LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY JANUARY 6, 2019 EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

Transcription

1 LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY JANUARY 6, 2019 EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD

2 PRELUDE We Are Called ELW 720 CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen. P: Most merciful God, C: we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen. P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. ENTRANCE HYMN Bright and Glorious Is the Sky ELW Bright and glorious is the sky, radiant are the heavens high where the golden stars are shining. All their rays to earth inclining beckon us to heav'n above, beckon us to heav'n above. 2 On that holy Christmas night through the darkness beamed a light; all the stars above were paling. all their luster slowly failing as the wondrous star drew nigh, as the wondrous star drew nigh.. 3 Sages from the East afar, when they saw this wondrous star, went to find the king of nations and to offer their oblations to the child, the newborn king, to the child, the newborn king. 4 Him they found in Bethlehem, yet he wore no diadem; there they saw a maiden lowly with an infant pure and holy resting in her loving arms, resting in her loving arms. 5 Guided by the star, they found him whose praise the ages sound. We too have a star to guide us, which forever will provide us with the light to find our Lord, with the light to find our Lord. 6 And this star, as bright as day, that will never lead astray with its message so appealing, is the word of God, revealing Christ, the way, the truth, the life, Christ, the way, the truth, the life.

3 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.

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5 PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Let us pray O God, C: on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. CHILDREN S MESSAGE

6 FIRST READING Isaiah 60:1-6 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away,and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord. L: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. SECOND READING Ephesians 3: This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. L: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ELW p.142 P: The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 2 nd Chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord.

7 GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 2: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 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. 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 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. 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 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. 9 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. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON Pastor Mary Mappus-Finklea HYMN OF THE DAY As with Gladness Men of Old ELW As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold; as with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright; so, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led by thee. 2 As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to thy lowly bed, there to bend the knee before thee, whom heav'n and earth adore; so may we with willing feet ever seek thy mercy seat. 3 As they offered gifts most rare at thy cradle, rude and bare, so may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin's alloy, all our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to thee, our heav'nly king. 4 Holy Jesus, ev'ry day keep us in the narrow way; and when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last where they need no star to guide, where no clouds thy glory hide. 5 In the heav'nly country bright need they no created light; thou its light, its joy, its crown, thou its sun which goes not down; there forever may we sing alleluias to our king.

8 NICENE CREED A: God has gathered his people into one Church through Christ. Together with sisters and brothers throughout the world, we confess our faith. C: 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 A: With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God s Creation. Each petition concludes with: A: Lord, in your mercy, C: hear our prayer. P: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen. PEACE P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you.

9 ANTHEM 8:30am Brightest and Best of the Stars ELW :00am Eternal Light Mark Schweizer Nativity Choir OFFERING HYMN ELW 182 Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful OFFERTORY PRAYER A: Let us pray... God of mercy and grace, C: the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in blessing. Fill us with good things at your table, that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord. Amen.

10 GREAT THANKSGIVING ELW p.144 P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise... we praise your name and join their unending hymn: SANCTUS

11 WORDS OF INSTITUTION LORD S PRAYER COMMUNION All are welcome to receive communion. Those unable to partake of wine or wheaten bread are assured that the Church affirms our Lord s full presence in, with, and under each element alone. LAMB OF GOD ELW p. 146 COMMUNION HYMNS Blessed Assurance ELW Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. Refrain This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long: this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. 2 Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain 3 Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. Refrain Shine, Jesus, Shine ELW 671

12 POST-COMMUNION BLESSING P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. C: Amen. POST-COMMUNION HYMN ELW 204 Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise POST COMMUNION PRAYER A: Let us pray... Lord God, C: as a mother comforts her child, so you comfort your people, carrying us in your arms and satisfying us with this food and drink, the body and blood of Christ. Send us now as your disciples, announcing peace and proclaiming that the reign of God has come near; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. BLESSING P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and ϯ give you peace. C: Amen.

