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Pastor’s Ninth Year Celebration

January 26, 2020 Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Saint Paul Lutheran Church

2730 West Edgewood Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32209

Rev. Frank T. Marshall, Sr.,

Pastor Emeritus

Rev. James Wiggins, Jr., Pastor 765-4219/Church 419-3853/Mobile

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Welcome people of God as we gather today to worship and celebrate the ninth anniversary of our Pastor, the Rev. James Wiggins, Jr. God has blessed us for nine years to share in a wonderful pastoral relationship. Our mutual goal as Pastor and people is to serve and love God and his people. We are blessed today to have our Pastor’s brother, the dynamic preacher, Rev. Stephen A. Wiggins, Sr., Pastor of

Christ Lutheran Church with us as our guest preacher. We are equally blessed to have the Praise Team from Christ Lutheran lifting their voices and our spirits – to the glory of God. As we celebrate today’s milestone in our church history, it is our prayer that God will continue to bless ministry and mission here at Saint Paul, empowering his chosen people to respond without hesitation to his call upon our lives.

CHURCH MOTTO “Justified for Sanctification that Matters!”

.VISION FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

As servants of the Almighty God who have been justified by Jesus, we will as instruments of grace actively pursue our sanctification to give transformation and renewal to the community. Together with the total community we will grow in love and service to God and one another.

PREPARING FOR THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION The congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church welcomes to Holy Communion, the Lord’s Table, those baptized Christians who: Know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior (John 20:31); Recognize that the Body and Blood of Jesus are truly present in the bread and wine (Matthew 26:26, 1st Corinthians 11:29); Are able to examine themselves and repent of their sins (1st Corinthians 11:27-29); and desire and look to God’s Holy Spirit for help in living the Christian life (1st Corinthians 1:10). Any person not receiving Communion may come to the altar during distribution of the sacrament for a blessing.

1) Distribution is via continuous line, as directed by the ushers. Please come forward using the center aisle, kneel at the altar and return to your seat using the outer aisle.

2) Non-alcoholic fruit of the vine, is available along with the regular communion wine. The grape juice is located in the center circle of the serving tray and is lighter in color. Both are served by individual cups.

3) Communion may be brought to those with limited mobility. Please alert the ushers if you wish to

commune at your seat.

2020 – “Called by God”

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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (Pastor’s Personal Life Verse)

Our pastor's love for Jesus, the church and people was birthed in him as a youngster growing up in rural Alabama as a pastor's kid. After graduating from the Lutheran High School in Selma, AL, he matriculated at Concordia Teacher's College in Seward, Nebraska, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education in 1981. After teaching at St. Peter Lutheran School in Chicago, IL he answered "God's Call" and entered Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana - graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1986. Since January 2011 we have been connected as "pastor and people" with a heart and desire to be "God's instruments of grace" on the Northside of Jacksonville and beyond. Prior to moving to the First Coast and since his ordination in 1986, James has served Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Kannapolis, NC, Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI, and Peace Lutheran Church, Washington, DC. Throughout his ministry he has served as revivalist and keynoter for congregations and conference events. As our pastor he provides leadership through his dynamic preaching, teaching and administration. If not at the church or in the community you may find him at the gym working out or fishing. He currently serves the church-at-large as chairman of the Florida-Georgia District Regional Ministerial Interview Committee, Consecrated Steward Guest Leader, Florida-Georgia District Pastoral Conference Committee member, and Catalyst for Florida-Georgia District First Coast Circuit O-2 outreach and recent local Interfaith Coalition Action Reconciliation and Empowerment (ICARE) Co-chair. He and his lovely wife Loretta have five adult children Tiffany, Catherine, Jonathan, Jerome and James, III, and five precious grandchildren Aiden, Ethan, Jaden, Kaliyah, Taya and Michael.

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Born in 1961, Rev. Stephen A. Wiggins, Sr. is the younger brother of Rev. James Wiggins, Jr. He is married to the former Annetta Scott of Chicago, Illinois; together they have two adult children, Danielle Marie and Stephen Jr. Like his brother, James, Rev. Wiggins was educated in the Lutheran church schools. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and Lutheran Teachers Diploma from Concordia Teachers College – Seward, Nebraska. He later received the Master of Divinity Degree from Concordia Theological Seminary – Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has served as the shepherd for congregations at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church – Charlotte, NC, Redeemer Lutheran Church – Grand Rapids, MI. In addition to his pulpit duties, he has served as an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University – Irvine, Calif., LCMS Urban Mission Developer for the Atlanta, GA region and member of LCMS Board for Mission Services, Board for District and Congregational Service, BLAST (Black Lutheran Advisory School Team), and LCMS Children’s Ministry Council. He loves to sing and write. In 1998, he co-authored “Tithing, an African American Stewardship Tradition” which explores the benefits of tithing and its effectiveness as a means of financial stewardship in the context of the church today. He has also had articles published in Thrivent Magazine, Teachers Interaction, etc. Rev. Wiggins currently serves as Senior Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church – East Point, GA.

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Ms. Regina Ford – Organist/St. Paul Lutheran

Mr. Anthony Bailey – Musician/Christ Lutheran

Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Frank T. Marshall, Sr. – Liturgist Mr. John-Curtis Cogdell, Worship Assistant

Elder Simon Moorer, Jr.

10:50 A.M. Pre-Service / Ministry of Praise Christ Lutheran Church Praise Team

East Point, Georgia The Processional Hymn [Stand] “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty”

– LBW #165 [All rise for the processional and lighting of the Altar candles]

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, which wert, and art, and evermore shall be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

The Welcoming Rev. Frank T. Marshall, Sr. The Call to Worship/Invocation [Stand] Rev. Frank T. Marshall, Sr. Pastor: We begin in the name of the Father who created us and of the Son who redeemed us and

of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies and keeps us! All: Amen! Pastor: “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord!” People: We are here to celebrate Jesus, who “gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some

evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

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Pastor: Let us pray: Almighty God, we thank you for raising up men and women of faith to preach your Word and administer your Sacraments. We especially thank you for your servant, Rev. James Wiggins, Jr., whom you have blessed for thirty four years in ministry, nine of those here at St. Paul Lutheran Church. It is by your love and grace that we remain united together as “pastor and people.”

People: We thank you for his commitment to preach the gospel. We thank you for the boldness

with which he calls us to repentance, for holding before us the truth of your Word which strengthens our faith and gives us a sure hope for the glorious coming of your kingdom.

Pastor: As Pastor Wiggins imparts your Word to us, be his joy and inspiration – make him worthy

of his calling. Keep him faithful, diligent, and passionate in his ministry as he seeks to build up the body of Christ through your Word and Spirit.

People: Lord, remember the members of pastor’s family, especially his wife Loretta. Shower them

with your love and blessings as they continue to make significant self-offerings to support both the servant of your word and the mission and ministry of your Holy Church. Amen

The Ministry of Praise “Agnus Dei” – SPLC Praise Choir

Hallelujah, hallelujah, for the Lord God almighty reigns Hallelujah, hallelujah, for the Lord God almighty reigns

Hallelujah Holy, holy are you Lord God almighty

Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb… You are holy, holy are You Lord God almighty

Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb Amen.

The Sharing of the Word

[Seated] The Old Testament Isaiah 9:1-4

Ms. Evelyn Story, Lay Reader The Epistle Lesson 1 Corinthians: 1:10-18

Mr. John-Curtis Cogdell, Worship Assistant The Holy Gospel Elder Simon Moorer, Jr. [Please Stand] Elder: The Holy Gospel is recorded in… People: Glory to you, O Lord.

The Reading of the Gospel Matthew 4:12-25

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Elder: This is the Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to You, O Christ. The Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed Elder Simon Moorer Elder: We continue with the confession of our Christian faith through the Apostles’ Creed… All: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ,

his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Preaching of the Word

Special Musical Selection “You Know My Name”

Christ Lutheran Church Praise Team and Saint Paul Lutheran Church Choir

Today’s Sermon Rev. Stephen A. Wiggins, Sr.

Christ Lutheran Church, East Point, GA

Sermon topic: “Called by God…to be Agents of Liberation” Sermon text: Romans 8:18-21

Special Musical Selection “Shine on Me”

SPLC Children’s Community Choir The Invitation to Discipleship and Church Membership Rev. Frank Marshall, Sr.

“I Feel Jesus”

I feel Jesus, I feel Jesus, I feel Jesus in this place. Yes my soul does burn within me. I feel Jesus, in this place.

The Prayers of the Church Elder Simon Moorer [Sit or Kneel]

The Collection of Our Tithes and Offerings Musical Selection by

Christ Lutheran Church Praise Team

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The Offertory “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” [Stand]

[The tithes and offerings are brought forth by the ushers.] Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Offertory Prayer Rev. Frank Marshall, Sr. [Stand] Pastor: Let us pray. ALL: God of light and hope, we bring our gifts to further your work of love, peace and justice

in this land. Accept these gifts of our tithes and offerings, indeed, the gift of our very selves. Let them shine for all to see, and be brought into the sphere of your love and righteousness. In Jesus name. Amen.

The Preface and Great Thanksgiving Rev. Frank Marshall, Sr. and Mr. John-Curtis Cogdell, Worship Assistant

W.A: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. W.A: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord.

W.A: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give Him thanks and praise. W.A: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks

to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ who lived among us to reveal your glory and love, that our darkness should give way to his own brilliant light. And so with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn singing:

All: [Singing: The “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord” Sanctus, TFBF, page 38]

Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Words of Institution Pastor: In the night in which he was betrayed… The Lord’s Prayer

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All: 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, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Communion Chant Lamb of God, p39 - TFBF Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace The Communion Distribution Hymns

Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord Draw near and take the body of the Lord. And drink the holy blood for you outpoured. Saved by that body, hallowed by that blood, Where by refreshed, we render thanks to God. Salvation’s giver, Christ, the only Son, By his dear cross and blood the vict’ry won. Offered was he for greatest and for least, Himself the victim and himself the priest.

The Blood Will Never Lose Its Pow’r The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary. The blood that gives me strength from day to day it will never lose its power. It reaches to the highest mountain. It flows to the lowest valley. Oh the blood that gives me strength from day to day. It will never lose its power. It soothes my doubts and calms my fears and it dries all my tears. The blood that gives me strength from day to day it will never lose its power. It reaches to the highest mountain. It flows to the lowest valley. Oh the blood that gives me strength from day to day. It will never lose its power

Grateful I am grateful for the things that you have done. Yes, I'm grateful for the victories we've won. I could go on and on and on about your works. Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful just to praise you Lord. Flowing from my heart, are the issues of my heart. It's gratefulness! (Repeat)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. Refrain: “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me! Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Refrain.

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Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Refrain.

The Post Communion Blessing and Prayer of Thanks Rev. Frank Marshall, Sr. [Stand] Pastor: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. People: Amen. Pastor: Let us pray… All: Almighty God, you provide the true bread from heaven, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Grant that we who have received the sacrament of his body and blood may abide in him and he in us, that we may be filled with the power of his endless life, now and forever. Amen.

Special Presentation Board of Trustees

Remarks and Acknowledgement of Visitors Rev. James Wiggins, Jr.

The Sending

The Closing Hymn [Stand] “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Lift ev'ry voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us; Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun Of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast'ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our parents sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered; We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered; Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the bright gleam of our bright star is cast. [Sung prayerfully slow] God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who have brought us thus far on the way; Thou who have by thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. [Sung uptempo] Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met you; Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget you; Shadowed beneath your hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.

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The Benediction/Blessing of the Meal Rev. James Wiggins, Jr. [Stand] Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to

you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. All: Amen.

Lutheran Table Blessing

Come Lord, Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed. And may there be a goodly share on every table, everywhere. Amen.

The Recessional Ms. Regina Ford, Organist [Stand]

Date: _________________________________________

Name of Pastor: ______________________________ Sermon theme/topic: __________________________________________________________ Sermon text: ______________________________________________ Main points of the sermon: Point 1. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Point 2. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Point 3. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Sermon Application (How will I apply the message to my life): ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

Sermon Notes