GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS March 9, 2014

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Lord Jesus, true God and true Man, You were tempted in every way just as I am tempted, yet You remained without sin, keeping the Law perfectly for me and for all. As the perfect once and for all sacrifice You have given me forgiveness of sins and eternal life. By Your Spirits power keep me strong in my faith so that I might resist the temptations of the flesh, the world and the devil. Further empower me to live for You who lived, died and rose again for me. In Your name I pray. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! On Wednesday evening the Church began the forty days of Lent. This morning is the First Sunday in Lent. Though not counted in the forty days, each Sunday in Lent takes on the penitential character of the season. During our yearly Lenten pilgrimage to the cross we recognize our need to repent of our sins, rejoice in our Baptisms and look ahead to the empty tomb of Easter which gives us the blessed hope of everlasting life. We are glad you are here with us this morning! If you are visiting it is our prayer that you faith will be strengthened through Gods Word read, sung and preached. If you would like to know more about this family of believers in Christ, please speak with our Pastor. We invite you to come and worship with us again. We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Restrooms are located on the lower level of this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions please ask one of our greeters or ushers. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs for anyone who has need.

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion will be celebrated in our 8:15 Service today. In this sacrament we receive Christs very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Those who are not members of Grace are asked to speak with our Pastor before partaking of this sacrament so that the unity of faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request.

AS WE GATHER
We live in an age where people run the risk of having their personal information or even their identity stolen. We often call this crime identity theft. In our reading from Matthew today, we find Satan challenging Jesus identity. Immediately after Jesus is baptized, where the voice of God the Father identifies Him as His Son, Jesus is led immediately into the wilderness. There, Satan tempts Jesus to prove His identity as the Son of God. Jesus does not fall for the devils identity-challenging scheme. Later, outside of Jerusalem, however, Jesus will show that He really is the Son of God as He dies on the cross for the sins of the world, carrying out His identity and mission as Gods Son.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His house by Harold Wells in loving memory of his mother Mrs. Edith Wells and in thanksgiving for Gods many blessings. THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Vicar: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Communion Assistant: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeter: (8:15) Altar Guild: (8:15) Acolyte: (10:45) Cantor: (10:45) Ushers: (10:45) Greeters: Altar Guild: Choir: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (10:45) (10:45) Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Lily Woodyard Anna Lane Dave Graf Terry Bradshaw, Gary Goldsby, Jim Marvin Jim and Florence Marvin Sandy Price Jack Manchester Ron Krueger Charlie Buchanan, Terry Clawitter Bryan Gipson, Dave Roberts Rich and Beverly Sanders Charlotte and Sarah Johnson Handbell Choir Tim and Sandy Sweeney Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

(Wed. evening)

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, March 16th, The Second Sunday in Lent, are: Old Testament Reading: Genesis 12:1-9, Epistle Reading: Romans 4:1-8, 13-17, and Gospel Reading: John 3:1-17.
Grace Lutheran Church P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225 www.gracelutheranlr.org Telephone Number: 501-663-3631

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THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God LSB 657
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Jacob B. Weber

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Johann Pachelbel

Confession and Absolution

Stand The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation
P C

Matthew 28:19b; [18:20]

In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
1 John 1:89

Exhortation
P C

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.

Confession of Sins
P C Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what

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we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. 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

Absolution (8:15)
P

John 20:1923

Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
John 1:12; Philippians 1:6

Declaration of Grace (10:45)

P

In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Service of the Word

Introit
Ps. 91:913; antiphon: Ps. 91:1516

P When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; C I will rescue him and honor him. P With long life I will satisfy him C and show him my salvation. P Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place C the Most High, who is my refuge P no evil shall be allowed to befall you, C no plague come near your tent. P For he will command his angels concerning you C to guard you in all your ways. P On their hands they will bear you up, C lest you strike your foot against a stone.

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P You will tread on the lion and the adder; C the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. C Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen P When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; C I will rescue him and honor him. P With long life I will satisfy him C and show him my salvation.

Canticle: Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved

LSB 945

1970 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100011479. Public domain

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Salutation and Collect of the Day

Let us pray. O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sit

Anthem Old Testament Reading

P C This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

What Wondrous Love Is This - Douglas E. Wagner Genesis 3:121

Gradual

Heb. 12:2

[O come, let us fix our eyes on] | Jesus,* the founder and perfecter | of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despis- | ing the shame,* and is seated at the right hand of the | throne of God.

