St. Martin’s Lutheran Church203 S. Defiance Street + Archbold, OH 43502

Rev. Paul Reichert

Second Sunday in LentFebruary 25, 2018

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“In the Cross of Christ I Glory”

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Second Sunday in Lent February 25, 2018The Old Testament reading today includes the covenant made with Abraham and Sarah: God's promise to make them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in everlasting covenant. The apostle Paul says this promise comes to all who share Abraham's faith in the God who brings life into being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.

Regular text is spoken by the Worship Leader or PastorBold text is spoken by the congregation

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP PRELUDE “The God of Abraham Praise” arr. J. Innes

BELL & ANNOUNCEMENTS

*OPENING HYMN “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”

*CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESSIn the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.Amen“Return to me with all your heart,” says the Lord.Return to the Lord your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to

anger, and abounding in steadfast love (Joel 2:12-13)God so loved the world that while we were yet sinners Jesus Christ was given to die for

us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit God promises to heal us and forgive us. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence for reflection and self-examination

Most merciful God,we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We

have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen

In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen3

*GREETINGThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy

Spirit be with you all.And also with you.

*KYRIE

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*PRAYER OF THE DAYThe Lord be with you.And also with you.God of Abraham and Sarah, long ago you embraced your people in covenant and

promised them your blessing. You promise light and salvation in the midst of darkness and despair, and promise redemption to a world that will not listen. Gather us to yourself in tenderness, open our ears to listen to your word, and teach us to live faithfully as people confident of the fulfillment of your promises. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray.

Amen

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WE HEAR GOD’S WORD OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." 3Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4"As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 5No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. 6I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 15God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her."

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God!

NEW TESTAMENT READING Romans 4:13–2513For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his

descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.

16For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations") — in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become "the father of many nations," according to what was said, "So numerous shall your descendants be." 19He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22Therefore his faith "was reckoned to him as righteousness." 23Now the words, "it was reckoned to him," were written not for his sake alone, 24but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God!

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*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION - Psalm 119:41

*GOSPEL READING Mark 8:31-38The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 8th chapter.Glory to you, O Lord31Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and

be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, O Christ!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

MESSAGE “God’s Covenant with Abraham and Sarah” WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

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*HYMN OF THE DAY “The God of Abraham Praise”

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The whole tri - um - phant host give thanks to God on high.

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“Hail, Fa - ther, Son, and Ho - ly Ghost!” They ev - er cry.

Hail, Abr’- ham’s God and mine! I join the heav’ - nly lays:

*PROFESSION OF FAITH – Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again;He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

*SHARING OF THE PEACEThe peace of the Lord be with you always.And also with you.

(We greet one another with the words “Peace be with you”)

OFFERING OF GIFTS Strikepoint Bell Choir “Staccato Toccata”

arr. S. Basselman

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to you be glo - ry, might di - vine, and end - less praise!

*OFFERTORY

*PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

*THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

WE ARE SENT TO SERVE

* BENEDICTION As you go on your way may Christ go with you.

Christ before you to lead you; Christ behind you to encourage you; Christ beside you to befriend you; Christ above you to watch over you; Christ within you to give you peace. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

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*CLOSING HYMN “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

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*DISMISSAL Go in peace, serve the Lord!Thanks be to God!

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+Liturgical texts and music for Confession and Forgiveness, Kyrie, Gospel Acclamation from Sundays and Seasons ©2017

and Evangelical Lutheran Worship ©2006, Augsburg Fortress Publishers.Offertory “O Lord You Brought Your Offering” Text: Herman Stuempfle ©1993 GIA Publications Inc.

WORSHIP MATTERS What changes happen in our worship during Lent? Throughout the “church year” different colors are displayed in the church. Purple is used as the color of Lent, signifying repentance. Purple was an expensive dye to obtain and the color of royalty. Jesus wore a purple garment when he was ridiculed and beaten before being crucified. We also remove the word “Alleluia” from our worship during these weeks and place a strong emphasis on the words of the Kyrie. We who come into Jesus’ healing presence proclaim Kyrie (Lord) eleison (have mercy). We proclaim our faith that Jesus is the only one who can truly help. Our prayer is for peace for ourselves, the whole world, and those gathered for worship as we make this Lenten journey together. This season provides us with a yearly “spring cleaning” of our hearts as we prepare for the celebration of Easter. Visually we mark the weeks of Lent with the candle cross. During Advent we increase the light as move closer to Christmas with the lighting of the Advent wreath. As a local tradition, in Lent we gradually decrease the light as a candle is extinguished each week on the cross.

Today’s Hymn of the Day “The God of Abraham Praise” is a Christian version of the Yigdal, a Jewish hymn of praise or creed in 13 parts. To match the 13 parts of the hymn, this metrical and Christian version also had 13 verses. We are singing 4 verses today. This hymn text dates back to the 14 th century. It was paired with a Jewish melody in the 17th century to help connect the text to its Jewish roots.

