Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016 Holy Communion

Transcription

1 In the words of the apostle Paul: To all God s beloved... who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7, NRSV). Welcome to worship! If you are a visitor, please sign the guest register at the rear of the sanctuary. We hope that you will join us for worship again. We have a transport chair available to members and guests when needed. Please ask an usher for assistance. Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, O come, O come, Emmanuel, a beloved hymn based on ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday in Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death. As Lutherans, we believe that the bread and wine of Holy Communion are signs given by God that Christ is fully present among us. We invite you to participate in receiving this miraculous presence. If you are unable to receive either the bread or the wine, be assured that even in the words, Christ is present to you. You are welcome to come to the Table to be fed and nurtured with us. (Communion record cards are available in the pew racks.) GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE AND QUIET MEDITATION Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2016 Holy Communion Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Pam Illick, Pastor GATHERING The assembly stands and faces the font (if you are able). CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. P Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who comes to wake us from sleep, who leads us into the light of grace.

2 P Let us prepare the way of the Lord by confessing our sin against God and neighbor. Silence is kept for reflection. P God of all time, C we confess that we have not prepared for your merciful reign among us. We ignore our neighbors in need and fail in the labor of justice and peace. In your mercy forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your light and to seek the things that will endure until Christ comes again in glory. Amen. P Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. In Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven and all things are made new. Rejoice in this good news! GATHERING SONG O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (ELW st. 1-4) 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. CANTICLE OF PRAISE: Angels We Have Heard on High Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis deo; gloria in excelsis deo. PRAYER OF THE DAY P Let us pray. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. The assembly is seated. LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH A We praise you, O God, for this wheel of time that marks our days of preparation for Christ s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, open our eyes to see your presence in the lowly ones of this earth. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may sing of your advent among us in the Word made flesh. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Light four candles. CONGREGATIONAL SONG: Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (ELW st. 4) WORD FIRST READING: Isaiah 7:10-16 An Israelite and Aramean military coalition presented a serious threat to King Ahaz of Judah. In response, Ahaz decided to secure his throne and kingdom by seeking refuge in Assyrian help. Isaiah reminds Ahaz that human attempts to establish security will fail. The prophet gives the sign of Immanuel that is the only source of true safety: God is with us! L A reading from Isaiah. 10 The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. 13 Then Isaiah said: Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

3 L The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. PSALM: Psalm 80:1-7, Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. 2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us. 3 Restore us, O God; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. 4 O LORD God of hosts, how long will your anger fume when your people pray? 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of tears to drink. 6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, and our enemies laugh us to scorn. 7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. 17 Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you have made so strong for yourself. 18 And so will we never turn away from you; give us life, that we may call upon your name. 19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. SECOND READING: Romans 1:1-7 Most of the Christians in Rome do not know Paul. In this letter s opening he introduces himself as an apostle divinely appointed to spread God s gospel. The gospel s content is the promised coming of Christ, and Paul s mission is to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations, including his Roman audience. L A reading from Romans. 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, 6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all God s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. L The word of the Lord. P Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION The assembly stands to welcome the gospel. GOSPEL: Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew s story of Jesus birth focuses on the role of Joseph, who adopts the divinely-begotten child into the family of David and obediently gives him the name Jesus, which means God saves. P The holy gospel according to Matthew. C Glory to you, O Lord. 18Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

4 P The gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ. The assembly is seated. CHILDREN S MESSAGE SERMON The assembly remains seated for the Hymn of the Day. HYMN OF THE DAY O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (ELW st. 5-8)) The assembly stands. CREED P With the whole church, let us confess our faith with the words of the 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. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION After each petition the congregation will respond: C hear our prayer. PEACE P The peace of Christ be with you always. C And also with you. The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may say, "Peace be with you," or similar words. The assembly is seated. MEAL OFFERING An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time, the table is set. THANK AND TELL After the offering is gathered, the assembly stands. OFFERTORY

5 OFFERING PRAYER A Let us pray. C Savior of the nations, come. Make your home here in us. Feed us with your love, that our faith shine ever new and our lives reveal your light. Amen. DIALOGUE HOLY, HOLY, HOLY PREFACE THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE P In the night in which he was handed over, 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.

