THERE ARE BABY CHANGING TABLES available in both the men s & women s restrooms (across from the church office). There is also one in the Narthex.

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2 WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH during this hopeful season of Advent as we anticipate the celebration of Jesus birth and prepare our hearts and minds for the renewal of God s love in our lives. WE WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE LORD S TABLE to receive God s gift of forgiveness and the powerful freedom of a new life in Christ. Please come down the center aisle, proceed to the communion rail, and kneel or stand at the first open space. Hold out your hand to receive the bread. Gluten-free wafers are available. Please indicate your desire at the time you are offered the bread. You may drink either from an individual glass, which will be served first, or from the chalice. The individual glasses in the center of the tray contain grape juice (golden color). The outside glasses contain red wine. An acolyte will pass by to pick up your individual glass. In the spirit of continuous communion, please return to your seat via the side aisles after you have drunk from the glass or chalice. After everyone has been served at the communion rail, the ministers will serve anyone in the pew that is unable to come forward. Please indicate your desire in this regard to the pastor. Parents who desire that their children not receive communion may bring them forward for a blessing. PLEASE INDICATE YOUR ATTENDANCE at worship today and your participation at the Lord s Supper by completing the enclosed Worship Registration form and placing it in the offering plate. Please join us for fellowship and refreshments in the lounge after the service. THERE ARE BABY CHANGING TABLES available in both the men s & women s restrooms (across from the church office). There is also one in the Narthex. CHILD CARE is available in the Nursery for children of any age. Ask the usher for directions. OUR PRAYERS are for those living in fear or sorrow, those who are lonely, those that are unheard and anxious and for our members who are in need of strength and prayer. TEXTS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:

3 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 Prelude Improvisation on Veni, Emmanuel Tune #257 Welcome and Announcements Service of Confession and Absolution (Please remain seated) Confession P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the Lord of Israel who comes to set us free, the mighty Savior who comes to show mercy, the Dawn from on high who guides us into peace. C: Amen. P: Let us come before God in confession (Time for silent confession) P: To you, O God, All: We lift up our souls. You know us through and through; we confess our sins to you. Remember not our sins; remember us with your steadfast love. Show us your ways; teach us your paths; and lead us in justice and truth, for the sake of your goodness in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Absolution P: Beloved Children of God, come with joy and draw water from the well of salvation. Remember the gift of baptism: your sin is washed away in the name of Jesus; you belong to Christ; you are anointed to serve. Stand up and raise your heads! The reign of God is near. C: Amen. Service of Holy Communion Advent Blessing P: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You call all nations to walk in your light and to seek your ways of justice and peace, for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near. Bless us as we light the fourth candle of this wreath. Rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes and welcome him into our hearts and homes, for he is our light and our salvation. C: Blessed be God forever. Lighting of Advent Candles Come Now, O Prince of Peace #247 Verse 4 (sing 3x) 2

4 (Please stand as you are able) Procession Hymn 3

5 Salutation and Prayer of the Day All: L: Blessed are you, Creator of the universe from old you have led your people by night and day. May the light of your Christ make our darkness bright, for your Word and your presence are the light of our pathways, and you are the light and life of all creation. (Please be seated) First Lesson 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. 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. Therefore God shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of this leader s kindred shall return to the people of Israel. 4

6 And this one shall stand and feed the flock in the strength of God, in the majesty of the name of the most high GOD. And they shall live secure, for now their leader shall be great to the ends of the earth; and shall be the one of peace. L: Holy Wisdom! Holy Word! C: Thanks be to God. Psalmody (Group One Lectern side; Group Two Organ side) 5

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10 Second Lesson Hebrews 10:5-10 The author of Hebrews uses the image of religious sacrifice to convey the significance of Christ s coming. Through obedient acceptance of God s will, Christ allows his own body to become the greatest sacrifice of all, one through which we are made a holy people. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, See, God, I have come to do your will, O God (in the scroll of the book it is written of me). When 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), then he added, See, I have come to do your will. He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. L: Holy Wisdom! Holy Word! C: Thanks be to God. (Please stand) Alleluia Celtic Alleluia #174 Gospel Luke 1:39-55 We are presented with Elizabeth, John s mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, 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. In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my God comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of this servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God s name. God s mercy is for those who fear God 9

11 from generation to generation. God has shown strength with God s arm; and has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. God has helped God s servant Israel, in remembrance of divine mercy, according to the promise God made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. P: The light shines in the darkness, C: And the darkness does not overcome it. (Please be seated) Sermon Love Notes (Please stand) Hymn The Annunciation and Magnificat L: An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary. The angel said to her, Rejoice, O highly favored, for God is with you. You shall bear a child, and his name shall be Jesus, the Chosen One of God Most High. And Mary said, I am the servant of my God, I live to do your will. 10

