“The Church Will Stand Forever!” · 2020. 9. 3. · † The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 6th, 2020 † 2 NOTES ON TODAY’S SERVIE The Church will stand forever

“The Church Will Stand Forever!”

Open Bible Evangelical Lutheran Church Oxford, FL

September 6th, 2020

† The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 6th, 2020 †

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NOTES ON TODAY’S SERVICE The Church will stand forever. Nothing can keep our Redeemer from upholding his promised salvation. Neither false expectations nor the gates of hell, neither an Egyptian army nor a flowing river, not even the great tribulation of the end times will keep our God from preserving his Church. WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS AND VISITORS THIS MORNING! We are honored by your presence and invite you to return to worship with us again. If you do not have a church home, consider making ours – yours! If you would like more information about Open Bible Lutheran Church, please feel free to speak to Pastor Schulz or to one of the Greeters. You may reach Pastor Schulz at 352-753-9038. Or go to our web site: www.openbiblelutheranchurch.com. FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE Restrooms can be found on the right side of the Welcome Center and the left side of the new fellowship hall. Personal Hearing Assistance Devices are available. Ask an usher. Also “The Hearing Loop System” is installed. Please turn you hearing aid or cochlear implant to “T” (Telephone.) Please turn off all cell phones Personal and other electronic devices. Thank you. Applause: Please refrain from any applause during the service. Photos: Please refrain from taking any pictures during the service. For respect of those who use the sanctuary for meditation before the service, please refrain from any unnecessary noise once the pre-service

music has begun.

http://www.openbiblelutheranchurch.com/


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WE GATHER FOR PRAISE

Welcome and introduction Greet Your Neighbor (Please practice social distancing)

OPENING HYMN: #382 “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”

C: My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus' name On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness veils his lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand

His oath, his covenant, his blood Supports me in the 'whelming flood When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand


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When He shall come with trumpet sound Oh may I then in Him be found Dressed in his righteousness alone Faultless to stand before the throne On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand

CONFESSION OF SINS P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our

sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us. C: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin. For faithless

worrying and selfish pride, for sins of habit and sins of choice, for the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do, You should cast me away from your presence forever. O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.

ABSOLUTION P: Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again. In his great

mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant:


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I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. P: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

C: “Glory Be to God on High” (to the tune of “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”)

Glory be to God on High, Alleluia. Glory be to God on High, Alleluia. Praise the Father, praise the Son, Alleluia. Praise the Spirit, Three in One, Alleluia. Sing we praises unto Thee, Alleluia. For the truth has set us free, Alleluia.

P: Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear

Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger.

Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and

life may please you. Into your hand I commend my body and soul

and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked for

may have no power over me.

C: Amen.


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WE GATHER AROUND HIS WORD

THE FIRST LESSON: Exodus 6:2-8 (page 90) To a people who wanted to know who God was, he responded, “I Am who I Am.” HE is the God of free and faithful love. He will redeem his people. It is a covenant that cannot be shaken or removed. God will preserve his Church forever.

God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they lived as aliens. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.

“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’” NIV-1984 Response: CW # 560 “I Hear the Savior Calling” vs 1

C: I hear the Savior calling! The gospel comes to me, My eyes once closed in blindness are opened now to see That I myself was helpless to live eternally, But dying, Christ did save me, and now he calls for me!


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THE SECOND LESSON: ROMANS 11:33-36 (page 1707) The living God preserves his Church forever by remembering his covenant. The depth of his wisdom, his unsearchable judgments, his limitless grace in Christ-that truth is the rock on which the Church will stand forever. Worship him with awe! Praise him with joy!

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. NIV-1984 Response: CW # 560 “I Hear the Savior Calling” vs 3

C: I hear the Savior calling! He gives this charge to me; To serve the best I’m able, What’e-er the call may be. Thus hand in hand with others who share the gospel key We spread the gospel tidings My Savior calls for me!

