ST. STEPHEN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Striving to speak God’s saving truth in love. Ephesians 4:15
23Oct
St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church & School- Pentecost 20-Bulletin and News Insert
Categories: News
PERSONAL PRAYERS are on p. 255-258 in the Hymnal. CHRISTIAN QUESTIONS for PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION begin on p. 295.
816 I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus
Order of Service: The Service, Setting Two, Hymnal p. 172
Prayer of the Day
Lord our God, you have given us your law to guide our lives. You have given us your Son to redeem us by his blood. Let your favor rest on us, that we may keep your commandments for our good, for our neighbors help, and for your glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
[Sun 8:00] 7th Grade, “Lord, ’Tis Not that I Did Choose You” (Hymn 581)
[Sun 10:00] 8th Grade, “Lord, ’Tis Not that I Did Choose You” (Hymn 581)
First Reading Deuteronomy 10:12–22 (EHV)
So now, Israel, what is the Lord your God asking of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 to keep the commandments of the Lord and his statutes that I am commanding you today for your own good. 14 Indeed, the heavens and the heaven of heavens, the earth and everything that is on it—these belong to the Lord your God. 15 Still, the Lord attached himself to your fathers, loved them, and he chose their descendants after them (that’s you!) from all peoples, as it is today. 16 So cut away the tough shell of your sinful nature, and do not be stubborn any longer. 17 The Lord your God is God of Gods and Lord of Lords, the great God, the mighty one and the awesome one, who does not show favoritism and does not take a bribe. 18 He carries out justice for the fatherless and widows. He loves the alien who dwells among you and gives him food and clothing. 19 So you are to love the alien, because you were aliens in the land of Egypt. 20 Fear the Lord your God, serve him, cling to him, and take your oaths in his name. 21 He is your glory. He is your God, who performed for you these great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen. 22 When your fathers went down to Egypt, they numbered seventy people, but now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars of the sky.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 90 Fill Us with Your Love, O Lord
Second Reading 1 John 2:15–17 (EHV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, boasting about material possessions—is not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Stand
Gospel Acclamation CW 179
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
Your words are my joy and my heart’s delight
Tune: © 1983, 1984 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 712959
Gospel (Sermon text) Luke 18:18–30 (EHV)
A certain ruler asked Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 Jesus asked him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one—God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery. You shall not murder. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. Honor your father and mother.’ ” 21 “I have kept all these since I was a child,” he said. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23 But when the ruler heard these words, he became very sad, because he was very rich. 24 When Jesus saw that the man became very sad, he said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible for God.” 28 And Peter said, “Look, we have left our possessions and followed you.” 29 He said to them, “Amen I tell you: Anyone who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will most certainly receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ. Be seated
717 What Is the World to Me
Sermon Eternal Riches Are Gained ONLY by Inheritance!
Nicene Creed, Hymnal, p. 180
Prayer of the Church
O Lord our God, the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it belong to you. You have shown mercy on your people and blessed us beyond measure.
You are the Lord our God, mighty and awesome. May your favor rest on us.
Keep us from making wealth our idol. Set our hearts on the treasure that waits for us in heaven.
You are the Lord our God, mighty and awesome. May your favor rest on us.
Send your Holy Spirit to the hearts of those you call by the gospel, that they may seek first your kingdom and your righteousness, and find their greatest treasure in you.
You are the Lord our God, mighty and awesome. May your favor rest on us.
You provide for all our needs, and give us so much more. Guard our hearts and minds that we glorify you with our wealth, for the good of our families, our communities and your kingdom.
You are the Lord our God, mighty and awesome. May your favor rest on us.
With your holy Word give steadfastness and guidance to the president of our synod, the presidents of its districts and all our circuit pastors. May they lead your congregations to be steadfast in your Word and focused on your eternal mission.
You are the Lord our God, mighty and awesome. May your favor rest on us.
All things are possible with you, mighty God and Lord. Give health and healing to those who hurt, [especially…]. Give them a firm faith in your Word and patience as they wait for your saving help.
You are the Lord our God, mighty and awesome. May your favor rest on us.
Special prayers and intercessions may follow.
Listen, Lord, to the thoughts and cares of our hearts.
Silent prayer.
Guide us, Lord, in all the changes of the world that we may have peace of spirit, that we may not grumble in adversity or grow proud in prosperity, but in serene faith surrender our souls to your most divine will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Offering
You may place your offerings in the boxes in the entry of the church or near the ramp door. We also offer the option of online giving. You may set up your online giving account at www.bit.ly/ssbdwels-giving, or follow the link by scanning the QR code.
Offering Prayer
O Lord, stir up the wills of your faithful people, that those who have freely received your blessings may freely give from your blessings; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Sacrament, Hymnal, p. 183
Distribution Hymns
667 Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared-Stanzas as needed
Thanksgiving and Blessing, Hymnal, p. 187
924 Abide, O Dearest Jesus
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are 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 © 2022 Concordia Publish
Welcome Visitors If you are visiting today, we welcome you in our Risen and Living Savior, Jesus!
- Please let us know you worshiped with us by introducing yourself to a Pastor and filling out a Connect Card and hand it to an usher, pastor, or place in the offering box. Thank you!
