4842 Nicollet Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota A vibrant community living faith boldly through Welcoming, Worshiping, Healing, and Serving

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1 WORSHIPING Gathering together in prayer and praise Nicollet Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota Fueled by Christ s redeeming love, St. John s is called into a joyful life of welcoming hospitality, grace-filled worship, transformational relationships, and Gospel-driven service in the world. A vibrant community living faith boldly through Welcoming, Worshiping, Healing, and Serving Epiphany of Our Lord January 6, 2019 Prelude Prelude on Wie schön leuchtet Peter P. Stearns Welcome Opening Hymn Bright and Glorious Is the Sky ELW 301 Greeting The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Confession and Forgiveness Blessed be the Holy Trinity, one God, who shines in glory, clothes us in compassion, and bears gifts of mercy for all. Amen. Let us confess our sins with confidence in God s promise of forgiveness. Silence for reflection and self-examination God, wonderful counselor, 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. 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, may God give you faith to trust Jesus, who is Love born for you, now and always. Amen.

2 WELCOME! God is here for you. Hymn of Praise If you have a prayer of celebration or concern that you would like included in the prayers, please complete the white card located in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate during the offering. FRIENDS Welcome! Thank you for worshiping at St. John s today. You are welcome to participate in every part of the worship service, including Holy Communion. You re also welcome to fill out a white Fellowship Card in your pew rack and place it in the offering plate. Prayer of the Day Almighty and ever-living God, you revealed the incarnation of your Son by the brilliant shining of a star. Shine the light of your justice always in our hearts and over all lands, and accept our lives as the treasure we offer in your praise and for your service, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

3 A Word for Children Amy Mihelich Children are welcome to worship in their seats with you or go to the nursery with a Nursery Attendant. Nursery care is offered for children up to age 6. Activity bags are available in the narthex (entry). Today s Nursery Attendants are: Sarah Bartell Eleanor Willette The Nursery is located at the end of the hall to the right of the front of the sanctuary. Readings next Sunday: Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 2:15-17, First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Pew Bible p. 602 Holy Wisdom. Holy Word. Thanks be to God. Second Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, (read responsively) Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service. For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight. Third Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12 Pew Bible p. 950 Holy Wisdom. Holy Word. Thanks be to God. Gospel Acclamation (please stand as able)

4 Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the second chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. The Good News, given for you. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon Pastor Mark Hymn of the Day O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! ELW 308 Verses 1-4 Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

5 Those in our prayers A Year today: of Margaret Thompson Jane McDonald Sara May Reinecke Norleen Schmidt Bruce Walker Margery Arens Diane Shea Susan Morton Rhonda Stanley Gudrun Harstad Jeff Carlson Amy Arens Susan Stagg Sharon Kunz Nancy Hacker Debra Jacobs Dona Collins Joe Gerken Chris Hadland Prayers of the Church Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. When prompted, you are invited to add names of your choosing, either silently or aloud, to our prayers this morning. Sharing of the Peace The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Offering Special Music Joy to the World Aaron David Miller Offering Hymn Flowers today are given by Bob Slifer in memory of his wife Judy. The Offering is an important part of Christian worship; a moment when we share God s abundance by giving back to God what God has first given to us: our selves, time, talents, and finances. Thank you for all the ways you live by God s grace, sharing from what you have to empower the mission and ministry to which God has called us as St. John s Lutheran Church. Offering Prayer Holy God, 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.

6 About communion: All are welcome to commune at St. John s. If your child does not yet commune, you are welcome to bring them forward to receive a blessing from Pastor Mark. Communion will be served from the kneelers at the front of the sanctuary. Greeters will direct you forward for distribution. You will receive the host to eat and then wine (red) or juice (white) from an individual communion cup. Gluten-free wafers are available. Please indicate your need to the server. The ingredients for our communion bread are: whole wheat flour, white flour, salt, baking powder, oil, water, molasses & honey. Please inform the greeters if you need special assistance, and communion will be brought to you. The Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. The Words of Institution The Lord s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. 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. Invitation to Communion Come to the table where Christ meets you. Eat, rejoice, and be glad! Lamb of God Communion Hymn This Little Light of Mine ELW 677 Post Communion Blessing Prayer after Communion Let us pray. God of wonder, 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.

