The Service in PDF format is at: October 27, 2024 Service
Video of service is at: YouTube
Peace Lutheran Church
We welcome you in the name of the Lord Jesus. We are honored with your presence. If you do not have a church home, you are invited to join us regularly. Please introduce yourself to Pastor Jeremy Lucke or one of the Ushers as you leave today and sign the guest book in the entryway. We continue to observe the guidelines for health safety. If you have any questions, please see an usher. Everyone is welcome.
The ringing of the bell and the lighting of the Christ candle mark the beginning of our service and a time for quiet meditation, prayer and inward reflection as we begin our worship.
Children are welcome at our worship services. If you prefer, Peace Lutheran has a playroom equipped for children three years old and younger. The room is unstaffed and can be accessed in the fellowship hall where the service is also being live streamed for your convenience and enjoyment.
Holy Communion is celebrated every first and third Sunday and will follow the order of service in the bulletin. If you are a baptized Christian and share our faith in Jesus as Savior and have been instructed in the meaning and use of the Lord’s Supper, you are invited to partake. We have pre-wrapped communion wine or juice and wafers. We also have gluten-free wafers available. If you desire a gluten-free wafer, ask the server. May the body and blood of Jesus, present in the bread and wine, be a blessing to you.
There are times during the service when you will be asked to stand if you are able. Please feel free to remain seated if standing is difficult.
Offering. Peace Lutheran Church understands and teaches that Offerings are voluntary and to be from the heart. Whether we give or do not give does not determine our salvation. Whether we give much or little does not determine our standing before God. Sharing an Offering is an opportunity to quietly practice generosity with our neighbors.
Serving You
Pastor Pastor Jeremy Lucke
Music Director Colleen Schulze
Choir Director Diane Crocker
Supt. Of Sunday School Anne Schroeder & Karyn Stanley
Admin Assistant Daniel Dusek
Parish Nurse Kathy Durling
Webmaster Jim Holroyd
Audio-Visual Johnathon Holroyd, George Abele, Nicholas Abele, Merv Munster, Callie Santora, Joyce Long, Oscar Gutbrod, Sam Worth, Rick Durling, Jim Holroyd, Debbi Weiler, Dan Dusek
Praise Team Rick Durling, Patrick Kamins, Ginny Tonelli, Karyn Stanley, Nora Stanley, Diane Crocker, Kaia Lucke, Anne Schroeder, John Mergl
Today, October 27, 2024
Musician Debbie Graeber
Reader Kathy Hanna
AS WE GATHER: While 2017 was the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, our celebrations continue into the 507th year since Martin Luther posted the Ninety-five Theses on the practice of indulgences. The Reformation is a celebration of freedom in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This can particularly be found in today’s Epistle from Romans 3. In a marvelous, great exchange, Christ takes our unrighteousness and gives us His righteousness. Even though we all sin and fall short of the glory of God, we are justified by God’s grace, as a gift. We celebrate God’s love and activity on our behalf to save us.
RINGING OF THE BELL
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen!
BEING HONEST ABOUT OURSELVES…
Leader: God indeed is our refuge and strength, our help and our fortress. Yet we often choose to flee from the refuge of the Lord. We abandon the strength and safety of our God, trusting in our own strength and power. The apostle Paul writes that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And Jesus says that everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. As we enter the house of the Lord and call upon Him for His good and gracious gifts, let us consider our enslavement to sin and our continued shortcomings as God’s people.
(A moment of silence to reflect on our sin and our need for the Savior)
Leader: Heavenly Father,
People: we have sinned against You in our thoughts, words, and actions. We have sinned as individuals and as a community. We have ignored neighbors in need. We have caused divisions among Your people. We have sought refuge in the things of this world and not in You. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us back to You, our refuge and strength.
Leader: While we have indeed fallen short of the glory of God, we are all also justified by God’s grace as a gift. Though we have been slaves to sin, God has set us free in the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. As a called and ordained servant of the risen 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.
People: Amen.
Leader: One of the most famous documents of the Reformation Era is the set of the Ninety-Five Theses posted on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517. In this set of ninety-five statements that Dr. Luther wished to have debated was a challenge to accepted practices in the church of his time that Luther felt were at odds with the biblical witness and therefore were not true. His introduction to the set of statements he had written is highlighted by two words: “love” and “truth.” We now hear what Luther wrote as the introduction to his now famous Ninety-Five Theses.
Reader: “Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be debated at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and the Lecturer on the Ordinary on the same at that place. For that reason, he requests that those who cannot be present and debate orally with us may do so by letter.”
Leader: The challenges to Luther that resulted from his posting of the Ninety-Five Theses remained a constant factor throughout his life. We sing a song that reminds us of God’s constant presence in the happenings of life.
SONG “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
Isaac Watts | William Croft; © Words & Music: Public Domain
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home!
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
SERVICE OF THE WORD
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to free us from our enslavement to sin. Help us to abide in Your Word and bring others by Your Holy Spirit in to the Body of Christ, so that every nation, tribe, language, and people will know the saving power of Christ and His resurrection. Through Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
God justifies us through faith in Christ.
19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
We abide in Jesus’ Word.
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, O Christ!
Keith Getty; Stuart Townend; 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest
drought and storm
What heights of love
what depths of peace
When fears are stilled
when strivings cease
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the
precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
SERMON
“Sola Fidei—By Faith Alone”
Pastor Jeremy Lucke
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
And was born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate.
Was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
And is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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
We offer our thanksgiving for what God has first given us—our selves, our time, our possessions.
Leader: Let us pray for the whole people of God, and for all people according to their needs. Lord, You are our refuge and strength. Defend Your Church from the attacks and accusations of the devil. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and His Word. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Leader: Lord, since the fall into sin, all creation groans for restoration. Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, and other disasters cause great fear. But You are the God of all creation. Calm our hearts and be in our midst when the earth gives way. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Leader: Lord, in this fallen world, nations rage and kingdoms totter. War, violence, disease and division are present on the earth. But You are the Lord of hosts, and You are with us. Defend us from conflict and be our King of peace. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Leader: Lord, send healing to all who are sick, injured, and recovering, (especially…). If it be Your will, restore their health with the overflowing abundance that comes only from Your hand. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Leader: Into Your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
People: Amen.
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
Leader: Jesus said, “If you abide in My word,
People: you are truly My disciples,
Leader: and you will know the truth,
People: and the truth will set you free.
Leader: So if the Son sets you free,
People: you will be free indeed.”
Leader: The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
People: Amen.
CLOSING SONG: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
Dick Grout; Frederick Henry Hedge; Martin Luther; Words: Public Domain
A mighty fortress is our God,
A sword and shield victorious;
He breaks the cruel oppressor’s rod
And wins salvation glorious.
The old satanic foe
Has sworn to work us woe!
With craft and dreadful might
He arms himself to fight.
On earth he has no equal.
No strength of ours can match his might!
We would be lost, rejected.
But now a champion comes to fight,
Whom God himself elected.
You ask who this may be?
The Lord of hosts is he!
Christ Jesus mighty Lord,
God’s only Son, adored.
He holds the field victorious.
Though hordes of devils fill the land
All threat’ning to devour us,
We tremble not, unmoved we stand;
They cannot over pow’r us.
Let this world’s tyrant rage;
In battle we’ll engage!
His might is doomed to fail;
God’s judgment must prevail!
One little word subdues him.
God’s Word forever shall abide,
No thanks to foes, who fear it;
For God himself fights by our side
With weapons of the Spirit.
Were they to take our house,
Goods, honor, child, or spouse,
Though life be wrenched away,
They cannot win the day.
The Kingdom’s ours forever!
Leader: Go in Peace. Serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
Announcements
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME… Don’t forget to move your clocks back an hour before going to bed on Saturday, November 2. The adjustment will help you arrive at church on time.
HEALING SERVICE… Peace is offering a Prayer and Healing Service next Sunday, November 3rd at 8:30 am. This is an opportunity to have a concern prayed for and/or a joy shared. The elders and pastor are present to uplift you in prayer and anoint you with oil in accordance with Scriptural teaching.
ALL SAINTS’ DAY: Peace will be celebrating All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 3. It is an opportunity to remember those who have gone before us and died in Christ. Remembering these individuals allows us to strengthen our own faith and follow their path. Saints are not people to be worshiped—they are simply examples for us to follow. If you would like a saint remembered in our worship, let us know by Thursday, October 31 so that their name is included in the bulletin. We will take a moment of silence for each of the saints on our list.
MEN’S BREAKFAST: The next Peace Lutheran men’s breakfast will be next Saturday, November 2nd at Benchwarmers Bar & Grill at 1895 NW 9th Street, Corvallis at 8:30am.
Come and enjoy another breakfast with your fellow Christian friends. Pastor Ted Schaefer will be the lead speaker. Start your day off right and attend!
Veterans Remembrance. We will be honoring our veterans during the worship service on November 10. If you have a veteran you would like to include, please provide their name, service, and a picture (preferably in uniform) to Dan by November 6 to include them in the presentation.