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Epistle
P C
Stand

Romans 5:1219

This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Verse of the Day

Eph. 6:11

P Put on the whole ar- | mor of God,* that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the | devil.

Verse for Lent

Joel 2:13

1978 Lutheran Book of Worship.

Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fourth chapter.

Matthew 4:111

The reading of the Holy Gospel.

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This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken Sermon Hungry?
Stand

LSB 521 Matthew 4:111

Nicene Creed (8:15)

C I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

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And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen

Apostles' Creed (10:45)

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And 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 sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence 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 T everlasting. Amen

Prayer of the Church

P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Each petition ends with the following: P C Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

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The prayers conclude with the following: P C

Sit

Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Offering
Stand

Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken - Robert Lind

Offertory

Psalm 116:12-13, 17-19

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10:45 Service continues on page 16

Service of the Sacrament (8:15)

Preface
2 Timothy 4:22; [Colossians 3:1]; [Psalm 136]

Proper Preface
P 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, our Lord, who overcame the assaults of the devil and gave His life as a ransom for many that with cleansed hearts we might be prepared joyfully to celebrate the paschal feast in sincerity and truth. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

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Sanctus

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

Prayer of Thanksgiving
P Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross. Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Matthew 26:2628; Mark 14:2224 Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:2325

The Words of Our Lord

P

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat; this is My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.

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In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.

Proclamation of Christ
P C P

1 Corinthians 11:26; Revelation 22:20

As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lords death until He comes. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
Matthew 6:913

Lord's Prayer
C 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

Pax Domini

John 20:19

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Agnus Dei

John 1:29

Sit

Distribution Communion Instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor says, Take and drink. Hymn: I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table Hymn: Jesus, Lead Thou On Hymn: Through Jesus' Blood and Merit LSB 618 LSB 718 LSB 746

Stand

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Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:2932

Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. Gracious God, our heavenly Father, You have given us a foretaste of the feast to come in the Holy Supper of Your Son's body and blood. Keep us firm in the true faith throughout our days of pilgrimage that, on the day of His coming, we may, together with all Your saints, celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which has no end; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Benediction

Numbers 6:2426

Closing Hymn: O Christ, You Walked the Road Postlude

LSB 424
O Christ, You Walked the Road - Sam Eatherton

Service Concludes (10:45)

Lord's Prayer
P C Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: 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
Matthew 6:913

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Concluding Collect
P Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Benediction
P C The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace. Amen

Closing Hymn: O Christ, You Walked the Road Postlude

LSB 424
O Christ, You Walked the Road - Sam Eatherton

Acknowledgments
Verse for Lent 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion
Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor following 8:15 Service

9:45 a.m. Sunday School downstairs in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Junior and Senior High classes downstairs in the church 9:45 a.m. Pastor Walters Bible Class upstairs in Parker Hall 10:45 a.m. Divine Service 12:15 p.m. Lauren Schlutermans Baby Boy Shower MON - FRI: 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center MONDAY: 6:00 p.m. Board of Evangelism 6:00 p.m. Board of Christian Education 7:00 p.m. Board of Elders TUESDAY: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 5:15 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:00 p.m. Board of Stewardship 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir WEDNESDAY: 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study at St. Vincents 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner served in Parker Hall 7:00 p.m. Lenten Service THURSDAY: 12:00 p.m. Noon Devotion with Pastor 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation NEXT SUNDAY: 6:00 p.m. Lenten Service of Evening Prayer followed by a Reception in Parker Hall TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, the children will study the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:111). Like us, Jesus was tempted by Satan to sin. Yet, for us, He overcame all temptation because we cannot. In your family discussions, consider how we are tempted to rely on ourselves and to trust in our powers. Provide examples. Assure your children that God lovingly provides all that we need for this life and eternity, doing all things for us and ordering our days and life in His peace. PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets each Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m. upstairs in Parker Hall. This morning Pastor Walter will begin a new study of the Letter to the Hebrews. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th grade meet in the lower level of the Family Life Center. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES meet in their classrooms downstairs in the church. - 18 -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: March 9 Wes Mainard March 10 Lydia Bemberg March 13 Jeremy Hammond March 15 Bryan Gipson, Jaycie Goodwin, Deena Reynolds REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Donna Langlais is recovering at home following surgery. Allen Deislinger continues his cardiac rehab. Grant Geuther continues his rehab at Fort Roots Veterans Rehab. Harold Wells continues his recovery at home. Sherry Bischof is continuing her treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 3/2: 150 (8:15 92 and 10:45 58). Ash Wednesday 3/5: 118. Offerings: Sunday 3/2: $11,763.00. Mid-week 2/26: $490.00. Memorials: $75.00. Building Fund: $700.00. Missions: $50.00. Seminary Scholarship Fund: $200.00. LENTEN SERVICE The mid-week Lenten Services continue this Wednesday, March 12th, at 7:00 p.m. The theme for this Lenten series is CROSSWORDS. The focus this week is You will be with Me in Paradise - Luke 23:39-43. Dinner will be served before the service in Parker Hall at 5:30 p.m. The LWML Evening Guild will be serving Swedish meatballs on rice. 7TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor. 8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor. BOARD OF EVANGELISM will meet on Monday, March 10th, at 6:00 p.m. on the bridge. Pat Funk is the director. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION will meet on Monday, March 10th, at 6:00 p.m. in Parker Hall. Bob Bryant is the director. BOARD OF ELDERS will meet on Monday, March 10th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Gary Proud is the director. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP meeting is rescheduled for Tuesday, March 11th, and they will meet on the bridge. Joel Junkans is the director. SCHLUTERMAN BABY SHOWER Youre invited to a Baby Boy Shower for Lauren Schluterman today at 12:15 p.m. (immediately following the 10:45 Service) in the Church Parlor. Lauren and Craig are registered at Babies R Us and Amazon.com. The hostesses are Megan Calvillo, Alisa Coffey, Pat Funk, Anna Lane, Jennifer Wunderlich, Paula Walter and Megan Witte.

