GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH 701 Iowa Avenue, Decorah, IA goodshepherddecorah.

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1 WORSHIP LEADERS and MINISTRY TEAM PARTICIPANTS - ACOLYTE: Kim Kavan; ASSISTING MINISTER: Jim Fritz; COMMUNION SERVER: Elizabeth Fritz; CANTOR: Reg Laursen; ALTAR GUILD: Carrie Solberg, Carol Hasvold, Bev Sheridan; USHERS: Kim Kavan, Cheuang Kavan; GREETER: Elizabeth Kaschins; FELLOWSHIP SERVERS: Nate Fuhler, David Lester, Elizabeth Kaschins, Mary Fritz (F), ORGANIST: Brooke Joyce. All are welcome at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. God makes no exceptions. In the spirit of Jesus Christ, we offer trust and respect to all, including those who may experience alienation, distrust, or rejection. We rely on the healing, unconditional love of God to shape our community in the name of the Good Shepherd. In keeping with our welcome, Good Shepherd is a Reconciling In Christ congregation, affirming our welcome to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer identifying persons to participate fully in the life of our congregation. Welcome Guests. Good Shepherd members invite you to coffee and conversation following worship in our Fellowship Hall (down the east hallway). There are cards with information about Good Shepherd in the pew racks. Feel free to take one with you. Guests and members please sign and pass the red fellowship pads in the pews. All are welcome to share in Holy Communion. Ushers will direct you to the communion line which forms at the back of the sanctuary and moves up to the altar rail. If you wish to have the Pastor serve Communion in the pew, please inform one of the ushers. The bread is gluten-free. Receive the bread with open hands, then dip it into either the chalice of wine or the glass goblet containing grape juice. Egg-free wheat wafers are available upon request. If you prefer a blessing, place your arms in front of your chest. You are also welcome to remain in the pew and offer prayers. Thank you for bringing children to worship today. It is hard work to worship with kids, but it is such important work that helps them and the whole church. The sound of a child in worship is the sound of a new Christian being formed. The presence, energy, and noise of children are most welcome here. Our nursery is available as a quiet space for parents and children. Activity bags also are available there. PRAYER LIST - Good Shepherd Family: Bud Bahr, Jerry Bruce, Shirley Casebere, Louise Duwe on the death of Joe s brother, Karl and Jerrine Jacobsen, Ed Kaschins, the family of Helen Schweizer, Carmen Sunde, Linda Wolfs, all residents and staff at Aase Haugen, Eastern Star, Wellington Place, and Nathan Wicks at Wartburg Seminary. Relatives and Friends: Nathan Berg, Emily Bishman (Tanya Gertz s sister-in-law), Maynard and Bev Blair (Mike's father and stepmother), Bob Dornbush (Sue Blair's brother), Mary Harrison (friend of Midge Kjome), Marian Brynsaas (sister of Laverne Ramsey), John Hassebroek (grandfather of Amalia Vagts), Brent Jorgensen (nephew of Reg and Jeri Laursen), Mary Joyce (mother of Brooke Joyce), Jody Kruegel (sister-in-law of Kathy and Jim Buzza), Lance Maly (son of Mary Jane Maly), the family of Russ Rulon, Sarah Jane (daughter of Jane Jakoubek), Weston Noble, Pat Plude and family (friends of Brooke Joyce), Lyle Steele (cousin of LaVerne Ramsey), John Tapscott (Matt Tapscott s father), Mary Beth & Bayo Oyebade and the Mashiah Foundation in Jos, Nigeria, and our Companion Congregation in Tsumeb, Namibia. GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH 701 Iowa Avenue, Decorah, IA decorahgoodshepherd@gmail.com goodshepherddecorah.org GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

2 A Reconciling in Christ Congregation We Are God s People and the Sheep of God s Pasture Psalm 100:3 Pastor Amy Larson Brooke Joyce, Music Director

