The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost 9/13/26
THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WELCOME TO ST. PAUL’S!
8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
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THE ENTRANCE RITE
PRELUDE Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Setting: 1. J Wayne Kerr, 2. Paul Manz
WELCOME
ENTRANCE HYMN Praise to the Lord, the Almighty LSB 790
1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear
Now to His temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration!
2 Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning
And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen
All that is needful has been
Sent by His gracious ordaining?
3 Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully, wondrously, made you,
Health has bestowed and, when heedlessly falling, has stayed you.
What need or grief
Ever has failed of relief?
Wings of His mercy did shade you.
4 Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do
As with His love He befriends you.
5 Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen
Sound from His people again;
Gladly forever adore Him!
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION LSB 167
In the name of the Father and of the ✠ Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination.
Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have
sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what
we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not l
loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal
punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us,
renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to
the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
KYRIE LSB 168
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for
the unity of all let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to
the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
THIS IS THE FEAST LSB 171
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be
people of God.
Power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and blessing and
glory are His.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing and honor and glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever.
Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God, for the Lamb who was slain has
begun His reign.
Alleluia, alleluia.
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray. O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness,
hear the devout prayers of Your Church, especially in times of persecution, and grant that what we ask in faith we may obtain; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIRST LESSON (Be seated) Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died, ‘Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
8:00 PSALM 103:1-12 (Sung responsively)
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
10:30 ANTHEM Jubilation Choir Luther’s Morning Prayer
Setting: John A Behnke Text: Martin Luther, adapted
I thank You, my heavenly Father,
through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son,
that You have kept me from all danger.
Keep me from sin and evil,
that all I do in life may please You.
For into Your hands I commend myself,
my body and soul, and all things.
Let Your holy angel be with me,
that the evil foe may have no power over me.
Amen.
SECOND LESSON Romans 14:1-12
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”
So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
10:30 CHILDREN’S SERMON
ALLELUIA VERSE (Stand)
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Matthew 18:21-35
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 18th chapter.
Glory to You, O Lord.
Peter came up and said to [Jesus], “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, O Christ.
SERMON (Be seated)
Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. Dear friends in Christ:
Before considering the words of our Lord Jesus in the Gospel lesson just read, I’d like us first do some thinking about the Old Testament reading, where we heard about Joseph and his brothers. This reading, from the last chapter of Genesis, records the culminating words of these men, given at the time of their father’s death.
You may recall that the Bible’s account of this family begins many years earlier, and that one of the things we first learn is that Joseph’s brothers hated him. Some would say that the brothers had good reason for their hate, for their father clearly favored Joseph and wasn’t shy about showing it. The father considered Joseph the “son of his old age,” and did things like giving Joseph a fancy, multi-colored coat.
You would think that maybe this hate from the brothers would have been directed toward the father instead, since he was the one showing the favoritism. But it was easier to hate a fellow brother. And besides, their brother also had those offensive dreams—dreams that probably should have been kept to himself but that he decided to share. There was the one where the brother’s sheaves all bowed down to Joseph’s, and the one where the sun and the moon and the eleven stars all bowed down to him too. Even dad didn’t like that last one. He told his dreaming son to knock it off. And such a fatherly rebuke should have been enough to end the hate of the brothers, but it didn’t. Once hate gets going, and especially group hate, it can be hard to stop.
One day the father sent young Joseph to go check on his brothers during one of their out-of-town work trips. When the brothers saw Joseph coming, their anger boiled again and they decided to kill him. But after some discussion, they concluded that taking his robe and throwing him in a pit would suffice.
As the brothers were carrying out this plan, they saw a band of foreigners, travelling through on their way to Egypt. “Let’s sell him into slavery,” they said. And they did. Then, to cover their tracks, they ripped up Joseph’s robe, covered it with blood, and told their father that this was the way they found it. Their story made it seem that Joseph was attacked and killed by a wild animal, and dad believed it. This meant the brothers got away with their evil deed. Or so they thought.
Today’s reading comes at a time, many years later, when Joseph was in a position of great power, as a top leader in Egypt, and had an opportunity to get revenge. For his brothers had come to Egypt begging for help during a time of famine, and Joseph was the one who would decide their case. The tables had completely turned.
When the brothers discovered this, they were convinced that Joseph would pay them back for their evil deed. But Joseph didn’t. Instead, he said: “vengeance belongs to the Lord.”
Furthermore, Joseph also forgave his brothers, expressing it in words that could only come from a true and tested faith. He said: “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Joseph also backed up his words with actions, saying: “Do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And with these words he not only spared his wayward brothers, but also comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph’s forgiveness was truly beautiful. Through it, a family was reconciled and restored, and hate was ended. There’s a reason this story is one of the most beloved in all of the scriptures.
