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Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church
460 West Annapolis Street - West Saint Paul, MN 55118
Church Office: (651) 457-9232 Fax: (651) 457-1893
E-mail: stjlc@saintjameslutheran.com
Visit our web site: www.saintjameslutheran.com
Pastor Michael Albrecht
Pastor Ralph Rokke
651-457-6796
malbrecht@saintjameslutheran.com
651-457-3955
rrokke@saintjameslutheran.com
Pastor Dale Critchley
Pastor Richard Stadler
Cell: 440-782-0189 | Office: 651-457-6343
dcritchley@saintjameslutheran.com
Cell: 651-338-8621
rstadler@saintjameslutheran.com
Terese Thune – Youth Director
Shirley Hess – Parish Nurse
Cell: 651-336-2117
tthune@saintjameslutheran.com
651-210-3380
pnstjlc@saintjameslutheran.com
Third Sunday of Easter
April 19, 2015
WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT SAINT JAMES!
THE TITLE OF TODAY’S SERMON IS: “Why Wonder
at the Wonderful?” drawn from Acts 3:11-21. When we see
God at work, it can leave us shocked and amazed, but why
does that surprise us? Or maybe we just don’t see God at
work enough. Do we know what to look for?
SPECIAL POCKET HEARING SYSTEMS are
available from the ushers for anyone desiring an
amplified broadcast of the service.
LARGE PRINT COPIES OF THE
SERVICE
ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX.
GUESTS AND VISITORS, we are delighted that you are worshiping with us today!
Please take a moment to fill out one of the “Welcome to our Church” cards that are
available in the pew racks and place it in the offering. Also, stop by the Visitor
Welcome Center as you leave and pick up a small gift. Thank you for coming, and
please come back and visit again soon. You are always welcome here at Saint James.
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THE NURSERY is not staffed but is available for parents who have young children who
become noisy or restless during the service. We are thankful for families who teach their
children to worship by bringing them to church. But when the little ones become noisy,
feel free to use the narthex or the nursery to settle them down. The service is on closedcircuit TV in both locations.
THE FIRESIDE ROOM BIBLE CLASS and THE CHAPEL BIBLE CLASS will not meet
today. Instead, the eighth grade confirmation class will be examined by Pastor Albrecht
in the Sanctuary as a preparation for their Confirmation on May 5th.
THE FIRESIDE ROOM BIBLE CLASS meets with Pastor Albrecht on Tuesday morning at
10:00 to continue discussing The Remarkable Gospel of Mark.
This week we consider Jesus’ parable of the seed that grows by
itself, and the parable of the mustard seed. How are these parables
similar to each other and how are they different? Did Jesus tell these
parables more than once? Is Jesus training His disciples to go out
and preach in parables? Are we supposed to be able to understand
these parables without Jesus providing any explanation? How might we use parables in our
conversations with relatives and friends today? As always, your comments and questions are
encouraged. Audio CDs will be available at the Welcome Center, or you can listen to the
recording on our web site or download it and listen to it at your convenience. All are
welcome.
PASTOR STADLER’S CHAPEL BIBLE CLASS ON THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS meets
on Thursday, April 23, at 6:30-7:45 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Last Thursday we
read through the “Model Prayer of the Instructor” which included
some startling thoughts about repentance and righteousness that
almost sounded Christian, even though the document was
probably written over a 150 years before the time of Jesus. This
Thursday, we read and examine 4QMMT which is hotly debated
among Dead Sea Scroll scholars. We will discuss and debate
whether it is talking about the same “works of the law” that Paul
argues against in Romans and Galatians. You are welcome to participate in the class
even if you have not attended any of the previous ones. You may add your thoughts and
questions, or just sit and listen. Audio recordings are posted on our Website:
www.saintjameslutheran.com.
AS PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP, you are invited to meditate on God’s Word in
Psalm 2. Think about the blessings we receive from the comfort that God is with us.
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THE ORDER OF SERVICE
THE PRELUDE:
Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
...Pelz
GATHERING HYMN: Christian Worship #339 Today Your Mercy Calls Us
PASTORAL GREETING
Pastor Critchley
INVOCATION
The congregation responds by singing: “A-men.”
Matthew 28:19b; [18:20]
INTROIT
Ps. 30:1–5; antiphon: Ps. 16:11b
P: In your presence there is fullness of joy;
C: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
P: I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up
C: and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
P: O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
C: and you have healed me.
P: O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
C: you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
P: Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,
C: and give thanks to his holy name.
P: For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime
C: Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
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.
P: In your presence there is fullness of joy;
C: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
FIRST READING: Acts 3:11–21
Peter and John had just healed a man who couldn't walk, and people were amazed at
what they'd done, but Peter makes it clear that the work was accomplished by Christ,
not them.
