In this service, we meditate on the profound irony of the Fifth Word from the cross: “I thirst.” Drawing from John 19:28–29, this message explores the genuine human agony of our Savior, who—though He is the very Source and Fountain of Living Water—endured a parched throat and a bitter cup for our sake. By taking the suffering for our sins upon Himself, Jesus transforms our spiritual desert into a wellspring of grace, trading the bitterness of death for the “sweet, new wine” of His salvation.
As we look to the cross, we find deep comfort for our own seasons of physical pain and spiritual thirst, knowing that Christ has gone before us in His suffering. Just as the soldiers tended to Jesus’ dying request, we are reminded of our high calling to tend to the needs of others in our midst. Join us as we reflect on “The Suffering Word” and the hope we have in the One who suffered all so that we might never thirst again.
Service times:
- Live on YouTube
- In person worship
Order of service:
Readings:
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 103
- Holy Gospel is from Luke 23:1–5, John 19:28–29
Songs and Hymns:
- Jesus, in Your Dying Woes
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Text: Thomas B. Pollock, 1836–96, alt.; Public domain
Tune: Bernhard Schumacher, 1886–1978; © 1941 Concordia Publishing House
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220 - Magnificat
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Text: Luke 1:46 (ESV), public domain.
Tune: David Schack (b. 1947), © 2006 Lutheran Service Book, used with permission,
LSB Hymn License no. 110001220. - Now the Light Has Gone Away
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Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–79, alt.
Tune: Liederbuch für Kleinkinder-Schulen, 1842, Kaiserswerth
Text and tune: Public domain
Announcements:
- Wednesday, Mar 18:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Midweek Worship Service (Pastor Bill Engfehr): 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
- Thursday, Mar 19:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Mar 21:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Sunday, Mar 22:
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- Worship Service (Pastor Jonathan Lange): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstaris..
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Discovering Christianity Class: 10:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Friday, Mar 27:
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- New! Sisterhood Share Series: 6 PM
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March 27 @ 6:00 PM
- Easter Lillies
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Order Yours Today!
- St. James Member Survey
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The Elders invite all members to share their voice by completing a short online survey.
- 2026 Lent/Easter Worship Schedule
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Lent Midweek & Holy Week Services 6:30 PM
- “How Can I Believe in a Violent God?” (Ep139)
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While the Bible teaches and Christians insist that God is love, the Old Testament tells many stories of God acting violently towards people who are opposed to him. What are we to make of these stories, and how can enlightened people believe in a God who acts out with violence in anger? Chuck and Aaron discuss this question on this episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.
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