Worship Schedule for December

Transcription

1 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) 3014 McKinley St NE, Minneapolis, MN Website Phone Pastor: Dean Gade Home Phone: Office Administrator: Jeni Hofstede-Bryan Organist: Angela Huizel Ministers: All members of Gloria Dei Caring Sharing Serving Reaching 2018 Worship Schedule for December December 2 Advent 1 w/hc The King s City Jeremiah 33:14-16 Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25: Thessalonians. 3:9-13 Luke 19:28-40 December 9 Advent 2 The King s Herald Malachi 3:1-4 Malachi 3:1-7b Psalm 66:1-12 Philippians. 1:2-11 Luke 3:1-14 (15-20) Fellowship Sunday December 9 th with Guest, District President Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford December 16 Advent 3 w/hc The King Will Have His Day Zeph. 3:14-20 Zephaniah. 3:14-20 Psalm 85 Philippians. 4:4-7 Luke 7:18-28 (29-35) December 23 Advent 4 The King s Royal Roots Micah 5:2-5a Micah 5:2-5a Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews. 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 (46-56) December 24 Christmas Eve A King Is Born! Isaiah 9:2-7 Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 110:1-4 1 John 4:7-16 Matthew 1:18-25 December 25 Christmas Day w/hc The Kings Word John 1:14 Isaiah 62:10-12 Psalm 98 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:(1-14) December 30 1st Sunday After Christmas The Firstborn King Luke 2:22-40 Exodus 13:1-3a, Psalm 111 Colossians. 3:12-17 Luke 2:22-40 ADVENT SERMON SERIES The King Is Coming The Kingdom of God is a major theme in God s holy history, from the house and lineage of David to David s greater Son and Lord, whose birth we anticipate in this season of Advent. This series will focus on the appointed lessons from the Old Testament prophets, who spoke from the perspective of their own times under the kings of Israel and Judah, with all their human foibles and failures. Yet the Word of God through these words of the prophets speaks of a greater king to come, whose kingdom will have no end. Our lives as God s people in Christ are lived under Him in His Kingdom, as Luther put it under the righteous rule and reign of Christ our King. Christmas celebrates his birth and coming among us, even as we pray as He taught us, Thy Kingdom Come. May our Advent worship help us prepare and rejoice, for the King is coming!

2 Dear Fellow Redeemed in Christ, We are in the count-down until Christmas. The shopping, the preparations around the house, the Christmas parties, the plans for family gathers, and the menus to be prepared keep us pretty busy this month. Yet despite all the worldly trappings that we now contend with at Christmas time, I would hope that you would also pause and remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON. For I pray that this will be a most blessed Christmas for each one of us. So let me share a true story with you: Just outside a small community in northern Indiana, you will find a modest little farm with a tall silo. For the past several years, a bright star has been placed on top of this silo during the Christmas season. The star has stimulated conversation at the local coffee shop. For some, it was a quiet reminder of the star that guided the Magi 2,020 years ago to Jesus. For others, it is yet another ridiculous waste of electricity. This became the traditional conversion for years until just recently. Then something different and unexpected happened. Shortly after the holidays, this quiet reminder of Christmas was transformed into a cross. Later in the coffee shop, someone was overheard saying, We can see putting a star on your silo for Christmas, but why would you turn it into a cross? The farmer paused for a moment, and then he said, You see the Birthday party is over, and now you re going to find out why Jesus really came. Too often, Christmas is celebrated without thinking about the real Reason For The Season. However, it doesn t have to be that way this year. Our slow walk towards Bethlehem gives us time to examine our own intentions and our lives before God s Truth, which gives a clear picture of sinfulness, and of our need for a Savior. Jesus came in all humility, born of the Virgin, cradled in a manger, housed in the stable, in order that He might (some 33 years later) die on the Cross to pay the price demanded for our sins! That s what CHRIST-mas is, because the -mas of Christmas derived from the word Mass, originally meant oblation or sacrifice. A reminder of the reason for Christ s coming is then the fulfillment of the sacrifice needed for our salvation. For you see, the REASON FOR THE SEASON is our forgiveness and salvation! A song I became acquainted with several years ago helps to bring and full picture Jesus coming into perspective (we ll be singing this song later this month!). Christmas has its cradle, where the baby cried: Rae E. Whitney, 1977 Did the lantern s shadow show Him crucified? Broadmen Press,1985 Did He foresee darkly His life s willing loss? Christmas has its cradle and Easter has its cross. Christmas has its cradle, shepherds came to see Little Son of Mary, Lamb of God to be; Had the Father warned Him, none would grant Him room, Save in the Christmas cradle and in the Easter tomb. Christmas has its cradle, wise men came to bring Myrrh and gold and incense, offerings for a King. Myrrh alone stayed with Him, death balm for this boy, From the Christmas cradle and to His Easter joy.

