GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS March 2, 2014

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Beautiful Savior, my Lord Jesus Christ, You are the fulfillment of Moses and the prophets and You fulfilled the Law perfectly for me and for all becoming the perfect sacrifice for all sins. Grant me to know more of this grace as I rejoice in the forgiveness of my sins and the hope of eternal life, even as I am strengthened to live to Your glory by the Gospels power. In Your name. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! Today we conclude the season of Epiphany observing Transfiguration Sunday. We behold Jesus in all of His glory along with Peter, James and John before He descends the mountain and travels to Jerusalem and the cross at Golgotha. We are glad you are here with us this morning! Grace is a family of believers dedicated to sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus. We believe and confess that this is done as the Means of Grace, Gods Word and Sacraments are shared and administered in their truth and purity. Living as His people we bear witness to His love and mercy shown to us and to all. We recognize that others will know that we are Christians by our love shared in word and deed which is our response to His love for us. If you are visiting it is our prayer that you will realize these things about us as Gods people gathered in this place. If you wish to learn more about our teachings from Gods Word please speak with our Pastor. We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Restrooms are located on the lower level of this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions please ask one of our greeters or ushers. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs for anyone who has need.

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion will be celebrated in our 10:45 Service today. In this sacrament we receive Christs very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Those who are not members of Grace are asked to speak with our Pastor before partaking of this sacrament so that the unity of faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request.

AS WE GATHER
Today marks the turning point from Christmas to Easter. When Jesus shines on the mountain it is the final epiphany of His true, hidden nature before He starts foretelling His disciples about His Passion. The event reminds us of Gods appearance on the Mount Sinai, when Moses and the elders ate and drank with Him. Yet it is so other-worldly that Peter has to affirm its validity in no uncertain terms to his readers. Our Lords glory is unseen to human eyes today, but we hear Him in His Word and see Him by faith especially in the Lords Supper, which strengthens us during difficult times.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His house by Donna Langlais in loving memory of her husband Gary and in thanksgiving for Gods many blessings. THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Vicar: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeter: (8:15) Altar Guild: (8:15) Acolyte: (10:45) Cantor: (10:45) Communion Assistant: (10:45) Ushers: (10:45) Greeters: Altar Guild: Choir: Soloist: Clarinet: Brass: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Abby Litwa Anna Lane Terry Bradshaw, Gary Goldsby, Jim Marvin Jim and Florence Marvin Sandy Price Jack Manchester Ron Krueger Frank Royster Charlie Buchanan, Terry Clawitter Bryan Gipson, Dave Roberts (10:45) Rich and Beverly Sanders (10:45) Charlotte and Sarah Johnson Adult Choir Rose Shrader Randy Middaugh Christina Junkans, Reagan Mullin, Jeff Ralston Richard Sanders, Paul Walter Debbie Penny and Sally McNabb (Wed. evening) Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, March 9th, The First Sunday in Lent, are: Old Testament Reading: Genesis 3:1-21, Epistle Reading: Romans 5:12-19, and Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11.
Grace Lutheran Church P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225 www.gracelutheranlr.org Telephone Number: 501-663-3631

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THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE FOR THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell

O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair - Michael D. Costello

O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair - Kevin Hildebrand

Opening Hymn: O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair

LSB 413

Confession and Absolution

Stand The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation
P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

Exhortation

Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 32:5

P Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. P Our help is in the name of the Lord, C who made heaven and earth. P I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, C and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

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Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.

Confession of Sins (8:15)

P Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. C O most merciful God, who has given Your only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us and for His sake grant us remission of all our sins; and by Your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You and of Your will and true obedience to Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Mark 16:16; John 1:12

P Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. To those who believe on His name He gives power to become the children of God and has promised them His Holy Spirit. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. Grant this, Lord, unto us all. C Amen

Confession of Sins (10:45)

P O almighty God, merciful Father, C I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.
John 20:1923

P 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 T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

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Service of the Word

Introit
P Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; C for the LORD our God is holy! P The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! C He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! P The LORD is great in Zion; C he is exalted over all the peoples. P Let them praise your great and awesome name! C Holy is he! P The King in his might loves justice. C You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. P Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! C Holy is he!
Ps. 99:15; antiphon: Ps. 99:9

Gloria Patri

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

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Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

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Salutation and Collect of the Day

P O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Sit

Old Testament Reading

P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Exodus 24:818

Gradual

Ps. 117:12a; 96:8

Praise the LORD, all | nations!* Extol him, all | peoples! For great is his steadfast | love toward us,* and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for- | ever. Ascribe to the LORD the glory | due his name;* bring an offering, and come in- | to his courts!

