Trinity Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 Trinity Lutheran Church Dec. 2, 2019 First Sunday of Advent 217 Brackenridge Southwest Sleepy Eye, MN Website sleepyeye.org Phone: (507) Office Hours Mon-Thurs 9am 3pm Ministers Every member Pastor Nathan Luong (651) sleepyeye.org Parsonage Parish Secretary Darlene Brummund sleepyeye.org Financial Secretary Pat Stevermer sleepyeye.org Music Director Mary Mulry sleepyeye.org Educational Director Julia Coulson sleepyeye.org Custodian Alex Lazatin

2 HOLY COMMUNION ~ SETTING 3 9:00 A.M. ~ SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2018 The Living Christ Calls and Welcomes Everyone as We Gather on this First Sunday of Advent. You are invited by Christ to trust the promise of his presence given and shed you in the bread and cup today. Children, not yet receiving Communion, are invited to come forward to receive a personal blessing. For those able, fellowship and refreshments are available in the library following our worship WORSHIP AIDS LARGE PRINT BULLETINS are available from an usher. A NURSERY is located upstairs by the balcony. Though the nursery is not staffed, it is available for your use. ACTIVITY BAGS for young children are on a stand at the rear of church; please return after services. Thanks. PLEASE SIGN the Friendship Pad as it is passed to you during the time of distribution. PREFERENCE to receiving grape juice is indicated by raising your index finger to the server. I WISH CARDS are in your pews; please let us know your ideas to improve our Trinity home. GATHERING WE PREPARE Advent is about the coming days. God s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a righteous Branch to spring up for David. The Thessalonians awaited the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints. Our Lord s contemporaries hoped for the time to stand before the Son of Man. With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of our Lord in word and supper. PRELUDE/BELL/ PARISH NOTICES CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the Lord of Israel who comes to set us free, the mighty Savior who comes to show mercy, the Dawn from on high who guides us into peace. Amen. Let us come before God in confession. Silence is kept for reflection. To you, O God, we lift up our souls. You know us through and through; we confess our sins to you. Remember not our sins; remember us with your steadfast love. Show us your ways; teach us your paths; and lead us in justice and truth, for the sake of your goodness in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Sisters and brothers, come with joy and draw water from the well of salvation. Remember the gift of baptism: your sin is washed away in the name of Jesus; you belong to Christ; you are anointed to serve. Stand up and raise your heads! The reign of God is near. Amen. 2

3 GATHERING SONG Christ, Be Our Light ELW #715 GREETING Sisters and brothers in Christ, beloved children of God: grace, mercy, and peace be with you all. And also with you. NOISY OFFERING TO BENEFIT THE FRY FUND LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF HOPE PRAYER OF THE DAY Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 3

4 WORD FIRST READING Jeremiah 33:14-16 The first reading is Jeremiah chapter 33, verses In the Old Testament, "righteousness" often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today's reading, Jerusalem's future name "The Lord is our righteousness" proclaims that the Lord is even now working salvation for Israel. The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness." The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 The second reading is 1 st Thessalonians chapter 3, verses Upon Timothy's report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices over flowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Light one Candle ELW 240 Vs. 1 4

5 GOSPEL READING Luke 21:35-36 The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 21 st chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON Pastor Nate Luong SONG OF THE DAY Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ELW# 244 5

6 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 THE CHURCH PASSING THE PEACE MEAL OFFERING What Feast of Love ELW 487 (The offering is brought forward by the ushers to the acolyte) 6

7 OFFERING PRAYER God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen. THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: THE WORDS OF JESUS LORD S PRAYER Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us pray: 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. DISTRIBUTION God fills the hungry with good things. Taste and see that the Lord is good. COMMUNION BLESSING The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen 7

8 SENDING PRAYER OF THANKS AND THE SENDING OF COMMUNION Gracious God, whose mercy endures from generation to generation, we give thanks that you have fed us once again with a foretaste of the feast to come. Strengthen us through this gift to serve our neighbor with joy, that all may come to see your glory reflected in the lives of your people. And as we recall Mary visiting Elizabeth before she gave birth to her son, bless those who go forth to share your word and sacrament with our sisters and brothers who are unable to be with us. In your boundless love and care, nourish and strengthen those to whom this communion is brought, that through the body and blood of your Son we may all know the hope of your promised coming in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BLESSING May God direct your ways in peace, make you abound in love for one another and for all, and strengthen your hearts until the coming of our Lord Jesus. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. SENDING SONG O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ELW #257 DISMISSAL Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God. Alleluia. 8

