THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY                                                   FEBRUARY 5, 2012

 

“CONNECTING PEOPLE TO JESUS AND TO ONE ANOTHER TO SERVE THE WORLD”

 

As We Gather

Today we are challenged to see the bigger picture. In today’s Gospel the apostle Peter was well- impressed with Jesus’ power to heal the sick and His popularity was growing rapidly. But when Jesus seemed uninterested in capitalizing on that popularity but to continue on preaching elsewhere, Peter didn’t understand. Jesus did not come only to heal or to make “a kingdom of this world” (John 18:36). He came to take our burdens and sins to the cross; to pay the price that delivers the whole world from sin and death. Likewise, we are called not to take advantage of people and use them to serve our own interests, but to serve them and even put their needs before our own. The goal of all our preaching and witness is nothing less than “to proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” For by the cross and resurrection of Jesus, the grace of God appears to all.

 

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is being celebrated today.  It is the belief of the Lutheran Church, based on Jesus’ own words, that in this Sacrament His body and blood are really present and that forgiveness of sins and the assurance of salvation are offered to all who come confessing their sins and believing in Him.  Communion is, therefore, offered to those who share this confession of faith.  Children who are not yet confirmed are invited to come forward with their parents to receive a blessing.  Guests who may have questions about Communion at Mt. Calvary are encouraged to talk to Pastor Brighton.

 

PRELUDE

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING

  

OPENING HYMN                        “Blessed Jesus, At Your Word”                         Hymn #904

                     

THE INVOCATION

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

 

THE CONFESSION OF SINS AND ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Let us confess our sins to God, our Father:

 

(Please kneel)

 

O God, You have come to call even us to repentance and faith, to salvation and life. We confess and repent of our sins, especially our spiritual blindness and our small and selfish concerns.

Lord, have mercy.

We have tried to keep our faith a private concern, seeking Your blessings only for ourselves.

Lord, have mercy.

We have neglected prayer and concern for the world in need around us.

Lord, have mercy.

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“The Lord gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)  Upon this, your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

 

THE HYMN OF PRAISE       “All People That On Earth Do Dwell”                      (Hymn #814)

 

All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.

Him serve with mirth, His praise forth tell;

Come ye before Him and rejoice.

 

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

The God whom heav’n and earth adore,

From us and from the angel host

Be praise and glory evermore.

 

THE PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. O Lord, keep Your family, the Church, continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

(please be seated)

 

THE OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 40:21–31 (The Lord’s understanding is unsearchable.)

 

  21 Do you not know?  Have you not heard?

  Has it not been told you from the beginning?

    Have you not understood since the earth was founded?

  22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,

    and its people are like grasshoppers.

  He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,

    and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

  23 He brings princes to naught

    and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

  24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown,

    no sooner do they take root in the ground,

    than he blows on them and they wither,

    and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

  25 "To whom will you compare me?

    Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

  26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?

 

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  He who brings out the starry host one by one,

    and calls them each by name.

  Because of his great power and mighty strength,

    not one of them is missing.

  27 Why do you say, O Jacob,

    and complain, O Israel,

  "My way is hidden from the LORD;

    my cause is disregarded by my God"?

  28 Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?

  The LORD is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

  He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom.

  29 He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.

  30 Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall;

  31 but those who hope in the LORD

    will renew their strength.

  They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

 

MUSICAL RESPONSE  (8:00 am)            “Oh The Depth”             Sanctuary Choir/Jacobsmeyer

 

THE EPISTLE READING 1 Corinthians 9:16–27 (Sharing with all the blessings of the Gospel.)

 

16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.

    19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

    24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

 

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THE ALLELUIA VERSE:

                

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HOLY GOSPEL IS ANNOUNCED: 

The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark the first chapter.

 

 

 

 

GOSPEL READING:  Mark 1:29–39 (Jesus shuns mere popularity as He continues to serve the people.)

 

    29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

    32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

    35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"

    38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

 

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

 

 

 

 

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE                                    Jerry Bisping, Director of Christian Outreach                                                                                                                                                            

 

THE HYMN OF THE DAY:            “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”                Hymn #577     

 

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THE MESSAGE                          “All Things to All People”         based on 1 Corinthians 9:16-27                        

 

THE NICENE CREED:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

 

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.  He suffered and was buried.  And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

 

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.  And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.  Amen.

 

THE PRAYERS:     After each petition, the Worship Leader will say, “Lord in Your mercy,” and the congregation will respond, “Hear our prayer.”    

 

THE GATHERING OF THE TITHES AND OFFERINGS

 

++  The Stewardship Thought  ++

“Equipped to Share”

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with God’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.”

(Romans 12:12-13)

 

THE VOLUNTARY : (8:00 am)             “There Is A Redeemer”                Sanctuary Choir/Green          

 

THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION

 

THE PREFACE

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

 

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It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; for what had been hidden from before the foundation of the world You have made known to the nations in Your Son. In Him, being found in the substance of our mortal nature, You have manifested the fullness of Your glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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 WORDS OF INSTITUTION

 

THE SHARING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE DISTRIBUTION    (The center cup in each tray is white grape juice for

                                         those allergic to alcohol or pregnant moms.)

 

THE DISTRIBUTION HYMNS:           “Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray”      Hymn #623

                                                          “Just As I Am, Without One Plea”            Hymn #570

                                                          “I Love Your Kingdom, Lord”                    Hymn #651  

                  

THE POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God, now and forever.

Amen.

 

THE BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you.  The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.  The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

Amen.

 

THE CLOSING HYMN:          “Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise”        Hymn #917

 

A MOMENT FOR SILENT PRAYER

 

THE POSTLUDE

 

Divine Service, Setting One from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted with permission.

Divine Service Two, First Setting from Lutheran Worship © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted with permission.

All scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

This week’s Altar Flowers were provided by Laura Haas, in loving memory of her husband, Glenn.

 

“Elderly” Aid   If you are an elderly member of Mount Calvary and have a problem or two in your home (or property) that needs repairing (or attention), be aware that there are some fellow church members willing to evaluate the problems and repair them if it is within their capabilities.  The cost of needed materials would be the responsibility of the owner.  If you are in need of this type of service, please contact Don Netzinger, 953-8277, or Dick Kesler, 953-9823.

 

Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) is an organization that works every day to reach out with the Gospel on the frontiers of our unchurched culture—and throughout the world. LHM partners with congregations like ours to equip Christ-followers for everyday witness. On Feb. 12, join us for LHM Sunday to learn ways that LHM can provide resources and training to support our congregation’s outreach efforts. For information about LHM, visit www.lhm.org/lhmsunday.

 

To:  All Guys Age 15 and Over - Feeling blue now that the Super Bowl is here and there will be no football on TV next Sunday?  Do we have an offer for you!!  Next Sunday, February 12, we will have our first Softball Practice of the season at 3:00 pm at Peavy Park, Field 1.  For those of you who have not signed up yet, the Softball Sign-Up Sheet is located at the Information Desk.  Play Ball !!!!

 

Funeral meals - The Ladies Guild is updating their list of members who are willing to help with a congregation member’s funeral lunch.  If you can make a dish, help set-up or clean-up, please let us know by writing your name on the Funeral Lunch sign-up sheet on the Information Desk.  Thank you for your help in this matter.  Contact Vivian Stilley at 333-3357 if you have any questions.

 

Your help is needed! Mt. Calvary will be hosting a community cookout on Saturday, March 31st. In order to make this event a success, many volunteers will be needed. If you are interested in serving (there are a variety of ways to serve, both big and small), sign up at the Information Desk in the narthex or see Vicar Luke for more details. Thanks!

 

The Altar Guild is still looking for some ladies to help with the Altar Guild duties.  If you feel that God calls you to help with this duty and want to find out more information, please call Anita McIntyre (397-8143).

 

We have received a card from the Gideons:  Pastor Brighton – Thank you and the generous members of Mount Calvary for your generous support of the Gideons.  – Houston North Camp

 

Missing Remote Control:  The remote control for the DVD player in the Cry Room has disappeared.  It is a Coby remote and (believe it or not) the universal remotes don’t have a code for the Coby DVD Player.  If you have any idea where it is, please call Jack in the office.

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The “Bag Ladies” are collecting plastic bags again. The bags are used to make blankets for the homeless.  If you have bags to donate, please place them in the container near the Information Desk.

 

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP!  Please sign up today for the annual Valentine's Dinner!  Cost is $5 per person, and babysitting is provided for those that need it.  The dinner is next Sunday, Feb. 12 at 6:00 in the MFH.  Bring a home-made chocolate dessert for the "Decadent Dessert Contest", and get your dinner FREE!  See you there!

 

 

PRAYER CONCERNS

 

Tim Yarbrough, who is recovering from shoulder surgery.

Elaine Mead, Jeannie Hawkins’ aunt, who is battling cancer.

The family of Earl Noll, who died January 27th.

The family of Harvey Hood, Riley Hood’s brother, who died January 31st.

Lisa Smith, Jack & Janet Morse’s daughter, who is recovering from surgery.

Jim Aden, who will have outpatient ankle surgery in Columbus on Tuesday.

Willa Rozeboom (Vic’s mom), who is being treated for cancer.

Mary Hood, who has pancreatic cancer.

Carol Combs, who is in rehab after hip replacement surgery.

Arlene Zeuner, who is recovering from cataract surgery.

 

Keep in your prayers:  Dana McIlwain (Pat Wolfe’s daughter), Lois O’Neal, Coyt Young, Paul Brown, Debi Cannon (Betty Cummings’ daughter), Agnes Angle (Betty Cummings neighbor), Deborah Holt (daughter of Vic Robbins), Diane McCall, Libby Parsons, Gus Fuerst (Sharon’s husband), Margaret Jennings, Jo Ann Smith, Suanne Conner (Carl & Barb Pirkle’s daughter), Larry Warner, Charles Hickman (Allen’s father), Marie Gregersen (Karen Harmon’s friend), Donna Boyt and her young children Rachel and Jonathan (friend of Karen Harmon and Rosa Foskey’s granddaughter), John Hoar, Betsy Luppino, Joe Hill (Cynthia Nelson’s father), Gordon Nelson (DJ’s father), Carol Quednow, Naomi Clark (friend of Pat Hickman), Betty Kroeger (Nancy Hoar’s mother), Michelle Brighton, Annamarie vonDebschitz, John Lewis (Julie Dimes’ father), Sam Meador (neighbor of Sue Glaser), Sonya Popken and Gail Calhoun (Sonya Popken’s mom), that help may be found for their continuing health problems.

 

     All those battling cancer, including Willa Rozeboom (Vic’s mother), Steve Engle (Bob & Steve Engle), Bob Gerstenberger, Ginger Martin, Gerry Mortensen (Dave Gourley’s uncle), Merlin Schuman (Joan Steese’s brother), Jim Carroll (Laura Haas’ brother), Bill McMullen (Marie White’s cousin), Jan Dawson (Mike’s stepmother), John White, James Nichols (Rhonda Ramster’s dad), Leslie Lorenz (friend of Riley & Mary Hood), Lois Harter, Anne Engle, Beth Mastenbrook, Danny Grube, Barbara Arnold (Cindy Schafer’s sister), Sam Jackson and Bruce Oswalt (Krystal Ferguson’s father).

 

    Eugene Mittuch, Chris Dierking, John Williams, Michael Welch, Jonathan Fetchik, Christian Corbitt, Gil Holcomb, Brandis Holcomb & John McIlvoy for safety and good health as they serve our country in dangerous areas.

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SERVING US TODAY

PREACHER: Pastor David Brighton.  LITURGIST:  Vicar Luke Anderson & Pastor David Brighton.  ELDERS:  Bob Yeager (8 am) and Frank Burkhardt (10:45 am).  ORGANIST: Tim Jacobsmeyer.   ACOLYTES:  William Fishbeck (8 am) & Robin Glefke (10:45 am).  USHERS:  Early – Erv Robinson, Paul Keister, Fred Hursey, Steve Kirchoff & Bill Leipprandt.  Late – Dwight Miller, Roger Moeller, John Hunter, Jon Peterson & Jim Morey.    ALTAR GUILD: Michele Durbin, Laura Haas, Lois Harter, Emilie & Victoria Shirley.  LAY READERS:  Deb Fingles (8 am) and Kim Leslie (10:45 am).

 

SERVING US NEXT WEEK

ELDERS:  Andy Hinkle (Sat – 6 pm), Van Bareither (Sun – 8 am) & Jon Peterson (Sun – 10:45 am).  ACOLYTES:  Emilie Shirley (Sat - 6 pm), Tanner Gossman (Sun – 8 am) & Erin Bond (Sun – 10:45 am).  ALTAR GUILD:  Michele Durbin, Laura Haas, Lois Harter, Emilie & Victoria Shirley.  LAY READERS: Jo Ann Smith (Sat – 6 pm), Lyn Schultz (Sun - 8 am) and Bonnie Hudlin (Sun - 10:45 am).  GREETERS:  Carl & Charleen Beahm (Sat – 6 pm), Ken & Caroline Martin (8 am) and Dwight & Marlene Miller (10:45 am).

  

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS

2 Kings 5:1-14 and 1 Corinthians 10:19 – 11:1

 

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK

Saturday – 65   Early – 110   Late – 167   Total – 342

 

THIS WEEK AT MOUNT CALVARY

                                    Today            6 – 10 pm      High School Super Bowl Party

Monday           10:00 am        Ladies Guild

                        6:20 pm        Evangelism Callers

                                    Tuesday          11:00 am        Prayer Group (Bride’s Room)

                                                             6:30 pm        Boards

                                                            6:30 pm        Praise Team Rehearsal

                                                            7:30 pm        Elders

                                    Wednesday     12:15 pm        Prayer Group

  5:30 pm        Follow the Leader

  7:30 pm        Choir Practice

                                    Thursday        10:00 am        Ladies Bible Study

                                                            7:00 pm        Bell Choir

                                    Friday             Middle School Winter Retreat (5 pm – Sat 10 pm)

                             Next Sunday             6:00 pm        Valentines Dinner