1

WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD

November 5, 2017 9:00 am

Today we celebrate the fellowship of all God’s people in heaven and earth – the communion of saints of

which we are a living part! It is the custom of the church on All Saints’ Sunday to commemorate those

who have joined the Church Triumphant in the past year.

If you would like to have someone named in this commemoration, fill out a card

and return it to the ushers during the hymn, “For All the Saints.” In addition, if

you would like to light a candle in their memory and celebration of their life in

Christ, take a candle in the entryway and bring it forward to light on the altar

during the hymn, “For All the Saints.”

Today is also a celebration of the Confirmation for four young people in our congregation who have been

instructed in the Christian faith and desire to make public affirmation of their Baptism.

We are glad you are here today to celebrate in this holy fellowship of faith!

____________________________GATHERING _____________________________

WELCOME

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

(All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism)

Blessed be the + holy Trinity,

the one who fashions us,

the one who heals us,

the one who reforms us again and again.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin, calling for God’s transforming power.

Silence for reflection and self-examination.

Source of all life,

we confess that we have not allowed your grace to set us free.

We fear that we are not good enough.

We hear your word of love freely given to us,

yet we expect others to earn it.

We turn the church inward, rather than moving it outward.

Forgive us. Stir us. Reform us to be a church powered by love,

willing to speak for what is right, act for what is just,

and seek the healing of your whole creation. Amen.

ALL S

AIN

TS’ S

UN

DA

Y ~

CO

NFIR

MA

TIO

N S

UN

DA

Y

2

God hears our cry and sends the Spirit to change us

and to empower our lives in the world.

Our sins are forgiven, + God’s love is unconditional,

and we are raised up as God’s people who will always be made new,

in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones”

GREETING

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

And also with you.

3

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.

Almighty God, whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the body of Christ our Lord:

Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the

inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our

Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

____________________________ SERVICE OF THE WORD ____________________________

FIRST READING Revelation 7:9–17 9After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that

no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and

peoples and languages, standing before the throne and

before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in

their hands. 10They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

"Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne,

and to the Lamb!" 11And all the angels stood around the throne and around

the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on

their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12singing,

"Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom

and thanksgiving and honor and power and might

be to our God forever and ever! Amen." 13Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are

these, robed in white, and where have they come from?"

14I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he

said to me, "These are they who have come out of the

great ordeal ;they have washed their robes and made them

white in the blood of the Lamb. 15For this reason they are before the throne of God,

and worship him day and night within his temple,

and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. 16They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;

the sun will not strike them,

nor any scorching heat; 17for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their

shepherd,

and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,

and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

SECOND READING 1 John 3:1–3

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be

called children of God; and that is what we are. The

reason the world does not know us is that it did not

know him. 2Beloved, we are God's children now; what

we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know

is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we

will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him

purify themselves, just as he is pure.

ALLELUIA VERSE

HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew the 5th chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain;

and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then

he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom

of heaven. 4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be

comforted. 5"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

4

6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for

righteousness, for they will be filled. 7"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called

children of God. 10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for

righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute

you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my

account 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in

heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the

prophets who were before you.

Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to you, O Christ.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

HYMN “For All the Saints”

4. (women and girls)

Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine,

we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

yet all are one within your great design.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

5. (men and boys)

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,

steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

and hearts are brave again and arms are strong.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

6. But then there breaks a yet more glorious day;

The saints triumphant rise in bright array;

The King of glory passes on his way.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

5

SERMON

PRAYERS

(Response to each petition)

Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

_______________________ AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM _______________________

HYMN “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest”

Elder: These young people have been instructed in the Christian faith and desire to make public

affirmation of their Baptism.

Kira Fallert

Ethan Onken

Logan Onken

Aaron Smith

Pastor: Brothers and sisters in Christ: In Holy Baptism our Lord Jesus Christ received you and made

you members of his Church. In the community of God's people, you have learned from his

Word God's loving purpose for you and all creation. You have been called to be witnesses to

the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now therefore, I ask you to profess your faith in Jesus Christ, reject

sin, and confess the faith of the church, the faith into which you were baptized.

Pastor: Do you this day in the presence of God and of this congregation acknowledge the gifts that God

gave you in Baptism?

Confirmands: Yes, I do.

Pastor: Do you renounce all the forces of evil, the devil and all his empty promises?

Confirmands: I do renounce them.

Pastor: Do you believe in God the Father?

