End Times Confidence
We have the verdict of “not guilty”
Last Judgment
November 8 & 9, 2015
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
________________________________________________________________________
November 8 & 9, 2015
The season of End Time - End Times Confidence
We are living in the end times. Jesus promised that the end times would be perilous
for Christians due to the increase of wickedness and the decrease of faith and love.
The times are also perilous for those outside the Church, because judgment is near
for all. However, God’s Word during End Time gives us reason to be confident. Let’s
flee to our Savior’s promises for “End Times Confidence” in life and in death.
Last Judgment - We have the verdict of “not guilty”
On the Last Day, Jesus will judge each person. Is this reason to worry? No! We are
already confident as we await our heavenly court date. That day will be a public
confirmation of what is already ours through faith in Christ. “Not guilty” is the verdict!
Prayer before worship
Lord Jesus, keep me mindful of your imminent return to judge the living and the
dead. Prepare me for my heavenly court date by strengthening my trust in you and
my love for all people. Amen.
Welcome
We are happy you have joined us!
This booklet provides important details for today’s service. You may want to use it as
a bookmark as you follow the order of service in the red hymnal.
Men’s and women’s restrooms are located in the church basement. A single
restroom is also located up the stairs that are to the left as you exit the middle doors
of the sanctuary. A small nursery area is located in the church basement if parents
wish to quiet small children. Speakers allow you to hear the service from there.
Assisted hearing devices are available. Please ask an usher if you would like one.
Service of the Word
Page 38 in the front of the red hymnal
Call to Worship (8:00 only)
Watch and Pray | Senior Choir
This song sets the
tone for the day
by calling us to
consider the
seriousness and
imminence of the
Last Day. The
rest of the service
will show us
reasons for
confidence!
Watch and pray, the Judgment is looming.
Watch and pray, the Judgment consuming!
Not all men will be allowed in heaven; watch and pray!
Not all men believe they are forgiven; watch and pray!
Not all men their faithfulness attend; watch and pray!
Not all men prepare to meet the end; watch and pray!
Opening Hymn
The Day Is Surely Drawing Near | CW 207 st.1-5
Hymns are found
in the red hymnal
called “Christian
Worship” (CW).
The order of service begins on p.38 in the front of the red hymnal.
First Lesson
Malachi 4:1-2a
Judgment Day is real. Each person will receive a verdict and a sentence.
“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and
every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them
on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to
them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will
rise with healing in its wings.”
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Psalm of the Day
The
congregation
will sing the
refrain as
indicated.
Choir: Refrain
Congregation: Refrain
Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation.
Before the mountains were formed, before the earth was created, you were
God from the beginning, and you will be God forever.
Congregation: Refrain
You turn us back to dust and say; “Return, O child of earth!”
A thousand years are like yesterday come and gone, no more than a watch
in the night.
Congregation: Refrain
You sweep us away like a dream at daybreak; we are like grass that
sprouts in the morning.
In the morning it is fresh and green; when evening comes it withers and
dies.
Congregation: Refrain
We are consumed by your anger, O Lord, we are terrified by your wrath.
You have set our guilt before you, our secret sins in the light of your face.
Congregation: Refrain
Our days pass away under your wrath, O God; our years come to an end
like a sigh.
Seventy years is the span of life, or eighty for those who are strong.
Congregation: Refrain
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Our years are full of toil and grief. Life is soon over, and we are gone.
Who understands the power of your wrath? Who among us rightly fears
the strength of your fury?
Congregation: Refrain
Second Lesson
Hebrews 9:24-28
Christ changes our verdict with his substitutionary sacrifice.
For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of
the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's
presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the
way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood
that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times
since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at
the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just
as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ
was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will
appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who
are waiting for him.
Verse of the Day
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Please stand after the Gospel is announced.
Gospel
John 5:19-24
Believers already have the verdict of “not guilty” from Jesus, the judge.
Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing
by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because
whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the
Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him
even greater things than these. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead
and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to
give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all
judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the
Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who
sent him.
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent
me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from
death to life.”
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After the Gospel, the congregation sings:
Be seated
We have the
verdict of not
guilty!
Anthem (8:00 only)
Day of Wrath, Oh, Day of Mourning | Senior Choir
The words to the anthem are from hymn 209 in the hymnal.
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Hymn of the Day
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less | CW 382
Sermon
Malachi 4:1-2a
Approach the Courtroom with Confidence
I. Knowing you have a court date
II. Knowing you have a verdict
The order of service continues on p.41 in the front of the red hymnal with the
Apostles’ Creed.
As the offering is brought forward, the congregation sings:
Offering Hymn
Lamb of God, We Fall before You | CW 354 st.1-3
The order of service continues on p.42 in the front of the red hymnal with the Prayer
of the Church.
Hymn
Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness | CW 376
The order of service continues on p.43 in the front of the red hymnal.
Closing Hymn
The Day Is Surely Drawing Near | CW 207 st.6
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News, Notes, and Announcements
Today’s Altar Flowers
The altar flowers are donated by Paul and Heide Herman and Tom and Sandy Hunt,
in loving memory of Heide’s mother, Martha Nowasad, and Sandy’s mother, Marie
Mertz, in honor of their November 9th birthdays.
Family Bible Hour
Please join us between services for Family Bible Hour as adults and Sunday School
children join for devotion, fellowship and treats prior to class. The adults will
continue with the study on homosexuality called “Rainbow Savior” by examining how
the Church and politics have muddied the issue of homosexuality in America. Today
we will answer some pressing questions: “What are Christian bakers, florists, or
photographers to do if a gay couple asks them to serve at their wedding? What’s a
church to do if a gay couple wants a pastor to marry them or to rent out the
fellowship hall? Could a Christian politician ever vote for gay marriage?” You will
probably be surprised at the answers the Scriptures share.
Frozen Chili and Boston Store Coupon Books Available Today
Did you enjoy your chili from the Ladies Aid chili sale last Sunday? If so, stop down in
the church library after services to purchase frozen chili available in the small 2 cup
size container for $5.00. Keep some in your freezer for a quick meal!
Also, today and tomorrow are the last call for Boston Store Coupon Books for use at
the Boston Store Community Days event this week held on November 11-14. Books
cost $5, but included in the booklet is a $10 coupon for you to use on anything in the
store. Proceeds for the chili and books are for the organ and window funds. So far,
Ladies Aid has raised over $1,100! Thank you for your support!
Sign Up for the First Evan Christmas Band
If you would like to honor our Lord by volunteering to play pre-service and postservice music for the Choir Song Services on Sunday, December 13, 2015, please
sign up at the south bulletin board. There are three practice sessions scheduled Saturday, November 21st, Saturday, December 5th and Saturday, December 12th from
8:00am-9:00am each time. The December 12th practice will be followed by a Senior
Choir rehearsal. Attendance at all three sessions would be very much appreciated!
Please consider sharing your talents and join the band!
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Stewardship Sunday
Next Sunday, November 15 we take a slight detour from the End Times emphasis in
order to concentrate on the subject of stewardship. Our theme that day “We have
been entrusted with gifts” tells us that we are responsible for the gifts God gives us.
On this Sunday, we will especially concentrate on our financial gifts. In light of that
we will examine ways in which we can use those gifts for God’s kingdom. Your
Stewardship Committee is planning a special presentation between worship services
that day highlighting various places to give here at church as well as outside our
church. For instance, outside our church, we will be highlighting the “One in Christ”
debt reduction effort by our Wisconsin Synod. This is an effort to eliminate debt so
that more ministry can be accomplished. Sound familiar? Our 4-Steps effort is
designed for the same purpose. Set time aside Nov. 15 for both worship and for the
presentation (in the church basement) between services, beginning at 9:20am.
Packers vs. Lions Game Fellowship Event - November 15 at Noon
Live streaming of the Packers/Lions game will be held in the church basement right
after the late service. All are welcome. Please invite a FRAN - friend, relative,
associate or neighbor! Sloppy Joes, buns and chips will be served. Please bring a
beverage of your choice and a favorite snack to share. Sign-up at the north board.
First Evan Family Night
The next First Evan Family Night will take place on Wednesday, November 18th, from
6pm-7:30pm in the church basement. We will have a devotion, play some backyard
games and enjoying s’mores. Plan to attend and bring your FRAN!