6 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. Remembering, therefore, his life, death, and resurrection, we await his coming again in righteousness and peace. Send your Spirit on us and on this bread and wine we share: strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and bring to birth the justice and joy of your Son. Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, both now and forever. C Amen LORD'S PRAYER P Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. 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 Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you. Share in the feast of salvation. The assembly is seated. COMMUNION Communicants will proceed up the center aisle at the direction of the ushers. If you wish to receive the wine from the pouring chalice, please pick up an individual cup from the table at the head of the aisle. After receiving the bread from the pastor, proceed to the pouring chalice or the common cup to receive the wine. Return to your seat by the side aisle. If you prefer to receive a blessing, come forward with your arms crossed over your chest. If you would like to have communion brought to your seat, please indicate your wish to one of the ushers, and the pastor come to you When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. and each person may respond Amen. COMMUNION SONG After all have returned to their places, the assembly stands.

7 TABLE BLESSING P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen us and keep us in his grace. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION A Let us pray. God for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share. Make us ready always to welcome Christ into our hearts, and send us forth to be your people in the world, announcing your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. C Amen SENDING BLESSING P May Christ, the Sun of righteousness, shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. SENDING SONG Joy to the World (ELW 267) DISMISSAL A Go in peace. Share God s message of love through your words and actions with others C We will. Thanks be to God! POSTLUDE Worship is ended; our service begins. Copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS 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. The altar flowers are dedicated to the glory of God and are placed by Al and Anita Bingman in celebration of the holiday season. FOR YOUR INFORMATION PRAYER AND SUPPORT Remember to write the name(s) of persons for whom prayer is needed on the pad in the rear of the church! The names will be included in the Intercessory Prayers this morning. If you forget to put someone s name on the list, there is an opportunity to say the name during the prayers. Special prayers for: Workers and volunteers at Waynesboro Human Services. College Students: Remember Madi Kreitz in your prayers! Shut ins: Please remember our members who are unable to come to worship as you send out your Christmas greetings: Jean Benedict: Pen Mar Rd., Waynesboro, PA Edna Kost: 246 Topper Rd., Fairfield, PA Laura Lentz: 2256 Shanks Church Rd., Heritage Hills, Greencastle Pearl Minnich: Quincy Home, Room 167, 6596 Orphanage Rd., Waynesboro, PA UPCOMING EVENTS Lunch Bunch goes out on Sundays after worship for lunch (except on Sundays when we have Coffee & Conversation). Join us today at Rolling Mill Restaurant. We invite all to be with us for this time of fellowship as we enjoy a meal together. On Christmas Day and New Year s Day we will have a service of Holy Communion at 10 a.m. Please join us for this celebration of the birth of our Savior at a special early time.

8 FAITH FORMATION Holy Moly!! Every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Social Room!! Open to all children. A DAY-TIME STUDY!!!! On Wednesday, December 21, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. the Brown Bag Lunch group meets. Bring your lunch and enjoy discussion and study while we munch! We are concluding the Heaven on Earth study of Matthew! STEWARDSHIP Sharing the abundance of God s gifts to us of time, talents and wealth with others Donation envelopes for the Air Conditioning Fund are available on the windowsill at the rear of the sanctuary. New Flower, Bulletin and Candle Sponsor Charts Available: Are you thinking of a way to honor a loved one s birthday, anniversary, accomplishment, baptismal anniversary, or to just say, I love you? Is there a special person whose life you would like to memorialize? Sponsoring flowers, bulletins and/or candles is a great way to do that! Check out the bulletin board in the hallway off the narthex for more information. The charts for 2017 are now posted. We need plastic icing tubs for the distribution of altar flowers after the service. Please place on the counter in the altar room. Don t forget: Drop off your Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education, as well as your all occasion cards for St. Jude s recycled card program, in the appropriate container at the back of our worship area. Trinity s Encourager Ministry provides encouragement and outreach to our faith community. If you know of someone who could use a card, phone call, etc., let one of the members of the Evangelism Committee know. Contacts are made for special occasions/accomplishments in our lives such as an anniversary, new baby, baptism, first communion, confirmation, get well, graduation, retirement, sympathy, thinking of you, volunteer, wedding, etc. Members are Earl Duffey, Charlotte Kuhs, Sondra Musser, Judi Rice, and Donna Swauger. New Neighbor Baskets are now available for pickup at the church any Sunday morning. All you need to do is pick up the basket, deliver it, and have good conversation with your new neighbor. God is sending us out to do a new thing help us reach out to our community!. Agnes Day by James Wetzstein 7 PM Familiar Carols Christmas Scripture Pastor Pam s Christmas Message Holy Communion Candle-lighting TELC MISSION WORK FOR NEAR AND FAR Thursday in the Subway at Walmart is every Thursday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:00. Pastor Pam is available to anyone who is seeking prayer or someone to talk to. The invitation extends to our people here at TELC to stop by too. Please pray that this ministry will help TELC to take Jesus into the world. These sessions will resume in December when pastor Pam returns. "Agnus Day appears with the permission of

