Sunday Worship

8:00am & 10:30am

Sunday School &

Bible Class

9:15am

Church office

254.799.3211

Church Fax

254.412.0529

On the Web

www.splcwaco.com

Senior Pastor

Rev. Larry Krueger

254.715.1707

PastorKrueger@splcwaco.com

Associate Pastor

Rev. Matthew Hardaway

254.723.2373

PastorHardaway@splcwaco.com

Deaconess

Dcs. Suzanne Krahn

641.420.1787

DCSKrahn@splcwaco.com

Organist/Music Dir.

Steve Randolph

254.709.6995

Administrative Asst.

Cindy Byrd

wecare@splcwaco.com

St. Paul Lutheran WacoTx

“Be thoughtful - be silent - be reverent; for this is the house of the Lord. Before the service, speak to

the Lord; During the service, let the Lord speak to you; After the service, speak to one another.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

As the state of Texas continues to phase in operations at various institutions across the state in these days of COVID-19, we continue to monitor changes as those are relevant for churches and houses of worship. We have begun the next phase of on-site worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church. This has been a calculated

process with the safety of attendees in mind each step of the way, especially our seniors and others in the

high risk category. Safe self-distancing remains the practice. We ask that everyone please continue to register on-line for on-site worship attendance. This registration process serves several purposes. It assures that we

can accommodate on-site worship attendees. It helps us plan for ample worship folders for the services. And, finally, if we were to have a case of COVID-19 reported by one of our on-site worshippers, the registrations will help us contact all attendees at that service in an expedient manner. Sunday, September 6, 2020 – On-site worship with limited attendance to accommodate Safe Distancing in accord with current Safe Distancing Guidelines. Holy Communion will be offered on this Sunday. 8:00 am – On-site worship with Holy Communion with 28 family units in attendance. Families

will need to register on the Web site beginning Monday morning Aug. 31, at 10:00 am. When 28 family units have registered, registration will be closed. Seating may be assigned to ensure safe distancing, as necessary.

9:15 am – Clean sanctuary and restrooms to prepare for 10:30 worship service. 10:30 am – Live stream online worship AND On-site worship with Holy Communion with 28 family units

in attendance. Families will need to register on the Web site beginning Monday morning Aug. 31, at 10:00 am. When 28 family units have registered, registration will be closed. Seating may be assigned to ensure safe distancing, as necessary.

11:30 am (after 10:30 am worship) until12:30 pm – Drive Thru Communion on the church parking lot for those who do not attend onsite worship.

LIVE STREAMING OF WORSHIP SERVICES: Our 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service is streamed live on the Internet. To view the 10:30 a.m. service, go to the church Web site at www.splcwaco.com, click on the link “LIVE STREAMING” on the home page, and select which service you would like to view (current or archived). You may also view the live-stream via the church Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/StPaulWaco.

REMEMBER OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN PRAYER: The weekly prayer list will continue to be shared via email every Monday and Friday. We are also including a

weekly children’s bulletin for download in the Friday email. If you are not receiving emails through Constant Contact, please contact the church via email: wecare@splcwaco.com. FLOWERS were placed on our altar today to the glory of God by Norma Hand and family in loving memory of her husband, Weldon Hand, on his birthday.

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Welcome to St. Paul Lutheran Church The Church on the Highway… Where Life and Jesus Intersect

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 30, 2020

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PRAYER BEFORE DIVINE WORSHIP

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

ORDER OF DIVINE WORSHIP (Please silence your cell phones and mobile devices during our worship time.)

Pre-service Music Welcome and Announcements Opening Hymn: “As the Deer”

1. As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee. You alone are my heart’s desire, and I long to worship Thee. Refrain: You alone are my strength, my shield; To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee. 2. You’re my friend and You are my brother even though you are a King. I love You more than any other, so much more than anything. Refrain 3. I want You more than gold or silver, only You can satisfy. You alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye. Refrain

Words and Music by Martin Nystrom; © 1984 by Marantha! Music; CCLI License # 1801824

Rite of Holy Baptism (10:30 a.m.) Invocation Pastor: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Response: Amen. Confession and Absolution (based on Psalm 113, ESV) Pastor: Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord! Response: Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! Pastor: Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high? Response: Who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? Pastor: He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, Response: To make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. Pastor: We are the poor and needy who need salvation from our God. He alone can save us

from Satan’s deceptions and our sinfulness. Knowing His promise that “if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteous,” we come before our God confessing our sins and seeking His mercy.

Most merciful God: Response: We confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have

been swayed by temptation. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of you holy name. Amen.

Pastor: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us. For his sake God forgives us all our sins and has given us a seat with him in the heavenly places. As a called and ordained servant of the Word, by Christ’s authority and command, I therefore forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Response: Amen.

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1. O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed; Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art! 2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander, I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; Refrain

3. But when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in — That on the cross my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin; Refrain 4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration And there proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” Refrain

Litany of Response (based on Psalm 113, ESV) Pastor: From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Response: The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! ALL: Praise the Lord! Song of Response, 801: “How Great Thou Art”

Text and Tune, Public Domain; CCLI License # 1801824

Prayer of the Day Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 15:15–21

15O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. In your

forbearance take me not away; know that for your sake I bear reproach. 16

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

17I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for

you had filled me with indignation. 18

Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail?

19Therefore thus says the Lord: “If you return, I will restore

you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.

20And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of

bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the Lord.

21I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”

Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. Epistle Reading: Romans 12:9–21

9Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

10Love one another with brotherly affection.

Outdo one another in showing honor. 11

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

13Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to

show hospitality. 14

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.

Never be conceited. 17

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

20To the contrary,

“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Pastor: This is the Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God.

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:21–28 21

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22

And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”

23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me.

