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GRACE ALONE . . . FAITH ALONE . . . SCRIPTURE ALONE . . .

CHILDREN’S SONG: Sola Song By Helen and Darrell Dobberpuhl

1. Not by works but grace alone, Not by works but grace alone, We will enter life eternal, Not by works but grace alone. 2. Justified through faith alone, Justified through faith alone, God declares us to be righteous, Justified through faith alone.

3. Scripture is the truth alone, Scripture is the truth alone, Not man’s teachings or traditions, Scripture is the truth alone. 4. Glory be to God alone, Glory be to God alone, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Glory be to God alone.

PASTOR’S WELCOME CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION P: Almighty God, our Maker and Redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Therefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. C: O most merciful God, You have given Your only-begotten Son to die for us; have mercy on us and for His sake grant us remission of all our sins; and by Your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You, and of Your will, and true obedience to Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. P: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. To all who believe on His name He gives power to become the children of God and has promised them His Holy Spirit. He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.

C: Grant this unto us, O Lord. Amen.

PRAYER Gracious Lord God, we come before Your throne today with hearts filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for having been made heirs of Your glory through Your gifts of grace, faith, and Holy Scripture. Be with our worship today as we refresh our minds, souls, and hearts with the saving grace of Your love, the faith we have been given through the Holy Spirit, and the Scripture we treasure as our daily guide and comfort. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Friend and our Redeemer. Amen.

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PART 1 GRACE ALONE

CONGREGATION HYMN CW 379: Amazing Grace stanza 1 By John Newton

1. Amazing grace- how sweet the sound- That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see. NARRATOR Five hundred years ago, during the time of the protestant Reformation, Martin Luther and his fellow reformers fought to restore a wandering church to the basic truths of Christianity. They believed that sinners are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, on the basis of Scripture alone. Today we will lead you on a journey through all three of these “alones” or as they are often referred to in Latin, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Sola Scriptura. NARRATOR What is does it mean that we are saved by grace alone? Grace is a word we often hear in church. It is used in the Bible over 120 times. In fact the book of Romans mentions grace 20 times. But what is grace? ALL CHILDREN Grace is God’s kindness that we don’t deserve. 1st-2nd GRADE Luke wrote in Acts 15:11, “We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.” NARRATOR Grace is the first step on our road to heaven. We deserved nothing from God but punishment and damnation. God had every right to condemn us to everlasting death. But He didn’t. He showed us His grace. He freely gave us the opportunity to be saved through the death of His own son, Jesus Christ. How loving our God is. And He gave this grace not only to us, but to everyone. That means there is no other way to heaven but through the door of God’s free grace. It doesn’t seem fair. We might think we should have to do something to work for it, but that is not in God’s plan. 3rd and 4th GRADE We read in Romans 11:6, “If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” NARRATOR We can easily understand grace if we just remember how it is spelled! ALL CHILDREN G-R-A-C-E is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense PASTOR’S MESSAGE Based on Ephesians 2:5, “It is by grace you have been saved.”

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NARRATOR Our grace hymn was written by someone who truly understood God’s grace. He served in the British navy in the 1700s. Eventually he became involved in the horrible slave trade. But by God’s grace his heart was opened to the message of Christ’s love. He left his wicked past behind, and became one of England’s greatest preachers. His name was John Newton, and this is his song. CONGREGATION HYMN CW 379: Amazing Grace stanzas 2-4 By John Newton

2. The Lord has promised good to me; His Word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures. 3. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

4. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, Than when we’d first begun.

PART 2 FAITH ALONE

NARRATOR Isn’t the grace of God a wonderful blessing? But if it is given to everyone, why won’t everyone be saved? NARRATOR That takes us to the next of the three Solas: by Faith Alone. But what is faith? ALL CHILDREN Faith is believing that Jesus is our Savior. NARRATOR God did some wonderful things for us. Sin began in the Garden of Eden, and it has infected everyone since then. But God found a way to take away the sin. He sent his Son Jesus to die on the cross. There He forgave the sins of everyone. But the suffering and dying of Jesus means very little if people don’t believe it. Faith in Jesus as our Savior is the next step we take on God’s journey. NARRATOR Martin Luther saw that the people were being taught that one could get to heaven by adding works and buying one’s way. They didn’t rely only on faith. Luther knew that wasn’t what the Bible said. 5th-8th GRADE Ephesians 2:8,9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” NARRATOR The Bible is filled with examples of God’s people who truly believed that God would rescue them from their sins. They looked forward to the coming Messiah. We look back to see that Jesus was that hope they were looking for, and we look ahead to the time He will come back to take us to heaven. Hebrews 11 names many of those great heroes of faith.

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RESPONSIVE READING ALL: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. MEN: By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. WOMEN: By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death. CHILDREN: By faith Noah, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. MEN: By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. WOMEN: By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. CHILDREN: By faith Jacob, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. MEN: By faith Joseph made mention of the exodus of the Israelites. WOMEN: By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. MEN: By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land. WOMEN: By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. NARRATOR: And what more shall I say? For time would fail to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel and the prophets. NARRATOR: These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. CONGREGATION HYMN TLH 396: Oh, for a Faith That Will Not Shrink stanzas 1, 5-6 By William Bathurst

1. Oh, for a faith that will not shrink Tho’ pressed by many a foe; That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe.

