GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS April 27, 2014 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH Lord God, heavenly Father, according to Your great mercy, You have given me new birth in my Baptism and given me great hope through the Gospel which shares the resurrection of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, from the dead. Continue to strengthen me in my faith which receives what I have not seen but yet firmly believe by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Grant that the gift of forgiveness which leads to eternal life will continue to be for me a living hope. I pray this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen WELCOME Alleluia, Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed, Alleluia! We continue to celebrate Easter on this Second Sunday in Easter! In fact the setting of this morning’s Gospel reading is in a upper room on the evening of that day (the day of resurrection). Welcome to everyone gathered here this day to be strengthened in your faith through the proclamation of the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Each and every Sunday throughout the year is a celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. If you have any questions about the teaching of Grace Lutheran Church from Holy Scripture, please speak with our Pastor. We invite you to come and worship with us again. We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Children’s Message. Parents may accompany them if they wish. We have a staffed nursery facility for infants and toddlers located downstairs in this building for anyone who has need. Restroom facilities are located downstairs as well or on this floor level across the bridge before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions, please speak with an usher or greeter. AS WE GATHER Do you need to see to believe? For many that is necessary, but then it is not believing but knowing. Faith accepts the promises of God recorded in His Holy Word and fulfilled by the coming of Jesus who is God in the flesh, who for us and our salvation gave His life into death and rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. You may know someone who just cannot believe this message. The disciple Thomas would not believe until he was able to see Jesus and His wounds. When given that opportunity, Thomas confessed Him as Lord and God. Jesus’ words to Thomas are words for us and for those who cannot bring themselves to believe; “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Actually no one is able to “bring themselves to believe.” This happens by God’s grace. St. Peter in the Epistle reading shows us this work of God in our lives. “According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him.” (1 Peter 1:3, 8)
Transcript
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS April 27, 2014
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Lord God, heavenly Father, according to Your great mercy, You have given me new birth in
my Baptism and given me great hope through the Gospel which shares the resurrection of Your Son,
my Lord Jesus Christ, from the dead. Continue to strengthen me in my faith which receives what I
have not seen but yet firmly believe by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Grant that the gift of
forgiveness which leads to eternal life will continue to be for me a living hope. I pray this in Jesus’
holy name. Amen
WELCOME
Alleluia, Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed, Alleluia! We continue to celebrate Easter
on this Second Sunday in Easter! In fact the setting of this morning’s Gospel reading is in a upper
room on the evening of that day (the day of resurrection). Welcome to everyone gathered here this
day to be strengthened in your faith through the proclamation of the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus
Christ! Each and every Sunday throughout the year is a celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. If
you have any questions about the teaching of Grace Lutheran Church from Holy Scripture, please
speak with our Pastor. We invite you to come and worship with us again.
We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it
to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to
come forward for a Children’s Message. Parents may accompany them if they wish. We have a
staffed nursery facility for infants and toddlers located downstairs in this building for anyone who has
need. Restroom facilities are located downstairs as well or on this floor level across the bridge before
entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions, please speak with an usher or greeter.
AS WE GATHER
Do you need to see to believe? For many that is necessary, but then it is not believing but
knowing. Faith accepts the promises of God recorded in His Holy Word and fulfilled by the coming
of Jesus who is God in the flesh, who for us and our salvation gave His life into death and rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures. You may know someone who just cannot believe this message.
The disciple Thomas would not believe until he was able to see Jesus and His wounds. When given
that opportunity, Thomas confessed Him as Lord and God. Jesus’ words to Thomas are words for us
and for those who cannot bring themselves to believe; “Have you believed because you have seen
Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Actually no one is
able to “bring themselves to believe.” This happens by God’s grace. St. Peter in the Epistle reading
shows us this work of God in our lives. “According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born
again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…Though you have not
seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him.” (1 Peter 1:3, 8)
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THE ALTAR FLOWERS
The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of
His house by Gary and Angie Proud in celebration of their three grandchildren Hayden,
Avery Kate and Maxwell.
THOSE WHO SERVE
Pastor: Rev. James C. Walter
Vicar: David Witte
Director of Parish Music: Nathan Beethe
Guest Organist: Bill McCandless
Secretary: Pat Funk
Early Childhood Center Director: Colleen Moorman
Acolyte: Claire Hammond
Cantor: Kurt Shrader
Ushers: Roy Andrews, Roy Bullard, John Ketcher
Paul Krueger, Gary Proud, Jeff Ralston
Greeters: Janet Killough
Ann Stoker, Owen McCrory
Altar Guild: Lori Bloom, Angie Proud
Ginny Ralston
Altar Guild: (Wed. evening) Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter
Nursery: Mary Ann Dyer
NEXT WEEK’S READINGS – The appointed readings for next Sunday, May 4th
, The
Third Sunday of Easter, are: The First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41, The Epistle Reading:
1 Peter 1:17-25, and The Gospel Reading: Luke 24:13-35.
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 SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Pre-Service Music Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won - J. G. Walther
Lighting of the Chancel Candles
Prelude O Sons and Daughters of the King - Healey Willan
Ringing of the Church Bell
Opening Hymn: O Sons and Daughters of the King LSB 470 sts. 1–3
Confession and Absolution
Stand
The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.
Invocation Matthew 28:19b; [18:20]
P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C Amen
P Alleluia! Christ is risen!
C He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Exhortation 1 John 1:8–9
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.
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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
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
Declaration of Grace John 1:12; Philippians 1:6
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
Introit Ps. 105:1–5, 8; antiphon: 1 Peter 2:2–3
P Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to
salvation—
C if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
P Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
C make known his deeds among the peoples!
P Sing to him, sing praises to him;
C tell of all his wondrous works!
P Glory in his holy name;
C let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
P Seek the LORD and his strength;
C seek his presence continually!
P Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
C his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.
P He remembers his covenant forever,
C the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations.
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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 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to
salvation—
C if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Kyrie Mark 10:47
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This Is the Feast Revelation 5:12–13; 19:5–9
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Salutation and Collect of the Day
P Let us pray.
Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your
grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same
Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever.
Sit
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First Reading Acts 5:29–42
P This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
Gradual adapt. from Matt. 28:7; Heb. 2:7; Ps. 8:6
Christ has risen | from the dead.*
[God the Father] has crowned him with glory and | honor,
He has given him dominion over the works | of his hands;*
he has put all things un- | der his feet.
Epistle 1 Peter 1:3–9
P This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
Stand
Alleluia and Verse Rom. 6:9; John 20:29b
P Alleluia. We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no
longer has dominion over him. Alleluia. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
have believed. Alleluia.
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Holy Gospel John 20:19–31
P The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the twentieth chapter.
The reading of the Holy Gospel.
P This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Sit
Children's Message
Sermon Hymn: O Sons and Daughters of the King LSB 470 sts. 4–6
Sermon 1 Peter 1:3-9
“Though You Have Not Seen Him”
Stand
Apostles' Creed
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.
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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
Reception of a New Member - Adult Confirmation
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
Sit
Offering Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - Wilbur Held
Stand
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Offertory Psalm 116:12-13, 17-19
Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:9–13
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
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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 Christ’s 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
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
Closing Hymn: O Sons and Daughters of the King LSB 470 sts. 7–9
Postlude O Sons and Daughters of the King - John Leavitt
NEXT SUNDAY: 1:00 p.m. – Annual Church Picnic – Reservoir Park
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL - On the first Easter, Jesus reveals to Mary Magdalene
and to His disciples that He is alive (John 20:1–18). In Sunday School today the children
learned how Jesus comes to us in His Word, so that the Spirit can give us faith to believe
in Christ’s resurrection and comfort us when we mourn the death of loved ones. Talk
with your children about how Christ has reconciled us to God and thus gives us eternal
life. Review the third article of the Apostles’ Creed and Luther’s Explanation to it as you
talk about how the Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts.
PASTOR WALTER’S CLASS meets each Sunday morning upstairs in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter has begun the study of the Letter to the Hebrews, and today he will continue with the next section – chapter three of Hebrews.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th
grade meet in the
lower level of the Family Life Center. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES meet in their classrooms downstairs in the church.
WELCOME – Ms. Jordan Rowe will be received into communicant membership in our
Grace congregation this morning by Adult Confirmation. Please welcome Jordan to our
Grace Family.
THANK YOU – Our thanks to Bill McCandless who is our guest organist today. He is
assisting in our Service while Nathan and his family are on vacation.
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A SPECIAL VOTERS’ MEETING will be held following the Service today to present
some of the work that the Long Range Planning Committee has done. This committee
was charged with developing a master plan for future development. Some of the issues
looked at included parking, traffic flow, playground concerns, and building access as well
as the best way to utilize the empty lot adjacent to the church. Today we will present
preliminary plans developed to address these issues. We are hoping to gather feedback
so that the plans can be developed and presented again to the congregation this fall. We
hope all members will attend this important meeting. A light lunch will be provided.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GOD’S BLESSINGS TO: May 1 – Sandy and Tim Sweeney
May 3 – Anita and Bill Allaben
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD’S BLESSINGS TO: April 27 – Carroll Holzhauer, Robert Rawlings
April 28 – Nancy Orpin, Bob Schmidt
April 29 – Willie Eustice, Mike Morrison, Ginny Ralston
