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.
During the Sundays of Trinity we are reminded of the mystery and the glory of God. His thoughts are above our thoughts as far as the heavens are above the earth (Is.55:8-9). We cannot know His mind or be His counselor (Rom 11:34). Accordingly we receive in faith His counsel that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the one true God. We also receive in faith His counsel that the very body and blood of Christ 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. 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.
REFORMATION DAY
The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace
October 26, 2025
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 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. Gene Brown, Mr. Alan Kleinendorst
Lay Reader Mr. Levi Carolus
Greeters Steve and Arleen Block
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Divine Service IV
Announcements
Opening Hymn: LSB 656 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
Confession and Absolution: LSB 203
SERVICE OF THE WORD
*Kyrie LSB 204
*Gloria in Excelsis LSB 204
*Salutation: LSB 205
*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.
First Reading: Revelation 14:6-7 Pew Bible Page 1928
Second Reading: 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 655 “Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”
Sermon
Offertory Chancel Choir “Built on the Rock”
Prayer of the Church
Let us pray to our God who has justified us by the work and grace of Jesus alone, that our faith may be strengthened and nourished by His Holy Word.
Holy Lord, You have given us Your Word as Your promise and washed us in Baptism to be Your own people and to live under You in Your kingdom, now and forever. Build us up in Christ, that we may hold the faith in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace as we give evidence of this faith in holiness of life. Reprove us when we are in error and reform what is lacking in us, that we may grow up into Christ, our head. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of grace, keep us steadfast in Your Word, and prevent our wayward hearts from following false gospels that lead us away from You. Provide Your Church with faithful pastors who preach in purity and joy, that we are saved by Your grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, heavenly Father, give wisdom and strength to all fathers in the home and Church. Make them faithful in teaching Your Word to the children entrusted to their care, that these little ones would come to know You as their heavenly Father and live as true children of God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, when the nations are in uproar and kingdoms fall, teach us to be still and know that You are God. Guide all who govern us so that evil is thwarted, righteousness rewarded and all Your ways are upheld. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of grace, do not let Your people fear though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Rescue all people in need, and comfort them with the promise that You are with them. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Father in heaven, give to all who approach Your altar this day repentant hearts and firm faith in the Savior’s promises. Graciously prevent us from partaking to our judgment, and grant us reverently and joyfully to receive Christ’s body and blood. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, we give You thanks for all Your servants who have departed this life in faith. We especially bless You today for the great reformers of Your Church who call us back to the Gospel and to the righteousness we have in Christ alone. Keep us in fellowship with them, and bring us at last to our heavenly home and the joy of seeing our Redeemer face to face; 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.
*Lord’s Prayer LSB 209
*Benediction LSB 212
This concludes the service for online viewing
*SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
LSB 208ff
Distribution Hymns:
“Salvation unto Us Has Come” v 1-5 LSB 555
“Grant Peace, We Pray, …” LSB 777
“Salvation unto Us Has Come” v 6-9 LSB 555
*Nunc Dimittis: LSB 211
*Post-Communion Collect: LSB 212
*Benediction: LSB 212
Closing Hymn: LSB 655 “Salvation unto Us Has Come”
REFORMATION DAY (Observed)
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
1024 West Eighth Street, Waterloo Iowa
319.235.6705