A Service of Lessons and Carols. Grace Lutheran Church. December 3, :30 am Worship First Sunday of Advent

Transcription

1 A Service of Lessons and Carols Grace Lutheran Church December 3, :30 am Worship First Sunday of Advent

2 GATHERING Gathering Song Wait for the Lord ELW #262 Welcome CHILDREN are always welcome in worship! If you find you need additional space for movement, visit our Wiggle Worship Area in Fellowship Hall or our staffed Nursery available on the lower level. Please stand Dialogue All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who comes to wake us from sleep, who leads us into the light of grace. Amen. Hear us, O Shepherd, as we cry to you. Psalm 80:1-3 Restore us, O God. You who lead Joseph like a flock. Restore us, O God. You, who are enthroned upon the cherubim. Restore us, O God. Shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Restore us, O God. Stir up your strength, and come to help us! Restore us, O God. Restore us, O God. Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. Greeting and Prayer of the Day The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Let us pray. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection

3 awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Please sit WORD Lesson Isaiah 61:1-9 1 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence 2 as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! 3 When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 4 From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. 5 You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. 6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. 8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, 3

4 and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand Carol Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending ELW #435 Please sit Lesson Mark 13:24-27 Jesus said: 24 In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Carol My Lord, What a Morning ELW #438 (congregation sings refrain as directed) Elaine Albright, soloist Lesson Mark 13: From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Choir Now the Heavens Start to Whisper Thomas Keesecker Now the heavens start to whisper, as the veil is growing thin. Earth from slumber wakes to listen to the stirring, faint within:

5 Seed of promise, deeply planted, child to spring from Jesse s stem! Like the soil beneath the frost-line, hearts grow soft to welcome him. Heavy clouds that block the moonlight now begin to drift away. Diamond brilliance through the darkness shines the hope of coming day. Christ, the morning star of splendor gleams within a world grown dim. Heaven s ember fans to fullness; hearts grow warm to welcome him. Christ, eternal sun of justice, Christ the rose of wisdom s seed, Come to bless with fire and fragrance hours of yearning, hurt, and need. In the lonely, in the stranger, in the outcast, hid from view: Child who comes to grace the manger, teach our hearts to welcome you. Text: Mary Louise Bringle Lesson Mark 13: But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Carol Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying ELW #436 (verse 2 choir) Dialogue (Psalm 80:4-6) O Lord God of Hosts, will you always be angry? How long, O Lord? Will you turn and hear our prayers? How long, O Lord? You feed us with the bread of tears. How long, O Lord? We drink tears day and night. How long, O Lord? 5

6 Our friends revile us. How long, O Lord? Our enemies mock us. How long, O Lord? How long, O Lord, until you restore us? Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. Prayer of the People Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Please stand Sharing the Peace The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The ministers and congregation extend to one another the gift of Christ s peace. MEAL Offertory Watchman, Tell Us of the Night Alan Hovhaness Watchman, tell us of the night, what its signs of promise are. Traveler, o er yon mountain s height, see that glory-beaming star. Watchman, does its beauteous ray aught of joy or hope foretell? Traveler, yes; it brings the day, promised day of Israel. Watchman, tell us of the night; higher yet that star ascends. Traveler, blessedness and light, peace and truth, its course portends. Watchman, tell us of the night, for the morning seems to dawn. Traveler, darkness takes its flight; doubt and terror are withdrawn. Watchman, let thy wanderings cease; hie thee to thy quiet home. Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace, Lo, the Son of God is come! Text: John Bowring Please stand Offertory Prayer Let us pray. During this season of waiting and anticipation, we are reminded to stay awake for the coming of your Son. Jesus love often comes into our lives in

7 quiet, unexpected ways. Today, we generously respond to this compassion and commit ourselves to living in a manner worthy of your love. In anticipation of the coming of Jesus, the Savior, we pray. Amen. Thanksgiving at the Table The Lord s Prayer 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. Please sit The Communion All are welcome. Communion is by intinction: please dip the wafer into the cup. White grape juice is found in the smaller portion of the divided cup. Ushers will direct you to one of the communion stations. Gluten-free wafers are available at each communion station. Gluten-free cups are available only on the small tables in the front of the Sanctuary. Please return by the side aisles. Lamb of God 7

