Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

October 1, 2023 - 18th Sunday after Pentecost

 

Welcome in the name of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. If you are visiting, we are glad that you are here and kindly ask that you sign our guest book at the sanctuary doors. If you would like to become a member please speak to the Pastor. In case of illness, the Pastor should be informed. He will always be glad to speak with those who are confronted with problems of a spiritual nature. The time before worship is a quiet time for prayer and meditation to prepare for worship. Please see the inside cover of the hymnal for prayers and page 329f to prepare for Holy Communion. God bless you as we gather before our gracious God!  

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The Cross of Christ Opens to Us the Way of Repentance to Life with God

The way of the Lord is righteous and just: “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezek. 18:4). However, because the Lord has “no pleasure in the death of anyone” (Ezek. 18:32), He calls sinners to repentance and faith in His gracious forgiveness of sins. The man who is thus turned away from his wickedness, who henceforth lives by the grace of God, “shall surely live; he shall not die” (Ezek. 18:28). This way of repentance has been opened for us by the cross of Christ. In the righteousness of faith and love, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:8), and He was vindicated in His resurrection from the dead. Indeed, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). He has given us this name in our Baptism into Christ, in whom we now “shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). He uses the authority that He has received from His Father (Matt. 21:23–27) to preach a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, by which even “the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God” (Matt. 21:31–32).

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Collect of the day:

Almighty God, You exalted Your Son to the place of all honor and authority.  Enlighten our minds by Your Holy Spirit that, confessing Jesus as Lord, we may be led into all truth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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ORDER OF SERVICE:  Setting Three  page 184. 

                   The Introit for Proper 21A is found on the insert and sung responsively by half-verse.

                

​READINGS:   Ezekiel 18: 1-4. 25-32     Philippians 2: 1-4(5-13)14-18        Matthew 21: 23-32

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HYMNS: 913,  655,  534

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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Jack Hetzel  

Assisting minister (A) lay: Shane

Acolyte: Christine

Sound System: Philip  

Webmaster:  Michael Haeussler

Office Secretary: Debby and Leslie

Altar Guild:  Julia and Lynn

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PRAYER INTERCESSION:  family/friends Gwenda (called home Sept. 19); Anne & Bill; Sherran; Herta; Viena; Betty 

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Friends and Fellow Christians: Dan; Rev. Robert Morley; Joan; Lynda; Les’s cousin Mike; Lutheran Church in Ukraine; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Norma; Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Kathy; Bev; Don; Elizabeth; Mary (David’s mother), Stu; Rev. Darryl; Doug & family; Spence family

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Mission Prayers for September: Rev. Van Ravy – Cambodia, Rev. Heng Kim Hai (Hi) – Cambodia, Rev. Rochom Binh (Rock-om) – Cambodia, r Rev. Romass Svell – Cambodia, Rev. San Ran - Cambodia

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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:  Etelka; Doreen, Viena, Anne, Margaret, Laura, Connor, David, Amy, Briana, Kirsten, Norm, Bea, Vincent, Michael

 

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES: David & Lynn

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL: and Bible study is at 9:30am.

 

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY:  is cancelled Wed due to the Pastors’ conference.

 

ONTARIO DISTRICT CHRISTIAN GROWTH RETREAT: All the ladies of the congregation are invited to join us on October 13 & 14, at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre to study God's word and be uplifted by inspiring guest speakers.  Registration forms are available from Diana Grant or from the LWML Canada website.  Registration must be received by Doris Schaeffer before Sept. 5th.

 

LWML SUNDAY: is TODAY.  We encourage everyone to contribute to our Mite Offering in support of the Mission Projects supported by LWML Canada.

 

QUILTING: Quilting is now every Tuesday morning starting at 9:30 am.  All are invited to come out.  No quilting experience is needed.

 

USHERS NEEDED: We need more volunteers for the ushering team. If you are interested in helping out with this important part of our worship service please talk to one of the elders.

 

CANADIAN LUTHERAN: copies are available on the back shelf in the atrium. An article about Dan is featured on page 21 regarding his time as Vicar in Kitimat.

 

FOOD BANK:  Our food cabinet is running low on food; please drop off non-perishable food so we can support our church and community.

 

ALTAR FLOWERS:  Given to the glory of God and in memory of Gwenda by her family.

 

GREETINGS: from Ed who is homebound and sends his greetings to you.  You can encourage him in faith and to keep in touch.

 

CHURCH KEYS:  Members that no longer need their church keys can you please return them to the office; new trustees and some council members are in need of them.  To get new keys cut are costly around $75 per key.  Thank You.  Debby

 

SHOEBOX CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Volunteer needed to help run the Shoebox Christmas Program. Collection Week is November 13-19. See office for program instruction.

 

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  may be placed in the holder outside the office door and for the monthly calendar.  Bulletin items are due by Wednesday of each week.  Calendar events are due by the 3rd Sunday of the month.  You can email the info to office@gracelutheranoshawa.net

 

LUTHERAN BATTLE FOR THE BIBLE SERIES… How did the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod defend itself 50 years ago from a liberal approach to the Bible?  Issues, Etc., a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL, recently interviewed several guests about the Lutheran battle for the Bible.  You can listen to the entire series at your convenience at issuesetc.org/battleforthebible.

 

CHURCH KEYS:  Members that no longer need their church keys can you please return them to the office; new trustees and some council members are in need of them.  To get new keys cut are costly around $75 per key.  Thank You.  Debby

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This Week under Grace 

Today (g)                     9:30am             Sunday School and Bible study

                                     10:30am            Divine Service (LWML – Canada Sunday)

                                       4:00pm             Kingston Mission

Mon – Wed.                                           Pastors’ Conference, Niagara Falls

Saturday                    9:30am             Ladies of Grace

Sunday (w)                 9:30am             Sunday School and Bible study             

                                      10:30am            Divine Service – Thanksgiving Sunday

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Readings    Ezekiel 18: 1-4. 25-32     Philippians 2: 1-4(5-13)14-18        Matthew 21: 23-32

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