December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday in Advent

Transcription

1 St. Peter s Union Church of Mantzville... where worship and service don t stop with the final hymn. The Reverend Kenneth L. Buckwalter, Interim Pastor Kristine K, Betz, Director of Music December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday in Advent Las Posadas 9:00am The Feast of Las Posadas In Mexico, the Christmas festivities begin on December 16 th with the feast of Las Posadas ( Lodgings ), a Latin American Christmas festival that dramatizes the search of Joseph and Mary for lodging. The tradition of Las Posadas started in the sixteenth century with St. Ignatius of Loyola, who suggested having the special prayers repeated for nine consecutive nights. The activity starts with participants gathering at the church, where they depart in a procession or simply walk toward one of the church members homes. The assembly may sing hymns and carols. They also bring a crèche or nativity set (according to each country s traditional representation), carried or lifted by adults, youth, or children. Once at the entrance of the selected home the assembly sings appropriate stanzas of En nombre del cielo ( In the name of the heavens, ) and Entren, santos peregrinos ( Come in, pilgrim saints, ). All enter the home and the nativity set is placed under the Christmas tree. It remains there for the rest of the night, where the procession will resume the following night toward the next home. In this manner the nativity set travels night after night, from home to home. After placing the nativity set in its place, the fiesta may continue with singing of other carols and Christmas songs. The breaking of a piñata is also a customary part of the celebrations. On the ninth and last night the procession may either depart from the home with the nativity set to the church for the celebration of a traditional Christmas Eve service, or the nativity set may remain at the last home, where they will celebrate the end of the festivity with a traditional Christmas meal. The crèche or nativity set will stay either at the church or the particular home until January 6. From Libro de Liturgia y Cántico (Augsburg Fortress, 1998), p. 150; trans. Sara Calderon. Copyright 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS

2 Gathering The Holy Spirit of God brings us together for worship. Some things to know as we begin... We begin with words of welcome because you are welcome here! We share good news and pass the friendship register to keep in touch. Who is saying what and when? You are the congregation (C). C Congregation A Assisting Minister P Presiding Minister L Lector M Minister from the Congregation Please note that standing or kneeling is an invitation, not a requirement WORDS of WELCOME PRELUDE Gloria in Excelsis ~R. Wilson We listen for a word from God in song. GATHERING HYMN Our voices blend with the angels to proclaim the glory of God. Hark the Glad Sound! The hymn is printed on the following page.

3 GREETING and PRAYER CCLI #

4 God welcomes us; we humble ourselves in a prayer for understanding. P The grace and peace of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, be with you all. C And also with you. P Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this special day shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk toward the light of Jesus presence until we find in him our home; and, in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory in our eternal home; through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen. The assembly is seated. Word God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. LIGHTING the ADVENT WREATH Four Candles Scripture Reading Isaiah 7:10-15 (selections) M God is always present to those whose faith is in him. O Emmanuel, cradle our fragile hopes as we place our trust in you. The prophet Isaiah wrote: 10 The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it

5 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. M The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. Litany M At every beginning there is a yearning for the one who is coming. O Emmanuel, C Surprise us by your coming. M We gather together to let God s good news reorient our lives. O Emmanuel, C Surprise us by your coming. M We wait for the day when all the world will see the sign that God is with us. O Emmanuel, C Surprise us by your coming. M We are shocked by how God comes close, even at this very moment. O Emmanuel, C Surprise us by your coming. M Jesus, we welcome your presence now with the lighting of these candles, whose flames bring warmth to winter and fill this place with the glow of hope. C Amen. FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

6 Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (st. 6) CCLI # O come, O Day spring, come and cheer; O Sun of jus tice, now draw near. Dis perse the gloom y clouds of night, and death s dark shad ow put to flight. Re joice! Re joice! Blessing M Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. In your Son, Emmanuel, you have shown us your light and saved us from the power of sin. Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath. Increase our longing for your presence, that at the celebration of your Son s birth his Spirit might dwell anew in our midst, for he is our light and our salvation. Blessed be God forever. C Amen. Blessed be God forever! Silence will be observed as the four candles of the wreath are lit.. After the candles are lit, all return to their pews; the liturgy continues with the First Reading

7 FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this! L A reading from the prophet Isaiah. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. L The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. PREPARATION HYMN We prepare our hearts to search for Jesus in the darkness of the night. Silent Night, Holy Night The hymn is printed on the following page

8 CCLI #

9 INVOCATION Las Posadas Lodgings P Today we will journey with Mary and Joseph in search of safe lodging and holy rest. We will search with them for the place where Jesus, Savior of the world, shall be born. Who will welcome them this night? Who will welcome the precious gift that Mary carries and Joseph guards? C We will welcome them. We will welcome their gift. M C M C M C Who will welcome the Wonderful Counselor, and the father who shall teach him? We will welcome them. Father Joseph, do not fear. This is God s house; there are no strangers here. Who will welcome the Prince of Peace, and the mother who shall cradle him? We will welcome them. Mother Mary, find your rest. Our home is your home; you are more than a guest. Who will welcome the Mighty God, and the Everlasting Father who sends him? We will welcome them. Holy Family, day is done. Soon enough, tomorrow will come; soon enough, new journeys begun.

10 PROCESSIONAL HYMN We journey to Bethlehem in the darkness of the night. O Little Town of Bethlehem CCLI #

11 THE FIRST INNKEEPER Pilgrims arrive with Mary & Joseph at the first Innkeeper s door where the following dialog is said. Mary & Joseph From our long, long journey we are very weary! We are seeking shelter for our rest and safety. Who will give us lodging? We are trav'lers weary, very, very tired trudging roads so dreary. Innkeeper Who arrives at our door on this stormy night? Who comes pounding rudely giving us such fright? Who asks us for lodging? We can't answer such fuss. You could be a robber come to steal, or hurt us. PROCESSIONAL HYMN We journey throughout Bethlehem in the darkness of the night. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear CCLI #

12 THE SECOND INNKEEPER Pilgrims travel with Mary & Joseph, to the second Innkeeper s door where the following dialog is said. Mary & Joseph From our long, long journey we are very weary! We are seeking shelter for our rest and safety. Who will give us lodging? We are trav'lers weary, very, very tired trudging roads so dreary. Innkeeper Who arrives at our door on this stormy night? Who comes pounding rudely giving us such fright? Who asks us for lodging? We can't answer such fuss. You could be a robber come to steal, or hurt us. GOSPEL VERSE We come at last to our place of lodging. What Child Is This? The hymn is printed on the following page Please stand to sing the third stanza and remain standing for the Gospel Reading.

13 CCLI # Please stand to sing the third stanza and remain standing for the Gospel Reading

14 GOSPEL READING Luke 2:1-7 God s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the good news of great joy and proclaim God s blessing of peace. L C The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the eighth chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. 1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. P The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ. L Finally.... we welcome Immanuel, God with us, into our hearts. The assembly remains standing. HYMN of the DAY We come at last to our place of lodging. Las Posadas Song The hymn is printed on the following page for everyone to sing.

15 CCLI # ACCLAMATION and PRAYER P Here in this place we have journeyed with Mary and Joseph in search of safe lodging and holy rest. We found with them the place where Jesus, Savior of the world, was born. Who welcomed them this night? Who welcomed the precious gift that Mary carried and Joseph guarded? C We welcomed them into our home and their gift into our hearts. AMEN.

16 The assembly may offer acclamation with applause. The liturgy continues with the Prayer of the Church. P Beloved in Christ, we have heard again this Christmas Eve the message of the angels; and, in heart and mind, we have journeyed with Mary and Joseph unto Bethlehem. We have seen this thing which is come to pass, a Babe lying in a manger. Rejoicing in the gift of God s Son, let us now pray for the needs of the world he came to save. P For peace on earth (pause) and goodwill among all people: C Hear us, Good LORD. P For the protection of soldiers, sailors and all military personnel serving beyond our borders and within: C Hear us, Good LORD. P For unity and the bond of peace within the Church Christ came to build, and especially in the Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ, and the Lutheran Synod of Northeastern Pennsylvania: C Hear us, Good LORD. P And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us remember, in his name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children: C Hear us, Good LORD. P Let us remember all who do not know the Lord Jesus, or who are estranged from his love, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love: C Hear us, Good LORD. P Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are forever one. C Amen.

17 SIGNS of PEACE God grants us peace through the greeting of our neighbor. P C The Prince of Peace is with us; may his peace be with you always. And also with you. The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ s peace (during cold and flu season, please pass the peace verbally), after which the assembly is seated. Meal God feeds us with the presence of the Prince of Peace. OFFERING We give as we have received with generosity and grace. OFFERTORY There s a Song in the Air ~D. Wells OFFERTORY HYMN What Feast of Love CCLI #

18 The assembly stands to sing as the gifts are brought forward. OFFERING PRAYER A Let us pray. Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. C Amen. THANKSGIVING at the TABLE Bread, cup, and the promise of presence Jesus is with us. P On the night in which he was betrayed, 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. 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.

19 LORD S PRAYER We pray as Christ taught us. P C 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 sins, as we forgive those who sin 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. BREAKING the BREAD We begin the sharing as Jesus did. P The mystery hidden for the ages is revealed for us in this meal. Come, behold and receive your God. C Thanks be to God. The assembly is seated. LAMB OF GOD We honor Jesus, our sacrificial lamb, with a special Christmas song. CCLI # Lamb of God, born in a man ger, you take all our sins a way. Lamb of God, tho call d a stran ger, still you deign d with us to stay.

20 Down from heav-en, Child of mer-cy, you brought peace to all the earth. Lamb of God, grant us your peace; Child of mer cy, grant us peace. DISTRIBUTION Jesus shares the bread of life and cup of blessing with us. Sharing the Bread and Cup All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We believe and teach that in the Holy Communion the crucified and risen Christ is present, giving his true body and blood as food and drink. This real presence is a mystery. Those who for reasons of health do not drink wine, commune fully when receiving only the bread. In partaking of either element (bread or wine), the whole Christ is received. Children who have not yet received first communion instruction are welcome at the altar to receive a blessing. HYMNS for all to SING We surround the meal with the joy of song. Away in a Manger ~ Celebration hymnal #262 Carol at the Manger ~ printed on the following page The First Noel ~ Celebration hymnal #265 After all have communed, the assembly stands at the direction of the presiding minister

21 CCLI #

22 BLESSING and PRAYER P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. C Amen. A We give you thanks, O God, that in this bread and cup of Christ s very life, you give us food for our journey. As you led the magi by a star, as you brought the holy family home again, guide us on the way unfolding before us. Wherever we go, may our lives proclaim good news of great joy in Jesus Christ our Lord.. C Amen. Sending God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. BENEDICTION The presence of God goes with us in word and deed. P May the Word that Mary brought to birth carry you into new and abundant life. C Amen. P May the Word that Joseph cradled in his arms enfold you with love and strength. C Amen. P May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world. C Amen. P And the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. C Amen.

23 SENDING HYMN We begin our journey into the road ahead with song. Joy to the World Celebration hymnal #270 DISMISSAL A Go in peace. Christ is with you. C Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE A Trumpet Tune for Christmas ~L. Smith We are honored to be able to share in worship with visitors. Cards to note your presence with us are found in the communion cup/card rack holders, along with prayer request cards, blank offering envelopes, and communion cards. Members who are not certain of their number, just put your name on the envelope. Please HAND your prayer request cards to an usher when the offering is being received. Visitor cards, envelopes, and communion cards may be placed in the offering plate. God became a man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb. The omnipotent, in one instant, became flesh and blood. The one who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl. God had come near. Max Lucado, God Came Near On December 31st,, the children of St. Peter s Sunday School will present their Christmas Program. Please plan to attend and support the youth of our Church. Looking forward to seeing you!