9 Righteousness Fulfilled There are still places where teenage girls and women are tortured or murdered for actual or suspected infidelity, which is seen as an insult to family honor. Likewise, Mary s pregnancy posed danger to her and shame to Joseph. As a righteous man faithful to God s law, Joseph planned to dismiss her quietly (Matt. 1:19). It was the lenient alternative to stoning. But then Joseph, like his namesake ancestor, had a dream. An angel s words opened up righteousness to an unthinkably wide and loving sweep: Do not be afraid (Matt. 1:20). Welcome Mary home as your wife. The child is to be called Jesus ( The Lord saves ). Emmanuel, God-with-us. And he will save his people from their sins. Righteousness combined with unexpected action: at the beginning, as Jesus was being knit together in Mary s womb, Joseph embraced both mother and child as family. How much sin and violence comes from trying to avoid shame? Shame walls us off and tells us we don t belong. Even if we don t face honor killing, we know what it is to feel alone, despised, helpless. Jesus saves by coming to be with us not where we wish we were, but exactly where we don t want to be. We are no longer alone but loved. Shame s power is destroyed. Jesus persistently gathered to himself the shunned and condemned, endangered and afraid. Crucified outside city walls, he was one with them from the beginning to the end. He took their part our part by the very way he was conceived and born. Righteousness that is cherished yet open to dreams and messengers from God may look like it is overturned when it is really being fulfilled. Saved in the womb by a mother and earthly father who accepted God s unlikely call to a different kind of righteousness, Jesus own living out of this righteousness eventually sent him to the cross, where death itself was destroyed. - December Today... 12:15 p.m. - Lunch Bunch at Rolling Mill Restaurant Monday... 6:30 p.m. - Redevelopment Team Tuesday... 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast at Parlor House Restaurant Wednesday... 11:30 a.m. - Brown Bag Faith Study Saturday... 7:00 p.m. - Candlelight Service - December Sunday... 10:00 a.m. - Holy Communion Monday... 9:00 p.m. - January Newsletter Items Due Our Stewardship Current Fund Last Week $994 Year to Date $72,786 Attendance Last Sunday -32 Does Not Include E-Giving Offerings - Current Income/Expenses - To November 30 Income $75,705 Expenses $85,961 Deficit $9,256 - Air Conditioning Fund - To December 11 Cost $9,284 Received to Date $8,165 Balance Needed $1,119

10 - SERVING THIS MORNING - Ministers... The Disciples of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (1 Peter 2:4-10) Pastor Pam Illick... Presiding Minister Teresa Papoutsis... Assisting Minister Joanne Crider... Lector Hailey Sherman... Acolyte Taylor Sherman... Crucifer June Ecker... Nursery Brenda Rice, Jenny Rice, Rhonda Rice... Musicians Richard Berklite... Usher Al Bingman... Usher Adrian Kuhs... Usher Melissa Leaper... Usher Anita Bingman, Cindy Sherman, Barbara Stefanic... Altar Care Marie Seidel & Linda Weddle... Offering Tellers - SERVING DECEMBER 25 - Pastor Pam Illick... Presiding Minister Ruth Strausbaugh... Assisting Minister June Ecker... Lector Marie Seidel... Nursery Brenda Rice, Jenny Rice, Rhonda Rice... Musicians Amy Dennis... Usher Linda Fleagle... Usher Judi R1ce... Usher Anita Bingman, Cindy Sherman, Barbara Stefanic... Altar Care Sally Berklite & June Ecker... Offering Tellers Seven Faith Practices Pray Study Worship Invite Encourage Serve Give Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Old Route 16 - PO Box 240 Rouzerville PA (717) trinityrouzerville.com admin@trinityrouzerville.org Like us on Facebook Pam Illick, Pastor LTSG Box Seminary Ridge Gettysburg PA (443) pam.illick@gmail.com - Our Mission - The mission of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rouzerville, Pennsylvania is to build, strengthen, and increase our faith community to better love and serve God and the world community with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. - Our Vision - Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is a flourishing, Spirit-filled, Christ-centered home for all.