3 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT December 4, :30 a.m. ORDER OF WORSHIP From Evangelical Lutheran Worship - ELW (red book in pew); page numbers (P.) in front; hymn numbers (#) in back; congregational responses in bold The congregation stands when indicated by * GATHERING GATHERING MUSIC Comfort, Comfort Now My People - Johann Pachelbel PRAYER BELL - WELCOME - ANNOUNCEMENTS *CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, whose reign of mercy and justice draws near. Amen. Let us confess our sin against God and neighbor. Silence is kept for reflection God of all time, we so often fail to live in harmony with one another and to welcome others as you have welcomed us. We neglect your creation and ignore the poor. Strip our hearts and minds of all that prevents us from living in your ways. May our lives bear fruit worthy of your kingdom. God makes a way in the wilderness and a new creation within you. In Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven and God s mercy is made known for you and all the world. Thanks be to God. *GATHERING SONG: # 250 Blessed Be the God of Israel *KYRIE : P *PRAYER OF THE DAY LIGHTING OF ADVENT WREATH - Hymn #262 Wait for the Lord CHILDREN S MESSAGE FIRST READING: Isaiah 11:1-10 Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God. PSALM 72:1-7, Give the king your jus- tice, O God, and your righteousness to the king s son; WORD

4 2 that he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice; 3 that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. 4 Let him defend the needy a- mong the people, rescue the poor, and crush the oppressor. 5 May he live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another. 6 Let him come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that wa- ter the earth. 7 In his time may the righteous flourish; and let there be an abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. 18 Blessed are you, LORD God, the God of Israel; you alone do wondrous deeds! 19 And blessed be your glorious name forever, and may all the earth be filled with your glory. A- men. Amen SECOND READING: Romans 15:4-13 Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God. *GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: P. 102 *GOSPEL: Matthew 3:1-12 The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON *HYMN OF THE DAY: # 249 On Jordan's Banks the Baptist's Cry *NICENE CREED: P. 104 *PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION: Let us pray to the Lord. Come Lord Jesus. *PEACE: The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. MEAL OFFERTORY MUSIC: "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" (Southern Harmony) *OFFERING SONG: # 247 Come Now, O Prince of Peace *OFFERING PRAYER

5 *GREAT THANKSGIVING HOLY: P *LORD S PRAYER: P. 112 Our Father in Heaven (the ecumenical version of the prayer) COMMUNION HYMNS: P Lamb of God, # 256 Comfort, Comfort Now My People, #487 What Feast of Love TABLE BLESSING and PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION SENDING *BLESSING *SENDING SONG: # 711 O Day of Peace *PRAYER BELL and DISMISSAL Go in peace. Be awake to Christ s coming. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Comfort, Comfort Now My People" (final variation) - Johann Pachelbel Psalm: Copyright 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License Sunday, December 4 - Second Sunday of Advent 8:45 a.m. - Handbell Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. - Worship with Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hour 10:45 a.m. Adult Forum, Path to Citizenship 10:45 a.m. - Sunday School/Confirmation Tuesday, December 6 4:00 p.m. - Mary Circle Meeting, Sharon Drew hosts Wednesday, December 7 7:30 a.m. - Men s Breakfast 5:30 p.m. - Advent Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. - Choir Rehearsal 7:45 p.m. - Band Rehearsal Thursday, December 8 10:00 a.m. - Adult Bible Study with Pastor Amy 11:00 a.m. - Education Committee Meeting Friday, December 9 10:00 a.m. - Stewardship Committee THIS WEEK AT GOOD SHEPHERD

