“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Fourth in a Series– The Amen and the Confession of Sins Amen Amen is a common expression found throughout our liturgy, hymns, and prayers. It is often said at the conclusion of a prayer, hymn, or confession… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

Installations In accord with our usage and order Karl Olmanson who was called by Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church and School of Mankato, Minnesota to teach in our Immanuel High School was installed on August 31, 1997. –Pastor L. D. Redlin In accord with our usage and order Michael Wheaton who was called by Immanuel Ev.… Read More »Announcements Read More

4. LUTHER AS HYMNIST “Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the saints.” — Psalm 149:1 There is no question about it, Martin Luther is the father of all evangelical hymnody. God gave this man a special gift and love for music and through him… Read More »Reformation Vignettes Read More

2. LUTHER AS PASTOR “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” — John 10:27-28 As we read the history of the 16th century Reformation it is quite easy to… Read More »REFORMATION VIGNETTES Read More

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” — Isaiah 9:6 The soft white blanket covers all The temperatures grow cold There is no doubt for each one knows And no one must be told The wintry season has begun With mittens and the caps The boots and shovels all… Read More »A Congregational Christmas Greeting Read More

A wonder that will never cease To cause our hearts to stir Is when the LORD came down to us– With prophets’ words concur. We know we don’t deserve a thing From God and from His grace. In fact, our sins condemn us all; In shame we hide our face. The wonder of it all… Read More »HE COMES TO US Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 First in a series– Introduction Over the years we have heard many comments about our worship services. Some have indicated that they prefer little or no variation from our conventional Sunday “Order of Morning Service” (page 5ff.… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Second in a Series– Introduction (continued) Worship in Old and New Testament God has emphasized our need for worship. We recognize that, as time went on in the Old Testament, the Lord outlined a definite plan of… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Psalm 95:6 Third in a Series– As The Service Begins A Point Of Emphasis As a pastor organizes a worship service, he does so with the worshipers in mind. It is planned with a desire to help supply the… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Twelfth and last in a series– The Benediction The (Aaronic) Benediction The so-called Aaronic Benediction (literally: “to speak well of”) is named such because Aaron, Moses’ brother, and his sons were the designated priests for Israel. Therefore,… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Fifth in a Series– The Confession of Sins (continued) “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8). These words of the Prophet David are spoken in keen recognition of… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Sixth in a Series– The Confession of Sins (cont.) and The Absolution The congregation, now filled with repentant contrition, openly, verbally, heartily prays: “O most merciful God, who hast given Thine only-begotten Son to die for us,… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Psalm 95:6 Seventh in a Series– A Section of Prayer and Praise The Introit There is symbolism in our liturgy. The actions and reactions of the worship leader and the worshipers are often determined by symbolic purpose. For example,… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Eighth in a Series– The Gloria In Excelsis and Instruction from God’s Word This conclusion of Part I of the liturgy was often referred to as the “Angelic Hymn” because its opening lines are taken from the… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Tenth in a Series– The Offertory and the Offerings The Offertory “And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” These are the words generally spoken by the… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Eleventh in a Series– The General Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer The General Prayer The General Prayer is a further offering of the heart as the worshippers are led to thank and praise the Lord for His… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” Psalm 95:6 Ninth in a Series– Instruction from God’s Word (Continued) The Gospel Sometimes the Scripture readings are preceded by a few words of explanation. This is done to prepare the hearers for what they are about to hear… Read More »THE WORSHIP SERVICE Read More