401 South Flynn Drive P.O. Box 287 Milbank, SD 57252 (605) 432-5566 alcoffice@itcmilbank.com Psalm 96 Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2016 9:00 a.m.
Second Sunday of Advent At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the light of Christ s coming. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. GATHERING P: Presiding Minister A: Assisting Minister L: Lector C: Congregation WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS CANDLE LIGHTING FOR ADVENT Of the Father s Love Choral Group: Of the Father s love begotten, ere the world began to be, he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he. Congregation: SECOND SUNDAY RESPONSIVE LITANY: MIGHTY GOD A: During Advent, we wait for the one promised in scripture. C: And he will be called Mighty God. A: We wait for the one whose power has no limits and whose strength knows no end. C: And he will be called Mighty God. A: We wait for the one whose everlasting light can illuminate the darkest night. C: And he will be called Mighty God. A: We wait for the one whose mercy never ends and whose faithfulness endures forever. C: And he will be called Mighty God. 2
Candle Lighting A: Today we light two candles. The first candle reminds us of the hope found in knowing Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor. As we light the second candle, we reflect on the joy found in serving a God who is always present. Continuing our Advent journey, we joyfully celebrate a Savior who brings hope and a God whose power and strength has no limits. Choral Group: Congregation: Let the heights of heaven adore him; angel hosts his praises sing: powers, dominions, bow before him, and extol our God and King. Choral Group: CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Evermore and evermore, Emmanuel. P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who comes to wake us from sleep, who leads us into the light of grace. C: Amen. P: Let us prepare the way of the Lord by confessing our sin against God and neighbor. Silence for reflection and self-examination. God of all time, C: we confess that we have not prepared for your merciful reign among us. We ignore our neighbors in need and fail in the labor of justice and peace. In your mercy forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your light and to seek the things that will endure until Christ comes again in glory. Amen. 3
P: Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. In Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven and all things are made new. Rejoice in this good news! C: Amen. GATHERING SONG Comfort, Comfort Now My People ELW #256 GREETING P: The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you. PRAYER OF THE DAY A: Gracious Lord, we thank you for your promises and for coming to earth and bringing the power of almighty God. C: As we continue our Advent journey, help us to know the joy that comes from resting in your power, and help us spread this joy everywhere we go, today and every day. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. The congregation is seated. 4
WORD ISAIAH 11:1-10 A reading from Isaiah, the 11 th chapter. 1 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; 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. Word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God. PSALM 72:1-7,18-19 L: 1 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the king s son; C: 2 that he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice; L: 3 that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. C: 4 Let him defend the needy among the people, rescue the poor, and crush the oppressor. L: 5 May he live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to an other. C: 6 Let him come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth. 5
L: C: L: 7 In his time may the righteous flourish; and let there be an abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more. 18 Blessed are you, Lord God, the God of Israel; you alone do wondrous deeds! 19 And blessed be your glorious name forever, and may all the earth be filled with your glory. Amen. Amen. ROMANS 15:4-13 A reading from Paul s letter to the Romans, the 15 th chapter. 4Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name ; 10 and again he says, Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people ; 11 and again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him ; 12 and again Isaiah says, The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope. 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Word of God, word of life, C: Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 6
MATTHEW 3:1-12 The Gospel according to Matthew, the 3 rd chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord. 1 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 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. The Word of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON 7
SONG OF THE DAY On Jordan s Bank the Baptist s Cry ELW # 24 RESPONSE TO THE WORD APOSTLES CREED A: Living together in trust and hope we confess our faith. C: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 8
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE P: 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. 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. A: 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. P: 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. A: For the poor, the meek, the unwelcomed, those suffering from malaria and HIV/AIDS, the sick and the bereaved; that they experience Christ embodied in healthcare workers and caregivers, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. P: 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. A: In thanksgiving for the faithful departed who have died in Christ; that they show us the way of hope through the incarnate Word, let us pray. C: Have mercy, O God. P: 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. SHARING THE PEACE A: The peace of the Lord be with you all. C: And also with you. A: Let us share God s peace with one another. 9