Confirmands: Yes, I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

our hearts your place of rest; Come with your grace and

from both as Three in One. That we your name may

1. Come, Ho - ly Ghost, Cre – a - tor blest, And make

2. Teach us to know the Fa - ther, Son, And you

our hearts your place of rest; Come with your grace and

from both as Three in One. That we your name may

heav’n - ly aid, And fill the hearts which you have made.

e - ver bless And in our lives the truth con – fess.

6

Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Confirmands: Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the

power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius

Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third

day he rose again, He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the

Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Pastor: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

Confirmands: Yes, I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Pastor: Do you hold the Holy Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God and the doctrine of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church to be faithful and true?

Confirmands: Yes, I do.

Pastor: Do you intend to hear the Word of God and receive the Lord’s Supper faithfully?

Confirmands: I do so intend by the grace of God.

Pastor: Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed remain true

to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Confirmands: I do so intend by the grace of God.

Pastor: Do you intend to continue in this Christian faith and suffer all, even death, rather than fall away

from it?

Confirmands: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

Let us pray:

Gracious Lord, through water and the Spirit you have made Kira, Ethan, Logan and Aaron your own. You

forgave them all their sins and brought them to newness of life. Continue to strengthen them with the Holy

Spirit, and daily increase in them your gifts of grace: The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of

counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence; through

Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.

Amen

BLESSING OF THE CONFIRMANDS

(All those whom the confirmands have invited to participate in the blessing are asked to come forward.)

PRAYERS

(Response to each petition)

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

On this day, we remember with thanksgiving those who have gone before us with the sign of faith. They were

created by God to offer Him praise forever, redeemed by Jesus, God's Son, and filled with the Holy Spirit

through Baptism, where God gave them new life. They have been nourished in the company of His people

through the Lord's Supper and the Word, and in His mercy God has summoned them to His presence that they

may continue in joyful service to Him forever. We especially remember this day:

(here are named all those who have died in the past year)

7

Blessed are they that die in the Lord from now on, for they will rest from their labors, and their deeds will

follow them. Revelation 14:13

Let us pray:

In joyful expectation for the resurrection of the body to life, we remember before you, O Lord, all those who

have gone before us in faith. We offer thanksgiving for the gift of faith and we hold fast to the certainty of your

promises. May their memory among us be blessed, and may we follow their footsteps of faith to your eternal

presence in the heavenly kingdom.

Amen.

SHARING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

OFFERING

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Let us pray.

Holy God, gracious and merciful, you bring forth food from the earth and nourish your whole

creation. Turn our hearts toward those who hunger in any way, that all may know your care; and

prepare us now to feast on the bread of life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

______________________ SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT _____________________

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

Blessed are you,

for ours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for we will be filled.

Thanks and praise to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. By him we are blessed and in him we

rejoice because he fills us with every good thing. In this bread and wine we taste and see his goodness as we

receive his body and blood. Therefore, with saints and angels and with the whole Christian church in heaven

and on earth, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS (“Holy, holy, holy”)

8

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

LORD’S PRAYER

All: 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

AGNUS DEI (“Lamb of God”)

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION

Scripture says, “Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1

Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism says, “Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord

Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink.” All baptized

Christians who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief in the real presence of Christ

in the sacrament for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord’s Table today. Children who have not received their

first communion are invited to come to the table and receive a blessing.

As you approach the table down the aisles, receive an empty cup from the cart.

Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar.

After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace.

As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables to your left or right.

Non-alcoholic wine is offered in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack.

Gluten-free (and dairy-free and nut-free) wafers are offered in the small white bowl on the communion cart for those who

prefer this option.

9

HYMNS DURING COMMUNION “Blest Are They”

“Eat This Bread”

10

“One Bread, One Body”

_________________________________ SENDING _________________________________

DISMISSAL

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace.

Amen

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Holy and compassionate God, in bread and wine you give us gifts that form us to be humble and courageous.

May your words come to life in our serving and in our witness,

that we might speak a living voice of healing to all the world,

through Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer.

Amen

CHOIR “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”

Go in peace. Christ lives in you.

Thanks be to God.