3 Christmas has its cradle, where that baby cried; In the Easter garden, Christ lay, crucified; When death s pow r was conquered, God s life through him poured; Christmas has its cradle and Easter has its Lord! Have CHRIST in your CHRISTmas this year! May God be with you and your loved ones for Jesus sake! Sincerely in Christ! Pastor MARK YOUR CALENDARS December 9th Following service on Sunday, November 9, our new District President Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford will meet with our congregation to begin the process for determining the future of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. As many of you know, Pastor Gade is planning to retire on January 1, 2020, and has given notice so GDLC can begin the process of calling a new pastor and also the issues GDLC faces financially in the coming years. This will be an informative meeting, everyone should plan to attend! Annual Pledge Letter and Commitment Beginning of November annual pledge letter and commitment cards were put in your mailboxes at church and/or mailed to your home. These commitment cards were collected on Thanksgiving. If you still have not turned in your commitment card, it s not too late. There are extra cards and envelopes on the usher s shelf in the back of the church. It s easy (1) fill one out, (2) place it in a sealed envelope (be sure to add your name to the front of the envelope), (3) and place it in the offering plate at church. Or use the one below and mail it to the church. Thanks! DONATION COMMITMENT CARD During these tough economic times we need to continue to support our church. One of the most effective ways of demonstrating commitment is in the amount we give in our service to the Lord each year. Remember the person who plants a few seeds will have a small crop and the person who plants many seeds will have a large crop. 2 Corinthians 9:6 I/We plan to give: $ weekly or $ monthly Signature: Fellowship Sunday is December 9, hosted by David and Danielle Ohnstad

