Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 W. 8th Street Waterloo, Iowa 50702
Information for October 25, 2026
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.
In Luther’s upbringing, the term “righteousness” was understood as the truth by which God deservedly condemns those who have merited evil. In his study of the Bible, however, the Holy Spirit led him to see that Christ’s righteousness is something we are freely given by God’s grace through faith! (Rom. 3:22) That wondrous truth was the basis for the Reformation! That wondrous truth is also the basis for the Lord’s Supper, for herein Christ is present with His body and blood to give us His forgiveness. In joyful obedience to the teaching of Scripture, we practice close communion and ask guests desiring to commune to speak with the pastor or elder before the service.
REFORMATION SUNDAY
The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace
October 25, 2026
AS WE GATHER: “Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus the incarnate Son, justifies us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). For He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19), and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people’ (Rev. 14:6), “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by hearing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. “whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
PARTICIPATING:
Worship Leader/Preacher Pastor Justin D. Kane
Organist Mrs. Kolleen Hosford
Worship Elder Mr. Kevin McCrindle
Lay Reader Mrs. Nancy McHone
Greeters Nancy McHone/Denise Oler
*COLLECT OF THE DAY:
Pastor: Almighty and gracious Lord,
People: pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Divine Service IV
Opening Hymn: LSB 578
“Thy Strong Word”
*Ten Commandments (printed sheet)
Confession and Absolution: LSB 203
SERVICE OF THE WORD
*Kyrie LSB 204
*Gloria in Excelsis LSB 204
*Salutation: LSB 205
*Collect of the Day: (Printed)
Old Testament: Revelation 14:6-7
Pew Bible Page 1928
Epistle: Romans 3:19-28
Pew Bible Page 1750
*Alleluia and Verse LSB 205
*Holy Gospel: John 8:31-36
Pew Bible Page 1663
*Nicene Creed: LSB 206
Sermon Hymn: LSB 656
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
Sermon
Offertory Chancel Choir
“God is Our Refuge and Strength”
*Prayer of the Church
*Lord’s Prayer LSB 209
*Benediction LSB 212
This concludes the service for online viewing
*SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
LSB 208ff
Members Receive Communion
Visitors Receive Blessing
Distribution Hymns:
“O Lord, We Praise Thee” LSB 617
“Salvation unto Us Has Come” LSB 555
*Nunc Dimittis: LSB 211
*Post-Communion Collect: LSB 212
*Benediction: LSB 212
Announcements
Closing Hymn: LSB 655
“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705
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