There are several qualities about this hymn that help us to evaluate what make a truly good hymn. Many songs that are and have been sung in Christian churches are without real substance. They might use words like "grace," and "Savior" but they don't tell us what those terms mean. They avoid the nature of mankind's problem and ignore words like "sin," "guilt," "iniquity." But without that understanding, grace and salvation mean nothing and are not needed. Finally they may speak of Jesus, but without describing who Jesus was or what Jesus did for our salvation.

This hymn does all of those things properly. Toplady clearly describes mankind's utter helplessness. It is "not the labor of our hands" which gains us salvation. We are "naked," "helpless," and "foul."

In addition, the hymn points not only to Jesus, the man, but to His work. While "Jesus" is not mentioned in the text, Jesus is described as the "Rock of Ages" and his death is described in His "riven side" (John 19:34) and His "cross" pointing to the means of His death. 

The hymn also highlights the doctrine of justification by grace. "Thou must save, and thou alone." "Cleanse me from [sin's] guilt and power."

As we sing this hymn this weekend, think about the what makes a hymn a good hymn which actually teaches Christian truth clearly. This is a good example of what such a hymn looks like.

Rejoice in your salvation and all that Jesus has done for you, in life and in death!

The LORD bless your worship!

• Romans 10:1-11

Announcements

• Review
  • Worship
  • Outreach Committee
• Upcoming
  • Immanuel Building Committee
  • Church Choir
  • Church Council
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Women Who Hike
  • Worship this Weekend
  • Pastoral Conference
  • Teachers' Conference

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Blake Frank
• Family of Laura (Ude) Stutzman
• Tom and Diane Lentz - 40 year anniversary
• Teachers - Mr. Hanel, Mrs. Busch
• Mission in the Philippines

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 465 “Christ Is Our Cornerstone”

The hymn is largely based on Isaiah 53, but also weaves in many other passages pointing to Jesus as the Messiah from the Old Testament, and the New Testament. 

The hymnwriter, Thomas Kelly, reminds us that we should not just look at the physical agony that Jesus endured, but understand that His true agony was suffering the punishment of all sin at the hand of God. Jesus was "smitten by God and afflicted!"

When we understand this, it put our own sin in a different light as well. A true understanding of Christ's sacrifice will lead us to understand the horrible nature of our sin. We can't look at sin and say "It's no big deal!" Not when we see what God had to pay because of our sin.

Jesus, who is the "sacrifice appointed" and the "one who bears the awful load" is our hope, our foundation. His is the name that we have to boast about and in. Thanks be to God!

Rejoice in that HOPE, and build on that Foundation!

• Romans 9:25-33

Announcements

• Review
  • ILS Brainstorming Meeting
  • Time and Talent Offering
  • Freshman Carnival
• Upcoming
  • Church Choir
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Teaching Timothy’s and Preparing Phoebe’s (Saturday - 10am)
  • Worship this Weekend
  • Outreach Meeting
  • Building Committee
  • Church Council

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Mincey Wedding
• Nicholson Baptism
• Teachers - Mr. Schrader, Mrs. Roettger
• Mission in Nepal

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 479 “Zion, Rise, Zion, Rise”

Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (NKJV)

Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

Theme: Stand in Awe of God!

1. It guides our prayers 2. It sustains our promises

This hymn, and the Psalm that it is based on (Psalm 100) answers that questions. 

The Psalmist describes God's people: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:4

The Psalmist also describes why God's people do this: "For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100:5

Remember why you come to church: The LORD is good.

Remember what that means: Jesus paid the debt of your sin through His life and death.

That changes us. He has given us a new life, freedom from ourselves and freedom to serve Him. 

O enter then His gates with praise, Approach with joy His courts unto; Praise, laud, and bless His name always, For it is seemly so to do. (TLH 14:3)

The LORD bless your worship of Him this weekend, and give you joyful hearts for all that He has done for YOU!

• Romans 9:14-24

Announcements

• Review
  • Mission Festival
• Upcoming
  • ILS Brainstorming Meeting
  • Church Choir
  • Board of Education
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Time and Talent Offering
  • Worship this Weekend
  • Freshman Carnival
  • Board of Elders

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Nepal Flooding
• Sherri Collier
• Teachers - Mrs. Greve, Mr. Fischer
• Mission in Bangladesh

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 472 “Rise, Ye Children of Salvation”

This hymn by Daniel March reminds us that there are many ways that we can be involved in the work of sharing Jesus with others. Maybe that is as a Sunday School teacher of young children. Maybe that is simply telling a friend or neighbor about Jesus and His death for the payment of their sins. Maybe it is in supporting missionaries like Aaron and Hur supported Moses by "holding up the prophet's hands." You can do that with your prayers, and with you offerings of time, talents or treasure.

There are many ways we can serve. There are many ways we can be involved. Let none hear you idly saying: "There is nothing I can do!" Rather, joyfully respond to the Lord's call, saying: "Here am I! Send me, send me!"

• Romans 9:6-13

Announcements

• Review
  • Adopt a Highway
  • Ladies’ Auxiliary
  • Sunday School and Bible Class 
  • Church Council
• Upcoming
  • 6-8th Doctrine Class
  • Church Choir
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Mission Festival
  • 3rd Weekend Communion
  • Board of Education
  • ILS Brainstorming Meeting

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Nepal Flooding
• Teachers - Mr. Wheaton, Mrs. Mayhew
• Mission in Pakistan

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 494 “Awake, Thou Spirit, Who Didst Fire”

The first verse points to God's creation of light on the first day of the week (Sunday). The second verse recalls Christ's resurrection from the dead (on Sunday). The third verse reflects on the Spirit's outpouring on Pentecost (also on Sunday). Each event include a prayer that God would shine His light (verse 1), give us new life (verse 2), and pour out His grace (verse 3), on us still today as we gather on "this day" (also Sunday) for worship. 

Finally, How ties in the work of the Triune God who is at work in creation (verse 1), redemption (verse 2), and sanctification (verse 3), with a doxology (word of praise) in stanza 5.

This hymn serves as a beautiful reminder that we don't "have" to worship Him on Sunday. We worship on Sunday as a Spirit worked response to His work for us in creation, redemption and sanctification!

May He continue that good work of creating in each of us thankful hearts that respond in joyful worship!