7 WORSHIP LEADERS Presiding Minister: Pastor Mark Tiede Assisting Minister: Deborah Dunham Worship & Music: Samuel Grace, director Peder Flaten, organ St. John s Choir Acolyte: Jaeden Micco Communion Preparer: Samuel Grace Greeters: Ron & Bonnie Conrad Coffee Servers: Andy & Sarah Tellijohn Nursery: Sarah Bartell Eleanor Willette Counters: Bob Holden JoAnn Christoferson Announcements (please be seated) The Benediction 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. Amen. Sending Hymn Brightest and Best of the Stars ELW 303 Dismissal Christ is with you. Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Postlude Morning Star Wayne L. Wold From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License # New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. CHURCH COUNCIL President: Sarah Tellijohn Vice President: Jennifer Burdick Secretary: Patrick Coveney Treasurer: Susan Zabel Members-at-Large: Jim Gambucci Bea Hasselmann Debra Jacobs Ann Paulson Oly Stromberg Eric Willette

8 Our Welcoming Life Together CALENDAR: Today: Event: Location: 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hour; Everyone Welcome! Fellowship Hall Tuesday, Jan. 8 1:00 p.m. Child Care Committee Lounge 3:10 p.m. Homework House Lounge 5:30 p.m. Facilities Committee Lounge 6:30 p.m. Music Series Committee Off-Site 7:00 p.m. Metropolitan Men s Choir Fellowship Hall Wednesday, Jan. 9 5:30 p.m. Confirmation Lounge 6:00 p.m. St. John s Bells Sanctuary 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Lounge 6:45 p.m. St. John s Brass Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. St. John s Choir Fellowship Hall Thursday, Jan. 10 8:30 a.m. Toolbox Brigade Custodian s Office 10:00 a.m. Bible Study Lounge Saturday, Jan. 12 9:00 a.m. Metropolitan Boys & Men s Choirs FH/Chapel Next Sunday, Jan. 13 Baptism of Our Lord 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Upper Room 10:00 a.m. Worship Hour Sanctuary 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hour Fellowship Hall 11:15 a.m. CAN Committee Chapel or FH BIBLE STUDIES with Pastor Mark will resume this Wednesday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. Come and join in these lively learning conversations! A CONGREGATION MEETING will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 11:15 a.m. for the purpose of adopting a budget for the work of St. John s ministries in A SPECIAL CONGREGATION MEETING will be convened following the budget meeting on January 27. The purpose of this special meeting will be to determine whether to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation. This will occur through a vote on whether to adopt an affirmation of welcome statement. An initial version was circulated for congregational feedback and then revised based on that feedback. A final draft will be available on Sunday, January 20. BRUNCH AND BIBLE STUDY Sundays from 11:10-noon: Beginning January 27, middle and high school youth are invited to stick around after the service to dive into God s word and some bagels. Learn why the Bible is relevant to your life and contemporary social justice issues. We ll meet upstairs. Note: Drop-In (the former St. John s Youth Group) is cancelled until further notice. TRUST Youth Lock-In! Friday, January 25th from 4:45-11:15 p.m. at Union UCC We will go bowling, play bingo, screen print our own TRUST Youth t-shirts, and play night games in the church. Please bring $20 ($5 for pizza and $15 for bowling) and a t-shirt. We ll meet at St. John s at 4:45 p.m. and drive over to Union UCC together. We will return to St. John s by 11:15 p.m. for pick-up. RSVP to Amy as soon as possible. MARK YOUR CALENDARS for February 8, 5:30-7 p.m. St. John s Friday Night Fun ST JOHN S STAFF Pastor: Mark Tiede Dir. of Worship & Music: Samuel Grace Dir. Of Children, Youth & Family Ministry Amy Mihelich Assistant for Ministry: Ann Paulson Bookkeeper: Angela Lee Custodians: Joseph Sahai Day Benjamin Gebhardt Weekend/Event Organist: Peder Flaten Accompanist: Ann Paulson Dir. of Child Care Center Tina Shear Chi Rho Center Manager Dave Helm MINISTRY TEAMS Administration Child Care Center Children, Youth & Family Community & Neighborhood Facilities Foundation Chi Rho Membership Music Series Stewardship Worship Website: Facebook: StJohnsMpls Contact: communications@stjohns mpls.org;