ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST August 9, 2026
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Wisconsin Synod
Pastor Rev. Christopher Oehlke Pastor’s Phone: 1-262-909-7827
Organist Karen Davis, Mindy Kane, 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 Upon Entering Church
Almighty, ever-living God, grant that I may gladly hear your Word and that all my worship may be acceptable to You; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
SERVICE OF THE WORD
HYMN (#256) “How Great Thou Art”
1. O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed.
Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee,
“How great thou art! How great thou art!”
Then sings my soul, my Savior-God to thee,
“How great thou art! How great thou art!”
2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze, [Refrain]
3. And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin. [Refrain]
4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim: “My God, how great thou art!” [Refrain]
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.
PRAYER AND PRAISE
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
C: (Sung) Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessed are they who take refuge in him.
Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues forever.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessed are they who take refuge in him.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Let us pray. Almighty and most merciful God, preserve us from all harm and danger that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish what you want done; 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 Job 38:4-18
4 Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you understand anything about it. 5 Who determined its dimensions? I am sure you know. Who stretched out the surveying line over it? 6 What supports its foundation? Who set its cornerstone in place, 7when the morning stars sang loud songs together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 Who locked up the sea behind doors when it burst out of the womb? 9 When I clothed the sea with clouds, when I wrapped it with thick darkness as its swaddling cloths, 10 when I broke its power with my decree, when I locked it up behind barred, double doors, 11 I said, “You may come this far, but no farther. Here is the barrier for your proud waves.” 12 Have you ever in all your days given a command to the morning? Have you ever set a time for the sun to rise, 13 so it may grab the earth by its edges and shake the wicked out of it? 14 The earth’s shapes become visible like designs impressed on clay, and its decorations can be seen like those on a garment. 15 Their light is withheld from the wicked, and an uplifted arm is broken. 16 Have you ever traveled to the sources of the sea or walked around in the dark depths of the ocean? 17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? 18 Do you comprehend the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM OF THE DAY (Sung) Psalm 73C
1. My feet had al-most slipped; I near-ly lost my hold
When wick-ed lies were on the lips of ar-ro-gant and bold,
Their un-re-pent-ant mouths caused mis-er-y and fears
Un-til I en-tered God’s own house and wiped a-way my tears.
2. My sanc-tu-ar-y sure, my por-tion and my rest,
The Lord re-mains my hope se-cure, the ref-uge of the blest.
His pres-ence cheers my soul, his right hand holds me fast;
He guides my path with his con-trol, takes me to heav’n at last.
3. My flesh and heart may fail but God is still my strength;
His prom-is-es will soon pre-vail and o-ver-come at length.
Whom have I, Lord, but you? I turn my eyes from earth
And seek those things which, good and true, a-lone have price-less worth.
SECOND LESSON Romans 8:28-39
28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose, 29 because those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called. Those he called, he also justified. And those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What then will we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him? 33 Who will bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies! 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died and, more than that, was raised to life, is the one who is at God’s right hand and who is also interceding for us! 35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, nor powerful forces, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
VERSE OF THE DAY
M: Alleluia. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Alleluia. (Hebrews 11:1)
C: (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
These words are written that we may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
GOSPEL Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately Jesus urged the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed the crowd, he went up onto the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24 By then the boat was quite a distance from shore, being pounded by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and cried out in fear, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once, saying, “Take heart! It is I! Do not be afraid.” 28 Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 Jesus said, “Come!”
Peter stepped down from the boat, walked on the water, and went toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid. As he began to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God!” (EHV)
M: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: (Sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!
HYMN OF THE DAY (#415) Be Still, My Soul
1 Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear pa-tient-ly the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to or-der and pro-vide;
In ev-’ry change he faith-ful will re-main.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’n-ly friend
Through thorn-y ways leads to a joy-ful end.
2 Be still, my soul; your God will un-der-take
To guide the fu-ture as he has the past.
Your hope, your con-fi-dence, let noth-ing shake;
All now mys-te-rious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he lived be-low.
3. Be still, my soul, though dear-est friends de-part
And all is dark-ened in the vale of tears;
Then you will bet-ter know his love, his heart,
Who comes to soothe your sor-rows and your fears.
Be still, my soul; your Je-sus can re-pay
From his own full-ness all he takes a-way.
4 Be still, my soul; the hour is has-t’ning on
When we shall be for-ev-er with the Lord,
When dis-ap-point-ment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sor-row for-got, love’s pur-est joys re-stored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and bless-ed we shall meet at last.
SERMON TEXT Romans 8:28-39
SERMON THEME “According to His Purpose”
APOSTLES’ CREED
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.
THANKSGIVING
OFFERING – Please leave offering in the plate as you depart.
HYMN (#449) “Children of the Heavenly Father”
1 Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in his bosom gather;
Nestling bird or star in heaven
Such a refuge ne’er was given.
2 God his own doth tend and nourish;
In his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things he spares them;
In his mighty arms he bears them.
3 Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord his children sever;
Unto them his grace he showeth,
And their sorrows all he knoweth.
4 Though he giveth or he taketh,
God his children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
M: O Lord, our God, you are wise and powerful, good and gracious.
Your mercies are new every morning. Each day you open your
hand and provide for the needs of your children on earth.
C: We praise you for every grace and blessing.
M: Strengthen your Church in all the world. Let your comforting
message of salvation in Christ Jesus be proclaimed to troubled
souls everywhere.
C: Use our ministries and offerings to extend your healing and
your hope.
M: We bring you our requests for the various structures of our
society. Bless our national, state, and local governments.
C: Grant us civil servants who are worthy of honor and respect.
M: Grant prosperity to our businesses and industries. Give employers
a sense of fairness toward their workers, and employees a feeling
of joy and pride in their workmanship.
C: Help us find satisfaction in all work well done.
M: Invigorate the schools of our land. Give success to every effort
that helps students read, think, and communicate in ways that will
promote an informed and responsible citizenry. Arouse curious
minds to discover the wonders of your created order.
C: Give us teachers and students who pursue excellence.
M: Strengthen the families of our country. Give fathers and mothers a
renewed commitment to be good parents. Give children and
young people the wisdom to regard their parents as your
representatives.
C: Lead us to love one another as you have loved us.
M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.
Silent prayer.
M: Gracious Father, we pray boldly as Jesus taught, with the
confidence that you will hear and with the faith that you will
respond for our welfare.
C: 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.
M: Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strengthened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
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.
C: (Sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.
HYMN “He Will Hold Me Fast”
1. When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold Through life’s fearful path,
For my love is often cold He must hold me fast.
Refrain: He will hold me fast; He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
2. Those He saves are His delight; Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast.
He’ll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
Refrain: He will hold me fast; He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
3. For my life He bled and died; Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight When he comes at last!
Refrain: He will hold me fast; He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST August 9, 2026
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
THE SCHEDULE
Tues., Aug. 11 6:30 p.m., Ladies Fellowship
Fri., Aug. 14 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Immanuel Volunteer Day at Wise Penny-work as much as you’d like
Next Sun., Aug. 16: Greeters: Frank Family
Shut-In Visitors for August: Dixon Family
OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS
SUMMER PICNIC THANK YOU: Well-deserved thanks to everyone who helped make this outdoor worship service and fund-raiser a success. And thank you to all who participated. Details in next week’s bulletin.
QUARTERLY MEETING NOTES: In addition to general reports, the recommendations for this year’s endowment allocation of $44,636.93 will be divided as follows: 10% Savings, 10% Capital Improvements; 15% Charitable Giving; 60% Education and 5% Outreach.
FOOD SHELF: The most recent donations made to benefit the Buffalo Food Shelf totaled 17 pounds plus $20 in cash/checks. Silver-labeled buckets are located in the coat racks in both the upper and lower narthex for this on-going service project with deliveries made monthly.
ATTENDANCE AT THE LORD’S HOUSE:
Sunday, Aug. 2 60
FOR THE LORD’S WORK: Aug. 2: General Fund-$5,255; West-$10; Salem-$10. Missions: July 26-$50; Aug. 2-$615; Year-to-date Missions-$13,067.
