ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF STEINBACH INC. MEMBER OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CANADA

Sunday, October 22, 2017Sunday, October 22, 2017Sunday, October 22, 2017Sunday, October 22, 2017

Welcome to Our Traditional Worship ServiceWelcome to Our Traditional Worship ServiceWelcome to Our Traditional Worship ServiceWelcome to Our Traditional Worship Service

465 Henry Street, Steinbach MB R5G 0H1 204-326-3758 Fax 204-326-2548

email: office@stpaulsteinbach.org www.stpaulsteinbach.org

THE NUMBERS

ATTENDANCE: October 15: 9:25 - 180; 11:05 - 60 Christian Education - 73; Teachers/Helpers - 19

OFFERING: October 15 - $9,182.20

OUR MISSION

God’s purpose for St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is: Accepting all people through God’s grace,

sharing our faith in Christ, and making disciples.

Lead Pastor: Rev. Terry Gudmundson 204-380-3293

Associate Pastor: Rev. Melissa Frankland 204-293-7930

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

Tuesday 10:00 Moms & Tots 7:00 Reformation Study Session #2 Wednesday 6:30 am Men’s Fellowship 7:00 Scouts; Pioneer Girls 7:00 Reformation Choir Practice 7:00 Together in Christ Lutheran- Catholic Session # 2, La Broquerie Thursday 6:00 Youth @ Corn Maze 7:30 Bible study Sunday 10:00 Building Expansion Dedication Service followed by Reformation Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Sunday, Nov. 5, All Saints Sunday Service of Remembrance, 10:00 am

• Sunday, Nov. 12, Community Performance to commemorate 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, featuring narration by Daryl Braun, Eastman Male Choir, vignettes directed by David Klassen, 7:00 pm, Mennonite Heritage Village

DID YOU KNOW? THE REASON BEHIND

ICONS AND SYMBOLS

Since we will be talking about images

today during the message, I thought it would be a

good opportunity to talk about images that we

find in various churches. Perhaps when you were

able to attend different churches, you’ve noticed

the various images portrayed either in stain glass

windows, statues, or even Icons (from the Greek

word Eikona meaning image). They all serve an

important purpose in the life of the worshiping

community. But it is important to note, that

contrary to popular understanding, they were

never created to be worshipped. Instead, they

were created to help us in deepening our faith.

For example, stain glass windows, which depict

various biblical stories, happen to reach out to

both young and old, and especially to all who

cannot read. Think about it this way…what was

the first book you received as a child? I bet it was

a picture book! So those towering church win-

dows help to bring the Gospel message to all.

Icons do the same, they too are like the stain glass

windows, in that they tell a story. The interesting

thing about Icons is that they are symmetrically

designed to point us to God. Therefore, the focus

should never be on the Icon itself, but on our

Heavenly Father. Ultimately, all images, symbols,

and icons that we find in the various churches, are

not to be worshiped, but are to be carefully used

to help deepen our faith.

So the next time you see an icon, statue, symbols,

or stain glass windows with biblical stories,

remember they are not to be worshiped, but are

there to help us in deepening our faith.

CHURCH EXPANSION

DEDICATION &

REFORMATION

THANKSGIVING

DINNER

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

Worship Service 10:00 am

followed by

Potluck Dinner Turkey & Potatoes provided

Since we are expecting numerous guests,

please bring enough for your family

plus extra.

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE On Sunday, November 5, All Saints Day, we will be celebrating the lives of saints who have gone before us. In the first stage of the celebration we will light can-

dles for all those who have been buried through the ministry of St. Paul’s in the past year. In the second stage of the liturgy, we may light a candle to com-memorate the life of anyone who has left a hole in our lives by their death. There will be one service only, at 10:00 am. If you would like to participate in this special service by lighting a candle, please fill out the form included in this bulletin. Drop it in the collec-tion plate or submit it to the church office by Sunday, October 29.

HOLY COMMUNION

G od feeds and renews us with the presence of Jesus Christ. In Christ’s body and blood given to

us, God forgives us and nourishes us for mission. In response to the Lord’s invitation I come - confessing my sin, trusting that the Lord is truly present, believing that to receive Him is to receive forgiveness - to partake of the Lord’s Supper. People of all ages and faith commu-nities are welcome.

Holy Communion is served in a continuous format unless announced otherwise. Participants are asked to fill out a registration card, available in the pews or at both entrances, and place them in the baskets at the entrances, or in the offering plates.

Ushers will direct you toward the aisle to come forward to the serving stations. If you desire to commune, extend your hand to the server who will place a wafer in your hand. If you prefer a gluten-free wafer, simply say “gluten-free” to the server. Wine is served from the chalice or individual cups; white grape juice is served from individual cups.

Come and hold in your hand and taste on your lips the love we cannot comprehend.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the Life-gate that all may go in

Refrain:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,

And give him the glory, great things He hath done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!

To ev’ry believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. (refrain)

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son;

But purer and higher and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. (refrain)

HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 22:15-22

Congregational response after the announcement: Glory to you, O Lord.

