Welcome Home SundayOctober 27, 2019

SERVICE THEME:Our Need for Christian Community

WELCOME — We are so glad that you have joined us for worship today! If you are a guest with us, please sign our guest register, which is located in the center entryway of the church. We welcome and encourage children to join our worship services! Enclosed “cry rooms” are available in the back of the church near the restrooms, if your child becomes restless. Pictorial children’s Bibles are available for children to use, on the table in the back of church. Please let us know if there is any other way we can be of service to you. Again, welcome! OUR MISSION — The mission of St. Andrew Lutheran Church is to guide people to know Jesus as their Savior, to grow in their faith, and to show Jesus to others. OUR BELIEF — We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only source of all Christian doctrine and teaching. We believe that the only true God is the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that we are saved not by anything we do, but only through faith in Jesus Christ, who gave his life for our sins. We will be happy to tell you more about what we believe! OUR HISTORY — St. Andrew Lutheran Church was established in 1888 and is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a confessional Lutheran church body with over 1,200 congregations in North America and with more than 30 sister church bodies worldwide.

Church Office: 3650 S. Honore St., Chicago, IL 60609 (next door to church)Website: www.standrewchicago.org Office Phone: 773-376-5370Office Email: churchsecretary@standrewchicago.orgFacebook Page: www.facebook.com/standrewchicago/ Pastor: Adam Gawel, pastor@standrewchicago.org, cell: 773-383-2395

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“Army of One” was the shortest-lived recruiting slogan in US military history. It was meant to stress the strength of the individual. The Army dropped the slogan relatively quickly because they realized it was contrary to the reality that, in the army, you are completely reliant upon your brothers and sisters in arms. In a stressful situation, the individual can be overwhelmed. He or she needs others. God knows this. The first time God looked at Creation and noticed something was off, the issue was that an individual (Adam) was isolated. “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Humans are hardwired by God to need fellowship – not just with God, but also with one another. So, God is determined to bring believers into a loving, nurturing community—the church.  Perhaps you have been a part of this Christian family for a long time. Perhaps you once belonged to a church, but for whatever reason drifted away. Perhaps you have never belonged to a church. Whatever may be the case for you, may God bless you as you listen to his Word today. May he help us all to realize that this Christian community—this spiritual home—is something we badly need. Welcome home!

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION TO TODAY’S SERVICE

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS – At this time, anyone may share special prayer requests with the pastor, which he will then pray about later in the worship service, during the Prayer of the Church.  If you prefer to submit a written prayer request, you may do so before the service or hand it to an usher during the offering.  As a family of believers, we want to know each other’s joys and struggles, so that we can pray for each other.

OPENING HYMN – 365 – Love Divine, All Love Excelling

INVOCATIONM: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.C: Amen.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTIONM: God has called us to live as family. Yet, our love for God and for

each other is not what it should be. Our priorities and choices are

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often flawed. But the power of God’s love enables us to live a new life. Let us confess our sins to God and ask for his forgiveness.

C: Almighty God, merciful Father, I confess to you that I have not loved you with all my heart. In what I have done and left undone, I have pursued my ways instead of your ways. I have not loved my brothers and sisters as myself. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. I am truly sorry for my sins. I repent of them. I beg for your mercy, O Lord.

Silence for meditation

M: Forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us.

C: Cleanse me from my sins. Release me from my guilt. Help me to live faithfully as part of your family.

M: God has been merciful to us and has sent his Son to die for all. For his sake, God forgives our sins and empowers us to be his people. 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.

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us and reconciled us to God and has promised us the power to forgive and love each other. In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord:

After a brief introduction, all sing:

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PRAYER OF THE DAY M: O Lord Jesus Christ,

preserve the family of believers with your never-failing mercy.Bind us together with the bond of your love.Help us avoid whatever is wicked and harmful,and guide us in the way that leads to our salvation;for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

FIRST LESSON – Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 (NIV 2011)

7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: 8 There was a man all alone;

he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil,

yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked,

“and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—

a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down,

one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls

and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

PSALM OF THE DAY – Psalm 133-134 – CW p. 115

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SECOND LESSON – Hebrews 2:9-18 (NIV 2011)

9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their

humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

VERSE OF THE DAY

M: Alleluia! I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises. Alleluia! (Hebrews 2:12, NIV 2011)

GOSPEL – Matthew 11:25-30 (NIV 2011)

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

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27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

After the reading of the Gospel, the congregation sings: 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

HYMN OF THE DAY – 532 – God Is Here! As We His People

SERMON – Hebrews 2:9-18 – Our Need for Christian Community

APOSTLES’ CREED (CW p. 41)

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.

