ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN

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

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

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

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

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

THE NUMBERS ATTENDANCE: April 29: 9:25 - 186; 11:05 - 82 Christian Education - 51; Teachers/Guides - 18 OFFERING: April 29 - $20,779.75 (includes April direct deposit)

Sunday, May 6, 2018Sunday, May 6, 2018Sunday, May 6, 2018Sunday, May 6, 2018

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

KEEP IT REAL! BRING IT HOME!

WORSHIP NOTES Children in Worship: We welcome and encourage

children to share in worship. Children’s lessons are avail-

able at both entrances, or by checking with an usher.

Hearing Assistance: A Hearing Loop is provided for the

benefit of hearing aid users. To use, please switch to ‘T’.

Hearing devices are available at the sound booth.

Cell phones and pagers should be turned to silent.

Washrooms: located in the narthex and Education Wing,

upstairs and down.

Elevator: located next to the church office.

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.

Did You Know? Every Sunday during worship we hear

our church bells sounding out into our

community. You are likely aware that

our church is the only church in Stein-

bach that has bells, but did you know

that those bells have more meaning to us than you

might suspect? There are two bells in our tower and

each of them used to belong to our predecessor

churches. One bell came from St. Paul’s and the

other one from St. John’s, both of which were our

original churches located in Friedensfeld. So when-

ever you hear those bells sounding out, please

know that they are connected deep into our church

history and that they help to connect our past to

our present.

If you didn’t already know, now you do!

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR Today 1:30 Youth @ Pre-CLAY Event, Winnipeg Monday 6:30 Young Adults Tuesday 7:00 Church Council meeting Wednesday 6:30 am Men’s Fellowship 7:00 Scouts Closing Campfire Thursday 10:00 Moms & Tots 7:00 All Youth Guys/Girls Night 7:30 ASCENSION DAY SERVICE Saturday 7:00 am Lutheran Men in Mission, Smitty’s Sunday 9:15 Confirmation 9:25 Traditional Service with Traditional Communion; Sunday School; Adult Study 11:05 Contemporary Service with Traditional Communion

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Thursday, May 17, Church Community Supper, 5:30 pm

• Saturday, May 19, Confirmation Rehearsal & Brunch, 10:00 am

• Sunday, May 20, Confirmation/Pentecost Service with Communion, 10:00 am

HOLY BAPTISM

In Holy Baptism the triune God delivers us from the forces of evil, puts our sinful self to death, gives

us new birth, adopts us as children, and makes us members of the body of Christ, the church.

The Christian community at worship celebrates God’s gift of baptism in a number of ways. The sacrament itself normally takes place in the midst of the worshiping assembly as a sign that in baptism we are made one with Christ and with the whole people of God. On behalf of the whole church, we promise support to new sisters and brothers, confess the faith with them, and welcome them into the body of Christ. Water connected to the Word - God’s saving promise in Jesus Christ - is at the center of the baptismal celebration.

Although a person is baptized once, the gift of baptism continues throughout a Christian’s life. Instruction in the faith for a life of discipleship is part of the preparation of those who are to be baptized or their parents and sponsors. The ongoing nurture of that faith is part of the congregation’s ministries of formation, education, service, and evangelical witness.

THEOLOGY

ON TAP

ATTENTION ALL AGE 30-40 (ISH) PEOPLE! Are you looking to explore your faith with a group of

like-minded people who are facing the same or

similar challenges as you are? Join us for Theology

on Tap. We gather in a casual and relaxed atmos-

phere where topics of faith, life, current issues are

discussed.

When: Tuesday, May 22, 7:30 pm

Where: Sawney Beans, 340 Main St., Steinbach

BRING A FRIEND OR TWO!

Questions? Please speak to Rev. Melissa.

HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S

LOVE FOR US

How deep the Father’s love for us,

how vast beyond all measure,

that He should give His only Son

to make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss;

the Father turns His face away,

as wounds which mar the Chosen One

bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross,

my sin upon His shoulders;

ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there

until it was accomplished;

His dying breath has brought me life -

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,

no gifts, no pow’r, no wisdom;

but I will boast in Jesus Christ,

His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer.

But this I know with all my heart:

His wounds have paid my ransom.

servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

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

↓ Message Hymn of the Day:

“Blest Are They” - # 728 Prayers of the People Sharing of the Peace ↓ Offering ↑ Offertory - Doxology - # 884 The Great Thanksgiving - p. 206-207 The Lord’s Prayer - p. 208 ↓ Communion Hymns (sung during the distribution):

“Holy, Holy, Holy” (sung 3x) - # 473 “I Am the Bread of Life” - # 485 “Just As I Am, without One Plea” - # 592 “O Master, Let Me Walk with You” - # 818 “How Deep the Father’s Love” - printed on back page ↑ Prayer after Communion The Benediction - Blessing Sending Song:

“What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine” - # 774

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 Duane Schultz, Joan Schultz, Gordon Barkman, Gordon Pachal, Bob Angell, Jac Doerksen, Mary

Ann Harder, Laura Heckert, Tina Heckert, Wanda Hoehn, Marlene Klassen, Evelyn (Art) Krentz, Emma Kuehn, Henrietta Reimer, Helmuth Renz and Elsie Schilke.

Please also include those from St. Paul’s who make their home in care homes: at Bethesda Place, Louise (David) Falk, Della Schmitke, Irene Sobering and Gladys Sober-ing; at Rest Haven Nursing Home, Henry Schalla; and at Grunthal Menno Home, Janet Harder.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION It’s a very special time for John Rempel who will cele-brate his 85th birthday tomorrow, May 7. John and Monica have sponsored the Flowers on the Altar today in honor of this memorable occasion. The Rempels are also hosting the coffee hour this morning. Please join them immediately after this service for cake and coffee and take the opportunity to extend best wishes to John. “Thanks be to God for his wonderful goodness.”

HOLY BAPTISM Received into the Family of the Lord our God through Holy Baptism today are: * at the 9:25 am service, Bowen Allan Simner, son of Brett and Bailey (Butland) Simner. God-parents are Kara Friesen and James Simner.

* at the 11:05 am service, Rylee Jayne Janzen, daughter of Paul and Becky (Wintoniw) Janzen. Godparents are Nathan and Crystal Sabourin. “Jesus said: ‘Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’.” Matthew 19:14.

GIFT OF THANKSGIVING The Bulletin for today is sponsored by Kathy Wintoniw, Jen and Sheldon Kowaluk and their family in praise and thanksgiving to God as they celebrate the baptism of their precious granddaughter/niece, Rylee Jayne. Glory be to God for his wondrous gifts of grace and love.

HYMN BOOK SPONSORS In a tribute to their loved ones who have passed on, and whose memory is cherished forever, Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymn books have been sponsored by: Mona Bekiaris, in memory of husband, Danny Bekiaris, Sept. 6, 1941-April 9, 2000; father, Albert Dulder, July 9, 1913-May 4, 2000; and mother Elisabeth Dulder, Feb. 19, 1917-May 8, 2001; and by Barry and Debra Rempel, Judy and Larry Maltman and their families in memory of their mother, Rose Rempel, July 9, 1926-Dec. 27, 2017. “The beautiful memory left behind will always remain in our hearts.”

DATE CHANGE FOR YOUNG ADULTS The next Young Adults night out will be Monday, May 7 (tomorrow), 6:30 pm at the home of Jacob & Mia. Starting this week, the group will get together on Monday nights rather than Sunday afternoons. Please spread the word.

ASCENSION DAY CELEBRATION An Ascension Day Service will take place on Thursday, May 10, 7:30 pm. Ascension Day is the celebration of Christ ascending into heaven after His death, burial and resurrection. Also called the Feast of Ascension, it occurs on the Thursday 40 days after Easter. All are welcome!

PICNIC PLANS The annual Church Picnic will be held Sunday, June 10 at Friedensfeld Community Center, beginning with a worship service at 10:00, followed by lunch and games. Help will be needed to set up/take down games and to run the vari-ous activities. A planning meeting with anyone interested in helping out will be held in the board room (next to the library) on Sunday, May 27, immediately after the 9:25 service. Questions? Contact Nichole at 204-326-5831, email nicholeb@hotmail.ca, or call the church office, 204-326-3758.

THANK YOU DEPARTMENT • Boxes and boxes of tie blankets sewn by ladies of the church over the winter were delivered to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief warehouse in Winnipeg this week, thanks to Karen Mantie and Ingrid Schubert. Your help is much appreciated.

• Thank you 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:

“Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness” - # 843

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

PRAYER OF THE DAY: L. Let us pray together: All. Holy God, you have prepared for those who love

you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Baptismal Hymn:

“In Christ Called to Baptize” - # 575

Holy Baptism - p. 227

Sunday School presentation

GOD’S WORD: Reader Kara Friesen

↓ FIRST READING: Acts 10:44-48

44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gen-tiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extol-ling God. Then Peter said, 47‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

L. The Word of the Lord. C. Thanks be to God. RESPONSIVE READING: Psalm 98

(Congregation reads bold parts)

L. 1 O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvellous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gained him victory.

C. 2 The LORD has made known his victory;

he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. L. 3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. C.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the victory of our God. L. 4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. C.

5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,

with the lyre and the sound of melody. L. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. C.

7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

the world and those who live in it. L. 8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy 9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. C.

He will judge the world with righteousness,

and the peoples with equity. SECOND READING: 1 John 5:1-6

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. 5Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

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.

HOLY GOSPEL: John 15:9-17

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

9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s com-mandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15I do not call you

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

MAY 6, 2018