13 DISMISSAL A: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE + worship TODAY S WORSHIP ASSISTANTS 8:30 Service 11:00 Service Assisting Minister Amy Haldeman Amy Haldeman Communion Assistants Terry Van Ostenbridge, Sarah Asbill Deb Chang, Linda Blake Acolyte Jacob Asbill Ella Haldeman Crucifer Henry Asbill Grant Haldeman Reader Jason Cooper Katherine Becker Eucharist Presenter Ann Dasher, Kari Schoening Sue Jacklin and Katherine Neal Ushers Nus family Tim and Corinne Feid Greeters Randy and Kathleen Treiber Brian and Jenny Feid family Nursery Attendant Staff Staff Altar Guild Sandy Vlahos, Terry Van Ostenbridge Linda Blake, Karen Grooman TODAY WE WELCOME BACK AS OUR GUEST PREACHER THE REV. MARY M. FINKLEA Pastor Mary lives in Florence with her husband, Wade, and three "kids", goats Lolly, LuLu, and Leroy. She is a graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and served twelve years as the pastor of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, Florence, SC. On a break from congregational ministry, she is enjoying time with her family and volunteer work. Her work in the community includes having served on the boards of Francis Marion University, Lighthouse Ministries, and Lutheran Services Carolinas. She is the former president of Women In Philanthropy of the Pee Dee. As the ecumenical representative of the SC Synod of the ELCA, she enjoys learning about traditions different from her own, and is delighted to be always learning something new. ALTAR FLOWERS The Flower Chart for 2019 has been posted at the north end of the fellowship hall but it is EMPTY! Please consider signing up to provide flowers for our worship services. The cost of one vase is $30 and $60 for both vases. Flowers may be given in honor or in memory of people or events such as an anniversary, baptism, or birthday. Payment may be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the Church Office. Please indicate that it is for altar flowers, the date, and your name. You may enjoy the flowers in your home or take them to a friend after the 11:00 service. Thank you. THE SANCTUARY CANDLE There are opportunities to sponsor the Sanctuary Candle each month. The cost is $20 and it may be given in honor or memory of loved ones. The sign up sheet is located on the bulletin board in the north end of the Fellowship Hall.

14 The hymns and liturgical service music printed in this worship resource are used by permission, or otherwise in the public domain. All rights are reserved. Duplication in any form is prohibited without permission or a valid license from the copyright administrator. Licenses exclusive to Lutheran Church of the Nativity: Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS004229, ONE LICENSE A , and CCLI 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. Bright and Glorious Is the Sky. Text: Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, ; tr. Jens Christian Aaberg, , alt. Text 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress. As with Gladness Men of Old Text: William C. Dix, , alt. Blessed Assurance Text: Fanny J. Crosby, learn FAITH FORMATION The Adult Faith Formation Class will not meet today, but are invited to take a look at the Small Group opportunities featured in the Fellowship Hall between services. Class will resume next Sunday, January 13. Children and Youth Faith Formation classes will meet today as scheduled. THE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs is the book for discussion at the meeting on Thursday, January 17, at 2PM in the Fellowship Hall. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Revolution, The Hamilton Affair tells of the sweeping, tumultuous, true story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. February's book is The Secret War by Terrell T. Garren. It is the story of Joseph Youngblood and Delia Russell of Hooper's Creek in Henderson County during the Civil War. All are welcome to attend. For a list of books for the next six months, click the link in the e-news. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK beginning January 6. Sunday Matthew 2:1-12 Monday Isaiah 60:1-6 Tuesday Ephesians 3:1-12 Wednesday Daniel 2:17-49 Thursday John 1:1-18 Friday 1 John 1:1-10 Saturday Psalm 72:1-7 Sunday Luke 3:15-17, TAKING FAITH HOME This weekly devotional handout is available on the Welcome Desk. "Taking Faith Home" is a production of Milestones Ministry, LLC, and is created by a team led by an ELCA Pastor. + care IN OUR PRAYERS TODAY WE NAME: Nativity members who are in need of healing: Wanda Bond, Bob Burkhardt, Wanda Burkhardt, Patricia Hahn, Max Hall, Bill Hamilton, Judy Hoemann, Sue Jacklin, Don Knapp, Fay Kohn, Dana Kropf, Brenta Poole, Steve Ridenhour, Chris Scronce, Ruth Tracy, Duane Tuttle, Brian Warnicke. Nativity members in care facilities: Ann Colijn, Edna Franklin, Norma Grafing, Dick Horner, Marydine Lamb, Lee Lindeman-Stuenkel, Margaret Patterson, Evelyn Ridenhour. In Christian sympathy for the family and friends of Dot Carpenter and J.C. Nesbitt. For those awaiting the arrival of children, especially Jennifer and Joel Kohn.