• Romans 9:1-5

Announcements

• Review
  • Labor Day
• Upcoming
  • 6-8th Doctrine Class
  • Youth Group
  • Church Choir
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend Worship
  • Board of Deacons
  • Church Council

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Pastor Del Maas
• Nepal Flooding
• Betty Wolle
• ISO Leaders
• Mission in Liberia

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 512 “O Christ, Our True and Only Light”

We are studying his hymn: "Jesus, My Truth, My Way" (TLH 433) from the Trust section of our hymnal. His hymn is a beautiful depiction of Jesus as seen and declared in Scripture. He is our Truth, Way, Light, Wisdom, Guide, Counselor, Power, Help, Refuge, Fortress, Tower, Sure Abode, Horn, Rock, Buckler (Shield), Savior, and God! 

The hymn also reminds us that we are weak and powerless to save ourselves. This is why we need Jesus and His work of salvation. Wesley writes: "Myself I cannot save, Myself I cannot keep, But strength in Thee I surely have whose eyelids never sleep." (Verse 5)

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)

We rejoice that we have a Savior in Jesus who is our security in this life and the life to come. Thanks be to God for the peace we have with Him as our Refuge and Strength! 

• Romans 8:31-39

Announcements

• Review
  • Daryl Holzinger and Darlene Nelson victory services
  • Immanuel Building Committee initial meeting
• Upcoming
  • Board of Elders
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend Worship
  • No School Labor Day
  • Outreach Committee
  • Board of Education
  • Board of Property
  • Youth Group

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Pastor Del Maas
• Mark Lentz
• Nepal Flooding
• Betty Wolle
• Principal Rick Mariner
• Teacher Erika Hart

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 528 “If God Himself Be for Me”

The hymn beautifully points to the theme of Love. God's Love for us in Jesus and His work of salvation. It also points to the Christian's Spirit-worked response to that Love of God in our lives. We are awaked to sing "the sacred song." Our "hearts and tongues" are tuned to sing His praise. The prayer is that the whole world of sinners would be brought to "join the sacred song."

Yes, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8), and "we love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Thanks be to God for the love He has shown us in Jesus. May that knowledge of His love tune our heart to sing of our Redeemer's glorious name to the world around us!

• Romans 8:26-30

Announcements

• Review
  • Long Term School Improvement/Growth Brainstorming Meeting 
• Upcoming
  • Ladies' Auxiliary
  • Daryl Holzinger Committal Service
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Darlene Nelson Victory Service
  • Weekend Worship
  • Immanuel Building Committee

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Daryl Holzinger
• Family of Darlene Nelson
• Barb Pfeiffer
• Judy Mielke
• Pastor Del Maas
• Passon Family
• Kentucky Preaching Station
• Mission in Togo

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 529 “I Leave All Things to God’s Direction”

Sermon Text: John 8:31-36 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 “And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

The Truth Shall Set You Free

1. The Truth That You Were in Bondage to Sin 2. The Truth That You Are Now a Child of God

Jesus said: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Similarly, the Apostle Paul encourages all the Christians in Corinth: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Lord, bless our use of Your Word, both in Law and Gospel, that others may be brought to know and believe in You as their Savior from sin! And bless our worship this weekend, as we join our voices to sing Your praise and work to encourage our fellow believers! Amen.

• Romans 8:18-25

Announcements

• Review
  • Back to School Night
  • ILS Opening Service
  • Church Council
• Upcoming
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend Worship
  • Board of Education
  • Ladies' Auxiliary

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Daryl Holzinger
• Mary Schweim
• Immanuel Building Committee
• Pastor Raju in India

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 30 “Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices”

Let's not forget what worship is about. It is about God revealing Himself to sinners, and bestowing forgiveness to sinners through His Means of Grace. It is an opportunity to receive that, and then join in praising Him for the gifts He gives by grace. Apart from Him and His blessings, bestowed on us in worship, we are lost and doomed for destruction!

Thanks be to God for His salvation, and the privilege of praising His name in worship! 

• Romans 8:10-17

Announcements

• Review
  • ILS Long Range Planning Session
• Upcoming
  • Youth Group
  • Back to School Night
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend Worship
  • School Begins
  • Board of Deacons
  • Church Council

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Daryl Holzinger
• Mary Schweim
• Vivian Elise Meger
• School Starts
• Mission in Pakistan

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 258 “Lord of Our Life and God of Our Salvation”

Sermon Text: Jeremiah 7:1-11 (NKJV)

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 “Stand in the gate of the LORD’S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the LORD!’” 3 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4 “Do not trust in these lying words, saying, ‘The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.’ 5 “For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor, 6 “if you do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or walk after other gods to your hurt, 7 “then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. 8 “Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9 “Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, 10 “and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations’? 11 “Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the LORD.

The Dangers of Comfortable Christianity

1. Trusting in the Gift, not the Giver

2. Confessing with our Lips, not our Lives

• Matthew 7:24-27 - “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 
• 1 Peter 2:4-6 - Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

One of the most beautiful aspects of this hymn is the emphasis on what really makes a "church." It is not a building. It is not beauty, or size. It is the Means of Grace, where the Spirit works through the Word of God and the Sacraments to bring lost sinners into His family by grace, and keep them in the faith. This hymn emphasizes God's grace, and the Means by which the Church is created and preserved. But it also points to the importance of churches teaching the truth, and administering the Sacraments rightly. We should gather where those things are present, because where the Means of Grace are, there God is, and there His people will be. 

May this also be true in and among us! Lord, bless our gathering together around your Word and Sacrament, in Your church and with Your people. Help us to praise your name, and declare it faithfully to others!

• Romans 8:1-9

Announcements

• Recap
  • VBS
  • Youth Group
  • Voters' Meeting
• Upcoming
  • Board of Elders
  • ILS Long Range Planning Session
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend Worship
  • Board of Education
  • Board of Property
  • Youth Group
  • School Starts

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Daryl Holzinger
• Marv and Mary Schweim
• Family of David Johnson
• Holly Overbeek
• Spokane Fires
• Budget
• Kentucky Preaching Station
• Mission in Bangladesh

Convention Review

• Committee #1: President's Report / Board of Education and Publications

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 384 “Oh, How Great Is Thy Compassion” 

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:161-164 (NKJV)

Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word. 162 I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. 163 I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments.

Theme: The Greatest Treasure is Revealed in God's Word

In Psalm 146 we read: "Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being... 6 Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, 7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. 8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind." 

We praise the LORD our Triune God, we Praise Jesus our Savior from sin and death!

Join us in praising Jesus this weekend for the rich treasure He offers us by His grace!