Skeptics might say that Joseph had both the advantage of many years to heal and a great deal of personal success to help make his forgiveness easier. And certainly, these had to help.
But we all know that wealth and experience don’t always make people gracious. In fact, sometimes they seem to make things worse.
Joseph must have been driven by something else. As his story makes clear, that “something else” was his knowledge of a loving and forgiving God.
We are not told in the scriptures that Joseph forgave his brothers at any earlier point in his life. But we do see that Joseph never acted vengefully in his other interactions with people. Instead, he always acted out of obedience to God’s Word.
Think about how rare this is. If the story of Joseph would have been a modern-day movie script, it would likely have had Joseph going on a furious and focused quest to exact revenge on each of his brothers, probably one by one in gruesome and spine-chilling ways. We know this because this movie always seems to be playing in our theaters, in one version or another.
The Joseph story of the scriptures, however, is much different. And that’s because Joseph respects the ways and words of God. Even in those years when he found himself in prison, he didn’t bemoan his situation nor blame his awful brothers. And in this, one wonders if Joseph had forgiven them already.
I realize I’m speculating a bit about Joseph’s forgiving heart. But I do this to remind us that forgiveness is as much about our attitude towards our situation as it is about our relationship to the one who hurt us. Forgiveness is a choice we make, and not just once. And sometimes we will need to forgive the same sin again and again, since it comes to mind again and again.
Interestingly, when we hear Peter asking Jesus in today’s Gospel lesson how many times one should forgive, we naturally assume that he’s asking about someone who commits multiple offenses. That’s how the translation reads, and it’s a good translation. But the literal wording reads more like this: “If my brother sins against me, how often shall I forgive him?” According to this wording, there could be just one offense which will need to be forgiven again and again.
The point of Jesus’ teaching here is not how we are to deal with repeat offenders. Rather, it teaches the importance of continuing to forgive. Offenders, whether first time or repeaters, need to be dealt with according to God’s Law. Recall last week’s epistle reading from Romans 13, which says: “If you do wrong, be afraid, for [the governing authority] does not bear the sword in vain. He is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” As brothers and sisters in Christ’s family, we deal with one another both according to the Law and according to God’s command to forgive.
That being said, today’s Gospel lesson speaks only to the command to forgive. And it does so in very strong ways. We need these strong commands from God, because forgiveness is hard and because there are so many voices in our world pushing us in the other direction, telling us that forgiveness is weak, foolish, or even dangerous. One of these voices, by the way, is our own, at least at times.
Peter asks the Lord if seven times of forgiveness is sufficient. Seven is a holy number and seems very generous. But Jesus tells him that there is to be no limit to forgiveness. That’s what his “seventy-seven” or “seventy times seven” phrase means.
Jesus gives the command to forgive, then tells a story. The story underlines his command, and tells us more as well.
The story is a parable, and it’s fairly simple to understand. In it, a man is forgiven a great debt, but then goes out and refuses to forgive someone who owes him much less. We immediately know this refusal isn’t right, for a person who has been forgiven ought to be able to forgive others, especially when they owe much less. It’s clearly hypocritical to accept forgiveness from one person but not give it in return.
As simple as this message is, it isn’t the only one, however, that we are to catch. The parable also points to how God extends forgiveness to us first. In fact, this is the message upon which the whole rest of the teaching is based.
Here we must remember that forgiveness of any kind in this world is rare. People are much more likely to be concerned about fairness and justice instead. And that’s especially the case when there’s a large debt.
Think about it. If you owe the bank a debt on your house, you must make your mortgage payments, or the loan will foreclose and you’ll eventually get evicted. And if you don’t return the items you rent or borrow, you’ll lose the privilege of borrowing again.
And I know, we live in the days of bailouts and bankruptcies and debt forgiveness, and so sometimes it seems that a failure to pay isn’t a big thing. But these actions of “forgiveness” are clearly done out of expediency more than mercy. And consequences still remain.
Jesus’ parable is about mercy—God’s mercy. God is the one who first forgives and gets the whole sequence going. He forgives our debt of sin, which is a huge debt, with all the many selfish and hurtful things we have done in our lifetime. God is the one who takes pity on us, his children, and releases us from the punishment we deserve.
This pity of God is shown to us plainly and clearly in the giving of his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross. For on that cross, Jesus’ death paid the price for our sins. Jesus’ death both satisfied the demands of justice and revealed God’s loving heart.
We who are God’s children today can now forgive others because God has first forgiven us. As in the parable, God takes care of the big debt and gets the sequence going; we then follow his example and forgive those who sin against us.
