On this Reformation Sunday, we remember what moved Martin Luther to take a stand and post his 95 Theses. It was not pride, rebellion, or a desire to break away from the Church. Rather, it was the clear and urgent message of Scripture—“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20). Luther recognized that no amount of effort, penance, or good works could put us right with God. A crime had been committed—sin has separated us from our Creator.
And just as in Luther’s time, the world today is still desperate for the message of help and hope.
With Luther we say: “Here we stand. We cannot do otherwise. God help us.”
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Joe Rathert
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8-11
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 5
- First reading is from Revelation 14:6–7
- New Testament reading is from Romans 3:19–28
- Holy Gospel is from John 8:31–36
Songs and Hymns:
- May the Peoples Praise You
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David Zimmer | Ed Cash | Keith Getty | Kristyn Getty | Stuart Townend
© 2016 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Townend Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
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Text and tune by Martin Luther
Public domain - Sing a New Song to the Lord
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John Bell
© 1995 WGRG c/o Iona Community, GIA Publications, Inc.
Used with permission: One License #728607-A - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
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Text by Rusty Edwards, © 1987 Hope Publishing Co.
Used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220
Tune by The Sacred Harp, 1844, public domain - Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord)
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Text and tune: Matt Boswell; Matt Papa
© 2020 Love Your Enemies Publishing; © 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs
© 2020 Getty Music Publishing; © 2020 Messenger Hymns
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - The Church's One Foundation
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Text by Samuel J Stone
Tune by Samuel Wesley
Public domain - They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love
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Text and tune by Peter Scholtes
© 1966 F.E.L. Publications
© 1991 The Lorenz Corporation
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
Recording:
- Audio:
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- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Oct 26:
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- Worship Service (Pastor William Engfehr): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School and Youth Confirmation: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
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Sanctuary.
- Adult Bible Study and Youth Confirmation: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Wednesday, Oct 29:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Thursday, Oct 30:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Nov 1:
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- Women’s Mission Project – Fellowship in Action: 9 AM to 1 PM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Election (Ep129)
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One of the most confusing, controversial topics in the Bible is that of election – the teaching that God has chosen his people from before the foundation of the world. Confusing, because it’s hard to understand how humans can be free when God chooses those who are saved. Controversial, because it raises questions about God’s fairness. In this episode Chuck and Aaron discuss these and other questions relating to predestination and election.
- College Care Packages
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If you are a member of St. James and have a college student in your family, please contact the church office to add or update their 2025-26 college address.
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