4 THE LUTHERAN HOUR WCCO 830 AM Radio Heard each Sunday morning at 6:05 a.m. Hosted by Rev. Greg Seltz (unless otherwise noted) December 2 "Reality Therapy" (Ruth 1-2) Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler The book of Ruth deals with unimportant people and unimportant matters, but deals with them in such a way as to show that God is active in ordinary lives-like yours and mine. Ruth's story became an important part of the story of Jesus. Listening to God's work in her life can rescue us from dead end delusions and bring us into what is most real-a Jesus-centered reality. December 9 "Redeemer with a Capital R" (Ruth 3-4) Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler When people use the word "redeem" outside of religious context, they tend to use it in a commercial sense-redeeming points from purchases or casino tokens for cash. In the Bible, the word "redeem" is used in a family setting. In the story of Ruth, Boaz is a "kinsman redeemer," who points to Jesus, our capital-r-redeemer. Jesus has done more than pay our points. He redeems by bringing us into his clan, his people, his household, that we might be with him forever. December 16 "In Anxious Times - Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4-7) Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Anthony (Tony) Cook Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. With anxiety on the rise, the Apostle Paul's call to "rejoice always" seems all but unobtainable. While there are many helpful ways to cope with society's increasing anxiety, Paul points us to a frequently overlooked source of joy and peace, God's grace in Christ. December 23 "The King's Strength" (Luke 1:26-56) Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler A true king's strength is seen, not in vaults and arsenals, but in the loyalty of his people. We celebrate the birth of the King who won the victory, not by taxing his subjects and killing his enemies, but by serving, loving and dying for them. By his resurrection, He destroyed the power of sin and lends us strength to become His loyal subjects. Time of Grace Straight talk about God s Word and real hope for this life. A strong gospel message delivered in an informal Bible study style. Pastor Mark Jeske St. Marcus Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI KMSP Fox 9 Sunday 6:30 am Channel 23, Cable 8 Sunday 9 am Direct TV Ch 369 Wednesday 5:00 pm DishNetwork Ch 263 Wednesday 5:00 pm THANK YOU to those who helped with the CHRISTMAS DECORATING OFFICIAL ACTS for November November 2 Wedding: Ohnstad/Brehm SALVATION ARMY Please remember those less fortunate by filling our grocery cart for the Salvation Army Food Shelf. As a reminder, ethnic foods are in high demand, as is cooking oil, canned fruits and vegetables, ramen, spaghetti sauce and noodles, flour, rice, macaroni and cheese, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, etc. Due to the holiday season, food shelfs are in greater need of food more than ever! Thanks for your very generous donations throughout the 2018 year! Please let the office know of any changes to your current information (address and/or phone numbers). We will be updating the Church Directory for 2019!

5 Salvation Army Christmas Gift Collection Tree. Please bring your gifts Nov. 18 th Dec. 9 th Again this holiday season, the Social Ministry Committee will be collecting new gift items for children 0-14 years for the Salvation Army. You may purchase anything that is appropriate. There is a greater need for gifts for 0-3 and year olds. We will be collecting the gifts from November 18 th through December 9 th. Please bring your gifts to the church and place them under the Christmas tree. The Salvation Army s auditors have requested we add the dollar amount of the gifts donated. Would you please put a rounded off estimated dollar amount on the items you donate? Thank you so much!! IDEAS: BOYS 6-14: Legos, Play tent, Tonka Trucks, Walkie Talkies, Hot Wheels, Children s Camera, Remote Control Cars, Star Wars toys, NBA/NFL clothing and gear. GIRLS 6-14: Barbie Dolls (multi-cultural), Children s Camera, Scooter, Bead/Jewelry Kits, Art Kits/Projects, Make-up kits, Hair Accessories. How can you help to beautify the altar area at Gloria Dei? 2019 sign-up sheets for Altar Care, Flowers, Fellowship and Candles are on the entryway bulletin board. Find a partner and sign up for a month of Altar Care. Sign up early to get the month that works for you! Flowers can be ordered through the church ($22 per bouquet plus $10 delivery fee) or you can bring your own. Candles are $6. Thanks to all who helped with altar duty during 2018! Pam Morelli & Patty Lyrenmann DON T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR 2019 CALENDAR! Graciously donated by WASHBURN-MCREAVY FUNERAL HOME CURRENT FINANCIAL STATUS as of October 31, 2018 October Total Income $19, October Total Expense $13, October Net Gain $5, YEAR TO DATE 1st Quarter Net Loss $11, nd Quarter Net Loss $15, rd Quarter Net Loss $ 9, th Quarter Net Gain $5, Total Net Loss $30, A detailed report is available in the office. Kids Our Age/50+ Thursday, December 20 th The Ramsey House A Victorian Christmas Guided House Tour Meet at the Church at 11 am w/lunch to follow at Key s on Lexington Get a fascinating glimpse into the lives, culture, and customs of the 1870s at the Alexander Ramsey House. Experience Christmas 1875 with cookies fresh from the wood-burning stove and holiday music on the piano (tours are 60 minutes). Plus, shop for replica Victorian ornaments and holiday gifts! Alexander Ramsey rose within the political ranks of Pennsylvania before coming with his wife Anna and the first of their three children to Minnesota in He eventually served as the state's second governor, mayor of St. Paul, a U.S. senator, and a secretary of war. Three generations of the Ramsey family came to occupy this handsome native limestone home. In 1964, on the death of the last surviving family member, it was willed to MNHS which Ramsey himself founded. The Ramsey House is located in downtown St. Paul in the Irvine Park Historic District at 265 S. Exchange Street, St. Paul, MN Free public parking is available on site. Admission: Adults $12, Seniors 65+ $10 See that you also excel in this grace of giving 2 Corinthians 8? Lord, help me to ask less and give more... Let me see the act of giving as a way to let you love through me.

