LAETARE (REJOICE) FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
The Lord Feeds His People
March 30, 2025
AS WE GATHER: The Lord provided bread from heaven for His people in the wilderness (Ex. 16:2-21). Now He who is Himself the living bread from heaven miraculously provides bread for the five thousand (John 6:1-15). This takes place near the time of the Passover, after a great multitude had followed Jesus across the sea, and when He went up on a mountain. Seen in this way, Jesus is our new and greater Moses, who releases us from the bondage of Mount Sinai and makes us free children of the promise (Gal. 4:21-31). Five loaves become twelve baskets—that is, the five books of Moses find their goal and fulfillment in Christ, whose people continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship of the twelve apostles, and in the breaking and receiving of the bread of life, which is the body of Christ together with His precious blood, and in the prayers (Acts 2:41-47). So it is that God’s people “shall not hunger or thirst” (Is. 49:8-13). For He abundantly provides for us in both body and soul.
In great love He was slain for us and by His blood He ransomed us for
God. As our substitute, carrying our sin, the Holy Lamb of God received the punishment that we deserved! And as He, Himself, cried out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). As we marvel at the forgiveness He won for us at Calvary, we also give thanks for the means by which He brings it to us still today. As we receive Holy Communion during this Lenten season, guests who desire to commune are asked to speak with the pastor or an elder before the service. For Scriptural reasons, we practice close communion. If you do not belong to a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we invite you to join our communion fellowship. For details, please speak or make an appointment with Pastor Kane through the church office (319) 235-6705.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Divine Service III
Announcements
Opening Hymn LSB 642 “O Living Bread from Heaven”
*Confession/Absolution: LSB 184
SERVICE OF THE WORD
*Kyrie: LSB 186
*Salutation: LSB 189
*COLLECT OF THE DAY:
Pastor: Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
People: Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament: Exodus 16:2-21 Pew Bible Page 112
Epistle: Galatians 4:21-31 Pew Bible Page 1814
*Holy Gospel: John 6:1-15 Pew Bible Page 1655
*Nicene’ Creed: LSB 192
Sermon Hymn: LSB 743 “Jesus, Priceless Treasure”
Sermon
Offertory LSB 192
Prayer of the Church
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Blessed Lord, You give sight to the blind, You open the ears of the deaf and You make the lame to walk. In the darkness of sin, we cry to You. Open our ears by Your Word, our minds by Your Spirit and our hearts by Your grace, that we may know You and give You thanks for all Your benefits to us in Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, bless Your Church, Jerusalem on high, who is our mother in Christ until Christ is fully formed in us. Bless all pastors, that they may be faithful stewards of Your mysteries, and guide all who bring the message of salvation to those who have not heard. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, Creator of the waters above, receive our thanksgiving for Holy Baptism, whereby You have united Jew and Gentile in the death and resurrection of Your Son. Enliven our confidence in the gracious gift, that we may continue together in its comfort and power. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty Father, uphold in mercy all authorities, especially parents and the civil servants of our nation. Strengthen our homes, and keep families firm in the Christian faith. Preserve our nation from wickedness, and uphold order and justice for a peaceful life. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, Your heavenly care extends to all Your children, especially those in depth of need. Let them find sustaining food for body and soul and such healing as Your gracious will provides. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, look in kindness upon the afflictions of the poor and hungry. Feed them for the sustenance of their bodies, and reveal to them the riches of Your loving kindness as You provide their salvation through the mercy of Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly King, You provided food from heaven for Israel during their days of wandering in the wilderness. So give us also the true food of heaven, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, that we may be sustained in our faith and in hope during our days of pilgrimage through the wilderness of this world until finally we behold Your glory with our own eyes. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, grant us always to trust in Your promises, that we may be true sons of the free woman and heirs with Christ; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Lords Prayer LSB 196
*Benediction LSB 202
This concludes the service for online viewing
*SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT LSB 194ff
Distribution Hymns:
“I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table” LSB 618
“Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior” LSB 619
“You Satisfy the Hungry Heart” LSB 641
*Nunc Dimittis: LSB 199
*Thanksgiving: LSB 200
*Benediction: LSB 202
Closing Hymn: LSB 649 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
PARTICIPATING:
Worship Leader/ Preacher Pastor Justin Kane
Organist Mrs. Kolleen Hosford
Elder Mr. Al Hosford
Mr. Alan Kleinendorst
Lay Reader Mrs. Nancy McHone
Greeters Steve & Arleen Block
Door Greeter Brian Williams
LAETARE (REJOICE)
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705
www.gracewaterloo.org