THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY January 21, 2024
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Wisconsin Synod
Pastor Rev. Christopher Oehlke Pastor’s Phone: 1-262-909-7827
Organist Mindy Kane, Karen Davis, Church Telephone 763-682-4573
Lorraine Roush Email pastor@myimmanuel.org
WELCOME, VISITORS: We are glad you could be with us and we welcome you back any time. Please sign our “Welcome” card found in the pew holders or sign the guest book in the narthex/entry.
Prayer before Communion
We do not presume to come to your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the Lord who desires always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the body of your dear Son Jesus Christ and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him and he in us. Amen.
Guests—The Lord’s Supper has been described as powerful medicine. And so it is–it is the medicine of immortality. And as we all know, when it comes to powerful medicine, there are a few things you should know before taking it. We ask that our visitors first speak with our pastor to learn more about this powerful medicine of the Lord’s Supper before coming up. We are eager to have you share with us in this great gift and to do so in a way that gives you great benefit!
THE COMMON SERVICE
HYMN (#380) “Lord, ‘Tis Not that I Did Choose You”
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (Sung) Amen.
CONFESSION OF SINS
M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.
C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and
actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
C: (Sung) Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (Sung) Amen.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
GLORY BE TO GOD
C: (Sung) Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace,
good will toward men.
We praise you, we bless you, we worship you,
we glorify you, we give thanks to you, for your great glory,
O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world; receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father; have mercy on us.
For you only are holy; you only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the
glory of God the Father. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: The Lord be with you.
C: (Sung) And also with you.
M: Let us pray: Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we too may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captive; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
THE WORD
FIRST LESSON Jonah 3:1-5, 10
3 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Get up. Go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.”
3 So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh just as the word of the Lord had commanded. Now Nineveh was a great city to God. It required a three-day walk. 4 Jonah walked through the city for a day, and he called out, “Forty more days and Nineveh is going to be overthrown!” 5 The men of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least.
10 When God saw their actions, that they had turned from their evil way, God relented from the disaster which he said he would bring on them, and he did not carry it out. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM OF THE DAY (Sung) Psalm 62 (page 88)
SECOND LESSON 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we came to this conclusion: One died for all; therefore, all died. 15 And he died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves but for him, who died in their place and was raised again. 16 As a result, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we knew Christ according to the flesh, we no longer know him that way. 17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come! 18 And all these things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. And he has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, inasmuch as God is making an appeal through us. We urge you, on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him, who did not know sin, to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
VERSE OF THE DAY
M: Alleluia. I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. Alleluia. (Psalm 22:22)
C: (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
STAND
GOSPEL Mark 1:14-20
After the announcement of the Gospel, the congregation sings:
C: (Sung) Glory be to you, O Lord!
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. 15 “The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near! Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 16 As Jesus was going along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately Jesus called them. They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. (EHV)
M: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: (Sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,
and became fully human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
BE SEATED
HYMN (#453) “Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke”
SERMON TEXT Mark 1:14-20
SERMON THEME “Repent, Believe and Follow”
After the sermon, the congregation stands and sings:
C: (Sung) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not
your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.
OFFERING – Please leave offering in the plate as you depart.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Lord God, heavenly Father, You desire not the death of a sinner but that all would repent and believe the Gospel. In the epiphany of Your Son, Your time of salvation and Your kingdom have come near. As this world passes away, give faithfulness and urgency to Your Church to proclaim the Gospel of our God to all people. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of the harvest, as You called Simon Peter and Andrew, James and John to follow You and made them fishers of men, so send faithful preachers of Your Gospel in our time. Increase the spirit of generosity to all who support the missionaries, seminaries, colleges and other institutions of our Church for the spread of the Gospel and the service of God’s people. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Eternal Lord, in view of every current distress as the present form of this world passes away, give constancy and contentment to Your people in their God-given stations. Give comfort and faithfulness to the married, and strengthen them to pass on the faith to the next generation. Show kindness also to the unmarried and assure them of the holiness of their place in life, that they would be freed from anxiety and attend to holiness in body and spirit, undividedly devoted to You. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, turn us from every distracting anxiety and the dealings of this world that would draw our hearts away from Your blessed Gospel and its end, eternal life. Give us confidence in the resurrection and the peace of a clean conscience by the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name. Graciously behold and help those for whom we pray. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord, in Your Holy Sacrament You deliver the Gospel proclaimed by Your Son and won by His death in His true body and blood. Work repentance and faith in all who commune, and unite them in a sincere confession of Your divine truth at this altar. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
All these things and whatever else You know that we need, grant us, Father, for the sake of Him who died and rose again and now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
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.
THE SACRAMENT
PREFACE
M: The Lord be with you.
C: (Sung) And also with you.
M: Lift up your hearts.
C: (Sung) We lift them up unto the Lord.
M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
C: (Sung) It is good and right so to do.
M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lived among us as a human being and revealed his glory as your only Son, full of grace and truth. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
C: (Sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts:
heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: (Sung) Amen
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD
C: (Sung) O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us your peace. Amen.
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION HYMN (#308) “As Surely As I Live, God Said”
(#94) “O Jesus, King of Glory”
THANKSGIVING
SONG OF SIMEON
C: (Sung) Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
C: (Sung) And his mercy endures forever.
