ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN

CHURCH OF STEINBACH INC. MEMBER OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CANADA

465 Henry Street, Steinbach MB R5G 0H1 204-326-3758 Fax 204-326-2548

email: office@stpaulsteinbach.org www.stpaulsteinbach.org

Lead Pastor: Rev. Terry Gudmundson 204-380-3293

Associate Pastor: Rev. Melissa Frankland 204-293-7930

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

Tuesday 10:00 Moms & Tots 6:30 Stephen Ministry Gathering 7:00 Usher meeting Wednesday 6:30 am Men’s Fellowship 7:00 Pioneer Girls, Scouts Thursday 7:00 All Youth Swim Night 7:30 Bible Study Sunday 9:15 Confirmation 9:25 Traditional Service with Communion & Baptism; Sunday School; Adult Study 11:05 Contemporary Service with Communion 11:30 SOUP & PIE LUNCHEON HOSTED BY LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Sunday, Nov. 26, 9:25 am service, Baptism of Natalie Dupont, daughter of Mario & Kayla (Krentz) Dupont

• Wednesday, Dec. 6, Sing-Song @ Bethesda Place, 3:00 pm

• Tuesday, Dec. 12, 1:30 pm, Ladies Christmas Gathering

THE NUMBERS ATTENDANCE: November 12: 9:25 - 154; 11:05 - 69

OFFERING: November 12 - $8,077.00

OUR MISSION

God’s purpose for St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is: Accepting all people through God’s grace,

sharing our faith in Christ, and making disciples.

Sunday, November 19, 2017Sunday, November 19, 2017Sunday, November 19, 2017Sunday, November 19, 2017

Welcome to Our Traditional Worship ServiceWelcome to Our Traditional Worship ServiceWelcome to Our Traditional Worship ServiceWelcome to Our Traditional Worship Service

DID YOU KNOW? There’s another twist on the par-

able of the talents. When the

Canon of Holy Scripture, that we

have today, was finalized, it is

important to know that there were

other “books” which were left out, like the Gospel of

Thomas, among others. These books did not make

the Canon because they contained teachings con-

trary to the beliefs of the Church.

One such book was the “Gospel of the Nazoreans.”

We do not have a complete copy of it, but we do

have an interesting version of the same parable in

Matthew’s Gospel appointed for today.

Unlike Matthew’s version, in the Gospel of the

Nazoreans, it is the master who throws the first slave

into prison, scolds the second slave, but welcomes

the honorable third slave with joy. This story turns

the threat not against the man who hid the talent,

but against him who had lived extravagantly - for it

told of three servants: one who wasted his master's

possessions, one who multiplied his gains, and one

who hid the talent; and accordingly, one was

accepted, one was only rebuked, and one was shut

up in prison. This version certainly gives us food for

thought.

KEEP IT REAL! BRING IT HOME!

THERE IS A REDEEMER

There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son;

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One.

Chorus:

Thank You, oh, my Father,

for giving us Your Son,

and leaving your Spirit

‘til the work on earth is done.

Jesus, my Redeemer, name above all names;

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, O for sinners slain.

When I stand in Glory, I will see His face,

There I’ll serve my King forever in that holy place.

SOUP

& PIE

LUNCHEON

Next Sunday, November 26

11:30 am

Lower Auditorium

Proceeds to

Lutheran Men in Mission

Bring Your Family,

Your Neighbors

& Your Friends

For more information

and/or to offer your help contact

Ben Nickel 204-371-5104

THANK YOU TO FAITH LIFE FINANCIAL FOR OFFERING

A MATCHING GRANT OF $500.

HOLY COMMUNION

G od feeds and renews us with the presence of Jesus Christ. In Christ’s body and blood given to

us, God forgives us and nourishes us for mission. In response to the Lord’s invitation I come - confessing my sin, trusting that the Lord is truly present, believing that to receive Him is to receive forgiveness - to partake of the Lord’s Supper. People of all ages and faith commu-nities are welcome.

Holy Communion is served in a continuous format unless announced otherwise. Participants are asked to fill out a registration card, available in the pews or at both entrances, and place them in the baskets at the entrances, or in the offering plates.

Ushers will direct you toward the aisle to come forward to the serving stations. If you desire to commune, extend your hand to the server who will place a wafer in your hand. If you prefer a gluten-free wafer, simply say “gluten-free” to the server. Wine is served from the chalice or individual cups; white grape juice is served from individual cups.

Come and hold in your hand and taste on your lips the love we cannot comprehend. WORSHIP NOTES

Children in Worship: We welcome and encourage children to share in worship. Children’s lessons are available at both entrances, or by checking with an usher.

Hearing Assistance: Devices are available at the sound booth.

Cell phones and pagers should be turned to silent.

Washrooms: located in the narthex and Education Wing, upstairs and down.

Elevator: located next to the church office.

GIFTS FROM THE HEART The Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s Gifts from the Heart catalogue provides meaningful and tangible gifts that will share God’s love with the world. No matter which gift you choose, the gifts you give will save and change lives. Visit www.clwr.org/GFTH to

learn more, or pick up a catalogue available at the side entrance or the Information Centre in the narthex.

bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more tal-ents.” 21His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” 23His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gather-ing where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

L. The Gospel of the Lord. C. Praise to you, O Christ.

↓ Message

Hymn of the Day:

“Lord, Speak to Us; That We May Speak” - # 676 ↑ Apostles’ Creed - p. 105 Prayers of the People Sharing of the Peace ↓ Offering ↑ Offertory - Doxology - # 884 The Great Thanksgiving - p. 206-207 The Lord’s Prayer - p. 208 ↓ Communion Hymns (sung during the distribution):

“Let Us Break Bread Together” - # 471

“Will You Come and Follow Me” - # 798 “There Is a Balm in Gilead” - # 614 “On Eagle’s Wings” - # 787 “There Is a Redeemer” - printed on back page ↑ Prayer after Communion The Benediction - Blessing Sending Song:

“Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer” - # 618

PRAYER REMINDERS

In your prayers this week, please remember Marcia Henzel, Mary Ann Harder, Bob Angell, Jac Doerksen, Katarina Grienke, Kathy Doerksen,

Chris Funk, Laura Heckert, Tina Heckert, Wanda Hoehn, Marlene Klassen, Evelyn (Art) Krentz, Emma Kuehn, Henrietta Reimer, Helmuth Renz, Henry Schalla, Joan Schultz and Elsie Schilke.

HOLY COMMUNION Holy Communion is offered in the CONTINUOUS FORMAT today. Registration cards are available in the pews and at both entrances. Participants are

asked to fill out a card and place it in the basket provided or in the offering plate. All are welcome at God’s table.

LAMP VISITOR This morning we welcome LAMP Missionary Gord Gilbey into our midst as he talks to us about the work and purpose of the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots. If you have questions for him, or want to extend greetings, Mr. Gilbey will have an information table set up next to the coffee area immediately after the service.

FLOWERS OF REMEMBRANCE Remembering what is cherished forever, the Flower arrangement on the altar today has been placed by Linda James as a special sign of remembrance of beloved hus-band, father and grandfather, Ron James, who passed away November 15, 2016. “Quietly remembered day by day, sadly missed along life’s way.” Rest in peace!

IN LOVING MEMORY In a tribute of love and remembrance, Memorial Gifts have been received from Kathy Wintoniw and Stan Hilder-man in memory of Adele Fender, who passed away October 3, 2017. “Sincere and kind in heart and mind, what a beautiful memory she left behind.”

USHER MEETING A meeting to address an emergency evacuation plan and to rehearse duties of all ushers will take place Tuesday, Nov. 21, 7:00 pm. It is important that all ushers attend!

ATTENTION ALL PRAYER PARTNERS! Please check your mailbox (church or home) for information about your youth prayer partner for 2017-18.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION We have received a request for genealogy information about the Stark (Alfred, Leopold, Johann) families who lived in the Steinbach area around 1946 and later. A letter with specifics is posted on the bulletin board next to the office. If you think you may have any helpful information, please take some time to check out the letter.

WELCOME VISITORS If you are a visitor to our church today, we invite you to sign the guest book located in the narthex. Welcome here. May you be blessed as you worship with us.

THANK YOU DEPARTMENT * A huge thank you to all who supported the Mitten Tree this fall. Your kindness and generosity is much appreci-ated. A total of 195 warm, winter items were boxed up by ladies of the church on Monday. These boxes will be dis-tributed to The Urban in Winnipeg, Soup’s On and Stein-bach Community Outreach. Thank you also to the ladies who sorted, counted and packed up the gifts. You have servant hearts. * Thank you to all who have assisted with the service today.

Please Note: Small numbers (eg. p. 211) refer to liturgical settings at the beginning of the Lutheran Book of Worship.

Larger bold numbers (eg. # 239) refer to hymn numbers. The up arrow means the congregation is asked to stand, the down arrow, to be seated.

Welcome & Announcements

LAMP Presentation - Gord Gilbey

↑ Confession & Forgiveness - p. 94-96

Gathering Song:

“Be Thou My Vision” - # 793

GREETING: P. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C. And also with you.

The Kyrie - p. 203

PRAYER OF THE DAY: L. Let us pray together: All. Righteous Father, our merciful master, you own

the earth and you created all its people. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

GOD’S WORD: Reader Mavis Krentz

↓ FIRST READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruc-tion will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; 7for those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breast-plate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salva-tion. 9For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtain-ing salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him.11Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

L. The Word of the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

RESPONSIVE READING: Psalm 90

(congregation reads bold parts)

L. 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling-place in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. C.

3 You turn us back to dust,

and say, ‘Turn back, you mortals.’ L. 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. C.

5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream,

like grass that is renewed in the morning; L. 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. C.

7 For we are consumed by your anger;

by your wrath we are overwhelmed. L. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. C.

9 For all our days pass away under your wrath;

our years come to an end like a sigh. L. 10 The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. C.

11 Who considers the power of your anger?

Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due to you. L. 12 So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. C.

13 Turn, O LORD! How long?

Have compassion on your servants! L. 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. C.

15 Make us glad for as many days

as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. L. 16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. C.

17 Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us,

and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands!

↑ Gospel Acclamation: “Alleluia” (sung) - p. 205 Alleluia! Lord and Savior, open now your saving word. Let it burn like fire within us; speak until our hearts are stirred. Alleluia! Lord, we sing, for the good news that you bring.

HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 25:14-30

Congregational response after the announcement: Glory to you, O Lord.

14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward,

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

NOVEMBER 19, 2017