4768 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 s1

Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod 4768 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 Pastor Green’s telephone numbers: office: 652-8285; cell: 319-5424; home: 732-2631; Email: [email protected]; Church’s Website: www.ascension- wels.net Pastor Robert Green; Officers: President: Mike Neff; Vice President: Chuck Thompson; Elders: Mike Neff, Chuck Thompson, Ralph Buehler, Daniel Sellers, Rick Grove, and Lance Pockey; Evangelism: Steve Lange; Fellowship: Ron Althoff; Treasurer: Rick Grove; Properties: Terry Reilly; Public Relations:; Youth Ministry: Vacant Christian Education: vacant; Stewardship: Franklin Stauffer; Secretary: vacant. Organists/pianists: Vyonne Stephenson, Marge Metz, Scott Salesky and Jodie Roberts; Willing Workers: Co-chairmen: Barb Buehler and Jodie Roberts; Secretary: Linda Graf; Altar Guild: Barb Buehler and Lila Collins; LWMS Reporter: Jodie Roberts

October 30, 2005

First Sunday of End Time

Reformation Sunday

Martin Luther at the Diet at Worms, Germany 1 April, 1521 The order of service for today is Service of the Word as found on page 38 in the front of the hymnal.

A personal prayer for before worship from page 10 in the hymnal: Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise. Amen.

Opening Hymn: 204 O God, Our Lord, Your Holy Word

Luther wrote this hymn in 1541 for a special worship service for prayer against the invading Muslim Turks. Luther’s title was, “A hymn for the children to sing against the two arch- enemies of Christ and his Holy Church, the Pope and the Turks.” The Muslims were invading Europe and the situation was grave for the Europe and Christendom. King Ferdinand of Spain suffered a severe defeat by the Muslim forces, led by Sultan Suleiman, at Budapest in August of 1541. Then a hurricane destroyed the fleet of Charles V, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (essentially all of Europe) October 1541.

First lesson: Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23 This is the account of Daniel in the lions’ den. Some people had convinced King Darius that it would be wise to make a law that for thirty days no one could pray or worship anyone but Darius. Daniel refused to worship Darius and continued to worship the Lord Most High. Daniel was arrested and thrown into the lions’ den, even though the King did not want it so. God protected

2 Daniel and he lived. This is a reminder to all of us not to give into those would use whatever powers they can to get us to turn from the one most high. May we all be strong in faith so that we would rather be eaten by lions, than to compromise our faith.

Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” . . . 16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. 19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

3 21 Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Psalm 46 as found on page 84 in the front of the hymnal. This Psalm was Luther’s inspiration for writing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” This psalm was a great comfort to Luther. Whenever he was discouraged he would get his friends to “sing Psalm 46.” This psalm is also a comfort to all of us, for we are reminded that God indeed is our mighty fortress, our refuge and strength, especially in times of trouble. We have no one and nothing to fear, for the mighty Lord is with us!

Second Lesson: This is the reading for the sermon.

Galatians 5:1-6 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

4 After the pastor speaks the Verse of the Day, the congregation responds by singing the Triple Alleluia on page 40.

Verse of the Day: Alleluia. If you continue in my Word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. Alleluia. (John 8:31-32 cf. RSV)

Gospel: Jesus' confessors are sent into the world "like sheep among wolves." The apparent helplessness of Jesus' disciples is offset by the one commissioning them: "I [Jesus] am sending you out ... " The Savior is fully aware that they share the same fate he did: hatred, persecution, betrayal, arrest, trial, and death. All this will only amplify the gospel and increase its audience (governors, kings, Gentiles). Though they should be "as shrewd as snakes," the Spirit's guidance will spare them excessive concern about the way they frame their message. Standing firm to the end will bring salvation for the faithful.

Matthew 10:16-23 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When

5 you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Sermon Hymn: 200 A Mighty Fortress is Our God, Martin Luther wrote this hymn based on one of his favorite psalms, Psalm 46. Luther wrote this hymn in response to the Second Diet at Speyer in 1529, at which Emperor Charles V once again declared the Luther an outlaw. This meant the emperor’s edict that Luther be put to death was back in force.

Sermon: by Pastor Green based on Galatians 5:1-6

Will you stand firm on the freedom for which Christ set you free?

Sermon helps: The following is offered to help you contemplate and understand this reading to aid in listening to the sermon. Use the helps as best serves you.

Telic note: (the key points God is teaching in the reading): Christ has set us free from the burden of the law which condemns us for sin and its demands of perfect obedience. This is the gospel message to which we are called to stand firm upon. God warns us any attempt, however slight, to justify ourselves before him, will cause us to fall from grace.

6 Sad/Law: (As I look at myself, what makes me sad about this reading, where do I see God’s law condemning my sin): We have all sinned. There is nothing we can do to make ourselves right before God. If we turn to even the smallest of laws or rules to claim we are “right” before God, we have fallen from grace and Christ is of no benefit to us.

Glad/Gospel: (What gives me joy in this reading, where do I see God’s love and forgiveness): We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, based on the Scripture alone! All attempts to save oneself must fail, but the gospel will never fail!

After the sermon, the congregation joins in confessing the Apostles’ Creed as found on page 41.

During the offering the congregation sings hymn 203 Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word

Prayer of the Church for Reformation

7 M: Eternal Father, gracious Lord, you responded to the first sin by promising to free mankind from slavery to Satan. Throughout history you preserved a remnant of faithful people who opposed Satan’s work and trusted in the promised Messiah. You used your servant Martin Luther to restore the pure preaching of the gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. You mercifully guided our Wis- consin Synod to proclaim your saving truth in the face of false doctrine and physical hardship. Now graciously defend us from heresy, from pride, and from fear. Oppose those who would remove Christ from his throne as Ruler over your Church and your world.

C: Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word; curb those who by deceit or sword would seek to overthrow your Son and to destroy what he has done. M: Dearest Jesus, God from eternity, when you entered this world to become one of us, you humbled yourself to live under law and to die an accursed death as the Substitute for every sinner. You crushed the power of Satan forever and by your resurrection gave proof that we too shall rise from the sleep of death. Now, as our ascended Lord, you rule over all things. Graciously put an end to wars, inequity and injustice which hinder your kingdom's advance. Shelter us, your cho- sen brothers and sisters, as we fulfill our priestly duties of worship and praise. According to your gracious promise give us life like yours that we may adore you forever.

C: Lord Jesus Christ, your power make known, for you are Lord of lords alone; defend your Christendom that we may sing your praise eternally.

M: Holy Spirit, divine Counselor, at Pentecost you filled the disciples' hearts with courage and their tongues with a message of repentance and faith, a message of forgiveness

8 and hope. Fill people everywhere with the knowledge of the truth. Mercifully lead us ever to repent of our sins and to cling to Jesus as our only Savior. Grant your people to be of one mind, and unite them in their confession of the truth you have revealed. Bless all our attempts to express this fellowship on earth in love, forgiveness and encouragement. Be with all who are ill, lonely or grieving. Especially when our hearts are troubled or when our remaining days are few, remind us of your Baptismal promise, the gracious water of life that granted us a second birth for eternity.

C: O Comforter of priceless worth, send peace and unity on earth. support us in our final strife, and lead us out of death to life.

M: Lord God, our hearts are moved to endless praise as we review hundreds of years of your love. You gave minis- ters as gifts to your Church. You sent reformers and men of vision to call your people closer to you. For over 150 years you have blessed our synod through your Word and Sacra- ments. Be with the leaders of our church--synod, district, congregations and schools--and with all its members, so that we diligently proclaim the Gospel of truth. Keep us faithful to the teaching of Holy Scripture, as stated in the Lutheran Confessions, that all who walk together in our synodical flock may confess with Luther:

C: The kingdom’s ours forever!

Special prayers of thanksgiving or intercession may be spoken here.

M: All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who came for our deliverance, died for our salvation, rose again for our justification, and ever lives to

9 pray for us before your Majesty on high and who taught us to pray:

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

Third hymn: 384 By Grace I'm Saved

Closing Hymn: 293 God's Word is Our Great Heritage

For a prayer for after worship see page 11 of Christian Worship, A Lutheran Hymnal.

A Brief History of the Reformation The season of End Times brings the church year to a close. It is fitting that we end the year with End Times because all of history will close with the end of time. There are but four Sundays in this season and the first Sunday of this season is Reformation Sunday, the day we celebrate God’s grace in restoring the gospel to the church at large. The second Sunday is Last Judgement Sunday, when we remind ourselves that Christ’s Second Coming will be to the judge of the living and the dead. The third is Saints Triumphant Sunday, when we celebrate the eternal glory of all the saints (all believers) in heaven. The last Sunday is

10 Christ the King Sunday, when we celebrate the rule of Christ as King in our hearts now and forever. The liturgical color for the first two Sundays of this season is red, the color of fire and fervor, reminding us of the victorious truth of Christian teaching based on the blood of Christ and his judgment. The color of the last two Sundays is white, the color of the godhead and eternity and joy, purity, and perfection emphasizing the robe of righteousness each believer will receive for all of eternity from Christ. Why do Protestants and Lutherans in particular celebrate Reformation Sunday? To understand why, one simply needs to go back in history and understand the great Reformation of the Christian church took place. Reformation Sunday marks the day, October 31, 1517, on which Martin Luther, a Catholic priest and professor of religion, nailed Ninety-five Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenburg where he taught. These theses were written in Latin to encourage a debate among the learned men of Germany regarding the sale and use of indulgences. An indulgence was a document that anyone could buy from the Pope, through his representatives. The indulgence was the granting by the pope of time off from purgatory. Pur- gatory was a place, between heaven and hell, which believers went to after death to pay for their sins committed after baptism. The church at the time taught that forgiveness is not complete in Christ, but one must earn his salvation by doing good deeds. Buying an indulgence was one way to do good deeds that would merit the forgiveness of sins. In Octo- ber, 1517, a monk from Rome named Tetzel, was selling indulgences in Germany and was coming to Wittenberg. Tetzel would preach to the crowds saying, “Do you not hear the voices of your dead relatives and others, crying out to you and saying, ‘Pity us, pity us, for we are in dire punishment and torment from which you can redeem us for a pittance? And you will not? Will you not then for a quarter of

11 a florin (a coin worth a few cents) receive these letters of indulgence through which you are able to lead a divine and immortal soul safely and securely into the homeland of paradise?’” Tezel’s battle cry was, “Once the coin into the coffer clings, a soul from purgatory heavenward springs.” Luther objected to the sale of indulgences because by using the indulgence the Christian church had reduced salvation to the few cents spent to purchase the piece of paper the indulgence was written upon. Thus Luther challenged the theologians of his area by nailing his Ninety- five theses, or points of debate, over the validity of indulgences. This act began the effort to reform the teachings of the church to go back to the simple message of the forgiveness of sins in Christ. The process resulted not in reform, but in a split of the Christian church, because the authorities of the Christian church refused to change. The sale of salvation was much more serious than a mere political difference of opinion. The whole theology behind the sale of indulgences and purgatory was a theology of works for salvation. The church no longer taught that man was lost and condemned by sin because of God’s wrath and hatred of sin and of sinners. Along the way, the church stopped understanding that we have no hope of salvation except and only through faith in Christ Jesus who died to pay the cost of sin in full. The church no longer followed the scriptural teaching that God makes us perfectly righteous in Christ through faith. That is, we are credited with the perfect righteousness of Christ through faith. Instead the Catholic Church taught that man could save himself by doing good works. The church taught that man had to do the law and obey God and make themselves righteous under the law. The church taught that man could do this because each man had a spark of goodness within him and he simply had to tap into that spark. The church put every human being under the law of God and left him there. No wonder we celebrate the

12 return to the gospel this day.

Announcements for the week of October 30th Attendance 35: Internet views by computer: 31

This is what we believe here at Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church: We believe: that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God; that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and therefore cannot save themselves. That we are saved by grace alone through faith in God's Son, Jesus Christ, who lived, died and rose again. We also believe that it is the mission and responsibility of every member to reach out with the Gospel to all nations. That everything we do as a congregation should support this purpose. As servants of Christ, these beliefs will lead us to use our time, talents and treasures for the growth, preservation and the extension of Christ's Kingdom. The Elders meet today after the service.

Thanks are offered on behalf of the Larson family for all who provided and served the luncheon for Glenn’s funeral.

Antioch Fund: The request for a grant from the Antioch Fund has been submitted for the following: for rent and utilities for a worship site on the West Shore: $44,800; for playground equipment and installation at Ascension: 29,211; to upgrade the audio/video system for Ascension: $21,000: total: $95,011

The Lutheran Church of Indonesia (GLI) Faces Challenges In a country where almost 90% of the people are Muslims and Christians face tremendous persecution, God keeps His promise: “I will be with you; I will never leave you