• Romans 7:14-25

Announcements

• Recap
  • VBS
  • Board of Education
• Upcoming
  • Ladies' Auxiliary
  • Youth Group
  • No Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend worship (Communion)
  • ILS Long Term Planning Meeting

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Daryl Holzinger
• Holly Overbeek
• VBS
• Start of School
• Mission Helper Trip
• Mission in Zambia

Convention Review

• Committee #3: Membership

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 326 “Lord, to Thee I Make Confession” 

Sermon Text: Matthew 12:46-50 (NKJV)

While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. 47 Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” 48 But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 50 “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

Theme: Christ’s Family Comes First

• Romans 7:7-13

Announcements

• Recap
  • Youth Group
  • Quarterly Voter’s Meeting
  • Church Council Meeting
• Upcoming
  • Men’s Breakfast (Friday 6:30am)
  • No Ladies’ Bible Study (Friday 7pm)
  • Weekend worship (8th Sunday after Trinity)
  • Vacation Bible School (next week)
  • Board of Education (Tuesday 7pm)
  • Ladies Auxiliary - Wednesday 2pm (church basement)
  • Youth Group bowling event (Wednesday 7pm)

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Rebecca Schaller (father's death)
• Mark and Jeanette Schweim (son's death)
• Misty Schweim (father's death)
• Daryl Holzinger
• Byron Rode
• Marv Schweim
• VBS
• Mission Helper Trip to Africa

Convention Review

• Committee #3: Missions

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 507 “Spread, Oh Spread, Thou Mighty Word” 

Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NKJV)

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Theme: The Truly Rich Life

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:25-34)

The hymn is a beautiful poetic retelling of those words of Jesus. The birds and the lilies teach us something about the nature of God, and assure us that He will also (even more) take care of us. 

The hymn also warns against the danger of greed, just as Jesus does, and Paul does in 1 Timothy 6. We live in a time and place which is extremely affluent, and as a result, what Paul describes is taking place before our eyes. "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

How sad that so many who have been brought to know Christ are being led away from him because of the abundance they have in this world! How sad that many who have not come to know Christ are being prevented from knowing Him because they see no need for God or for a Savior in their life! May the LORD continue to keep us from falling into the trap of greed because of the blessings He bestows upon us or those around us.

LORD, help us to treasure the greater blessings of your Kingdom, blessing which cannot be lost or taken away from us, but are ours, through faith, for all eternity! Bless our worship of you with truly thankful hearts, this weekend, and every day of our lives!

• Romans 7:1-6

Announcements

• North Mankato Fun Days Parade
• Dedication service at Reserve Park
• Upcoming
• Youth Group - Wednesday 7-9pm
• Men’s Breakfast (Friday 6:30am)
• Ladies’ Bible Study (Friday 7pm)
• Weekend worship
  • 3rd Sunday Communion
• Quarterly Voters’ Meeting (Monday 7pm)
• Church Council - Tuesday 7pm

Prayer List 

• Rebecca Breedlove Father, Everett
• Jason Schuur - son (in law) of Mark and Jeanette Schweim
• Misty Schweim’s Father, Merl - Hospice
• Mary Schweim had a fall
• Marv Schweim’s was hospitalized with fluid on his lungs
• Daryl Holzinger - fall - broken collar bone

Immanuel

• Upcoming Voters Meeting
• VBS

CLC Missions

• Prayers for our newly elected synodical officers

Convention Review

• Committee #2: Immanuel Lutheran College

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 417 “How Can I Thank Thee, Lord” 

Sermon Text: Numbers 13:17-33 (NKJV)

Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, 18 “and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; 19 “whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; 20 “whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. 21 So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, near the entrance of Hamath. 22 And they went up through the South and came to Hebron; Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs. 24 The place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the men of Israel cut down there. 25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days. 26 Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 “Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 “The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.” 30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

Theme: This Land Is God's Land

Psalm 118:19-25 serves as one of the foundation passages for this hymn: "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD, Through which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise You, For You have answered me, And have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This was the LORD’S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. 26  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD."

It points to Jesus as the Cornerstone of the church and the only foundation of the church.

It also describes the blessings we receive in church through the reception of the Means of Grace.

Finally, it describes the joy of singing the praises of God in heaven.

Rejoice in the blessings that God imparts to you and for you at His house! Thanks be to God!

• Romans 6:15-23

Announcements

• Preparing Pheobes and Teaching Timothys
• Communion
• Board of Deacons
• Men's Breakfast
• No Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Dedication Service
• Board of Education 
• Board of Property
• Youth Group

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Merl
• Daryl Holzinger
• Mary Schweim
• Marv and Mary Schweim Anniversary
• Karen Stelter
• Aaron Salmon and Sophia Salter
• CLC Convention
• Parade and Dedication Service
• 17 men training in pastoral ministry
• New pastor for Living Hope, Appleton

Convention Review

• Committee #7: Elections

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 405 “I Gave My Life for Thee” 

Sermon Text: Lamentations 3:21-26 (NKJV)

“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.”

Theme: Great Expectations of the LORD's Mercy

• Romans 6:8-14

Announcements

• Women's Auxiliary Luncheon
• CLC Convention
• Youth Group
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Summer Schedule
• 4th of July
• Preparing Pheobes and Teaching Timothys
• Outreach

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Merl
• Daryl Holzinger
• Mary Schweim

Convention Review

• Committee #4: Doctrine
• Committee #5: Finance

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 19 “All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above” 

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Theme: The World Needs You!

• But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28)

• "The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." (Psalm 19:9-10)

• “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

•  

  "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

• "They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." (1 Peter 4:5)

Yes, God's Word and His Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are true treasures for the Christian, offering rich blessings that can be found no where else!

Treasure those blessings! Feast on His Means of Grace, which He offers you freely!

Thanks be to God!

• Romans 6:1-7

Announcements

• Time and Talents
• Donuts with Dad
• Women's Auxiliary Luncheon
• CLC Convention
• No Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Summer Schedule
• Youth Group

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Merl
• Gerhard Matzke
• Betty Wolle
• Daryl Holzinger
• LuAnn Friedrichs
• Bob Timm
• CLC Convention
• Mission in the Pakistan

Convention Preview

• Committees #6-7

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 298 “Baptized into Thy Name Most Holy” 

Sermon Text: Luke 15:11-32 (NKJV)

“A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24  ‘for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. 25 Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”

Theme: the “Prodigal Sons” and the Forgiving Father

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16) 

This hymn highlights first of all, our nature. We are sinful and unclean. We are ungodly and the enemies of God. It is only in understanding this reality that we can ever truly comprehend the nature of our God as Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus: "that you... may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge." (Ephesians 3:18)

Only the True (Triune) God can offer such love in the person and work of Jesus, who "shed His blood for me."

The love of Jesus, which we come to know through faith, is what offers "peace... from sin forgiv'n, joy that lifts the soul to heav'n."

The prayer of the Christian is that the LORD would preserve us in the true faith through Word and Sacrament as we face the trials and burdens and temptations of the fallen world and our own sinful flesh, and lead us in repentance back to the open arms of our gracious Father in heaven! 

May the LORD sustain us in the earthly strife while we await the heavenly life! Amen!

• Romans 5:18-21

Announcements

• Adopt-a-Highway
• Thank you for Marie Casto
• Board of Elders
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Summer Schedule
  • Father's Day
  • Donuts with Dad
• Board of Education
• Women's Auxiliary Luncheon

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Merl
• Gerhard Matzke
• Larry and Joan Hartman
• Paul and Sara Nolting
• ILC Camp
• Adelaide Hanel
• LuAnn Friedrichs
• Fathers
• Mission in the Congo

Convention Preview

• Committees #3-5

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 297 “The Gospel Shows the Father’s Grace” 

Sermon Text: Matthew 9:9-13 (NKJV)

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. 10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Theme: Matthew's Testimonial

1. "I Was Sick with Sin" 2. "The Great Physician Healed Me"

The hymn we are studying this weekend is 322 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "And Wilt Thou Pardon, Lord." It does a beautiful job of presenting the Law, the Gospel and Christian Sanctification which flows from the Gospel. The hymnwriter, like the Psalmists of the Old Testament wrestle with the reality of sin and what we deserve because of them. It almost shows the incredulity of one who has been brought to know the depravity of his or her nature, that God could possibly forgive us or cleanse us from our sin. And that attitude is proper. Peter says: "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:17-18).

Knowing our sin, we turn to God and the work of Jesus for help. In Psalm 51 we confess with David: "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin... Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9  Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit."

What joy is our when we know the salvation that is ours, and the confidence that His Spirit is at work in us!

May the LORD bless your reflection on our depravity and His mercy to you this weekend.

• Romans 5:12-17

Announcements

• MN Delegates’ Conference
• Communion service
• Outreach Committee
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Adopt a Highway
• Weekend Worship Services
  • No Bible Class or Sunday School this Summer
  • 9am Sunday Service
• Favorite Hymn Survey
• Thank you for Marie Casto
• Board of Deacons
• Church Council

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Merl
• Gerhard Matzke
• Bible Studies and Bible Study Leaders
• Mission in the Philippines

Convention Preview

• Committee #2

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 369 “All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall” 

Sermon Text: Matthew 13:31-35 (NKJV)

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” 33 Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” 34  All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, 35  that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.”

Theme: The Wonders of God's Kingdom

1. A Great Kingdom which Offers Rest 2. A Permeating Kingdom which Renews

The first Sunday after Trinity focuses our attention on the power of God's Word which is at work to bring us into His kingdom.

The hymn we are studying this weekend is 294 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "O Word of God Incarnate." This hymn was written by a pastor in the Church of England in the 1800's, by the name William How. 

In this hymn How points to the power and value of God's Word. He reminds us that God's Word is a treasure box which contains gems of rich truths for us to mine and benefit from. God's Word points us to Christ, and gives us direction in this life, and opens for us the life to come in Jesus. 

May the LORD lead us to a deep yearning and hunger for God's Word which is a true treasure, for us and for all people. Learn from it. Be comforted by it. Share it!

LORD, bless our mediation on Your promises and gifts in both Word and Sacrament, and enable us to receive them eagerly, often, and with great joy!

• Romans 5:6-11

Announcements

• Tim Wheaton Victory Service
• Trinity Sunday
• Youth Group
• Board of Elders
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• MN Delegates' Conference
• Weekend Worship Services
  • No Bible Class or Sunday School this Summer
  • 9am Sunday Service
  • Communion
  • Liturgy
• Favorite Hymn Survey
• Outreach Committee
• Board of Education
• Board of Property

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Merl
• Bev Menton
• Growth in the Word
• 2026 CLC Mission Helper Trip

Convention Preview

• Committee #1

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 371 “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness”

Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 (NKJV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-- in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Theme: A Look Inside the Trinity's Playbook

1. The Father Drew Up the Plan
2. The Son Carried Out the Rescue
3. The Spirit Seals the Victory

Our closing hymn will be a summary of what we reflect on in our worship service. Written by Reginald Heber, this hymn is a majestic declaration of and tribute to the work of our Triune God. 

The two main Bible passages that serve as a foundation for the words of this hymn are:

Revelation 4:6,8-11 - Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.... The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10  the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11  “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

And Isaiah 6:3 - And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”

Heber was a gifted writer, and was especially gifted in poetry. While his hymns are not as Scripturally rooted as many early Christian or Lutheran hymns, they are very beautifully written. 

The tune Nicaea was written specifically for this hymn, and given the name because it was at the Council of Nicaea that the Christian Church staunchly defended and proclaimed the doctrine of the Trinity against the Arian heresy. 

Triune God, bless our worship of You in our worship this weekend, and with all we say and do throughout our lives!

• Romans 5:1-5

Announcements

• ILC Graduation
• Memorial Day Service
• Ladies' Auxiliary
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Tim Wheaton Victory Service
• Weekend Worship Services
  • No Bible Class or Sunday School this Summer
  • 9am Sunday Service
• Outreach Committee

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Sue Heise
• Merl
• Bev Menton
• Family of Dennis Ahrens
• Homebound Members
• 3 CLC Missionaries
• Mission in Zambia

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 370 “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” 

Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 (NKJV)

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh — who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands — 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Theme: God's Incredible Church Building Project

The hymn we are studying this weekend is 234 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "Holy Ghost, with Light Divine" by English pastor and hymn writer, Andrew Reed. You will see in this hymn a very simple way of communicating the work of God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit:  

• Leads us from darkness into light. (Verse 1)
• Brings us to know and believe in Jesus. (Verse 2)
• Cleanses us of our sin by faith. (Verse 3)
• Imparts joy and peace to our burdened hearts. (Verse 4)
• Enables us to resist temptations. (Verse 5)
• Lives in us as His holy temples. (Verse 6)

One of the Bible passages that serves as a foundation for this hymn is 1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Thank the LORD for the Holy Spirit's work! Rejoice in the peace, joy, forgiveness, life, light and knowledge that you have been give through His work in you through Word and Sacrament! Thanks be to God. Pray that He would continue that good work in you throughout your life!

May the LORD bless your thankful worship through the work of the Holy Spirit this weekend!

