Mt. Olive Ev. Lutheran Church

 

www.mtolive-wels.net

 

1460 Almond Avenue

St. Paul, Minnesota  55108

 

651.645.2575

 

A Praying Church

 

Carl R. Henkel, pastor

651.631.8625

carl.henkel@juno.com

 

Reformation Sunday

 

 

November 4, 2007    9:00am

 

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

 

Please Don’t Rush Off After The Worship Service.  Stick around for a time of socializing and refreshments.  We hope you are able to stay!  The Education Hour will follow.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Assisting Us In Worship This Morning

 

Elvera Baran and Jan Harris, greeters

Greg Schuyler, head usher

Linda Henkel, organist

Nicole Burkhardt, accompanist

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Gather To Worship The Lord

 

WORDS OF WELCOME

 

It began in the early 16th century when a troubled professor at Wittenberg University in Eisleben, Germany, was convinced by the words recorded in Romans that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works.  This changed not only his life, but also the lives of many who listened to his preaching, studied his teaching, and read his writings.  Saved by faith in Jesus Christ!  That truth lives on in our church's preaching and teaching today. As this truth changed Luther's life and the lives of many in his time, it has and will continue to change our lives and the lives of many others in our time.

 

+ PREPARATION +

 

OPENING HYMN                                                               Hymn #538 (please stand for stanza 5)

"The Church’s One Foundation"

 

INVOCATION

 

Pastor:      In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

People:    Amen.

 

Pastor:      God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

People:    Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.                                                                                                   Psalm 46:1-2

 

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

 

Pastor:      Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

People:    let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

                                                                                                               Hebrews 12:1

 

Pastor:      As we become aware of the sin in our lives, God calls us to repentance.

(silence for personal confession)

 

Pastor:      Almighty and all-merciful God,

People:    We confess before You that we have sinned in the way we have thought, spoken, and acted.  We have not loved You with all our passion and prayer and intelligence and energy, nor have we loved others as we love ourselves.  Forgive us for the sake of Jesus.  Amen.

 

Pastor:      We fix our eyes on Jesus, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross for us, that we might have forgiveness of sin and new life.  By His command, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

People:    Thanks be to God.  Amen.

 

Pastor:      The peace of the Lord is upon you.

People:    And also upon you.

 

Sing:        Glory and honor, praise, adoration,                         (sung to the tune of Hymn #346)

Be to You, O God Most High.

Peace from the Father, Peace to His people,

All who on His grace rely.

Lord God Almighty, we give You worship,

We praise and thank You, for all Your glory,

King everlasting, Alleluia!

We bless Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior,

Son of the Father, Lamb who is worthy

Of praise forever, Alleluia!

 

PRAYER

 

Pastor:      Almighty God, You daily provide refuge and strength to Your children.  Watch over us and protect us from all evil that may befall us and those we love.  Help us to hold to Your Word that the devil, the world, and our own sinful human nature will not lead us into sin and unbelief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

People:    Amen.

 

+ BAPTISM +

 

Abbigale Siri Fulwider                                           daughter of Joshua R. & Rebecca S. Fulwider

 

Pastor:      Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His church the command to baptize when He said in the last chapter of Matthew: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

People:    Scripture makes plain the universal need for Baptism.  As children of Adam, we belong to a fallen race.  From our parents we inherit a sinful nature and would be lost forever unless delivered by our Lord Jesus Christ.  He willingly took on Himself the curse of sin and by His death on the cross redeemed us and all people.

 

Pastor:  Christ's almighty word gives Baptism its power to save.  Peter declares, “Baptism now saves you.” Scripture also clearly teaches that the power and promise of Baptism is intended for young and old alike.  On the day of Pentecost the apostle testified, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call.” By water and the Spirit, we are born again and united with Christ and His people as members of the Church.

 

The minister marks the sign of the cross and says:

 

Pastor:      Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (†) to mark you as one redeemed by Jesus.

 

In bringing Abbigale to baptism, you are doing what is God-pleasing.  Jesus Himself invited little children to become a part of His kingdom when He said: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

 

Pastor:  Let us pray.

            Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father: through Your stern judgment the unbelieving world was destroyed by the flood, but according to Your great mercy, You saved Noah and his family.  You engulfed stubborn Pharaoh and his army in the waters of the Red Sea but led Your people through those same waters to safety on dry land.  In the waters of the Jordan Your own Son was baptized and anointed with the Spirit.  By these signs You foreshadowed the precious, cleansing bath which You give us in Holy Baptism.

People:    Clinging to Your command and promise, we ask that You would look with favor upon Abbigale. Through this water of Baptism, drown in her all sin inherited from Adam and any other evil she may do.  Set her apart from the unbelieving world and hold her safe and secure in the holy ark of the Church.  Keep her always fervent in spirit and joyful in hope so that she may honor Your holy name and at last receive, together with all Your people, the promised inheritance of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Pastor:  Let us confess the faith of the Church, the faith into which Abbigale will be baptized, the Apostles' Creed.

All:       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.

 

 

The minister says to the parents of the child presented for baptism:

 

Pastor:  Do you desire to have your child, Abbigale Siri, baptized into this Christian faith?

Parents:    Yes.

 

The minister applies water to the one being baptized as he says:

 

Pastor:  Abbigale Siri Fulwider, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

 

The Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has forgiven all your sins.  By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in heaven.  May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life.  Peace be with you.

 

To the parents, the minister says:

 

Pastor:  Dear parents: Our Lord Jesus Christ, in instituting Baptism, not only commanded that children should be baptized, but that they should be taught to obey everything He has commanded us. I, therefore, ask you:

            Do you sincerely intend to bring up Abbigale in the way of the Lord and to instruct her in the truths of God's saving Word so that she may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and remain in her baptismal grace unto the end?  If so, answer: Yes, and we ask God to help us.

Parents:    Yes, and we ask God to help us.

 

To the sponsors, the minister says:

 

Pastor:  Dear sponsors: Abbigale has been baptized in the name of the Triune God. It shall be your privilege and responsibility to remember her in your prayers, to remind her of her baptism, and, as far as possible, to give your counsel and aid that she may be brought up in the true knowledge of God according to the teachings of the Scriptures as confessed by our Lutheran Church.  If you intend gladly and willingly to do this, then answer: Yes, and we ask God to help us.

Sponsors:  Yes, and we ask God to help us.

 

To the congregation, the minister says:

 

Pastor:  Brothers and sisters in Christ, Our Lord commands that we teach His precious truths to all who are baptized. Christian love therefore urges all of us to assist in whatever manner possible so that Abbigale may remain a child of God until death.  If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, and we ask God to help us.

People:    Yes, and we ask God to help us.

 

BAPTISMAL PRAYER

 

ANTHEM                                                                                                 Liberty and Grier Belter

“Father Welcomes All His Children”

 

+ WORD +

 

OLD TESTAMENT                                                                                          Jeremiah 31:31-34

(During a dark hour for the nation of Israel, God gives the people hope of a new covenant

to replace the old one given through Moses at Sinai.)

 

CHILDREN’S ANTHEM                                                                            “Sola Song” (see insert)

Choir sings stanza 4

Congregation joins in singing stanza 5

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE                                     “We’re Saved ‘Sola’ But Not Meant To Live ‘Sola’”

 

EPISTLE LESSON                                                                                             Romans 3:19-28

(Paul shares with his readers that through faith comes the righteousness of God.)

 

CHOIR ANTHEM                                                                                               “Amazing Grace”

 

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                                  John 8:31-36

(Jesus reminds His followers that abiding in His Word will reveal God's truth to them,

and God's truth will set them free from the power of sin.)

 

Pastor:      This is the Gospel of our Lord.

People:    Praise to You, O Christ.

 

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN                                                                                       Hymn #203

“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”

 

PASTOR’S MESSAGE                                                                                       Romans 3:22-24

“No Difference!”

 

GATHERING OF THE OFFERINGS

 

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN                                                                                       Hymn #199

“In Trembling Hands, Lord God, We Hold”

 

+ PRAYER +

 

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

Pastor:     Almighty God, gracious Father, we praise You for Your power and might, Your mercy and grace, Your wondrous deeds, Your bountiful care.  You fill heaven and earth; nothing is hidden from You.  Look with compassion on Your servants who come before Your throne of grace.  Lord, in Your mercy,

People:   hear our prayer.