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. 20Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ 21They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

L. The Gospel of the Lord. C. Praise to you, O Christ.

↓ Message Hymn of the Day:

“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” - # 759 ↑ Apostles’ Creed - p. 105 Prayers of the People Sharing of the Peace ↓ Offering Interlude: “Even As We Live Each Day” Text by Martin Luther Reformation Choir: “Sanctus” “Built on a Rock the Church Shall Stand” ↑ Offertory - Doxology - # 884 The Great Thanksgiving - p. 206-207 The Lord’s Prayer - p. 208 ↓ Communion Hymns (sung during the distribution): “O Lamb of God” - p. 208

“Now We Join in Celebration” - # 462

“When Peace like a River” - # 785

“Light Dawns on a Weary World” - # 726 “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” - # 335 ↑ Prayer after Communion The Benediction - Blessing Sending Song: “To God Be the Glory” - printed on back page

HOLY COMMUNION

Holy Communion is offered in the CONTINUOUS FORMAT today. Registration cards are available in the pews and at both entrances. Participants are

asked to fill out a card and place it in the basket provided or in the offering plate. All are welcome at God’s table.

PRAYER REMINDERS In your prayers this week, please remember Bob Angell, Jac Doerksen, Katarina Grienke, Kathy Doerksen, Chris Funk, Laura Heckert, Tina

Heckert, Wanda Hoehn, Marlene Klassen, Evelyn (Art) Krentz, Emma Kuehn, Henrietta Reimer, Helmuth Renz, Henry Schalla, Joan Schultz and Elsie Schilke.

IN LOVING MEMORY The flowers on the altar today have been placed by Alex and Ina Bloch in honor of Ina’s Opa, Waldemar Hahn, who passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17 in Germany. “His memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part.” Our sympathy to Alex and Ina on their loss. May our God of compassion grant comfort, strength and peace.

UNITED IN MARRIAGE United in marriage on Saturday, Oct. 14 at their home in LaSalle, MB were Brian and Kim (O’Brien) Beckman, with Pastor Terry officiating. May they be richly blessed as they begin a new journey together.

GIFTS OF REMEMBRANCE In a tribute of love and remembrance, Memorial Gifts have been received in memory of: * Adele Fender, who passed away October 3, 2017, from Bev Fender, Mark and Valerie Thiessen, Henry and Evelyn Harder, Norm and Glorian Mehling, Ron Dreger, Lou LaFerriere, Craig and Lorraine Boitson, Elenore Ulasy, Rick and Gladys Derksen, Art and Angeline Mensch, Marlene Trylinski and Brad and Estelle Petrick. * Lena Krentz, who passed away September 24, 2017, from Bev Fender. “As you were, you will always be, a beautiful part of our memory.”

REFORMATION PERFORMANCE To commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, you are invited to attend a community per-formance that will recreate many of the steps taken in the Reformation. The performance will be narrated by Daryl Braun, music provided by the Eastman Male Choir and vignettes directed by David Klassen. The performance starts at 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum. A freewill offering will be taken with proceeds going to Steinbach Commu-nity Christmas.

REFORMATION STUDY SESSION #2 The second of two Reformation study sessions that look at how something that happened 500 years ago can still make a difference in our lives will take place Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7:00-8:00 pm, in the Education Wing. All are wel-come, even if you missed the first one.

MILESTONE BIRTHDAY The Coffee Hour this morning is hosted by Norm and Glorian Mehling and their family in honor of Norm’s 80th birthday tomorrow, October 23. All are invited to come and celebrate this special event with the family. “Thanks be to God for His wonderful goodness.”

THANK YOU DEPARTMENT A big thank you to the choir for treating us to special music this morning, and to all who assisted with the service today.

Please Note: Small numbers (eg. p. 211) refer to liturgical settings at the beginning of the Lutheran Book of Worship.

Larger bold numbers (eg. # 239) refer to hymn numbers. The up arrow means the congregation is asked to stand, the down arrow, to be seated.

Welcome & Announcements

↑ Confession & Forgiveness - p. 94-96

Gathering Song:

“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” - # 413

GREETING: P. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C. And also with you.

The Kyrie - p. 203

Canticle of Praise - p. 204

PRAYER OF THE DAY: L. Let us pray together: All. Heavenly Father, raise your throne in our hearts.

Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

↓ GOD’S WORD: Reader Russell Kihn

FIRST READING: Isaiah 45:1-7

1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him— and the gates shall not be closed: 2 I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. 4 For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me. 5 I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, 6 so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. 7 I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe; I the LORD do all these things.

L. The Word of the Lord. C. Thanks be to God. RESPONSIVE READING: Psalm 96:1-9

(congregation reads bold parts)

L. 1 O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. C.

2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;

tell of his salvation from day to day. L. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples. C.

4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;

he is to be revered above all gods. L. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. C.

6 Honour and majesty are before him;

strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. L. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. C.

9 Worship the LORD in holy splendour;

tremble before him, all the earth. SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thes-salonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Mace-donia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

L. The Word of the Lord. C. Thanks be to God. ↑ Gospel Acclamation: “Alleluia” (sung) - p. 205 Alleluia! Lord and Savior, open now your saving word. Let it burn like fire within us; speak until our hearts are stirred. Alleluia! Lord, we sing, for the good news that you bring.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

OCTOBER 22, 2017

Martin’s Musings

“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest

praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of

song was given to man that he should proclaim the

Word of God through music.”