Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission (FLAMe) 503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870 (419) 625-2112 email: zionelc@zionsandusky.org website: www.zionsandusky.org Pastor Eric L. Bodenstab Third Sunday of Advent Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon December 17, 2017 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Introduction to the Day From Adam and Eve to Noah; from Noah to Abraham and forward, God made a promise. This promise is that the people would become a great nation from which the Savior of all humanity would come. This promise is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Join the Children of Zion today as they share the story of the shepherds and the angels at the birth of Christ. As the story is told, let us be reminded that through this Baby King, we too are given new life and promise. ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING PRELUDE: Hark the Glad Sound Benjamin Culli Please stand. CONFESSIONS AND FORGIVENESS In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence for reflection and self-examination. Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. 2
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. GATHERING SONG: (ELW 260) The King Shall Come GREETING (ELW p.138) KYRIE (ELW p. 138) LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH We praise you, O God, for this victory wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our hearts as we await the Lord s coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may serve our neighbors in need. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. CANDLE LIGHTING HYMN: Prepare the Royal Highway (ELW 264 verse 3) PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Please be seated. WORD Children: Ring, Ring, Ring the Bells CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM... We celebrate God s grace with a song of faith... CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: O Come, all Ye Faithful (ELW 283 Stanza 1) Scripture: I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing (Genesis 12).... The nation of Israel, from whom a Savior would come... CONGREGATONAL HYMN: Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (ELW 254 Stanza 1) 3
Scripture: He would be called Immanuel meaning God with us. (Matthew 1:23) CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (ELW 257 Stanzas 1 & 5) Scripture: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans [a] of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times (Micah 5:2). CHILDREN & CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem (ELW 279 verse 1) Scripture: And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.... Just as God had promised from generation to generation... Children: That Boy Child of Mary (stanzas 1 & 2) ELW #293 Responsive Reading: (Congregation) Leader: Joseph also went up from Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Congregation: Leader: Congregation: Leader: Congregation: Leader: While they were there, Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, Keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Congregation: This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 4
Leader: Children: Congregation: All: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Oh, Do you Hear? The shepherds said to one another, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. They left their sheep, hurried to Bethlehem, and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, lying in a manger. CHILDREN SING: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly *The bells ring out in every generation to share the good news and great joy to remind us to celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior and Lord. Pastor: All: You have kept your promises, O God. Thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus! Amen! CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: (ELW 267) Joy to the World Children process down and are to return to parents. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Please be seated. MEAL OFFERTORY: The King Shall Come Ronald Nelson Please stand. OFFERTORY HYMN (ELW 239 verse 3) Hark, the Glad Sound! OFFERTORY PRAYER Let us pray. 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. 5
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING DIALOGUE (ELW p. 144) PREFACE SANCTUS (ELW p. 144) THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE (ELW p. 145) Holy One, the beginning and the end Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming. Come, Lord Jesus. Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth. Come, Holy Spirit. All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. LORD S PRAYER (ELW p. 145) Please be seated. DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION LAMB OF GOD (ELW p. 146) COMMUNION HYMN (ELW 247) Come Now, O Prince of Peace Please stand 6
POST COMMUNION CANTICLE POST COMMUNION PRAYER Let us pray. God for whom we wait, in this meal you give us a foretaste of that day when the hungry will be fed with good things. Send us forth to make known your deeds and to proclaim the greatness of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. BLESSING SENDING Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. SENDING SONG (ELW 298) The Bells of Christmas DISMISSAL Go in peace. Remember the poor. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE: Prelude and Fugue in E major Johann Sebastian Bach Copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress LiturgiesAnnual License #SAS000001. 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 7
Worship leaders today are: Presiding Minister: Rev. Dr. Eric Bodenstab Assisting Minister: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Organist: Ron Borchardt Acolyte: (8:00) Evan Terry Prayers of the People: (8:00) Betty Bickley (10:30) Ann Cerny Serving Bread: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Communion Assistants: (8:00) Kris Stradtman & Andrew Castello (10:30) John & Judy Mears Sound Board: (8:00) Dean Meyers (10:30) John Nejedly Ushers: (8:00) Jim & Jeanette Toft, Bruce Bravard, Cooter Patterson, Abbey Lazzara, and Tom & Cindy Patterson (10:30) Dean & Karen Slater, George & Betty Bickley, and Chet Leser Gathering Hosts: (8:00) Wendy Schonhardt & Judy Burrows (10:30) Karen Dehn Greeter: Earl & Bea Rosen Altar Guild: Cindy Schwab The side vases are given by Terry Gast in loving memory of his wife, Norma Jean. The center vase is given by George Clements in honor of his wedding anniversary to his beloved Mabel. Attendance/Offering December 9-10 th (230) General Fund Offering received $5,473.00 Midweek General Fund Offering received $1,792.00 Weekly budgeted amount $7,480.77 - Total General Fund amount received $7,265.00 8