6 2:00 p.m. - Worship and Music Committee Sunday, December 11 - Third Sunday of Advent 8:45 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. - Worship with Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hour 10:45 a.m. - Sunday School ADULT FORUM THIS MORNING is on the Path to Citizenship and will include information on the Peace & Justice Center Immigration Working Group, a ministry called Justice for Our Neighbors, the Catholic Charities immigration legal office now in Decorah, and the topic of immigrant unaccompanied minor children. Presented by Ruth Palmer and Yer Vang. POINSETTIAS FOR THE SANCTUARY - Altar Guild has arranged for a convenient and economical way to provide poinsettias for Christmas. Orders, with payment, are to be placed through the Church Office no later than Monday morning, December 12; cost is $11.00/plant. Decorah Greenhouses will deliver the plants on December 23. Checks should be made payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Poinsettia in the memo line. Plants may be given in honor or memory by including names with the order. Additional information appears in the December Shepherd's Voice; or contact Elizabeth, Jeri, or Jenny. SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: Jean Swiggum celebrated her 90th birthday on December 3rd. Please shower her with birthday greetings. ADVENT WEDNESDAY SERVICES - December 7 and December 14 at 5:30pm. During the darkest time of the year, we will gather to sing Holden Evening Prayer and reflect upon the theme Hope is Born in the Dark. After worship, you are invited to share in supper at an area restaurant; watch for details. ADVENT DEVOTIONS - The ELCA has created a series of Advent devotions for each of the four Sundays in Advent. They can be accessed on the Good Shepherd blog, Facebook and Google+ pages. Paper copies will also be available for pick-up. SEEKING COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL MEMBERS - The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for people to serve on committees and council in If you re willing to serve or have names to suggest, please talk to a committee member or Kate Narveson narveska@luther.edu. Committee members are Kate Narveson, Drew Duffy, Megan Buckingham, Jonathon Struve, Pam Torresdal and Marion Pruitt-Jefferson. MEMBERS MOVING UP! Good news attendance on Sunday mornings has been growing and we are welcoming visitors every week. But where will everyone sit? Our front pews are often empty, but it s asking a lot of visitors to expect they ll feel comfortable (not to

7 mention welcome) in those front rows. The Evangelism Committee along with the Congregation Council invite our members to move on up so that we ll have seats available in the back for visitors who don t necessarily want to be front and center. Go ahead and occupy those front seats and feel free to sit in the choir chairs during services when the choir is not singing. Those are comfortable seats, with hymnals at the ready and a good view of the altar! PRAYING THE NEWS - As people of faith, watching, listening to, reading, and discussing the news offers us an opportunity to pray. Prayer is a positive, life-giving response to the news. Prayer lifts our concerns before God, asks for help and guidance, and helps us find a faithful response, no matter what the news presents. Good Shepherd member Jane Jakoubek, a spiritual director, has prepared a resource for praying with the news; it's available in the Narthex today. PHOTOS are being posted throughout Advent and Christmas on the Good Shepherd website focusing on congregation activities. Photos may be accessed on Flickr as well as Instagram, both located on the homepage of the website. If you have photos you'd like to share, please send them to Jane Kemp at kempjane@mchsi.com. AUDIO OF SERMONS POSTED - Beginning with the first Sunday in Advent, November 27, the audio of Pastor Amy's sermons is being posted on the Good Shepherd website. To access, select the "Connect" tab at the top of the homepage and under the pull-down menu, click on the "Sermons" link. Click on the word "Audio" under the date for the sermon selected. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, WORSHIP LEADERS and MINISTRY TEAM - ASSISTING MINISTER: Don Berg; USHER: Jonathon Struve, Drew Duffy; ORGANIST: Brooke Joyce SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, WORSHIP LEADERS and MINISTRY TEAM PARTICIPANTS - ACOLYTE: Jeri Laursen; ASSISTING MINISTER: Marv Slind; COMMUNION SERVER: Reg Laursen; CANTOR: Jonathon Struve; ALTAR GUILD: Carrie Solberg, Carol Hasvold, and Bev Sheridan; USHERS: Joyce & Ed Epperly; GREETER: Reg Laursen; FELLOWSHIP SERVERS: Joyce & Ed Epperly, Carolyn Solberg, Clara Knudson, ORGANIST: Brooke Joyce.