8 Communion Music Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers Robert Buckley Farlee Please stand Post-Communion Blessing and Prayer Dialogue (Psalm 80:17-18) SENDING Let your hand, O Lord, be upon the one at your right hand. Shine upon us, The one you have made so strong for yourself. Shine upon us. And so we will never turn away from you. Shine upon us. Give us life, that we may call upon your name. Shine upon us. You have restored us, O God. Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. Benediction Closing Hymn Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ELW #244 Dismissal Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Postlude Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending Benjamin Culli

9 Liturgy reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright 2006 Augsburg Fortress, under license #14375-LIT. Texts reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2006 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted under OneLicense.net #A Instrumentalists Nancy Hagen, oboe Gene Arnold & Jordan Frerk, trumpet Jack Butters & Matt Johnson, trombone Mike Butters, tuba Jerry Egger, organ & piano Sanctuary Choir Elaine Albright Richard Albright George Bringman Tim Caldwell Brett Fleischer Brian Gilmore Libby A Hearn Gilmore Pat Grundke Bill Greenlee Susan Greenlee Scott Jensen Vicki Jensen Dave Johnson Matt Johnson Sharon Katterman Bob Klonowski Barb Naucas Gene Naucas Lorrie Nicholaus Karen Souders Kristin Thomas Meribeth Tooke TianChu Shih Lois Wagner Susan Walton Mary Beth Webster Connie Witkowski Today s altar flowers are given in celebration of the 67 th Wedding Anniversary of Al and Rita Scanlan by Deb and Don Walter. 9

10 December 17 Good News of Great Joy Service led by Grace Place December 21 Blue Christmas Service A service of healing 10:50am 7:00pm DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Family Worship 3:00pm Led by Grace Praise Band featuring carols with a contemporary flair Family Worship 4:30pm Featuring traditional carols Candlelight Worship 7:30pm & 10:00pm Festive celebration of the birth of our Lord, featuring choirs, instrumentalists and traditional hymns & carols Sunday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE 10:00am

11 NEXT TO THE WORD OF GOD, Music DESERVES THE HIGHEST PRAISE. THE GIFT OF LANGUAGE COMBINED WITH THE GIFT OF THE SONG WAS GIVEN TO MAN THAT HE SHOULD PROCLAIM THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH MUSIC. MARTIN LUTHER We appreciate the many dedicated musicians who enhance our worship experience throughout the year. A special thank you for sharing with us your time and talents. 11

12 As we come to the close of the year we want to thank you for your faithful giving. Your generosity has touched the lives of thousands - inside our congregation and throughout the world. NEW Church Photo Directory We are putting together a NEW directory... and it won t be complete without YOU PHOTO SESSIONS JANUARY 2-13 Sign up NOW to schedule your professional photography session ONLINE at IN PERSON at the Welcome Center BY PHONE call the Church Office at

13 Our Mission: To be the heart, hands, feet and voice of Christ in the world. Senior Pastor Saïd Ailabouni Associate Pastor Ben Sloss Pastor for Caring Ministries Leland Albright Director of Music Ministries Janet Kings Director of Outreach & Communication Karen Janik Parish Nurse Ann Gornik, RN MSN Director of Grace Place Kids Ministry Rebecca Simms Genesis Ministry for Teens Director Keith Vedmore Older Adult Ministry Coordinator Alice Oscarson For additional staff information. visit the Grace website Sunday Worship Times Traditional 8:15am and 9:30am Contemporary 11:00am Grace Place Kids at 9:30 & 11:00 Stream Worship Services LIVE. Click the Live Streaming button on the Grace Lutheran website. Contact Us 200 North Catherine La Grange, IL In case of emergency, please contact Pastor Saïd Ailabouni at

