Sunday December 31, First Sunday after Christmas Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING

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1 Sunday December 31, 2017 First Sunday after Christmas Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING Gathering Songs Mighty to Save Everyone needs compassion Love that's never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Saviour The hope of nations Saviour He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave So take me as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender Saviour He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save 1

2 He is mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave Shine your light And let the whole world see We're singing for the glory Of the risen King Jesus Shine your light And let the whole world see We're singing for the glory Of the risen King Saviour He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave Shine your light And let the whole world see We're singing for the glory Of the risen King Jesus Shine your light And let the whole world see We're singing for the glory Of the risen King 2006 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music) Used by permission CCLI # We Fall Down We fall down We lay our crowns At the feet of Jesus The greatness of mercy and love 2

3 At the feet of Jesus And we cry holy holy holy And we cry holy holy holy And we cry holy holy holy is the Lamb 1998 worshiptogether.com songs CCLI License No Confession and Forgiveness All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the Holy One of Israel, the Word made flesh, the Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen. Gathered in the name of Jesus, let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor. Silence for reflection and self-examination. Gracious God, in Christ Jesus you come among us as light shining in darkness. We confess our failure to welcome this light. Forgive us and renew our hope, so that we may live in the light of your grace, and welcome the truth of Christ the Lord. Amen. I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: To you is born a Savior, Christ the Lord. Your sins are forgiven in Jesus name. Amen. Gathering Song Welcome to Our World Tears are falling Hearts are breaking How we need to hear from God You've been promised We've been waiting Welcome holy Child 3

4 Welcome holy Child Hope that You don't mind our manger How I wish we would have known But long-awaited holy Stranger Make Yourself at home Please make Yourself at home Bring Your peace Into our violence Bid our hungry souls be filled Word now breaking heaven's silence Welcome to our world Welcome to our world Fragile finger sent to heal us Tender brow prepared for thorn Tiny heart whose blood will save us Unto us is born Unto us is born So wrap our injured flesh around You Breathe our air and walk our sod Rob our sin and make us holy Perfect Son of God Perfect Son of God Welcome to our world CCLI Song # Chris Rice 1995 Clumsy Fly Music (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. CCLI License # Greeting The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. 4

5 Prayer of the Day Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. WORD Scripture Reading Acts 8:26-38 Bible pg Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it." 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth." 34 The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. Word of God, Word of Life Thanks be to God Please stand, as you are able 5

6 Gospel Acclamation Alleluia Hymnal #170 Alleluia. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,* and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Alleluia. (Col. 3:15, 16) Holy Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 Bible pg. 784 The Holy Gospel, according to Matthew, the 2 nd Chapter: Glory to you, O Lord 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. 6

7 The Gospel of our Lord: Praise to you, O Christ Please be seated Message The assembly stands to proclaim the word of God in song Hymn of the Day As with Gladness Men of Old Hymnal #302 1 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 7

8 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. Text: William C. Dix, , alt. Nicene Creed Hymnal pg. 104 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. 8

9 Prayers Each petition ends Lord, in your mercy. The assembly responds Hear our prayer. Peace MEAL Offering An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. Anthem during the offering Offertory How Many Kings Emmanuel Emmanuel Emmanuel His name is called Emmanuel God with us revealed in us His name is called Emmanuel 1976 C.A. Music (div. of C.A. Records, Inc.) Used By Permission CCLI # Offering Prayer God with us: You came as a baby to a manger. You slept on straw and greeted shepherds. You come again in bread and wine. Remind us how good you are at blessing ordinary things. And then, through these gifts, help us to bless the lives of others in the strength of your holy name. Amen. 9

10 Words of Institution In 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. Lord s Prayer 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. Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let every heart receive your Savior. Music during Communion Annunciation and Magnificat from Holden Evening Prayer An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth To a woman whose name was Mary The angel said to her, Rejoice, O highly favored, For God is with you. You shall bear a child, and his name shall be Jesus The chosen one of God Most High. And Mary said, I am the servant of my God I live to do your will. My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, And my spirit rejoices in you. You have looked with love on your servant here, And blessed me all my life through. Great and mighty are you, O Holy One, Strong is your kindness evermore. How you favor the weak and lowly one, Humbling the proud of heart. 10