13 nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5,9). “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). While it is legal to be a Christian, it is illegal to initiate a conversation about Jesus, so the main method of sharing the Gospel is through Friendship Evangelism. In spite of the persecution faced, the Holy Spirit is blessing the proclamation of His Word and is touching hearts. Six years ago, GLI called one evangelist to begin outreach on the island of West Timor. He was physically intimidated and threatened, but he kept telling people about Jesus. After a year of instructing his neighbors, 51 adults were confirmed. Then a second congregation was started. And another congregation was started. Now—in West Timor alone—there are 12 congregations and 8 evangelists or pastors serving over 950 souls who are part of Gereja Lutheran Indonesia. Half of all the GLI members are in West Timor (958 out of 1810 souls). But there is opposition to our Gospel outreach. Now GLI must establish a legal central office in the provincial capital of Kupang in West Timor by the end of 2011 or all of our outreach will come to a stop. So that our outreach in West Timor can continue and others may learn of their Savior, $35,000 needs to be raised to purchase a legal central office. If you wish to contribute financially, please make out your check to “Indonesia Fund” and write on the Memo line: West Timor building. Send it to: Board for World Missions, 2929 North Mayfair Road, Milwaukee, WI 53222. Thank you for your support.

Willing Workers: met today at 10:00 am.

Up-Coming Events:

14 Breakfast: First Wednesday 9:00 am at Dodge City Restaurant, Paxton near 2nd Harrisburg, all are welcomed, bring a friend!

Perry Valley Grange Dutch Meal: see Jerry Hawks for direction to the Grange for a meal and fellowship.

Harvest Home Sunday Nov. 13th: Our annual collection of food stuffs for the needed runs two weeks starting on Sunday Nov. 13. Bring your non-perishable food stuffs and place on the floor below the lectern and pulpit.

Harvest Home/Thanksgiving Meal Sunday Nov. 20th: the food collection ends and we have a Thanksgiving meal after church. All are welcomed, bring friends.

Christmas CD Evangelism project: Members of Peace Lutheran Church, WELS, King of Prussia, are planning a recording session to make a Christmas CD with song and Bible readings to hand out to prospects. They have invited all who would like to be a part of this effort. The CD’s will cost about $1. Please see the information posted on the bulletin board downstairs. Please let Pastor Green know if you are interested. The event will be in January, 2012.

WELS MARRIAGE RETREAT: T Saturday and Sunday, November 5 & 6, 2011 Embassy Suites Hotel, Niagara Falls, ONTARIO $325.00 per couple (Overnight Option) $175.00 per couple (Day/Commuter Option) Register Online: www.crossoflife.net Contact Person: [email protected] or 905-843- 2944

Bible Classes:

15 Wednesday 10:30 am on the Minor Prophets Wednesday 6:30 pm on the Minor Prophets Thursday 7:00 pm West Shore YMCA on Ephesians Sunday: 9:00 am the readings for the worship service.

If we have missed anyone’s birthday or anniversary, please tell Mike Neff or Pastor Green. NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS Valerie Nowaczyk 11/10; Steven Nowaczyk 11/12; Kundry Grove 11/23 NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Mike and Patti Neff 11/05; Victor and Lena Liefke 11/10

Please let Pastor Green know if you have any prayer requests. We pray: for those with cancer: Patti Alters, (Mike Neff’s aunt), Gil Seibel; Dirk Martinez; Brian Terry (Brenda Thompson’s nephew), Bob Dunlop friend of Pastor Green, Randel Wolfe a relative of Barb Penstone for stroke and bone cancer; Grace Glenn, Patti Reed’s step-mother; Kathleen Woodall, Jeanne Green’s sister; Anthony Pockey, Lance’s father; for the Larson family at the death of Glenn; for those with other health issues: Vyonne Stephenson’s daughter Karen Bray for her heart; Helen Crogle, friend of Phyllis Cross for heart surgery; Joylynn Larson, daughter of Glenn and Sharon for multiple sclerosis; Dorothy Neujahr, mother of Linda Graf; Paul Glenn, (Patti Reed’s brother) for vision problems; for Steve Murray, for stroke; Bill Fleming for mental confusion; Ann Swan for kidney problems; Sharon Miller, Phyllis Cross’ niece; Sonia Schmidt for cerebral palsy; Patti Reed for shoulder; Evelyn Kraft for lung issues; For faith, health and welfare: Jordan Glenn; Daniel Reed; Destiny Reed; Patrick Collins; Pam Seed; Ryan

16 Collins; Billy Martin; Chris and Heather and their sons Dalton and Dane; For our college students: Jessica Buehler; Eric Metz; For our world and home mission work; For those in the military: Sarah Buehler; Lance J. Pockey, Steve Miller; Mark Green; Alyssa Briggs; Stuart Krueger.

This week at Ascension: Wednesday: 10:30 am or 6:30 pm Bible study on The Minor Prophets Thursday: 7:00 pm Bible Study West Shore YMCA on Ephesians Sunday: 9:00 am Bible study for all ages; adults study the readings for the day 10:30 am Worship service