For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 24

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake

will find it. 26

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?

27For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his

Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28

Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Christ! Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And 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 sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence 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.

Hymn of the Day: “You Are My All in All”

You are my strength when I am weak You are the treasure that I seek You are my all in all Seeking you as a precious jewel Lord to give up I’d be a fool You are my all in all Jesus, Lamb of God Worthy is Your name Jesus, Lamb of God Worthy is Your name Taking my sin, my cross, my shame Rising again I bless Your name You are my all in all When I fall down You pick me up When I am dry You fill my cup You are my all in all Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name

Music and Words by Dennis L. Jernigan; © 1990 by Shepherd’s Heart Music; CCLI License # 1801824

Sermon: “My Way God’s Way”..................................................................................Romans 12:9–21

Pastor Hardaway Offering Announcement and Blessing Prayer of the Church

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The 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.

Benediction Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be

gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Response: Amen. Closing Hymn: “The Old Rugged Cross”

1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain. Chorus: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, ‘Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown. 2. O the old rugged cross, so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary. Chorus 3. In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see; For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died To pardon and sanctify me. Chorus 4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away, Where His glory forever I’ll share. Chorus

Words and Music by George Bennard; © 1913 by George Bennard, renewed in 1941 by the Rodeheaver, Co.; CCLI License # 1801824

Post-service Music

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Liturgy (or the appropriate portion thereof) from Lutheran Service Book ©2001 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. License #000011634.

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MEETING AND ACTIVITY NOTICES FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

LIVE STREAMING OF WORSHIP SERVICES: Our 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service is streamed live on the Internet. To view the 10:30 a.m. service, go to the church Web site at www.splcwaco.com, click on the link “LIVE STREAMING” on the home page, and select which service you would like to view (current or archived). You may also view the livestream via the church Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/StPaulWaco. The Sunday worship folder for this Sunday can also be found on the church Web site (www.splcwaco.com). ON-SITE WORSHIP:

We continue to hold on-site worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church. We do so with the safety of attendees in mind, especially our seniors and others in the high risk category. The current practice is to wear masks while entering and exiting the sanctuary and to practice safe self-distancing while seated in the sanctuary. Masks are optional while seated. We ask that everyone please continue to register on-line for on-site worship attendance. This registration process serves several purposes. It assures that we can accommodate on-site worship attendees. It helps us plan for ample worship folders for the services. And, finally, if we were to have a case of COVID-19 reported by one of our on-site worshippers, the registrations will help us contact all attendees at that service in an expedient manner.

ST. PAUL WORSHIP REGISTRATION: Sunday, September 6, 2020 – On-site worship with limited attendance to accommodate Safe Distancing in accord with current Safe Distancing Guidelines. Holy Communion will be offered on this Sunday. 8:00 am – On-site worship with Holy Communion with 28 family units in attendance. Families

will need to register on the Web site beginning Monday morning Aug. 31, at 10:00 am. When 28 family units have registered, registration will be closed. Seating may be assigned to ensure safe distancing, as necessary.

9:15 am – Clean sanctuary and restrooms to prepare for 10:30 worship service. 10:30 am – Live stream online worship AND On-site worship with Holy Communion with 28 family

units in attendance. Families will need to register on the Web site beginning Monday morning Aug. 31, at 10:00 am. When 28 family units have registered, registration will be closed. Seating may be assigned to ensure safe distancing, as necessary.

11:30 am (after 10:30 am worship) until12:30 pm – Drive Thru Communion on the church parking lot for those who do not attend onsite worship.

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 – SENIOR ADULTS ONLY Service of the Sacrament & Fellowship Luncheon 11:00 am – Senior adults only special service of the Sacrament (Holy Communion) with 28 family units

at a time. If more than 28 family units come, the service will be repeated to accommodate all who come. This will be an abbreviated service (with no sermon) for the purpose of Holy Communion. No registration is required for this service.

We are returning to our monthly fellowship lunch following the September Senior Adults service. A prepared sandwich box lunch will be served in the Family Center following the 11:00 a.m. worship with safe social distancing. We ask those planning to attend to please call (254.799.3211) or email (wecare@splcwaco.com) the church office by 12:00 p.m. on September 8 to allow for preparation and seating planning. We are currently discouraging sharing any home-made desserts for this meal and will instead provide a small dessert with the sandwich box lunch.

FACEBOOK WEEKDAY DEVOTIONS: Pastors Krueger and Hardaway are leading a devotion series on Facebook titled, “Through the Gospels” devotions, focusing on the Gospel of Luke. Tune in the church Facebook page to watch a daily 6-7 minute teaching on the Scriptures Monday-Friday. SOME BIBLE STUDIES WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER: Sunday morning Adult Bible Study in the Family Center will resume at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. Sunday morning High School Bible class will resume meeting in the Youth Room at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday,

Sept. 13. Masks and social distancing will be practiced for this class. So, students please wear a mask to the class.

Sunday School for younger grades will remain suspended until further notice. We are closely observing how public schools progress upon the resumption of onsite education, to make a decision on resuming Sunday School classes.

Sunday evening Bible studies are scheduled to resume in October, with the change of gathering at church rather than in members homes to allow for current social distancing guidelines.

Thank you for your continued patience as we continue to manage the resumption of events at the church during the time of this pandemic. THANK YOU: Bobby & Julie Hahn extend their thanks to the St. Paul family for all of their calls, cards, prayers, and

words of encouragement following the recent death of his mother, Beulah Hahn. We are truly blessed to have such a loving church family!

Bernice Casper and family thank the St. Paul family for all of their calls, cards, prayers, and words of encour-agement following her recent stroke. She is recovering in a rehab facility and is thankful for the love and support of the St. Paul family.