SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP/COMMUNION
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 5, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
A voice cries, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
Lift every valley; lift every voice.
Prepare the way of the Lord.
And all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.
* HYMN #92 (red) ‘While We are Waiting Come’
While we are waiting, come;
While we are waiting, come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel,
While we are waiting, come.
With power and glory, come;
With power and glory, come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel,
While we are waiting, come.
Come, Savior, quickly come;
Come, Savior, quickly come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel;
While we are waiting, come.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
In Jesus Chris God seeks to smooth those places made rough by sin.
With humility and hope let us make our confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Cleansing God, we hear the call to repentance, but we struggle to respond. A voice tells us to turn around, but we prefer our own ways. You seek to purify us in love, but we constantly elude your searching hand. Our sin leads us in other directions, away from you, away from life. Look with mercy upon us. Clear a place within us so that something new might be born, something that might return us to the way you have shown us in Jesus Christ.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (refrain from ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’)
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ, joining our voices with the joyful song of his mother Mary.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation.
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
The calf and the lion and the fatling will lie down together and a little child shall lead them.
HYMN: #99 (red) ‘My Soul Gives Glory to My God’ (verses 1 & 2)
My soul gives glory to my God;
My heart pours out its praise.
God lifted up my lowliness
In many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me;
Yes, holy is God’s name.
All people will declare me blessed,
And blessings they shall claim.
Prayer: As we watch, wait, long and hope for Christ’s coming, we pray also for the promise of your new creation. Come quickly Lord, for our hope is in you. God of our Salvation, hear our prayer. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of hope, God of peace, who never lets us go, draw near to us in these ancient words. By your Holy Spirit may we be filled, lifted up, and leveled as you prepare in our hearts the path of your coming. Amen.
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
Mark 1:3; John 1:23
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Philippians 1:3-11
3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Luke 3:1-6
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of the Lord stands forever.
Thanks be to God. Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31
REFLECTION: “Repent and Follow” Rev. Norlita Kaul
* HYMN: #96 (red) ‘On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry’
Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed be every life from sin;
make straight the way for God within,
and let us all our hearts prepare
for Christ to come and enter there.
We hail you as our Savior, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward;
Without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine
and fill the world with love divine.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- The 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
Let us magnify the Lord, rejoicing in the one who scatters the proud, lifts up the lowly, and fills the hungry with good things. Luke 1:46-47, 51-53
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
Gracious and Giving God, we once again prepare for the birth of your chosen Son. Through the voices of prophets and preachers, you have been heard in the driest deserts and the steepest valleys. Unfurl our hearts and open our minds so that we may hear your salvation story anew. Giving this money is a worshipful gesture of our unending alleluias to you. We dedicate this offering to your Kingdom work. Amen.
Luke 3:1-6 (David S. Bell)
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
How can we thank you, O God?
For sun and moon and stars;
For breath and life and all things good;
For your steadfast promise and your faithful love;
For the day that is surely coming
When all things will be made new.
With saints, with angels, and with the whole creation,
we join the ancient and eternal hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We give you thanks, Holy God, for Jesus, who came to be your living Word, to baptize us with Spirit and fire, to feed the hungry, to humble the mighty, and to announce the good news of your coming realm.
With thanksgiving, we remember how, when the hour had come, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. He said to them, I will not eat this Passover again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Then Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
After supper, he took a cup, saying, This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. I will not drink of the fruits of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
With thanks and praise we offer ourselves to you, sharing this holy meal, remembering Christ’s dying and rising, and praying: Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us—this bread, this cup, these people—Christ’s body and blood, given in love for the world.
Make us one in the Spirit, one in the church, and one with Christ our Lord.
Make us gentle, joyful, thankful people, serving our neighbors, worshiping you alone. Keep us in the peace of Christ until you gather us at your table in glory.
Even now, a voice is crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord!
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
Let us continue to remember those who have specifically asked us to pray for them on our ongoing prayer list.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
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.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God our hope, we give you thanks that you have given us this foretaste of the justice, righteousness, and peace of your promised new creation. Strengthen us with this heavenly food as we seek to serve your holy realm. Lead us to live in joyful expectation of the coming again in glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
* HYMN #152 (red) “What Star is This with Beams so Bright”
What star is this, with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
’Tis sent to announce a newborn king,
Glad tidings of our God to bring.