But as Jesus also makes clear, in both the parable and the direct words he speaks, a refusal to follow God’s way of forgiveness means that God will withdraw his forgiveness of us. Those who deliberately choose to reject God’s ways cannot expect to receive his gifts; this is only fair.
And where this forgiveness is withdrawn, people will then exist in the prison of their own sinfulness—a place of bitterness and deep despair.
But why would anyone refuse to forgive? Forgiving doesn’t mean that we are excusing behavior. Nor does forgiving automatically embolden more sin. In fact, most of the time it emboldens us to do better. Forgiving is the right thing to do, and also the best thing to do.
But forgiving can be difficult. Here it is important to remember the distinction between “can’t forgive” and “won’t forgive.” Forgiveness can be incredibly hard. And it may take time to get there. Still, we must always take steps towards it, and never say that we “won’t ever” forgive.
Sources both in and out of the church speak about the health benefit of forgiveness. Neurologists tell us that forgiveness ends the triggering of the stress response chemicals in our brain that limit our ability to problem solve and leave us feeling like a helpless victim. Developmental psychologists have devised experiments which show that those who forgive are able to physically and emotionally heal much better than those who don’t.
The Bible tells us to forgive because God has forgiven us. He’s done the heavy lifting, he’s taken the first step, and now he calls us to follow.
When Martin Luther was made aware of God’s forgiveness, some 500 years ago, it changed his life. And then, as he began to teach about this forgiveness, it changed the world. A few years ago, a new documentary was produced about Luther with the title: Martin Luther and the idea that changed the world. Towards the end of the film, the viewer clearly sees that this “world-changing idea” is the message that God forgives. In my view, both this claim of the film, and its assessment of Luther’s message, are correct.
Two days ago, our country observed the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks carried out on the day we now know as 9-11. I remember that day well. Many of you do too.
A slogan that quickly arose in those first days afterwards is the phrase: “we will never forget.” I notice the phrase is still prominent in today’s observances too.
I think we can all agree that it’s very important not to forget the innocent victims from that day, nor all those who experienced loss at that time. At St. Paul’s, we particularly remember Col. Robert Dolan and his family, since his wife, Lisa, taught at our preschool.
As well, we must never forget the great heroism of those who battled the fires and made attempts at rescue. Their actions should always inspire and move us.
Furthermore, we must never forget that people are capable of doing horrible and evil things. 9-11 is a vivid and tragic reminder that people sometimes choose a path of extreme evil, often out of selfishness and pride, and sometimes because of the false belief that vengeance is theirs to carry out.
Yes, we must never forget. But I sometimes worry that the phrase “never forget” also equates in people’s minds with the idea of “never forgive.” Forgive and forget have a close association. And while neither is dependent on the other, we know that sometimes people keep memories alive to keep anger stoked, and that this anger then frustrates forgiveness and encourages further blame.
In our assessment of life’s evils, we may not ever be able to say, as Joseph did: “you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” And that’s because we may not ever see the good that God can bring, nor understand his ways.
But we can always trust the Lord to bring good as he sees fit, and to act as he knows to be best. He is always faithful, and he never forgets to help us with our true needs.
Above all, we trust God to bring healing, help, and blessing. And God will bring these gifts as we turn to him in faith. We know this because our God always has pity on his children, and because in mercy he forgives.
In the name of Jesus, our Lord and our Savior. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY (Stand) “ Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive.” LSB 843
1 “Forgive our sins as we forgive,”
You taught us, Lord, to pray;
But You alone can grant us grace
To live the words we say.
2 How can Your pardon reach and bless
The unforgiving heart
That broods on wrongs and will not let
Old bitterness depart?
3 In blazing light Your cross reveals
The truth we dimly knew:
What trivial debts are owed to us,
How great our debt to You!
4 Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls
And bid resentment cease;
Then, bound to all in bonds of love,
Our lives will spread Your peace.
APOSTLES’ CREED Hymnal, back cover
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 ✠ everlasting. Amen.