6 Holiday Train rolls into Northeast to benefit ESNS Join the celebration with musical guests and family fun! December 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm Support the food shelves at Eastside Neighborhood Services by bringing a cash or healthy non-perishable food donation to the Holiday Train. Event is free and open to the community and will feature a night of holiday lights, live music and family fun. The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will stop at Lion s Park, 37th Avenue and Stinson Boulevard, Tuesday, Dec. 11. The event is free but participants are asked to bring non-perishable food donations to support East Side Neighborhood Services Metro Food Programs. Pre-arrival festivities begin at 7 pm, including music, bonfires, crafts, and refreshments. The train will arrive at 7:55 pm, with a special show from 8:15-8:45 pm. The Trews and Willy Porter will perform. The Holiday Train is about 1,000 feet in length with 14 brightly decorated rail cars. The cars are decorated with hundreds of thousands of technology-leading LED lights and holiday designs. In 2018, the CP train program celebrates 20 years of collecting food and raising funds for food banks across North America. Info: cpr.ca/holidaytrain/united-states or visit ESNS on Facebook or Twitter. Christmas Fundraiser at Bywood East December 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Bywood East Health Care, 3427 Central Ave. NE, will have a Christmas fundraiser on Thursday, December 14, 9 am-12:30 pm. With a large selection of holiday baked goods, plus grilled hot dogs, pop, chips and their famous chicken soup for sale. Many residents have been working on craft projects that will be available for purchase as well there is something for everyone! Proceeds will be given to the Sunshine Club, which provides transportation for outings, Christmas gifts, and entertainment for Bywood East residents. Info: Mary Farnham Mrs. Kelly s Annual Tea Tasting December 9:00 am - 5:00 pm The Twin Cities largest tea tasting, will be Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2, 9 am-5 pm, at Mrs. Kelly s Tea, in the Grain Belt Brewery Warehouse, 77 13th Ave. NE. Sample more than 100 teas, including some new blends: Crimson Harmony, a fruity caffeine-free brew; Peppered Periwinkle, a blend of organic green tea, black pepper, and lavender; and Pancakes n Bacon, a smoky black tea with hints of maple. A qualified tea blender will be available to make special brews. Also at the event will be Paws Cheesecake, Ames Farm Honey, nut blends, pottery, handmade soap, original canvas paintings, succulents, and original prints. There s a suggested donation of $3 or comparable food items. All donations will go to the Southern Anoka County Food Shelf and Perspectives Kids Café. Free parking will be available.

