Born for Us MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 Born for Us MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH December 24, 2018

2 PRELUDE & WELCOME (*) Please stand if able. *CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: We gather in the name that is our hope and our future. We gather in the name of our baptism, which means we gather in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Let us confess our sins with confidence in God s promise of forgiveness. P: God, wonderful counselor, C: we confess that we have turned from your gifts and chosen our own way. We have not made room for you in our hearts or in our world. We have lived in fear; we have not welcomed the stranger; we desire gifts that will not endure. Forgive us our sins, known and unknown, and open us to receive the peace of Jesus dwelling in and among us. Amen. P: God s lovingkindness has appeared to us in Christ our Savior. We are saved, not by anything we have done, but by God s mercy poured out on us richly. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Through the Spirit living in you, God give you faith to trust Jesus, who is Love born for you, now and always. C: Amen. *GATHERING HYMN Savior of the Nations, Come Hymn #263 *GREETING P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.

3 *KYRIE

4 *HYMN OF PRAISE (7 PM)

5 *CHOIR (10 PM) Glory to God from Handel s Messiah Glory to God in the highest, and Peace on Earth, good will towards men. *PRAYER OF THE DAY (The Prayer of the Day begins the transition toward the reading and the interpretation of the Bible, often telegraphing some of the issues and concerns to be raised by the readings.) P: Let us pray. P: Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.

6 FIRST READIING Isaiah 9:2-7 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4For the yoke of their burden,and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. C: Thanks be to God! R: The word of the Lord, SPECIAL MUSIC (7 PM) A Hallelujah Christmas words by Cloverton, music by Leonard Cohen (Lyrics provided to increase your enjoyment of the music not to call for singing on your part. But if the Spirit moves, feel free to join in and sing along. I've heard about this baby boy Who's come to earth to bring us joy And I just want to sing this song to you It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth The minor fall, the major lift With every breath I'm singing Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah A couple came to Bethlehem Expecting child, they searched the inn To find a place for You were coming soon There was no room for them to stay So in a manger filled with hay God's only Son was born, oh Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah The shepherds left their flocks by night To see this baby wrapped in light A host of angels led them all to You It was just as the angels said You'll find Him in a manger bed Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

7 A star shown bright up in the east To Bethlehem, the wisemen three Came many miles and journeyed long for You And to the place at which You were Their frankincense and gold and myrrh They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah *CHOIR (10 PM) I know You came to rescue me This baby boy would grow to be A man and one day die for me and you My sins would drive the nails in You That rugged cross was my cross, too Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah This Christmastide Green and silver, red and gold, and a story born of old. Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide. This Christmastide. Holly, ivy, mistletoe, and the gently falling snow. Truth and love and hope abide, this Christmastide. This Christmastide. From a simple oxen stall came the greatest gift of all. Truth and hope and love abide, this Christmastide. This Christmastide. Children sing of peace and joy at the birth of one small boy. Truth and hope and love abide, this Christmastide. This Christmastide. Let the bells ring loud and clear, ring out now for all to hear. Truth and hope and love abide, this Christmastide. This Christmastide. Trumpets sound and voices raise in an endless stream of praise. Truth and hope and love abide, this Christmastide. This Christmastide. Green and silver, red and gold and a story born of old: Peace and love and hope abide, this Christmas tide. This Christmastide.

8 SECOND READING Titus 2: The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. R: The word of the Lord, C: Thanks be to God! CHILDREN S SERMON (7 PM) *GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (7 PM) *GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (10 PM) And the Glory of the Lord from Handel s Messiah And the glory, the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

9 *GOSPEL READING Luke 2:1-20 C: Glory to you, O Lord! P: The holy gospel according to Luke, 1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. C: Praise to you, O Christ! P: The gospel of the Lord, SERMON *HYMN OF THE DAY: Away in a Manger Hymn #277

10 *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 truly 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 with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic 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. *PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION WA: As heaven and earth rejoice, let us pray for the needs of the church and all the world. WA: Your great compassion, O God, has increased our joy. Give us gratitude each day for your light and the bread of life. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. WA: Because of your generosity, the trees clap their hands, the deep waters teem with varied creatures, and the stars burn with distant fire. Make us grateful for all that you call us to nurture and protect. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great.