9 OUR THANKS TO ALL WHO SERVE THE BODY OF CHRIST SUNDAY 9:00am Worship Accompanist Mary Mulry Acolyte Trey Heiderscheidt Readers Lee Johnson Sound Techs Sue Pedersen Greeters Keith Lendt Ushers Brian and Mary Renberg, Clete Ludewig Altar Guild Sherry Baumgardt, Judy Johnson, & Mary Hillmer WE EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHIES to All the family and friends of Rex Beech, who passed away on Friday, November 23 rd and was laid to rest Friday, November 30 th with services here at his Trinity home. We will all miss the hugs and love of this amazing man. May God bless and keep us all in His perfect peace. IF YOU D LIKE TO PURCHASE A POINSETTIA for $12.00 in honor of or in memory of a loved one(s), please sign up in the church office by Dec. 12 th. You have the option of ordering a red or red speckled poinsettia. Please specify when you sign up. You are welcome to take your plant following the late Christmas Eve services on Monday, December 24 th. IT S TIME TO THINK ABOUT THAT DOUBLE BATCH or two of your favorite Christmas cookies to donate to the cookie walk. Our sale is from 9:00 10:30 on Saturday morning, December 8 th. Please deliver your cookies, krum cake, rosettes, or other special treats to the church kitchen by Friday, December 7 th at 5:00 pm if possible. LEFSE MAKERS ARE NEEDED Monday, December 3rd between 4:00 and 8:00 pm. Please sign up in the office. Come when you can! Please spread the word to your family and friends about this great bake sale. Any remaining goodies will be available Sunday morning, December 9 th. Contact Darlene Brummund with any questions at All proceeds go to people in need with supplemental funds by Thrivent. Thanks so much for your encouragement and participation! ATTENTION TRINITY FAMILY: Thanks to all who helped decorate Trinity for the season. MEALS THAT MATTER Remember! Prepared frozen meals are in the freezer for you to deliver to a friend or neighbor who have had a life changing event- illness, birth of a baby, death in the family, etc Be the hands of Jesus! 9

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13 December 2, 2018 One day the whole world will see Jesus return. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Sunday Luke 21:25-36 The coming of the Son of Man Monday Daniel 7:13-14 A vision of the Son of Man Tuesday Joel 3:14-18 The day of the Lord is near Wednesday Micah 4:1-7 The Lord s coming reign of peace Thursday Luke 17:22-37 The day of the Son of Man Friday Romans 13:11-14 Our salvation is near Saturday Psalm 90 Prayer for life from God Sunday Luke 3:1-6 Prepare the way of the Lord SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK (Jesus said) The sky and the earth won t last forever, but my words will. Luke 21:33 SAY, PRAY AND BLESS: A Prayer for the Week: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. In you I place my trust, O God. Amen. (Psalm 25:1-2) Mealtime Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless our home with hope this Advent. As we enjoy your gifts, make us ready for your coming. Amen. A Blessing to Give: May the Lord give you strength in your heart, so that you are ready when Jesus comes again. Amen. (1 Thessalonians 3:13) CARING CONVERSATIONS Discuss in your home or small group: Share about something you really look forward to. Jesus tells us that one day he will come again in glory. How do we care for oth-ers as we await Christ s return? (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13) DEVOTIONS The Advent Wreath is a great home devotional tool. Make a wreath from greens, wire, or Styrofoam and place four purple or blue candles with a white candle in the center. Light one candle during the first week of Advent, another during the second week and so on. On Christmas Day, light the white candle in celebration of the birth of Christ. Use this simple liturgy for lighting your first Advent candle this week: Leader: The prophet Isaiah said that Jesus would be the hope of the nations. Our first Advent candle is the candle of hope. As we light it, let us celebrate the hope that Jesus gives us. (Light the candle.) All: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving us hope. Fill our home with hope this Advent. Amen. SERVICE Make some Christmas decorations using various craft materials (cardboard, colored paper, glue, glitter etc.). Give them away to neighbors and friends as a sign of Christ-mas cheer. RITUALS AND TRADITIONS Have you set up and decorated your Christmas tree? When this is done, take some time for a Christmas Tree Blessing. Gather round the tree and use the following ritual. Leader: This tree is a blessing to our home. It reminds us of all that is beautiful and of God s goodness. It stands in our home as a tree of light, a sign of Jesus presence with us as the Light of the World. He was the shoot that grew from the stump of Jesse to become a branch that gives us shelter. Reader: Jeremiah 33:15-16 All: God of all Creation, we thank you for this tree. Bless us as we gather around it. May it light up our hearts with your love, joy and peace, and may the gifts placed under it remind us of the great gift of your Son Jesus. Amen. Finish the ritual with a countdown towards the lighting of your tree. Have each fami-ly member point out their favorite Christmas tree decoration Milestones Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. In addition to Taking Faith Home, celebrate milestones in your daily life as an effective faith formation tool. Go to: Please take your bulletin home for weekly devotions 13

