St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church & School

Transcription

1 St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church & School 624 East Street, Baraboo, WI Church Office School Office churchoffice@stjohnsbaraboo.org

2 3 rd Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018 WELCOME TO ST. JOHN S We re thrilled that you are here today. Please sign the Friendship Register at the end of your pew so that we have a record of your visit. And please come and worship with us again. Please also introduce yourself to Pastor Kuske. He would love to meet you and to serve you in whatever way he can. OUR FACILITIES Our restrooms are located to the right as you leave the sanctuary in the Mother s Room and downstairs next to the exit. The members of St. John s believe that families should be encouraged to worship together. (Church, like much of life, needs to be taught to young children.) If your young one needs some time out, we have an A/V-equipped Mother s Room just outside the sanctuary to your right. If you need anything during the service, please feel free to ask an usher. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY This Sunday, traditionally called Gaudete, (Rejoice) captures the heightening anticipation of the coming Savior. Each lesson reinforces the good news on which the Gospel lesson ends. Those who anticipate the arrival of the Christ rejoice, because the Lord and his deliverance is near. Gaudeamus pariter. Rejoice at the Lord s coming deliverance. PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP Almighty God, though John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, you once proclaimed salvation; now grant us that joy of knowing this salvation and serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives as we wield your powerful word; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Please Note This service is video-recorded and will be aired on our local cable channel at 12 pm today. If you would like a DVD copy of the service, please speak with Pastor Kuske after the service. 2

3 Lighting of the Advent Candles DIVINE SERVICE II Christian Worship Supplement, page 28 Candle, Candle, Burning Bright Susan Naus Dengler, Lee Dengler HYMN When All the World was Cursed Christian Worship, 20 3

4 PLEASE STAND INVOCATION M: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. HOLY BAPTISM Christian Worship, page 12 The church follows the Order of Service for Holy Baptism for Ava Rose Prahl (daughter of Bryan and Elizabeth Prahl) on Sunday morning. HYMN Our Children Jesus Calls Christian Worship, Our children Jesus calls To his most dear embrace. He holds them in his mighty arms Through their baptismal grace. 2. Let them approach, he cries, Nor scorn their humble claim. The heirs of heav n are such as these; For such as these I came. 3. With joy we bring them, Lord, Devoting them to you, And pray, As you show love to us, So love our children, too. Text: Philip Doddridge, , adapt., abr. 4

5 THE WORD SALUTATION M: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. PRAYER OF THE DAY M: Let us pray. Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. 5

6 PLEASE BE SEATED FIRST LESSON Nehemiah 8: Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep. For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. 11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve. 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. 6

7 13 On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law. 14 They found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month 15 and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make booths as it is written. 16 So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim. 17 The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great. 18 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly. 7

8 PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 14 Christian Worship Supplement, page 40 The fool says in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Refrain Will evildoers never learn those who devour my people and do not call on the LORD? You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Israel rejoice and be glad! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Refrain 8

9 SECOND LESSON Philippians 4:4-7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. VERSE OF THE DAY (Matthew 11:10 cf. NIV) Alleluia. I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. Alleluia. PLEASE STAND 9

10 GOSPEL Luke 3:7-18 M: The Gospel according to Luke chapter Three. C: Glory be to you, O Lord. 7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 10 What should we do then? the crowd asked. 11 John answered, The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same. do? 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized. Teacher, they asked, what should we 13 Don t collect any more than you are required to, he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, And what should we do? He replied, Don t extort money and don t accuse people falsely be content with your pay. 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. M: This is the Gospel of the Lord C: Praise be to you, O Christ. PLEASE BE SEATED 10

11 HYMN OF THE DAY Hark the Glad Sound! the Savior Comes Christian Worship, 12 11

12 SERMON John 3:3-6, 1 Peter 1:23, 3:21 Third: How can water do such great things? The Power of Baptism It is certainly not the water that does such things, but God's Word which is in and with the water and faith which trusts this Word used with the water. For without God's Word the water is just plain water and not Baptism. But with this Word it is Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit. Where is this written? St. Paul says in Titus Chapter 3 God saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his grace we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. John 3:3-6 3 In reply Jesus declared, I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. 4 How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus asked. Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother s womb to be born! 5 Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 1 Peter 1:23 You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 3:21 This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 12