P:
This is the Word of the Lord.
C:
Thanks be to God.
EPISTLE: 1 John 3:1–7
We don’t do good acts to make us good, but because Jesus has already made us
good. We still sin, because we are not yet what we will be, but through hope in Jesus,
God declares us pure.
P:
This is the Word of the Lord.
C:
Thanks be to God.
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VERSE RESPONSE: Christian Worship, page 40
HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 24:36–49
The power of God reveals itself in the risen Christ, Who brings peace to all and
remains with us always. This is not just a spiritual concept, but a physical reality.
P:
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C:
Thanks be to God.
HYMN OF THE DAY: LSB 533 Jesus Has Come and Brings Pleasure
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Jesus has come and brings
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Jesus has come as the mighty
pleasure eternal,
Redeemer.
Alpha, Omega, Beginning and
See now the threatening strong
End;
one disarmed!
Godhead, humanity, union
Jesus breaks down all the walls of
supernal,
death’s fortress,
O great Redeemer, You come as
Brings forth the pris’ners
our friend!
triumphant, unharmed.
Heaven and earth, now proclaim
Satan, you wicked one, own now
this great wonder:
your master!
Jesus has come and brings
Jesus has come! He, the mighty
pleasure eternal!
Redeemer!
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Jesus has come! Now see bonds
rent asunder!
Fetters of death now dissolve,
disappear.
See Him burst through with a voice
as of thunder!
He sets us free from our guilt
and our fear,
Lifts us from shame to the place of
His honor.
Jesus has come! Hear the roll of
God’s thunder!
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Jesus has come as the King of all
glory!
Heaven and earth, O declare His
great pow’r,
Capturing hearts with the heavenly
story;
Welcome Him now in this fastfleeting hour!
Ponder His love! Take the crown
He has for you!
Jesus has come! He, the King of all
glory!
© 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense.net, no. A-724499.
SERMON
Text: Acts 3:11-21
Title: Why Wonder at the Wonderful?
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
P: God is holy and righteous, but we so often treat Him as less than He is. We
confess that to Him that our sins may be blotted out.
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C: (We invite you to kneel) God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, God of
our fathers, You are great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend
what you know and do, yet we fail to trust you and look to the power of your
creation, including ourselves, for comfort instead of to You. Forgive us for
denying Christ by our actions that times of refreshing may come from the
presence of the Lord.
P: What God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he
thus fulfilled. Jesus Christ, the Author of Life, suffered and died on your behalf, and
God raised Him from the dead. Therefore as a called and ordained servant of
Christ, and by His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (Sung) Amen
NICENE CREED Christian Worship, pages 18-19
OFFERING
OFFERING VOLUNTARY
Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
... Manz
HYMN OF REDEDICATION: Wonderful Merciful Savior
Verse 1
Chorus:
Wonderful merciful Savior
You are the One that we praise
Precious Redeemer and Friend
You are the One we adore
Who would have thought that a Lamb
You give the healing and grace
Could rescue the souls of men
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh You rescue the souls of men
Oh our hearts always hunger for
Verse 2
Counselor Comforter Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts
Have hopelessly lost the way
Oh we hopelessly lost the way
Verse 3
Almighty infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh we're falling before Your throne
Chorus:
CCLI Song #106879 © 1989 Word Music, Inc. / Dayspring Music, Inc.
Dawn Rodgers / Eric Wyse For use solely in accordance with the SongSelect Advanced
Terms of Agreement. All rights Reserved. CCLI License #272318
PRAYER FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS AND LORD’S PRAYER
FIRST BLESSING
LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENT Christian Worship, pages 21-23
The Sacrament of the Altar is a special blessing for God’s people. In it, our sins are
forgiven, our weak faith is strengthened, and our resolve to live for the Lord is renewed.
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We believe the word of Jesus that in, with and under the bread and the wine we are
receiving the Real Presence of our Savior, His Body and His Blood, for the forgiveness
of sins, life and salvation.
All who are baptized and confess with us this understanding of the Lord’s Supper are
welcome to receive the sacrament with us. By this act of worship we are fellowshipping
in a close communion with each other as we receive the Lord’s Supper. Visitors who
wish to continue to commune with us on a regular basis, or those who have questions
are encouraged to speak with one of the pastors.
Non-alcoholic white wine is available in each tray for anyone who prefers it. Gluten-free
wafers are also available. To indicate that you prefer gluten-free, please raise your
index finger when the wafers are brought to you.
Parents are welcome to bring their non-confirmed children with them to the altar. The
ushers will allow space for them at each table. The pastor will also pronounce a blessing
on them.
