Bethlehem Lutheran Church Know Jesus Grow in the Bible Excel in Loving God and Others! Sunday, December 9 at 8:00 & 10:45 Second Sunday in Advent 2018 Today s service is Divine Service, Setting Three (Adapted from Lutheran Service Book, 184-202). WELCOME: 1. Bell: Please take a service folder and be seated. For the folder on your smartphone: www.bethlehemlutheranchurchparma.com/servicefolder 2. Phone: Please silence at this time. 3. Welcome: Visitors See WHITE pew card. 4. Lord s Supper: All See WHITE pew card. 5. Prayer Request: See YELLOW pew card. PRELUDE We listen and prepare in silence! CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION GOD S WORK of SORROW and ASSURANCE: L: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. L: Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God, our Father, begging Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the LORD. C: Who made heaven and earth. L: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD. C: And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Silence for reflection on God s Word and for self-examination. Page 1
L: To whom do you confess your sins? C: To the almighty God, my merciful Father. L: How do you look upon yourself? C: I am a poor miserable sinner. L: What sins do you confess? C: I confess all my sins and iniquities. L: What have you justly deserved? C: I have justly deserved temporal death and eternal punishment. L: What is your attitude toward your sins? C: I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them. L: What is the basis of your request? C: The boundless mercy of my Heavenly Father and the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. L: What do we request from our merciful Father? A: Dear Father, be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being. L: Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead [in the place of] and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen (Face the entrance and focus on Jesus). SERVICE OF THE WORD ENTRANCE HYMN: When All the World Was Cursed See the words below / LSB 346 1 When all the world was cursed By Moses condemnation, Saint John the Baptist came With words of consolation. With true forerunner s zeal The greater One he named, And Him, as yet unknown, As Savior he proclaimed. 2 Before he yet was born, He leaped in joyful meeting, Confessing Him as Lord Whose mother he was greeting. By Jordan s rolling stream, A new Elijah bold, He testified of Him Of whom the prophets told: 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License.NET, no. 100012222. KYRIE (Mark 10:46-52): Let Us Pray L: O Lord, C: have mercy upon us. L: O Christ, C: have mercy upon us. L: O Lord, C: have mercy upon us. SALUTATION and COLLECT: L: The LORD be with you. C: And also with you. L: Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son, A: that by His coming we may be enabled to serve You with pure minds; L: through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. Children Please come forward! CHILDREN S MESSAGE: Fruit! What kind is each tree? How can you tell? Page 2
OLD TESTAMENT: Malachi 3:1-7b ESV See Below / Pew Bible Page 1490 / Own Bible 1 Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. 5 Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts. 6 For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. L: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God! HYMN: When All the World Was Cursed See the words below / LSB 346 3 Behold the Lamb of God That bears the world s transgression, Whose sacrifice removes The devil s dread oppression. Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away our sin, Who for our peace and joy Will full atonement win. PSALM 66:1-12 ESV See Below / Front of LSB / Own Bible L: Shout for joy to God, all the earth; C: sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! L: Say to God, How awesome are your deeds! C: So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. L: All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; C: they sing praises to your name. L: Come and see what God has done: C: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. L: He turned the sea into dry land; C: they passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him, L: who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations C: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. L: Bless our God, O peoples; C: let the sound of his praise be heard, L: who has kept our soul among the living C: and has not let our feet slip. L: For you, O God, have tested us; C: you have tried us as silver is tried. L: You brought us into the net; C: you laid a crushing burden on our backs; L: you let men ride over our heads; C: we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. A: 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. Page 3
HYMN: When All the World Was Cursed See the words below / LSB 346 4 O grant, dear Lord of love, That we receive, rejoicing, The word proclaimed by John, Our true repentance voicing, That gladly we may walk Upon our Savior s way Until we live with Him In His eternal day. EPISTLE: Philippians 1:2-11 ESV See Below / Pew Bible Page 1825 / Own Bible 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. L: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God! HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 3:1-14 ESV See Below / Pew Bible Page 1593 / Own Bible The Gospel will be read during today s Sermon! HYMN OF THE DAY: On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry See the words below / TLH 63 / LSB 344 1 On Jordan s bank the Baptist s cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings! 2 Then cleansed be ev ry life from sin; Make straight the way for God within, And let us all our hearts prepare For Christ to come and enter there. 3 We hail Thee as our Savior, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward; Without Thy grace we waste away Like flow rs that wither and decay. 4 Lay on the sick Thy healing hand And make the fallen strong to stand; Show us the glory of Thy face Till beauty springs in ev ry place. SERMON: Does Your Repentance Have Fruit? Luke 3:1-14 ESV 1. The Precise Time When John Began His Ministry: 1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar [who was the Roman emperor from AD 14 to 37, so in AD 29], Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea [from AD 26/27 to 36/37], and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. Page 4
2. John Proclaimed a Baptism of Repentance for Forgiveness: 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. a. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. b. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level [smooth] ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. 3. John Called the People to Show Their Repentance: 7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, You brood [offspring] of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear [make, produce] fruits in keeping with [literally, worthy of] repentance. a. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. b. 9 Even now the axe is [being] laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bearing [making, producing] good fruit is [being] cut down and thrown into the fire. 4. John Told the People How to Show Their Repentance: 10 And the crowds asked him, What then shall we do? 11 And he answered them, Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise. 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, Teacher, what shall we do? 13 And he said to them, Collect no more than you are authorized to do. 14 Soldiers also asked him, And we, what shall we do? And he said to them, Do not extort money from anyone [harass, intimidate] by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages. NICENE CREED Go to the back of either hymnal. Page 5
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH: Let Us Pray After Each Petition: L: LORD, in Your mercy. C: Hear our prayer. Conclusion: L: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. C: Amen. OFFERING: Let us honor the Lord! OFFERTORY BEFORE COMMUNING PRAYER: Front of LSB THE SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT PRAYER FOR RIGHT RECEPTION OF THE LORD S SUPPER: Let Us Pray L: O LORD, heavenly Father, the lamp of Your Word searches the dark corners of our souls and finds nothing but sin and every evil. C: We examine ourselves and find that in us that is, in our flesh there dwells no good thing. L: We repent in dust and ashes. C: We come to Your Table on our knees, O Jesus. L: Grant that we, in faith, rightly partake of Your body and blood. C: Amen. 8:00 LORD S PRAYER: L: Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: A: Our Father who art in heaven 10:45 CHOIR: Our Father Who Art in Heaven IIa LSB 958 THE WORDS OF OUR LORD: On Good Friday PAX DOMINI: The Peace of the Lord L: The peace of the Lord be with you always! C: Amen. AGNUS DEI: The Lamb See the words below / LSB 547 1 The Lamb, the Lamb, O Father, where s the sacrifice? Faith sees, believes God will provide the Lamb of price! Refrain: Worthy is the Lamb whose death makes me His own! The Lamb is reigning on His throne! 2 The Lamb, the Lamb, One perfect final offering. The Lamb, the Lamb, Let earth join heav n His praise to sing. Refrain Please be seated! HYMN DURING DISTRIBUTION: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You See the words below / TLH 58 / LSB 334 1 O Lord, how shall I meet You, How welcome You aright? Your people long to greet You, My hope, my heart s delight! O kindle, Lord most holy, Your lamp within my breast To do in spirit lowly All that may please You best. 3 I lay in fetters, groaning; You came to set me free. I stood, my shame bemoaning; You came to honor me. A glorious crown You give me, A treasure safe on high That will not fail or leave me As earthly riches fly. 4 Love caused Your incarnation; Love brought You down to me. Your thirst for my salvation Procured my liberty. Oh, love beyond all telling, Page 6
That led You to embrace In love, all love excelling, Our lost and fallen race. 5 Sin s debt, that fearful burden, Cannot His love erase; Your guilt the Lord will pardon And cover by His grace. He comes, for you procuring The peace of sin forgiv n, His children thus securing Eternal life in heav n. 6 He comes to judge the nations, A terror to His foes, A light of consolations And blessèd hope to those Who love the Lord s appearing. O glorious Sun, now come, Send forth Your beams so cheering, And guide us safely home. POST-COMMUNION COLLECT: Let Us Pray L: O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. HYMN: On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry See the words below / TLH 63 / LSB 344 5 All praise, eternal Son, to Thee Whose advent sets Thy people free, Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Spirit evermore. BENEDICTION: Receive and Be Blessed L: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. C: Amen. POSTLUDE and CANDLE EXTINGUISHING: SPECIAL BLESSINGS FOR YOU: Receive Prayer: Meet up front with: Alan (8:00); Brian/Jerry (10:45). Sermon Copies: Available in the Narthex. Be Refreshed (9:10-9:30): Join us down the hall for coffee, juice, bakery, and more! Grow Up in God s Word (9:30-10:30): Attend Bible Class / Sunday School! Giving Report: Actual: Received Last Week: $7,077 Budget: January Last Week (planned vs. actual): $ - 21,709 Actual: Jan. Oct. (received: $191,033; spent: $203,875): $ - 12,842 Participation Guide: See today s insert! Chili > Christmas Tree > Services > Sermons > Meals 12/9 Christmas Tree Set-Up: Join your Bethlehem family TODAY as we set-up the Christmas! Free Chili lunch! Page 7
12/12 Second Wednesday in Advent: Services at 11 & 7; Free Meals at 12 & 6 The Bethlehem Series: Part 2 Ruth, Chapters 1-2 12/16 Third Sunday in Advent: Divine Service 8:00; Classes 9:30; Divine Service 10:45 Is Jesus Definitely the Promised One? (Luke 7:18-28) THANKS FOR SERVING ON 12/9 Organist: Gayle Powers Altar Guild: Tricia W, Carol D Financial Team: Natalia F, Diane M 8:00 Service Ushers: Jim C, Ray K, Paul M Pastor Team: Dave K Prayers: Alan C 9:30 Refreshments: Miriam E and Doris C 10:45 Service Ushers: John H, Klaus K Pastor Team: Harold W Prayers: Jerry H / Brian Z THANKS FOR SERVING ON 12/16 Organist: Gayle Powers Altar Guild: Kathy G, Stacey J Financial Team: Natalia F, Inez G 8:00 Service Ushers: Jim C, Ray K, Paul M Pastor Team: Dave K Prayers: Millie S 9:30 Refreshments: Miriam E and Doris C 10:45 Service Ushers: John H, Klaus K Pastor Team: Harold W Prayers: Jerry H / Brian Z Don t miss The Bethlehem Series on Wednesdays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day! Connect With Us Website: BethlehemLutheranChurchParma.com Podcast: Benefit from the Bible (listen to the sermons) Facebook: Bethlehem Lutheran Church Parma Address: 7500 State Road, Parma, Ohio 44134 Church Office: Monday Thursday, 9:30 to 3:30 Kathy Green: Secretary@blc7500.com; 440-845-2230 Childcare Center: Monday Friday, 6:45-6:00 Tricia Wise: ChildcareDirector@blc7500.com; 440-884-0430 Pastor Green: RevRLGreen@aol.com; 440-292-5915 Church Body: lcms.org District: oh.lcms.org Page 8