Wisconsin Lutheran School Musical
Come and hear the message of forgiveness and evangelism told to us in words and
music as we tell the story of Jonah on Friday, November 20th at 6:30pm in the FEC.
Grades 3-5 have been working hard to present this amazing story of sin and grace in
"Go, Go, Jonah". There is no charge for this chance to hear how God wants us to
spread His Word even to those who don't seem to deserve it or want to hear it. We
hope to have a full house on the 20th. SEE YOU THERE!
Devotional Booklets Available
The winter (November 29 – February 27) issue of Meditations is available at the
south bulletin board. A $3.50 donation per book is asked to help cover the cost.
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Volunteers Needed for Church Cleaning
Our Altar Guild ladies will be doing their annual church cleaning on Saturday,
November 21, beginning at 9:00am. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to join
them! Please bring buckets, gloves, rags, or anything useful for cleaning.
Advent Supper Hosts Needed
We are looking for Advent supper hosts for Wednesday, December 2 and December
16 (December 9 is already filled). These suppers are served at 6:00pm in the church
basement prior to the 7:00pm Advent worship services. Please contact the church
office if you, your family, your church committee or group is willing to host a meal.
Shoreland Lutheran High School News
You are cordially invited to the 2015 Fall Band and Orchestra Concert this Tuesday,
November 10 at 7:00pm in the Shoreland gymnasium. The concert will feature
Shoreland’s grade school beginner and advanced bands and orchestras, along with
the high school concert band, orchestra and jazz band. Hope to see you there!
Shoreland also invites you to honor our country’s veterans at the Veterans Day
Assembly this Wednesday, November 11 from 2:15pm-2:45pm at Shoreland. Guest
speak will be retired Naval Senior Chief Robert Cline. Veterans, please call the
Shoreland office at 262-859-2595 to reserve a seat.
Annual Holiday Fair at Friedens Lutheran Church
The Friedens Ladies Aid annual Holiday Fair will be held Saturday, November 21 from
10:00am-2:00pm in the Friedens gymnasium (5038 19th Ave., Kenosha). Featured
are handmade quilts, fancy work, a cookie walk, candy, baked goods, Christmas and
White Elephant sales as well as homemade vegetable soup, bar-b-cue, beverages
and desserts. Boxed Christmas and general occasion cards are also available.
Donations of baked goods, candy, or small household items for the white elephant
sale are appreciated. Funds raised from the Holiday Fair go towards missions the
Ladies Aid supports. Please contact Judy Pulera for more information at 658-2239.
Last Week’s Offering
Operating Budget
4 Steps
$8,191.00
$335.00
($9,778 needed to meet budget)
($19,522.00 given to date)
Copyright info
Psalm 90: Hal H. Hopson. © 1988 Hope Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Artwork: Ian M. Welch. © 2014. All rights reserved. (paramentics.com)
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This Week at First Evan
November 8-14, 2015
Today
9:15am
Family Bible Hour, church basement
(Adult Bible Class and Sunday School)
9:15am
Bible Instruction Class, school building
After services
Frozen Chili and Boston Store Coupon Books,
sold in church library
Monday
7:00pm
Worship Service
Tuesday
6:30pm
Evangelism Committee, at MS
Wednesday
2:15pm
Veterans Day Assembly, at Shoreland LHS
7:15pm
Choir Practice, church basement
10:00am
Sewing Circle, church basement
5:30pm
Catechism Class for non-WLS students
6:30pm
Christian Education Committee, at MS
7:30pm
Church Council, at MS
Thursday
Friday
No School – Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Pacer Patron BB Tip-Off Tournament, at Shoreland
Saturday
Pacer Patron BB Tip-Off Tournament, at Shoreland
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First Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS)
728 Villa St.
Racine, WI 53403
633-8267
[email protected]
www.firstracine.org
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Worship Services
Sunday: 8:00 & 10:45am
Monday: 7:00pm
Pastor John D. Roekle - 637-7142; [email protected]
Pastor Aaron J. Dolan - 898-1910; [email protected]
Nathan R. Pope, Pastor Emeritus
Wisconsin Lutheran School
Principal Paul R. Patterson
456-2770 [Middle School]
633-7143 [Elementary School]
633-7142 [Early Childhood Campus]
www.wisconsinlutheranschool.org
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