7 During this Holiday Season while gathering with family and friends, remember to save your Aluminum Cans. Bring them in and the proceeds will go to the mission of the Church Council s choosing! Simply Giving Program Endorsed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union The Simply Giving Program is an automated stewardship program that helps members live generously. It s a convenient, safe and simple way for individuals to make automatic payments to nonprofit organizations through electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly from checking or savings accounts. Thrivent Federal Credit Union has contracted with Vanco Payment Solutions to provide electronic payment processing services at reduced rates so your generosity goes further. Call Vanco Payment Solutions at to get started. St. Anthony Civic Orchestra Christmas Pops Concert December 7:30 pm The St. Anthony Civic Orchestra will play a Christmas Pops Concert, Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 pm, at the St. Anthony Community Center, 3301 Silver Lake Road NE. The concert, with Artistic Director Carol Jensen, will include Christmas favorites from around the world to your neighborhood. Admission is free. Columbia Heights Library 90th Anniversary Open House and Photo Exhibit Columbia Heights Public Library, 3939 Central Ave. NE, will celebrate its 90th anniversary with an open house, Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 am-4 pm. The event will feature live 1920s-era music with the band FlipSide, refreshments, children s activities, and a memorabilia display with collectibles and ephemera from each of the library s decades of service. The 90th anniversary photo exhibit, a collaboration with the Northeaster Newspaper, will debut at this event. The exhibit features more than 20 images of Columbia Heights contemporary people and places. After moving into its new building at 3939 Central Ave. NE, the library is a stone s throw from its original location at the Heights Theater building, where it shared a small space with the theater and a handful of other businesses back in The library has been housed in a half dozen buildings since its inception and is steeped in Columbia Heights history. Info: St. Anthony Historical Society tornado book release and annual meeting The St. Anthony Village Historical Society will hold its annual meeting and a book release party, Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 am-noon, at St. Anthony City Hall, 3301 Silver Lake Road NE. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a brief meeting and then a time of sharing memories of the F-3 tornado that struck St. Anthony on April 26, There will also be a signing for the society s new book, Hit the Deck and Pray, the 1984 St. Anthony Tornado, by Gail D. Olson. The historical society commissioned the book, which is a collection of stories about those affected by the devastating tornado.

8 Stewardship Ministry December 2018 Throughout his epistles and his preaching recorded in the Book of Acts, St. Paul refers, in one way or another, to thanksgiving and thankfulness nearly 50 times. Whether vertically toward God, or horizontally toward the neighbor, thanksgiving is a major theme within St. Paul s body of work. What does this mean? It means thankfulness is intrinsic to the life of those baptized into Christ. In other words, giving thanks is what Christians do as they live out their lives in this world. The problem is that we often forget this. Consider your average, run-of-the-mill, normal day. When you get home, and your parents, your spouse or your children ask about your day, what first comes to your mind? After 99% of things went right, went exactly as planned, were enjoyable and blessings, we tend to focus on and remember the 1% of things that went poorly, that didn t go as planned, and that were nuisances. We remember the bad things. We focus on discontent. And we fail to give thanks in all circumstances for everything (Eph. 5:20) and to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4). Thankfulness and contentment go together. We are content with things for which we are thankful. St. Paul could be content with having plenty or when in need because He gave thanks to the Lord for all things. He thanked the Lord for those who had prayed for him and listened to his proclamation of the Gospel. He gave thanks for their good works in and for the Church of Christ. He gave thanks for the grace of God in Christ Jesus and found that God s grace was sufficient for him. So, give thanks for all things and in all circumstances dear brothers and sisters in Christ. For you have been saved from sin, death, and hell by the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. You have been added to the very family of God in an adoption of grace through Holy Baptism. God is your Father. Our Lord, Jesus Christ is your brother. But He not only provides for your spiritual well-being, He cares also for this body and life. Your Father in heaven provides food and clothes, house and home, husband, wife, and children. He gives you reason and all your senses. He has given you the raw talents that you have developed into careers. Everything you are and everything that you have is a gift from His fatherly divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in you. Give thanks for these things. Make a list every morning if you must. Say them out loud. Sing about them within the congregation of the saints. And remember this: God has given you these things so that you may be of service to those around you your family, your neighbors, your brothers and sisters in Christ. For to whom much is given; much shall be required (Luke 12:48). Prayer for the Season Dear Heavenly Father, Please grant us grace over the holiday season to be loving to our families and the others you entrust to us. Give us the energy we need to show hospitality and to do so with a cheerful heart. Help us find time amongst the chaos to be alone with you so that our strength can be renewed. We thank you for your Son, for bringing Him into this world to reconcile us to you and grant us forgiveness. Help us keep Him at the center of these busy days and to share this Gospel message as we are going. Thank you for your many spiritual gifts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