St. Martin’s Worship Servants . . . Ministers of Worship -Everyone Present Acolyte -Abbie ShortOrganist/Pianist -Steve BasselmanLector -Chris ZieglerGreeter Team Leader -Jackie SchweitzerUsher Team Leader -Butch BlankenshipSound System -Jason LovejoyAltar Guild -Gwen Grisier, Joan MeyerOffering Counters -Jo Ann Liechty, Greg Whitacre, Diana Ziegler

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ST. MARTIN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH203 S. Defiance Street + Archbold OH 43502

Phone:419-445-4656 Fax: 419-445-2952

Building The Welcome Place Who Are We? We are The Welcome PlaceWelcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

– Romans 15:7 What Is Our Mission As A Church And As Members? WWWWe are…Welcoming friends and strangers with God’s love.

Working to build deeper relationships with Jesus. Witnessing to share God’s love with

everyone What Is Our Vision Of Who God Wants Us To Be? ORGPeople who are serving…One Real God,

living One real faith, making One real difference.

How Do We Remind Ourselves?www.the-welcome-place.org

Welcome to worship today and join us in building The Welcome Place Jesus calls us to be.

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Web Site: www.the-welcome-place.org

e-mail: stmartin@the-welcome-place.org

pastorpaul@the-welcome-place.org steveb@the-welcome-place.org

Office Hours: Pastor Paul 9-12, Mon. Tues, Thurs or by appointment Steve Basselman Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri am

Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri pmBrenda Shibler Tue, Thurs, Fri, 8-12:30

Worship Services 9:00 am each Sunday Holy Communion:

First & Third Sundays of the MonthFestivals

7:00 pm each Wednesday during LentThrough March 21st

Sunday School 10:30 – 11:15 each Sunday

Classes for All Ages

We Welcome All to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church this Sunday as you join us to worship our Savior, Jesus Christ. We invite you to sign the Welcome Insert in your Bulletin and fill in the appropriate information. If you are visiting, we would like to invite you back to worship with us at your earliest convenience. If you are looking for a church home, come join us here at “The Welcome Place” for worship and allow us to introduce ourselves and the Lord whom we serve. Join us for coffee, cookies and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall following the Worship Service.

Sight and Hearing Assistance: Personal PA, Wireless Earphones are available from the worship ushers

The Nursery Room at the back of the sanctuary is available for parents and children during Sunday morning services. We ask that no children of any age be in the nursery without adult supervision. 

Visitation and Memorial Service for Melvin Jewell, Today . . . Visitation will be in the Fellowship Hall from 3:00 – 4:00 with Memorial Service at 4:00. A meal will follow.

Fairlawn Hymn Sing, Tonight at 6:45 at the Fairlawn Chapel. The Bell Choir will perform some anthems along with the hymn singing.

Long Range Planning Meeting, this Wednesday, February 28, 1-3:00 . . . Write it on your calendar. Other dates and times will be also scheduled.

Hosting Community Meal, March 6 . . . St. Martin’s will be hosting the Community Meal on March 6. There is a sign-up sheet on the desk. We especially need helpers and servers. Sign up today!

Ridgeville Twp. Fire Department Pancake & Sausage Breakfast, Sunday, March 4th . . . from 7:00 am –1:00 pm at the Ridgeville Legion on Co. Rd. 19. The proceeds will go towards fire & rescue equipment.

Tired of Winter? Looking for something new and fun to do? Join us for a 2-hour session on March 10th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in Fellowship Hall making fleece hats and scarves for Christmas Cheer. Very little sewing experience needed. We will supply the fleece, the thread, the needles and pins and the sewing machines. Any questions see Yanira Reyes, Barb Poston or Sandie Spohler. Young or old—all are welcome.

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This Week At St. Martin’sToday – February 25

Worship 9:00 am, Sunday School, 10:30Strikepoint Youth Bells, 11:15 - noonHymn Sing at Fairlawn Chapel, 6:45 pm

Monday – February 26Monday Night Bible Study, 7:00, Gospel of Luke

Tuesday – February 27Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 6:30 am, City CaféNewsletter Assembly, 8:30 amCommunity Meal, 5:00-6:00 pm, St. John Christian

Wednesday – February 28Long-Range Planning Meeting, 1-3:00Welcome Meal, 5:15 pmCatechism, 5:45 above the Fellowship Hall

Welcome Place Youth, 5:45, basementAdult Small Groups, 6:00, Fellowship HallAdult Book Club, 6:00 Adult Bell Choir, 6:00 Mid-Week Lenten Service, 7:00, “Follow the Way of the Cross” Chancel Choir, 7:30, Fellowship Hall

