Welcome!
“God of grace and God of glory, On Your people pour Your power; Crown Your ancient Church’s story; Bring its bud to glorious flower.” (WS 764)
THIRD SUNDAY after EPIPHANY JANUARY 26, 2025
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH HIDEWOOD TWP, SD
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH WATERTOWN, SD
To prepare yourselves for worship you are welcome to meditate on:
Today’s Psalm 19: 7-14
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
ORDER for WORSHIP
The bell calls us for worship
Opening Prayer
P: Lord God, grant Your sanctifying presence as I join my fellow Christians on this day in worshiping You in the beauty of holiness. Bless the preaching of Your Word in all the world today that many people of all races and nations may be brought to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Bless my hearing of Your Word today that I may be confirmed in my faith and strengthened in my consecration to serve You. Keep my aware that I must be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only, lest I deceive myself. All glory, praise, and honor be to You forever and ever! Amen.
Hymn 3
Invocation
P: We begin in the name of the Triune God:
C: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Confession and Absolution of Sins
P: We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve Him as His dear children. But we have disobeyed Him and deserve only His wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to Him and plead for His mercy.
ALL: Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against You and do not deserve to be called Your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to Your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.
P: God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, He has removed your guilt forever. You are His own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to His will.
C [spoken]: Amen.
ALL SING: Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. 1. Glory to God, we give You thanks and praise; Of heav’nly joy and peace on earth we sing. We worship You, to You our hearts we raise, Lord God, almighty Father, heav’nly King. 2. Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s only Son, You bore for us the load of this world’s sin. O Lamb of God, Your glorious vict’ry won, Receive our prayer, grant us Your peace within. 3. Alone, O Christ, You only are the Lord, At God’s right hand in majesty most high: Who, with the Spirit worshiped and adored, With all the heav’nly host we glorify.
CONFESSION OF FAITH – THE APOSTLES’ CREED
ALL: 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.
Hymn 408
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The focus of today’s service is on TITUS
(celebrated on this day, January 26)
Bible readings will be combined with the sermon and hymns
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Introduction
Hymn 446: 1-2
Chapter one
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
10 For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Hymn 446: 3-4
Titus chapter two
1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Hymn 446: 5-6
Titus – chapter three
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
ALL SING: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence. Take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Uphold with Your Spirit free.
Hymn 401
The Offering is collected / brought forward
NEW TRINITY OFFICERS INSTALLED
Our constitution says: “The new members of the church council shall present themselves for installation the first Sunday after the annual meeting.”
Prayer led by the pastor
P: God of love, You are the true source of all compassion. You became poor so that we might be rich. You stood helpless before humanity’s vengeful power so that we might be strong to prevail. Speak to us of comfort and hope! We are so timid and fearful. We need the assurance of Your presence!
Only You can bear to know the sum and total of the broken hopes and shattered dreams that burden the secret hearts of Your people. The daily round, the pressures of life, the allure of worldliness, the tensions that clutch our spirits, our sins – these all destroy our zest for living. We are mired in the bog of our depression. We strain to hear some Word to lighten our daily burden, some song to cheer our sagging souls.
And You bring us those good tidings, Lord! You offer us great joy. Your day and our release has come. You wipe the tears from our eyes. We have been defeated by our sins, by death, by Satan - but You are our champion, You make us more than conquerors. The strong and the wicked of this world have ridden roughshod over all our dreams, and they have left us helpless. But You have been our avenger and have made us victors!
Dear Savior, among us and around us and across the world are people living in despair. We covet for them what You have given us. Preach joy to all who languish. Lift up all who flounder. Make them strong and seal their victory in Christ!
What threat prevails when You are at our side? If You are for us, who can be against us? You have sealed Your love for us by giving us Your Son. We have the victory through Christ in whose name our prayer is raised! Amen.
P: any special prayers there may be will be offered here...
P: And so we join to pray the words Jesus taught us:
ALL: 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.
The Benediction
P: The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you His peace.
C [spoken]: Amen.
Closing Hymn 421
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STATISTICS – week of 01/19/25
Zion: service canceled/cold; Brookings Bible Study: 7 Trinity 53; SS: 9; Wed BC: 15; Voters: 14; Ladies’ Aid: 5; CLC Online Women’s Conference (group at Trinity): 8
Zion Lutheran Church Hidewood Township, SD – 8:30 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church Watertown, SD – 10:30 a.m.
trinitywatertownsd.com
Members: Church of the Lutheran Confession www.clclutheran.org
Pastor Paul Krause. . . parsonpaulkrause@gmail.com cell:920-238-5775
Teacher Collette Krause . . collettekrause@gmail.com cell: 920-238-5132
Church and School: 605-886-2976
Organists: John Klatt, Rebecca Larson, Naomi Rehder
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CALENDAR and ANNOUNCEMENTS
THIS WEEK >> catechism class with Manny Mertz via Skype
TODAY >> Zion – 8:30 a.m. service, then Sunday School
>> Trinity – 9:20 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 worship service
>> Trinity special voters’ (call) meeting after church
>> 2 p.m. Zion – annual voters’ meeting
TUE >> 10:30 a.m. Gabe Meier – information class
WED >> Louis Jenson - catechism class – after school
>> 7 p.m. Trinity adult Bible Class
THU >> 10:30 a.m. devotion at Avantara/Watertown
>> 5:30 p.m. Lucas Bruna - catechism class
NEXT SUNDAY >> Zion – 8:30 a.m. service, then Sunday School
>> Trinity – 9:20 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 worship service
>> Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at both churches
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
02/17 Mon Area pastors’ study conference – Pierre/Bowdle, SD
MANY THANKS!
>> Do you have something you are thankful for at Zion/Trinity? Let Pastor Krause know, and he will be happy to include it in the bulletin!
CHURCH OFFICERS AT TRINITY with many thanks to Andrew Larson for serving as a school elder! (Newly elected)
President Dave Klatt
Secy/Treas Paul Reinschmidt
Fin Secy Nick Moffenbier
Missn Secy Jim Zwieg
Trustees Ashley Dummann, Craig Wiste, Mike Fuerstenau
Ch Elders Tim Fuerstenau, Myron Kuhlman
School Elders Marty Dummann, Paul Dummann, John Klatt
KRAUSE CALIFORNIA CALL RETURNED As was announced yesterday, I have returned the call to be pastor at St. Stephen in Mountain View, CA. That means that I will be staying here at Zion and Trinity. We pray for the Lord’s blessings – on our continued ministry here in eastern SD, and on St. Stephen, that the Lord would soon lead them to the man who is to serve them! Also – many thanks to all of your for your thoughts/prayers/comments during these last 3 weeks!
CLAIRE ABBAS RETURNED TRINITY’S CALL
“Dear Members of Trinity,
After much prayer and reflection, I believe the Lord is leading me to return the call to serve as your teacher. It is my heartfelt prayer that He will soon provide the right person to fill this role. May you find comfort in His promise: ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ — Isaiah 41:10 Yours in Christ, Claire Abbas”
CLC NEWS
Undecided call:
Pastor Sam Naumann, to St. Louis, MO
Returned calls:
Pastor Paul Krause, Watertown/Hidewood, SD, to Mountain View, CA
Teacher Claire Abbas, Inver Grove Heights, MN, to Watertown, SD
Accepted call:
Ms. Blair Sydow, continues as upper grade teacher, West Columbia, SC
(TRINITY CONSTITUTION) ARTICLE XIII
Duties Of The Officers
The duties of the officers of the church are the following:
1. They shall adorn their high office with an honest conduct and be good examples to the congregation (1 Timothy 3:8-12).
2. The church elders shall aid the pastor in the spiritual affairs of the church; they shall be responsible for good order in the services; and they shall particularly care in love for the poor, the sick, the widows, and the orphans (Galatians 6:9-10).
3. The school elders shall serve as members of the school board.
4. The trustees shall, according to the resolutions of the congregation, administer the temporal affairs of the congregation, keep its property in good repair, and provide for all other necessary expenses. The trustees shall also be responsible for the counting of all offerings.
5. The president shall preside at all meetings of the congregation and see to it that its decisions are executed. In the absence of the president the congregation shall elect a temporary chairman. The president shall also review the needs of the servant or servants of the Word and submit a report on this matter to the voters at the annual meeting (1 Corinthians 9:6-14; Luke 10:7ff; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6).
6. The recording secretary-treasurer shall keep an accurate and permanent record of all proceedings of the congregation and also of the church council, and as treasurer shall receive all local budget monies from the financial secretary, keep an accurate record of them, and disburse them according to the instructions of the congregation and submit his books quarterly to the congregation for an auditing.
7. The financial secretary shall receive all collections, contributions, and monies for the local budget of the congregation; he shall keep an accurate record of them and deliver them to the treasurer, instructing him for what purpose or purposes they are intended, and receive from the treasurer the proper vouchers. He shall make a report for the regular meetings of the congregation and submit his books to the congregation for quarterly auditing.
8. The mission secretary shall receive all collections, contributions, and monies for the congregation, except those for the local budget, and keep an accurate account of and disburse them according to the designated purposes. He shall make a report for the regular meetings of the congregation and submit his books to the congregation for 1/4ly auditing.
Promises Kept in Bangladesh - JAN 2025
This is excerpted from Missionary Todd Ohlmann’s blog posted on Thursday, January 23... For the full report and photos go to lutheranmissions.org, and click on Ohlmann’s photo.
For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10–11 NKJV
God promises that His Word will not return to Him without accomplishing that for which He sent it. About twenty-six years ago, God kept that promise as He sent His Word to northern Bangladesh through an evangelist from Dhaka. One man and his wife heard the Gospel and were led by the Holy Spirit to repent of their sins and to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! He kept His promise!
Besides their two daughters, who were raised in the Christian faith, this man and his wife knew of no other Christians in their village or the surrounding village until about nine years ago when they met Pastor M., of the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM) who lives about 350 miles south. Pastor M. was doing evangelism work in this area at the recommendation of a friend. The Lord brought Pastor M. and this family together. The man and his wife were thrilled to be found by another Christian. Pastor M. began to make regular visits to the area to study the word of God with the family. This strengthened, fed, and emboldened their faith and led them to spearhead BLCM evangelism efforts in the area.
Over the next few years, most in the area rejected God's word and His offer of salvation. But the promise of our Savior to bless the preaching and teaching of the Gospel kept Pastor M. and the farmer-turned-evangelist persistent in their efforts to carry out our Savior's great commission. As Pastor M. was evangelizing area villages, he came across another family about three miles away. The other family had heard and believed the Gospel from the same unknown evangelist from Dhaka many years ago. These two families live among roughly 17,000 people in the area but did not know about each other until they were introduced by Pastor M. about seven years ago. These two families are now very close....