• Romans 4:19-25

Announcements

• Ascension Day
• Graduation Day
• Church Council 
• Victory Service
• No Church Choir Tonight
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship Services
  • No Bible Class or Sunday School this Summer
• Memorial Day Service
• Board of Education

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Merl
• Family of Nellie Edwards
• Family of Phyllis Worden
• Sue Heise
• Cole Whitehead
• Summer Projects
• Mission in Myanmar

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 359 “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” 

Sermon Text: Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Theme: Your Life Is Hidden with Christ

The hymn we are studying this weekend is 277 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say." This hymn was written by a Scottish pastor, Horatius Bonar, who was compelled to write hymns that children could understand. You will see in this hymn a very simple style and simple concepts drawn from three different statements and invitations of Jesus:  

• Matthew 11:28 - “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The first verse is based on Jesus' invitation in Matthew, for rest which only He can give.

• John 4:14 - “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

The second verse is based on Jesus' words to the Woman of Samaria about the Life that He alone offers through His Word.

• John 8:12 - Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

The third verse is based on the words of Jesus in John 8 about the Light that He brings to the dark world because of sin and death.

Each of these invitations is followed by the Christian's response to that invitation, by God's grace, and describes what we receive from Him as a result of His life and death for us, and the gifts He offers us in His Word and Sacrament. 

Lord, lead us to listen to and respond to Your invitation of Grace, that we might receive Your rich blessings!

May the LORD bless your reflection on this truth this weekend.

• Romans 4:9-18

Announcements

• Mini-Musical
• Muffins with Mom
• TVBS Ice Cream and Information
• Outreach
• Ascension Day Service
• No Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Graduation
• No Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Bible Class - Christian Life
  • Sunday School - Jesus' Ascension
• Board of Deacons
• Church Council

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Phyllis
• Merl

Principal's Report

• Looking back on the past year
• Looking forward to the summer and the future

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 586 “A Pilgrim and a Stranger” 

Sermon Text: Psalm 145:13-21 (NKJV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. 14 The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. 16 You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. 18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. 20 The LORD preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. 21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, And all flesh shall bless His holy name Forever and ever.

Theme: The LORD’s Kingdom is Very Good

Jesus invites us: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) 

In our lives in this fallen world we are going to face trials. Our sin, Satan, and thing outside of us and inside of us threaten us, often cause us to despair. David writes: "There is no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger, Nor any health in my bones Because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering Because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long." (Psalm 38:4-7)

For this reason we come to Jesus knowing what He has done for us! Newton writes:

O wondrous Love, to bleed and die, To bear the cross and shame, That guilty sinners such as I Might plead Thy gracious Name!

Thanks be to Jesus for all He has done for us through His life and death! 

• Romans 4:1-8

Announcements

• Banquet
• Mini-Musical
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Hymnal Committee Meeting
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Bible Class - The Lord's Supper
  • Sunday School - The Lost Sons
• Muffins with Mom
• Granny Shots
• TVBS Ice Cream and Information
• Board of Education
• Board of Property

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Pastor Tim Wheaton's Family
• Merl
• Roman Nathanael Mayhew
• End of School Year
• Mission in Congo

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 369 “All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall” 

Sermon Text: John 6:60-69 (NKJV)

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 "What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 "Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Theme: To Whom Shall We Go? 

The hymn emphasizes the PEACE that Jesus assures us of because of His life, death and resurrection for us. The opening verse points to the conclusion of worship shared by fellow believers and the LORD's promise to us in the Benediction at the close of every service: "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26) 

The Psalmist proclaimed: "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23  This was the LORD’S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24  This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25  Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. 26  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. 27  God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. 28  You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. 29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:22-29)

The hymn is a prayer that the peace that we have been assured of by the LORD and through our pastor in worship, would go with us as we go into the world. We pray that Jesus would go with us, guard our lips and hearts from evil, both at night and during the day, and throughout our lives, until He calls us to PEACE in heaven. There is a final verse of the hymn that is not included in our hymnal that makes a beautiful connection to Easter, and the promise of peace from the Resurrected Savior. Ellerton wrote:

Grant us Thy peace – the peace Thou dids’t bestow On Thine apostles in Thine hour of woe; The peace Thou broughtest when at eventide They saw Thy pierced hands, Thy wounded side.

Yes, "Peace be to you!" Jesus says. To them, and to you!

May the peace of your Savior continue to encourage you in worship, and as you leave worship this and every weekend! Thanks be to God for the peace He gives!

• Romans 3:27-31

Announcements

• Cemetery Clean Up
• Confirmation
• Ladies' Auxiliary
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Bible Class - The Lord's Supper
  • Sunday School - The Daughter of Jairus and The Canaanite Woman’s Daughter
  • Communion
• Board of Elders

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Pastor Tim Wheaton's Family
• Mark Geiger
• Steve Groth
• Merl
• Families who have lost loved ones
• Grace, Fridley and their new Pastor
• Congregations calling pastors/teachers.

Common Christian Q&A

• How can I trust in Christianity when so many Christians are hypocrites?

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 379 “I do Not Come Because My Soul” 

Sermon Text: Isaiah 40:26-31 (NKJV)

Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God"? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Theme: The LORD is the Strength of the Weak and Weary 

The young people who will be making a public profession of their faith this weekend chose the following hymn as their Confirmation hymn. Hymn 784 in the Worship Supplement was written by Julia von Hausmann, and is entitled: "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me." It is certainly appropriate for that setting, and also serves as a reminder of how appropriate it is for each of us in our lives of faith. 

One of the incredible aspects of the choice of this hymn is how well it incorporates all four of the confirmation passages for our confirmands. Those passages are:

• Psalm 23 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
• Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• Romans 15:13 - Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 

Thanks be to the LORD, who makes these promises to these young people and as He continues to fulfill the promises that He has made to each of us through the work of Jesus!

• Romans 3:19-26

Announcements

• Quarterly Voters' Meeting
• Women's Study Guild
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Cemetery Clean Up 
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Confirmation Sunday
  • No Bible Class
  • Sunday School - Jesus Calms the Storm
• Board of Education
• Ladies' Auxiliary

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Mark Geiger
• Steve Groth
• Merl
• Encouraging others at Immanuel
• Senior Class Trip
• Missionary Ohlmann

Common Christian Q&A

• How were the books of the Bible selected? And why were some books left out?

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 375 “If Thy Beloved Son, O God” 

Sermon Text: Micah 7:14-20 (NKJV)

Shepherd Your people with Your staff, The flock of Your heritage, Who dwell solitarily in a woodland, In the midst of Carmel; Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, As in days of old. 15 "As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them wonders." 16 The nations shall see and be ashamed of all their might; They shall put their hand over their mouth; Their ears shall be deaf. 17 They shall lick the dust like a serpent; They shall crawl from their holes like snakes of the earth. They shall be afraid of the LORD our God, And shall fear because of You. 18 Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. 19 He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. 20 You will give truth to Jacob And mercy to Abraham, Which You have sworn to our fathers From days of old.

Theme: The LORD Shepherds His People

1. With Power and Strength 2. With Compassion and Mercy

During Lent we focused on the willingness of Jesus to "lay down His life" for His sheep. During Easter we focus on His power to "take it again." He is risen! He has power over sin, death and even Satan himself. With that confidence in Jesus' victory and power we proclaim “none can take us from Your hand” (783:2).

This hymn, which was written by Irish Presbyterian, Henry Cooke, also emphasizes that we are saved by God's grace, not our own doing. The phrases "By Your life salvation wrought" (v.3) and "Father, draw us to Your Son" (v.4) especially emphasize God's grace which saves us. We are the sheep of His pasture. It is His love, His power that redeems and calls us, and which protects us. Thanks be to our Good Shepherd!

May the LORD bless your worship this weekend, as we rejoice in the life that is ours because of Jesus, our Good Shepherd!

• Romans 3:9-18

Announcements

• ILS Spring Concert
• Special Voters Meeting
• Outreach Meeting
• Youth Group Event
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Cemetery Clean Up 
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Bible Class - Baptism
  • Sunday School - The Four Soils and the Workers in the Vineyard
• Quarterly Voters' Meeting
• Board of Deacons
• Women's Study Guild

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Mark Geiger
• Steve Groth
• Judy Becker
• Voters Meeting
• Senior Class Trip
• CLC Board and Coordinating Council Meetings
• Mission in Nigeria

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 289 “The Law Commands and Makes Us Know” 

Sermon Text: John 21:15-19 (NKJV)

15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter,   “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”   “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I care about you.”    Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.”  16 A second time Jesus asked him,   “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”   He said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I care about you.”    Jesus told him, “Be a shepherd for my sheep.”  17 He asked him the third time,   “Simon, son of John, do you care about me?”    Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him the third time,   “Do you care about me?”    He answered, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I care about you.”    “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said.  18 “Amen, Amen, I tell you: When you were young, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will tie you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”

Theme: The Risen Lord gives His people Purpose 

1. With Three Probing Questions

2. With Three Practical Commissions

The hymn is based on John 21:1-19, as Jesus appears to seven of His disciples while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee. It reflects the Lord's call of four of those disciples three years earlier. Luke tells us: "But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink." (Luke 5:5-7).

This miraculous catch mirrored that earlier catch, when Jesus called them away from their nets, to be "Fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The hymn text points to the failures of the disciples of Jesus during the past weeks, the doubts, the denial, yet Jesus comes with love and forgiveness for them, calling them back to His service once more. 

The hymn concludes by connecting the promise and commissioning of Jesus in this resurrection account to you and me: 

Morning breaks, and Jesus meets us, Feeds and comforts, pardons still; As His faithful friends He greets us, Partners of His work and will. All our days, on ev’ry shore, Christ is ours forevermore!

Yes, indeed! Thanks be to God!

May our risen Lord's resurrection assure you of forgiveness for your sins, and remind you that your life has purpose as He calls you: "Follow Me!"

• Romans 3:1-8

Announcements

• Holy Week
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Church Council
• Preparing Phoebes
• Teaching Timothy's
• Women's Book Club
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• No Ladies' Bible Study
• Cemetery Clean Up 
• Hymnal Committee
• Weekend Worship Services
  • Bible Class - Fellowship
  • Sunday School - Calling Fishers of Men
• Sunday School Teachers Meeting
• ILS Spring Concert
• Special Voters' Meeting
• Outreach Meeting
• Board of Elders
• Board of Education
• Board of Property
• Youth Group Event

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Wilton Landon
• Sue Heise
• Mark Geiger
• Tonii Friedrichs
• Blessings on the hearing of the Word
• Thank God for the Land Purchase Finances and General Budget Needs
• CLC Board Meetings and Coordinating Council

Common Christian Q&A

• If God knows everything then what’s the point in praying or talking to him at all?

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 608 “Let Thoughtless Thousands Choose the Road”

The hymn, "He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus the Lord" was written by Lutheran pastor and professor, C.F.W. Walther, who was probably the most important figure in American Lutheranism in the 19th century. He was also an accomplished musician, and wrote many hymns. This hymn was originally 11 stanzas, but our English translation was reduced to 5 verses.  

In this hymn we confess the work of Jesus for us, who went to war with the forces of death, hell and satan, and through His death, was victorious. It points not only to Christ's resurrection, but also the importance of Christ's atonement for sinners ("His blood does atone, redeemed and forgiven we now are His own.")

Walther emphasizes the truth set forth by the Apostle Paul: "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

May your Savior's resurrection, which assures us of the death of death, give you joy, and motivate you to lift up your voices to sing His praise, this weekend and always!

• Romans 2:17-29

Announcements

• Arts Camp
• Immanuel Service Organization
• Patty Stelter Victory Service
• Bumper Magnets
• Church Choir
• Maundy Thursday
• Men's Breakfast
• Good Friday
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Resurrection of Jesus Christ Worship Services
  • Sunrise Service
  • No Bible Class or Sunday School
  • Pancake Breakfast 
• Board of Elders
• Church Council
• Preparing Phoebes
• Teaching Timothy's

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Patty Stelter
• Wilton Landon
• Sue Heise
• Land Purchase Opportunity
• Mission to Myanmar

Common Christian Q&A

• What are the actual dates that Jesus died and rose?

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 177 “Our Blessed Savior Seven Times Spoke”

Sermon Text: Zechariah 9:9-12 (NKJV)

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; The battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.’ 11 As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. 12 Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope.  Even today I declare That I will restore double to you.”

Theme: The Multi-sided Work of the Messiah

1. As Our Prophet

2. As Our Priest

3. As Our King

All of this was in fulfillment of the Word of God in the Old Testament: 

The Prophet Zechariah declared: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9) 

The Psalmist proclaimed: "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23  This was the LORD’S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24  This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25  Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. 26  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. 27  God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. 28  You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. 29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:22-29)

As we see the children joyfully proclaiming Jesus' praises, we reflect on what we are all called to do as redeemed children of God. We too, are to open our mouths to proclaim His praises!

