The Nativity of our Lord ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH. December 25, Year of Our T Lord

Transcription

1 The Nativity of our Lord December 25, Year of Our T Lord 2017 ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH The Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells among Us in the Flesh In the beginning God created all things through His Word, His Son. But man fell into sin, and with man all creation was cursed. Therefore, God spoke His Word again, this time into the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle of our human nature (Ex. 40:17 21, 34 38). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1 14). The Son of God took on our flesh and blood and died on the cross in order that we might receive the right to become the children of God through faith. Baptized into Christ s body, we are made partakers of a new Genesis, the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4 7). In Christ, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man has truly appeared. A Church of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod st St. SE PO Box 118 Gwinner, ND Office Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard Cell pastor@ziongwinner.org Parish Assistant: Tana McKenna secretary@ziongwinner.org

2 T A WORD ABOUT THE LORD S SUPPER T Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. -Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV) The congregation of Zion Lutheran Church along with The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, believes and confesses the True Word of God as it teaches that in taking the Lord s Supper we receive the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine. Indeed, the Lord gives into our mouths not only bread and wine but His very body and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of our sins and to strengthen our union with Him and with one another. CONSIDERATIONS FOR COMMUNION: Because those who eat and drink our Lord s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) and because Holy Communion is a confession of the faith, it is with great love, care, and concern that you are asked to consider the following before partaking of this wonderful meal: If you consider God s Word (i.e., the Bible) to be God s Word; know what is necessary for salvation; recognize yourself to be a miserable sinner and find comfort only in Christ s merit, and have no cherished sins (Ps. 66:18); believe in the mystery of the Holy Supper and seek in it forgiveness as well as strengthening in faith and godliness; and confess the Lutheran faith, as it is correctly laid down in Luther s Small Catechism, then approach the altar with joy and thanksgiving. 1 If you have any questions about the material above, questions about the Lord s Supper, and/or would like to learn about instruction in the Lutheran faith, Pastor Richard sincerely invites you to visit with him about the joys of Holy Communion and about instruction in the comforting truths of God s Word. 1 C.F.W. Walther, American Lutheran Pastoral Theology, tr. From 5 th German ed. By John Drickamer (New Haven, MO: 1995),

3 Ringing of the Bells T Confession and Absolution T The congregation is invited to stand and face the cross at the back of the sanctuary. While singing, the congregation is invited to follow the cross, turning as the cross passes. Hymn of Invocation: 387 Joy to the World LSB 387 The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism. P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. P If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. C But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Silence for self-reflection upon God s Ten Commandments, that we may know our sin and be prepared for the Absolution. P Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. C Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. 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. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. 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 Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. T Service of the Word T Introit Ps. 98:1 4; antiphon: Is. 9:6 P For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, C and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. P Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. 3

4 C The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. P He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. C Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! C Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. P For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, C and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Kyrie LSB 152 P In peace let us pray to the Lord. P For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord. P For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord. P For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord. P Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. This Is the Feast LSB 155 4

5 Salutation and Collect of the Day P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Let us pray. Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Sit 5

6 Old Testament Reading Exodus 40:17 21, In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. 18 Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars. 19 And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 20 He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. Gradual Ps. 118:26a, 27a, 23 P Blessèd is he who comes in the name of the LORD! C The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. P This is the LORD s doing; C it is marvelous in our eyes. Epistle Titus 3:4 7 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. 6

7 Stand Alleluia and Verse LSB 156 Holy Gospel John 1:1 14 P The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the first chapter. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. P This is the Gospel of the Lord. Sit Hymn of the Day: 386 Now Sing We, Now Rejoice LSB 386 7

8 Sermon P In the name T of Jesus. Stand Nicene Creed P With one heart and one voice we confess the one Holy Faith as expressed in the Nicene Creed. C I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen. 8

9 Prayer of the Church P To us a child is born, to us a son is given, let us offer praise, thanks and prayer to God the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Brief silence For all who celebrate the incarnation, that the knowledge that their God reigns would cause them to lift up their voices and sing for joy, that they be always ready to tell others about the Word made flesh, let us pray to the Lord: P For the nations of this world, that they be given a spirit of peace, that conflicts cease and that all see in the birth of Jesus the salvation of our God, let us pray to the Lord: P For the destitute, those recovering from natural disaster and those who find themselves in want, that they receive the necessities for daily life, that the agencies who serve them receive generous support, and that those who serve and those who are served come to see God as the giver of daily bread, let us pray to the Lord: P For those who suffer sickness in mind or body, those who are homebound and all who have asked for our prayers, that God would grant them healing, peace, patience and faith that endures, let us pray to the Lord: P For those who commune, that they receive the body and blood of Jesus worthily with faith in His bodily presence here in the Sacrament for them, and that they depart having received grace upon grace from His fullness, let pray to the Lord: P In thanksgiving for all the people of God who have gone before us and now rest in His presence, that we, too, would be kept faithful until that day when He makes all things new, let us pray to the Lord: P Hear us, O Lord, for the sake of Your Son, the Word become flesh, the Savior of the nations, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, ever one God. Sit 9

10 Offering to be given to ND Missions While the offering is being gathered, the children are invited to bring their Sunday School mission offering to the front of the church. Also, please fill out the "Welcome Cards" in the pews and place them in the church offering plate. The "Welcome Cards" in the pew are for prayer requests, general requests, and if you are new and visiting Zion. The "Welcome Cards" are confidential and go directly to Pastor. Stand T Service of the Sacrament T Preface LSB 160 P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Lift up your hearts. C We lift them to the Lord. P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give Him thanks and praise. P It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; for in the mystery of the Word made flesh You have given us a new revelation of Your glory that, seeing You in the person of Your Son, we may know and love those things which are not seen. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying: Sanctus LSB

11 Prayer of Thanksgiving LSB 161 P Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross. Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Lord's Prayer LSB 162 P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: C 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. The Words of Our Lord LSB 162 P Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat; this is My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me. P In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. Pax Domini LSB 163 P The peace of the Lord be with you always. 11

12 Agnus Dei LSB 163 Sit Distribution Those participating in communion are asked to exit the pew on the outer aisle. When coming forward to receive communion we ask that 7 people from each side approach the altar. The Common Cup and Individual Cups are offered at the Supper; you can specify to the servers which cup you would like to receive from. After receiving communion please exit down the center aisle. If you have questions regarding Zion s Communion Practices, please refer to page 2 of this bulletin Stand Thank the Lord LSB

13 Post-Communion Collect P Let us pray. Gracious God, our heavenly Father, You have given us a foretaste of the feast to come in the Holy Supper of Your Son's body and blood. Keep us firm in the true faith throughout our days of pilgrimage that, on the day of His coming, we may, together with all Your saints, celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which has no end; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Benediction LSB 166 P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace. The congregation is invited to remain standing and face the cross at the front of the sanctuary. While singing, the congregation is invited to follow the cross, turning as the cross passes. Hymn: 388 Go Tell It on the Mountain LSB 388 Announcements We encourage you to bring the bulletin home so that you might be able to reflect on the scriptures of today s Divine Service, as well as use the Prayers of the Church for your family devotions. Acknowledgments Divine Service, Setting One from Lutheran Service Book Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House. 13

14 MISSION OF THE MONTH Mission Central Mission Central, located in the cornfields of Western Iowa, is the largest mission supporting agency in the United States. Through your support, this organization helps to send and keep LCMS missionaries in the field. Learn more about Mission Central and the exciting work they are doing at CHIP Family Geneva Waswick 216 Main Street Gwinner Cleaners in God s House of Zion *Please remember to sign your name on the chart on the bulletin board by the kitchen noting which area of the church you have cleaned* December 24-30: Rodney & Sandy Asche, Collin & Betsy Greenley, Teresa Rodahl, Kevin & Cindy Dietz Ushers for the Month of December 3 rd Chris & Marsha Mathias 10 th Scott & Christine Bopp 17 th Jim & Marge Asche 24 th Brian & Tana McKenna 25 th Gary & Kay Drevlow 31 st Randal & Michelle Brockman Pastor s Office & Study Hours Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday Off Copies of the sermon are available on the table in the narthex and on the website Parish Assistant Office Hours Monday- Friday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Wednesday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm secretary@ziongwinner.org 14

15 Today Tue Fri Sun 31 st This Week in the Congregation of Zion 10:00 am Christmas Day Divine Service with Holy Communion Church office is closed Pastor is on vacation NO Sunday School for Children & Adults 10:00 am Divine Service with Holy Communion Attendance & Giving at Zion Sunday, December 17 Worship Attendance: 98 Sunday School Attendance: 20 Adult Bible Class: 14 Category Received Last Week Received for November Monthly Goal YTD Received YTD Needed Over/Under Goal General Fund $ 1, $ 13, $ 11, $ 110, $ 122, $ (12,168.02) Misc. Income $ - $ - Building Fund $ 5.00 $ $ 5, Cemetery Fund $ - $ $ Memorial Fund $ - $ - $ 2, Vehicle Fund $ - $ - ND Missions $ $ 2, $ 2, $ 22, $ 24, $ (1,492.00) Mission of Month $ $ Helping Hands $ - $ Higher Things $ - $ - Zion's Income Goal: ND Mission Goal: $ $ 132, , Account Balances as of October 31, 2017 SCB Checking $ 21, Building Savings $ 11, Cemetery Savings $ 8, Memorial Savings $ 5, Vehicle Savings $ 4, Helping Hands Balance $ 1, Higher Things 15

16 Prayer and Petitions December 25, 2017 Please let Pastor know if you want a request added or removed Health Concerns Sandi Bergemann, recovering from surgery Agnes Dudas, recovering from surgery Remembering Our Homebound Alice Decker at Vets Home Lois Enderson at Park Side Lisbon Bob Bergeson at Park Side Lisbon Leona Adermann at Forman Manor Lorrie Eiter at Forman Manor Pearl Rehborg at Forman Manor Marjorie Fuss at home in Gwinner Grieving With The Family Remembering Those Who Serve Nate Utecht in the Navy in Washington, D.C. Rick Gaden and Sy Hansana, National Guard Chris Mathias, Jason Asche, AJ Enderson, Bob Orn, First Responders, EMTs and Volunteer Fire & Rescue Food Pantry needs: dish soap, coffee, brown sugar, and cereal. The Food Pantry coordinators and volunteers would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who so generously support the food pantry. Through your generosity we are truly meeting needs and serving our neighbors! 16