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NOON DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR is this Thursday, March 13th, at 12:00 noon in Parker Hall. Bring a sandwich and join us as Pastor Walter leads us in a Bible study. Drinks, chips, and dessert are provided. Bring a friend and join us this is a great opportunity for Bib le study and fellowship.

THANK YOU We are so thankful for our Grace family. We appreciate all of your cards and phone calls, and especially your prayers, for us while we have not been able to come to church. You are truly a blessing. Harold and Elwanda Wells NEW ADDRESS As you know, our dear friend Nancy Finkbeiner has moved to Georgia. She is looking forward to hearing from her Grace Family, so here is her new address: 6080 Lakeview Road #703, Warner Robins, GA 31088. LWML EVENING GUILD Our Women of Grace will celebrate our Evening Guilds 56th birthday with dinner at La Casa Real Restaurant on Thursday March 20th, at 6:00 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the Lords blessings for 56 years of service to our Lord here at Grace. Please call Joan Ann Olsen at 851-4223 to make your reservation. Directions to La Casa Real: In the Market Place Shopping Center off of Rodney Parham-same side as Franke's Restaurant about half way down the center. WORK WEEKEND ON PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN March 21st-23rd - The Lutheran Camp on Petit Jean needs volunteers to clean up downed trees and limbs from this winters ice storm, build a walkway between the dining hall and cabins, and get the camp buildings ready for the season. The work weekend will include free meals and bunks, along with devotions, songs and a campfire. Volunteers can reserve a bunk and meals by calling Camp Director David Cox at 501-652-6304. Bring chain saws and other tools. MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MRS. EFFIE HANKS Aunt of Marietta Gutierrez TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Rudy and Sherry Bischof

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CROSSWORDS
Lenten Services 7:00 p.m. Lenten Dinners 5:30 p.m. in Parker Hall You will be with Me in Paradise Luke 23:39-43 Dinner - LWML Swedish Meatballs and rice Behold Your Son; Behold Your Mother John 19:25-27 Dinner - JOY Club Tacos My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Matthew 27:45-49 Dinner ACTS Group Chicken Spaghetti I Thirst" John 19:28-29 Dinner Adult Choir Ham, mashed potatoes and salad It is Finished! John 19:30 Dinner Grace Youth Baked Potatoes with all the fixins!

Midweek Lent 1 March 12th

Midweek Lent 2 March 19th

Midweek Lent 3 March 26th

Midweek Lent 4 April 2nd

Midweek Lent 5 April 9th

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A Lenten Service
of

Evening Prayer
March 16th 6:00 p.m.
at

Grace Lutheran Church 5124 Hillcrest Little Rock, Arkansas

Featuring the Central Arkansas Kantorei
Participants are men from Lutheran Churches in Central Arkansas Nathan Beethe, Director For more information, contact Nathan Beethe at 501-663-3631 or nathan@gracelutheranlr.org A Reception will be held following the Service in Parker Hall

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