M: O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this sacrament. We also
pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
M: 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.
C: (Sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.
HYMN (#452) “Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus”
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY January 21, 2024
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
THE SCHEDULE
Tues., Jan. 23 2 p.m., Tuesday Bible Study
Wed., Jan. 24 6:30 p.m., Catechism Class
Next Sun., Jan. 14: Greeters: Loren & Vernetta Weese
OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS
THANK YOU: The new green altar cloth set has been donated in memory of Ruth Diethelm. Thank you to the Diethelm family.
PASTOR’S VACATION: Pastor will be on vacation from Jan. 25-31. If spiritual care is needed please reach out to Pastor Schuler from Salem Lutheran at 920-284-0172 or Pastor Russow also from Salem at 763-923-4749.
MLC AUXILIARY: There will be a plate offering next week to support the Martin Luther College Auxiliary which helps students with non-budgeted items.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for 2023 offerings are available in the narthex.
LENTEN SERVICE: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14. The theme for this year is “The Lord’s Prayer.”
The Benzers and Bakkes are again hosting the Soup Suppers from 5 to 6:30 p.m. They will be making one soup each week–their delicious chicken noodle soup (qty for 50) with artisan bread. If anyone else would like to make a second soup, they would be happy to share past recipes or enjoy something new. (Just let them know and they would reduce their quantity accordingly.) There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex for sweets to be served with the soup and bread plus options to help with set up (at 4:30), serving or clean-up (between 5 and 7).
ANNUAL VOTERS’ MEETING is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 4 after the worship service. Business will include election of officers (secretary, trustee, financial secretary) and setting goals for 2024. While the meeting is open to the entire congregation, voting is done by those men over 18 who have requested and been accepted by the voters’ assembly. Give prayerful consideration to becoming a voting member and, if asked (or willingly volunteer), to serving your church family in any capacity.
HELP WANTED: Preschool position available at Salem Lutheran School: Extended Day Care Teacher. Salem is currently seeking an enthusiastic individual to join the team providing care and activities for children from 3 to 5 years old during extended day hours from 2:30 to 5 p.m. with the option for additional hours. Whether you are available for one day, two days or the entire week, your presence would be valuable. The position is available immediately. Training and background check must be completed before starting. If interested, reach out to Lisa Charlson at lcharlson@salemwels.org or call 763-498-7283.
ATTENDANCE AT THE LORD’S HOUSE:
Sunday, Jan. 14 57
FOR THE LORD’S WORK: Jan. 14: General Fund-$1,827(Minimum Weekly Amount Needed=$2,375), West-$10, Salem-11.
VERSE OF THE DAY:
During the week memorize and think about this verse of the day:
I will declare your name to my people;
in the assembly I will praise you.
(Psalm 22:22)
New Paraments
The brocade used on the new paraments has a Luther Rose, grapevines, and a cross woven into the fabric. It is green to symbolize growth.
The Luther Rose: The cross in the center represents the total depravity of man and the tremendous sacrifice Christ made by giving up His life for the ungodly. The heart represents the love of God in sending His own Son to give His life for the salvation of the elect. Salvation is all grace, God’s gift. The rose represents the sinlessness and joy of Jesus Christ our Savior, and the cleansing and happiness we receive by His justifying grace. Having five petals, it also represents the five great truths of the Protestant Reformation: Sinners are saved by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone, on the basis of Scripture Alone to the glory of God Alone.
The Frontal is the long piece on the front of the altar. The two crosses are Greek crosses with each bar of the cross equal in length. The four bars represent the four Gospels. The bud at the end of each bar symbolizes spiritual growth in our faith and love for God and each other. In the center are three circles intertwined in a triangle. The triangle represents the Trinity–the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three circles intertwining symbolize the eternal quality of the Trinity, since the circle has no apparent beginning or ending. Each circle represents one of the persons in the Trinity. The vine on either side of the Trinity symbol represents growth in faith in our Triune God. John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
The Lectern and Pulpit Paraments: The VDMA symbol on the lectern is an acronym for the Latin phrase “Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum”. It means “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever”. It originates from 1 Peter 1:24, 25 “All flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” Peter is quoting Isaiah 40:6. It also has a Greek cross in the center. The VDMA symbol represents the core principles of the authority of Scripture and the primacy of God’s Word in the life of a believer. It is a reminder that the Word of God is a source of truth and guidance that transcends the changing tides of human history and reason. You notice the VDMA sits upon the open Bible, God’s Word with three markers for the Trinity.
The cross on the pulpit is intertwined with a grapevine and wheat stalk and represents Jesus’ crucifixion, the sacrifice of His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. The grapevine is a symbol of wine and the wheat stalk is a symbol of bread. It is in the Lord’s Supper that we receive the bread and wine which are Jesus’ true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins which gives life and salvation.
The Stole: The triangle and partial circles at the end of the stole symbolize the Trinity and its eternal existence.
From the information we have, the retired set was made by Mrs. G.H. Geiger in about 1957. Her husband served as pastor from 1953-1967. The embroidery pieces are marked as having been donated by Mrs. Alma Hahnke and Mrs. R. Hines.