SANCTUS
Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS:
Christian Worship #311 Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
Christian Worship #141 At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing
POST-COMMUNION THANKSGIVING
Christian Worship, page 24
BENEDICTION
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SENDING HYMN: LSB 936
Sing Praise to the God of Israel
© 1992 Stephen P. Starke. Used by permission: OneLicense.net, no. A-724499.
Public domain
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.
THE POSTLUDE:
In Thee is Gladness
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... J.S. Bach
SERVING IN OUR WORSHIP TODAY
Pastor Dale Critchley (preaching)
Pastor Michael Albrecht
Pastor Ralph Rokke
Organist: Tom Rowland
Ushers: (8:00) Loren Bahls and Team #5
(10:30) Virginia Genz and Team #6
Audio Video Team: Sharon Ferrara, Glenn & Wendy Gatzke, Norm Goetzke,
Jerry Hinz, Len & Diane Munson, Jerry Peterson, Lorna Redding,
Michael Schroeder, Leif Thune and Gil Ude
Screen Slide Production: Ami Heesch
REMEMBER THE SAINT JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH FOUNDATION IN YOUR WILL.
Your gift can make a difference for generations to come.
Suggested wording: In thanks to God for the gift of His Son Jesus, and for all
His blessings to me in my lifetime, I gift and bequeath to Saint James Lutheran
Church Foundation at 460 West Annapolis Street, West Saint Paul, MN 55118 the
amount of $ _______________ or ___(specify the asset)___.
PEOPLE TO PRAY FOR
Let us remember to pray for some of our veteran members:
Marilyn Nelson, Audrey Olson, Ruth Radle, Helen Ricketts
MISSIONS TO PRAY FOR
This week please pray for Pastor David Jurech and the people of St. Michael’s Lutheran
Church in Prague and Pastor Tomas Zivny and his congregation in Plzen and Pastor
Tony Booker and the English services in Prague.
FLOWERS
The flowers in the chancel vases are given in loving memory of George Miller,
provided by his family.
If you would like to order FLOWERS to be placed in the chancel, please contact
Altar Guild Flower Chairwoman Shirley Grabuski at 651-457-2529.
LIVING AS A LOCAL MISSIONARY: When you go to local businesses, if you see trash on
the ground, pick it up and throw it away.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the children studied “The Conversion of Paul” and learned
that as God did with Paul, so God does with us. Through the Law we are crushed by the
weight of our sin and are helpless. As God revived Paul through Ananias (Acts 9:1–31), He
revives us through our pastors with the proclamation of His Word and the administration of
His Sacraments, granting forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe. Talk to your
children about how the Sacraments and God’s Word revive you so that you may live as
God’s child.
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HONORING OUR YOUNG ADULTS: Please take a moment to write a message to one of
our High School seniors who are about to embark on their next stage of life. These youth are
from the 2011 Confirmation Class, some of them have been lifelong members of Saint
James. We will be saying special prayers for these individuals during the services on
Sunday, May 10th and Monday night May 11th. Please pray for these important members of
our Saint James Family in all of their future endeavors!
THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED to a presentation by National Alliance for Mental Illness
TOMORROW EVENING, Monday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. A speaker
from Dakota County will help us understand mental illness, the impact of the stigma of
mental illness, and the role of faith communities in recovery. You are welcome to bring a
friend. Please contact our Parish Nurse Shirley Hess at 651-210-3380 with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL/SENIOR LEAGUE PROGRESSIVE DINNER: Join us Friday, April 24th
leaving from church at 5:00 pm. Our topic of discussion will be about abundance. God gives
us an abundance of blessings to enjoy and to share with others! Friends are always
welcome. Contact Pastor Dale or Terese to reserve your spot in a van.
JUNIOR LEAGUE GRAND SLAM!: 5th - 8th grade youth and your friends sign up TODAY
on Terese's office door to go to Grand Slam. Grab your friends for 3 hours of bumper cars,
batting cages, mini golf, laser tag, an arcade, and a trampoline. Fun starts when we meet at
church on Saturday, April 25th @10:30 am. Cost is $15 and includes a slice of pizza & a
soda. Waivers for the Extreme Trampoline can be found on the GrandSlam website or in the
pocket on Terese's office door along with the Saint James Medical Release & Parent
permission form.
MISSIONARY DAN SCHMELZER TO PREACH NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 26. Dan and his
wife Patty live in Kisumu, Kenya full time as missionaries. Kisumu is in Western Kenya on
the shore of Lake Victoria. They founded Capstone Ministries in 2005. The vision of
Capstone Ministries is the reconciliation of street children with God and family. To date they
have reconciled 308 boys with their families. You will have a chance to sign up for their
newsletter. You can also check out their website at www.capstoneministries.org.