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13 Prayers of the People (The pianist will play through the first 2 measures once, then the congregation will start humming. After chanting prayers 1-10, members of the congregation are invited to offer their own petitions and intercessions without any response from the congregation. When the prayers are ended, the Assisting Minister will chant, Help us, comfort us... ) 12

14 A: For whom or what else do you wish to pray: Exchange of Peace P: The peace of God be with you always. C: And also with you. (Please be seated) Children s Message 13

15 Offering/Musical Offering Magnificat Magnificat anima mea Dominum. My soul magnifies the Lord. Taize (Please stand) Offertory Hymn Canticle of the Turning #723 Offertory Prayer A: Let us pray together: C: God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Eucharistic Prayer P: Blessed are you, O holy God: You are the Life and Light of all. By your powerful word you created all things. Through the prophets you called your people to be a light to the nations. Blessed are you for Jesus, your beloved Child, who is your Light, shining in our darkness and revealing to us your grace and truth. In the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. In the same way, 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 sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Remembering, therefore, Jesus preaching and healing, his dying and rising, and his promise to come again, we await that day when all the universe will rejoice in your holy and life-giving light. By your Spirit bless us and this meal, that, refreshed with this heavenly food, we may be light for the world, revealing the brilliance of our Prince of Peace, through whom all glory and honor is yours, both now and forever. C: Amen. 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. 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. 14

16 (Please be seated) Communion Distribution Each Winter as the Year Grows Older #252 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #257 v. 1, 2, & 7 Rejoice, Rejoice Believers #263 (Please stand) Post Communion Blessing P: May the body and blood of Jesus, our Christ, grant us the faith and courage to live as children of the light. C: Amen. Post Communion Prayer A: Let us pray together: C: Holy One, we give you thanks that in this bread and cup we have feasted again on your endless love. Let that love overflow more and more in our lives, that we may be messengers to prepare your way, harvesters of justice and righteousness, and bearers of your eternal Word, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Benediction 15

17 Closing Hymn Savior of the Nations, Come #263 Dismissal A: Go in peace! Christ is with you. C: Thanks be to God. Postlude Chorale & Toccata Hugo Distler Tune: Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland Liturgy adapted from Holden Evening Prayer By Marty Haugen Copy right 1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A

18 Worship Attendants Preacher Assisting Minister Minister of Music Organist Advent Candle Lighters Acolytes Communion Assistants Lectors Children s Message Greeters Ushers Fellowship Altar Guild Counters Courtesy Driver Pastor Sue Schneider Theresa Lehan-Anderson Brian Higham Logan Hamilton Clint Pehrson Maggie Pehrson Josh Pehrson Emmy Pehrson Jiali Maschhoff Aaron Maschhoff Sue Tong Liz Herlevi Nona Taylor Kris Rogness Mary Denny Van Hutton Pastor Sue Schneider Alice & Jack Peterson Linda Maschhoff Jan Orlando Lisa Johnson Sheryl Lundahl Tom & Nancy Swenson Linda Maschhoff Margoan Hunter John Massman Larry Gockel Scott Davies PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS SUNDAY SCHEDULE 9:30 AM Service of Holy Communion 10:30 AM Fellowship in the lounge 11:00 AM Carol sing in the sanctuary 11:00 AM Sunday School upstairs WE WILL HAVE A CAROL SING after worship TODAY, in the Sanctuary, accompanied by organ and (we hope) strings. You shout out your favorite Advent/Christmas hymn and we will sing it. Janice Gockel will serve as emcee. We will go until approximately noon. Come join us! THE CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be at 5:30 p.m. on December 24. (This is a correction from the time printed in the December issue of The Spirit. Please make note of this.) Come and join in the festival celebration of Jesus birth as we hear the reading of lessons, sing 17

