Welcome to our Church! We welcome you in our Risen and Living Savior, Jesus!
A Morning Prayer How can I thank you, Father, for allowing me to worship in your house today! I have heard the promises of your love in the gospel. I have praised you, confessed you, and prayed for your blessings. I have been strengthened by the witness and worship of others. Keep my faith strong as I live out the tasks of my life, take away my doubts and fears, and give me courage to share the good news of your Son wherever I go and however I can.
Sunday School & Coffee Fellowship will be this week with fellowship in the church basement and children in the school at 9:10am. This week’s story is Mountain message – Jesus Preaches on the mount. Next Sunday’s story: A Weather Wonder – Jesus calms a storm. Please make plans to join us!
Monday/Wednesday Bible Class will be meeting this week and beginning a new study from Luther’s Catechism – The Lord’s Prayer. Please make plans to join us!
Radio Service: 9:30am on WBEV 95.3 FM
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Sermon: We Are Saved by God’s Name and Message
Hymns: CW21 (Blue) 917, 745, 702, 383
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Sermon: Chasing Jesus Down
Hymns: CW21 (Blue) 706, 504, 721, 811
Serving the Lord and Us this Week:
Preacher: Pastor Heyer
Organist: Stratman/Trimmer
Altar Care: Colleen Foster & Jeanie Korth
Worship Service Attendants:
Thursday 6:30pm Mike Ptaschinski
Sunday 8:00am Tim Welch/Jeff Linde
Sunday 10:00am Chuck Staab/ Steve Seim
[Sun 10:00] Good Shepherd Preschool
908 Go Forth and Preach the Gospel
Stand
In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Confession
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Let us confess our sins to the Lord.
Holy God, gracious Father,
I am sinful by nature
and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions.
I have not loved you with my whole heart;
I have not loved others as I should.
I deserve your punishment both now and forever.
But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins
with his innocent suffering and death.
Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. 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 T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord, Have Mercy
In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
Glory to God in the Highest
Tune: Kermit G. Moldenhauer
Tune: © 2002 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 712959
The Word
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, look with mercy on our weaknesses, and in all our dangers and needs stretch out the right hand of your majesty to help and defend us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Be seated
First Reading Jeremiah 1:4–10
4The word of the Lord came to me.
5Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,
and before you were born, I set you apart.
I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.
6But I said, “Ah, Lord God! I really do not know how to speak! I am only a child!”
7The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone to whom I send you and say whatever I command you. 8Do not be afraid of them, because I am with you, and I will rescue you, declares the Lord.”
9Then the Lord stretched out his hand and touched my mouth. The Lord said to me:
There! I have now placed my words in your mouth.
10Look, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms
to uproot and to tear down,
to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 71 God Is My Strong Salvation
In you, Lord, I have taken / refuge;
let me never be / put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and de- / liver me;
turn your ear to me and / save me.
Be my rock of / refuge,
to which I can / always go. Refrain
Since my youth, God, you have / taught me,
and to this day I declare your / marv’lous deeds.
Even when I am / old and gray,
do not forsake / me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next gener- / ation,
your mighty acts to all who / are to come.
Glory be to the Father and / to the Son
and to the Holy / Spirit,
as it was in the be- / ginning,
is now, and will be forever. / Amen. Refrain
Tune: Melchior Vulpius Setting: Hal H. Hopson Tune: Public domain
Setting: © 1988 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 712959
Second Reading 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5
14As for you, continue in the things you have learned and about which you have become convinced. You know from whom you learned them 15and that from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, well equipped for every good work.
1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom: 2Preach the word. Be ready whether it is convenient or not. Correct, rebuke, and encourage, with all patience and teaching. 3For there will come a time when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, because they have itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in line with their own desires. 4They will also turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
5As for you, keep a clear head in every situation. Bear hardship. Do the work of an evangelist. Fulfill your ministry.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Stand
Gospel Acclamation
Tune: © 2002, 2021 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 712959
Gospel Luke 4:38–44
38Jesus got up, left the synagogue, and went into Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. They asked him to help her. 39He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. 40As the sun was setting, they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases. He laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41Demons also came out of many people, crying out, “You are the Son of God!” He rebuked them and did not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
42When it was day, he went out to a deserted place. The crowds were looking for him. They went up to him and were trying to prevent him from leaving them. 43But he told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns too, because that is why I was sent.” 44And he continued to preach in the synagogues in the land of the Jews.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ!
Be seated
901 O Christians, Haste
Sermon Our Prophet Jesus: Man on a Mission!
- On a mission defined by God.
- With a message defined by God.
Stand
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.
Be seated
[Sun 10:00] Installation of Officers
Prayer of the Church
O Lord, put your Word in our mouths. Make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Give us patience and a clear mind in every situation.
In you, Lord, we have taken refuge; let us never be put to shame.
Constantly turn our hearts to your Word. Equip us for every good work. Open our lips to speak your praise, even to the next generation.
In you, Lord, we have taken refuge; let us never be put to shame.
Let your Word spread freely to bring your wisdom, salvation and knowledge to those who still live in darkness.
In you, Lord, we have taken refuge; let us never be put to shame.
Give health and prosperity to all who are in authority, especially to the President and congress of the United States, the governor and legislature of this state, and to all our local authorities, that they may promote order and restrain wickedness, and that we may lead peaceful lives to your glory.
In you, Lord, we have taken refuge; let us never be put to shame.
Lead and support the people who volunteer in our congregation, those who serve on councils, boards, committees and support organizations. Feed their faith with your Word, strengthen them for service, and make them a blessing for your people and for your work.
In you, Lord, we have taken refuge; let us never be put to shame.
Your beloved Son healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever, healed many people of their sicknesses and drove out demons. Heal all who struggle with the temptations of the devil and pains of mind or body [especially…]. Restore and raise them up again to shout your praise.
In you, Lord, we have taken refuge; let us never be put to shame.
Special prayers and intercessions may follow.
Listen, Lord, to the thoughts and cares of our hearts.
Silent prayer.
Lord God Almighty, maker of all, make our minds steadfast in your will and aware of our souls’ needs. Strengthen us against the assaults of the devil, heal our diseases, and teach us to do your will, that we serve you with pure minds and strong bodies. Praise and glory be to you, our maker and our redeemer, our help, our comfort, our trust, our hope; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Offering Prayer
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts. With them we offer ourselves to your service and dedicate our lives to the care and redemption of all that you have made, for the sake of him who gave himself for us—Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
899:1-5 Lord Jesus Christ, Our Savior-King
Stand
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. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Blessing
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 T give you peace.
Amen.
874 Preserve Your Word, O Savior
Acknowledgments
Setting Four from Christian Worship
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2017 Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Liturgical and musical settings of Scripture based on text from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.
Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2025 Concordia Publishing House.
Funeral David Reinke was called home to heaven on January 22nd , age 89. A memorial service for Dave will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home.
Memorials In memory of David Fister, a gift of has been given to the School Bleacher fund by family & friends.
Kindergarten Round-Up: On Monday, February 17, 2025, St. Stephen’s will be holding our annual Kindergarten Round-Up from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. It is an opportunity for new Kindergarten parents and students to meet and greet the faculty of the school. If you know of a family that has a child that would be in Kindergarten next year, please encourage them to be part of this Round-up and learn more about the importance of Christian elementary education.
Call Received Mrs. Brittany Trimmer, our 1st Grade Teacher, received a divine call this week from St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Goodhue, MN to teach grades 3-5. Please pray that our Lord gives her wisdom and insight as she considers where best she can serve our Savior. She welcomes your thoughts. Chat with her when you see her (outside of School hours!) or e-mail her at btrimmer@saintstephen.org.
Calls Extended In a special Voters’ Meeting on January 19th, St. Stephen’s voting members placed a Divine Call to Pastor Matthew Reis (pronounced “rice”) of Bangor, MI to serve as one of our Associate Pastors, and to his wife Katrina, to serve as 3rd Grade Teacher in our school.
In your daily prayers ask our Lord to guide them to decisions that best serve His kingdom. Please feel free to reach out to both of them with either a call or an email.
Pastor Matthew Reis
Phone (Matthew) 269-993-6400
Email (Matthew) pastormatthewreis@gmail.com
Mrs. Katrina Reis (3rd grade teacher)
Phone (Katrina) 269-993-5448
Email (Katrina) reis.katrina@gmail.com
Ladies’ Bunco Night: Come join us on Tuesday, February 18th at 6:30pm in the Good Shepherd fellowship hall for a night of Bunco, a fun and fast-paced dice game. Even if you’ve never played Bunco, don’t worry, no experience is needed. It will be a night of great food and fellowship, and you could even win a prize! This is a great opportunity for us to spend some time with other ladies in our church, school, and community and have some fun. Guests are welcome, and childcare will be available in the preschool if needed. Please sign up to attend, volunteer, or bring dessert/snack/drinks on the sheets located on the bulletin boards in the preschool and the narthex, or RSVP to Rachel Reichert (402-302-4349) by Sunday, February 16th. We hope to see you there!
Extra Eyeglasses or Hearing Aids? There is a container in the entry way of church where you can put your used hearing aids and glasses to be donated to the Lion’s Club. Feel free to drop off all old and used glasses to be put to better use than hanging out in your vanity drawers..
Annual Meeting of Congregation was held last Sunday afternoon. The main actions/reports were election of Church Council and various Board members, report on May Street parsonage flooding damage and repair, run through of Annual Reports of Congregation Activity, and a by-law addition for the institution and operation of an Outreach/Media Committee to be chaired by a Council member.
Elected to 3 year terms of office:
Church Council
Travis Bowe
Jim Hemling
Rick Nedow
Board of Education
Andy Estervig
Board of Property Maintenance
Shaun Bradley
Copies of the Annual Report for 2024 are still available in the Church entryway if you haven’t picked one up.
Our Response to God’s Grace in Christ: Worship Participation:
Thursday, January 23: 47 Friday, January 24: 56
Sunday, January 26: 83 + 201 = 284 Total: 387
Sunday, February 2
8:00am & 10:00am –Worship
9:10am – Coffee Fellowship &
Sunday School
9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 95.3
Monday, February 3
6:00pm – Board of Education
6:30pm – Board of Property Maintenance
7:00pm – Bible Study
Tuesday, February 4
6:30pm – Media Committee
Wednesday, February 5
11:00am – Bible Class
2:00pm – Hillside Manor
3:30pm – Public School Catechism
7:15pm – Handbells
Thursday, February 6
1:30pm – Ladies Aid Meeting
6:30pm –Communion Worship
7:30pm – Senior Choir
Friday, February 7
1:30pm – Communion Worship
Sunday, February 9
8:00am & 10:00am – Communion Worship
9:10am – Bible Study & Sunday School
9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 95.3