WELCOME TO WORSHIP
In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we welcome you to St. Paul’s. We especially welcome our guests who have joined us today. We pray that your soul will be strengthened by the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus.
PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR TODAY’S WORSHIP
Lord, you see and know all of my sins, even my hidden faults. I cannot hide anything in my mind or heart from you. Yet you in kindness have called even me to discipleship. You graciously reassure me that my sins, even my hidden faults, are washed away by the blood of Christ. Build up my confidence today not only to trust in you for full forgiveness but also to follow you and learn from you, that I may ever declare your praises and extend your call to others as well. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
CHOIR Heavens Rose
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING 1 Samuel 3:1–10
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 139E
SECOND READING 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 1:29
GOSPEL John 1:43–51
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 375 Arise and Shine in Splendor
SERMON 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 Why Is the Gospel So Important?
What God reveals through the gospel:
you were _____________________
you are _________________________
you were brought to _______________ in the _________________
you were __________________ through it
you will _____________________ the _________________ of Christ
What God does through the gospel:
helps to ________________ _______________ and _______________ ______________
gives ______________________________________ and ________________
encourages and strengthens _______________________________________
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 711 Jesus Calls Us o’er the Tumult
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 716 O Christ, Who Called the Twelve
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Offering Envelopes have arrived and are ready to pick up. You can find them organized (generally) alphabetically in the church basement.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY
“Promised Messengers” is the title of today’s lesson. God sends His messengers to go before and prepare the way for the Messiah. Haggai tells Zerubbabel and Joshua that the glory of God will return to the Lord’s house one day. Malachi warns that the Lord will refine His people as He prepares them for the coming judgment. The Lord will send His promised Savior, who will bring healing to His people.
MIDWEEK STUDY – THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Our midweek Bible study is on one of the most interesting books of Scripture: Revelation. Chapter by chapter the author cuts a pathway through each vision and prophecy of Revelation until he reaches the clearing where we behold a new heaven and a new earth. The 12 Lessons include: The Purpose, Outline and Interpretation of the Book; The Letters to the Seven Churches; God’s Rule of the World; The Seven Seals; God’s Judgment of the World; The Church Secure and Glorified; The Devil and His Helpers Appear; The Seven Bowls of Wrath; The Downfall of the Devil’s Allies; The Millennium; The New Heaven and the New Earth; and Review. Join us as we continue to dive into the imagery and meaning of Christ our Savior in the book of Revelation.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY WEBINAR
Want to learn about using hospitality to reconnect with others at your church and also as an evangelism tool? “Reviving Relationships Through Biblical Hospitality,” a new webinar from WELS Women’s Ministry, will inspire you to rethink your relationships and get you thinking about your own church culture with new eyes. Panelists will talk about the importance of biblical hospitality in your home, at church, and even in public. The webinar will be held Thurs., Jan. 18, 2024, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. (CST). Learn more and register at wels.net/women.
CHILI SUPPER
On January 20th, from 4:00-8:00 pm, our grades 5-8 students will be hosting a chili supper in the church basement. A freewill donation can be given at the door. Carry-outs are available. Homemade lefse will be sold the day of the event. Proceeds will help support their school trip in May.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SINGING
Our Sunday School students will be singing at the 10:00 am service on January 28. Please have your child in Sunday School the next few weeks for practice. What a wonderful opportunity to let their light shine!
BIBLE BASICS CLASS
Our next Bible Basics class (also called the new member class or Bible Information Class) will begin Monday, February 5, at 6:00 pm. I ask that you block off 1.5 hours for each session, but usually it will be closer to 1 hour. Free childcare can be available upon request. If you or someone you know would be interested in taking the class, please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby or contact Pastor Groth at pastor@stpaulsbangor.com. Long-time members are also invited, as it’s always a good refresher of the foundations of our faith. For more info on the class itself, visit stpaulsbangor.com/new/bible-basics.
LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS
The following is the list of men who have been nominated for service to the Lord at St. Paul’s (asterisk denotes an incumbent). Voting will take place at the annual meeting on January 21st at 11:15 am.
Church Council
Dan Arndt*
Blake Horstman
Chad Horstman*
Tim Johnson
Steve Lund
Todd Miller
Stewardship-Evangelism
Michael Johnson*
Scott Rich
Luther High Association
Jon Engelbrecht
Donald Peterson*
Gary Schomberg
Josh Stratman
Kevin Stratman*
Al Urbanek
Finance Committee
Justin Berg*
Troy Duerwachter
Tyler Duerwachter
Luke Frederick*
James Gade
Matt Garves
Kris Hammes
Ben Horstman
Carter Horstman
Jeff Koltermann
Zach Kotek
John Langrehr Jr.
Grant Manke
Steve Parr*
Brad Spoo
Jesse Todd
Education Committee
(No expired terms this year)
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
MONDAY 7:00 pm Choir Practice
TUESDAY 10:00 am Mornings with Mommy
7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
3:30 pm Public School Catechism Class
6:00 pm 3K Committee Meeting
SATURDAY 4:00 pm Chili Supper
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion
11:15 am Annual Voters’ Meeting
6:30 pm PACE Meeting