19 many carols, hear a Christmas message and special music, celebrate Holy Communion, and fill the sanctuary with candlelight while we close with Silent Night. This service is a wonderful opportunity for you to invite your extended family and friends to share in the love and joy of our faith community. We will sing all your favorite carols! THE SPECIAL OFFERING FOR DECEMBER is ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Over 850 million people (that s 1 in 8 in our world today) are hungry. As disciples of Christ, we are called to respond to this need. Working with and through congregations in the US, Lutheran churches around the world and other partners, ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned in nearly 60 countries to reach communities in need. Your contribution helps fund health clinics, microloans, water wells, community meals and advocacy in supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty. Please make your check out to ULC and earmark it World Hunger. You may use one of the special ELCA envelopes in the pew and put it in the offering, or bring it into the church office. Thank you for your support. CHURCH MISSION REQUIRES INCREASED GIVING. At the ULC congregational budget meeting on Dec. 9, the members present voted unanimously for an operating budget that provides just compensation for staff, provides for property maintenance and program needs, and continues benevolence to the synod and many ministry partners. This budget also forecasts an operating deficit for 2019 of over $42,000 not including depreciation. While rental income has been renegotiated with ULC's onsite ministry partners, contributions of ULC members and friends remain by far the primary source of income for the church. Funding an operating deficit from ULC's limited reserve funds means less is available for major expenditures such as property remodels and updates. Consequently, the church council is asking every member to increase ULC income by reviewing their current level of giving and adding to their stewardship pledge to fund church activities in Members need to increase personal giving to the operating budget to cover routine expenses to avoid depleting the church's limited reserves. You can pick up a green ADD TO YOUR PLEDGE form off the table by the name tags or in the office. Please return these to Rick Reuter or the church office no later than January 6. Thank you for giving this request your careful consideration. Any questions, contact Council Vice-President Mary Denny, or any other council member. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP SERVE LUNCH AT COMMUNITY LUNCH at Central Lutheran Church ( th St.) on Christmas Day, please contact Jan Orlando at for more information. Volunteers are needed for all or part of the time from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. YOU CAN STILL TAKE A GIFT TAG for the Ailanga Junior Seminary School in Tanzania. Bring the tag along with your check or cash for the amount listed on the tag into the church office. Your generous support is very much appreciated. There is a basket in the bookcase in the office for your gift. For information about the Ailanga gifts, contact Nancy Swenson at

20 JOIN US ON EPIPHANY SUNDAY, January 6, 2019 as we follow the Wise Men in their search for the Christ child. We will meet in the lounge at 11:00 a.m. with lunch (and a piñata) to follow. If you are interested in being one of the Wise Men, a shepherd, or a Roman solider, please contact Kathy Lachata-Oakley at SAVE THE DATE FOR A NEW CREATION! With the arrival of Pastor Sue, we are living in a new day at University Lutheran. It's time to recreate our life and mission for the future. Please plan on participating in the shared dreaming and planning for this New Creation early in We begin on Saturday, March 2. This planning session is open to all members and friends of University Lutheran. It will begin with registration and breakfast treats at 8:00. The meeting starts promptly at 8:30 am and ends at 12:30 pm. Mark your calendars, and let the visioning and dreaming begin! VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO COOK DINNER at Lutheran Campus Ministry at UW "the Sanctuary!" Eunice How and Sharon Reuter are forming a team to cook and serve dinner on the 4th Wednesdays of each month. Dinner is served at 7:00 p.m. and is followed by spiritual discussion ( We are welcome to stay to eat and join the activities. The ministry is located at th Ave NE, Seattle WA Sign up with Eunice: eunicehow310@gmail.com or (217) IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE ELECTRONICALLY, go to the church website, and click on the Donate button on the first page. That will take you directly to the Tithe.ly site for ULC. You will be able to choose from several funds of the church. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. If you would like to learn about our new mobile giving, Tithe.ly, please see Jeff Berner or Craig Perkins after the service. They can show you how it is used and how to download the app on your phone. ULC MEETINGS NEXT WEEK, December 24-29: Monday, December 24 5:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Worship Friday, December 28 3:30 p.m., Quilters, Room 208 THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED December 24, 2018 through January 1, Staff will be back in the office on Wednesday, January 2. ATTENDANCE was 103 last Sunday. The total weekly income was $16, of which $10, was from pledges and loose offering for operating expenses. The balance was from designated gifts and facility usage. NEXT SUNDAY S WORSHIP LEADERS ARE: Altar Guild Daniel & Stacy Crowner; Acolytes Natalie Crowner & Cara Crowner; Asst. Minister Janice Gockel; Children s Message Stacy Crowner; Communion Assts. Darleen Atik, Liz Herlevi, Clint & Maggie Pehrson; Lectors Brad Anderson & Theresa Lehan-Anderson; Ushers Rick & Sharon Reuter, Michael & Ruth Ann Rouse; Greeters Janice & Larry Gockel; Fellowship Hour: Sue & Frank Gregory; Counters Twig Mills & John Gienapp; Courtesy Driver Gary Marshall 19