GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS January 5, 2014

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Dearest Lord Jesus, child of Mary and Son of God, You grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. You became obedient unto death, even death on a cross which to the world is foolishness but to all who are being saved it is power unto salvation. Grant that I grow in wisdom through Your Word and further grant that I share this wisdom with others. I pray this in Your holy name. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! The Season of Christmas continues this morning. We hear these words today, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in ChristIn Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. St. Paul in our Epistle reading for this morning shares this mystery with us, yet by faith we are given to know this and find hope in what God has accomplished for us in Christ. If you are visiting with us we especially wish to welcome you and we certainly want you to feel welcome, even as we want you to come and worship with us again. If you have any questions about Grace Congregation, please speak with our Pastor. We ask everyone to fill out an attendance card found at each pew and return it to an usher during the Offering. We are glad you are here and we invite you to come again. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens 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 as on this floor level across the bridge before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions, please speak with an usher or greeter.

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion will be celebrated in our 10:45 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
Those who are wise know the limits of their wisdom. This seems to be a paradox but is true. Just as words without love are only a clanging cymbal, so earthly wisdom is empty without faith in Him who is Wisdom from on high, Jesus Christ. Today, we come to rejoice in the Savior who is born not for other worldly needs but as the Wisdom that enables us to order our days and fulfill Gods calling now and enjoy the glory to come. Christ is all in all. To be wise is to know Him and to carry the joy of His Word in our hearts by faith.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by Tommy and Judy Borchert in honor of their anniversary 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) Ushers: (8:15) Greeter: Altar Guild: Acolyte: Cantor: Communion Assistant: Ushers: Greeters: Altar Guild: Coffee Host: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (8:15) (8:15) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (Wed. evening) Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Ginger Litwa Randy Middaugh Bill Allaben, Bobby Bemberg Tim Loyd, Ed Mahnken Bette Bogart Jim and Judy Keppel Anna Kate Manchester Jeff Ralston Greg Warren Rudy Bischof, Jeremy Hammond Ken Ross, Richard Sanders Shaun, Justine and Maxwell Baker Beverly Sanders The Junkans Family Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, January 12th, The Baptism of Our Lord, are: The Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9, The Epistle Reading: Romans 6:1-11, and The Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17.
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 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: Once in Royal David's City LSB 376
Once in Royal David's City - Jeffrey Blersch

Confession and Absolution

Stand The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation
P C In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Exhortation
P P C P C

Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 32:5

Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

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

Confession of Sins (8:15)

P Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. O most merciful God, who has given Your only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us and for His sake grant us remission of all our sins; and by Your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You and of Your will and true obedience to Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Mark 16:16; John 1:12

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. To those who believe on His name He gives power to become the children of God and has promised them His Holy Spirit. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. Grant this, Lord, unto us all. Amen

Confession of Sins (10:45)

P C O almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.
John 20:1923

Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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Service of the Word

Introit
Ps. 147:1, 5, 1112; antiphon: John 1:14

P The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, C glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 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 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; C his understanding is beyond measure. P But the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, C in those who hope in his steadfast love. P Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! C Praise your God, O Zion!

Gloria Patri

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

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Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

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Salutation and Collect of the Day

Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sit

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Old Testament Reading

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

1 Kings 3:415

Gradual

Is. 9:6; Ps. 98:1a

To us a child is born, to us a son is | given;* and the government shall be upon his | shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, | Mighty God,* Everlasting Father, | Prince of Peace. Sing to the Lord a | new song,* for he has done | marvelous things!

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

Ephesians 1:314

Stand

Alleluia and Verse

P The child grew and became strong, filled with | wisdom.* And the favor of God was up- | on him.

Luke 2:40

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Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.

Luke 2:4052

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

Apostles' Creed (8:15)

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

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Nicene Creed (10:45)

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
Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: O Word of God Incarnate LSB 523

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Sermon The Good Kings Wisdom

Stand

1 Kings 3:415

Offertory

Psalm 51:1012

Sit

Offering
Stand

O Word of God Incarnate - Johann Walther

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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 the next page

Service Concludes (8:15)

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

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Hymn: Within the Father's House Collect

P

LSB 410

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. Amen

Benediction
P C 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 Hymn: Let Us All with Gladsome Voice Postlude

LSB 390

Let Us All with Gladsome Voice - Jacob B. Weber

Service of the Sacrament (10:45)

Preface
2 Timothy 4:22; Colossians 3:1 Psalm 136

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Proper Preface
P It is truly meet, 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; for in the mystery of the Word made flesh You have given us a new revelation of Your glory that, seeing You in the person of Your Son, we may know and love those things which are not seen. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Sanctus

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

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Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:913

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The Words of Our Lord

Matthew 26:2628; Mark 14:2224 Luke 22:1920; 1 Corinthians 11:2325

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Pax Domini

John 20:19

Agnus Dei

John 1:29

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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: What Child Is This Hymn: Within the Father's House Hymn: Angels We Have Heard on High LSB 370 LSB 410 LSB 368

Stand

Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:2932

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Thanksgiving

Psalm 107:1

Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Salutation

2 Timothy 4:22

Benedicamus

Psalm 103:1

Benediction

Numbers 6:2426

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Closing Hymn: Let Us All with Gladsome Voice Postlude

LSB 390

Let Us All with Gladsome Voice - Jacob B. Weber

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 Coffee and Fellowship is 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 with Holy Communion 5:30 p.m. ACTS Epiphany Dinner at Butcher Shop Steakhouse 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 6:00 p.m. Board of Christian Education 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 12:00 noon Sit and Sew 5:15 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study at St. Vincents 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service 12:00 noon Noon Devotions with Pastor 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation

MON - FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY:

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, the lesson was about the boy Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:4152). As a boy, Jesus was found in His Fathers house. In Gods house I hear His Word, see that Jesus is my Savior, and receive His gifts of forgiveness and salvation. Because of sin, we are like Jesus parents and do not understand what Gods says to us. We dont recognize who Jesus truly isour Savior. Talk about how through Baptism and the power of Gods Word, the Holy Spirit makes clear to us that Jesus is Gods Son and our Savior. PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets this 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 and concludes his study of Repentance: The Christian Way of Life with a study of Matthew 18:15-35. 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. 7TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor. 8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor. - 22 -

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Harold Wells is recovering at home following a couple of falls. Allen Deislinger continues his recovery at home. Larry Jones has returned to Briarwood Nursing and Rehab Center. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 12/29: 165 (8:15 89 and 10:45 76). New Years Eve Service 71. Offerings: Sunday 12/29: $6,542.50. Christmas Eve: $6,001.00. Christmas Day: $2,275.00. Memorials and Honorariums: $10,161.00. Missions Fund: $100.00. Building Fund: $315.00. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Jan. 5 Wendy and Bob Schmidt HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Jan. 5 Sharon LeBlanc Jan. 6 Jennifer Harrod, Joni Jones, Katie Litwa, Elsie Westerfield Jan. 7 Perryn Andrews, Lindsay Zweifel Jan. 8 Irvin Clawitter, David Cossey, Bradley Stillman, Jason Sutterfield Jan. 9 Kevin Derdin OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Mrs. Jeanette Keehn who died at home last Sunday, December 29th. Plans for her memorial service are pending. Jeanette is survived by her sister, Margaret Jenkins of Fort Worth, Texas. Please keep Jeanettes family in your prayers. CONGRATULATIONS to Sam and Yamaira Cate for the gift of a daughter born on December 31st. Her grandmother is Rebecca Cate and aunt is C.C. Cate. Congratulations and Gods blessings to Sam and Yamaira. ACTS EPIPHANY DINNER is this evening at The Butcher Shop Steakhouse, 10825 Hermitage Road in Little Rock. Come at 5:30 p.m. and have time to visit. We will begin ordering at 6:00 p.m. If you have questions, call Sammye Sue Harrill, 352-1877. SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE AND FELLOWSHIP is a great opportunity for visiting and getting to know our visitors or someone you havent met before, but we need volunteer s to serve refreshments during this fellowship time. Please take a minute to check the available dates for January and February on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by the Parlor and sign up for the Sunday on which you wish to serve. Thank you!! - 23 -

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION will meet on Monday, January 6th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Bob Bryant is the director. 2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES are on the table in the breezeway. Please pick them up today, and do not use any of your 2013 envelopesplease throw them away. 2014 FLOWER CALENDAR is posted in the Ushers room at the back of the sanctuary. Please sign up on the date that you would like to place flowers on the altar in 2014. The chart fills up quickly, so sign up now. PORTALS OF PRAYER Your Portals of Prayer for January March, 2014 are available on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick up your copy and then remember to recycle your old ones. SIT AND SEW will meet on Tuesday, January 7th, at 12:00 noon downstairs in the church. Bring your craft project and join them for fellowship. Contact Carole Nichols or Riley Middaugh for more information. NOON DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR will meet on Thursday, January 9th, at 12:00 noon in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter will lead us in a devotional Bible study. Bring your Bible and a sandwich and join us. Drinks, chips and dessert are provided. Call the church office if you have questions. AN HONORARIUM has been given to the Grace General Fund by Robert and Marilyn Bell in honor of Mr. Bud Evans. MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MRS. NORMA BISGOOD TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Joe and Debbie Craig Robert and Carole Nichols TO THE SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND By Edwin and Susan Mahnken TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Paul and Marilyn Ellis Warren and Judy Rivers Dr. and Mrs. Robert Schriner

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IN MEMORY OF MRS. LOIS BERNER TO THE ARNOLD AND LOIS BERNER ENDOWMENT FUND By Steve and Cathy Berner IN MEMORY OF MRS. DONNA NICHOLS TO THE YOUTH FUND By Rudy and Sherry Bischof TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Nancy Finkbeiner Robert and Carole Nichols IN MEMORY OF MR. KEVIN BRINK Nephew of Margaret Schulz TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Joe and Debbie Craig IN MEMORY OF MRS. KITTY BRYAN Grandmother of David Faulkner TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Warren and Judy Rivers IN MEMORY OF REV. JAMES MEIMERSTORF Nephew of Mildred Burgess. TO THE SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND By Edwin and Susan Mahnken IN MEMORY OF MR. ARTHUR LANGLAIS TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Robert and Carole Nichols

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