14 WE L C O M E We are glad you are here! New to Grace? Please fill out a blue pew card and place in the offering plate or drop at the Welcome Center. TODAY AT GRACE Coffee and Fellowship throughout the morning in Fellowship Hall 8:15 am Traditional Worship 8:30am 9:30am 9:30am 10:30am 11:00am 11:00am 15 Months to 6 Years A Man Named Martin Study Traditional Worship Grace Place Kids Worship Genesis High School Ministry Contemporary Worship Grace Place Kids Worship Grace Lutheran Preschool Monday - Friday 6:45am - 6:15pm Do you have a heart for children and want to put that love into action? The Preschool currently has openings for an afternoon teacher and substitute teachers. Contact Preschool Director Heather Grant for more information or to apply. Preschool Director, Heather Grant Please visit the Welcome Center for more information on opportunities at Grace. THIS WEEK AT GRACE Monday, Dec 4 No Church Events Scheduled Tuesday, Dec 5 7:45am Men s Bible Study 8:00am Early Bird Quilting 10:15am 6:45pm Handbell Rehearsal Men s Bowling League (Forest Lanes) Wednesday, Dec 6 6:00pm Stewardship Team Meeting 7:00pm 7:30pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Thursday, Dec 7 8:00am Tai chi 9:00am Library Staffed 9:00am LWR Projects Day 11:45am ROMEO at Blueberry Hill 6:15pm TOPS Genesis/Project Angel Tree gift wrapping Friday, Dec 8 3:00pm Marion Jones Memorial Service 2pm Visitation 7:30am Taizé Prayer 7:30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Saturday, Dec 9 No Church Events Scheduled Sunday, Dec 10 8:15 am Traditional Worship 8:30am A Man Named Martin Study 9:30am Traditional Worship 9:30am Grace Place Kids Worship 10:30am Genesis High School Ministry 11:00am Contemporary Worship 11:00am Grace Place Kids Worship

15 P r a y e r C o n c e r n s Prayers for Healing and Strength: Ruth Styx Leonard Horacek Jim Granger Ann Gornik Karen Kuntz Ken Hall Betty Rossbach Jim Kopp David Anthony Kopp Maria Lobato-Martinez Virginia Reidel Joyce Ciner Rachel Settlage Alice Ewert Allan Ewert Martha Karlovic Adam Stansbury Mary Maslanka Sandy Rieckmann Heidi Svoboda Andrew Miller Jim Bornhoeft Alice Oscarson Bill Wenig Marvin Pries Lloyd Squires Al Mungai Dee Dowling Marge Jung Cathy Fulton those suffering from the effects of mental illness and addiction, their families and caregivers those being cared for by Stephen Ministers at Grace and the ministers that serve them Prayers for Homebound Members: Lois Angstadt, Nadine Carlson, Helene Fitzpatrick, Harry Krueger, Betty Lundy, Bernice Olson. Prayers for Missionaries: Philip Knutson and family serving in Southern Africa. Prayer Requests for family and friends will remain on the prayer list for 3 months then moved to ongoing Prayers when requested. Prayers for family and friends Jamy Durkin (friend of Mary Beal) Monica Gilmartin (friend of Karen Souder) Marissa Kerley (friend of Karen Souder) Marlene Allen (sister of Jackie Moline) George Rudd (father of Barb Naucas daughter-in-law) Ken Fischman (friend of the Chaggaris Family) Christine Pierce (friend of the Chaggaris Family) Please secure the permission of those we pray for before submitting them to be included in print. A COMPLETE LIST OF PRAYER CONCERNS INCLUDING ONGOING REQUESTS IS AVAILABLE AT THE WELCOME CENTER God invites us to pray for each other. The Prayer Team humbly brings your requests before God. If you d like to serve as a part of the Grace Prayer Team, please contact Deborah Kraus at dbkraus@comcast.net 15

16 Taizé Prayer Service Friday, December 8 7:30pm Grace Lutheran Church Reaching Out Serving Others Grace Lutheran Preschool months to 6 years TASTE OF CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON presented by OPUS/WELCA Wednesday, December 13 Noon Confirmation Grades 7-9 Wednesdays 7:00pm High School Sundays 10:30am December 6 7:00pm - 8:30pm Gift Wrapping for Project Angel Tree Christmas Sharing Program Collecting new, unwrapped gifts to share with the children (all ages) of Bethel Lutheran Church on Chicago s west side. Now through December 10 Fellowship Hall Volunteers Needed If you can help out with Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Services, please k.janik@gracelg.org or j.kings@gracelg.org Storyteller Megan Wells will share The Nativity According to Joseph A new perspective on Jesus birth Tickets $12 per person available at the Welcome Center This year s special Advent offering benefits the Lutheran Church in the Holy Land Order a POINSETTIA PLANT in honor or memory of loved ones or in celebration of blessings. Complete the Flower Order form and include $15 cash or check. Place your envelope in the offering plate no later than Sunday, December 17