Epistle
P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Stand

2 Peter 1:1621

Alleluia and Verse

P You are the most handsome of the | sons of men;* grace is poured up- | on your lips.

Ps. 45:2a

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Holy Gospel
Service Note: The choir sings verse 5 of the Holy Gospel. Setting by Knut Nystedt.

Matthew 17:19

P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the seventeenth chapter.

The reading of the Holy Gospel. P This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Apostles' Creed (8:15)

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And 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 sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence 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 T everlasting. Amen

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Nicene Creed (10:45)

C 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 worshiped 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 T of the world to come. Amen

Sit

Children's Message

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Sermon Hymn: Beautiful Savior

LSB 537

Service Note: The choir will sing Stanza 3, which is followed by a brief interlude before Stanza 4. Setting by Jeffrey Blersch.

Sermon A Mountaintop Experience

Stand

Matthew 17:19

Offertory

Psalm 51:1012

Sit

Offering
Stand

Beautiful Savior - John A. Behnke

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Prayer of the Church

P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. Each petition ends with the following: P Lord, in Your mercy, C hear our prayer. The prayers conclude with the following: P Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen

10:45 Service continues on the next page

Service Concludes (8:15)

Lord's Prayer
P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: C 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
Matthew 6:913

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Hymn: 'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here Collect

LSB 414

P Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christs holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen

Benediction
P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace. C Amen

Closing Hymn: Jesus on the Mountain Peak Postlude

LSB 415
Jesus on the Mountain Peak - Jacob B. Weber

Service of the Sacrament (10:45)

Preface
2 Timothy 4:22; Colossians 3:1 Psalm 136

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Proper Preface
P It is truly meet, 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, who at His transfiguration revealed His glory to His disciples that they might be strengthened to proclaim His cross and resurrection and with all the faithful look forward to the glory of life everlasting. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Sanctus

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

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Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:913

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The Words of Our Lord

Matthew 26:2628; Mark 14:2224 Luke 22:1920; 1 Corinthians 11:2325

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Pax Domini

John 20:19

Agnus Dei

John 1:29

Sit

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Distribution Communion Instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor says, Take and drink. Hymn: Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord Hymn: Arise and Shine in Splendor Hymn: 'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here
Stand

LSB 637 LSB 396 LSB 414

Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:2932

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Thanksgiving

Psalm 107:1

Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Salutation

2 Timothy 4:22

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Benedicamus

Psalm 103:1

Benediction

Numbers 6:2426

Closing Hymn: Jesus on the Mountain Peak Postlude

T T T

LSB 415
Jesus on the Mountain Peak - Jacob B. Weber

Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. Divine Service

Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor following 8:15 Service

MON - FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY:
NEXT SUNDAY:

9:45 a.m. Sunday School downstairs in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Junior and Senior High classes downstairs in the church 9:45 a.m. Pastor Walters Bible Class upstairs in Parker Hall 10:45 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 6:00 p.m. Board of Stewardship 7:00 p.m. Young Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 12:00 noon Sit and Sew 5:15 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study at St. Vincents 5:30 p.m. Lenten Dinner served in Parker Hall 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service with Holy Communion 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation
12:15 p.m. Lauren Schlutermans Baby Boy Shower

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the lesson is about the Transfiguration of our Lord as recorded in Matthew 17:19. At the transfiguration, Jesus glory was unveiled before the disciples. Today, His glory is unveiled for us in the Word preached by the pastor, in the water of Baptism, and in the bread and wine of His Holy Supper. In heaven, we shall see Him in all His glory! Talk with your children about how we are like the disciples, who trembled at the sound of Gods voice, because we, too, are sinful and unworthy to see Him face-to-face. Emphasize that through His Word and Sacraments, Jesus makes us clean and worthy to stand face-to-face with God, our Father. PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets this morning at 9:45 a.m. upstairs in Parker Hall. In concluding his class on the study of The Augsburg Confession and Its Apology The Lutheran Confessions Series, Pastor Walter will share a brief overview of Lutheranism in America. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th grade meet in the lower level of the Family Life Center. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES meet in their classrooms downstairs in the church.

