Service Folder February 20 2011

Welcome to Living Word! We’re thrilled to be able to worship the Savior with you this morning! The worship order is printed in this service folder – you’ll find it to be straightforward, dignified and uplifting. Your little ones are welcome to stay with you, but should they become unruly, a nursery area is located – along with rest rooms – down the hallway off the lobby.

Today’s Focus: The love which Jesus showed to us is amazing! “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) By nature, we were God’s enemies, yet He loved us anyway. Part of our life of faith is to reflect the love which Jesus showed to us; we do that by reflecting Jesus’ love to those around us, yes, even to our enemies. May God strengthen us to do so!

Serving the Lord and Us: Ushers: 8:15 – Dan and Michael Hallahan 10:45 – James Birdwell and David Ensminger; Acolytes: Adam Kock and Cassie Heard; Keyboard: Beth Kock; Greeter: Evan West; Monday People: Bill and Lynn Kramer

Silent Prayer: O Savior, You loved me, and continue to love me, no matter what. Forgive me for failing to appreciate the depth of Your love for me. Renew that appreciation in me today, that I might reflect Your love to those around me. Bless my worship, O Savior. Amen.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious Father, keep your family, the Church, always faithful to you, that we may lean on the hope of your promises and be strong in the power of your love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: (sung) Amen.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. ¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. ²⁰On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 103 (front of hymnal, Page 105)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' ³⁹But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴²Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. ⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

(Children ages 4-10 may come to the front during verse 3 for the children’s message)

“So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. ⁸Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won’t strike him twice.” ⁹But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless? ¹⁰As surely as the LORD lives,” he said, “the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. ¹¹But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.” ¹²So David took the spear and water jug near Saul’s head, and they left. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They were all sleeping, because the LORD had put them into a deep sleep. ¹³Then David crossed over to the other side and stood on top of the hill some distance away; there was a wide space between them. ¹⁴He called out to the army and to Abner son of Ner, “Aren’t you going to answer me, Abner?” Abner replied, “Who are you who calls to the king?” ¹⁵David said, “You’re a man, aren’t you? And who is like you in Israel? Why didn’t you guard your lord the king? Someone came to destroy your lord the king. ¹⁶What you have done is not good. As surely as the LORD lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the LORD’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?” ¹⁷Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?” David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.” ¹⁸And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? ¹⁹Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the LORD has incited you against me, then may he accept an offering. If, however, men have done it, may they be cursed before the LORD! They have now driven me from my share in the LORD’s inheritance and have said, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ ²⁰Now do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. The king of Israel has come out to look for a flea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” ²¹Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have erred greatly.” ²²“Here is the king’s spear,” David answered. “Let one of your young men come over and get it. ²³The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed. ²⁴As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and deliver me from all trouble.” ²⁵Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, my son David; you will do great things and surely triumph.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home.

The Offering (The members of Living Word have joined together to spread God’s message both in this community and around the world. If you are a visitor, please do not feel obligated to participate in the offering. You are our guests, and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to share God’s Word with you!)

(After the closing hymn there will be a moment for silent prayer and reflection. Our ushers will then distribute the Friendship Registers. Please note the names of the people sitting near you!)

The hymns printed in today’s service folder are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-709280.

It is our mission to study the

LIVING WORD

so that God might direct our lives,

motivate us to seek out the lost,

and strengthen us to share

the LIVING WORD with others.

It is our desire that all may be saved.

Living Word Lutheran began public worship in March, 1993, and is a growing congregation of the WELS (the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). The WELS - so-named because it began in the Midwest - has nearly 500,000 members, congregations in all 50 states and missions throughout the world. Regular schedule: Worship at 8:15 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship at 10:45. Location: 5210 N. Roan Street, Gray, TN 37615; phone number: 423-467-9673; fax: 283-9357. Pastor Thomas Kock, 3422 Linkwood Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601. 423-773-9357. Email: ThomasDKock@gmail.com. Church office email: lwoffice@comcast.net. Vicar (intern) Peter Zaferos, 414 E. Mountain View Dr. #603, J.C., TN 37601. Cell 423-302-0407 Email: zaferosp@WLS.WELS.net. Websites: Livingwordlutheran.com & WhataboutJesus.com.

Welcome! If this is your first time worshiping with Living Word, we pray it will be the first of many times! If you have questions, please feel free to speak with Pastor Kock, Vicar Zaferos or one of the members. Materials are available in the entry; take as much as you’d like.

Adult Sunday School: Growing in the Word is a vital part of your life of faith. We are studying the Mission of the Church and Stewardship. Both are integral parts of our life of faith. If you’ve not been in the habit of coming to adult SS, come!

Living Word Lutheran Women Secret Sisters: Today after worship we will draw names to see who your Secret Sister is for the next year. After the drawing, please email Lynn Kramer with the name you drew so she will have a master list of the participants. Lynn’s email address is: knittin_granny@yahoo.com. Living Word Lutheran Women (LW2) is a women’s ministry that serves our congregation, the community and supports various missions. We have supported Northside school children with various requests, the Johnson City Women’s Shelter, Living Promise mission church, made Chrismon ornaments, provided food and meals for grieving families, etc. Please feel free to join us and for more information talk to Terry Ensminger or Jeannie Blackwell. Our next meeting will be held in March and details will be announced.

Beech Mountain Ski Outing Next Sunday: We are putting together a ski, snowboard and tubing outing for next Sunday, February 27^th. There is a signup sheet in the hallway with date/time and prices. Please see Chris Evans with any questions.

“Soup Share” Wednesday Night: This Wednesday night we will have a “Soup Share,” for our meal. Please bring a crock pot of your favorite soup to share with everyone. The meal begins at 6:15 p.m., with Bible study afterwards.

WELS Kingdom Workers Convention: You are invited to the 12th Biennial WKW Convention, Equip to Serve, April 1-2, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church, Pewaukee, Wis. You will be able to choose from a variety of mission presentations and hear about the work being done from the mission assistants. Through a variety of workshops, you will also learn how to do mission work in your own congregation and beyond. Presenters will include Carmen Thomforde (Hong Kong) and Ryan Kolander (Mexico). Each will take a break from their duties and join us for the weekend. Rev. Mark Jeske will open the convention and Dr. Dan Johnson, WLC President, will also address the convention. Register at www.WELSKingdomWorkers.org.

Family in Need: Scott Richmond was early-on-the-scene at a fire which took place at a mobile home just up the road from the church. It was a young family with four kids; they lost everything. They would greatly appreciate clothing for the kids; sizes are below. They’re still looking for a residence, so please continue to hold onto further donations. If you have any questions please contact Scott 423-207-0222/423-791-6201 or email S.Richmond2comcast.net.

Mites for Missions: The Living Word Lutheran Women are again collecting Mites for Missions (based on the account of the Widow’s Mites – Luke 21). The donations collected this year will be sent to the East Fork Mission and to Living Promise Lutheran Church. We will have a collection box on the table in the entryway.

Israel Trip 2012: Pastor Kock is again going to host a tour to Israel (with an optional extension to Jordan) next year in February. Being in the places where Jesus was is amazing! Your appreciation for the Bible and its truths will grow tremendously. Brochures are available in the entry. Talk to Pastor for more information.

Calling All Softball Players!!! Softball season is just around the corner (we are playing spring ball this year) and we need players! We have to have a certain number of ladies to play each game so that we don’t have to play with any penalties. If you are interested in playing there is a signup sheet on the board in the hallway. If you have any questions please talk with James Birdwell.

Women’s Bible Study: We meet each Sunday evening at 6:30 pm. Talk to Terry Ensminger for more details. Come!

Prayers Requested: Heather Wilcox. Heather Yancey (friend of Jessica Smith) – cystic fibrosis of lungs. Johnny Potts (John Reightler’s brother-in-law) – serious health problems. Janeice George. Jane Conger. Larry Lane. Keinth Greene and Travis Greene (friends of Terry Carnes). Barbara Green – cancer. Donna Leonard. Terry Carnes. Amy Bordelon and Aidan (Ruth’s sister and nephew) – stargotz eye disease. Fred and Stephanie Story - recurring breast cancer. Lisa and Caleb James. Ann Hallahan (Dan’s Mom). Faye Griffith (friend of Eriel). Francis Hicks (Jennifer’s mother-in-law) cancer. Melissa Dixon (friend of Laurie Heard) - breast cancer. Jennifer Cummins (Rebecca Little’s sister) - lupus. Jennifer’s sister’s family – David and Margie Beidleman, David J and Elana, Chris and Jill Metzger. Paula Granruth (Terry Carnes’s mom). Lucille McIntosh (Laurie Heard’s mom) – kidney problems. Zoe Hwang – open heart surgery. Judy Hamby. Mack Dunford. Sarah Harrington – rehab 1yr. Edna Bailey (friend of John and Lisa Reightler) – cancer. Daren Vertein – FNP Preceptors. Jay Rantanan. Kelly Horton and Vickie White (friends of Debbie Henninger) – serious health issues Jeff and Sarah Coalson (friends of Maryanna White) – serious health issues. Josephine Kelly (Terry Ensminger’s mother) – COPD and bronchitis. Bill Wogsland – lung cancer. Jennifer Foster – ICU. Jennifer Torres (nee Budahn) and infant son Daniel – premature birth. Charlotte Hallahan – spinal injection.