Thursday – March 1Women’s Breakfast Bible Study, 6:30 am at City Café Bulletin Deadline, 9:00 am

Saturday – March 3Pinewood Derby Trials, 9:00 – 6:00, Fellowship Hall

Next Sunday – March 4Worship 9:00 am, “God’s Covenant in the 10 Commandments”

Holy CommunionSunday School, 10:30 amStrikepoint Youth Bells, 11:15 - noon

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The Archbold Fish Pantry Board invites you to a two-hour seminar, “Bridges Out of Poverty,” on Saturday, March 10, beginning at 9:00 am at St. John’s Christian Church. Shirley Fry from Shalom Counseling and Mediation Center will help us explore the experience of people living in generational poverty.  “If you didn’t grow up in poverty, you may be unaware of the ‘hidden rules’ that govern many aspects of life for the poor.  People in poverty are often in survival mode, where the future holds little promise, and support systems taken for granted in middle class and wealth are nonexistent.  If your business, agency, or organization works with people from poverty, only a deeper understanding of their challenges—and strengths—will help you partner with them to create opportunities for success.”  While the seminar is free and walk-ins are welcome, for planning purposes we encourage you to RSVP to Lynn by calling or texting her at 419-572-6538 or by sending an email to fish43502@gmail.com. 

Last Week & Last Year at St. Martin’s. . .

9:00 6:00 Total Attendance Offering

February 19, 2017 116 28 144 $3,901.00

February 18, 2018 127 Lent 127 $5,402.00

Receipts Week of February 18, 2018 Budget and Year to Date

Operating Contributions $4,917.00 Budgeted Weekly Operating Need $5,029.00

Benevolence Received $400.00 Budgeted Weekly Benevolence Need $482.00

Other Designated Income $85.00

Total Income $5,402.00 YTD Operating Received $20,396.96

YTD Operating Budget $22,102.56

Difference of Actual vs Budget YTD ($1,705.60)

Mid-week Lenten Service - 55

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Easter Lilies Sale18

The Altar Guild is sponsoring their annual Easter Lilies Sale. Proceeds will be added to the Paraments Fund.

The plants are $10.00 each and may be given in memory or in honor of someone, or for a special occasion. Below is an order blank you may use to order your lilies. Please place it, along with payment (checks to be made payable to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church) in the offering plate or the box provided on the counter in the Church Office.Deadline is March 2Name # of plants X $10.00 each

for a total of In Memory of

In Honor of

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St. Martin's Prayer Line For our prayers in worship this morning and our daily devotions in the coming week, we remember:

All Believers as we look for the coming Messiah, may we be ready to see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory

All in Need both body & soul that we might know the joy we have in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and King

Bishop Daniel Beaudoin, Synod Staff members and all the office staff, that they may be supported in their ministry to the Church

The Ipagala Parish of Dodoma, St. Martin’s Companion Congregation, may they continue to carry out God’s ministry and mission in Tanzania

Mission Partner Congregation of Redeemer Lutheran, Toledo may they continue to carry out God’s ministry and mission in the Toledo Area

Family & Friends of Melvin Jewell, Diana Ziegler’s father, whose Memorial Service will be this afternoon at St. Martin’s, may we know the comforting presence of our Lord Jesus Christ

For those who are in need of healing, may they know the healing hand of God

Our Shut-ins Claudine Arnold, Elden Badenhop, Joan Plassman, Ron Richards, Ada Thrasher, Louise Wyse may they know the presence of God

For those who need God’s protection and the assurance that he is near All St. Martin’s Members as they prepare for Ministry Our College students both close to home and far away All members, family & friends who serve in our military, Steve & Sara (Delaney) Adams,

Patrick Cirenza (friend of June Hayes)Prayer requests for the people of St. Martin's Please contact the church office by 9:00 am. Thursday(Note, we include a person's name with permission.)

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Members of St. Martin’s Angie Avers Jerry Clevenger Ruth Detwiler Sharon Heckel Dorothy Huner Vicky Lindley Al Siewert Joe Wyse

Family & Friends of St. Martin’s Jason Beiser, friend of Reese Collins Gene Bowman, neighbor of Vicky Lindley Phillip Calvin, Tanya Howell’s brother Jeff Cook, son of Ann Ott Steven DeNault, friend of June Hayes James & Jaxon Dilyard, Peg Winzeler’s great grandsons Greg Jenkins, Pastor Paul’s brother-in-law Jackson Mausar, grandson of Lee & Marilyn Opdyke Lois Mininger, cousin of June Hayes Joan Mortenson, Pastor Paul’s sister-in-law Hutokia Opdyke, Lee Opdyke’s mother Jim Shiley, Beth Reichert’s father Penny & Denny Snyder, friends of Gene & Jan Delaney Lu Wolf, Judy (Paul) Wyse’s mother Roger & Mary Zimmerman,