Prepare the Way Luke 3:1-20

Transcription

1 Prepare the Way Luke 3:1-20 December 9, 2018

2 Welcome to St. John s Lutheran Church Good morning and a blessed welcome to you! It truly is an honor to have you worshipping with us this morning and it is our prayer that you find great comfort and peace in Jesus Word of love, mercy, and forgiveness! If you are visiting with us today, please take one of the visitor gift bags from the visitors center. At St. John s we are pleased to offer a variety of service formats on Sunday morning. In our 8:30 a.m. traditional service we offer familiar hymns and rich, traditional worship forms in a meaningful and inspirational setting. Our 11:00 a.m. contemporary service includes the same message as our 8:30 a.m. service but in an informal style, enhanced with contemporary music. We encourage you to try both worship styles! Thank you for worshipping with us; we would love to have you join us again! (If you need any assistance or need a hearing aid device, please see one of the ushers.) Contact Us 2727 North Union Boulevard Decatur, IL Phone: (217) ; website: Church office hours: 8:00 am 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday Members of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod & Lutheran School Association. St. John s Staff Rev. Adam M. Ray, Lead Pastor... pastoradam@stjohnsdecatur.com Rev. Jonathan Torreson, Assoc. Pastor... pastorjon@stjohnsdecatur.com Malinda Standerfer, Dir. of Christian Ed... dcemalinda@stjohnsdecatur.com Brian McLane, Audio Visual/Praise Team Director... bmclane10@gmail.com Jerome C. Pelz, Director, Northeast Community Fund & Administrative Assistant Georgia Newman, Office Manager... georgian@stjohnsdecatur.com Carol Reynolds, Financial Secretary... carolr@stjohnsdecatur.com Columbus Miles, Custodian Marilyn Roemelin, Prayer Chain LSA Faculty & Staff Members of St. John s Lutheran Church Misty Grinestaff-Balvanz Judy Gross Irene Helfer Andi Livingston Angela Martinek Brenda Olsen Jeff Salefski Brenda Salogga Melissa Saurmann Tricia Summers Rachael Tavarczky Lindsay Tipsword

3 Second Sunday in Advent December 9, :30 a.m. Our Vision: Grounded in Christ, Growing in Faith, Branching Out to Others PRE-SERVICE MUSIC AND A TIME FOR PRAYER Good morning and a blessed welcome to you! It truly is an honor to have you worshiping with us this morning and it is our prayer that you find great comfort and peace in Jesus Word of love, mercy, and forgiveness! Thank you for worshiping with us; we would love to have you join us again! RINGING OF THE BELLS WELCOME/GREETING OF ONE ANOTHER Please take time to complete the appropriate side of the attendance registration cards. Once completed, pass the cards toward the center aisle. They will be collected during the offering. OPENING HYMN OF PRAISE Hark the Glad Sound LSB 349 INVOCATION OPENING SENTENCES CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION GREETING AND PRAYER OF THE DAY MINISTRY IN MUSIC Brenda Olsen Of the Father s Love Begotten LISTENING TO GOD SPEAK TO US THROUGH HIS WORD Malachi 3:1-7b 1 Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming, says the Lord of Heaven s Armies. 2 But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. 3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. 4 Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of

4 Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past. 5 At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me, says the Lord of Heaven s Armies. 6 I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven s Armies. L: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. LISTENING TO GOD SPEAK TO US THROUGH HIS WORD Philippians 1: May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. 7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (NLT) L: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. ALLELUIA AND VERSE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 3:1-20 L: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the third chapter. C: Glory to You, O Lord. (sung) 1 It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene.

5 2 Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. 3 Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 4 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord s coming! Clear the road for him! 5 The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. 6 And then all people will see the salvation sent from God. 7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don t just say to each other, We re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham. That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. 10 The crowds asked, What should we do? 11 John replied, If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry. 12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, Teacher, what should we do? 13 He replied, Collect no more taxes than the government requires. 14 What should we do? asked some soldiers. John replied, Don t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay. 15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am so much greater that I m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire. 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people. 19 John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. 20 So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others. (NLT) L: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ. (sung) CHILDREN S MESSAGE Malinda Standerfer SERMON HYMN On Jordan s Bank the Baptist s Cry (Vv. 1-3, 5) LSB 344

