The Not-So-Obvious Miracle – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost + St. James Lutheran Church

In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus meets ten men afflicted with leprosy and heals them all. Yet only one—a Samaritan—returns to give thanks and worship. While the physical healing is miraculous, the greater miracle lies beneath the surface: a heart changed by faith.

In this message, The Not-So-Obvious Miracle, we are reminded that the most extraordinary works of God are often not the ones we can see, but the ones taking place within us. The thankful leper experienced both healing of the body and salvation of the soul—a transformation that moved him to worship at Jesus’ feet.

Like him, we, too, are called to see beyond the visible blessings of daily life and recognize the unseen hand of God at work in every gift, every mercy, and every breath. Our gratitude itself is evidence of God’s grace working within us through faith in Christ.

Whether through miraculous healing or the quiet sustaining grace of daily bread, all good things flow from our gracious Lord. In giving thanks, we confess that faith and proclaim to the world that Jesus alone is our healer and Savior—the giver of both physical and eternal life.

Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Tony Boos; Reader: Joe Rathert

Order of service:

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Oct 12, 2025

Readings:

Psalm reading is from Psalm 111
Old Testament reading is from Ruth 1:1–19a
New Testament reading is from 2 Timothy 2:1–13
Holy Gospel is from Luke 17:11–19

Songs and Hymns:

For the Fruits of His Creation: Text: Fred Pratt Green, © 1970 Hope Publishing Co.
Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110001220
Tune: Wels, public domain
Merciful God: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend
© 2006 Thankyou Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
Before You I Kneel: Jeffrey J. Taylor, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend
© 2012 Getty Music Publishing, Seek 1st, Townend Songs
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus: Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–79
Tune: Henry W. Baker, 1821–77
Text and tune: Public domain
Come Unto Jesus: Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story, Matthew Merker
© 2023 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music
© 2023 Laura’s Stories and Songs; Matthew Merker Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
The Lord Is My Salvation: Jonas Myrin, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Nathan Nockels
© 2016 Capitol CMG Paragon; Getty Music Publishing; Son of the Lion; Sweater Weather Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
Now Thank We All Our God: Text: Martin Rinckart, 1586–1649; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662
Text and tune: Public domain

Liturgies:

Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

Recording:

Audio:
Video:: Watch on YouTube

Announcements:

Sunday, Oct 12:

Worship Service (Pastor Tony Boos): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Sunday School and Youth Confirmation: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM: Sanctuary.
Adult Bible Study and Youth Confirmation: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM: Downstairs.

Tuesday, Oct 14:

Second Tuesday Women's Bible Study: 6 PM to 8 PM: The Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
Next Date: October 14, 2026

Wednesday, Oct 15:

Wednesday Morning Men's Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM: Join us for a study on Galations; The Cost of Freedom, by Thomas J. Doyle, every Wednesday morning at 6:30 AM!
Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Thursday, Oct 16:

AA Meeting: 6:30 PM: Downstairs.

Friday, Oct 17:

NEW MEMBERS' WELCOME NIGHT: 7 PM: Join us in showing our new members a great welcome!

Saturday, Oct 18:

Women's Saturday Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM: Saturdays (excluding 1st Saturdays of the month) 10:00 AM
AA Meeting: 1:30 PM

How Do Churches Work? (Ep128)

Who should be in charge of the Christian church? Is it the pastor? Is it the council? Some Christians would be surprised to find out that the Bible gives a lot of direction about how churches should work, and that churches work a lot better when they organize themselves like God wants them to.

PROPERTY ALERT