THE GOSPEL LESSON : MATTHEW 16:13-20 (page 1476) (Please stand out of reverence for Christ)

The question remains, “Who is Jesus?” He is more than a teacher, a philosopher, the founder of a religion, an agent of change. He is the anointed one, the one set apart by God and prophesied by Scripture, the Promised Seed who would save us from sin, the Son of God who is life and who gives life.


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When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. NIV-1984

Response: CW # 560 “I Hear the Savior Calling” vs 5

C:

I hear the Savior calling! His call has urgency! Each moment souls are dying; Soon comes eternity. And so, my precious Savior. This is my humble plea; Prepare me for my mission for you are calling me!

HYMN OF THE DAY: #368 “O Savior; Precious Savior”

C:


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O Savior, precious Savior, Whom yet unseen we love, O Name of might and favor, All other names above; We worship thee, we bless thee, To thee O Christ we sing; We praise thee, and confess thee Our holy Lord and King.

O Bringer of salvation, Who wondrously hast wrought, Thyself the revelation Of love beyond our thought; We worship thee, we bless thee, To thee O Christ we sing; We praise thee, and confess thee Our gracious Lord and King.

In thee all fullness dwelleth, All grace and power divine: The glory that excel-leth, O Son of God, is thine; We worship thee, we bless thee, To thee O Christ we sing; We praise thee, and confess thee Our glorious Lord and King. O grant the consummation Of this our song above In endless adoration,


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And everlasting love! Then shall we praise and bless thee Where perfect praises ring, And evermore confess thee Our Savior and our King.

SERMON: Sermon Text: Romans 11:33-36

“Trust His Ways Are Best!”

Pastor Mark M. Schulz

Apostles Creed

C: I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe 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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From there 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.


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WE GATHER FOR THANKSGIVING Labor Day video P: On this Labor Day weekend, we thank you for jobs that we have and the work we have been blessed by you to perform. Keep our workforce strong and productive, and let us give you the glory for what we been about to accomplish according to your design and plan. Be with all those who are unemployed and underemployed, that they may find work that is in line with their skills and abilities and can bring them purpose and meaning, improving the lives of others. If you have worked, or are working in the following occupations, please stand for your portion of the prayer and then be seated. PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

We thank God for the healthcare industry which, if God wills it, cures our ailments and brings us back to good health.

We thank God for the military and law enforcement, who protect our liberties, personal wellbeing, and property. We thank God for educators, who shape the hearts and minds of our youth. We thank God for those in agricultural, who feed our nation and the entire world.


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We thank God for administrators, who lead and mentor future leaders. We thank God for our government workers…local, state, and national, who ensure that our citizens receive the services they need.

We thank God for the arts and entertainment world, which enhances our leisure time.

We thank God for the financial world, which assists us to use God’s gift of money in ways that glorify Him.

We thank God for industry and manufacturing, which keeps the United States strong and allows it to prosper.

We thank God for scientists and those in technology, who keep our nation moving forward with new discoveries and advancements.

We thank God for our first responders, who come to our aid in times of disaster.

We thank God for all those in the service industry, the essential workers, who keep our nation functioning, even in times of pandemic.

We thank God for the pastors who shepherd their flocks and keep them connected to Jesus.

And finally, we thank God for anyone we overlooked, no matter their place in society, who labor tirelessly to provide for themselves and the entire world.


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LORD’S PRAYER (Contemporary) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom

come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our

daily bread; Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin

against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and

forever. Amen.

WE GATHER FOR DISMISSAL INTO OUR MISSION FIELD P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace.

Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

C: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN: CW # 537 “Onward Christian Soldiers”

C: Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle see his banners go! Refrain: Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war. With the cross of Jesus going on before.


