JESUS’ BAPTISM BRINGS BLESSINGS The Baptism of Our Lord

January 4-7, 2018

2

WELCOME TO WORSHIP!

We are pleased that you have chosen to worship the Lord with us today. If you are a guest

visiting with us, know that we are thankful you have joined us, and please take a moment to sign

the friendship register during the offering.

Large print hymnals (both locations) are available upon request from an usher.

Hearing assist devices (Falls only) are available upon request from an usher.

Restrooms at the Falls: In the lower level of the church and also down the school hallway.

Restrooms at Germantown: In the north and south halls of the building.

If you need a place to quiet a restless child, the service is streamed to a TV in the lower level of

the Falls and in the Alpha Room at Germantown.

NOTES FOR THIS SUNDAY

The order of service for today is printed in this folder. The hymns are found in “Christian Worship:

A Lutheran Hymnal”, the red hymnal, or are printed in the folder.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION Service of the Word © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. Reprinted under OneLicnese.net #A-716490

Cover artwork by Ian M. Welch. © 2013 Ian M. Welch. All Rights Reserved. www.paramentics.com

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL

VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

SERVING IN WORSHIP

Preaching Minister Pastor Phil Arnold

Organists Donna Pflughoeft (M), Amy Noon (G)

N84 W15252 Menomonee Ave.

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

N108 W14290 Bel Aire Lane

Germantown, WI 53022

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD The Service of the Word is found on p. 38 in the front of the hymnal.

OPENING HYMN O Light of Gentile Nations | 78

INVOCATION

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son ✙ and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

P: I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the

Spirit.

C: Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (John 3:5,6)

P: Surely we were sinful at birth, sinful from the time our mothers conceived us. (Psalm 51:5)

C: But we were washed, we were sanctified, we were justified in the name of the Lord

Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

P: As baptized children of God, we confess our sins.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have

disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed

to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I

am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have

mercy on me, a sinner.

P: Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the

washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church,

without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Therefore, as a called 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: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: Let us pray.

Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan you proclaimed him your

beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ

faithful in our calling as your children and make us heirs with him of everlasting life;

through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

THE WORD

FIRST LESSON Isaiah 49:1-6

This Messianic prophecy is a conversation between God the Father and God the Son. At his baptism,

Jesus is revealed as the "Anointed One," the Messiah whose mission is redeem the whole world—

both Jews and Gentiles.

49 Listen to me, you islands;

hear this, you distant nations:

Before I was born the LORD called me;

from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.

2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,

in the shadow of his hand he hid me;

he made me into a polished arrow

and concealed me in his quiver. 3 He said to me, “You are my servant,

Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.” 4 But I said, “I have labored in vain;

I have spent my strength for nothing at all.

Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand,

and my reward is with my God.” 5 And now the LORD says—

he who formed me in the womb to be his servant

to bring Jacob back to him

and gather Israel to himself,

for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD

and my God has been my strength— 6 he says:

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant

to restore the tribes of Jacob

and bring back those of Israel I have kept.

I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,

that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire*

and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers

gather together against the LORD*

and against his Anointed One.

Refrain

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;*

the Lord scoffs at them.

Then he rebukes them in his anger

and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,*

“I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:*

He said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have become your Father.”

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.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON Acts 16:25-34

The Lord of Creation puts his power on display in an earthquake, miraculously opening doors and

loosing chains. But this display of God's power only created terror in the heart of the jailer. It's only

in the power hidden in the gospel of Word and sacrament that brings the blessings of joy, peace,

and forgiveness.

25

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners

were listening to them. 26

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of

the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27

The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about

to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28

But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm

yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.

30 He then brought

them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your

household.” 32

Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his

house. 33

At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then

immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34

The jailer brought them into his house and

set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his

whole household.

VERSE OF THE DAY Mark 1:11b

P: Alleluia. You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. Alleluia.

Worship services center around the Gospel Reading; we rise to highlight its function.

GOSPEL Mark 1:4-11

The divinity and glory of Jesus are revealed through the testimony of the Baptizer, the presence of

the Spirit, and the proclamation of God. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus—he brings the blessings of

baptism!

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the

forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to

him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing

made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild

honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of

whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will

baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10 Just

as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit

descending on him like a dove. 11

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love;

with you I am well pleased.”

HYMN OF THE DAY To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord | 89

SERMON Mark 1:4-11

Remember the Blessings of Baptism

It Brings the Forgiveness of Sins

It Brings Membership into God’s Family

APOSTLES’ CREED

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.

THANK OFFERING

Moved by God’s love in Christ, we offer him our first and best gifts, purely out of thanks to him.

Please take a moment during the gathering of the thank offering to sign the

FRIENDSHIP REGISTER and get to know those seated around you.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

P: Lord Jesus, at your baptism you revealed yourself as the obedient Son of Man, fulfilling all

righteousness. Your heavenly Father revealed you as his beloved Son, in whom he is well

pleased. The Holy Spirit revealed you as the Christ, anointed and armed to destroy the work

of the devil.

C: We thank you, beloved Son of God, that you took on yourself the nature of a servant,

became like us, and were obedient to the will of your heavenly Father.

P: Lord Jesus, eternal Word of God, you have connected your mighty Word and gracious

promises to the water of Holy Baptism. In Baptism you cleansed us from sin, redeemed us

from death, and clothed us in your perfect righteousness. We praise you for the promise

and treasure of Baptism.

C: Encourage us to remember our baptisms daily as we die to sin and rise to new life

with you.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

P: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

P: Baptized into your name most holy, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

We claim a place, though weak and lowly, among your saints, your chosen host,

Buried with Christ and dead to sin. Your Spirit now shall live within.

C: All that I am and love most dearly—receive it all, O Lord, from me.

Let me confess my faith sincerely, and help me your own child to be!

Let nothing that I am or own serve any will but yours alone. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

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.

HYMN Christ, Your Footprints Through the Desert | 709

The hymn is printed on the following page

PRAYER

P: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us

strong in your grace and truth, protect ad comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us

your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

BLESSING

P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another.

Serve the Lord with gladness.

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.

CLOSING HYMN All Who Believe and Are Baptized | 299

WEEKLY NEWS AND NOTES

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!

Gordie, Linda and Cora Sloan

CALL MEETING – A call meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, January 7th following the

10:30 am service in Menomonee Falls. This call meeting will serve as a meeting to call a

pastor for our pastor vacancy and also to call an Early Childhood Ministry Director.

CHRISTMAS UN-DECORATING – We will be taking down the Christmas decorations in the

Menomonee Falls Church on Saturday, January 13th at 9:00 a.m. and would LOVE to have

your help! Please contact Tom Meitner at tom.meitner@gmail.com if you have any

questions.

“HOPE GROWS” – You’re invited! On Mondays, beginning January 15th, from 7:00 – 8:30

p.m. in the Alpha Room at the Germantown campus, we will be starting our newest Bible

class, “Hope Grows.” Hope Grows is a course designed to review the basic truths of the

Bible and strengthen your relationship with God. Whether you are a Bible beginner or

someone who has been a lifelong church member, this course will enhance your walk with

God. Upon completion of this class, you will be invited to become a member of Bethlehem –

but there is never any obligation! All materials will be provided and there is no fee for the

class. Current Bethlehem members are also encouraged to join. To register, please contact

Pastor Arnold at parnold@bethlehem-wels.org or at (262)225-0580.

CHURCH DIRECTORY PICTURES – If you had your picture taken for the church directory

this fall, you will be able to find your complimentary 8 x 10 picture located in a basket in the

narthex of the church where your mailbox is located. CHILI BOWL IV – Mark your calendars for our annual Chili Bowl at the Menomonee Falls Campus on Saturday, January 27th at 6:00 p.m.! This is a fun fellowship event for all, so come to compete or just come to eat! There will be a variety of recipes to sample, as well as musical entertainment from Polka Joel! Sign-up sheets are located at both campuses, as well as online by visiting our website, under the Upcoming Events page! KINDERGARTEN 2018-‘19 INFO NIGHT - Already, there is great interest in Bethlehem’s kindergarten class for next year! On Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 6:30 P.M. there will be an Informational Night at the Germantown Campus for all that are interested. Parents will discover what Bethlehem has to offer and the steps for enrollment since we do a have a

limit on the number of kindergarteners we can serve with excellent, Christian education. So please save the date. If you are unable to attend but would like more information, please call the school office 262-251-3120 and we can arrange a meeting. Thanks - Principal Weber BOOSTER NIGHT AT ROBERT’S FROZEN CUSTARD – Bethlehem will be participating in a fundraising event at Robert’s Frozen Custard on Monday, February 12th from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. A portion of ALL sales during that time frame will be donated to Bethlehem Lutheran School so come out, eat some tasty treats, and help support our school! THREE ACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO START YOUR NEW YEAR OUT RIGHT! OPEN GYM VOLLEYBALL returns on Sunday, January 14th and we would love to have YOU join us! No need to RSVP, just come to Germantown for all or part of the session. This open gym is fun and a great way to brush up on your skills. All skill-levels welcome! January sessions will take place on January 14th and 21st, both from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Germantown Gym. Hope to see you there! COME AND JOIN US FOR ZUMBA on Friday, January 19th at 6:00 p.m. in the Germantown gym! This is a one-time, free event hosted by Bethlehem member Delaney McAdams. No previous Zumba or dance experience necessary, but do bring water, appropriate workout attire, and plenty of enthusiasm and excitement to dance! Please email with any questions you might have - delaney.mcadams@cuw.edu. BOOT CAMP! Start the year off right! Join us for a fun and energizing workout! 5:15-6:15 a.m. Wednesdays & Fridays in the gym at the Germantown Campus. Only $5 per class!! Contact Sarah Krebs for more info, 262-707-1916 or sarah@jaktrainingandfitness.com. Feel free to bring a friend! JOB OPENING AT KML - NEW POSITION – Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School is looking to fill the newly-created position of Outside Maintenance Supervisor. This is a full-time, year-round position to oversee all outside maintenance on the KML campus: grass mowing, athletic field prep, irrigation system maintenance, snow removal on sidewalks, and maintenance of all equipment including tractors and mowers, and supervision of part-time workers. Benefits include health insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, paid vacation, and short and long term disability. Salary is dependent on experience. Please send resumes to KML Business Manager, Mr. Jody Hansen (jody.hansen@kmlhs.org), by February 1, 2018. Church Attendance Last Week: 533 Unified Offerings Last Week: $36,174.31 Building Relationships Offerings Last Week: $8,795.00

Serving in Worship: Service Overseer:

Sunday, January 7th

Menomonee Falls – Joe Bartz

Germantown – Jeff Mitchell

Sunday, January 14th

Menomonee Falls – Jim Casper

Germantown –

Set Up Teams (Germantown): Sunday, January 7th

Team 1 – Brian Eden

Sunday, January 14th

Team 2 – Gene Dunnington

Ushers: Saturday, January 6th 5:00 p.m. Team 11 – Liebner

Sunday, January 7th

8:00 a.m. Team 2 – Siwy

9:15 a.m. Team 3 – Kasten 10:30 a.m. Team 12 – Grodek

Saturday, January 13th 5:00 p.m. Team 6 - Schuler

Sunday, January 14th

8:00 a.m. Team 5 – De Vor

9:15 a.m. Team 12 – Grodek 10:30 a.m. Team 13 – Eden

The Week Ahead

Sunday, January 7 8:00 AM Worship Service – M 9:15 AM Bible Study and Sunday School – M 9:15 AM Worship Service – G 10:30 AM Family Bible Hour – G 10:30 AM Worship Service – M 11:30 AM Call Meeting – M 7:00 PM “Live Streaming” Bible Class Counters Sandy’s Team

Monday, January 8 5:30 PM PSC – G 6:00 PM Handbells – M 6:30 PM Trustees – M 7:00 PM Choir – M 7:00 PM Stewardship– M 7:30 PM Dartball - Away

Tuesday, January 9 10:15 AM Bible Study – M 6:00 PM LGP (Grades 5 – 8) – M 6:00 PM Board of Ed – M 7:45 PM Church Council – M

Wednesday, January 10 6:00 PM Bible Study – M

Thursday, January 11 6:45 AM Bible Study – M 6:45 PM Worship w/ Communion – M

Friday, January 12 10:30 AM Virginia Highlands Chapel

Saturday, January 13 8:00 AM Men’s Bible Study – M 5:00 PM Worship Service w/ Communion – M

Sunday, January 14 Communion

8:00 AM Worship Service – M 9:15 AM Bible Study and Sunday School – M 9:15 AM Worship Service – G 10:30 AM Family Bible Hour – G 10:30 AM Worship Service – M 7:00 PM “Live Streaming” Bible Class