John 11:32-44 – Jesus Really Wants Us to Believe

John 11:32-44 – Jesus Really Wants Us to Believe

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 glory, I know that in this life I will face difficult times, especially as I face the reality of death. Bolster my heart and my faith today by pointing beyond this life to the life that’s awaiting me. Give me strength and joy as I reflect the eternal life I have day by day. Let my renewed hope be an inspiration for others that they might know and trust you more. In Jesus I pray. Amen. 

OPENING HYMN 713 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light 
INVOCATION 
CONFESSION 
ABSOLUTION 
LORD, HAVE MERCY 
HYMN 884 Lord, When Your Glory I Shall See 
The Word 
SALUTATION 
PRAYER OF THE DAY 
FIRST READING Isaiah 25:6–9 
SECOND READING Revelation 20:4–6 
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Revelation 7:15 
GOSPEL John 11:32–44 
HYMN OF THE DAY 890 Jerusalem the Golden 
SERMON John 11:32–44 Jesus Really Wants Us to Believe
NICENE CREED 
OFFERING 
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH 
The Sacrament 
PREFACE 
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY 
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 
LORD’S PRAYER 
WORDS OF INSTITUTION 
LAMB OF GOD 
DISTRIBUTION 
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 880 For All the Saints 
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 883 Behold a Host, Arrayed in White
DISTRIBUTION HYMN 886 Blessed Are They 
THANKSGIVING 
BLESSING 
CLOSING HYMN 853 I’m But a Stranger Here 

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 

DIVINE CALL EXTENDED 

We have extended a divine call to Mrs. Kelly Radke to serve as our new 3K/4K teacher beginning next fall. Mrs. Radke currently serves as an Early Childhood Ministry (ECM) teacher at Cross of Glory Lutheran School in Washington, MI. Please keep Kelly and her family in your prayers as she deliberates where best to serve in God’s kingdom. 

NEW MIDWEEK STUDY 

Our next midweek Bible study is called The God of the Covenant. What kind of God do we worship? How has he revealed himself to us? Or, to put it another way, what is his name? In the Old Testament, God revealed who he is through a series of wonderful words—words that present God as wanting nothing more than to bestow his love on all people. Sad to say, many of these words go unnoticed by Bible readers or, if they are noticed, they don’t jump out and command the reader’s attention as they should. When we look carefully at these key words in the Old Testament—these gospel words—we come to understand our God better. Understanding these words translates into everyday hope and peace. The words chosen for this course are organized so that a picture of God emerges. The study covers the following six lessons: God’s Covenant in Christ, The LORD, The Glory of the LORD, The Righteousness of the LORD, The Holiness of the LORD, The Justice of the LORD. Join us on Tuesday nights and Wednesday mornings as we grow in faith and in a knowledge of the good things God has planned for us children of the new covenant. 

REDWINGS ONLINE STORE 

An apparel shop for our school has been set up at BSN Sports (new vendor). Go to the following webpage (also in the QR code) to shop for over 50 apparel items. St. Paul’s school also receives a portion of the sales as a fundraiser. Orders are due by November 11th. Thank you for supporting our school! 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE PRACTICES 

Children in the public school grades 4K through 8th grade are welcome to join in the Christmas Eve service. The school students will be having practice beginning November 4th. Copies of the program and practice schedule have been placed in the narthex (bottom shelf of where you pick up worship bulletins). If you have any questions about the program or possible transportation from the public school for practices, call the school at 608-486-2641.

SNOW REMOVAL 

It is that time of year where we again need to call for volunteers to help with snow removal. We have a group of six stalwart individuals who have faithfully removed the snow from our sidewalks and steps. We have one additional volunteer. If we could get some more volunteers, we could lessen the burden on those good people. If you are able to volunteer, please contact either Pastor Groth or Dan Arndt at 608-343-4662. If you would be willing to help but are available only on the weekends, let us know that as well. As at least we could give our regulars a break on the weekends. 

NEXT NATIONAL TEEN BIBLE STUDY 

WELS will offer another National Teen Bible Study as an online opportunity for teens across the country to digitally connect with each other around the Word. The next one is scheduled for Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Central). Teens will be able to sign up using their phones to register for the upcoming one-hour Bible study that will be zoomed quarterly. This quarter’s Bible study will focus on the testing of Abraham’s faith in Genesis chapter 22. What’s the hardest test you’ve ever been through? Maybe math or chemistry comes to mind, but you’ve likely been through tests much harder than that. Family problems, friend problems, personal disappointment, death in the family—all these things can become extraordinary tests to our faith. At a time in life when many questions, doubts, and fears can easily overwhelm you, it’s important to stay connected to God and to fellow believers! Join us for another national online teen Bible study to learn how you can better “pass the tests” and walk by faith! Register at the QR code provided. 

LIVE NATIVITY 

Start a new family tradition of sharing the good news of Christ’s birth by volunteering down at Riverside Park. Many people are needed to staff the diorama each of the following evenings: November 25, 26, 27 and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 25. Pick a night or two and come down for any amount of time you can spare. (Friday/Saturdays 5-10pm…Sundays 5-9pm) Sign up using one of the following ways: 1) Under the event on the Live Nativity Riverside- Diorama Facebook page, 2) Text/call Maria Johnson 608-397-4810 or email johnson.maria@live.com, or 3) Scan the QR code.

TREE CUTTING FOR LIVE NATIVITY 

The tree cutting for the Live Nativity will take place on Saturday, November 16th, at 9:00am at Bowman Tree farm (4169 Barrell Rd. Sparta). We need about 20 people to help cut down and transport trees from there to Riverside Park. Please indicate whether or not you can bring a chainsaw, truck, or trailer. Make sure to sign up so you can be notified of any changes. Call/text John Pieper (608-386-9894) with any questions or to sign up.! Thank you so much for all your help! 

FAMILY DEVOTIONS 

Did you know that WELS Discipleship offers daily devotions for families? The devotions include reflection on the Word of God, a prayer, and questions for kids in three different age ranges. You can even listen to recordings of the devotions. Find them at wels.net/serving-you/devotions/family-devotions or by using the QR code. 

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 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.) 

6:00 pm Education Committee Meeting 

7:00 pm Council Meeting 

NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship 

9:10 am Sunday School 

9:15 am Bible Study 

10:00 am Worship