ORDER OF WORSHIP
First Sunday after Christmas
January 1, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 124:8,145:18-19 (BCW)
OPENING HYMN #147 (Red) ‘The First Nowell’
The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
This star drew nigh to the northwest; o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
Then entered in those wise men three, full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood our life hath bought.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
CALL TO CONFESSION
“Come to me, all you who are struggling and carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”
Matt 11:28-30 (CEB)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
For all that I have thought, that I ought not have thought,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have not thought, that I ought to have thought,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have spoken that I ought not to have said,
Forgive me Lord.
For all the words that I never said, that ought to have been spoken,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have done, that I should not have done,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have left undone, that I should have done,
Forgive me Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Create a clean heart in me God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me! Please don’t throw me out of your presence, please don’t take your holy spirit away from me. Return the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach wrongdoers your ways, and sinners will come back to you. Deliver me from violence, God, God of my salvation, so that my tongue can sing of your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise. You don’t want sacrifices, if I gave an entirely burned offering, you wouldn’t be pleased. A broken spirit is my sacrifice, God. You won’t despise a heart, God, that is broken and crushed. Psalm 51:10-17 (CEB)
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Prepare our hearts, O Lord, to accept Your word. Silence in us any voice but Your own, that hearing, we may also obey your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OT: Isaiah 63:7-9
7 I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8 For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not act deceitfully,”
and he became their savior
9 in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and pity it was he who redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Psalm: 148:1-14 (read responsively)
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Hebrews 2:10-18
10 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying,
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”
14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
SERMON ‘There’s a fine line’ Steve Van Buren, pulpit supply
*SERMON HYMN #664 (Red) ‘Morning Has Broken’
Morning has broken like the first morning;
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness where God’s feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning,
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation,
praise every morning,
God’s recreation of the new day!
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Oh God, of whose bounty we have all received; accept this offering of Thy people; and so follow it with Thy blessing that it may promote peace and good will among your people, and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose Name we pray. Amen (BCW)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Paige F
-Marge V
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew-for continued strength)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #93 (Red) ‘Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates’
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;
Behold the King of glory waits;
the King of kings is drawing near;
the Savior of the world is here!
Fling wide the portals of your heart;
make it a temple, set apart
from earthly use for heaven's employ,
adorned with prayer and love and joy.
Redeemer, come, I open wide
my heart to thee; Lord, here abide.
Let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
DEDICATION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will resume quilting Tuesday Jan. 3 at 1:30PM in the quilting room.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will resume meeting in the Center Meeting Room on Jan. 5 at 9:30 AM.
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be held after worship Jan. 8.
ANNUAL REPORT ARTICLES are due Monday Jan. 9.
POSTLUDE
First Sunday after Christmas
January 1, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 124:8,145:18-19 (BCW)
OPENING HYMN #147 (Red) ‘The First Nowell’
The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
This star drew nigh to the northwest; o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
Then entered in those wise men three, full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood our life hath bought.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
CALL TO CONFESSION
“Come to me, all you who are struggling and carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”
Matt 11:28-30 (CEB)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
For all that I have thought, that I ought not have thought,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have not thought, that I ought to have thought,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have spoken that I ought not to have said,
Forgive me Lord.
For all the words that I never said, that ought to have been spoken,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have done, that I should not have done,
Forgive me Lord.
For all that I have left undone, that I should have done,
Forgive me Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Create a clean heart in me God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me! Please don’t throw me out of your presence, please don’t take your holy spirit away from me. Return the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach wrongdoers your ways, and sinners will come back to you. Deliver me from violence, God, God of my salvation, so that my tongue can sing of your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise. You don’t want sacrifices, if I gave an entirely burned offering, you wouldn’t be pleased. A broken spirit is my sacrifice, God. You won’t despise a heart, God, that is broken and crushed. Psalm 51:10-17 (CEB)
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Prepare our hearts, O Lord, to accept Your word. Silence in us any voice but Your own, that hearing, we may also obey your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OT: Isaiah 63:7-9
7 I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8 For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not act deceitfully,”
and he became their savior
9 in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and pity it was he who redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Psalm: 148:1-14 (read responsively)
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Hebrews 2:10-18
10 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying,
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”
14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
SERMON ‘There’s a fine line’ Steve Van Buren, pulpit supply
*SERMON HYMN #664 (Red) ‘Morning Has Broken’
Morning has broken like the first morning;
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness where God’s feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning,
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation,
praise every morning,
God’s recreation of the new day!
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Oh God, of whose bounty we have all received; accept this offering of Thy people; and so follow it with Thy blessing that it may promote peace and good will among your people, and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose Name we pray. Amen (BCW)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Paige F
-Marge V
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew-for continued strength)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #93 (Red) ‘Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates’
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates;
Behold the King of glory waits;
the King of kings is drawing near;
the Savior of the world is here!
Fling wide the portals of your heart;
make it a temple, set apart
from earthly use for heaven's employ,
adorned with prayer and love and joy.
Redeemer, come, I open wide
my heart to thee; Lord, here abide.
Let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
DEDICATION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will resume quilting Tuesday Jan. 3 at 1:30PM in the quilting room.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will resume meeting in the Center Meeting Room on Jan. 5 at 9:30 AM.
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be held after worship Jan. 8.
ANNUAL REPORT ARTICLES are due Monday Jan. 9.
POSTLUDE