SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We stand on the cusp:
the promise is almost fulfilled.
We wait with bated breath:
the child is almost here.
We trust the well-loved story:
God is truly with us.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING (Roger and Marvis J)
Isaiah spoke to a people called chosen, to a tribe called Israel, with a light of hope. Gabriel came to a town called Nazareth,
to a girl called Mary, with a light of joy. Mary went to a place called Bethlehem, to a stable called a nursery, with a light of love.
As we light our fourth Advent candle,
we rejoice with Mary, for Love has flesh.
Come now, O Child of Mary.
Come now, O Prince of Love.
*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; here, Lord, abide.
Let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
CALL TO CONFESSION
God comes to us just as we are, with all our triumphs, our worries, our gratitude, and our failures. We deepen our relationship with God now by drawing close and confessing our sins.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Shepherd of our souls, we anticipate your coming but do not feel ready. We have done too much, and not done enough. We have focused too much on ourselves, and not enough on others. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we might be saved. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Emmanuel did not come into this world to condemn, but to save.
God does not come to imprison us, but to set us free.
Through this abundant love, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
*GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (refrain of ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’)
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Holy God, our hope and strength, by the power of your Spirit prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of your Word, so that we may see the glorious signs of your promise fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
(Mark 1:3; John 1:23)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 7:10-16
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (read responsively)
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might, and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
4 O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
18 Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.
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: ‘What’s in a Name?’ Rev. Bob Ohnstad
*SERMON HYMN #82 (Red) ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God expressed love for all humankind through Israel, whom God chose to be a covenant people to serve him in love and faithfulness. When Israel was unfaithful, God disciplined the nation with judgment and maintained the covenant through prophets, priests, teachers, and true believers. These witnesses called all Israelites to a destiny in which they would serve God faithfully and become a light to the nations. The same witnesses proclaimed the coming of a new age, and a true servant of God in whom God’s purpose would be realized.
(Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.18)
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
(2 Peter 3:8–15)
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ incorporating ‘For Unto Us a Child is Born’ arranged by Lloyd Larson Nancy Ohnstad
*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
Father, teach us how to listen for your call in our lives. Teach us how to be faithful stewards with the gifts you have entrusted to us. Teach us how to use this offering as a source of your ministry and mission. Teach us how to bow down on our knees and to spend time beholding the miracles all around us. In the name of the greatest teacher, Emmanuel, we pray. Amen. (Matthew 1:18-25 David S. Bell)
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, Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Linda B, Bob B, Teri B, Don B
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 ‘Rejoice, Rejoice Believers’
sung to tune LANCASHIRE'- #269 (Red)
Rejoice, rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear;
the evening is advancing, and darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising and soon is drawing nigh.
Up, watch with expectation; at midnight comes the cry.
See that your lamps are burning; replenish them with oil;
look now for your salvation, the end of sin and toil.
The marriage feast is waiting; the gates wide open stand;
arise, O heirs of glory; the Bridegroom is at hand!
Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear;
arise, O Sun so longed for, above this shadowed sphere!
With hearts and hands uplifted, we plead, O Lord, to see
the day of earth's redemption, and ever be with thee!
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from another. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting next on Jan. 5, 2023.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE will be held on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24th at 4:30PM instead of on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 in the sanctuary and also via zoom.
CHURCH OFFICE will be closed Dec. 26. Merry Christmas!
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2021-2022 Year C Vo.55.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2021 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993
4th Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We stand on the cusp:
the promise is almost fulfilled.
We wait with bated breath:
the child is almost here.
We trust the well-loved story:
God is truly with us.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING (Roger and Marvis J)
Isaiah spoke to a people called chosen, to a tribe called Israel, with a light of hope. Gabriel came to a town called Nazareth,
to a girl called Mary, with a light of joy. Mary went to a place called Bethlehem, to a stable called a nursery, with a light of love.
As we light our fourth Advent candle,
we rejoice with Mary, for Love has flesh.
Come now, O Child of Mary.
Come now, O Prince of Love.
*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; here, Lord, abide.
Let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
CALL TO CONFESSION
God comes to us just as we are, with all our triumphs, our worries, our gratitude, and our failures. We deepen our relationship with God now by drawing close and confessing our sins.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Shepherd of our souls, we anticipate your coming but do not feel ready. We have done too much, and not done enough. We have focused too much on ourselves, and not enough on others. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we might be saved. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Emmanuel did not come into this world to condemn, but to save.
God does not come to imprison us, but to set us free.
Through this abundant love, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
*GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (refrain of ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’)
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Holy God, our hope and strength, by the power of your Spirit prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of your Word, so that we may see the glorious signs of your promise fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A voice is crying in the wilderness: Listen to the word of the Lord.
(Mark 1:3; John 1:23)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 7:10-16
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (read responsively)
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might, and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
4 O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
18 Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.
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: ‘What’s in a Name?’ Rev. Bob Ohnstad
*SERMON HYMN #82 (Red) ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God expressed love for all humankind through Israel, whom God chose to be a covenant people to serve him in love and faithfulness. When Israel was unfaithful, God disciplined the nation with judgment and maintained the covenant through prophets, priests, teachers, and true believers. These witnesses called all Israelites to a destiny in which they would serve God faithfully and become a light to the nations. The same witnesses proclaimed the coming of a new age, and a true servant of God in whom God’s purpose would be realized.
(Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.18)
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
(2 Peter 3:8–15)
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ incorporating ‘For Unto Us a Child is Born’ arranged by Lloyd Larson Nancy Ohnstad
*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
Father, teach us how to listen for your call in our lives. Teach us how to be faithful stewards with the gifts you have entrusted to us. Teach us how to use this offering as a source of your ministry and mission. Teach us how to bow down on our knees and to spend time beholding the miracles all around us. In the name of the greatest teacher, Emmanuel, we pray. Amen. (Matthew 1:18-25 David S. Bell)
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, Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Linda B, Bob B, Teri B, Don B
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 ‘Rejoice, Rejoice Believers’
sung to tune LANCASHIRE'- #269 (Red)
Rejoice, rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear;
the evening is advancing, and darker night is near.
The Bridegroom is arising and soon is drawing nigh.
Up, watch with expectation; at midnight comes the cry.
See that your lamps are burning; replenish them with oil;
look now for your salvation, the end of sin and toil.
The marriage feast is waiting; the gates wide open stand;
arise, O heirs of glory; the Bridegroom is at hand!
Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear;
arise, O Sun so longed for, above this shadowed sphere!
With hearts and hands uplifted, we plead, O Lord, to see
the day of earth's redemption, and ever be with thee!
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from another. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting next on Jan. 5, 2023.
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE will be held on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24th at 4:30PM instead of on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 in the sanctuary and also via zoom.
CHURCH OFFICE will be closed Dec. 26. Merry Christmas!
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2021-2022 Year C Vo.55.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2021 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993