December 4, nd Sunday in Advent

Transcription

1 December 4, nd Sunday in Advent Ferris Avenue, Los Gatos, CA (408) Office Hours: Tues./Thurs. by appointment Church phone answered 9 AM 7 PM For Emergencies: Pastor Anne (408) or Pastor Carol (831)

2 GOSPEL MESSAGE December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent Vipers and Adders and Asps, Oh My! Sharp tools strike fear in the gospel reading today. God s winnowing fork is at hand, and the axe is at the tree s root. Chaff will be burned with unquenchable fire. So we ask, how is this good news? If the message of John the Baptist is only destruction, what can be the point of preparing a way or anything else? But if the axe is at the root, this is precisely the place from which a branch is promised, a shoot from the seemingly dead stump. I baptize you with water, says John, but the one to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matt. 3:11). Like water, fire destroys but also purifies. Repentance means turning toward God, pruning, clearing, straightening, washing. John preaches to those who face the water already confessing their sins, but also to the brood of vipers. Why? He shouts ferocious words with the wild hope that some might hear, turn, and bear fruit, and with the hope that there is a chance for even adversaries to be transformed. Might the vipers join Isaiah s adder and asp on the holy mountain, former predators that will hurt and kill no longer? Might the Pharisee Nicodemus eventually advocate for Jesus, and the persecutor Saul become Paul the apostle? The December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami orphaned and stranded a baby hippopotamus. Once rescued, named, and brought to an animal sanctuary, the frightened Owen ran and hid behind a 130-year-old tortoise, Mzee ( wise old man ). The next day a photograph of Owen and Mzee nestled against each other circulated around the world. Wondrously, a mammal and a reptile had started to play and become friends. In a time of devastation, this cross-species relationship brought encouragement and hope. Led by a child, we bear fruit as we welcome one another wolves, lambs, cows, bears, snakes. Anointed with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, we learn to live in harmony as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior. Copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS 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. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 2 P a g e

3 Prelude GATHERING The Invitation of the Bell (light altar candles & not wreath) (please stand as you are able) Gathering song: Maranatha vs 1&3 Greeting: P: From the one who is and who was and who is to come, grace, light, and peace be with you all. C: and also with you. P: Let us pray 3 P a g e

4 C: Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (please be seated) Welcome & Praise Reports ADVENT II: Advent Tree Blessing & Time with Kids of the Kingdom Pr. Anne (All youth are invited to come to the Christmas tree) Pastor: The Christmas tree reminds us [person 1 goes to the wreath with the lighter] Reader 1: On this second Sunday in Advent, we light again the candle of Hope. We remember our longing for God to be with us. [person 1 lights 1 st candle] Reader 2: Today we light a second candle and name it Peace. This candle reminds us of our dreams for Shalom in all the world. [person 1 lights 2 nd candle] Reader 3: This candle reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and that he is coming. This candle is a symbol of God s promise of peace and comfort, and strength. Pastor: Let us all bless these 2 trees. (everyone hold out your hand toward or over the tree) C: The heavens are glad and the earth rejoices! The forest and every tree in it sings your praises, O God. We ask you to bless this tree. May its bright lights shine on our way to Jesus stable. May your rule of righteousness and justice become our song of peace now and forever. Amen. Praise Song: I ve Got Peace Like A River 4 P a g e

5 Time with God s Kids WORD Pastor Anne First Reading: Isaiah 11: A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; 5 P a g e

6 he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 6 The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder s den. 9 They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. 10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. AM: Word of God, Word of Life C: Thanks be to God! Psalm Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, (read responsively) (please stand as you are able) AM: 1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king s son. C: 2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. AM: 3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness. C: 4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. AM: 5 May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. 6 P a g e

7 C: 6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. AM: 7 In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. C: 18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. AM: 19 Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. C: Amen and Amen. Gospel Acclamation Come Now O Prince of Peace v.1 #247 Red Book P: The Good News of Jesus according to: Matthew 3:1-12 C: Glory to You, O Lord 7 P a g e

8 3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 Now John wore clothing of camel s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our ancestor ; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with [c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. P: The good news of Jesus C: Thanks be to you, O Christ (please be seated) Message Pastor Anne (Usher will come by and pick up your Prayer cards) (please stand as you are able) Song of the Day: O Come, O Come Emmanuel #257 red book 8 P a g e

9 1. Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. REFRAIN: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel. 2. O, come O Wisdom from on high, Embracing all things far and nigh; In strength and beauty come and stay; Teach us your will and guide our way. Refrain 3. O come, O branch of Jesse, free your own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o er the grave. Refrain 4. Oh, come, blest Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by your advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death s dark shadows put to flight. (Refrain) Apostles Creed P: With the whole Church, let us affirm our faith: C: 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 power of 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. 9 P a g e

10 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 People (please be seated) AM: As we anticipate the fullness of the presence of Christ, we join with the church throughout the world, praying for all who are in need. A brief silence. AM: For the church throughout the world, for all inspired and led by the Holy Spirit, and for all who proclaim the wondrous deeds of God; that all divisions and disagreements cease, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. AM: For the earth and its creatures, for animals of every size, for plants that provide shade and nourishment; that we see God s goodness revealed in every living thing, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. AM: For the nations and those in authority, for police officers and firefighters, for social workers and attorneys; that God grant them wisdom to work for peace and justice, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. AM: We pray for the world. This week from the Cycle of World Prayer we especially lift up Liberia and Sierra Leone. May they live in your peace and protection, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. AM: For the poor, the meek, the unwelcomed, those suffering from malaria and HIV/AIDS, the sick and the bereaved (especially those we name now silently or aloud ); that they experience Christ embodied in healthcare workers and caregivers, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. AM: Bless the ministry of Immanual Lutheran Church, Saratoga, our sister congregation in our El Camino Real Conference as we lift them up in prayer, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. 10 P a g e

11 AM: For those traveling and those absent from this gathering, for those serving in the military, for those preparing for baptism, and for our congregation; that in all we do we praise and glorify God, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. AM: In thanksgiving for the faithful departed who have died in Christ (especially the theologian John of Damascus); that they show us the way of hope through the incarnate Word, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. Pastor: Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, those spoken aloud and those known only to you, and grant us peace through Jesus Christ, our coming Savior. C: Amen. Reconciliation & Peace P: The peace of Christ be with you. C: and also with you. P: God 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 God. MEAL C: It is right to give God thanks and praise. P: It is indeed right, our duty and joy that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise. Come, here is a place where all are welcome. Here is a place where you will find hope with Christ. Come all who are longing and seeking light and peace in your life. 11 P a g e

12 We prepare now for Emmanuel, God with us. We remember how this child, born in a stable, lived a life of healing, mercy, and wisdom. We remember his last meal shared with friends. When He gathered them together, and in the blessing of the bread, asked them to share the bread of life. Then in the blessing of the cup, he asked them to share the cup of forgiveness and promise. So too, Jesus asks us always to re-member him as we share this bread and cup. As we share this bread and cup, may God strengthen our hope in the promises of this season, and give us courage to walk in light offering kindness and blessings to others. All: Holy God, we pray for your Spirit to come. Enliven this bread. Awaken this body of Christ. Pour us out for each other. Ignite your church. Come Holy Spirit in this place. Amen P: Let us pray together the prayer of Jesus, a prayer of hope for a new creation. The Lord s Prayer 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 P: All are invited and welcome at this table. We come together and kneel or not as we desire. There is gluten-free unleavened bread, red wine or white grape juice in the individual cups. If you chose not to receive the bread and wine you are invited to come for a blessing, or stay in your seat in silent prayer. (For those who cannot come to the table, we will come to you.) Invitation to the table P: Come to the banquet, for nothing and no one can take your place. This is God s table, and Jesus is the host of this meal. It is a table of grace and it is all we will ever need. 12 P a g e

13 Communion Music: Catherine Elyana Calyn Ellacer Post-Communion Blessing & Prayer P: O God, for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share. Make us ready always to welcome Christ into our heart. Send us out to be your witnesses in the world announcing your coming among us through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen The Offering is Received SENDING Offering Song: Now Thank We All Our God #840 (red book) (please sing during the gathering of the offering) Now Thank We All Our God Now thank we all our god With hearts and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done, In whom this world rejoices; Who, from our mothers arms, Has blest us on our way With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today. Time of Testimony & Invitation Blessing: (please stand as you are able) 13 P a g e

14 P: May the God of love bless you, May Christ the Lamb of God live among you, May the Spirit of justice & reconciliation bring hope to your hearts and live with-in you. C: Amen. Sending Song: Trees of the Field We shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace The mountains and the hills will break forth before you. There ll be shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field will clap, will clap their hands. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands (clap,clap) The trees of the field will clap their hands (clap, clap) The trees of the field will clap their hands (clap, clap) While we go out with joy. Dismissal P: Go in hope and light. Remember the needy. C: Thanks be to God. We will! 14 P a g e

15 YOUR HELP IS NEEDED WITH REFRESHMENTS, LECTOR, AND FLOWERS. PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE ENTRANCE AREA Those in Service today Pastor: Organist: Ushers: Acolytes: Reader/Lector: Altar Care: Refreshments: Pastor Carol Been Catherine Ellacer Bob Balcomb/Les Grundy Tristen Fabris/ Damian Hernandez/Donovan Plummer Len Brothers Linda Perez Eva Woodall Flowers: Anna Lisa Holte Prayer List Thelma Spaziani Mario Chissesi Shirley Brothers Elizabeth Krc Marie Hughes Eva Woodall **Please let us know the names of those you would like included on the prayer list. By request, names may be returned to the prayer list. 15 P a g e

16 FOR YOUR INFORMATION The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle This week December 4, 2016 Liberia and Sierra Leone. Give thanks for: Christian churches and people who, despite hardships and temptations, retain faith and hope and love, and work for the betterment of all peoples in their nations. Those who work for reconciliation and healing, so that people can live with one another again. Churches that try to rebuild their communities after the Ebola virus epidemic. The councils of churches in Sierra Leone and Liberia and their work towards a renewed Christian witness. Those who saved others at great risk to their own lives. Financials/Attendance for Nov. 27 th : Attendance: 27 Offering: $1, Social Concern of the Month: $ Social Concern(s) of the Month December TOYS FOR TOTS The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, or purchases them through your monetary donations. They distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the local Santa Clara County Community. ANNOUNCEMENTS Sunday, Dec. 11: Smorgasbord and Blankets due. Jesse Tree tags on Tree in Narthex for children s gifts for the Lord s Pantry 16

17 December 24 Christmas Eve Service 10:00 pm Pastor Carols last service December 25 Christmas Day Service 9:30 am Singing of Christmas Carols 17