OFFERING
Offerings support the church’s mission work – both here and through our many partners. Offerings may be placed in the box at the sanctuary entrance or sent to the church through our website or the mail. Fellowship Cards help us welcome new people and track participation. Please fill one out and place it in the offering box following the service.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For hearts softened by the forgiveness of God, that we may gladly serve and forgive one another, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the Church and all who lead it, including Matthew our Synod’s president and our Synod’s Board of Directors, that they and we may be united in witnessing to the love of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For our enemies, that they may be led to true repentance and finally have a share in the eternal life God has prepared for all who trust in Him, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For likeness to our brother Christ Jesus, the greater Joseph, who extended pardon to His murderous brothers, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and parents and children, that our homes may give witness to the glory of God’s gracious ways, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That God would raise up new Josephs among us, clothed with His wisdom and might, to forgive their enemies, convert the wicked and preserve order in a fallen world, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For those who suffer in this life, including those on our prayer list and those we name in our hearts at this time… that they would find comfort in Christ who is Lord of goods and ills alike, even of life and death, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the gift of reconciliation, that we may stand before God forgiven and united in faith, doctrine and life; and for the faithful reception of Christ’s Holy Communion, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
Merciful Master, You are always ready to forgive, though we deserve only punishment. Press the message of this eager love deeply into our hearts, that we, too, may sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
OFFERTORY LSB 176
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,
in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
PREFACE LSB 177
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.
It is truly good right and salutary…evermore praising You and saying:
SANCTUS LSB 178
Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of pow’r and might:
Heav’n and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING LSB 178
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD LSB 179
PROCLAMATION OF CHRIST
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.
PAX DOMINI LSB 180
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
AGNUS DEI LSB 180
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.
THE COMMUNION (Be seated)
Those wishing to commune at the foot of the steps should come forward first. Those wishing to commune at the altar rail should come forward after these, front rows first, from both sides of the aisle. After receiving, all should return to their seats. A common dismissal will be given at the end.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS I Lay My Sins on Jesus LSB 606
1 I lay my sins on Jesus,
The spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us
From the accursèd load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus
To wash my crimson stains
Clean in His blood most precious
Till not a spot remains.
2 I lay my wants on Jesus;
All fullness dwells in Him;
He heals all my diseases;
My soul He does redeem.
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
My burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases;
He all my sorrows shares.
3 I rest my soul on Jesus,
This weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces;
I on His breast recline.
I love the name of Jesus,
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes
His name abroad is poured.
I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table LSB 618
1 I come, O Savior, to Thy table,
For weak and weary is my soul;
Thou, Bread of Life, alone art able
To satisfy and make me whole: Refrain
Refrain
Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood
Be for my soul the highest good!
2 Thy heart is filled with fervent yearning
That sinners may salvation see
Who, Lord, to Thee in faith are turning;
So I, a sinner, come to Thee. Refrain
3 Unworthy though I am, O Savior,
Because I have a sinful heart,
Yet Thou Thy lamb wilt banish never,
For Thou my faithful shepherd art: Refrain
4 Weary am I and heavy laden;
With sin my soul is sore oppressed;
Receive me graciously and gladden
My heart, for I am now Thy guest. Refrain
5 What higher gift can we inherit?
It is faith’s bond and solid base;
It is the strength of heart and spirit,
The covenant of hope and grace. Refrain
PRAYER (Stand)
BENEDICTION
SENDING HYMN From All that Dwell Below the Skies LSB 816
1 From all that dwell below the skies
Let the Creator’s praise arise;
Alleluia, alleluia!
Let the Redeemer’s name be sung
Through ev’ry land by ev’ry tongue.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord;
Eternal truth attends Thy Word.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore
Till suns shall rise and set no more.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Whom with the Spirit we adore
Forever and forevermore:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE From All that Dwell Below the Skies
Setting: Emily Maxson Porter
FELLOWSHIP: Board of Fellowship
Those serving:
8:00 a.m.:
Greeter: Steve Janssen
Comm. assist: Dave Oaks
Reader: Kim Follin
10:30 a.m.:
Greeter: Charles Fisher
Comm. assist: Dan Buuck
Reader: Aaron Siebrass
Acolyte: Joshua Wang
AV Assist: Hannes Buuck, Andreas Buuck
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2026 Concordia Publishing House.
790 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Text: Joachim Neander, 1650–80; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt. Tune: Ander Theil Des Erneuerten Gesang-Buchs, 1665, Stralsund Text and tune: Public domain
843 “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” Text: Rosamond E. Herklots, 1905–87, alt. Tune: A Supplement to the Kentucky Harmony, 1820, Harrisonburg Text: © Oxford University Press. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: Public domain
606 I Lay My Sins on Jesus Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808–89 Tune: Neu-vermehrtes . . . Gesangbuch, 1693, 3rd ed., Meiningen Text and tune: Public domain
618 I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table Text: Friedrich Christian Heyder, 1677–1754; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, abr. Tune: Emskirchner Choral-Buch, 1756, Leipzig Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: Public domain
816 From All That Dwell Below the Skies Text (sts. 1–2): Isaac Watts, 1674–1748; (st. 3): William W. How, 1823–97 Tune: Geistliche Kirchengesäng, 1623, Köln Text and tune: Public domain