9 Special Occasions for Special People 2 nd Shirley Slagle 7 th Robert Bauer 8 th Alex Martinez 14 th Violet Rocek 16 th Dolores Kluwe 19 th Pat Vogel 20 th Gwen Johnson 24 th Danielle Ohnstad 25 th Lori Sharbono 27 th Rudy Holzinger 31 st Millie Demcho No Anniversaries DECEMBER SERVANTS Elder: Karmon Christopherson Altar Care: The Lyrenmanns Ushers 2 nd Morellis 9 th Dale Raschke and Wade Billmeyer 16 th Gwen Johnson and Bill Wade 23 rd Dale Raschke and Wade Billmeyer 24 th Tom and Patty Lyrenmann 25 th Tom and Patty Lyrenmann 30 th Open Candles 2 nd Shirley & Rudy Holzinger Nephew, Adam s Birthday (Dec 5) 9 th 16 th 23 rd Sandy Westling Happy Birthday Jesus 24 th Shirley & Rudy Holzinger Rudy s Birthday (Dec 27) 25 th Shirley & Rudy Holzinger Rudy s Birthday (Dec 27) 30 th Counters 2 nd Tom and Patty Lyrenmann 9 th Pat Scott and Shirley Holzinger 16 th Verlayne Sather and Bev Svac 23 rd Derald and Chris Hadrath 24 th Dale Raschke and Wade Billmeyer 25 th Al, Pam & Aaron Morelli 30 th Sandy Westling and Tom Harris Flowers 2 nd 9 th 16 th 23 rd 24 th 25 th 30 th If you sign up for flowers or candles after the newsletter is published, be sure and let Patricia know. We want to make sure that flowers are ordered and you are properly acknowledged in the bulletin notes

10 December 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday AA Alcoholics Anonymous AlAnon1 Beginners Group AlAnon2 Families of Alcoholics NA Narcotics Anonymous TLWCC Trinity Living Word of Christ 2 1st Sunday in Advent 8:45 am Education Hour 10 am Worship w/hc 6 pm NA 9 2nd Sunday in Advent 8:45 am Education Hour 10 am Worship 11 am Fellowship + MNS District president, Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford (discuss the future of GDLC) :30 pm AlAnon 1 8 pm AA/AlAnon 2 6:30 pm AlAnon 1 8 pm AA/AlAnon am Shut-In Baskets 6:30 pm All Boards 10 am Bible Study am Bible Study 6 7 Pastor s Day Off 5 pm TLWCC Music Practice 8 pm AA/AlAnon Pastor s Day Off 5 pm TLWCC Music Practice 8 pm AA/AlAnon 1 10 am TLWCC Worship 6 pm TLWCC Worship & Fellowship 8 10 am TLWCC Worship 6 pm TLWCC Worship & Fellowship am TLWCC Worship 6 pm TLWCC Worship & Fellowship 6 pm NA 16 3rd Sunday in Advent 8:45 am Education Hour 10 am Worship w/hc 6 pm NA Newsletter Deadline 23 4th Sunday in Advent 8:45 am Education Hour 10 am Worship 6 pm NA 30 1st S. After Christmas 8:45 am Education Hour 10 am Worship 6 pm NA 17 6:30 pm AlAnon 1 8 pm AA/AlAnon 2 24 Christmas Eve 5pm Christmas Eve Service w/hc 6:30 pm AlAnon 1 8 pm AA/AlAnon 2 31 New Year s Eve 2 pm Private Wedding and Reception (tentative) 18 6:30 pm Council Meeting 25 Christmas Day 10 am Christmas Day Service w/holy Communion am Bible Study am Bible Study 6:30 pm TLWCC Bible Class am KOA+ Ramsey House Tour w/lunch to follow at Key s 21 Pastor s Day Off 5 pm TLWCC Music Practice 8 pm AA/AlAnon Pastor s Day Off 5 pm TLWCC Music Practice 8 pm AA/AlAnon am TLWCC Worship 6 pm TLWCC Worship & Fellowship am TLWCC Worship 6 pm TLWCC Worship & Fellowship