13 PLEASE STAND NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. 13

14 PLEASE BE SEATED OFFERING PLEASE STAND PRAYER OF THE CHURCH THE SACRAMENT The Bible tells us that the Lord s Supper (Holy Communion) is one of the greatest blessings the risen Christ has given to his Church. It is his very body and blood, given to assure repentant believers that Christ s sacrifice on the cross truly forgives the individual personally. It is also an expression of oneness in faith and teaching among those who participate in it because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. (I Corinthians 10:17.) Communion is a tremendous spiritual blessing for one who knows and believes Jesus teaching. However it can also be a spiritual detriment for anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. (I Corinthians 11:29.) For these reasons our Congregation practices the biblical practice of Close Communion. We kindly ask that you do not commune with us today if you are not a member of St. John s or a sister WELS or ELS congregation in doctrinal fellowship with our congregation. M: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. M: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them up to the Lord. 14

15 M: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is good and right so to do. M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who comes with his Father to make his home in human hearts, working repentance and faith by his Spirit until he comes again. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Sanctus 15

16 PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING M: Blessed are you, O Lord of heaven and earth. We praise and thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, and we remember the great acts of love through which he has ransomed us from sin, death, and the devil s power. By his incarnation, he became one with us. By his perfect life, he fulfilled your holy will. By his innocent death, he overcame hell. By his rising from the grave, he opened heaven. Invited by your grace and instructed by your Word, we approach your table with repentant and joyful hearts. Strengthen us through Christ s body and blood, and preserve us in the true faith until we feast with him and all his ransomed people in glory everlasting. C: Amen. THE LORD S PRAYER 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. WORDS OF INSTITUTION M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me. The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: Amen. 16

17 LAMB OF GOD Agnus Dei DISTRIBUTION 17

18 HYMN As Angels Joyed with One Accord Christian Worship, 5 18

19 HYMN Oh Lord, We Praise You Christian Worship, O Lord, we praise you, bless you, and adore you, In thanksgiving bow before you. Here with your body and your blood you nourish Our weak souls that they may flourish. O Lord, have mercy! May your body, Lord, born of Mary, That our sins and sorrows did carry, And your blood for us plead In all trial, fear, and need: O Lord, have mercy! 2. Your holy body into death was given, Life to win for us in heaven. No greater love than this to you could bind us; May this feast of that remind us! O Lord, have mercy! Lord, your love and kindness did move you; Let your supper move us to love you. All our debt you have paid; Peace with God once more is made. O Lord, have mercy! 3. May God bestow on us his grace and favor To please him with our behavior And live together here in love and union, Cherishing our blest communion. O Lord, have mercy! Let not your good Spirit forsake us; Grant that heav nly-minded he make us. Give your Church, Lord, to see Days of peace and unity. O Lord, have mercy! Text: German folk hymn, 15th century, st. 1; Martin Luther, , st. 2-3; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis, 1941, alt. 19

20 PLEASE STAND SONG OF SIMEON Nunc Dimittis M: We give you thanks, O Lord, for the foretaste of the heavenly banquet that you have given us to eat and to drink in this sacrament. Through this gift you have fed our faith, nourished our hope, and strengthened our love. By your Spirit help us to live as your holy people until that day when you will receive us as your guests at the wedding supper of the Lamb, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. 20

21 BLESSING M: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. C: Amen. HYMN The Advent of Our King Christian Worship, 1 1. The advent of our King Our prayers must now employ, And we must hymns of welcome sing In strains of holy joy. 2. The everlasting Son Incarnate deigns to be, Himself a servant s form puts on To set his servants free. 3. O Zion s Daughter, rise To meet your lowly King, Nor let a faithless heart despise The peace he comes to bring. 4. As judge, on clouds of light, He soon will come again And his true members all unite With him in heav n to reign. 5. Before the dawning Day Let sin s dark deeds be gone, The sinful self be put away, The new self now put on. 6. All glory to the Son, Who comes to set us free, With Father, Spirit, ever one Through all eternity. Text: Charles Coffin, ; tr. John Chandler, , alt. CWS: Divine Service II 2008 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission. All text and music in this service folder is reprinted and reported under OneLicense.net # A and CCLI # Graphics used by permission 1994, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, art by Steve Erspamer, SM 21

22 Organist Radio Announcer Television Producer Greeters Communion Assistants Ushers Monday Meadows Altar Guild SERVICE PARTICIPANTS Grace Underwood Fred Kruse Jacob Carignan Judy Blum Aaron Dix, Scott Manis, Eric Durkee, Bruce Wilkinson, Andrew Tramp Jeff McNabb and Dave Parchem Kathy Goerks and Melissa Becker Wendy and David Grant OUR FRUITS OF FAITH Week of December 9, 2018 Church attendance: Thursday 30 + Sunday Monday Meadows 14 = 295 Fiscal Year to Date Budgeted... Actual Last Year Expenses $391, $376, $347, All Revenue $380, $373, $361, Net Operating Gain or Loss... - $2, $13, Offerings received last week... $12,610 Special Gifts: My Christmas Gift for Jesus - $425 Radio Broadcast of Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. MAXFM, 740 AM and 99.7 FM WRPQ.com for radio streaming Television Rebroadcast Sundays at 12 noon Cable Channel 10 and TV 43 22

23 ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday Morning Bible Class: We are using the book, What in the World is Going on Here. This examines the challenge we have in the United States to address a world that has philosophically rejected Christianity. Advent Sermon Series: During Advent, we focus on the beginning of the church year, and our sermons will focus on baptism, the beginning of our Christian life. Thursday Morning Adult Bible Study: This week, we are studying Samson as we finish our exploration of the book of Judges. Altar Guild Meeting: Immediately following the service on Sunday, December 16th meeting, there will be a brief 15-minute meeting of the Altar Guild in the church parlor. All current and interested members are invited to attend. We will be reviewing next year's schedule for any updates in addition to discussing several other important items. Please plan to attend. Congregational Voters Meeting: Meeting will be held today at 10:30 am. Plan to attend this important meeting that includes election of officers for the next year. Before the voters meeting, we will also be holding a principal call meeting. Holiday Ushers: We need ushers for the holiday services (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year s Eve)! If you are interested in ushering for a service or two, please sign up on the sheets on the Narthex table. Community Christmas Dinner: The First United Methodist Church, 615 Broadway in Baraboo, will host the 15 th annual free Baraboo Area Community Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 25 at noon. All are welcome. Volunteers are needed to help set up on Sunday, December 23, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; prepare the meal on Monday, December 24, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and serve, deliver and clean up after the meal on Tuesday, December 25. To help plan the proper amount of food, reservations are encouraged. To place a reservation to attend the dinner or schedule a meal delivery (no take-outs), please leave a voic message at (608) on or before Friday, December 21. To volunteer or make a donation of cash or food toward the dinner, please call the First United Methodist Church office at (608)

24 Church Office: Beginning next week, the Church Office will have abbreviated hours for the Christmas and New Year season. These hours will be listed in next week s bulletin calendar. Awake and Alive Conference: With the prayer that God would inspire Hope Filled young adults, Awake and Alive s 2 nd annual two-day conference is coming up January 4th and 5th at the Best Western Conference Center near the Milwaukee Airport. A great group of faculty, devotion leaders and guests have been invited to serve college students, young professionals and anyone in the time of life with the hope of Christ! There is also a leadership and community track for leaders of young adults as well! This year's conference theme is You Will Not Be Afraid from Proverbs 3: Cost is $75 until January 4 th. Lodging is also available at the hotel. You can find full details on the website or you can contact Mike Westendorf at mike@awakealive.com. Do you want to help others? Are you a Thrivent member? Have you used your two Action Team Grants for the year? That is $500 a year to help your school, church, or community! You have until December 31 st to apply. Not sure how to apply or use them? Please contact Cindy Allen at or another TAC member (Eugene Phelps, Marilyn Forbush, Steph Wilkinson, Shirley Steinhorst, Kathy Voss, John and Barb Earl) for help. Upcoming possible projects include: Valentines for Veterans, Valentines for active duty servicemen, Care packages for active duty servicemen, Valentines for shut-ins and St. Clare Meadows, Books for school library, Books and quiet toys for the church activity bags. Monday Meadows Evangelists Needed: We need occasional Monday evening volunteers to help show the video of Sunday s service and to gather patients from their rooms and return them after the worship service is over. It all takes about 90 minutes. If you are interested in helping with this outreach program, please contact the church office at The Meadows residents greatly appreciate your time and effort to bring God s Word to them. Ushers Needed: We need evening ushers for the 3 rd and 4 th Thursdays of each month. Please contact Tom Tiedt at or the church office at if you have any questions or would like to sign up. 24

25 Sun 12/16 THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, :45 am 9:00 am 10:30 am Mon 6:30 pm Monday Meadows Tues Wed 5:30 pm 6:00 pm Bible Class and Sunday School Worship Service with Holy Communion Senior Choir Altar Guild Meeting Call Meeting Congregational Meeting Public School Catechism Oak Park Bible study Thurs 10:00 am 6:30 pm Mid-Week Bible Class Worship Service Fri Sat 7:30 am Men s Bible Class St. John s School Dismisses at Noon Sun 12/23 7:45 am 9:00 am 10:30 am Bible Class Worship Service Senior Choir St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church and School (WELS) Baraboo, Wisconsin East Street (Church) 515 5th Street (School) Rev. Tim Kuske Deacon Andrew Tramp tkuske@stjohnsbaraboo.org atramp@stjohnsbaraboo.org Rev. Erv Vomhof (Visitation) stjohnsbaraboo 25