 

Pastor:     For all who endure hardship as discipline that though painful, it will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace, Lord, in Your mercy,

People:   hear our prayer.

 

Pastor:     For those who face persecution for the sake of the Gospel, even to the point of shedding blood, that they may be encouraged to hold fast to their Savior and witness boldly in His name, Lord, in Your mercy,

People:   hear our prayer.

 

Pastor:     For those who suffer sickness and infirmity of body, dryness of spirit, who have troubled hearts and minds, who face struggles in relationships, that You would bring wholeness and relief, to Your glory, Lord, in Your mercy,

People:   hear our prayer.

 

Pastor:     That You would bring the fire of Your love, igniting the hearts of Your people, and the fire of Your Word, condemning the proud but comforting the afflicted, and the celestial fire of Your Spirit, filling Your people, Lord, in Your mercy,

People:   hear our prayer.

 

Pastor:     O Holy Father in heaven,

People:   You are compassionate and gracious.

 

Pastor:     For our world which seems bent upon its own destruction, that above the many voices of violence, Your Gospel of peace might ring out clearly for all to hear and to heed, we pray:

People:   hallowed be Thy name.

 

Pastor:     For Your holy Church here and throughout all the world, that Your Spirit strengthen our faith and keep us in the pure teaching of Your word, and in godly living, we pray:

People:   Thy kingdom come.

 

Pastor:     For the enemies of the cross, that their plans and power be broken, their hearts softened, and their destruction averted, we pray:

People:   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

 

Pastor:     For the sick, that they may be healed, for the hungry that they may be fed, for the unemployed that they may find jobs, for the aged that they may be cared for, for our relationships with family, society, and nation, that they may be wholesome, for those who rejoice in special blessings, and that we may know all good things come from You, we pray:

People:   give us this day our daily bread.

 

Pastor:     For ourselves, that we may have abundant life in and through You, and that we might love our neighbors as ourselves, we pray:

People:  forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

 

Pastor:     For the destitute, the despairing, the depressed and addicted, and for all who suffer the attacks of the devil, the world, and our flesh, that we may not be destroyed by them, we pray:

People:  lead us not into temptation.

 

Pastor:     For those who grieve, and for all who face or fear death, that they may continually place their trust in You for the final victory in heaven, we pray:

People:   deliver us from evil.

 

Pastor:     Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy through Jesus Christ,

People:   for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

 

BENEDICTION

 

CLOSING HYMN                                                                                                       Hymn #201

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

 

tttttttttt

 

 

This Week At Mt. Olive

 

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

                             9:00am           Family Worship Time

                           10:00am           Social Time

                           10:30am           Education Hour

                             4:00pm           Area Reformation Festival at SCLHS

Monday:              4:00pm           “Cross-Eyed Warriors” Bible Study

                             6:15pm           Outreach Committee Meeting

                             7:00pm           “Beautiful Feet” Bible Study

Wednesday:         5:30pm           Confirmation Class

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

Friday:                 4:30pm           Book Fair Begins

                             6:30pm           Reformation Renewal Seminar (Muslim Outreach)

Next Sunday:      6:30am           “Time of Grace” on KMSP, Channel 9

                             9:00am           Family Worship Service with Holy Communion

                           12:00pm           Coordinating Council Meets / Fireside Room

 

The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month during November and December.  Please note the change.

 

Be Sure To Pick Up copies of the new issue of “Meditations” along with “Linkage”, “Clearly Caring”, and “Mission Connection” from the back of church this morning.  Thanks!

 

Thrivent Fall 2007 South Ramsey County Chapter Board Elections:  Voting will take place here at Mt. Olive today and again next Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.

 

A New Bible Information Class will be starting up soon.  This course on basic Bible doctrine may be used as a “refresher course” for new or life-long members, young or old.  It is also an introduction to the Bible and our church, leading to membership in the congregation.  If you or anyone you may want to bring along would like to attend, please register by calling the church office (651-645-2575) as soon as possible.

 

Reserve This Friday, Nov. 9th, for a special 3-hour seminar (6:30-9:30pm) here at Mt. Olive by a former Muslim, now a WELS Christian.  Refreshments will be served.  In addition, we are having a Book Fair from 4:30-6:30pm where a large variety of books will be available to purchase.

 

Crusader Volunteers From St. Croix Lutheran High School announce their 11th Annual Craft Sale this Saturday, November 10th, from 9am to 4pm.  Admission is free, plus lots of arts and crafts, bake sale, food, and entertainment to be enjoyed!

 

Our Sixth Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, celebrated together with our brothers and sisters from Mt. Olive Chinese Church, has been scheduled for Saturday, November 17th.  Please sign up this morning.  Also, we could use your help to put on this tasty event.  Please contact Jane Murray if you’d like to help.  Plan also to bring a friend.  Thanks!

 

St. Croix Lutheran High School Children's Theatre will present The Arabian Nights on Saturday, November 17, at 2:00pm and 7:00pm and Sunday, November 18, at 2:00pm. It is directed by Mr. Thomas Hansen and will be presented in the school auditorium. Admission is $1.00 for children through eighth grade, $3.00 for high school students, $3.00 for senior citizens and $4.00 for adults. Tickets are available at the door.

 

Our Fall Congregational Assembly will be held Sunday, November 18th, beginning at 10:30am.  One of the items on the agenda will be the 2008 congregational budget.  Everyone is cordially invited to attend.

 

The Worship Committee has plans to project the liturgy, hymns, and sermon notes and illustrations on the “big screen”.  They have purchased a high-power projector and precision, wide-angle lens to project from the balcony.  Would you be willing to partially or totally fund this new projection system?  If so, please contact the church office.  What we really need now is a video tech crew to put together the Sunday Power Point slides and then operate the laptop and projector for Sunday morning worship.  Please contact the church office as soon as possible.

 

The Altar Guild would like to replace the paraments in our church (the liturgically colored pulpit, lectern, and altar hangings and the accompanying pastor’s stole) and therefore announce the formation of a new Parament Fund to receive your contributions.  If you would like to make a special gift to this fund, checks may be made out to the Mt. Olive Altar Guild, with “Parament Fund” written on the memo line.  If you would like to give a gift in memory of loved ones, please note that also.  Thank you!

 

The Lutheran Home 109th Anniversary: "On November 6 [1898] the festive dedication of our Home for Orphans and the Aged took place. Favored with beautiful fall weather, guests from near and far joyously gathered for this festive dedication. [People] Not only from the neighboring congregations of Blakely, Jordan and Lanesburg, who canceled their services and appeared almost in their entirety with their pastors, but also St. Paul, Minneapolis, Stillwater, Mankato and other places were present. It must also be joyfully noted that all the citizens of Belle Plaine actively participated. The choir from St. Peter, the orchestra from Lanesburg, as well as the Belle Plaine City Band contributed not a little to the spirit and enthusiasm of the celebration with their melodies. ... Gifts for the day were $152.75. Six elderly people had already moved in as residents of the building on the day of dedication. ...The construction costs of this project, including heating and plumbing works, amounted to $7,400."

 

 

Christmas Flowers

The Altar Guild is once again offering flowers for the Christmas season. Following is an order blank with the choices available. Please fill it out, attach a check to Mt. Olive Altar Guild, and either give it to Mary Holen or put in the Altar Guild mailbox by the ushers’ station.  Linder’s needs our order by December 3rd, so will need your order in by Sunday, December 2nd.  Thank you for helping to beautify God’s House!

 

Size and Color

Quantity

Price each

Subtotal

Total

6 ½ inch burgundy poinsettias 

(3-5 blooms)

 

 

$8.00

 

 

6 ½  inch marble (pink and white) poinsettias (3-5 blooms)

 

 

$8.00

 

 

7 ½ inch burgundy poinsettias

(2 pinched plants 4-7 blooms)

 

 

$15.00

 

 

7 ½ inch marble (pink and white) poinsettias (2 pinched plants 4-7 blooms)

 

 

$15.00

 

&nb