15 + welca LADIES LUNCH BUNCH will next meet January 24, Nancy Seekamp will be our hostess and more information will be coming in January through the Nativity e-news. All women are welcome to attend this group to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and get to know your sisters in Christ. NATIVITY WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY All are invited to come and join! The study is titled Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine. This six session study delves into the history and literature surrounding the last days of Jesus' life. Levine sets the narrative in historical context and analyzes the risks and motives of the story's characters. Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and College of Arts and Science. Come and join in the discussion on the second Thursday of each month beginning January 10 from 11:00AM - 12:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a bag lunch. All are welcome. NATIVITY CARD MINISTRY will meet at 12:30PM on Thursday, January 10 to make cards for our members on the prayer list. All are welcome to join in this fun activity to assemble these beautiful cards. + congregation council NOMINATING BALLOT TODAY All confirmed members of Nativity are invited to take part in a Nominating Ballot between services this morning in the Fellowship Hall. This ballot will select ten names of members willing to be put forth for election to the Call Committee later this month. SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES The Vision 2020 committee has collected all of your ideas for small groups and will be displaying them on sign up sheets in the Fellowship Hall between services. Please come and take a look at all the exciting opportunities for fellowship that Nativity has to offer and sign yourself up! + weather policy IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER Please check the status of services or other scheduled events by visiting our website at or calling the Church Office at for a recorded message. We also will post on WLOS. When possible, a special e-news will be sent. LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY 2425 HENDERSONVILLE RD P.O. BOX 208 ARDEN, NORTH CAROLINA

16 + this week at nativity (FH = Fellowship Hall; PSB = Preschool Big Room; M = Modular) SUNDAY (1/6) 8:30AM Holy Communion 9:40AM Faith Formation (Children & Youth) Ecclesiastical Vote and Small Groups (FH) 11:00AM Holy Communion 4:30PM Youth Music 5:30PM Youth Dinner 6:05PM Youth Group MONDAY (1/7) 6:30PM ESL (M) TUESDAY (1/8) 7:00PM Youth Advisory Team 7:00PM Troop 8 Committee Meeting WEDNESDAY (1/9) 10:00AM Bible Study 1:30PM Nativity Quilters 7:00PM Nativity Choir Rehearsal 7:00PM AA (M) THURSDAY (1/10) 11:00AM Women of Nativity 12:30PM Nativity Card Ministry 6:00PM Boy Scout Troop 8 6:00PM Eagle Board of Review FRIDAY (1/11) Church Office closed SATURDAY (1/12) YOUTH SNOW TUBING 8:30AM Calvary Food Pantry SUNDAY (1/13) 8:30AM Holy Communion 9:40AM Faith Formation 11:00AM Holy Communion 4:00PM Young Youth Music 4:30PM Young Youth 5:30PM Young Youth Dinner + church staff The Rev. George Tuttle Irem Ozay Michele Grush Carrie Dahlberg Gene Hoemann Max Hall Mike Natarella Interim Senior Pastor Musician-in-Residence Parish Administrator Financial Secretary Bookkeeper Sexton Preschool and Kindergarten Director