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 Jesus, you came to this earth in order to be tempted and face trials that you would win the victory I couldn’t win. Correct my heart to view the trials and temptations I face now as examples of your love for me that my trust in you would be strengthened. Continue to use the tests of this life to keep me on the path that leads to my heavenly home. In your name I pray. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 400 Sweet the Moments, Rich in Blessing
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
ABSOLUTION
LORD, HAVE MERCY
HYMN 573 Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness sts. 1, 3–4
The Word
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING Genesis 22:1-18
SECOND READING Romans 8:31–39
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Hebrews 4:15
GOSPEL Mark 1:12–15
HYMN OF THE DAY 864 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
SERMON Genesis 22:1-18 God Gives the Best Tests
NICENE CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
The Sacrament
PREFACE
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
LORD’S PRAYER
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 525 The Lamb
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 404 Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 406 In the Hour of Trial
THANKSGIVING
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 929 May the Peace of God
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
CARE COMMITTEE BEING FORMED
St. Paul’s is starting a Care Committee (a subcommittee of Stewardship-Evangelism). Mission Statement: The Care Committee seeks to spread the love of our Lord Jesus Christ through celebration, support, comfort, and care for members, visitors, guests, and friends in activities of fellowship and community. Vision of what the Care Committee will offer: send cards and make phone calls; provide meals, grocery/prescription pick up, child care, transportation; volunteer our time with whatever the need may be. Right now, we are looking for members to join the committee. If you would be interested in joining, please sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby with your name, phone number, and email. What we envision is when a need arises the committee members would be contacted to see who can help in what capacity, meal trains, transportation needs, etc. The responsibilities of the committee members will depend on what the need is of the individual that is reaching out to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for help. The goal is the Care Committee will grow and in return be able to offer more support in various ways not only within our congregational walls but extend to our Bangor community.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY
“The Pointing Prophet” is the title of this week’s lesson. John the Baptist lives in the wilderness, dressed in camel’s hair and eating locusts and honey. John’s message of repentance and preparation draws people to the banks of the Jordan, where they receive Baptism. As the prophet sent to point out the Messiah, John declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) as Jesus approaches. When John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan, the Spirit descends on Him as the voice of the Father proclaims, “This is My beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17).
USHER SCHEDULES
Ushers who didn’t receive new usher schedules via email can find copies of them in the narthex.
DIVINE CALL EXTENDED
A divine call has been extended to Miss Deborah Buelow to serve as our 1st and 2nd grades teacher beginning this fall. Miss Buelow currently serves at First Lutheran School in Elkhorn, WI. Please keep her in your prayers as she deliberates where she can best use the gifts and abilities the Lord has given her.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
You can find copies of the 2023 Annual Report in the narthex.
CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
Once every other year we seek input from the congregation regarding our ministry and its various facets. Your feedback is very much appreciated by the leadership and extremely valuable to the direction of our church. Please provide your anonymous input via the congregational survey that has been prepared. You can find it at the following URL (link provided in email News): https://forms.gle/PzEVxZUxt7uKsG3h6. If you’d prefer, you can also find printed copies in the narthex and turn them into pastor or the church office.
PAJAMA MOVIE NIGHT ON THE REDWING BIG SCREEN
Join us for a Pajama Movie Night! All St. Paul’s families are invited to the school gym to cozy up and watch The Prince of Egypt on Friday, February 23rd at 6:00pm. Bring your kids and grandkids in their coziest pajamas (you can wear yours too!). Feel free to bring blankets and stuffed animals to enjoy the show as well. Some light concessions will be available. We hope to see you there!
NEXT MIDWEEK STUDY
Our next midweek study (beginning Feb. 20 & 21) will be 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.
OFFER FROM CJ
Dear fellow members of St Paul’s, it is with great pleasure that I reach out and offer my snow removal service to you all and your friends and family. The rates will be as you chose is best. All the money that is raised will be used to help me go to the WELS youth rally in Colorado this summer. Any leftover money will go right back to the church for general use where they need it. Please text or call me with any questions or to schedule an appointment. 608-790-3820
ST. PAUL’S LADIES’ PAINT NIGHT
On Saturday, March 2nd, from 5:30-7:00 pm, all ladies of St. Paul’s (and their friends!) are invited to join us in the church basement for an evening of painting with Katie Meyer, owner of The Art Room. No experience required! Participants will choose their own color pallet then add a botanical painting on top. The cost is $25/person payable the evening of the event. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share and we can enjoy an evening of painting and snacking together! Sign up is required by February 24th. Contact Heather Groth at (608) 351-1025 with any questions.
LUTHER SPRING MUSICAL
Tickets are now on sale for Luther’s Spring Musical, The Secret Garden. Head to lutherhigh.org/arts/box-office to purchase your tickets. Questions? Talk to Miss Schmidt (schmemil@luther.k12.wi.us).
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion
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
THURSDAY 6:00 pm 3K Committee Meeting
FRIDAY 6:00 pm Pajama Movie Night
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship