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 God, your mercy knows no bounds. You truly love all and care for all, which is especially seen in Jesus paying for the sins of all. Forgive us when we fail to remember that fact and when we look down on others for the mercy they need. Help us see clearer today that we need your generosity just as much as anyone else, and grow our faith in your generous mercy in our Savior Jesus Christ. We ask this in his name and to his glory. Amen.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR (8:00) Jesus, Shepherd of the Sheep
OPENING HYMN (10:00) 560 Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ
INVOCATION
CONFESSION
DECLARATION OF GRACE
LORD, HAVE MERCY
GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH
The Word
SALUTATION
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING Jonah 3:10–4:11
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 115
SECOND READING Romans 9:6–16
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Ephesians 2:8
GOSPEL Matthew 20:1–16
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY 558 Salvation unto Us Has Come (1, 6-10)
SERMON Matthew 20:1-16 God Gives What We Don’t Expect
APOSTLES’ CREED
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
HYMN 575 By Grace I’m Saved
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING
CLOSING HYMN 718 Though Thoughtless Thousands Choose the Road
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE STUDY ARE BACK!
Our Sunday morning Bible study and Sunday School continue today. Sunday School for the younger children is downstairs in the basement. Bible study is as well. Sunday School for the older students is upstairs in the balcony.
HELP BUILD UP SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School is one of the main ministries our church offers to Christian families for the biblical instruction of their children. Sunday School lessons allow children to become familiar with Bible stories and create a deeper understanding of Scripture and of God’s plan of salvation. It also helps develop the godly habit of attending Bible study on Sunday mornings beyond 8th grade. Parents can grow, too, as adult Bible study takes place at the same time.
The Lord blessed us with an increase in Sunday School attendance last year, but we’re looking to continue to build off of last year and build up our numbers so more families are in God’s Word together on Sundays. So we’d love to see you there when Sunday School and Bible study start back up on September 10. And bring a friend!
QUARTERLY VOTERS’ MEETING
Our next quarterly voters’ meeting is Sunday, October 8, at 11:15 am in the church basement.
MIDWEEK STUDY – THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Our first midweek Bible study this fall 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 Bible Information Class or the new member class) will be on Mondays at 6:00 pm starting Monday, October 2. If interested in attending, please contact Pastor Groth at pastor@stpaulsbangor.com.
OLD HYMNALS
The old hymnals have been placed in boxes in the basement elevator hallway. On one side are hymnals dedicated in honor or memory of someone. The boxes are listed with the range of names contained within (there are a number of repeats) and are (generally) in alphabetical order. On the other side of the hallway are hymnals with no names mentioned for dedication. You are free to take any hymnals (and as many as) you would like, but please give first opportunity to families of the memorials.
FALL SCRAP-N-CRAFT
Registration for this year’s fall Scrap-N-Craft event can be found printed in the narthex. The event is at Mt. Calvary Grace School (1614 Park, La Crosse) on Saturday, October 14, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
MEN OF HIS WORD CONFERENCE
The 7th annual Men of His Word Conference (Theme: MAN UP: in a man down world) will be held at the Rochester Civic Center in downtown Rochester on October 28, 2023. Please go online at www.menofhisword.org to register and get details about schedule, breakout sessions, keynote speaker, cost, etc. Join for a day of worship, praise and fellowship in 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
THURSDAY 2:00 pm Ladies Aid
NEXT SUNDAY 8:00 am Worship with Communion
9:10 am Sunday School
9:15 am Bible Study
10:00 am Worship with Communion
7:00 pm PACE Meeting