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, authority is always limited in scope and in duration—but not with you. You have dominion over all things in heaven and earth, and you rule over it all with your almighty power. Forgive me today for the times I fail to acknowledge or trust those facts. Show me again your authority not just in your commanding evil spirits but especially in your Word. Remind me of how you use your absolute authority: to bring salvation to souls like mine. In your authoritative name I pray. Amen.
PREK-8 CHOIR (8:00 am) All I Have Is Christ
SUNDAY SCHOOL (10:00 am) God Loves Me Dearly
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
The Word
PRAYER OF THE DAY
INSTALLATION OF CHURCH OFFICERS (10:00 am)
FIRST READING Deuteronomy 18:15–20
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 29B
SECOND READING Hebrews 3:1–6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Mark 1:22
GOSPEL Mark 1:21–28
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 744 Rise, Shine, You People
SERMON Mark 1:21–28 It’s Not about the What
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 830 We Walk by Faith
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 517 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY
Today, we will study “Silence before a Son.” Doubting the angel’s announcement of his coming son, Zechariah finds himself silenced until the boy’s birth. Upon writing “His name is John,” Zechariah regains his voice and prophesies concerning his son’s work.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
You can find copies of the 2023 Annual Report in the narthex.
CHILI SUPPER THANK YOU
From the Grades 5-8 families: “Thank you for coming to our Chili Supper. We are so humbled by the outpouring support of our community.”
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.
MIDWEEK STUDY – THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Our midweek Bible study is on one of the most interesting books of Scripture: Revelation. Chapter by chapter the author cuts a pathway through each vision and prophecy of Revelation until he reaches the clearing where we behold a new heaven and a new earth. The 12 Lessons include: The Purpose, Outline and Interpretation of the Book; The Letters to the Seven Churches; God’s Rule of the World; The Seven Seals; God’s Judgment of the World; The Church Secure and Glorified; The Devil and His Helpers Appear; The Seven Bowls of Wrath; The Downfall of the Devil’s Allies; The Millennium; The New Heaven and the New Earth; and Review. Join us as we continue to dive into the imagery and meaning of Christ our Savior in the book of Revelation.
BIBLE BASICS CLASS
Our next Bible Basics class (also called the new member class or Bible Information Class) will begin Monday, February 5, at 6:00 pm. 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 sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby or 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 stpaulsbangor.com/new/bible-basics.
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.
OPEN HOUSE AT LUTHER
Luther High will be hosting an open house to showcase the new Industrial Arts Center on Saturday, February 10, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The building addition to the practical arts classroom was completed in early January. Students and teachers have been using the new classroom space. Attendees will be able to tour the practical arts classroom, see the new equipment, meet the instructors, and learn about the curriculum.
YOUNG ADULT BIBLE GROUP
Are you interested in getting to know other young adults in the area? Do you enjoy playing games? Do you want to dive into biblical topics with other young adults? Text Quinn Handy at (608) 615-0559 or email him at quinnhandyof7@gmail.com with the subject “Young Adults Group” to let him know you are interested in joining! The group will organize virtual Bible studies, play board games, set up group chats, organize meet-ups and other events, help you get connected with other young adults, and help each other grow in the faith as we strive to live according to God’s Word.
CALENDAR
TODAY 8:00 am Worship
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship
MONDAY 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
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion