Like the man whose sight Jesus restored in two steps, Jesus' disciples come to know him in multiple stages: first, they recognize him as the Messiah; second, they accept that his mission is not in military or political victory but in suffering; and third, they come to embrace their own fellowship with him on that path of suffering to the cross.
Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Matthew 11:28-30
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 22:23–31
- Old Testament reading is from Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16
- Epistle reading is from Romans 5:1–11
- Holy Gospel is from Mark 8:27–38
Songs and Hymns:
- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
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Text by Joachim Neander, trns. Catherine Winkworth
Tune by Ander Theil Des Erneuerten Gesang-Buchs, 1665
Public domain - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
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Text: German version, Paul Gerhardt
Tr. Bernard of Clairvaux
© 1941 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220
Tune: Hans Leo Hassler, public domain - Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
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Text by Isaac Watts
Tune by Hugh Wilson
Public domain. - Christ, the Life of All the Living
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Text: Ernst Christoph Homburg, 1605–81
sts. 1–2, 5, 7: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
sts. 3–4, 6: tr. Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book, 1912, St. Louis
Tune: Das grosse Cantional, 1687, Darmstadt
Text and tune: Public domain - Go to Dark Gethsemane
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Text: James Montgomery, 1771–1854
Tune: Richard Redhead, 1820–1901
Text and tune: Public domain. - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
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Text by Thomas Ken
Tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551
Public domain
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Feb 25:
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- Worship Service: 9 AM to 10:30 AM
- 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering – Information Meeting: 10:30 AM
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All youth who will be between the ages of 13-20 on July 15, 2025 are invited to a brief informational meeting right after worship today, February 25th, to learn more about the next Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. We will meet in the sanctuary immediately following the service.
- Adult Bible Study and Sunday School: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Discovering Christianity: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Wednesday, Feb 28:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Midweek Lent Service: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
- Ministry Spotlight – Altar Guild
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The role of the Altar Guild extends far beyond creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, encompassing a variety of tasks that contribute to the smooth functioning of worship services. One of the primary responsibilities of the Altar Guild is preparing and maintaining the communion trays and their contents. This task involves attention to detail and a deep sense of reverence. The Guild not only sets up the trays but also ensures their cleanliness.
In addition to communion preparations, the Altar Guild takes charge of adorning the narthex and the church entrance with thematic decorations. These visually appealing displays serve as a warm welcome for worshippers and create an atmosphere that reflects our St. James community. The Guild’s creative touch contributes to the overall ambiance of the church, enhancing the worship experience for the congregation.
They are also instrumental in preparing for special ceremonies, ensuring that every detail aligns with the significance of the event.
The work of the Altar Guild requires a collaborative effort, and they are always in need of more helping hands. Volunteers, whether able to commit to one Sunday a month or desiring a more involved role, are welcome to join the team. Nic Schatte, the contact person for the Altar Guild, can be reached at nic@stjamesglencarbon.org.
- Decorations in the Church
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The decorations in the church changed to purple for the Season of Lent, a time of repentance and spiritual renewal. Purple symbolizes sorrow and repentance. Purple also reminds us of the mocking royal robe placed on Jesus by the soldiers.
- Fellowship Meals
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Please join us Wednesdays, March 6, 13, & 20 in fellowship hall at 5:30 PM for a meal prior to the Midweek Service. Free-will offering will be collected to support the youth mission trip.
- Ministry Clarity – Intentionally Moving Forward with Mission & Ministry
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St. James held a congregational ministry planning event/dinner late last year. Our discussion was led by Pastor Tom Eggebrecht from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. The purpose of this event was to present opportunities, previously defined by the Ministry Planning Team, that can help us bridge the gap between where we are now in ministry and where we want to be based on our Mission Pillars (Community, Healing, Restoration). This was a very successful event that provided great insight.
The Ministry Planning Team is now in the process of taking the information gathered at the event and using it to create a ministry plan for each of our three pillars. This is a very exciting process that should be completed by mid-Spring. At that time, it will be presented to the congregation for review/approval.
We encourage everyone to please:
- Pray for this process – That God would lead us to understand His will for St. James.
- Pray for our Ministry Team – That each member would seek God’s will and apply it to this process of creating a ministry plan to His glory.
- Approach any Ministry Team member with questions you may have.
- The Time of Easter
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Mark your calendars and join us for the following additional Easter season services:
- Wednesday, Feb. 28: Midweek Lent Worship Service @ 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, March 6: Fellowship Meal @ 5:30 PM; Midweek Lent Worship Service @ 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, March 13: Fellowship Meal @ 5:30 PM; Midweek Lent Worship Service @ 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, March 20: Fellowship Meal @ 5:30 PM; Midweek Lent Worship Service @ 6:30 PM
- Thursday, March 28: Holy Thursday Worship Service @ 6:30 PM
- Friday, March 29: Good Friday Worship Service @ 6:30 PM
- Sunday, March 31: Easter Worship Service @ 9:00 AM