’Tis now fulfilled what God decreed,
“From Jacob shall a star proceed”;
And lo! the eastern sages stand,
To read in heaven the Lord’s command.
While outward signs the star displays,
An inward light the Lord conveys
And urges them, with tender might,
To seek the giver of the light.
O Jesus, while the star of grace
Impels us on to seek your face,
Let not our slothful hearts refuse
The guidance of your light to use.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES: Celtic Advent Worship Service will be held on Wednesdays December 1, 8, and 15 at 6:00 PM (30 minutes of Prayer, Scripture, and Hymns in the sanctuary only—there will be no Zoom).
PASTOR’S TABLE GATHERING: You're Invited to attend the Pastor's Table Gathering Holiday Edition on Wednesday, Dec. 8th, 2021 at Summerhill Community Clubhouse on Trail Ridge Circle Clubhouse, 11;30 AM to 1:30 PM. What to bring: Yourself! Cost: Just Your Time. Please RSVP to the Church Office by Sunday Dec.5th Come as you are, for as long as you're able. We'll share food, fellowship, Communion and Christmas Carols/Songs in a Sing a long. Looking forward to seeing you there! Rev. Norlita
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS: We are accepting monetary donations for poinsettias to grace and beautify our sanctuary starting Sunday, Dec.
12th. If you would prefer to purchase and bring your own poinsettias, we will be glad to display them also. Names of those honored or remembered will be included as always in the PowerPoint. There will be a sign-up sheet on the office counter.
ADVENT POTLUCK will be held after worship service on Dec. 19.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM.
All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the church.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for December: Dean H, LaVonne B, Carrie V, Rozanne M, Marge P, Sally M, Jan B
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for December: Stephen & Carrie V, Bob & Pat F, Neal & Julie F, Skip & Sharon W
BENEDICTION
Prepare the Way of the Lord!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
Response: (refrain from ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’)
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel!
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 5, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
A voice cries, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
Lift every valley; lift every voice.
Prepare the way of the Lord.
And all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.
* HYMN #92 (red) ‘While We are Waiting Come’
While we are waiting, come;
While we are waiting, come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel,
While we are waiting, come.
With power and glory, come;
With power and glory, come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel,
While we are waiting, come.
Come, Savior, quickly come;
Come, Savior, quickly come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel;
While we are waiting, come.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
In Jesus Chris God seeks to smooth those places made rough by sin.
With humility and hope let us make our confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Cleansing God, we hear the call to repentance, but we struggle to respond. A voice tells us to turn around, but we prefer our own ways. You seek to purify us in love, but we constantly elude your searching hand. Our sin leads us in other directions, away from you, away from life. Look with mercy upon us. Clear a place within us so that something new might be born, something that might return us to the way you have shown us in Jesus Christ.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (refrain from ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’)
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ, joining our voices with the joyful song of his mother Mary.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation.
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
The calf and the lion and the fatling will lie down together and a little child shall lead them.
HYMN: #99 (red) ‘My Soul Gives Glory to My God’ (verses 1 & 2)
My soul gives glory to my God;
My heart pours out its praise.
God lifted up my lowliness
In many marvelous ways.
My God has done great things for me;
Yes, holy is God’s name.
All people will declare me blessed,
And blessings they shall claim.
Prayer: As we watch, wait, long and hope for Christ’s coming, we pray also for the promise of your new creation. Come quickly Lord, for our hope is in you. God of our Salvation, hear our prayer. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of hope, God of peace, who never lets us go, draw near to us in these ancient words. By your Holy Spirit may we be filled, lifted up, and leveled as you prepare in our hearts the path of your coming. Amen.
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
Mark 1:3; John 1:23
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Philippians 1:3-11
3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Luke 3:1-6
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of the Lord stands forever.
Thanks be to God. Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31
REFLECTION: “Repent and Follow” Rev. Norlita Kaul
* HYMN: #96 (red) ‘On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry’
Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed be every life from sin;
make straight the way for God within,
and let us all our hearts prepare
for Christ to come and enter there.
We hail you as our Savior, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward;
Without your grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine
and fill the world with love divine.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH -- The 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
Let us magnify the Lord, rejoicing in the one who scatters the proud, lifts up the lowly, and fills the hungry with good things. Luke 1:46-47, 51-53
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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
Gracious and Giving God, we once again prepare for the birth of your chosen Son. Through the voices of prophets and preachers, you have been heard in the driest deserts and the steepest valleys. Unfurl our hearts and open our minds so that we may hear your salvation story anew. Giving this money is a worshipful gesture of our unending alleluias to you. We dedicate this offering to your Kingdom work. Amen.
Luke 3:1-6 (David S. Bell)
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Lord’s Table is set for us. All who would trust in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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.
How can we thank you, O God?
For sun and moon and stars;
For breath and life and all things good;
For your steadfast promise and your faithful love;
For the day that is surely coming
When all things will be made new.
With saints, with angels, and with the whole creation,
we join the ancient and eternal hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We give you thanks, Holy God, for Jesus, who came to be your living Word, to baptize us with Spirit and fire, to feed the hungry, to humble the mighty, and to announce the good news of your coming realm.
With thanksgiving, we remember how, when the hour had come, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. He said to them, I will not eat this Passover again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Then Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
After supper, he took a cup, saying, This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. I will not drink of the fruits of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
With thanks and praise we offer ourselves to you, sharing this holy meal, remembering Christ’s dying and rising, and praying: Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us—this bread, this cup, these people—Christ’s body and blood, given in love for the world.
Make us one in the Spirit, one in the church, and one with Christ our Lord.
Make us gentle, joyful, thankful people, serving our neighbors, worshiping you alone. Keep us in the peace of Christ until you gather us at your table in glory.
Even now, a voice is crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord!
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.
Let us continue to remember those who have specifically asked us to pray for them on our ongoing prayer list.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Let us pray now with confidence as children of God the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying:
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.
SHARING THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God our hope, we give you thanks that you have given us this foretaste of the justice, righteousness, and peace of your promised new creation. Strengthen us with this heavenly food as we seek to serve your holy realm. Lead us to live in joyful expectation of the coming again in glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
* HYMN #152 (red) “What Star is This with Beams so Bright”
What star is this, with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
’Tis sent to announce a newborn king,
Glad tidings of our God to bring.
’Tis now fulfilled what God decreed,
“From Jacob shall a star proceed”;
And lo! the eastern sages stand,
To read in heaven the Lord’s command.
While outward signs the star displays,
An inward light the Lord conveys
And urges them, with tender might,
To seek the giver of the light.
O Jesus, while the star of grace
Impels us on to seek your face,
Let not our slothful hearts refuse
The guidance of your light to use.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES: Celtic Advent Worship Service will be held on Wednesdays December 1, 8, and 15 at 6:00 PM (30 minutes of Prayer, Scripture, and Hymns in the sanctuary only—there will be no Zoom).
PASTOR’S TABLE GATHERING: You're Invited to attend the Pastor's Table Gathering Holiday Edition on Wednesday, Dec. 8th, 2021 at Summerhill Community Clubhouse on Trail Ridge Circle Clubhouse, 11;30 AM to 1:30 PM. What to bring: Yourself! Cost: Just Your Time. Please RSVP to the Church Office by Sunday Dec.5th Come as you are, for as long as you're able. We'll share food, fellowship, Communion and Christmas Carols/Songs in a Sing a long. Looking forward to seeing you there! Rev. Norlita
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS: We are accepting monetary donations for poinsettias to grace and beautify our sanctuary starting Sunday, Dec.
12th. If you would prefer to purchase and bring your own poinsettias, we will be glad to display them also. Names of those honored or remembered will be included as always in the PowerPoint. There will be a sign-up sheet on the office counter.
ADVENT POTLUCK will be held after worship service on Dec. 19.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will meet at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM.
All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the church.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for December: Dean H, LaVonne B, Carrie V, Rozanne M, Marge P, Sally M, Jan B
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for December: Stephen & Carrie V, Bob & Pat F, Neal & Julie F, Skip & Sharon W
BENEDICTION
Prepare the Way of the Lord!
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
Response: (refrain from ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’)
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel!
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993