24 THE ALTAR FLOWERS are presented in honor of the birth of Jesus by Don and Bonnie Myers and family. THE BOWL ON THE PIANO is presented in honor of the 18th birthday of Brooke Zellner ~ with Love, Nana and Pap Koons. THE BOWL ON THE ORGAN is presented in loving memory of Minna Hontz who would have observed her birthday on December 21, by her husband Dave. THE BULLETINS are sponsored by Pauline Frey in memory of Chester Frey with lots of love and precious memories ~ Merry Christmas in Heaven. And, Merry Christmas to all! GREETERS: Karen and Wendy Kunkel. LECTORS: Marsha Thomas and John Nakata. ACOLYTES: Tyler Steigerwalt and Wyatt Steigerwalt. BELL RINGER: TJ Hartman. SOUND SYSTEM: Mark Eberts. BIRTHDAY OFFERING THIS WEEK: Received from Ingrid Debellas, Tammy Iacoviello, and in memory of Minna Hontz. DECEMBER SHUTIN BIRTHDAYS: Doris Wolfe (December 21) and Edna Mertz-Frey (December 25) FLOWER/BULLETIN CHART Please note that the 2018 chart is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Make sure you have the Sundays you want by filling in the date(s) now. Altar flower Sponsors: $25.00 per altar arrangement, Piano Bowl: $15.00 and $20.00 for an extra arrangement placed on the organ. Contact Becky Zehner or the Church Office to reserve your Sunday date. Bulletins can also be sponsored for $15.00.

25 THIS WEEK AT ST. PETER S Today, Sunday, December 24: 9:00 AM LAS POSADAS Worship Service 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Worship Service (prelude at 6:30 PM) 10:30 PM Christmas Eve Worship Service (prelude at 10:00 PM) (Celebration of Holy Communion at all services) Monday, December 25: HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS Tuesday, December 26: CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Next Sunday, December 31: 9:00 AM Worship Service Sunday School Christmas Program *For complete details on these events, please consult your newsletter. UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER Next Sunday, December 31: Sunday School Christmas Program. Sunday, January 7th: Epiphany Lessons and Carols Service with Celebration of Holy Communion. We will be un-decorating the church after worship, and help is needed ~ the more help, the faster we can accomplish this task. Also, Apple Dumpling orders are due. Sunday, January 14th: Contemporary Worship Service. Sunday, January 31st: The Annual Congregational Meeting to accept the 2017 Annual Report and 2018 budget will take place following worship. All reports due in the church office by Monday, January 14th. In case of inclement weather, please listen to WMGH/WLSH Radio Station, watch TV Channel 13 or Channel 69 for any change in the time or cancellation of St. Peter s Church worship schedule.

26 December 17, 2017 Attendance: 120 Offering: $ 3, Includes Building Fund: $ Plate Offering: $ Year-to-Date Total YTD Income: $ 154, Includes: YTD Fuel Offering: $ 1, YTD Elevator Maintenance Offering: $ 1, Total YTD Expenses: $ 143, Net YTD: $ 10, Benevolence: ELCA: $ 8,379.00** UCC: $ 8,158.00** 2017 benevolence goal is $7, per denomination (** ELCA & UCC denominations have fulfilled their pledged benevolence obligation for 2017) St. Peter s Union Church 184 St. Peter s Road Tamaqua PA The Rev. Kenneth Buckwalter, Interim Pastor For Pastoral Care or Emergency ~ Pastor s Church Cell: Personal Cell: or Home Phone: Contact our Called to Care for Your Special Needs: Jan Altenburg: Or TLC: Olga Faust: Church Office: Phone: (570) Financial Secretary: Shawn Tonkin Office: Elaine Koons Church Office Hours: Tuesday ~ Friday from 10:00 AM~2:00 PM NOTE: The Church Office will be CLOSED Tuesday, December 26th Sexton: Lori Hoppes Director of Music: Kristine K. Betz addresses: Pastor Ken: rabbikenb@aol.com Church Office: spuc@ptd.net Web Site address: Web Master spuc@ptd.net Facebook: St Peter s Union Church