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 of all, you have graciously exalted me through the work of Christ, who humbled himself in my place. Have mercy on me when I do not reflect that same merciful, humble, and self-sacrificing attitude for others. Humble me today through your law, and move me to share your heart for all around me. Help me see the exalted blessings that come from being humble. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
OPENING HYMN 560 Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
ABSOLUTION
Prayer and Praise
OH, TASTE AND SEE
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING Proverbs 25:6, 7a
HYMN 584 Jesus Loves Me
SECOND READING James 2:1–13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 14:11
GOSPEL Luke 14:1, 7–14
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 575 By Grace I’m Saved
SERMON James 2:1–13 Mercy Triumphs over Judgment
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 578 Chief of Sinners Though I Be
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 568 His Robes for Mine
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY SCHOOL & BIBLE STUDIES ARE BACK SEPT. 7TH
On Sunday, September 7th, we will once again have Sunday School and Bible studies in between services. Sunday School begins at 9:10 am and Bible study begins at 9:15 am (or whenever pastor stops blabbing upstairs). Midweek study on Tuesday at 7:00 pm and Wednesday at 9:00 am (same study) will return that week on Sept. 9th and 10th. God be praised for his powerful, eternal Word!
STEWARDSHIP LEGACY – TIME
“Stewardship” is the lifelong management of the earthly and spiritual resources God has given in the lives of his people and for his gospel ministry. They are represented by the five areas of time, talent, treasure, truth, and temple. “Legacy” reminds us of the Church’s responsibility to teach everything Christ commanded to the next generation. Are we viewing ourselves as stewards of God’s gifts? Are we actively living a life of stewardship?
We will have a special worship series throughout the month of September called Stewardship Legacy: A Time for Everything. Stewardship includes a quickly-depleting resource called “time.” So much competes for it. Taking the time to manage the time we have left has huge implications on how we individually and as a church use it for Christ and each other. “A Time for Everything” is a stewardship series to draw attention to the precious time we have left in our lives.
Corresponding with our worship series will be our midweek studies throughout September. The focus of our worship on Sunday will be the further focus of our midweek study that week. Our worship and midweek lessons will look at: A Time to PRIORITIZE, A Time for PERSPECTIVE, A Time to PLAN, and A Time to PAUSE. The Lord bless your growth in his Word and in your godly use of such a precious commodity.
MORNINGS WITH MOMMY IS BACK FOR ITS 5TH YEAR AT ST. PAUL’S
All caregivers and their little ones ages 0–5 are invited to join us for themed sessions filled with child-centered activities. This program is open to the entire community, so invite your friends and neighbors to check it out! We meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 10:00am in the church basement. Learn more and register at www.stpaulsbangor.com/mornings-with-mommy/.
MOVING HELP
Our teacher, Ms. Cortez, will be moving into a new duplex on Saturday, September 6th, at 10:00 am. If you are able to help her load up and unload, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have a truck that could be used for moving the items, that would be appreciated as well. Please call or text Ms. Cortez for details and with questions: 608-214-9975.
THANK YOU FROM MRS. BLOUNT
Thank you to our St. Paul’s congregation for all the donations from the 3K-4K Wishlist, the kind words of encouragement, the classroom preparation support, and the continued prayers! Our 3K-4K Program is off to a great start!
BUTTER BRAID FUNDRAISER
We’re excited to kick off our Butter Braid® fundraiser to support the 5th–8th grade class trip in May! These delicious, high-quality pastries are a favorite—and every purchase helps our students get one step closer to an unforgettable experience. Order forms are available in the lobby, along with all the details you’ll need to sign up and pay. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to: Susie Johnson (608-790-8911). Thank you in advance for your support!
COULEE REGION OWLS
The Coulee Region OWLS will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at First Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 West Ave., La Crosse, with a Potluck Luncheon at 12:00 Noon. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Coffee will be provided. All church members – men and women age 55 or older – are welcome. The program will be “Outreach to China – 316 NOW”. This is an organization of WELS to reach missionaries in China. Please come to a visit, enjoy the friends you meet, a good lunch, and an excellent program. There will be a free will offering.
COULEE REGION JESUS CARES MINISTRY
Join the Jesus Cares group for adapted worship services, Bible study, fellowship and fun! Jesus Cares is a ministry that provides Bible instruction and Christian friendship to people of all ages who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are kicking off the 2025-26 school year with our Welcome Back to Jesus Cares meal and fellowship on Monday, September 8th, at 4:30pm. On Monday, September 15th we will begin our regularly scheduled adapted worship services and Bible classes. All Jesus Cares activities are held on Mondays from 4:30pm-5:45pm at First Lutheran Church, 400 West Ave S., in La Crosse. We are always welcoming new students, families, and volunteers! Please join us on September 8th or stop by on another Monday night to see what our group is all about. Feel free to contact us for more details by emailing couleeregionjesuscares@gmail.com or text/call Lisa Loersch at (920) 944-8759 or Kris Schwartz at (608) 797-5194 for more information and a 2025-26 school year schedule.
MEN OF HIS WORD CONFERENCE
Join other Christian men for the tenth annual Men of His Word Conference at the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester, MN, on Saturday, October 25th. This year’s theme is Forge Ahead In Faith. Check out conference details at www.menofhisword.org (Click on “Rochester”). The registration fee is $75 for adults and $40 for youth – These rates increase to $90 and $50 respectively after October 10th.
REFORMATION/WELS 175TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE
Luther High School is excited to announce that a special service at Luther High School on Sunday, November 2nd, at 2:00 pm. That service will celebrate both the Lutheran Reformation and the 175th anniversary of the Wisconsin Synod. Pastor Paul Koelpin will be preaching, the Luther High School Concert Choir will be singing. There will also be an adult choir, and children from Association elementary schools will be singing as well. The service will be held in the Chapel Auditorium.
PRAYERS
This week we keep in our prayers: Brian Berg, Gary and Christa Lemke, Clarice Koltermann, Marcie Richmond, Herb Miller, John Langrehr, Ron Meyer, Dan Chandler, Nicole Wakeen, and Rev. Bob Gerke.
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
10:00 am Worship
MONDAY Labor Day
WEDNESDAY 6:00 pm Education Committee Meeting
7:00 pm Church Council Meeting
THURSDAY 6:00 pm Bible Information Class
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion