| December 22, 2024
9:00am 4th Sunday of Advent More Than Words Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
Our image for this week is painting made by Sliman Mansour, a well-known Palestinian artist. It is titled “Portrait with Oranges” and fits our focus on Mary and on love for the fourth Sunday of Advent. You can see more of Mansour’s art at www.slimanmansour.com |
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GATHERING |
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WELCOME
PRELUDE Prelude on “Savior of the Nations, Come” Grimoaldo Macchia
Yeon Soh, organ
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Grace and peace to you in the name of the ☩ triune God
the Shaper of Life,
the Savior of Humanity,
the Spirit of Renewal.
Today, as we confess our sins, we recognize how easily we overlook the gifts God gives.
And we accept the sad truth that our limitations often create the conditions for sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Let us pray.
Generous God, we want a faith that feels like more than words,
but we lack your power to embody goodness.
We hear your call to serve others, yet feel too worn out to make the food.
We hunger to taste justice, but fear the meal will burn us.
We want our place at your table, but resist sitting beside a stranger.
We have lost our appetites for mere thoughts and prayers,
but we fail to match our intentions to our actions.
Forgive us and restore us with the healing wholeness of your presence.
Friends, God knows you are imperfect.
But God did not invite you here today for what you have done or how you have behaved.
God loves you.
God always cared much more for you than for your shortcomings.
God forgives you all your sins.
We accept God’s forgiveness. We take our place in God’s purpose. Amen!
GATHERING HYMN The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came ELW 265
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Jesus, you shape the world around us, even when you remain just out of sight. As we listen today, help us prepare our lives for you with loving anticipation. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING
Each of our Advent candles represents God’s generous goodness,
the advent of Jesus, God’s greatest gift,
and the Spirit’s fluttering flicker of joy.
As we light each candle, we recognize the gifts God has given us this week.
Light the candle for hope:
God, we reach for unreasonable hope;
and you prepare an incomparable future.
Light the candle for peace:
God, we breathe in your peaceful refuge,
for you have made a place where we can safely rest.
Light the candle for joy:
Joy ebbs and flows each day, holy God;
so we pray to you in honesty.
Light the candle for love:
Your love grows unseen,
we prepare for you every day.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Micah 5:2-5a
The prophet Micah, having pronounced judgment upon Judah, speaks of a future shepherd-king who, like David, will come from the small town of Bethlehem. (Ephrathah refers to the area around Bethlehem.) This king will restore Israel and bring peace. New Testament writers understood this passage to be referring to Jesus.
A reading from Micah:
2 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;
5a and he shall be the one of peace.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Hebrews 10:5-10
A reading from Hebrews.
5Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body you have prepared for me;
6in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
7Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’
(in the scroll of the book it is written of me).”
8When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Jeff
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL Luke 1:39-55
Elizabeth, John’s mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, are two women filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. In Elizabeth’s inspired greeting and Mary’s song of praise we hear of a saving God who remembers, scatters, lifts up, and fulfills all things.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.
39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jeff
HYMN OF THE DAY Filled with Hope and Gratitude ACS 907
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
As we prepare for Emmanuel, God-with-us,
let us pray for all people and places that long for God’s presence.
A brief silence.
God our uniter, increase communication and cooperation in relationship with those of other traditions and religions, teaching us to learn from one another. Root your church in the radical message of your incarnation, and enable us to pursue your justice in the world.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God our creator, we praise you for the beauty that surrounds us. Awaken in us a renewed sense of care for the wildlife in our communities, from the rabbits in our parking lot to the deer in the woods around us. Form us into faithful stewards of what you have made.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God our sovereign, Mary proclaims a new way of life that lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things. Let those in political, economic or social power be inspired and emboldened to care for all who are overlooked and ignored.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God our beacon, as the northern hemisphere begins its slow turn toward more daylight, remind us that even in the deepest nights, you are there. Comfort the lonely, bereaved, anxious or sick. Hold closely those who need your care, especially Shana, Juliet, Michael, Bill, Lou, Larry, Don, Maryann, Gina, Michael, Al, Bev, Lloyd and Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God our guide, shepherd the leadership of this congregation. Bless the council and staff in discerning future ministry. Make us brave collaborators and lift up the many voices of our community.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God our life, you remember the promises you made to your people. We give thanks through our altar flowers today for the vows made by Joan and Tom Olson when they were married 51 years ago. And in gratitude for the saints who came before us, we praise you for your faithfulness throughout history.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Savior of the nations, come,
and receive these prayers and the pleas of our hearts, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
PEACE
The love of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
ANTHEM The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns Setting by B.M. Culli
Yeon Soh, Organ & Paula Limberg, French Horn
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS A Story for All People Collins/Kallman
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. Holy Spirit, bless these small gifts we give. Set this table with plenty of love.
Prepare room in your home. Prepare a place in your vision.
Prepare a seat at your table; for us and all our neighbors. Amen.
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MEAL |
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
God, yours was the First Thought; before any human lived or knew your name,
you whispered, and creation built itself around your words.
Before your ancient people knew the depth of your love,
you promised them goodness, and led them to freedom.
Your love grows unseen.
Before the world knew your face, your own child was born in a quiet stable.
Your love blooms in the dark.
Before we knew the depth of your love, your child died, crucified;
and you forgave, as new life grew in the grave.
Your love echoes in the silence.
Once you made Mary agelessly blessed.
Once you turned turncoat disciples into the family of the forgiven.
You wrote the words for their hope, and they sang the song of joy.
What you have done for them you have also done for us.
And so we remember that in the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people
for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Together, we follow that command:
Jesus, we remember your death.
We remember God’s love sparked new life in your body.
We remember you shall return to empty every grave.
Holy Spirit, be with us now in this meal, where you embody forgiveness;
and in these people, whom you have leavened with grace. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth
as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come taste the goodness of God’s mercy and see what God has done for us!
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS No Wind at the Window ACS 906
We Are Waiting for Jesus ACS 905
Wait for the Lord ELW 262
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
God, what you have planned for us unfolds slowly. Your love often goes unrecognized.
But at this table, we have noticed what others do not see.
We have tasted your unspoken goodness. And now we will magnify your love. Amen.
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SENDING |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
God of endings and beginnings,
God in the darkness and the light,
God, our hope for the journey,
☩ bless and keep you now and forever. Amen.
SENDING HYMN Savior of the Nations, Come ELW 263
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. God’s love is more than a word!
Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Chorale Fanfare on “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People G. Macchia
Yeon Soh, organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Becky Nanof
Lector Paula Limberg
Communion Presenters Cari Corbett and Ellen Cloutier
Ushers Bennett Wilson & Carl Miett
Altar Care Caryn Francese & Cherie Lynch-Conway
Livestream Operator Bill Whalen
Upcoming Commemorations
Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Stephen was a deacon and the first martyr of the church. He was one of those seven upon whom the apostles laid hands after they had been chosen to serve widows and others in need.
Later, Stephen’s preaching angered the temple authorities, and they ordered him to be put to death by stoning.
John, Apostle and Evangelist
Friday, December 27, 2024
The son of Zebedee and brother of James, John was one of the twelve disciples and witness to the transfiguration. Tradition has named him also the writer of the Gospel of John, the three New Testament letters bearing his name, as well as Revelation.
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Saturday, December 28, 2024
This day commemorates the young children killed by Herod in Bethlehem in his jealous attempt to murder the baby Jesus, a sobering reminder of the evil that led Christ to be born for our salvation.
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| Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028.
New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. More Than Words: Confession & Forgiveness, Prayer of the Day, Advent Wreath Lighting, Offering Prayer, Great Thanksgiving, Invitation to Communion, & Prayer after Communion © 2024 Barn Geese Worship. Used by permission. [Adapted by Rev. Jeff Goodrich and Rev. Cassie Hartnett] CCLI#1313879. OneLicense # A-716488 22 December Hymn based.docx |
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