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: March 6 Sally and Larry McNabb HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: March 2 Ken Ross, Hannah Walter March 4 Leah Cossey, James Junkans, Paul Nichols March 5 Natalie Dumont, Meredith Moseley March 6 Claire Hammond March 7 Adam Hicks REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Donna Langlais is recovering at home following surgery. John Ohnemus had a successful heart procedure on Tuesday. Ann Stoker had a successful heart procedure on Friday. Allen Deislinger continues his cardiac rehab. Grant Geuther continues his rehab at Fort Roots Veterans Rehab following a fall. Harold Wells continues his recovery at home following a couple of falls. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 2/23: 193 (8:15 93 and 10:45 100). Mid-week 2/26: 16. Offerings: Sunday 2/23: $7,248.00. Mid-week 2/19: $290.00. Memorials: $25.00. Seminary Scholarship Fund: $15.00. CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Effie Hanks, aunt of Marietta Gutierrez, who died on Thursday, February 27th. Please remember Marietta and her family in your prayers. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE The mid-week Lenten Services will begin with our Ash Wednesday Service with Holy Communion this Wednesday, March 5th, at 7:00 p.m. The theme for this Lenten series is CROSSWORDS. The focus this week is Father Forgive Them - Luke 23:33-34. Dinner will be served before the service in Parker Hall at 5:30 p.m. The Board of Parish Fellowship will be serving Beef Stew. 7TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor. 8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP will meet on Monday, March 3rd, in the Parlor. Junkans is the director. - 22 Joel

SCHLUTERMAN BABY SHOWER Youre invited to a Baby Boy Shower for Lauren Schluterman on Sunday, March 9th, at 12:15 p.m. (immediately following the 10:45 Service) in the Church Parlor. Please note the change from Saturday to Sunday!! Lauren and Craig are registered at Babies R Us and Amazon.com. The hostesses are Megan Calvillo, Alisa Coffey, Pat Funk, Anna Lane, Jennifer Wunderlich, Paula Walter and Megan Witte. YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY continues to meet every other Monday evening. They will meet Monday, March 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. Contact Vicar Witte at drwitte@gmail.com or 630-738-3835 for more details. SIT AND SEW meets this Tuesday, March 4th, at 12:00 noon in the downstairs classroom in the church. For more information talk with Riley Middaugh or Carole Nichols. WORK WEEKEND ON PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN March 21st-23rd - The Lutheran Camp on Petit Jean needs volunteers to clean up downed trees and limbs from this winters ice storm, build a walkway between the dining hall and cabins, and get the camp buildings ready for the season. The work weekend will include free meals and bunks, along with devotions, songs and a campfire. Volunteers can reserve a bunk and meals by calling Camp Director David Cox at 501-652-6304. Bring chain saws and other tools. MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MRS. NORMA BISGOOD TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Denise and Terry Alpe

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CROSSWORDS
Lenten Services 7:00 p.m. Lenten Dinners 5:30 p.m. in Parker Hall Father Forgive Them Luke 23:33-34 Dinner - Board of Parish Fellowship Beef Stew You will be with Me in Paradise Luke 23:39-43 Dinner - LWML Swedish Meatballs and rice Behold Your Son; Behold Your Mother John 19:25-27 Dinner - JOY Club Tacos My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Matthew 27:45-49 Dinner ACTS Group Chicken Spaghetti I Thirst" John 19:28-29 Dinner Adult Choir Ham, mashed potatoes and salad It is Finished! John 19:30 Dinner Grace Youth Baked Potatoes with all the fixins!

Ash Wednesday March 5th

Midweek Lent 1 March 12th

Midweek Lent 2 March 19th

Midweek Lent 3 March 26th

Midweek Lent 4 April 2nd

Midweek Lent 5 April 9th

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A Lenten Service
of

Evening Prayer
March 16th 6:00 p.m.
at

Grace Lutheran Church 5124 Hillcrest Little Rock, Arkansas

Featuring the Central Arkansas Kantorei
Participants are men from Lutheran Churches in Central Arkansas Nathan Beethe, Director For more information, contact Nathan Beethe at 501-663-3631 or nathan@gracelutheranlr.org A Reception will be held following the Service in Parker Hall
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