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Like a mighty army moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, On in hope and doctrine, one in charity. Refrain: Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane, But the Church of Jesus constant will remain. Gates of hell can never ‘gainst the Church prevail. We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail. Refrain: Onward, then, ye faithful; join the happy throng, Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song; Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King; This through countless ages Saints and angels sing. Refrain: Announcements

†After Worship Prayer:

We meet as family in the presence of our heavenly Father. We meet as brothers and sisters in Christ, accepting the responsibility this places upon us - to love one another as you have loved us. We meet as your lights in this dark world and pray that through our words and our lives others might be drawn into your family and accept you as their Savior and Lord. Amen.

Chancel Flowers Today: are given to the glory and praise of our Almighty God by Rick and Carmen Smith in celebration of their 32nd Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, September 10th.


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Those serving today, September 6th: Those serving next week Sept.13th: Pastor Mark Schulz Pastor Mark Schulz Jeanne Schulz – Hymnsoft Randy Cochran - Organist

Jeanne Schulz – Media Shout Karen Pearson – Bulletin Karen Pearson – Bulletin Daniel Pearson – Audiovisual Tech Daniel Pearson – Audiovisual Tech Alan Koch, Jim Duncan – Ushers Roger Otto, DJ Cruise – Ushers Pat Kramer – Altar Guild Pat Kramer – Altar Guild Greg Wendorf, Pat Kramer – Greeters Judy Anderson,Sandy Swain – Greeters Carmen Smith, Jeri Leeper – Welcome Table Carmen Smith, Jeri Leeper – Welcome

Up-coming Church Activities:

Handbells: We will only use 2 octaves to practice social distancing. They

can call or email me if interested. Starting on the 6th of September 11 a.m.

Please speak to Pam Johnson if interested.

Our WINGS group gathered several items to bring to the silent auction. We

will set up a display of the items with bid sheets in the Fellowship Room for

September 6th and 13th. People who are at church those Sundays and

during the week for activities can bid on the items. The winning bidders

can make their payment after church on Sept. 13 and take home their item.

WinGS meeting: Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 pm. All ladies are

encouraged to attend to find out what our women’s group is all about and

what our mission will be for the coming year!

Choir: The council has instructed Randy NOT to organize a traditional choir

at this time due to COVID. We will continue to use small groups to assist in

worship. The first meeting for the small group will be Wednesday,

September 9th at 6:00 pm. If you are interested, please speak to Randy

Cochran.


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Men at Leisure: 2nd Friday of the month. First meeting Friday, September

11th 8:30 am. Meet at Bob Evans Restaurant on 466. For a bible study and

breakfast. Contact Dennis Duessler.

SPLASH (Single People Loving and Serving Him) will have its 2020-2021 kickoff on September 14, Monday, 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. We will plan our upcoming year. Some ideas we are considering… dog show, Singing River Tours, movie, Baker House, Appleton Museum of Art, Gypsy Gold farm, wine tasting, rodeo, craft brewery visit, dinner out, and others!! All our single members are invited to attend. Bring a guest! If coming, please bring a treat as detailed below: last name’s beginning with A-H: bring something sweet last name’s beginning with I-P: bring a bag of munchies last name’s beginning with Q-Z: bring some fruit or veggies Any Q’s?? See Randy Cochran or contact him at 407-637-4876 or [email protected] The Daniel Plan: This six-session video based small group study is centered on five essentials that will launch your journey to health: faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends. God designed your body to be healthy and he provided everything you need to thrive and live an abundant life. The Daniel Plan small group study teaches simple ways to incorporate healthy choices into your daily lifestyle. Anyone is welcome to join us for these studies whether you are overweight or not. Please sign up if you will be joining and indicate if you will need the student guide. Thank you. September 14th: Guidelines of Group, Overview of Program, Distribution of Student Study Guides, September 21st: Faith-Nurturing Your Soul, September 28th: Food-Enjoying God’s Abundance

mailto:[email protected]


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Flower Calendar Open calendar dates are available for parishioners interested in providing flower arrangements for Sunday services. The 2020 Flower Calendar has been placed on the bulletin board near the water fountain. The cost is $35.00 per arrangement or $70.00 for both. Please indicate on your envelope payment is for “flowers”. Two families may sign up for a Sunday and share the cost. If you have questions, please call Carol Stauske at 352-292-3079. Wednesday in the Word: Beginning September 9th at 5:00 – 6:00 pm (at Open Bible) and 7:00pm Zoom meeting (on-line) Let Pastor know so he can send the lesson and the Zoom contact information to your prior to that date. Topic: Living Under Socialism in The United States. The United States is looking at being changed from a capitalist society to a socialist society, where individual freedoms will be removed and all will look to the government to supply its needs. Learn how Daniel coped in a society that was hostile to Christian beliefs and told what to believe. September 9th: The Government tells you what to eat. September 16th: The Government tells you what to worship. September 23rd: The Government is drunk with its power over you. September 30th: The Government is Under the Control of God & Used for his Purpose. Mornings with Mommy will be held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. 9:30 – 11:00 am. They will be starting September 15th. Contact person is Jane Valley.


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Happy Hearts, Happy Hands Handiwork: First gathering Friday, September 18th 9-noon. Social distancing (1–2) per table. Masks must be worn. Contact person is Sandy Pawlowski Memorial service for Duane Anderson. Saturday, September 19th at 11:00 am at Open Bible Church. 466A Bible Study Group I met with Jim and Sandy Fehlhaber and have tentative plans to meet at church, once a month, possibly beginning September 22, Tuesday, at 1 PM. We are waiting to see if COVID will be calming down before a final decision is made. Our Bible Study: World Religions. Caregivers Our first event (depending on the COVID situation), will be held October 1, Thursday, 2 PM in the fellowship hall. It will be a one-hour workshop led by Mel Parker, former Open Bible member and retired insurance administrator. He will review the steps one needs to take before and when a loved one dies. Each attendee will go home with a packet detailing everything covered in the workshop. Attendance will be limited to 25-30 people. If future workshops are needed, more will be held. THIS WORKSHOP IS ABSOLUTELY FREE! Sign-up will be located on the counter near the fellowship hall. Altar Guild 2020 meeting scheduled on October 12th at 10:00AM in the church fellowship hall. Women parishioners interested in participating are invited to attend the October meeting. If you have any questions, contact Diane Olsen, Bonnie Farnsworth or Barb Matthias.


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LWMS Update Mission Box collections are sent to the North Florida Circuit of LWMS two times a year, just prior to the Rally. Even though the 2020 Spring Rally and the 2020 Convention were canceled our commitment to support specific missions this year continues. Please turn in any Mission Box Offerings by September 6th so, our donation can be forwarded to the North Florida Circuit Treasurer. Those wishing to contribute by check please make it payable to Open Bible. In memo area note “LWMS Mission Box offering.” Current Meditations will be done August 29. Please, consider donating it to the WELS Prison Ministry. They are gathered and sent to the prison ministry office and from their distributed to prison served by the ministry throughout the country. The Meditations can be placed in Peggi Carrier's mailbox or the box labeled for Meditations. It is noted that they are snapped up by the Christians behind bars.

Acknowledgements:

Music reprinted under OneLicese.net #A-723413 and CCLI # 11068725 Cover & page 20 used with permission with Creative Commons.

Author Unknown is licensed under CC-BY-NC-ND

Listen to our Radio Ministry on Sunday’s at 103.5 “The Shepherd.”

Our time slot is 11:05 – 11:30am.


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Open Bible Evangelical Lutheran Church Pastor Mark M. Schulz 4671 Bellwether Lane

Oxford, FL 34484 352-753-9038, 989-525-5514

Randy Cochran Staff Minister of Music & Education 407-637-4876

“Growing in Christ through the Word, making His Salvation Known” Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)www.openbiblelutheranchurch.com

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Documents

“The Church Will Stand Forever!” · 2020. 9. 3. · † The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 6th, 2020 † 2 NOTES ON TODAY’S SERVIE The Church will stand forever