May the LORD enable us, moved by the love of our Savior, to open our mouths to sing forth His praise! May the LORD bless your worship this weekend!

• Romans 2:12-16

Announcements

• Music Call for 2026-2027
• School Cook and Aide
• Bumper Magnets
• Time and Talents
• Basketball Award Night
• Midweek Lenten Service
• Ladies' Auxiliary
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Arts Camp
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Weekend Worship
  • Bible Class - Church and Churches
  • Sunday School - Jesus’ Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection
• Patty Stelter Victory Service
• Holy Week
• Resurrection Sunday

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Patty Stelter
• Bev Menton
• Nelly Edwards
• Sue Heise
• Finances
• Mission to Kenya

Common Christian Q&A

• Does the Bible tell us how we should treat foreigners?

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 496 “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Crying”

Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9 (NKJV)

Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” 6 So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

Theme: A Deserved Punishment - A Needed Deliverance

1. For Israel
2. For Everyone

While this hymn is not strictly a "Lent" hymn, it fits nicely during the season of Lent. It points clearly to the suffering (verse 2) and death (verse 4) of Jesus at the cross (verse 3), and the necessity for it. Jesus, through His perfect life (verses 1 and 5), and His suffering and death, has done what no one else could. He accomplished what sinners desperately needed to be delivered from the curse of sin. We are powerless to save ourselves. Jesus alone is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6).

As you sing this hymn, reflect on your utter helplessness under the Law of God, and your desperate need for salvation. Thank God, that this need has been fulfilled by God in the person and work of Jesus. There is no salvation, anywhere else! There is no one, no thing, else we can to turn to for this salvation. Jesus alone is the Savior we need. Rejoice in that truth, and revel in the joy that truth brings!

As you sing this hymn, you are not only reveling in its truth, but you are also declaring this truth to others. It is an encouragement to your fellow Christians to hear you make this declaration!

• Romans 2:1-11

Announcements

• Grade School Basketball Tournament
• Music Call for 2026-2027
• Need for School Cook and Aide
• Bumper Magnets
• Midweek Lenten Service
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies' Bible Study
• Hymnal Committee
• Weekend Worship
  • Bible Class - The Word of the Lord Grows
  • Sunday School - Rejected in Nazareth
  • Time and Talent
  • Name Tag
• Usher Meeting
• Tour Choir
• Board of Education
• Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service
• Ladies' Auxiliary
• Arts Camp

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Bev Menton
• Jean Moeri
• Finances
• Laborers

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 496 “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Crying”

Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 7:4-10 (NKJV)

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more. 8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Theme: Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance

1. Outside Are Conflicts, Inside Are Fears
2. Nevertheless, God Comforts the Downcast

In this hymn, Savonarola points to who Jesus is (Refuge, Redeemer, Fountain, Savior) and what He has done (bore the pain of all) and what He offers us through His work (life eternal, peace and rest). With this reminder, the reformer calls the Christian to a deep appreciation of Christ's work, through Spirit worked repentance. May the LORD work such repentance in each of us! 

The final verse is a prayer that the Lord would give us such a deep appreciation for Christ's work, that we might confess with the Apostle Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20).

Study this hymn with us, as we are reminded of dire nature of our problem of sin, and our Savior's wonderful and necessary work of Redemption for us. 

Rejoice in that salvation!

• Romans 1:24-32

Announcements

• Hymnal Committee
• ERC
• Boy's Basketball Tournament
• Music Call for 2026-2027
• Need for School Cook and Aide
• Midweek Lenten Service
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Red Cross Blood Drive
• Weekend Worship
  • Bible Class - The Word of the Lord Grows
  • Sunday School - Rejected in Nazareth
• Board of Deacons
• Board of Elders
• Women’s Study Guild
• Church Council
• Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Patty Stelter
• Betty Wolle
• Jean Moeri
• Events in the Middle East
• Outreach Efforts
• ILC Tour Choir

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 295 “The Law of God Is Good and Wise”

Sermon Text: Luke 9:51-56 (NKJV)

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." And they went to another village.

Theme: The Face Set Like Flint

1. Steadfast in His Purpose

2. Merciful in His Spirit

The prophet Isaiah described what the Messiah came to accomplish in Isaiah 53:4-9 - "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked—But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth."

With Gerhardt we joyfully procliam: "O wondrous Love! what hast Thou done! The Father offers up His Son– The Son content descendeth! O Love, how strong Thou art to save!" (TLH 142:3). What amazing love indeed!

The knowledge of God's love in Christ, and Christ's love at the cross move us as well. Paul writes: "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:11). We are moved to service to our God and Savior, in this life, with our hands, our hearts and our voices!

May the LORD bring you to a true appreciation for love He has shown you, and move you to live your life in service to Him, giving you joyful and thankful hearts for His salvation. May the LORD bless your worship this weekend!

• Psalm 146

Announcements

• Outreach Committee Meeting
• Music Call for 2026-2027
• Need for School Cook and Aide
• Midweek Lenten Service
• Boy's Basketball Tournament
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies Bible Study
• Weekend Worship - Communion
  • Bible Class - The Holy Christian Church
  • Sunday School - Jesus and Nicodemus
• Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Boys' Basketball Team
• Missions in DR Congo

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 234 “Holy Ghost with Light Divine”

Sermon Text: 1 John 2:12-17 (NKJV)

I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Theme: Remember that You are God’s Children!

This hymn acknowledges our need for help from God because of the enemies that we face, confesses our sin and unworthiness before a holy God, and a desire to praise the LORD for His mercy and grace and to live our lives to and for Him, in deep thanksgiving for His mercy. 

This is a prayer that can and should be prayed by every believer in Jesus. It includes Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. Join with Paul Eber, Christians of the past and those of the future in praying to our Faithful God to help us in our deepest time of need, and rejoicing in our confidence that He will hear and answer.

The LORD bless your worship this weekend!

• Romans 1:18-23

Announcements

• Call News
• Music Call for 2026-2027
• Midweek Lenten Service
• Girl's Basketball Tournament
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies Bible Study
• Weekend Worship - Communion
  • Bible Class - The Holy Spirit
  • Sunday School - Jesus Changes Water into Wine
• Board of Elders
• Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service

Prayer List 

• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Girl's Basketball Team
• Mission in Myanmar

Common Christian Q&A

• What's the deal with all those Old Testament Laws?

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 43 “We Sing the Almighty Power of God”

Sermon Text: Genesis 22:1-14 (NKJV)

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." 6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" 8 And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." 12 And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of The LORD it shall be provided."

