The First Sunday After The Epiphany

January 13, 2008 9:00am

Thank You for sharing this time of worship with us. We're glad you're here! Do come again! If you do not have a local church home, we invite you to make your home with us. You will find Christian love, opportunities for spiritual growth, warm friendships, and an appreciation of being part of God’s family.

Large Print Hymnals and personal sound devices are available at the usher's station to help make worship more meaningful for those who may appreciate such assistance. Just ask one of the ushers before the service.

Today’s Chancel Flowers are given by George & Marlene Semling in honor of their 52^nd Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations!

Being Baptized this morning are Jose Manuel Baran and Emma Marie Palma Baran, children of Effren Palma and Michelle Lee Baran. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,” Mark 16:16.

Please Don’t Rush Off After The Worship Service! Stick around for some Birthday Cake in honor of Harold Rufledt’s birthday (January 17^th) provided by an anonymous giver who wants to express appreciation for all that Harold does here at church and for others. Happy Birthday, Harold! We hope all of you are able to stay!

Assisting Us In Worship This Morning

Elvera Baran and Jan Harris, greeters

Robert Averbeck, organist

We Gather To Worship The Lord

Order of Service: The Service of the Word, page 38 in the front of the hymnal

Hymns: 299 89 381 382

Message: Matthew 3:13-17

“I Need To Be Baptized By You, And Do You Come To Me?”

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 42:1-7

"Here is My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit on Him and He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out. In faithfulness He will bring forth justice; He will not falter or be discouraged till He establishes justice on earth. In His law the islands will put their hope."

This is what God the Lord says-- He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: "I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness; I will take hold of Your hand. I will keep You and will make You to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

EPISTLE Acts 10:34-38

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached-- how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.

HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."

Visitors: Please include your email address in the Friendship Register information. Thanks!

Door Offering – Today: Thanks to all who participated in this year’s Progressive Dinner and who contributed toward the earthquake relief efforts carried on through Missionary Terry Schultz in Peru. If you were unable to attend the Progressive Dinner but would still like to support the relief effort, there is a basket in the back of church this morning for your special offering. Thanks!

Pastor John Baumann of Mt. Olive Chinese Church will lead the worship here at Mt. Olive next Sunday, while Pastor Henkel is preaching for the 30^th Anniversary of Ascension Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN.

Christian Life Ministries invites you to its Annual Dinner next Sunday, January 20^th at SCLHS, beginning at 4:30pm. A door offering for CLM will be taken here at Mt. Olive next Sunday for those who would like to support the cause but can’t attend the dinner.

Position Available: Christian Life Ministries is looking for a new Assistant Director for our Life Center in Little Canada. Interested candidates need no prior experience but should be a WELS/ELS member with a strong heart for pro-life issues and working with individuals dealing with challenges due to pregnancy and parenting. The position entails an 8-10 hour work week with very flexible hours (perfect for individuals with school-age children) with a stipend of $300 per month. Training in the areas of counseling, intake procedures, coordination of services and responsibilities would be included. This is a unique and very rewarding way to witness to those in need of God’s love and concern for their lives and the lives of their children. If you are interested in an interview please contact Cheryl Tembreull or Rebecca Hillstrom at 651-649-3538, Monday thru Friday between the hours of 10-2 to set up an appointment time.

WELS Kingdom Workers will host its annual Mission Concert and Tinucci-catered Dinner on Sunday, January 27^th, at Bloomington Lutheran Church. This event is becoming more and more popular, and will feature the musical talents of Susan Ann, Caitlin Bandelin, the Cantabile Singers, and the Western Accents. Childcare will be provided. It begins at 4:00pm. Welcome!

This Week At Mt. Olive

Today: 8:45am Prayer Time in the Fireside Room

9:00am Family Worship Service

10:00am Refreshments and Social Time

10:30am Education Hour

Monday: 6:30pm Bible Information Class

7:00pm “Beautiful Feet” Bible Study

Tuesday: 12:30pm Lutheran Home Association Annual Meeting/Belle Plaine

Wednesday: 5:30pm Confirmation Class

Thursday: 10:00am “Explorers of the Word” Bible Study

Next Sunday: 9:00am Family Worship Service with Holy Communion

10:00am Social Hour

10:30am Sunday School (No Adult Education Hour)

10:30am Take Down Christmas Decorations