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
God of grace, you stand alone in all the world as the only God, the only truth, and the only way to eternal life. Forgive me when I follow along with the rest of the world’s thinking that I contribute to my own salvation. Remind me today of my lost condition without you, and comfort my heart with your promise of my complete forgiveness through the life and death of Jesus my Savior. With confidence in his perfect salvation I pray. Amen.
CHOIR I Heard the Voice of Jesus
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
HYMN 563 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less sts. 1, Ref, 2
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING Numbers 21:4–9
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 32B
SECOND READING Ephesians 2:1–10
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION John 3:16
GOSPEL John 3:14–21
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 570 God Loved the World So That He Gave
SERMON Ephesians 2:1-10 Wanted: Alive, Not Dead
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 575 By Grace I’m Saved
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 519 There Is a Redeemer
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
MIDWEEK LENTEN SERIES
Our midweek Lenten worship this year is entitled Scriptures Fulfilled. It focuses on various Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering and death of the Christ and how Jesus fulfilled them. We pray this series refreshes us in the truths that our God is all-knowing, powerful, and gracious. Come deepen your appreciation for our Lord Jesus Christ’s love for you, me, and all people.
MIDWEEK STUDY
Our midweek study is an evangelism module called In Season & Out of Season. In his second letter to Timothy, apostle Paul wrote, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (4:2). Although originally written as an encouragement to a first-century pastor, Paul’s words are equally applicable to twenty-first-century Christians. We have the same message to share with sinners who desperately need to hear it. In Season & Out of Season seeks to encourage and equip God’s people to share that message in any and every situation.
GRAPE JUICE NOW OFFERED AT COMMUNION
For those who cannot drink wine, we are now offering grape juice during the Lord’s Supper. The grape juice will be in the center of the tray in the purple-tinted cups. Please reserve the cups with grape juice for those who need them. If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor Groth.
BAKE SALE
On Sunday, March 24th, PACE will be hosting our annual bake sale between services in the church basement. Funds raised will help support the Easter Egg Hunt and various other PACE initiated events throughout the year. If you would like to donate a baked good for the event, feel free to bring an item to the church basement on Saturday, March 23rd between 9:00-10:00 am or on March 24th prior to the first church service. If baking isn’t your expertise, feel free to indulge in the talents of those others have prepared!
EASTER EGG HUNT
March 30th, your St. Paul’s School will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for the children of our congregation and community. The event will start at 10:00 am and will include an egg hunt, games, an Easter story, and door prizes. We hope that our St. Paul’s family will help support the event by either attending the event, spreading the word, or attending the bake sale. Thank you for your support.
FAREWELL FOR RIEDIGERS
Christ Lutheran in West Salem invites all who would like to join them for a farewell open house for Pastor Riediger and his wife Sue on Saturday, March 23, from 2:00-4:00 pm, in the Christ-St. John’s gymnasium. There will be a light lunch served with a program at 3:00 pm.
WELS COULEE WOMEN’S RETREAT
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Luther High School, join us for a day of fellowship, growth, and renewal as we learn from Scripture how God fills us with love that it overflows into everything we do. Speakers include: Emily Krill of the “Messy Worship” blog, Amy Vannieuwenhoven author of “Look Up From Your Phone So I Can Love You”, Rev. Joseph Radsek from Institutional Ministries, Rebeckah Ellinghuysen MA, Anna Wallander of Temple Love Fitness, and Hayli Littlehead. Visit our website for more details and registration information! https://welscwr.wixsite.com/retreat
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
MONDAY 6:00 pm Bible Basics Class
7:00 pm Choir Practice
TUESDAY 7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
3:30 pm Public School Catechism Class
7:00 pm Lenten Worship
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion