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
Father, I sometimes act like I’ve always been found and have never been lost. This can lead me to take your grace for granted or think I can repent on my own timeline. Forgive me for these sins and remind me of how lost I was without Jesus. Spur on my heart with the knowledge of your joy in saving me to join in your joyful work of helping others who are lost to be found. I ask this in my Shepherd’s name. Amen.
OPENING HYMN Drawn to the Cross | 387
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
LORD, HAVE MERCY
ABSOLUTION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
BAPTISM (8:00 am) Noelle Grace Holzhausen
The Word
FIRST LESSON Hosea 3:1-5
SOLO Washed in the Blood
SECOND LESSON 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
VERSE OF THE DAY Romans 15:4
GOSPEL Luke 15:1-10
APOSTLES’ CREED
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY Amazing Grace—How Sweet the Sound | 379
SERMON Hosea 3:1-5 The LORD Faithfully Loves
CREATE IN ME
OFFERING
INSTALLATION OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERS (8:00 am)
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN Chief of Sinners Though I Be | 385
PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN How Great Thou Art | 256
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN TODAY!
Our Sunday School and Bible studies start back up today. Midweek studies will then begin on Tuesday the 13th at 7:00 pm and Wednesday the 14th at 9:00 am.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY
Sunday School and Sunday adult Bible study will once again take place between services, with Sunday School in the sanctuary and Bible study in the basement. It’s an easy way for parents to both have their kids in the Word and get in the Word themselves at the same time. Both will cover the same portions of Scripture each week, which also allows for good application at home throughout the week. For parents with small children who aren’t quite old enough for Sunday School yet, there’s also the Kids Corner in the basement that the kids can use during study. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
BIBLE BASICS CLASS BEGINS THIS EVENING
Our next Bible Basics class (also called the new member class or Bible Information Class) will begin today at 5:00 pm, and it will continue for 13 weeks at the same time on Sunday evenings. 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 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 www.stpaulsbangor.com/new/bic.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Church directories are in! If you had your pictures taken or if you submitted pictures to the church directory committee, your complimentary copy of the 2022 St. Paul’s church directory can be found in the church basement. Once you grab your copy, please cross your name off of the list provided near the box of directories. If you did not have your pictures taken or submit a picture, please speak with Sue Gollnik or Mary Schmidt to purchase one of the extra copies.
MIDWEEK STUDY – 10 LIES ABOUT GOD
Our first midweek Bible study this fall is entitled 10 Lies About God. The study provides Bible-based responses to common but inaccurate teachings about God to help participants defend their faith in a secular society. Professor David Scharf explains how these inaccurate beliefs distort your relationship with God and offers loving, Bible-based corrections that participants can use in response.
The study includes ten lessons to help participants respond to false teachings about God and defend what the Bible teaches:
Lesson 1: God Wants Me to Be Happy
Lesson 2: There Are Many Ways in God’s Presence
Lesson 3: God Has Grown Softer on Sin
Lesson 4: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
Lesson 5: God Has Made Death a Natural Part of Life
Lesson 6: A God of Love Wouldn’t Send People to Hell
Lesson 7: It Doesn’t Matter How God Made the World
Lesson 8: God is Distant and Disinterested in What Happens
Lesson 9: I Don’t Need the Bible or Worship to Have a Relationship with God
Lesson 10: God Doesn’t Judge Anyone, and Neither Should You
Midweek Bible studies are Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm, with the same study repeated the following morning, Wednesdays at 9:00 am. The study takes place in the church basement.
COULEE REGION WELS YOUTH NIGHT
On Sunday, October 16, from 6:00-8:30 pm, St. Paul’s Onalaska will be hosting a Coulee Region WELS Youth Night. Youth will experience an inspiring evening of games, music, prayer, Bible messages, small group discussion, and fun with high school youth (9th-12th grade) from all over the area. If any young adults (age 18-24) are interested in volunteering to lead a small discussion group, or if you have any questions, contact Pastor Ben Schmudlach at schmudbs@gmail.com.
OWLS CONVENTION
The Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) cordially invites you to join them for their annual convention. This year’s convention will be held at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Convention Center, 3060 South Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska, WI 54650, from October 10-13, 2022. Area church members, age 55 and up, may wish to attend the daytime and early evening events and commute from home each day instead of staying at the hotel. Full details can be found by going to www.csm.welsrc.net/download-csm/owls-convention/. Scroll down to “Downloadable Resources,” including the Schedule, Workshops and Presentations, and Registration. Discounts are available before September 10, 2022.
CAMM MONTHLY LETTER
The Central Africa Medical Mission letter for September can be found printed in the lobby.
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
5:00 pm Bible Information Class
TUESDAY 7:00 pm Bible Study
WEDNESDAY 9:00 am Bible Study (same as Tues.)
THURSDAY 7:00 pm Choir Practice
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion
5:00 pm Bible Information Class