- If visiting, please don’t feel obligated to give an offering. St. Stephen’s members express thankfulness to God through their voluntary offerings which then support the congregation’s work.
Funeral Bristol Bruesch was called home to heaven on October 12, age 4. Funeral services were held October 18, 2022 here at St. Stephen’s Church.
Memorial In memory of Fritz, Dorothy, and Gerald Wagner, a gift has been given to the Restoration fund as praise and thanksgiving to our gracious Lord for His ever-abundant blessings and gifts to us. In memory of Robert Ebert, a gift has been given to the Restoration fund from his wife, Lois.
Radio Service: 9:30am on WBEV 95.3 FM
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Sermon: The Real Tragedy of Materialism
Hymns: CW93 (Red) 421, 477, 401, 441
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Sermon: Our Refuge and Strength, Our Refreshing River, Our Stilling, Calming Voice
Hymns: TLH (Old) 261, 262, 651, 266
Bible Study
- Sunday Bible Class Come and join us for this opportunity to grow in our faith together as we study “The Life of Abraham”.
- “Don’t Forsake Jesus!” The Letter to the Hebrews is our Monday / Wednesday Bible Study for this Fall.”
Challenges to those 1st century believers’ faith made forsaking Jesus rather tempting. God used this writer to give them reasons to remain faithful to Jesus. Obviously, there are many applications to us and to our faith challenges in 21st century USA. Join us for this relevant study; Mondays at 7 P.M. and Wednesdays at 11 A.M. (same lesson) in the Church basement.
Board of Property Maintenance Seeks to Hire Custodian / Maintenance Person Our school is looking to hire a full-time custodian who also can perform light maintenance work. Applicants should have prior experience as a custodian. Ability to perform light maintenance is preferred. Applicant should be comfortable working around staff and children. The position would be for approximately 32 hours per week (Mon-Fri / 50 wks/yr) at a negotiable pay rate. Application forms may be picked up weekdays at Church Office and Sundays in the Pastors’ Sacristy (chancel office).
8th Grade DC Trip Pancake Breakfast The 8th grade students are hosting a pancake breakfast Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church located at 1310 N Center Street, to help fund the trip to Washington DC this April. The suggested donation is $5, but any donation will help. Thank you for your support.
PTS Chili Cook Off will be Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 6pm to 8pm in the school gym. All are welcome to attend!
To sign up to make your famous chili (and possibly win the coveted trophy) or donate needed items, please go to https://bit.ly/PTSChili or call the office at 920-885-3309.
Blessings abound at St. Stephen’s – Help the Food Drive!
The school will be collecting nonperishable foods for a food drive. Next week, collection containers will be placed in the narthex and the ramp so that members of the congregation can bring donations also. God’s Richest Blessings!
Dear Members of St. Stephen’s,
In the last 44 years this world and teaching have gone through many changes, but one thing has never changed – “God’s Word is our great heritage and shall be ours forever”. I wish to thank you for allowing me to “spread His light from age to age” for 32 years here as a servant of Christ.
So with a sad, yet joyful, heart, I am announcing my retirement effective June 30, 2023. As St. Stephen’s moves forward in its ministry, I pray you continue “to keep His teachings pure throughout all generations”
Truly blessed, Vicki Hensler
WELS Women’s Retreat On Saturday, November 5th, the ladies of St. Mark’s in Watertown are hosting a women’s morning of enrichment. Registration forms are on the ramp table and in the back on the information table. Registration deadline is October 28. Join us!
Coffee Fellowship Presentation Pastor Dorn will make a presentation on his trip to Greece on Friday November 4, after the 1:30 PM service and Sunday November 6 during the Coffee Fellowship hour. Join us to learn more about the “Footsteps of Paul”.
Fall Festival Our Fall Festival, on October 30th from 2pm-4pm, has many different activities for the whole family. This event gives us an opportunity to open up our campus to our community. Join us on October 30th for a Trunk N’ Treat, games, food, and fellowship. We could use a few more trunks so please consider decorating a trunk if you are able to donate your time and talents this way. Signup is available by going to https://bit.ly/SS2022FallFest or calling the church office at 920-885-3309.
Our Response to God’s Grace in Christ:
Bible Study Participation:
Sunday–10 Total: 30
Worship Participation
Thursday, October 13 –63 Friday, October 14 – 44
Sunday, October 16 – 108 + 165= 273 Total: 380
Thank Offerings Received:
We offer our gifts to our Savior God purely out of thanks for his grace. Our gifts support the Gospel ministry we have planned.
Calendar:
Sunday, October 23
8:00 & 10:00am – Communion Worship
9:10am – Bible Study & Sunday School
9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 95.3 FM
6:00-9:00pm- Youth Night @ Peace, Sun Prairie
Monday, October 24
7:00pm- Bible Study
Tuesday, October 25
6:00pm – PTS Chili Cook-Off
7:00pm – Radio Taping
Wednesday, October 26
11:00am – Bible Study
2:00pm – Hillside Manor
3:30pm – Public School Catechism
6:30pm- Elders
7:15pm – Handbells
Thursday, October 27
6:30pm – Communion Worship
7:30pm- Senior Choir
Friday, October 28
1:30pm – Communion Worship
Sunday, October 30
8:00 & 10:00am – Communion Worship
9:10am – Bible Study & Sunday School
9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 95.3 FM