6 SERMON Prepare the Way Luke 3:1-20 Pastor Adam Ray APOSTLES CREED GIVING TO JESUS THANKFULLY FROM THE HEART (Offerings & Tithes) OFFERTORY HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Vv. 1 & 2) LSB 357 PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH The Leader will conclude every prayer with: Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord! People respond with: Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! LORD S PRAYER BLESSING ANNOUNCEMENTS SENDING HYMN Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus LSB 338 Acknowledgments Divine Service, Setting Five from Lutheran Service Book Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

7 Second Sunday in Advent December 9, :00 a.m. Our Vision: Grounded in Christ, Growing in Faith, Branching Out to Others Please take time to complete the appropriate side of the attendance registration card. Once completed, pass the cards toward the center aisle. They will be collected during the offering. WELCOME & GREETING OPENING PRAISE SONGS Your Love Awakens Me Reckless Love Always CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION SCRIPTURE READING Luke 3:1-20 CHILDREN S MESSAGE Malinda Standerfer MESSAGE Prepare the Way Luke 3:1-20 Pastor Adam Ray APOSTLE S CREED GIVING TO JESUS THANKFULLY FROM THE HEART Ever Be PRAYERS LORD S PRAYER ANNOUNCEMENTS SENDING SONGS O Come All Ye Faithful Angels We Have Heard On High BLESSING

8 Sunday Servants Preacher... Pastor Adam Ray Worship Leader... Pastor Jon Torreson Reader... 8:30 a.m. Troy Harrison Lay Minister... 8:30 a.m. John Hubert 11:00 a.m. Matt Cushing Greeters... 8:30 a.m. Dave & Jill Davis 11:00 a.m. Dave Riefler/Dan Zimmerman Organist... 8:30 a.m. Sharon Cripe Ushers... 8:30 a.m. Gary Schwartzle/Rick Laskowski Acolytes... 8:30 a.m. Lucas May 11:00 a.m. Taylor Wilkerson/Lleyton Miller Thank You for Your Service! Praise Team Vocals... Brian McLane, Melissa Saurmann Guitars...Brian McLane Keys... Bill Taraszewski Piano... Angela Cushing Audio... Doug Hicks St. John s Lutheran Church 2727 North Union Boulevard Decatur, IL Phone: (217) ; website: Church office hours: 8:00 am 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday Members of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod & Lutheran School Association. Our Mission We are restored to God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. As a family of Christians, we are dedicated to the love and forgiveness of Christ as we reach out, preach and teach the truth of God s Word to each other, our Community and the world.

9 CHURCH CHATTER In Need of Prayer: If you would like to be added to the prayer list, please contact the church office. If you would like your request on our prayer chain, please call Marilyn Roemelin at Please call the prayer chain with an update of your prayer request. Hospitals: DMH: Rachel Tavarczky & Kathryn Brink In the Military: Laura Byers, Bryon Chaney, Kimberly Chaney, Kristel Chaney, Travis Chaney, Dan Cheney, Tristin Comer, Randy Edwards, Austin Highcock, Destiny Little, Aaron Lung, Andrew Nailer, Caleb Pinney, Jared Pinney, Caitlin Salefski, Tyler Salefski, Jacob Thornell Thank you: Del and Judy Gross would like to thank all those that attended the Thanksgiving Dinner. We were surprised by all the volunteers who offered to help. It was greatly appreciated. - Del & Judy Gross Congregation News Advent services will be on Wednesday, December 12, 19. The 10:00 am service will be at the DMH Cancer Care Center, followed by Adult Bible Study at 10:30 in the fellowship hall back at the church. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm and evening service will be 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. Dinner will be served by the High School Youth attending National Youth Gathering. Menu: Baked Potatoes, Chili, and Chicken Noodle Soup Christmas Brunch: Plan to join us in the fellowship hall on Sunday, December 16, from 9:30 to 11:00 am for a Christmas Brunch. We will be serving brunch egg dishes, biscuits and gravy, fruit and pastries. There is no cost for the meal but we are asking for donations for children whose mothers are incarcerated at the Decatur Correctional Center. Gifts can be for children from infancy to age 18, but there is a great need for gifts for children ages Ladies Friendship Circle will be Tuesday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. Bring a snack and enjoy some bingo and Christian fellowship. Don t forget your items for DOVE. Hope to see you there.