11

CLOSING HYMN “Give Thanks for Saints”

SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY

Worship leader and preacher Jon Marxhausen

Elder Paul Hartleben

Piano and Choir Director Mary Dinesen

Lector Sue Hotzel

Ushers Matt Onken / Byron Epland

Acolyte/Crucifer John Frelix

Greeter Evelyn Marxhausen

DON’T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY

12

KIRA ANNE FALLERT

Baptized as a child of God on May 4, 2003

Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Kira:

I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father

knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15

Kira’s Faith Statement: v

Christianity has been a big part of me for my whole life. As I have grown up, God has been

shaping me into the person of faith that I am today. However, I think that my faith has

never been stronger than it is today. Now that I am older, I understand the magnitude of

all the amazing things God has done for me.

My journey in faith began at a time that I don’t even remember: my baptism. The day I was

baptized was one of the most important in my life. My baptism was when I was officially

gathered into the family of God. As I was washed in the water and the word I became

God’s child. I received the gifts of life and forgiveness, even though I don’t deserve them.

My first communion in fifth grade was another moment that will be part of me always.

Receiving the body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine, and hearing the

words, “Given and shed for you” for the first time was an experience that really

strengthened my faith. I got to feel God’s forgiveness, love, and grace in a way that I can

see and touch, and having communion every week continuously reminds me of these gifts.

God has given us so many blessings, more than we can even know, all through his death on

the cross. This is pretty amazing on its own, but what makes all the difference are the

words “for you” that God says within every blessing. To me, these are two of the most

important words there are. They let me know that everything God has done and will do is

truly for me. His death was for me. His forgiveness is for me. His grace is for me. All the

blessings I have were given for me. Those words are proof that God really does love me,

and that is the only thing I need.

ETHAN BENJAMIN ONKEN

Baptized as a child of God on December 1, 2002.

Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Ethan:

Those who hope in the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall soar on wings like

eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Ethan’s Faith Statement:

My relationship with Jesus has changed a lot since I was little. Back then, I didn’t

even realize all that Jesus did for me and all other people on Earth. But since then

I have learned many things about Jesus and the divine works he does. When I was

baptized I didn’t even know I had become one of the children of God, and now I

am able to confirm this. Being a Christian has taught me to forgive other people,

just as God forgives all sins from everybody. It has also taught me to be a part of

the community and support others that are less fortunate than me. I have

experienced God’s love through the word, baptism, and communion. I read about

his love for all people in the bible, he welcomed me into his family through

baptism, and sacrificed his only son for all people in communion, he did all of this

for me. He even forgives all my sins. But I still sometimes question why he did

this. He doesn’t have to do these things for all people, but he does anyway. I have

come to a conclusion on why he does these things, and it is because he loves us.

Con+firmation Class +2017

13

LOGAN RAE ONKEN

Baptized as a child of God on November 28, 2004

Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Logan:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is

the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8-9

Logan’s Faith Statement:

When I think about my faith I think about how being in the church community

has impacted my life. It allows me to always feel like I have a safe place to go to

that will be there for me. Along with just having a safe structure I have a group

of people who I feel will always support me no matter what. The church

community, in my mind, is just a group of friends and neighbors who have all

bonded over believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross, for us, and I find it

amazing how close a simple similarity can bring so many people together. That is

what I think is so wonderful about God, he brings people together and spreads

love and peace. When I imagine God, I imagine him as a loving father figure to

help guide us through life, not as a feared and intimidating figure, and I love that

God can provide so much comfort for people who have gone through a tragedy,

such as the recent hurricanes. Even though the storm wasn’t prevented, for

some people praying gives them hope and a sense of safety. My faith has helped

me find who I am, and it provides me with the daily reminder that I am and

forever will be loved.

AARON MICHAEL SMITH

Baptized as a child of God on April 19, 2003.

Confirmation Scripture verse selected for Aaron:

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have

been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Aaron’s Faith Statement:

I believe God does great things in many people lives, not just because the

scripture says he does, but also because he has done something great in my life.

Once not too long ago I hated God’s crowning achievement of creation,

humans. And hating most people wasn’t a good thing in my life; it alienated me

from people I used to be close friends with, and stopped me from making new

ones. Now God knew this was bad for me, and did something to change that.

He sent someone; someone who wasn’t just my friend to use me or someone

who didn’t belittle me for being me, like others before. He spent time with me

to be with me; he never pointed out my mistakes and belittled me because of

them.

God sending me this person tells me I have a God who cares, like Matthew

10:29–31 says God cares for all of his creation, including something as small as a

sparrow. And honestly that is just a beautiful thing that compels me to believe,

having a God who loves me enough and cares about me enough to worry about

my problems and to help me through them.

14

WELCOME TO GRACE OF GOD

Thank you for worshipping with us today.

Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway.

Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God.

You are always welcome at Grace of God.

SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD

“Busy bags” for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors.

That room also has a speaker to hear the worship service.

Fall 2017 Bible Study Series

“The Great Commissions” Six Biblical Calls to Make Known the Gospel

(from Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Paul)

Study led by Pastor Steven King

STARTING TODAY 10:15-11:15 am

SERVING IN WORSHIP

DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS

11/05/17 Paul

Hartleben John Frelix Sue Hotzel Matt Onken / Byron Epland Evelyn Marxhausen

11/12/17 Paul

Hartleben Jake Richter

Tom

Schoenberg Darrel & Noel Smith Roger & Nancy Prigge

11/19/17 Paul

Hartleben George Zetterwall Jeff Olofson

Jerry Corson / Tom

Schoenberg Jim & Jan Roth

11/22/17 Thanksgiving

Eve

Paul

Hartleben Cherish Frelix Allen Warren Lori Ruppel / Brenda Miller Bob & Lori Koeritzer

11/26/17 Tom

Schoenberg Ella Fahey Franklin Hotzel Errol Bartz / Kathy Rehbein Barb Fallert

GRACE OF GOD MISSION STATEMENT

Grace of God is a Christ-centered community gathered around Word and Sacrament,

preaching Christ crucified, serving our neighbor and

discovering what it means to live under the grace of God.

X

15

November 5 - 12, 2017

Sunday, November 5 ________________________________________________________

9:00 am ALL SAINTS/CONFIRMATION SUNDAY

10:15 am Fellowship

Sunday School and Adult Bible Study

Tuesday, November 7 ________________________________________________________

9:30 am Ladies’ Bible Study

7:30 pm Cantate Choir

Wednesday, November 8 _____________________________________________________

6:00 pm Light Supper

Bible Blazers, Confirmation, Youth Bible Study

7:00 pm Handchime Practice

Sunday, November 12________________________________________________________

9:00 am PENTECOST 23

10:15 am Fellowship

Sunday School and Adult Bible Study

Upcoming opportunities to serve others in our community!

During Advent we’ll be sponsoring 5 families through Community Thread’s Holiday Hope

program. Beginning Sunday, November 26 you’ll see in the fellowship area, a decorated Christmas tree with

the gift options the families we sponsor have requested. Please consider purchasing one or more gifts for the

families. The families always appreciate the gifts they receive!

The 2018 dates we’ll be serving at Hope for the Journey Home Family Shelter have been

established. Please consider reserving time on your calendar now to help at the shelter. We’ll be serving the

weeks of January 14-January 20 and June 17-June 23. Watch for announcements regarding required safe

environment training and background checks.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various

forms. 1 Peter 4:10

CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE

Nov. 9 - Nov. 11

TEAM 6

Paul & Cami Hartleben/

Tom & Karen Schoenberg

Nov. 16 - Nov. 18

TEAM 7

Byron and Marilynn Epland/

Onken Family

Nov. 23 - 25 TEAM 8

Evenson Family/Dinesen Family

16

YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL REPORT

Member Giving $213,774

Other Income $6,716

Total Income $220,490

YTD Expenses $221,319

YTD Budget $238,216

THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP

Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 pm

Bring items to support THE HELPING PLACE in St. Paul (see details below)

Shopping lists available today.

Pie fellowship after worship

THANKSGIVING SERVICE PROJECT

Thanksgiving Eve we will collect food for The Helping Place at Our Saviours’ Lutheran Church. Our friends,

Kevin and Pam Bonine, have shared with us that their food shelf serves families once a month who struggle to

feed their families at the end of the month. Along with the staples you will find on our shopping list this year,

The Helping Place adds frozen meats purchased through Fare For All and by shopping the ads using gift cards

they receive. Your gifts make a huge difference!

“You all have been so generous and thoughtful in your giving that people are very happy with whatever we can

share with them to help them get to the beginning of the next month! Staples are the BEST 😃 God’s blessings

to you and everyone else at Grace of God! You are truly angels in disguise 😇

Love, Pam”

Shopping lists are available in the gathering area!

Please let the Warren Grace Group know if you have any questions!

Errol & Cindy Bartz, Steve & Becky King, Chris & Deb Kuhns, Vic & Sandy Pruesser,

Kathy Rehbein and Allen & Sally Warren

GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota 55128

651.730.4900 www.graceofgodlutheran.com Jon Marxhausen, pastor