Christmas Cards They are going fast so don t delay buy today! The youth are selling Christmas cards featuring the Mary and Martha window! A box of 10 cards/envelopes will cost $12.00. There is a limited supply. Get them while you can. Home Communion servers: Thank you for giving of your time to take communion to those who are homebound, in nursing facilities, or at the hospital. What a blessing you are! Please return the communion kits at the beginning of the week so that they can be refilled and consecrated the following Sunday before taking them out again. Zion SCAASP will be Christmas Caroling on Monday, Dec 18 at 11 am at Osborne Elementary School. Please meet near the office. We will continue at The Meadows of Osborn Nursing Home with a final stop at Linda Kerst s home (3806 Deerpath Dr., Perkins Twp) for a fun party! Please bring something yummy to share! All congregation members are welcome to participate. We have two opportunities for you to discuss the lectionary readings each week! Common Lectionary Text Study with Pastor Eric and Pastor Katie Suggitt. The group meets every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at Mr. Smith s Coffee House. Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m., in the Stellhorn Library, the former Men s Bible study extends an invitation to any and all who would like to join their time of discussion. Readings for December 24 th : 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:46b-55, Romans 16:25-27, and Luke 1:26-38 Care & Share Volunteers - Friday, December 22, 2017 Bruce Bravard, Laura Stellhorn, and Dean & Karen Slater Check out the God Sightings at the kiosk! Bring your photos of the God sightings in your life and post them on the Kiosk for others to see. We have so much to be thankful for and we want to share it! Let s try to fill the kiosk by Christmas! Mittens, scarves, and hats Oh, my! If you d like to donate any of these items to be used by children in need throughout the winter, please place them in the donation box in the Gathering room. We will see that they are given to those in need. 9
Advent & Christmas Services Advent services Tuesday: December 19 th at 7 p.m. Noon Advent service (with a light lunch) Wednesday: December 20 th Saturday, December 23 - Fourth Saturday of Advent 6 p.m. Worship Sunday, December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:30 a.m. Worship (No 8:00 a.m. service) Sunday, December 24 Christmas Eve 7 p.m. (Family Service) Christmas Eve 11 p.m. (Traditional Service) Broadcast Live on WLEC Christmas Day 10:30 a.m. Advent is a season of hope and expectation. It is a season in which we prepare the way of the Lord (Mark 1:3). Advent candles, wreaths and calendars are joined with as-yet unfinished nativity scenes to mark our preparations for the birth of Jesus Christ. This year, ELCA World Hunger s Advent Study celebrates this season with reflections focused on the preparation of the people of God for the work of the new year the work of feeding, clothing, accompanying and advocating with our neighbors for a just world in which all are fed. The four sessions of this Advent Study are based on the Scripture readings for each week of Advent. This can be used during worship, educational forums or special Advent services, at home or in small groups for personal reflection as we prepare for the Christmas season and the coming new year. Each week includes a meditation on the theme, reflection questions, a prayer and hymn suggestions. The four themes are: Beginning at the end: suffering and hope (Mark 13:24-37) Our baptismal calling (Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8) Movers and shakers (John 1:6-8, 19-28) The world is about to turn (Luke 1:26-38) Link to entire study booklet: www.tinyurl.com/zion-advent-study-2017 10
It s tissue season! Please bring your empty tissue boxes to the church office. We are collecting them for a project for the children later in the winter. Thank you! Holiday shopping is coming soon. When you get new shoes for December, please bring the shoe boxes to the storage room at Zion. These are for the kitten cages at the Humane Society. Also, the Humane Society can use towels of any size and in any condition. Thank you for the wonderful donations of flannel sheets and mattress pads for quilters. We will take more anytime. Kit David For those of you on Facebook, here are a few pages you may like to check out. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Yes! This is us! Make sure to use Evangelical ) Northwestern Ohio Synod Women of ELCA Lutheran Disaster Relief Evangelical Lutheran Church in America It s that time again Annual Reports are due no later than December 29, 2017. Please submit (word.doc) to loriharris@zionsandusky.org. 11
It s easy to join our mailing list! Get your Zionews, updates, announcements such as funerals, etc. Just send your email address by text message. Text ZIONLUTHERAN to 22828 to get started. (message and data rates may apply.) Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church This week in Ministry: Sunday, December 17 8:00/10:30 a.m. Worship/Children s Christmas Program 9:15 a.m. Children of Zion/Sunday School Hour 3:00 p.m. Confirmation Class Room 204 Monday, December 18 11:00 a.m. SCAASP Christmas Caroling at Osborne School & Osborn Nursing Home 5:30 p.m. Temple Care Takers Library 6:00 p.m. Mutual Ministry Mtg @ Berardi s 6:30 p.m. Quilters Basement 6:30 p.m. ZELCW Board Mtg - Library 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Basement Tuesday, December 19 9:00 a.m. Quilting - Basement 1:00 p.m. Lectionary Study @ Mr. Smith s Coffee House. 7:00 p.m. Advent Service If you, a family member, or a friend is in need of Pastoral care, or is hospitalized, please call Pastor Eric 419-503-5288 or the church office at 419-625-2112. Wednesday, December 20 ZIONEWS DEADLINE 7:30 a.m. Bible Study Library 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting Noon Advent Lunch 3:00 p.m. Book Connection Yacht Club 6:00 p.m. Girl Scout Meeting Rm. 205 Thursday, December 21 9:00 a.m. Card Making Room 205 2:00 p.m. Rostered Leaders Meeting Mr. Smith s Coffee House 5:30 p.m. Cherub Choir Sanctuary 6:15 p.m. Bell Choir Bell Choir Loft 7:00 p.m. Sr. Choir Practice Basement Friday, December 22 Saturday, December 23 6:00 p.m. Worship Service The full church calendar for the month can be viewed on the church website: Zionsandusky.org In the sacrament of Holy Communion the crucified and risen Christ is present, giving his true body and blood as food and drink. All are invited to the table. Children are welcome to come forward for a blessing as well. Holy Communion is offered at all services. Our 10:30 a.m. service is broadcast each Sunday over station WLEC, 1450 AM. Adult Forum Bible Study at 9:15 a.m. in the Stellhorn Library. Children of Zion at 9:15 a.m. in the Basement. 12