OFFERING

Members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church use this time to respond to God’s goodness with gifts of thanks and love.  Our giving is guided by this Word of God: “Each of you should give what you have decided in 

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your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NIV).  If you are a guest with us today, please do not feel obligated to participate.  Online giving is also available to use; please see the announcement on page 12 of this service folder for more information.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH – for the Mission of the Church – CW p. 129 – including the following special prayer:

for the new mission in Houston, Texas:Dear Lord, it has been your will to bring many people from all over

the United States and abroad to Houston, Texas. It is with joy in our hearts that we thank and praise you for allowing funds for a new home mission to serve these people together with the other WELS churches in the city. Please bless the gospel work and bring many people to faith in you so that we may join with them in praising you forever in glory. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER (CW p. 43)

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.

PRAYER and BLESSING (CW p. 43-44)

M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and 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.

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M: 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 – Oh, How Good It Is – printed on the following page

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Oh, How Good It Is: © 2012 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) (admin. by Music Services) / Parakeet Boots Music (ASCAP) (admin. by Getty Music Publishing c/o Music Services) / Townend Songs (PRS) (admin. in North America by Music Services and elsewhere by Song

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Solutions) All Rights Reserved.

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THIS WEEK AT ST. ANDREWOctober 27 – November 3, 2019

Today 9:30 AM Welcome Home Worship Service11:00 AM Lunch and Fellowship

Tuesday 6:30-8:30 PM Youth Confirmation Class

Wednesday 7:00 PM 中文圣经学习 (Chinese BibleStudy)

Friday 10:30 AM Adult Bible Study

Sunday 9:30 AM Worship Service w. Communion10:45 AM Sunday School & Bible Study

The paraments are green for the Sundays after Pentecost. Green represents growth. The Sundays after Pentecost emphasize the growth in faith and godly living that the Holy Spirit works in us through the Word of God.

WELCOME, GUESTS! – We are happy to have you with us today! Please sign the guest register in the church entryway so that we have a record of your visit. Our pastor, Adam Gawel, would be happy to meet with you if you would like. Please join us for worship or Bible study again!

MEMORIAL — In loving memory of former St. Andrew Lutheran School teacher William Bluege, who passed away on Oct. 8, 2019, by Jim & Gale Nemcek.

WELCOME HOME SUNDAY – lunch and fellowship after worship servicePlease join your brothers and sisters in Christ after the worship service today for lunch and fellowship in the church basement. And, please join us again for worship, fellowship, and Sunday school and Bible study in the coming weeks, as we continue with the Welcome Home theme, giving thanks to God for the blessings we share as fellow members of his family. All are welcome!

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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT (NOV. 2/3)Remember to set your clocks back one hour next Saturday night, so that you’ll show up at the right time for worship next Sunday

CHRISTIAN LIFE RESOURCES SPEAKER AT ZION, CRETE – Sat., Nov. 9Consider making a trip down to Zion Lutheran Church in Crete, IL (1610 Main St.), on Saturday, Nov. 9, to hear Rev. Robert Fleischmann of Christian Life Resources speak about the sanctity of every human life and the need to reach out with the good news about eternal life through Jesus. They will have a special mission festival service at 6:00 p.m. that day with Pastor Fleischmann as the preacher, followed by a presentation by Pastor Fleischmann after the worship service. All are welcome to attend!

“EVERY MEMBER VISITS” WITH PASTOR GAWELThis year Pastor Gawel would like to meet individually with all the adult members of St. Andrew (or with married couples together), so that he can get to know everyone better and to see if there is any way that he or the church can serve you better spiritually. Pastor Gawel is willing to meet with you at your home, at a coffee shop or other venue near your home or workplace, or at our ministry center (next door to church). Please speak with Pastor Gawel, or call or text him at 773-383-2395, to schedule a time for a visit.

PASTORAL CAREPastor Gawel is available for pastoral care. If you are sick, grieving, having surgery, hospitalized, or in need of any spiritual care or counseling, please call or text Pastor Gawel on his cell phone: 773-383-2395.

ONLINE GIVING AVAILABLESt. Andrew Lutheran Church is set up to receive online donations. There are a number of ways to do that. Step-by-step instructions with screen-shots are available in the center church entryway, for both the mobile app “Give+” (from Vanco) and the giving page through our church website (go to standrewchicago.org and click on the “Giving” tab). Or, scan this QR code with your smartphone. Please contact St. Andrew’s elder for stewardship, Sam DeLaurentis delaurentis.sam@gmail.com, with any questions.

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SERMONS AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING, DOWNLOAD, AND PODCASTINGIf you miss the Sunday sermon, would like to listen to it again, or would like to share it with a friend, audio recordings of the sermons are archived on our church website, posted weekly to our church Facebook page, and are available for podcasting (quick links and instructions available on our website). Go to http://standrewchicago.org/sermons/ to listen! Service folders are also available for download on our church website: http://standrewchicago.org/bulletins

WEDNESDAY EVENING CHINESE GROUP BIBLE STUDYOn Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the ministry center (the house next door to church), there is a Chinese group Bible study. New friends are always welcome to join! Please invite any Chinese friends or neighbors. You may share with them the following invitation: 每周三晚上 7:00，圣安得烈基督教路德宗教会之福音事工中心（教堂隔壁的房子）有成人中文圣经学习。欢迎您参加！事工中心楼上设有活动间供儿童使用；欢迎小孩跟家长一起来！地址是 3650 S. Honore St.（在麦金利公园区）。高乐仁牧师的电话号码是 773-383-2395.

MEDITATIONS DEVOTION BOOKLETS AVAILABLEMeditations daily devotion booklets are available in the information rack in the center entryway. Feel free to take one for use in your personal devotions.

BIBLE INFORMATION CLASSIn Bible Information Class, we study the main teachings of the Christian faith. Adults and teens who would like to become members of St. Andrew are encouraged to attend this class to learn what St. Andrew teaches according to God’s Word. This class is also open to anyone who is interested in learning more about what the Bible teaches and what Christians believe, with no requirement to join the church after the course is finished. Pastor Gawel is able to teach the class in English and Chinese, and course materials are also available in Spanish and other languages, as an aid for those whose first language is not English or Chinese. If you or someone you know are interested in starting this class, please contact Pastor Gawel to set up a time.

Equipping Christian WitnessesEquipping Christian Witnesses, the new campaign from Martin Luther College, focuses on recruitment, financial aid, and facilities. By enrolling

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more future ministry workers, helping them fund their Christian education, and enhancing their learning environments across the campus, WELS strengthens the foundation for its future. Learn more at mlc-wels.edu/mlc-campaign.

WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership – Chicago, Jan. 21-23WELS Congregational Services will host the first WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership at the Sheraton Grand in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 21-23, 2020. The conference will have five keynote presentations that deal with major cultural challenges before every WELS congregation. Twenty-five breakout sessions will deal with issues specific to certain congregations, including overcoming a consumer mentality in church, Christian apologetics, increasing volunteerism, retaining and gaining young members, fully utilizing the gifts of women in ministry, equipping members for personal evangelism, having a “high-expectations” church, strategic planning, using social media for outreach, operating a financially sustainable elementary school, and more. Learn more at register at lutheranleadership.com.

Worship attendance last Sunday: 41(adults: 34; children: 7)

Adult Bible study attendance last week: 22(Friday: 3; Sunday: 6; Wednesday: 7, 6)

Sunday School: 7Youth Confirmation Class: 3

Income needed each month Offerings received in September$11,840.00 $8,076.83

Offerings received last week: $2,419.74(needed each week: $2,732.31)

Offerings received so far this month: $7,457.22

October head usher: Sam DeLaurentisAssistant ushers: Tom Pindelski & Mike SalasMusic and liturgy printed under OneLicense # A-714339 and CCLI license # 20019508.

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WORSHIP PREVIEW FOR NEXT SUNDAYWELCOME HOME: YOU ARE FREE TO BE YOURSELF – November 3rd

One of the joys of being home is you need not put on a show. Out in the world, we do all we can to hide our faults and failings. You might be afraid if your boss knew your secrets, he’d give you your walking papers. You might be afraid that if neighbors knew your personal issues, they might consider moving. But we know that in a healthy family, people will love us in spite of our faults.

As a young man, Martin Luther thought of himself as God’s slave. Thus, he was terrified of God. Luther believed God was a harsh taskmaster, looking for every possible reason to punish him. But as Martin Luther studied God’s Word, he realized that was not the case at all. God is a loving Father. He does not pretend we have no brokenness or sin, but he paid for it all by the death and resurrection of Christ. Scripture says that through faith in Christ, we are completely forgiven. We are part of God’s own family—a family where we are loved in spite of our faults.

God’s grace not only frees us from the fear of condemnation and punishment, it frees us to live a better, more grace-filled life. We want to live as God’s children. We want to love and bear with one another—our brothers and sisters—just as our Father loves and bears with us.

Join us this Reformation Sunday, as we continue our Welcome Home worship series, celebrating the freedom Christ has given to us.

PLEASE GREET THOSE AROUND YOUIf you are able, please stay for a time of fellowship after the worship service concludes; greet those around you and introduce yourself to people you don’t know.

Please take this service folder with you! Continue to meditate on the Bible readings throughout the week, and pray for God’s blessing on the mission and ministry of the church!

God bless your week, as you live and witness for him!

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