11 You have cast the mighty down from their thrones, And uplifted the humble of heart, You have filled the hungry with wondrous things, And left the wealthy no part. Great and mighty are you, O Faithful One, Strong is your justice, strong your love. As you promised to Sarah and Abraham, Kindness for evermore. My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, And my spirit rejoices in you. You have looked with love on your servant here, And blessed me all my life through. We Three Kings of Orient Are 1 We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. Refrain Oh, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light! 2 Born a king on Bethlehem s plain, gold I bring to crown him again; king forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. Refrain 3 Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a deity nigh; prayer and praising, gladly raising, worshiping God Most High. Refrain 4 Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Refrain 11

12 5 Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice; heav n sings alleluia: alleluia the earth replies. Refrain Text: John Henry Hopkins Jr., , alt. The First Noel Hymnal #300 1 The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Refrain Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. 2 They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Refrain 3 And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain 4 This star drew near to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain 5 Then entered in those wise men three, full rev'rently upon their knee, and offered there in his presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Refrain Text: English traditional Every Season (solo) 12

13 Table Blessing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God s grace. Prayer after Communion On this day, O God, you gave us Christ the Son to save us. As you sent the one foretold, send us now with good news for all people. Let the gladness of this feast have no end as we share with others the joy that fills us; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. SENDING Announcements Sending Litany L: Pastor Mary, on March 28, 2010 we called you to be our pastor: to proclaim God s Word, to baptize new members into the Church of Jesus Christ, to announce God s forgiveness to us, and to preside at our celebration of the Lord s Supper. With the Gospel you have comforted us in times of sickness and trouble, and at the death of our loved ones. Sharing our joys and sorrows, you (and your family) have been important to our life together in the Church of Jesus Christ and in our service to this community. You have served our congregation faithfully for nearly 8 years. You are now leaving our midst to retire. As your fellow members of this congregation we wish to honor your ministry among us and bid you farewell and Godspeed in your new endeavor, bringing closure to your ministry at Vinje Lutheran Church. P: I thank the members of Vinje Lutheran Church for the love, the kindness, and the support shown to me during my active ministry among you. I ask forgiveness for the ways I have sinned against you. I am grateful for the ways my ministry has been accepted. As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here. 13

14 C: We receive your thankfulness. We offer you our forgiveness and accept that you now leave to retire. We express our gratitude for your time among us. We ask forgiveness for the ways we have sinned against you. Your influence on our faith and faithfulness will not leave us at your departure. P: I forgive you and accept your gratitude, trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God. L: Do you, members of Vinje Lutheran Church, release Pastor Mary from the duties as your pastor? C: We do, with God s help. L: Do you offer encouragement for her ministry as it unfolds in her retirement? C: We do, with God s help. L: Do you, Pastor Mary, release Vinje Lutheran Church from turning to you and depending on you? P: I do, with God s help. L: Do you offer your encouragement for the continued ministry here? P: I do, with God s help. L: We will hold you in our prayers as you retire. We pledge our support and love to you and wish you God s blessing. Let us pray: God, whose everlasting love for all is trustworthy, help each of us to trust the future which rests in your care. The time we were together in your name saw our laughter and tears, our hopes and disappointments. Guide us as we hold these cherished memories but move us in new directions, until that time to come when we are completely one with you and with each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen. L: Let us bless the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. L: The Lord bless us, defend us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life. C: Amen 14

15 Benediction May Christ, who by his incarnation has filled us with grace and truth, give you peace this Christmas and always. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. Sending Song Today is the Day I'm casting my cares aside I'm leaving my past behind I'm setting my heart and mind on You Jesus I'm reaching my hands to Yours Believing there's so much more Knowing that all You have in store for me is good It's good Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it And I won't worry about tomorrow I'm trusting in what You say Today is the day today is the day I'm putting my fears aside I'm leaving my doubts behind I'm giving my hopes and dreams to You Jesus I'm reaching my hands to Yours Believing there's so much more Knowing that all You have in store for me is good It's good Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it I won't worry about tomorrow I'm giving You my fears and sorrows 15

16 Where You lead me I will follow I'm trusting in what You say Today is the day (5X) 2008 Integrity's Hosanna! Music Integrity's Praise! Music Leadworship Songs For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. CCLI License # Dismissal Glory to God in the highest! Peace to God s people on earth! Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus. Thanks be to God. 16