10 Wednesday Adult Bible Study Class: There will be NO Wednesday Adult Bible Study class on Wednesday, December 19, 26, and January 2. Poinsettias: If you wish to purchase a Poinsettia in someone s memory or honor, please use a Poinsettia offering envelopes located on the back table. Deadline to purchase the Poinsettias is Sunday, December 16. Mitten Christmas Tree: The Christmas Tree is in the foyer and needs your help with decorations. Donate gloves, mittens, and hats; and hang them on the tree. Donations will go to Northeast Community Fund. Attention Parents of Sunday School Children: Sunday School classes are collecting packages of cookie mix during the month of December. This Sunday we will observe baptismal birthdays for the Month of December, for children up through high school. This will take place in both services. A note to parents of young children: Did you know that when your child reaches age 3, he or she is welcome to start Sunday School? Cemetery Plots Available: There are two cemetery plots available at St. John s Cemetery for $200 each. Please call if you are interested. Christmas Service Schedule Sunday, December 23: One Morning Service at 9:30 AM Lessons and Carols Monday, December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 3:00, 4:30, and Contemporary Service at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 25: 9:30 a.m. with Communion Pro-Life Corner: The very best light show comes from the smile on the Baby s face in the manger. He is smiling because He likes you and has come to rescue you. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12 NIV). Rev. Mark Jeske, Time of Grace

11 LSA News Substitute Teachers: LSA is in need of substitute teachers for all grades. If you are interested, please call our offices or Box Tops for Education: LSA is collecting Box Tops labels. Each label is worth ten cents. Please check to make sure they are not expired. You may bring them to the church office, and we will send them on to the LSA. Mon., Dec. 10 6:00 pm JH Boys Basketball vs. Garfield Home 6:00 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. University High Away Tues., Dec. 11 6:00 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. Shelbyville Home Thurs., Dec. 13 6:00 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. Mt. Pulaski Home Fri., Dec. 14 6:00 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. Sullivan Away HS Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament Away Sat., Dec :00 pm JH Boys Basketball vs OLOL Home HS Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament Away Sun., Dec. 16 7:00 pm 7 th 12 th Grade Christmas Concert Mon., Dec. 17 6:00 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. Arcola Home Last Week s Giving General Fund... $16, Caring and Sharing... $ Amount Needed To Meet Budget... $16, Adult Sunday School... $28.00 Last Week s Attendance 8:30 a.m :00 a.m Total Advent 10:00 a.m :30 p.m.... Adult Sunday School Children s Sunday School Nursing Home Services Generations at McKinley Court... 6 Generations at McKinley Place Decatur Rehab Heartland... 0 Total 45

12 THE LORD S WORK Sunday, December 9 8:30 a.m.... Traditional Service 9:45 a.m....education Hour 11:00 a.m.... Contemporary Service 6:00 p.m.... Jr. High Youth Group Monday, December :00 a.m.... YMCA Preschool 6:00 p.m.... Boy Scouts-Court of Honor (Sanctuary, FH, Kitchen) 6:30 p.m....cub Scouts (Ed Wing) Tuesday, December 11 1:00 p.m.... Staff Meeting 3-5:00 p.m.... YMCA Preschool 6:00 p.m.... Worship Planning Meeting 6:30 p.m.... Lay Ministry (Rock) Wednesday, December 12 9:00 11:00 a.m... YMCA Preschool 10:00 a.m....advent Service at the Cancer Care Center 10:30 a.m.... Adult Bible Study 5:00 p.m.... Advent dinner begins 6:30 p.m.... Advent Services 7:30 p.m.... Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 13 9:00 a.m.... DCE Meeting in FH 3-5:00 p.m.... YMCA Preschool 5:30 p.m.... TOPS 6:30 p.m.... Young Adult Group 6:30 p.m.... Worship Practice 6:30 p.m.... Troop Committee Meeting (Rock) Friday, December 14 All Day... Set-Up for Christmas Brunch (FH & Kitchen) Saturday, December 15 All Day... Set-Up for Christmas Brunch (FH & Kitchen) Sunday, December 16 8:30 a.m.... Traditional Service 9:30 11:00 a.m... Christmas Brunch 9:45 a.m....education Hour 11:00 a.m.... Contemporary Service 6:00 p.m....sr. High Youth Groups (YMCA Before/After School Care, Monday through Friday)