SAINT JAMES LADIES GUILD BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON: Reservations may be made today
in the Narthex after both services for the annual Ladies Guild Birthday Luncheon to be held
Tuesday, May 5 at 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Room. The catered menu will include Salmon
Bow Tie Salad, Tuna Salad, Fresh Fruit Plate, Meat and Cheese Tray, Bread and Rolls,
Dessert, Punch and Coffee. The cost is $12. All members of the congregation – including
men – are invited to attend.
MARCH GIFTS TO OUR NEIGHBORS! Thank you to all of you for your gifts during Food
Share month. Over $4,000 and 200 lbs of food was taken to Neighbors during the month of
March. Your generosity will mean so much to individuals and families who rely on the food
shelf for assistance. What a wonderful way to share the Lord’s gifts!
St. James Care Corps
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THE SANCTUARY INTERIOR COMMITTEE wants to thank everyone who came to the
Town Hall Meeting last Sunday. Your opinions and input are important to us, whether you
were able to attend the meeting or not. Please contact any member of the SIC with your
comments.
Gene Achterberg
Val Namen
bettygeneach@q.com
va_namen@yahoo.com
Pastor Albrecht
Pastor Rokke
malbrecht@saintjameslutheran.com
rrokke@saintjameslutheran.com
Donna Furrey
Susan Schultze
djfurey@me.com
starfarms@comcast.net
Christine Hansen
Kathy Stadler
engmajor@comcast.net
stadlerek@comcast.net
SAINT JAMES PHOTO DIRECTORY: The photo directory is in the final stages! We are
accepting family pictures through April 27 – get yours in to the office today. You can email a
copy to 2014photos@saintjameslutheran.com or drop one off at the office and we’ll scan it
for you. If you don’t want your contact information (address, phone number, email)
included in the directory, please call the church office at 651-457-9232 as soon as
possible.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
Saint James offers financial assistance to families who enroll their children at parochial
schools. The scholarship fund is available for pre-school, K-8, and high school. Students
planning on entering college for the preaching or teaching ministry are also eligible. If you
plan on sending a child to a Lutheran school for the 2015-16 school year, please inform Ron
Ecker from the Education Committee by May 17th at (651) 457-3177 or rcecker@q.com.
Bethesda Lutheran Communities is accepting scholarship applications for the 2015-16
academic year for Lutheran high school, college and seminary students with a career
objective in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bethesda will award five
Lutheran student scholastic and service scholarships: two $3,000 awards for current college
students; one $3,000 award for a seminary student; and two $500 awards for high school
seniors. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Other application
requirements include documentation of volunteer or paid service to people with
developmental disabilities, an essay and letters of recommendation. The application deadline
is Friday, May 1, 2015. For more information:
Phone: 800-383-8743, ext. 4428,
Email: chris.dovnik@mailblc.org,
Website: BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/scholarships.
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THIS WEEK AT SAINT JAMES
TODAY, APRIL 19, 2015
8:00 a.m. … Divine Service with Holy Communion
9:15 a.m. ... Sunday School
9:15 a.m. ... 8th Grade Public Examination
10:30 a.m. … Divine Service with Holy Communion
11:30 p.m. ... Spring Mentor Banquet
MONDAY, APRIL 20
4:30 p.m. ... Executive Committee Meeting
6:30 p.m. … Evening SonRise Worship Service: Pastor Critchley preaching
7:30 p.m. … Sr. Handbells
7:30 p.m. ... NAMI Presentation
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
10:00 a.m. ... Bible Class
6:30 p.m. ... Youth Committee – Special Pioneers Meeting
7:00 p.m. ... Stewardship Committee
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
5:00 p.m. … Confirmation Classes & Supper
6:15 p.m. ... Kantorei Choir Rehearsal
6:30 p.m. … Adult Children of Alcoholics
6:30 p.m. ... Gsus3 Choir Rehearsal
7:00 p.m. … Saint James Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
12:00 p.m. ... Opportunity Partners Music Therapy
6:30 p.m. ... Pastor Stadler Bible Class: Explore 4QMMT
6:30 p.m. ... Puppet Practice
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
10:00 a.m. ... Service @ White Pine Senior Living
5:00 p.m. ... Senior League Progressive Dinner
7:00 p.m. Family Game Night
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
8:00 a.m. ... Women’s Bible Study
11:00 a.m. ... GrandSlam (Junior League)
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Guest Preacher: Dan Schmelzer from Kenya
8:00 a.m. … Worship Service
Ushers: Bill Grabuski and Team #1
9:15 a.m. ... Sunday School
9:15 a.m. ... Dan Schmelzer Presentation
10:30 a.m. … Worship Service
Ushers: Steve Lehmann and Team #2
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