11 DECEMBER THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD Pray For Us Calendar ADVENT: THE SECOND COMING DECEMBER 1 15 Advent means coming. We anticipate the promised return of Christ as the judge of the world. We look with hope to the day of the resurrection of all flesh, when those who believe in Christ will rise to everlasting life. The Church waits for the Second Coming in repentance, hope and faith. For the following, we pray Lord, have mercy. 1. For hearts that imitate the generosity and graciousness of Jesus. Pray that God s people would be eager to show forth the love of God through their good works for their neighbor. 2. That the Lord would preserve His Word and Sacraments in our midst, so that we may be kept strong in the one, true faith until Christ s return. 3. That the people of God would be faithful in their attendance of the Divine Service, where God strengthens our faith toward Him and our steadfast love for one another. 4. That all people would fear God and find hope in His gracious forgiveness through Christ. 5. For all who do not believe in Jesus, that they might hear the Gospel and believe. 6. For all Christians, that we might repent of our sins and prepare for Christ s return. 7. For steadfast faith as the world writhes and groans in anticipation of the day of judgment. 8. For the ministers of the Word, that they would be faithful to their calling. 9. for the Church s missionaries, that through them the Word would go forth into the world with power. 10. For our government, that we might live peaceable and quiet lives. 11. For parents, that they would see their role in raising children as a holy calling from God in these last days. 12. For patience, as we wait for Christ s coming, that we might believe God is not slow in keeping promises, but patient. 13. For those who mourn the loss of loved ones, that the promise of the resurrection may be their hope. 14. For those who are dying, that they may entrust their whole lives unto God who keeps them. 15. For the coming of Christ. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD

12 DECEMBER Pray For Us Calendar ADVENT: THE INCARNATION DECEMBER During Advent we rejoice that God sent His Son to be the redeemer of the world. We gather with all Christians to celebrate this gracious gift from our heavenly Father. We trust in Christ alone as our Savior. The Church gathers to thank God and ask for faith to trust in His gift of a Savior. For the following, we pray Lord, have mercy. 16. For faithful reading of Old Testament, that all who read may see Jesus as the promised Savior. 17. For opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in this season. When the world is open to hearing the story of Christmas, may we be unashamed in our witness. 18. That all Christians might see the needs of their neighbor and love with the love of Christ. 19. For those who only attend worship at Christmas, that the Spirit would work faith through the hearing of the Word. 20. That we may believe the truth of the two natures of Christ. 21. For St. Thomas, apostle. That with him we might believe and confess that Jesus is Lord and God. 22. For faithful readings of the New Testament. That all the words of the apostles and evangelists may result in faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 23. For pastors who serve as Christ s under-shepherds in our midst. That they might proclaim the truth of the Good News of Christmas. 24. Rejoice that Jesus is Immanuel. God is with us to save us. 25. Rejoice in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory glory as the only-begotten of God. 26. Thank God for St. Stephen, the first Christian Martyr. That we might also serve God with our lives thoughts, words and deeds. 27. That God would grant us faith to believe that He comes to us in the Means of Grace. 28. For all those who face depression and desperation at this time of year. That God s gift of love in Christ would gladden their hearts. Congregations and individuals are invited to copy these pages for newsletters or other distribution. Download at lcms.org/prayforus or call to request a copy. 29. For all those who travel. That God would grant them safety. 30. That all would know and believe in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus for the world s salvation. 31. That the Lord would abundantly bless the efforts of the LCMS and its partners in the coming years. That the Gospel is the primary focus of all that is done and proclaimed. PHOTO: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD