JESUS EMPOWERS FRUITFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

April 26-29, 2018

WELCOME TO WORSHIP!We are pleased that you have chosen to worship the Lord with us today. If you are a guest visiting with us, know that we are thankful you have joined us, and please take a moment to sign the friendship register during the gathering of the offering. Large print hymnals (both locations) are available upon request from an usher.Hearing assist devices (Falls only) are available upon request from an usher. Restrooms at the Falls: In the lower level of the church and also down the school hallway. Restrooms at Germantown: In the north and south halls of the building. If you need a place to quiet a restless child, the service is streamed to a TV in the lower level of the Falls and in the Alpha room at Germantown.

SERVICE NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAYThe order of worship for today is printed for you in this folder. The hymns are found in “Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal”, the red hymnal, or are printed in the folder.

Communion We are celebrating the Lord’s Supper today. What is this Sacrament? It is the receiving of Christ’s body and blood, together with the bread and wine, for the assurance of the forgiveness of our sins (Mt. 26:17-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-29). It is an expression of unity among us when it comes to the teachings of Jesus (Jn. 8:31,32). If you are visiting with us today, please speak with one of our Pastors about receiving this Sacrament. 

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Preaching Minister Pastor Phil ArnoldOrganists Jenny Schopper (M), Donna Pflughoeft (G)3rd and 4th Grade Rachel Arnold, director; Anna Geiger, accompanist

THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

The “Service of Word and Sacrament” is found on p. 26 in the front of the red hymnal.

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N84 W15252 Menomonee Ave.Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

N108 W14290 Bel Aire LaneGermantown, WI 53022

OPENING HYMN Speak, O Savior; I Am Listening | 283

INVOCATION

P: The grace of our Lord ✙ Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

P: God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

P: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son ✙ and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCYKyrie

P: For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.

P: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ.

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P: For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord.

P: Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care:

P: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise.

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P: Let us pray. O God, you form the minds of your faithful people into a single will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may ever yearn for the lasting joys of heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

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THE WORDFIRST LESSON Acts 16:11-15The fruitfulness of Lydia's faith is seen in her eagerness to help those who served her with the gospel. How tempting it is to begin to believe that the called workers are the ones who do "the work of the church." Our gracious God treasures the service of those who serve others out of love for Jesus!

11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

PSALM OF THE DAYPsalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us*and make his face shine upon us;

may your ways be known on earth,*your salvation among all nations.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,*

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for you rule the peoples justlyand guide the nations of the earth.

Refrain

Then the land will yield its harvest,*and God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us,*and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

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.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON 1 John 3:18-24

One of the special fruits that comes from staying connected to Jesus is the awareness that Christ is alive in us through his Word. When our conscience wants to drive us to despair, the living Lord is present to assure us of his forgiveness. Strengthened by his grace, we devote ourselves to faith in him and showing acts of love to others.

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.19 This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24 The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 14:6

P: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord. Alleluia.

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Worship services center around the Gospel Reading; we rise to highlight its function.

GOSPEL LESSON John 15:1-8It is absolutely crucial that we stay connected to Jesus. He - and he alone - is our strength for living fruitful Christian lives. It is only through the intimate relationship with Jesus as the true vine that we, the branches, bear fruit to God's glory!

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

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ANTHEM (9:15) Christ Is with Me | Gerald Patrick Coleman

We were buried with him into death, That as he was raised by God’s glory, We might walk in life made new by grace. Having died with Christ, we shall live with him.

RefrainChrist is with me ev’rywhere I go. Never to leave me, this I know.

I have now been grafted to the vine, Drawing life from roots rich in mercy, Bearing fruit as I abide in him: Fruit forever fresh, glorifying God.Refrain

I have now been crucified with Christ. I no longer live; Christ lives in me. Now I live by faith in God’s own Son, One who loved me so—gave himself for me.Refrain

HYMN OF THE DAY With High Delight Let Us Unite | 168

SERMON John 15:1-8Remain in Christ

For Spiritual StrengthFor Christian Fruitfulness

NICENE CREEDWe believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

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God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THANK OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Gracious God and Father, we praise you for the countless blessings, which we receive from your hand: the beauties of creation and the bounties of the earth, the joy of life and the pleasure of friendship, the good of work and the gift of rest, the privilege to share happiness and sorrow with one another. Above all we praise and thank you for your saving Word and for your Son’s body and blood, which you give us to eat and to drink in the sacrament. Through these means of grace, you send the Holy Spirit into our hearts and unite us to Jesus and to the whole Christian Church on earth.

C: Strengthen us through this heavenly food; increase our trust in Christ and our love for one another.

P: Great God and Lord, without your continuing help we easily waver in our faith, lose courage, and grow careless in our watchfulness. The times and days are perilous. Give us strength to face the evils of each day with fresh confidence. Open our lips to speak of your grace, and move us to use the gifts that you give us to share your Word of salvation with all people. Protect and prosper the family, the school, the government, and all good institutions that you have established for the benefit of society. Remember in mercy those who are sick and suffering, and bring your healing to troubled homes and lives.

C: Move us to pray for those in need and to help them with deeds of kindness.Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

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P: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.P: Now, eternal God and Father, keep us in the saving faith and so enable us to

overcome all things through our Lord Jesus Christ.

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

THE SACRAMENTP: The Lord be with you.

  

P: Lift up your hearts. 

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

P: Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. He made his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory forever and ever.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLYSanctus

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WORDS OF INSTITUTIONP: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he

had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

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

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O CHRIST, LAMB OF GODAgnus Dei

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS Christ, the Word of God Incarnate | 750

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Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face | 315

THANK THE LORD

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P: Hear the prayer of your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised you here may glorify you in the world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of your Son may long for his coming again, and that all who have received in his true body and blood the pledge of your forgiveness may be restored to live a new and holy life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

BENEDICTION

P: Brothers and sisters go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.The Lord look on you with favor and ✙ give you peace.

CLOSING HYMN How Lovely Shines the Morning Star | 79 v. 2-3

WEEKLY NEWS AND NOTES16

This week, the flowers beautifying worship in Menomonee Falls arefrom Chris and Ray Jeske in honor of their 51ST wedding anniversary.

CALL NEWS – On Tuesday, April 17th, the Voters of Bethlehem extended a call to Ms. Beth Hauf, currently serving as the 2nd Grade Teacher at Bethany Lutheran School in Manitowoc to be Bethlehem’s 1st Grade Teacher. Additionally, on April 8th, calls were extended to Pastor Kevin Wattles, who currently serves at Grace Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia, to be Bethlehem's Administrative Pastor, as well as Ms. Rebecca Rixe, who currently serves at Crown of Life Christian Academy in Fort Myers, Florida, to be Bethlehem's Early Childhood Ministry Director. Please keep Pastor Wattles, Ms. Rixe and Ms. Hauf in your prayers as they consider their calls.

In other call news, this past Sunday, both Mrs. Bridget Weber, Bethlehem’s 1st/2nd Grade Teacher and Mr. Daryl Weber, Bethlehem’s Principal, received calls to Apostles Lutheran School in San Jose, CA. Mrs. Weber is called to teach 4th Grade and Mr. Weber to serve as Principal. They invite your insight and ask for prayers as they contemplate where they can best serve in ministry.

BETHLEHEM & PILGRIM JOINT ADULT CHOIR CONCERT – Final reminder! The choirs of Bethlehem and Pilgrim Lutheran are performing a joint concert, titled “Lift Up Your Voice: Rejoice” this Sunday, April 29th at 4:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 20851 Main Street in Lannon. Everyone is welcome and is free of charge! We hope to see you there!

NIGHT OF THE ARTS – All Members of Bethlehem are invited to the fiesta and fun at our Night of the Arts celebration on Friday, May 4th, beginning at 6:00 P.M. and lasting until 8:00 P.M. Come see the Bethlehem Village of Pueblos, view galleries of art work based on famous artists, enjoy our Southwest and Mexican theme, and even stop at the Mexican Cafe for a bit of Cinco de Mayo cuisine! We are very proud of all of our students' art work and the gym at the North Campus will be filled with mucho artistic flare!  You won't want to miss the fun!  Hope to see you there! ~ BLS faculty

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE WIND SYMPHONY - Bethlehem has the privilege of hosting the Martin Luther College Wind Symphony for a concert on Monday, May 14th at 7:00 PM at the Germantown campus. Host families will also be needed for the 51 MLC students. If you are willing to serve in this way, you may sign-up on Bethlehem’s website (under Events, Upcoming Events tab) or sign up using the sign-up sheets at either campus. For any questions, contact Martha Johnson at mjohnson@bethlehem-wels.org.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK – The week of May 7th -11th is Teacher Appreciation Week! We would like to collect money from families and individuals to help show our AMAZING staff here at Bethlehem how much we truly appreciate them! Please donate in the designated

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boxes placed in the lobby at either campus by Monday, April 30th! Your donations will go to a week of showing our teachers and staff that we appreciate all of their time and energy they put into making our school an exemplary place for our children! Here is what we have planned:Monday: Breakfast for Teachers and StaffTuesday: Bring a piece of fruit and a thank you note for teachers and staffWednesday: Lunch for teachers and staff (we could really use some help from parents and members to cover lunch duty and allow the teachers time to enjoy their lunch!)Thursday: Bring a sweet treat for your teachers and wear red so they feel “the love”Friday: Surprise gift to end the week right!Any questions or willingness to help, please contact Michelle Wierschem at michellewierschem@yahoo.com. Thank you for any contributions you are willing to make!

SUMMER BIBLE CAMP – 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1!  It's time to blast off to our Summer Bible Camp program called Space Station Salvation.  We need teens and adults to help as lead teachers, teacher aides, snack helpers, craft helpers, and decorators for either the morning or evening sessions held the week of June 18-22.  Even if you can spare only an hour, we can use your help!  If you are interested in serving or have more questions, please contact Rachel Arnold via e-mail (rarnold@bethlehem-wels.org) or cell phone (262-674-5160). 

CHILD CARE REGISTRATION FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM – Enrollment is open! The summer program at Bethlehem Lutheran Child Care has openings for children six weeks of age to twelve years.  We would love to care for your little ones and have a wonderful program planned!  A semi-flexible schedule is available, so you may only pay for days you signed up for care.  It will be a fun and adventurous summer! Call (262) 257-0408 to register!

LPS SPRING BAND CONCERT – Luther Preparatory School will present its spring band concert, entitled "Where in the World is the Luther Prep Band?” on May 6th at 7:00 PM. in the LPS Auditorium. It will feature the LPS Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Brass Choir, String Ensemble, Senior Bells, Ukulele Group and a flute ensemble playing songs from all over the world. Our guest host will be the well-traveled Rev. Paul Prange, WELS Administrator for Ministerial Education.  We also welcome former MLC band director Paul Wendland, who will be playing alto flute with the flute ensemble.  A freewill offering will be taken to help defray expenses of the band program. Hope you can join us at LPS in Watertown!

KMLES BAND PROGRAM – The Elementary School Band Program offered by KML will soon begin online registration for the 2018-2019 school year. Parents and current fourth through seventh grade students who wish to learn more about the program and our free summer band camps are invited to attend one of two informational meetings on Sunday, April 29, at

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2:00 PM and Tuesday, May 1, at 7:00 PM at KML. For more information, please contact Mr. Nate Amundson (nate.amundson@kmlhs.org), Director of Elementary School Bands, or visit   www.kmlhs.org/kmlesbands . 

QUILT SHOW DESSERT DONATIONS NEEDED – Kettle Moraine Lutheran is hosting the “Rose of Sharon” Quilt Show on Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6th, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Admission is $5 per person. The Charger Club will also be serving food and homemade desserts for purchase at the show’s Quilter’s Café. We have had wonderful volunteer support from our federation in the past and are counting on you once again! Dessert makers are needed! Please contact Mrs. Pam Bliesner (262-617-8698; tumblintykes@aol.com) or Mrs. Carol Stiemke (stiemkec@yahoo.com) if you can help by making a delicious dessert torte, cheesecake, or another fancy cake (please no cookies, bars, or cupcakes). Profits from the café go directly to KML. Thank you! 

KML SUMMER ACADEMY – Kettle Moraine Lutheran high school will host a variety of academic, fine arts, and sports camps for both youth and adults this summer! Camp registration is ONLINE ONLY and is now open. Register and pay in one easy step! Visit.http://kmlchargers.com/hq/summer-camps/ for more details and for the online registration link.

WALK OR RUN FOR LIFE – On Saturday, May 12th, join other pro-lifers for the Life-A-Thon at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary to benefit WELS Lutherans for Life's pregnancy medical center ministry. Get friends together, raise funds for prizes, and help save lives! Competitive 5k, Kid's Lifesaver Quarter Mile Dash, and 2-mile walk! Walk or run with everyone else or on your own "virtually." Registration fees are $25 individual or $60 family. Participants will receive a T-shirt and refreshments. Registration opens at 9 AM; events begin at 9:45 AM. Details and Registration at www.Life-A-Thon.org or call 414-727-8176.

CHURCH DIRECTORIES – The directories have arrived! If you had your picture taken for the church directory, please pick up your copy of the directory at the campus where your church mailbox is located. The remaining directories left to be picked up have been placed in plastic bins on the countertops in the campus entry ways. Please contact Megan Landvatter with any questions: mlandvatter@bethlehem-wels.org

Church Attendance Last Week: 978Unified Offerings Last Week: $28,506.76Building Relationships Offerings Last Week: $7,910.00

Serving in Worship

Service Overseer:Sunday, April 29th

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The Week Ahead

Sunday, April 298:00 AM Worship Service w/ Communion – M9:15 AM Bible Study & Sunday School – M9:15 AM Worship Service w/ Communion– G 10:30 AM Family Bible Hour – G

Menomonee Falls – Reinhard LiebnerGermantown – Paul Snamiska Sunday, May 6th Menomonee Falls – Gary SchillingGermantown – Jim HenneSet Up Teams (Germantown):Sunday, April 29th

Team 3 – Todd PlichtaSunday, May 6th Team 4 – Mark IgnatowskiUshers:Saturday, April 28th 5:00 PM Team 19 - SchulzSunday, April 29th 8:00 AM Team 3 – Kasten9:15 AM Team 2 – Siwy10:30 AM Team 20 - Zimmermann

Saturday, May 5th 5:00 PM Team 3 – KastenSunday, May 6th 8:00 AM Team 5 – De Vor9:15 AM Team 12 - Grodek10:30 AM Team 11 – LiebnerCommunion Assistants:Thursday, April 26th

6:45 PM Dave KoeppelSaturday, April 28th 5:00 PM Ronn Eigenfeld & Mark ManianSunday, April 29th 8:00 AM Joel Kieckhaefer10:30 AM Bryan Cook

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Sunday, April 298:00 AM Worship Service w/ Communion – M9:15 AM Bible Study & Sunday School – M9:15 AM Worship Service w/ Communion– G 10:30 AM Family Bible Hour – G