Theme: A Foreshadowing of God’s Sacrifice

1. A Father Willing to Sacrifice His Son

2. A Son Willing to Sacrifice Himself

That theme is beautifully described by Philip Doddridge in "Grace Has a Thrilling Sound" (TLH 374; WS 778). This hymn is based on Paul's words to the believers in Ephesus: 

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:4-10).

God's grace has accomplished our salvation, from beginning to end. Our election is by His grace. Our faith is by His grace. Our Christian lives are lived by His grace. Our entrance into Heaven is by His grace. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith! 

Grace is indeed a thrilling sound in the ear of a believer! When we know our sin and what we deserve because of it, we can't help but be joyful when we hear God's message of grace in Christ!

Rejoice in that grace! Praise Him, this weekend and always!

• Romans 1:16-17

Announcements

• John Hein’s victory service
• Church Council
• Music Call for 2026-2027
• Ash Wednesday Service
• Soup Supper
• Board of Elders
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies Bible Study
• Weekend Worship
  • Bible Class - The Resurrection of Jesus
  • Sunday School - The Temptation of Jesus
• Sunday School Teacher's Meeting
• Board of Education

Prayer List 

• Lynette Roehl
• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Becky
• Family of Pastor John Hein
• Marvin Schweim
• Erinn Bergemann
• Preaching and Hearing of God's Word this Lent
• Mission in India

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 141 “Enslaved by Sin and Bound in Chains”

Sermon Text: John 11:47-57 (NKJV)

Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48  “If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” 49  And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51  Now this he did not say on his own [authority]; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52  and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53  Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54  Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55  And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56  Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57  Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

Theme: One Man Would Die for the People 

We will be singing "In the Cross of Christ I glory" by John Bowring this weekend. This hymn is more emotional and personal than we might be used to from Lutheran hymn writers. While it is based on truths from Scripture, it is not a teaching hymn, as much as a reflective, contemplative hymn. 

Galatians 6:14 serves as one of the main passages brought out by this hymn. There Paul writes: "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

In both the good and the trouble of this life, the work of Jesus stands as the most important and impactful event of history. It is our comfort in times of trial, and it remains our confidence in times of success. Just as the LORD worked through the good and evil in the lives of His people (like Joseph, David, and Peter), the LORD also sanctifies the good and the bad of your life. He uses it to His glory just as Paul declares in Romans 8:28: "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." 

Thanks be to God! Thank Him for the confidence that is ours in sins forgiven and eternal life because of the work of Jesus at the cross. Reflect on that truth during this upcoming Lenten season. Rejoice in the peace and the joy that are now yours by God's grace, through the cross!

May the LORD bless your proclamation of His praises this weekend!

• Romans 1:8-15

Announcements

• ERC Meeting
• Early Out Today
• Youth Group
• Board of Education
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies Bible Study
• Weekend Worship
  • Bible Class - Death and Resurrection of Jesus
  • Sunday School - The Baptism of Jesus
• Board of Deacons
• Women's Study Guild
• Church Council
• Ash Wednesday - February 18
• Lenten Soup Supper

Prayer List 

• Family of Pastor John Hein
• Lynette Roehl
• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Becky
• Members at a Distance
• Mission in Bangladesh

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 470 “Rise Again, Ye Lion-Hearted”

Sermon Text: John 11:20-27 (NKJV)

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Then Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

Theme: Our Death Defying Savior

1. Announces His Coming Victory

2. Invites Us to Declare His Victory

This hymn by Julia Elliott does several creative things. First it uses the Biblical idea of light vs. darkness in each of the verses, tying this concept to three different historical events: The creation of Light, the resurrection of Jesus, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. With each verse she focuses on a different person of the Triune God. And in each verse she points out that we pray that our Triune God would continue His work of bringing light into our dark lives and world through the Gospel. 

Ephesians 5:13-17 serves as part of the basis for this beautiful hymn. There Paul writes: "But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."  

Join us in our study of this hymn and its writer, and as we learn more about the Scriptural foundation and meaning of our hymns so that our use of them would be more beneficial as we gather in worship and use this hymn of praise.

May the LORD bless you as He enlightens you through His word this weekend!

• Romans 1:5-7

Announcements

• Virtual Women's Retreat Watch Party
• Installation of Church Officers and Board Members
• Voters' Meeting
• Church Choir
• Men's Breakfast
• Ladies Bible Study
• Weekend Worship
  • Bible Class - Death and Resurrection of Jesus
  • Sunday School - The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus
• Immanuel Women who Hike
• ERC Meeting
• Board of Elders
• Board of Property
• Youth Group
• Board of Education
• Ash Wednesday - February 18

Prayer List 

• Lynette Roehl
• Pastor John Hein
• Pastor Tim Wheaton
• Jim Lien
• Becky
• Phyllis Brandt
• Mary Schweim
• Pastoral Assistants
• Seminary in Tanzania

Hymn of the Day

• WS 778 “Grace Has a Thrilling Sound”

Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42  “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” 

Theme: One Thing Is Needed

The doctrine of the Lord's Supper is a very important and serious doctrine. The proper understanding and use of it has great implications in a Christian's life. Paul says: 

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. (1 Corinthians 11:23-29) 

The hymn we are studying this weekend is 305 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "Soul, Adorn Thyself with Gladness." This hymn was written by a Lutheran laymen in the 1600's, who studied law, but also was concerned about the study of Christian doctrine and used his gifts to write many hymns reflecting on those Christian doctrines. 

In this hymn he reflects on the joy that is ours in being able to receive the Lord's Supper. He reminds us what it is that we are receiving here: A precious treasure from God that cannot be purchased with any thing on this earth. Only His blood could win it, and He offers it to us by His grace. 

He also correctly teaches the doctrine of Christ's real presence, that Jesus tells us that we receive His very body and blood, with the bread and the wine of the Lord's Supper. The elements of bread and wine do not merely symbolize His body and blood, Jesus says: "This IS my body... this is my blood of the new covenant" (Matthew 26:26-28).

While our reason cannot comprehend this truth, it does not change Jesus' clear words and Paul's warning.

May the LORD lead us to a deep yearning and hunger for this Sacrament because of the promises of Jesus to sinners such as us. We should take our preparation for the Lord's Supper seriously, we should treat it with the respect that it is due, but we should also receive it with absolute joy and with the confidence that forgiveness, life and salvation are mine in and through it!

LORD, bless our mediation on Your promises and gifts in this sacrament and receive them eagerly, often, and with great joy!