11 WA: Because you know our need for order, you give us nations, cities, and neighborhoods. Help us to welcome the expertise of leaders, to uphold their good direction, and to oppose what harms the vulnerable. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. WA: Because you are a God of healing and renewal, you make whole what is broken. We beg your mercy on all who find this time of year a burden. Strengthen the grieving and comfort those who struggle with addictions. We pray especially for those we name aloud or silently (a brief silence). Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. WA: By the power of the Holy Spirit, you have given us to each other to encourage and challenge. Give us hearts that remember your Christmas gifts beyond this night. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. WA: We give thanks for those before us who witnessed to your presence, taught us to pray, and strengthened us in the truth (especially), and all with whom we share the feast of eternal life. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. WA: Into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Christ, our Lord. C: Amen *SHARING OF THE PEACE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OFFERING *OFFERTORY SONG Refrain: Verse 1: Verse 2: Verse 3: Go Tell It on the Mountain Hymn #290 Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev ry where; go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! While shepherds kept their watching o er silent flocks by night, behold, through-out the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain. The shepherds feared and trembled when, lo, above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior s birth. Refrain. Down in a lonely manger the humble Christ was born; and God sent us salvation the blessed Christmas morn. Refrain.

12 *OFFERTORY PRAYER WA: Let us pray. Holy God, C: your beauty shines forth from the manger and your love flows from the cross. As you gather us around these signs of your love come among us, warm us to extend your care among the hungry and all in need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. *THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (We prepare for Christ to enter our very bodies with the words The Lord be with you, just as the angel Gabriel once used these same words to announce Jesus conception in the virgin Mary s womb, e.g. Luke 1:26-28.)

13 *PREFACE

14 *HOLY, HOLY, HOLY *EUCHARISTIC PRAYER P: Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary s openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh. P: In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. P: Again, after supper, 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 of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. P: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. P: With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.

15 C: Come, Lord Jesus. P: Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth. C: Come, Holy Spirit. P: All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. *LORD S PRAYER P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray. C: 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. INVITATION TO COMMUNION P: Come to the table where Christ meets you. Eat, rejoice, and be glad! COMMUNION SONG Lamb of God

16 COMMUNION HYMNS: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Joy to the World In the Bleak Midwinter O Come, All Ye Faithful It Came upon the Midnight Clear Hymn #270 Hymn #267 Hymn #294 Hymn #283 Hymn #282 *PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION WA: Let us pray. God of wonder, C: in Jesus we behold the light of the world come near. As you have come among us now, send us out in joy, hastening to share the good news of your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit dwelling among us now and forever. Amen. BLESSING (7 PM) Special Music The Star of Bethlehem by Roger Felix Vs. 1 When I speak about a star And where that star began Could it be it was a child Which then became a man? Vs. 2 When I speak of the beginning A star that s shining bright A star that is forever One that can light your darkest night. The Star of Bethlehem was not up in the sky The star was in a manger with love light in His eyes. The Star of Bethlehem will never become dim He longs to live in everyone and for us to live in him. Chorus The greatest Star you ll ever meet Was lying in a manger with tiny hands and feet The greatest Star you ll ever find Had Mary as his mother in God s perfect place and time.

17 The greatest Son, the great I am Started in a manger, there in Bethlehem The greatest King we ve ever known Was reigning in a stable from His wooden manger throne. That s why we celebrate today Knowing that nothing can ever take his throne away, Vs. 3 So if your heart is aching and you feel you ve lost your friends Right where you are look to the Star, The Star of Bethlehem. Chorus The Star of Bethlehem was not up in the sky. The Star was in a manger With a love light in His eyes. CHOIR (10 PM) Special Music Russian Alleluia *BLESSING (10 PM) P: God the Creator who delights in you, Jesus the Savior who is born for you, and the lifegiving Spirit who shines on you, bless you and keep you in hope and peace. C: Amen. *SENDING SONG: Silent Night, Holy Night (with the lighting of candles) Hymn #281 *DISMISSAL WA: Go in peace. Share the good news, C: Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Seasonal Resources from Sunday s & Seasons, copyright 2015 Augsburg Fortress

18 MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH Forget Thee Not Notes: December 24, 2018 Pastor: Reverend Scott Klimke Cell phone: (570) Director of Music/Organist: Dan Gresh Mission: Inviting every generation on a shared journey to Christian growth. Weekly Schedule: Mon: 7:00 pm 10:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship Christmas Eve Worship Tues: Sat: Sun: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! 5:30 pm Worship 9:00 am Worship The readings for next weekend are: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148, Colossians 3:12-17, and Luke 2:41-52

19 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2018 Greeters: 7:00 Cindy & Sara Solarczyk Reader: 7:00 Jack Weisbrodt Worship Assist: 7:00 Brian Harshberger Comm. Assist: 7:00 Pam Bittner Acolyte: 7:00 Nathaniel Mayket Crucifer 7:00 Luke Raho Ushers: 7:00 Pozun Family Communion Bread: Sat. & Sun. Sue Cade 10:00 Brent & Ida Williams 10:00 Susan Brandau 10:00 Kathy Ling 10:00 Joan Bunnell 10:00 10:00 10:00 John & Teresa Lumley December 29 & 30, 2018 Greeters: 5:30 Gary & Betty Schofield Reader: 5:30 Brian Wechtenhiser Worship Assist: 5:30 Cindy Buday Comm. Assist: 5:30 Brian Hiltz Acolyte: 5:30 Crucifer 5:30 Ushers: 5:30 Mark & Deb Rychak Communion Bread: Sat. & Sun. Brian & Lori Hiltz 9:00 Swartz Family 9:00 Gretel Kaltenbaugh 9:00 Ray Leverknight 9:00 Tiffany Swartz 9:00 Lily Swartz 9:00 Meghan Swartz 9:00 Mary Ann Mapes & Patti Sliko Given to the Glory of God! Flowers: In memory of loved ones by Paul & Gayle Swartz Remember Jayne Hagins and Deb Zilch who are known to be hospitalized. Remember these individuals for whom prayer was requested: Pat Conklin, Lynn, Don, Mary, Dorothy, Midge, Denny, Joe, Dawn Marie, Scott and Josh, Pastor Denise Arpino, Patti, Elisa, Nathan, Bree, Tom Donaldson, Jill, Dave, Karen, Lauren, Billy, Jim and Beth Rice, Maggie and Tony, Bruce, Ashok, Bill, Jeff and Meg.

20 Flower/Bulletin Charts If you would like to sign up for flowers or bulletins for 2019, the charts are available on the bulletin board in the narthex. The price for flowers is $35.00 and the bulletins are $ Audio recordings of the weekly readings, sermons, and special music are now available at Click on the link at the bottom of the web page. The link does not work when accessed through a smart phone. Attention: Parents/Grandparents Is your little one having a bad day? Please feel free to utilize our new lounge, sometimes referred to as the cry room, at any time. It s the room right off the narthex with the sliding glass doors. Besides the big comfy couches, there is a closet with lots of toys to occupy someone s time and attention. You won t be totally isolated from the service because there are speakers which carry the service from the nave. Should you have any questions, contact an usher or greeter. Bulletin Information Submission The bulletin is printed by noon on Thursdays. Please have all of your announcements to April Goss by Tuesday at 5:00 pm. Announcements should be ed to April at aprillynngoss@gmail.com. You should also include Pastor Scott and Sue Cade on any and all announcements that you send to April so they can be aware of them during the editing process. Pastor Scott s address is sklimke6@gmail.com and Sue Cade s is cades@mt-calvarylutheran.org. Prayer List Submission Please help us keep the prayer list organized and up-to-date. Provided they arrive in the church office by 2 PM on Wednesday, new names will be added to the prayer list before the publication of that weekend s bulletin. Once on the prayer list, names will remain there for three weeks unless a longer period has been specifically requested. Names can be submitted to our secretary, Sue Cade, by phone or ed to Sue at cades@mt-calvarylutheran.org

21 Did you know? There are an average of 1.32 billion people who log onto Facebook everyday! Please visit and like our Facebook page. Each time you share a post it reaches new "friends." Want to share a picture or event with our social media friends? Please send any request to Laura Bower at laurapsu03@gmail.com. Website requests should be sent to the same address, as well. MT. CALVARY PRESS RELEASE You now have an opportunity to sponsor the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church notice in the Saturday issue of the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat newspaper! We are asking if any of our members are interested in sponsoring this ad for 1 week. The cost is $ We are also giving you the opportunity to place this as an Honorarium or Memorial, if you wish. Sponsored by In Honor/Memory of How Many Weeks Public Wi-Fi Login: john316guest BLOOD DRIVE The next blood drive will be held on Friday, January 18 between 12:30-6:00 PM. Please take the time to come out and donate. Help save a life! Please Recycle Bulletins If you won t be using it at home, please put your used bulletin in one of the blue bins to be found in the narthex. Handicapped Accessible Bathroom There is a handicapped accessible bathroom at the end of the narthex corridor in which the elevator is found. Electronic Newsletter We are able to send the Hilltopper electronically. If you would like your newsletter ed to you, please Sue Cade at cades@mt-calvarylutheran.org. This way s will be correct. Sending the newsletter through will make us more efficient. If you have any questions, please call Sue Cade at

22 Save the Dates Snow Camp at Camp Sequanota Feb 1-3 Sequanota Wacky Bowling March 3 More info to come... Sunday Morning Winter Building Access Pick the closest door to your parking space these blustery Winter mornings. No need to spend the time outside walking to the parking circle main entrance. The Richland Learning Center door, Sander Hall door, glass door on other side of Sander Hall, and the main entrance will all be unlocked!! Our next craft club is scheduled to meet Saturday afternoon January 19th, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 at Koch Ceramics. We must have a minimum of 10 people attend this painting event. Please jslayton@atlanticbb.net if you will join us. We strongly encourage you to visit Koch Ceramics in advance to select an item to paint. Sometimes people spend the first hour shopping and deciding what to do, allowing only 1 hour to paint. You will pay for your ceramics that day. You may choose a small inexpensive item, or a much larger more expensive project. Of course once you master painting ceramics, you may make many more items for yourself or to donate to our charity project. We will cancel if the weather is horrible. Please the above address before noon that day if you are uncertain about the weather. We will schedule a wreath making time and another ornament making session in case you missed the last one. Watch the bulletin or fellowship board for more information. We hope to see you at one of our craft club meetings!

23 2019 Envelopes can be picked up in the narthex Every year the offering envelopes are renumbered so they are in alphabetical order. Your number may have changed from last year. So, beginning Jan. 1, throw away your 2018 offering envelopes and start using your 2019 offering envelopes. If you have received envelopes and choose not to have them, OR if you did not receive envelopes and would like to have offering envelopes, please call the church office. Also, help deliver envelopes to your friends and neighbors. You will find a magnet with a reminder of our 75 Anniversary dinner on it. Thank you! The Allegheny Synod 40,000 Can Challenge Advent to Super Bowl Sunday December 2 February 3 Your donation of non-perishable food items to the 40,000 Can Challenge will benefit local food banks and service agencies who serve the people in your community. Results will be publicized through the Allegheny Synod Facebook page, the Lutheran Letter, and s to congregations. Thank you for your generous support.

24 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 Merry Christmas. May God be with you on this Christmas Eve. My prayer is that you will be blessed by celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus and that you are surrounded by friends and family. We know so very well the story of our Lord s birth as told in the Gospel of Luke. Every Christmas Eve we gather and hear again the story of the announcement to the shepherds, the angels on high, and the little baby who was laid in the manger. We hear those words originally spoken to the shepherds, but the angel s words from Luke s Gospel are intended for all of us. And this will be a sign to you.. To you is born this day For you a Savior, one anointed by the Lord, has been born The angel s words are more than an image or a memory. They are a sign. A sign that God has done something new. In Jesus Christ, God has come into this broken world to live with us, care for us, teach us, and save us. The babe lying in the manger is God who has come into our broken and flawed world into our messy and imperfect lives. God took on our human flesh and a human life in Jesus. God broke into this unforgiving world in the lowliest of circumstances. Jesus came as a baby to a teenage mother and a carpenter father. As we know there was no room for them at the inn. In Jesus we see the God who took a place with us in the struggles and the hardship of this life by showing up in the worst of circumstances so that we might know that no matter how bad our circumstances seem, this Jesus is with us and is here for us. Jesus is the great good news that God has come to us and God is with us. Jesus who came to that little manger 2000 years ago is with us now and always. May you know the love of Christ Jesus this Christmas. May you know his presence. May you know the Lord who loves you so much, that he would come into this world to claim us and save us. Jesus loves you. Christ is with you. I thank God for you. Merry Christmas, Bishop Michael Rhyne