John 16:16-24 – How God Turns Our Sorrow Into Joy

John 16:16-24 – How God Turns Our Sorrow Into Joy

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 
Risen Savior, I often let my heart be overcome by pain and sorrow, especially as it makes me question my faith and your work for me. Show me today what you can do through pain and sorrow. Point me to the cross and the empty tomb yet again as a reminder that you can turn pain and sorrow into something far better. Remind me that you don’t have to take pain and sorrow away from me right now because you work a deep and lasting joy through all the suffering you allow into my life. Comfort and encourage me in your grace. I pray in your name. Amen. 

OPENING HYMN (8:00 am) 824 This Is the Threefold Truth 
PREK-8 CHOIR (10:00 am) Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
INVOCATION 
CONFESSION 
DECLARATION OF GRACE 
LORD, HAVE MERCY 
GLORIA
The Word 
PRAYER OF THE DAY 
FIRST READING Acts 14:8–22 
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 65B 
SECOND READING Revelation 21:21–27 
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Psalm 30:5 
GOSPEL John 16:16–24 
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE 
HYMN OF THE DAY 465 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
SERMON John 16:16–24 How God Turns Our Sorrow into Joy
APOSTLES’ CREED 
OFFERING 
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH 
HYMN 464 I Am Content! My Jesus Lives Again
PRAYER 
LORD’S PRAYER 
BLESSING 
CLOSING HYMN 470 Like the Golden Sun Ascending

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CHURCH & SCHOOL PICNIC 

St. Paul’s Church & School picnic is today at 11:15 am at the school. Potluck is the plan, so bring a dish to pass. We will have pulled pork available for all. There will also be games for kids and adults. Please come join the fellowship and fun! 

THE DEVIL DOESN’T TAKE A SUMMER BREAK 

As we get ready to take our break from formal Bible studies for the summer, we recognize that the devil still attacks our faith and living. If you would like devotional or Bible study materials to continue to grow and be strengthened during the summer months, please contact Pastor Groth (pastor@stpaulsbangor.com). Studies will resume after Labor Day. 

SUMMER BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS 

We will once again have a summer Bible Information Class for those who would like to know more about what we believe and teach, perhaps become members, or even just get a refresher in the foundational truths of Scripture. The hope is to begin the second week of June. To help find the best day and time for all interested in attending, please fill out the quick survey at the QR code to the right (or send Pastor Groth an email). 

MONDAY WORSHIP 

Monday worship begins for the summer on June 2nd at 7:00 pm. It will continue until August 25th (the Monday before Labor Day). 

HELP WITH MOVING CLASSROOMS 

We’ve got a big summer planned at our school as we prepare for next school year. We could use your help moving the classroom items around as the floors get waxed. The moving days are Friday, June 6the, at 5:00 pm; Wednesday, June 18th, at 5:00 pm; and Wednesday, June 25th, at 5:00 pm. It would be helpful if our wonderful volunteers had any moving carts or dollies that could aid in moving heavy items. Classrooms and drop zones will be labeled so it will be clear for move out and move in of the classroom materials. Many hands make light work! Thank you in advance for your help!

SURROUND CARE POSITION @ ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL 

Next school year we will be offering surround care (before and after school care) to St. Paul’s students. If you or another WELS member would be interested in serving as surround care supervisor (either before or after, or both), please email Pastor Groth (pastor@stpaulsbangor.com) for a job description and with any questions. 

CHRIST THROUGH US 

As our synod celebrates 175 years, we have purchased a copy of Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850–2025, which can be found in the basement on the library counter. The book is a special edition, hardcover book with a fresh, new look at WELS history, with 250 full-color pages covering 175 years of God’s grace to our synod. Give it a look through! 

CONCERT AT FAITH IN BLACK RIVER FALLS 

Faith Lutheran Church of Black River Falls would like to invite you to a Christian concert by His Way, a WELS band from the Milwaukee area. This will be a part of Black River Falls’ concert in the park series at the Lunda Community Park (1400 Tyler St, Black River Falls, WI 54615). It is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, at 7 pm. There is no cost. His Way is a mid-west Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) worship band with original music that rocks a vibrant bluesy/Americana style. They also perform a variety of covers by top CCM bands. With both male and female lead vocals, the amount of diversity you’ll hear in their concerts is unmatched! As finalists and nominees for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards in 2023, 2024 – and the 2025 winner! – the band continues to gain recognition in the industry for their heartfelt performances and musical talent. To learn more about His Way and their music, check out www.hiswayband.com. For more information on the concert, check out Faith’s website: www.faithwels.com. 

PRAYERS 

This week we keep in our prayers: Barry Wehrs, Brian Berg, Gary and Christa Lemke, Clarice Koltermann, Marcie Richmond, Herb Miller, Wally Stanley, and John Langrehr. 

CALENDAR 

TODAY 8:00 am Worship 

9:10 am Sunday School 

9:15 am Bible Study 

10:00 am Worship 

11:15 am Church & School Picnic (@ School) 

THURSDAY 2:00 pm Ladies Aid Meeting 

NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion 

10:00 am Worship with Communion 

NEXT MONDAY 7:00 pm Worship with Communion