14 Peek at the Week TODAY 9:00 am Holy Communion 10:00 am Education Hour Christmas Program Rehearsal 5:30 Advent Dinner Monday, December 3 8:00 am Quilting and Bandage Making 4-8 pm Trinity s Mission Statement We are a community where Jesus is Lord: our mission is to invite, welcome, nurture, and equip all people to be disciples in His name. Tuesday, December 4 7:00 am Men s Bible Study 1:00 pm Staff Meeting At the Care Center 6:15 pm Social Min. Board 7:00 pm AA Wednesday, December 5 9:00 am Women s Bible Study 6:00 pm Bell Choir 6:15 pm In the Spirit 7:00 pm Advent Worship 7:30 pm Senior Choir 8:15 pm Parish Planning Council Thursday, December 6 9:00 am Child Protection 4-5:30 pm Prokindship for Kids Friday, December 7 3:00 pm Cookie Walk Setup Saturday, December 8 9:00 am Sunday, December 9 9:00 am Cantata TRINITY S WEBPAGE Send an to the church office at trinity@sleepyeyetel.net and let Darlene know you want your newsletter via ! TRINITY IS NOW ON FACEBOOK CHECK IT OUT!! Trinity Lutheran (ELCA) Sleepy Eye MN The Trinity Tidings newsletter is now also posted on watch this site for community news and events. We offer the opportunity to support the mission of Trinity by simply scanning the following code using a smart phone with a QR scan app. Last week at Trinity Weekly Worship Attendance: 235 Weekly Giving: ( Needed) $ November Giving:($21, Needed) $27, Yearly Contributions to Date $259, On Target Budget to Date $253, Approved Budget $280,000.00

15 This Week s Prayer Concerns Pray in this season of Advent that Jesus would come and stir up our hearts as we prepare for his coming by serving our neighbors in need Pray for the Church that the Holy Spirit would empower us to live in the image of God so that we would speak and act in every way bringing glory to God before all the nations and peoples with what we have been given Pray for the nations that the darkness, which has penetrated so many lives that your light Lord would help us to see the presence and that the Spirit would leads us to seek the truth and practice grace with those who are hurting and searching for answers Pray for the victims of natural disasters that those who are able would offer aid in the midst of chaos would be plentiful; especially those fighting the fires in our world, that God s love would be made known through those willing to shoulder the burdens of suffering so that hope and peace would comfort those who are in need Pray for all who are ill, afflicted, or recovering that the Holy Spirit would give comfort and daily strength to Don Anderson; Karen Fischer; PJ Hittesdorf; Isaac Lendt; Daniel Luong; Joan Miller; Terry Newgord; Greg Nessett; Barb Ladd; Linda Strand; Marian Thiessen; Gaylene Weiske; Joyce Wolling; Leann Zamzow; and all who are near us in need, including: Marti Anderson (Michal Anderson-Lowther s sister); Albert Brummund (Rod Brummund s brother); Beth Chapdelaine (Terry Newgord s sister); Nicole Steffl Fuchs (Cindy Steffl s daughter); Kenneth Hinderman (LeRoy s brother); Ed Hurley (Jane Hurley s brother); Jane Hurley; Joe; Kathy Ogelsby; Kimora Okins (Trudy Schroeder s/alda Rydin s great granddaughter); Lucy Renberg (infant daughter of Lance & Brittney Renberg, granddaughter of Mary & Brian Renberg, great-granddaughter of Pat and Loren Renberg); Cory Schueler (Jerry and Linda s Son); Mary Jo Staite (Darlene Brummund s cousin); and Andrew Tynan (Jim & Jackie Hutchins nephew). Pray for the beloved who now rest from their labors in God s mercy and for all who mourn the personal loss of loved ones, especially the family and friends of Rex Beech, who passed away on November 23 rd and was laid to rest November 30 th with services here at his Trinity home; and Don Gedrose and his family in the loss of his wife, Betty that God would fill each one with the hope of our Lord s promise to bring us to a new heaven and earth where suffering, crying, pain and death will be no more. Pray for those traveling that the Holy Spirit would protect them as they go on their journeys and bring them safely back home Pray for those in prison that the Holy Spirit would guide their hearts to return to the Lord in faith, and bring them opportunities to grow and become contributing members of society Pray for all families that the Holy Spirit would bring compassion and mercy to all who are separated from one another and each would give way to mercy, love and reconciliation Pray for those preparing for marriage and those newly married...that God would be glorified in their union, filling every couple with the light and truth of God s grace and power throughout their lives Pray for the men and women serving in the Armed Forces and those far from home for Brady Augustin and his wife (Donna Augustin s son & daughter-in-law stationed in Japan) and for all of our military Veterans that the Holy Spirit would guard them in safety and keep their hearts stayed in Christ Pray for the missionaries of our church (ELCA) that the Holy Spirit would bless their lives and their work as they proclaim their witness of the Gospel throughout the world Pray for Joe and Deb Fry in his continuing ministry with Authentic Community Transformation (ACT Worldwide) teaching and mentoring church leaders to grow the church throughout the world, encouraging young people to grow in their relationship with God and restoring their valued purpose and commitment to serve others through the integrity of their faith. Pray for Joe and his work in leading and mentoring leaders in Haiti and other nations around the world. You can read Joe s newsletter posted on the bulletin board in the narthex as well as the website at for more news and information. 15

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