 We receive in faith His counsel that Christâs very body and blood are present under the bread and wine for our forgiveness. As we receive Holy Communion today, the whole counsel of God moves us to determine confessional oneness for those who receive the sacrament together. Out of care for souls and a common confession, we ask that if you do not belong to a Lutheran Church â Missouri Synod congregation or any congregation in altar pulpit fellowship with her, and you choose to approach the table, cross your arms to receive a blessing.
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
God Declares Us Righteous Unsheathing His Word Against All Evil
November 9, 2025
AS WE GATHER: ââLet there be light,â and there was lightâ (Gen. 1:1-2:3). The Father speaks, and it is so. His Word accomplishes what it says. He created all things out of nothing through His Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Fatherâs creative Word became flesh in Jesus Christ, that He might restore fallen creation and save fallen man. To the nobleman whose son was deathly ill, Jesus says, âGo; your son will liveâ (John 4:46-54). And in the very hour Jesus spoke, the noblemanâs son was made well. The Word of Christ still accomplishes what it says. In baptism, absolution, and the Lordâs Supper, He declares His life-giving forgiveness to you, and it is so. This saving Word of God is the sword of the Spirit by which you are able to fight off all the onslaughts of the devil (Eph. 6:10-17). âTherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand firm.â
Take a moment to notice the * at the beginning of various portions of the order of service. The * indicates the place where it is inappropriate to enter or leave the sanctuary because it marks a time of prayer or respect for the Word of the Lord. Please be considerate of others around you by honoring these notations.
PARTICIPATING:
Worship Leader/Preacher Pastor Justin D. Kane
Organist Mrs. Kolleen Hosford
Worship Elder   Mr. Alan Kleinendorst
Mr. Gene Brown
Lay Reader Ms. Samanta Noel
Greeters Ed and Judy DePaepe
Door Greeter Mr. Brian Williams
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Divine Service I
Announcements
Opening Hymn:Â LSB 578 âThy Strong Wordâ
*Confession/Absolution: Â Â LSB 151
SERVICE OF THE WORD
*Kyrie: LSB 152ff
*Gloria in Excelsis LSB 154
*Salutation: Â Â LSB 156
*COLLECT OF THE DAY:
Pastor: O Lord,
People: keep Your household, the Church, in continual godliness that through Your protection she may be free from all adversities and devoutly given to serve You in good works; through Jesus Christ, Your son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Â Amen.
Old Testament:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Genesis 1:1-2:3 Â Pew Bible Page 1
Epistle: Â Â Ephesians 6:10-17 Â Pew Bible Page 1824
*Alleluia and Verse:Â Â LSB 156
*Holy Gospel: Â John 4:46-54 Â Pew Bible Page 1653
*Nicene Creed: Â Â LSB 158
Hymn: LSB 585 Â âLord Jesus Christ, with Us Abideâ
Sermon
Offertory Chancel Choir  âWith Music I Will Praise Theeâ
*Prayer of the Church
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Lord God, heavenly King, the whole world is in Your power. We thank You for the many blessings of creation, which You sustain despite every ravage of sin, death and the devil. Help us to receive Your benefits with gratitude, knowing they come through Jesusâ merits and not our own. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, bless and uphold Matthew, our Synod president; Brian, our district president; David, our circuit visitor; all pastors and congregations; and our parish. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, our Creator, You ordered this world according to Your good and gracious will, crowning Your creation with man and woman. Give us faith to cherish the holy estate of marriage, its union of husband and wife, Your call to be fruitful, and the promise that You will bless what You have made. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord of all, You entrusted Your creation to man to tend, subdue and keep. Bless the farmers who tend the land for its increase. Grant them a rich harvest and so provide for us also, as each lives out his particular calling according to Your will. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, You have said by Your apostle that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers over this present darkness and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Lead us to respect godly authorities, to oppose what stands against Your Word and to see every unbelieving person as Your creature for whom Christ has died. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Faithful God, uphold Your servants. Hold before our eyes the crucifixion of Your Son, that trusting in Him, we may see past trials, sickness and loss through the lens of His steadfast love. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, Your Son on the night He was betrayed took bread and wine, the fruits of Your creation, and made them His body and blood. Help us to receive these fruits of His new creation worthily for the healing of body and soul. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, heavenly Father, we gratefully remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Rejoicing in His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest. Gather us together from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Lords Prayer   LSB 162
*Benediction  LSB 166
This concludes the service for online viewing
*SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Â LSB 160ff
Distribution Hymns:
âI Know My Faith Is Foundedâ Â Â Â LSB 587
âIn the Shattered Bliss of Edenâ LSB 572
âMy Faith Looks Up to Theeâ Â Â Â Â LSB 702
*Thank the Lord: Â Â Â LSB 164
*Post-Communion Collect: Â Â Â Â LSB 166
Closing Hymn:  LSB 726   âEvening and MorningâÂ
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705