GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS September 22, 2013

THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Faithful God and Lord, You keep Your promises and You abundantly shower me with gifts for this life and for life everlasting. Grant me to know Your pardon and its peace and thereby rejoice in being Your child and heir. Further empower me to be faithful to You through my witness in word and deed as I live in the world, but not of it. As You have been generous with me grant that I am generous in the little that I have so that I might be faithful in much. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to everyone! It is good for you to be here for worship today. May the Lord bless your time here as His Word is read, sung and preached and as you respond with praise and thanksgiving as your faiths response to the Good News of forgiveness and life. If you are not a member of Grace and desire to learn more about our teachings as drawn from Gods Word, please speak with our Pastor. Once again we are glad you are here and we invite you to come and worship with us again. Everyone is asked to fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Restrooms are located on the lower level of this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them if they wish. The area around the nursery is under renovation and will not be available for your use this week. If you have any questions please speak with an Usher or Greeter.

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
Dont we find ourselves caught between competing loyalties all the time? It is a difficult position as we are torn between two people, two causes or two goals. Yet we also deceive ourselves into thinking that we can bridge the gap, reconcile the divergent paths, and give our heart to the world while reserving a part of it for the Lord, who is the Giver of every good gift. When the conflict is between our possessions and the Kingdom of God, there is more than a painful choice at stake. If we choose the kingdom of the moment with its fleeting pleasures and momentary glories, we forsake what is Gods eternal gift. The Lord calls us to live in the world, but not of the world, to choose the eternal over the moment and the true treasure of grace over earthly treasure which indeed passes away.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by Lucia Jones in memory of her parents Mildred and Albert Hursey and in thanksgiving for Gods many blessings. THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Vicar: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Communion Assistant: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeters: Altar Guild: Acolyte: Cantor: Ushers: Greeter: Altar Guild: Choir: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (8:15) (8:15) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Abby Litwa Joel Junkans Dave Graf Gary Goldsby, Terry Bradshaw Jim Marvin, Mark Peterson Jack and Pat Funk Angie Proud Jack Manchester Kurt Shrader Charlie Buchanan, Terry Clawitter Bryan Gipson, David Roberts Ann Stoker Dawn Cline and Lucia Jones Adult Choir Nathan, Crissy, Emily and Molly Beethe Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

(Wed. evening)

THE APPOINTED READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY, September 29th, St. Michael and All Angels Sunday, are: The Old Testament Reading: Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3, The Epistle Reading: Revelation 12:7-12, and The Holy Gospel: Matthew 18:1-11.
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 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: What Is the World to Me

What Is the World to Me - Richard Hillert

Partita on "What Is the World to Me" - Flor Peeters

LSB 730

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

Exhortation
P Our help is in the name of the Lord, C who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124:8; Psalm 130:34; Luke 18:13

P If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? C But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared. P Since we are gathered to hear Gods Word, [and] call upon Him in prayer and praise, [and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar,] let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful

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condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Confession of Sins
C Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen

Absolution

John 20:1923

P 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. C Amen

Service of the Word

Introit
P Your testimonies are righteous forever; C give me understanding that I may live. P Righteous are you, O LORD, C and right are your just decrees. P You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness C and in all faithfulness. P My zeal consumes me, C because my foes forget your words. P Your promise is well tried, C and your servant loves it. P Your righteousness is righteous forever, C and your law is true. 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 Your testimonies are righteous forever; C give me understanding that I may live.
Ps. 119:137140, 142; antiphon: Ps. 119:144

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Kyrie

Mark 10:47

A For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.

A 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.

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

A Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.

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Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

Salutation and Collect of the Day

P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Let us pray. O Lord, keep Your Church in Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen
Sit

Anthem

The Lord, My God, Be Praised - J.S. Bach

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Old Testament Reading

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

Amos 8:47

Gradual

Ps. 34:9, 19, alt.

Fear the Lord, | you his saints,* for those who fear him lack | nothing! Many are the afflictions of the | righteous,* but the Lord delivers him out | of them all.

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

1 Timothy 2:115

Stand

Alleluia and Verse

1 Tim. 2:56a

P For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ | Jesus,* who gave himself as a ran- | som for all.

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Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the sixteenth chapter. C Glory to You, O Lord. The reading of the Holy Gospel. P This is the Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to You, O Christ.

Luke 16:115

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; 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

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Apostles' Creed (10:45)

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
Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: Lord of All Good Sermon Faithful?

Stand

LSB 786
Luke 16:115

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.

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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
Stand

Lord of All Good - Kevin Hildebrand

Offertory: We Give Thee But Thine Own

LSB 781

And we believe Thy Word, Though dim our faith may be: Whateer for Thine we do, O Lord, We do it unto Thee.

Public domain

10:45 Service continues on page 15

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Service of the Sacrament (8:15)

Preface
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 Him thanks and praise. P It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, for the countless blessings You so freely bestow on us and all creation. Above all, we give thanks for Your boundless love shown to us when You sent Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into our flesh and laid on Him our sin, giving Him into death that we might not die eternally. Because He is now risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity, all who believe in Him will overcome sin and death and will rise again to new 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:
2 Timothy 4:22; Colossians 3:1; Psalm 136

Sanctus

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

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Prayer of Thanksgiving
P Blessed are You, O Lord our God, king of all creation, for You have had mercy on us and given Your only-begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. In Your righteous judgment You condemned the sin of Adam and Eve, who ate the forbidden fruit, and You justly barred them and all their children from the tree of life. Yet, in Your great mercy, You promised salvation by a second Adam, Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and made His cross a life-giving tree for all who trust in Him. We give You thanks for the redemption You have prepared for us through Jesus Christ. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may faithfully eat and drink of the fruits of His cross and receive the blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation that come to us in His body and blood. Hear us as we pray in His name and as He has taught us:

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

The Words of Our Lord

P 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. P 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.

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Pax Domini
P The peace of the Lord be with you always. C Amen

John 20:19

Agnus Dei

John 1:29

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: Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared Hymn: Praise and Thanksgiving Hymn: Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower
Service Note: There will be an interlude between St. 4 & St. 5.

LSB 622 LSB 789 LSB 694

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Stand

Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:2932

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. C Amen

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Benedicamus
P Let us bless the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Psalm 103:1

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: For the Fruits of His Creation Postlude

LSB 894

For the Fruits of His Creation - Keith Kolander

Service Concludes (10:45)

Lord's Prayer
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
Matthew 6:913

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Collect
P Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; 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: For the Fruits of His Creation Postlude

LSB 894

For the Fruits of His Creation - Keith Kolander

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 in the Parlor 9:45 a.m. Sunday School downstairs in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Junior and Senior High classes downstairs in the church 9:45 a.m. Pastor Walters Bible Class upstairs in Parker Hall 10:45 a.m. Divine Service 1:00 p.m. Childrens Choir 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 6:00 p.m. Board of Stewardship 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 5:15 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Class at St. Vincents 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service with Holy Communion 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation

MON - FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY:

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL - The Sunday School lesson today focuses on Solomon Builds the Temple. Though He was hidden, God resided within the Old Testament temple; Jesus is the unveiled, human Most Holy Place and is truly accessible to all, enfolding believers in the arms of His Word and Sacraments. Parents might ask, What kinds of thing would you have seen in Solomons temple? Where do we see Jesus today? PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets on Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m. upstairs in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter continues a study of The Augsburg Confession and Its Apology The Lutheran Confessions Series. This morning we continue a discussion on The Church: Congregation of Saints. Come and review what we believe, teach and confess as Lutheran Christians. 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. REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Elwanda Wells continues her recovery at home. Judy Rivers is recovering at home. Warren Rivers continues his recovery at home. Jeanette Keehn continues receiving care at home. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. - 17 -

WELCOME Caleb Stein transferred to Grace from First Lutheran Church here in Little Rock. Caleb is a recent graduate from Baylor University and is working at UAMS. Caleb in the son of Charles and Mary Kathryn Stein and brother of Carter and Krista Stein. Please welcome Caleb to our Grace family. WELCOME - Jeramy and Angie Stephens and their children Connor and Jack transferred to Grace from St. John Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The Stephens are former members of Grace and recently moved back to Little Rock after living in Stuttgart for several years. Please welcome the Stephens family back to our Grace Family. OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Mrs. Anne Wooten Rosteck who died on Thursday, September 12th, in Southlake, Texas. A memorial service was held on Saturday at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Anne was a former member of our Grace congregation. Our thoughts and prayers are with her granddaughter Katy West and all of the members of Annes family. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Sept. 27 Lyndsey and John Allen HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Sept. 22 Maxwell Baker, Leah Sanders Sept. 23 Carol Ann Honeywell Sept. 24 Tim Allaben, Mark Jones Sept. 25 Shari Withers Sept. 26 Madison Derden Sept. 27 Terry Hill Sept. 28 Sherry Bischof, Daniel Loyd LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 9/15: 184 (8:15 90 and 10:45 94). Mid-Week 9/18: 5. Offerings: Sunday 9/15: $10,055.77. Mid-Week 9/11: $790.00. Memorials: $270.00. Building Fund: $40.00. Fan Into Flame: $100.00. Youth Group: $10.00. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP will meet on Monday, September 23rd, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Joel Junkans is the director. 7th AND 8th GRADE CONFIRMATION classes begin this week. 7th Grade Confirmation begins on Tuesday, September 24th, at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor. 8th Grade Confirmation begins on Thursday, September 26th, at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor. - 18 -

PORTALS OF PRAYER for October through December, 2013 are on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick up your copy. There is a box on the bridge to recycle your old one when you are finished with it. RENOVATION PROJECT Please be careful going through the downstairs areas in the church. Work continues to take place as the south wall has been waterproofed and closet space for the choir room constructed. Re-plastering of the south wall is nearing completion with painting and floor covering to follow. Funding for this project is from our Building Fund. The nursery area remains closed this morning. Hopefully it will be in operation next Sunday. HUMANE SOCIETY DONATIONS - Brandt Cline is collecting donations for the Pulaski County Humane Society as a part of his Life Scout project. A box is in the breezeway, with a list of items that can be donated, such as pet food, blankets and brushes. Also, feel free to come to the adoption drive on the 22nd at Pinnacle Mountain, from 2pm to 6pm. LEARN ABOUT TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BIBLICAL TEACHINGS --- on your Lutheran Radio Station Worldwide KFUO. The program Law and Gospel uses the theological distinctions between Law and Gospel not only to apply the Bible, but also to understand our relationship to Gods entire plan of salvation in Christ. Weekdays 2 2:30PM CST at www.kfuo.org and on Facebook at Facebook.com/KFUOradio.
MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MRS. MARVEL MIDDAUGH Mother of Robert and Randy TO THE GRACE ECDC FUND Middaugh By Irvin and Sherry Clawitter Beth Paulson IN MEMORY OF MR. CHESTER BERNER TO THE GRACE ECDC FUND By Irvin and Sherry Clawitter TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig IN MEMORY OF MRS. LOIS BERNER TO THE LOIS BERNER MEMORIAL FUND By Jed and Cindy Anderson IN MEMORY OF MRS. HESTER WOODBURY TO THE MUSIC FUND By David and Suzanne Raddle

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Sign-Up Sheets are in the Breezeway

Congregational Fish Fry Sat, October 5, 2013

Coming Back! - Moon Bouncer for Kids Family Fun Available for activity from 4:30 to 7:30 Downtime/Quiet time during meal Adult Supervision with teen assistance Sign-up sheets for setup/potluck dishes in Breezeway Lots of fun & fellowship

Eat @ 5:30PM
Bring your favorite dish and visit with us!! Questions call Ron & Russlynn Krueger 221-7383

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Grace Lutheran Fall Craft Fair and Used Book Sale Saturday, November 2nd 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Begin your Christmas shopping here! Over 25 quality vendors -Back by popular demand- the Grace Bakers -Huge used book sale -Rent a booth to sell your handmade items -Check the website for more information: www.GraceLutheranLR.org We accept donations of books beginning mid-October. Please help us make this a big success by donating used books. Contact Riley Middaugh at 954-9281 or email at [email protected] for more information.
Proceeds benefit Kevin Ray, second year student at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Matching funds by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

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