles or jewelry or craft in other ways and wish an opportunity to display and sell your talent? Rent a booth in Parker Hall for $40 ($30 for Lutheran church members). We will accept donations of books beginning mid-October. Please help us make this a big success by donating used books. The Fall Craft Show and Book Sale proceeds will benefit Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has approved a match of up to $1600 to benefit the Seminary. Please begin your Christmas shopping with us! Contact Riley Middaugh at 954-9281 or email at [email protected] for more information. KROGER GIFT CARDS - Just a friendly reminderplease consider or continue using a reloadable Kroger Gift Card to help ECDC. Each time you reload the card, ECDC receives 5% and this really adds up and helps the ole budget! If this is a program that you would like to use to help Lutheran education, we encourage you to get an ECDC card they are available in the Church Office and also from Colleen. - 21 -

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