5. A faith that keeps the narrow way Till life’s last spark is fled And with a pure and heavenly ray Lights up the dying bed.

6. Lord, give us such a faith as this; And then, whate’er may come, We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss Of an eternal home.

PASTOR’S MESSAGE Based on Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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CONGREGATION-CONFESSION OF OUR FAITH: Luther’s explanation to the Third Article

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; just as He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins; and at the last day He will raise up me and all the dead, and will grant me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true. CHILDREN’S SONG: I Do Not Know Words and Music by Helen Lemmel

1. I do not know how Adam’s sin Lives on in you and me, Nor how it causes all the wrong And sorrow that we see. REFRAIN But I read it in God’s Word, and I believe it; Yes, I believe it, truly believe it! I read it in God’s Word, and I believe it, I believe it. Yes, I do! 2. I do not know how God could lay My sins upon His Son, Nor how, on Calv’ry’s cross, for me He perfect pardon won. REFRAIN

3. I do not know how Jesus’ blood Can cleanse my heart from sin, Nor how, by faith, in ev’ry fight The vict’ry I may win. REFRAIN 4. I do not know how one day He Can come to earth again, Nor how like Him I shall be made And ever with Him reign. REFRAIN

PART 3

SCRIPTURE ALONE

NARRATOR We now come to the third Sola that Martin Luther treasured. We remember that Grace Alone shows us the undeserved blessing that God has given to all people. We also know that only by Faith Alone will that grace bear fruit. But how does that faith come to us? It is through the Holy Bible, or by Scripture Alone. NARRATOR But what is the Scripture? ALL CHILDREN: The Scripture is God’s Word that we have in the Bible. NARRATOR Our Bible is a very special book. It is the only book that was written by God, and it’s the only book that we need to learn about our loving Savior. We don’t need any manmade books or writings. We don’t need any traditions or edicts from church fathers. We don’t need any brilliant reasoning or scientific proof. The only thing anyone really needs to find heaven is God’s guidebook, The Holy Bible.

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CHILDREN’S FINGERPLAY: God Gave Us a Book God gave us a book The Bible is its name It tells us of God’s love And why our Savior came! CHILDREN’S SONG: The Bible Message Words and Music by Naomi Mahnke

1. I love my precious Bible, It tells me of God’s love; Assures me of my Savior And shows me heaven above!

2. And I must share the message Of God’s great love for me, So all will see their Savior And live eternally.

NARRATOR God’s Word is known by many names, but they all refer to God’s revelation to us. Here are some of them:

The Law of the Lord The Book of the Law The Words of God

My Words The Living Word

The Word of Christ The Word of Life

The Word of Truth

The Book of Truth The Gospel

The Scroll of the Lord The Sword of the Spirit

The Promises The Scriptures

The Holy Scriptures

NARRATOR Interestingly the one name it never calls itself is The Holy Bible. But no matter how you name it, it is a precious jewel to the believer, one that should be kept safe and pure so that it can be shared from generation to generation.

CHILDREN’S SONG: God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage

God’s Word is our great heritage And shall be ours forever; To spread its light from age to age Shall be our chief endeavor. Through life it guides our way, In death it is our stay. Lord, grant, while words endure, We keep its teachings pure Throughout all generations.

PASTOR’S MESSAGE Based on 1 Peter 1:25, “. . . but the word of the Lord remains forever. And this is the good news that was preached to you.”

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CONGREGATION AND CHILDREN: PSALM 46

[Refrain]

God is our refuge and strength,* an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way* and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam* and the mountains quake with their surging. Refrain

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,*

the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall;* God will help her at break of day. “Be still, and know that I am God;* I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 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

OFFERING PRAYERS CONGREGATION: LORD’S PRAYER 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS BENEDICTION

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CONGREGATION HYMN: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God By Martin Luther Congregation sings stanzas 1, 3-4 Children sing: stanza 2

1. A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon; He helps us free from ev’ry need that hath us now o’ertaken.

The old evil foe now means deadly woe; Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;

On earth is not his equal.

Children only: 2. With might of ours can naught be done; soon were our loss effected.

But for us fights the valiant One whom God Himself elected. “Ask ye, who is this?” Jesus Christ it is,

Of Sabaoth Lord, And there’s none other God; He holds the field forever.

3. Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpow’r us. This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will,

He can harm us none. He’s judged; the deed is done; One little word can fell him.

4. The Word they still shall let remain, nor any thanks have for it;

He’s by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit. And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife, Let these all be gone, They yet have nothing won;

The kingdom ours remaineth.

©2009 Kremer Publications, Inc.

Refrain Tune: Dale Wood. From Seasonal Psalms. © 1978 Augsburg Publishing House.

All rights reserved. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

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SERVING IN WORSHIP Preacher Pastor Tony Pittenger

Liturgist Pastor David Locklair

Accompanist Mrs. Tanya Bessler

Ushers 11 (Team 12) Mike Lorette, Dave Olson, Micah Pittenger,

Tim Matthes, Chance Peck, Evan Kemp

Acolytes 11 Evan/Linnea/Ethan/Brendan Kemp

Greeters 11 Matt & Katie Hoefler

Elder on duty this week Dave Roembke

CALENDAR

Sunday 10/29 Festival of the Reformation

8:15 am Reformation Service w. communion

9:45 am Sunday School for all ages

11:00 am Special Reformation Children’s Service (no communion)

Monday 10/30 7:00 pm Worship

Tuesday 10/31 8:20 am BLS/ELC Reformation Day Chapel

Wednesday 11/1 1:00 pm Juanita’s Bible Study (Emmaus Room)

3:30 pm Jr. Confirmation

7:00 pm Choir practice

Thursday 11/2 9:00 am Preschool PowerHour [A, B, C]

7:00 pm Evening Bible Study “Our Lutheran Heritage”

Sunday 11/5 Festival of All-Saints; Daylight Savings Time ends

8:15 am & 11:00am Worship

9:45 am Sunday School for all ages; Youth Group Meeting

12:15 pm Youth Group Parent Meeting

4:00 pm Area ELS/WELS Reformation Service @ Holy Trinity

THE RECORD Flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God by Pastor & Melissa Pittenger.

Last Sunday 118 of God’s people came to worship and hear His holy Word. 53 attended Sunday School

and Adult Bible Class.

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STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

“If there be any truer measure of a person

than by what they do, it must be by what they give.”

CELEBRATING THE 500TH

ANNIVERSARY

OF THE REFORMATION:

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD @ Bethany Lutheran, 10/29

8:15 am – “Reformation Freedom From All Things!”

Festival Worship with Communion 11:00am – “Grace Alone…Faith Alone…Scripture Alone”

Special Reformation 500th Anniversary Service with program presented by BLS/ELC students

“THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!” @ Holy Trinity Lutheran Church & School, 11/5

4:00 pm – ELS/WELS joint service (with communion) A catered meal will be provided by My 4 Sons BBQ in the Holy Trinity gym following the service.

A free will offering will offset the cost of the meal. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and School / 2021 S. 260th S / Des Moines, WA 98198

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

REFORMATION CELEBRATION SERVICE Sunday, 10/29, 11:00am

Today we mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and remember Martin Luther who boldly

proclaimed the truth of God’s Word. Our school theme, The Word of the Lord Endures Forever, is

connected to this historic event, and we thank our Bethany students for preparing today’s special

11:00am Reformation Service to celebrate this occasion.

ALL-SAINTS DAY OBSERVANCE Sunday, 11/5

On Sunday, November 5th, Bethany will observe the Festival of All-Saints, when we honor all Bethany

members/loved ones who have joined the church triumphant in heaven since the last All-Saints Day. If your

loved one was not a Bethany member please get their information to either pastor as soon as possible.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

VETERAN’S DAY OBSERVANCE @ ELHS Tuesday 11/7

Please join the ELHS students, faculty and staff to recognize and honor our country’s military during their

annual Veterans Day observance program, Tuesday 11/7 from 8:30-10:30AM at the ELHS Commons,

7306 Waller Rd. E. Tacoma, WA 98443. Programs begins with breakfast in the Commons @8:30,

followed by Chapel @ 9:40am. All veterans and their families are invited; PLEASE RSVP BY WEDNESDAY,

11/1 to Mrs. Ryan Bishop, rbishop@elhs.org or call 253.946.4488.

VETERAN’S DAY OBSERVANCE @ BETHANY Sunday, 11/12

Each year we pay tribute to our military with a Veteran’s Day Remembrance. Please get any soldier

additions onto our list of Bethany veterans by this Wednesday. The current list is posted in the office

window. Present/past members as well as spouses/children of members may be included; please

complete a blue information form below the list and leave in the office (To avoid errors or confusion,

ranks will only be posted for deceased veterans). PLEASE NOTE: Active Duty/Reserve/Retired Military

are needed to post the colors at each service on Sunday, 11/12. Please speak to either pastor today.

LMSG AMMO Can Donations – As Veterans Day approaches, our congregations’ Lutheran Military

Support Group (LMSG) is asking for donations in support of our military men, women and their families.

LMSG, a partnership of ELS & WELS vetrans, is working to grow awareness of and bring Christian support

to military members and their families in our congregations and beyond. By placing your gift in the

AMMO can located in the narthex, you are supporting the work of local congregations that are

ministering to nearby military families, the WELS European chaplain program and global broadcasts of

Time of Grace to our military. Questions? Visit www.lutheranmilitary.org. THANK YOU for standing

shoulder to shoulder with those serving our nation!!

151 Tremont St. W 360-876-1300 bethany.lutheran@wavecable.com

www.bethanylutheranes.org http://facebook.com/Bethany.Kitsap

Worship Schedule: Sunday 8:15 & 11am; Monday 7:00pm; Sunday School for all ages 9:45am