St. John’s Evangelical

Lutheran Church

Welcome to our visitors!

It is our hope and prayer that the message you hear today from God’s Word

will fill your heart with the peace that only God can offer and the joy we have in

knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior from sin.

Large print service folders are available from an usher. Assisted listening

devices, including both ear bud and loop receivers for digital hearing aids,

are also available from an usher.

Children’s bulletins are available in the round tract rack in the entry area.

Parents may take small children into the entry area, mother’s room (at the back

of the church), or nursery (lower level of church) as needed and follow the

worship service on the TV monitor. Changing tables are available in the

mother’s room and in the room adjacent to the nursery.

Restrooms are located at the far end of the entry area.

As the offering is received, members and guests are asked to sign the Friendship

Register. Please pass the register to your neighbor and then return it to the

center aisle. Visitors are also asked to fill out a guest card and give it to an

usher.

Please join us for Bible class at 9:15 AM.

Christian Counterculture: Fellowship Hall, lower level of church

Prophecies of End Times: School Lecture Hall, across the street

Bible Information Class: St. Matthew’s Room, lower level of church

A staffed nursery is available during Bible class.

Saints Triumphant

November 12 & 13, 2016

Promises of the End: They can no longer die.

Prelude

Opening Hymn We Praise You, Lord (Saturday)

Please stand to sing the final stanza Christian Worship 301

Lord, You I Love with All My Heart (Sunday)

Christian Worship 434

Holy Baptism (Saturday) Christian Worship, pg. 12

M: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy

Spirit be with you.

C: And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS

M: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear

children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore,

let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have

sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my

Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my

sin, and take away my guilt.

M: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of

our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May

God give you strength to live according to his will.

C: Amen.

pg. 4

PRAYER AND PRAISE

M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

Prayer of the Day

M: Let us pray.

Almighty God and Savior, you have set the final day and hour when we shall be delivered

from this world of sin and death. Keep us ever watchful for the coming of your Son that we

may sit with him and all your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven; through Jesus Christ,

your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and

forever.

pg. 5

Be seated

THE WORD

First Lesson Isaiah 65:17-23

Isaiah sees the new heaven and the new earth, where there is no death.

“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.

The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create,

for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.

I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people;

the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.

Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days,

or an old man who does not live out his years;

he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth;

he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.

They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat.

For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people;

my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands.

They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune;

for they will be a people blessed by the LORD, they and their descendants with them.”

Isaiah: Isaiah (meaning “the LORD saves”) was a contemporary of Amos, Hosea, and Micah. He

began his ministry in 740 B.C. during the period of Israel’s decline and the expansion of the Assyrian

empire. Isaiah’s prophecies look ahead to the future of the nation of Israel and span nearly 200 years of

Old Testament history. In addition, he prophesies about the coming Messiah and “the day of the LORD.”

Isaiah is often thought of as the greatest of the writing prophets. The beauty of his poetry is unsurpassed

in the Old Testament.

The structure of Isaiah is like a miniature Bible. The first 39 chapters (compare with 39 books in the

Old Testament) depict judgment and condemnation on an immoral and idolatrous people. The last 27

chapters (compare with 27 books in the New Testament) declare a message of comfort and hope. God is

“the Holy One of Israel” who must punish his rebellious people but will afterward redeem them. Isaiah

prophesies more clearly and in more ways about the coming Messiah than any other prophet. Some of

the best-known and most well-loved prophecies foretelling the birth of Jesus come from the book of

Isaiah, especially 7:14, 9:2-7, and 11:1-9.

pg. 6

Psalm of the Day Blessed Are They

The congregation is invited to sing the entire psalm.

The melody for the verses is the same as the refrain tune.

Multitudes, clothed in white robes, from ev’ry nation and tongue,

Stood before God and the Lamb at the marriage feast of the Lamb.

They’ll neither hunger nor thirst, death, sorrow, pain vanquished now,

God wipes all tears from their eyes by the marriage feast of the Lamb. Refrain

Blessing and honor, they cry, unto the Lamb that was slain,

Redeeming us with his blood in the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Please pause betweeen verses 3 and 4 as the names of those who entered the Church Triumphant

during the past year are read…

Helen Bieglow 2/16/16 Chris Hansen 6/26/16

Marie Sprengeler 2/20/16 Norb Sprengeler 9/08/16

Marilyn Kelling 6/02/16 Bob Bahr 10/08/16

Gary Volle 6/17/16

Servant, saint, martyr at rest, sanctified, ransomed, restored,

Thund’rously sing a new song of the marriage feast of the Lamb. Refrain

Worthy are you, Lamb of God, to receive glory and praise.

Alleluia and amen! For the marriage feast of the Lamb. Refrain

pg. 7

Second Lesson 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 3:5

Our relationship with God began in eternity and continues through eternity.

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning

God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He

called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So

then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or

by letter.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us

eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed

and word.

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just

as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has

faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have

confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the

Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Verse of the Day

M: Alleluia, alleluia. They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple.

Alleluia.

Please stand

pg. 8

Gospel Luke 20:27-38

Children of the resurrection will never die.

Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. “Teacher,”

they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man

must marry the widow and have children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first one

married a woman and died childless. The second and then the third married her, and in the same way

the seven died, leaving no children. Finally, the woman died too. Now then, at the resurrection whose

wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”

Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are

considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor

be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children,

since they are children of the resurrection. But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the

dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is

not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

Be seated

Anthem (Sunday) Behold a Host, Arrayed in White

Adult Handbell Choir arranged by John Behnke

Behold a host, arrayed in white, like thousand snow-clad mountains bright;

With palms they stand. Who is this band before the throne of light?

These are the saints of glorious fame, who from the great affliction came

And in the flood of Jesus’ blood are cleansed from guilt and blame.

Now gathered in the holy place, their voices they in worship raise.

Their anthems swell where God does dwell mid angels’ songs of praise.

O blessed saints, now take your rest; a thousand times you will be blessed

For keeping faith firm unto death and scorning wordly trust.

For now you live at home with God; you toiled and sowed the Word abroad.

Rejoice and bring your fruits and sing before the throne of God.

The myriad angels raise the song; O saints, sing with that happy throng!

Lift up one voice; let heav’n rejoice in our Redeemer’s song.

pg. 9

Hymn of the Day Jerusalem the Golden (see pg. 14)

Christian Worship Supplement 728

Sermon Luke 20:27-38

Relationships and Resurrection

Please stand

Apostles’ Creed

C: I believe in God, the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

From there he will come 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.

Be seated

THANKSGIVING

Offering

The members of St. John’s have joined together to do the Lord’s work in our community

and around the world, and our offerings are a joyful response of our faith. If you are a

visitor today, you are welcome but not obligated to give an offering.

Please stand

pg. 10

Prayer of the Church for Saints Triumphant

M: Eternal God, our help in ages past and our hope for years to come, we come before you today

in remembrance of the saints of every time and place who have walked the road of faith before

us.

C: We thank you for the faith and testimony of this great cloud of witnesses.

M: We praise you for all your servants who have witnessed to your truth, who have shown us your

love, and who have inspired us to have hope.

C: By their example, remind us of our calling to live as your redeemed children.

M: As we celebrate the unwavering faith of these saints, we especially remember those who have

departed our company and entered into your glory during this past year. We thank you for

releasing them from the burden of sin.

C: Bring comfort to all who grieve over loved ones no longer here with us on earth, and

assure us of the certainty of a reunion in heaven.

M: Lord of the Church, we thank you for also numbering us among your saints. Instead of our

unholiness, you see Jesus’ perfect life covering our sin.

C: Give us the strength to live in our baptismal grace until the day you call us home to your

side.

M: As we celebrate Veterans Day, we thank you for our veterans and ask that you would be with

them as they continue their march through life. Give them the health and strength they need to

carry out the missions in life that you have laid before them.

C: Be their shield and strength, their guide and their rearguard. In your time, bring them to

the heavenly kingdom where there is no war.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow

M: As we walk this pilgrim way, make our faith firm in you that we might join the saints of all the

ages in praise eternal around your throne.

C: Amen.

pg. 11

Lord’s Prayer

C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Be seated

Hymn For All the Saints

Christian Worship 551

Please stand

M: Heavenly Father, as we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth, set our minds on things

above, rejoicing in our citizenship in the heavenly Jerusalem. With the faithful gone before us,

open our lips that our mouths may confess the salvation that is ours through the sacrifice of

your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy

Spirit, one God, now and forever.

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with

gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

pg. 12

Be seated

Closing Hymn Lord, When Your Glory I Shall See

Christian Worship 219

Announcements

WELS Connection Ministerial Education Schools

Postlude

If you do not wish to take your service folder home, please place it in the basket so it can be reused.

Parents’ Preview for November 20

The Parents’ Preview highlights an aspect of next week’s service: a liturgical song, a Psalm refrain,

or a hymn stanza. Our hope and prayer is that parents will teach this portion of the service to their

children at home during the week so that children can participate more fully in the worship service.

Psalm 98 Refrain

pg. 13

Serving at Worship

Preacher Pastor Eric Schroeder

Presiding Minister Pastor Joel Leyrer

Musicians Carolyn Sachs, piano (Saturday)

Pastor Kyle Bitter, organ (Sunday)

Ben and Kiara Ristow, trumpet (Sunday)

Adult Handbell Choir Director Kristi Meyer

Head Ushers Matt Bahr (Saturday)

Kerry Kuehn (8:00 AM)

Rick Yahn (10:30 AM)

Worship Notes

The altar flowers are placed by Don, Kris, Kaylee, Brady and Jacob Zimmer in loving memory

of daughter and sister, Maddy.

The standard flowers are placed by Rick Yahn in loving memory of the sons & daughters,

nephews & nieces, grandsons & granddaughters of the congregation who have gone to be with

their Lord at an early age.

Theodosia Nordgaard Davis, daughter of Kevin and Kami, neé Nordgaard, Davis, was baptized

during the Saturday evening service. Serving as sponsors are Kon & Chari Knueppel.

Acknowledgements (reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-709971, all rights reserved)

Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House.

“O Taste and See” by Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House.

“Blessed Are They” Text and tune © 1996 Birnamwood Publications.

“Behold a Host, Arrayed in White” Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Reprinted by permission

of Augsburg Fortress.

“Psalm 98” Tune J. Robert Carroll © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. Tone © 1993 Northwestern

Publishing House.

pg. 14

pg. 15

Readings for the Week of Saints Triumphant

M Hebrews 11:1-7………………………………………… Hebrews 11:8-16

T 2 Timothy 1:6-12………………………………………. John 3:16-21

W Matthew 22:23-33……………………………………… 1 Corinthians 15:35-43

TH 2 Corinthians 2:14-17………………………………….. 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

F Hebrews 11:17-22……………………………………… Hebrews 11:23-31

S Revelation 2:12-17……………………………………... Revelation 21:1-7