OFFERING OFFERTORY O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ELW #257 O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to you, O Israel. MEAL GREAT THANKSGIVING P: The Lord 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 the Lord our God. C: It is right to give our thanks and praise. WORDS OF INSTITUTION P: Holy God, the Beginning and the End, our Salvation and our Hope, we praise you for creating a world of order and beauty. When we brought on chaos, cruelty and despair, you sent the prophets to proclaim your justice and mercy. At the end of the ages your Son Jesus came to bring us your love and to heal all the suffering world. 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. Do this for the remembrance of me. For as often as we eat of this bread and drink of this cup, we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. LORD S PRAYER P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: 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. 10
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. INVITATION TO COMMUNION P: Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you C: Share in the feast of salvation. COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION P: God for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share. C: Make us ready always to welcome Christ into our hearts, and send us forth to be your people in the world, announcing your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SENDING BLESSING P: Send us forth, O God, as instruments of your peace, not weapons of our own self-destruction. Direct us in the narrow path of righteousness, not the broad byway of wickedness. Give us the touch of your love to heal the wounded. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord s face shine upon you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. C: Amen. 11
SENDING SONG Prepare the Royal Highway ELW # 264 CHALLENGE A: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. 12
WELCOME TO AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH Thanks to all who helped with today s worship. Welcome Center: Greeters: Kristen Ash, Jonny and Stevie, Shirley Thorson Ushers: Kraig Prisinger, Neil Thorson, Kevin Schuelke, Mark Leddy AV Booth: Gary Wellnitz/David Gulck Presiding Minister: Pastor Carl Larson Assisting Minister: Susan Leddy Lector: Josh Schmeichel Acolyte: Jasmine Smith, Laura Johnson Communion Servers: Kristen, Stevie and Jonny Ash, Kari Schmeichel, Tammy and Mackayla Schuelke, Peggy Dohrer, Susan Leddy Accompanist: Miriam Schwenn Advent Candle Lighting: The Kirchberg Family Coffee Servers: Jacob Stinson, Isaac Nolz, Zack Pinkert If you are visiting with us this morning, we are honored by your presence. Please sign the guest register in the Narthex on the Kiosk. American Lutheran celebrates the Lord s Supper at each worship service. No matter where you are in your faith journey, come to the Lord s Table. Following worship, please join us for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall. Restrooms are located in the narthex by the fellowship hall. Please contact one of the ushers for any assistance. Quiet bags are available for the children. Nursery available with closed-circuit TV Hearing Assisted Receivers are available at the AV booth. The flowers at the altar were given by Jerry and Sandy Kathman in memory of Shawn Kathman who would have turned 45 on December 3rd. This morning s service can be viewed on-line at www.americanlutheran.com November 27, 2016 Attendance 174 Giving $3,133 Scripture readings for December 11, 2016 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 Luke 1:46b-55 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Prayer Concerns: Cheryl Pauli, LaVergne Hedman, Janelle Kelly, Wayde Fraasch, Cody Seehafer, Bob Beyer, Gordan Jarman, Dennis Bracht, Carson Scott Myrum, Mark Fisher The ministry of Jordan Hins in Turkey. 13
THIS WEEK AT AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH SUNDAY (12-04) 9:00 am Worship/KMSD/Communion 10:00 am Fellowship 10:00 am Sunday School 10:20 am Bible Class (Animate: Faith) 6:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous MONDAY (12-5) 7:00 pm Boy Scouts TUESDAY (12-6) 12:00 pm Peace Circle 2:00 pm Parish Nurse Christmas Party WEDNESDAY (12-07) 9:00 am TOT School 10:00 am Bible Study 3:30 pm Confirmation Grades 5-8 5:15 pm Bell Practice 6:00 pm Manna Praise Band Practice THURSDAY (12-08) 7:00 am Bible Class (Animate: Faith) 9:00 am TOT School SUNDAY (12-11) 9:00 am Worship/KMSD/Communion 10:00 am Souper Sunday Challenge 10:00 am Sunday School 10:20 am Bible Class (Animate: Faith) 6:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous If you are not an ALC member, but would like to receive our monthly newsletter there is a sign-up sheet at the welcome center for your name and address. Thinking about joining American Lutheran Church? Information is at the Welcome Center. If you have questions, please talk to Pastor Carl or contact the church office. Upcoming Events: Parish Nurse Christmas Party Tuesday December 6 at 2:00. All are welcome. Souper Sunday Challenge Sunday December 11 th. Variety of soups including Oyster Stew and Chili, bread and desert. Cast your vote for your favorite recipe. ALC Preschool Fundraiser- free will offering -supplemental funds provided by Thrivent. Would you like to bring a crock-pot of soup? Sign up at the welcome center. Full Program Practice for SS Children. Saturday, December 17 th 9am. Sunday School Christmas Program Sunday, December 18 th - 9am. Happy Birthday Jesus celebration following the program. Preschool Enrollment for 2017-2018 is underway. Contact Nicole for information. Altar Guild Members: Please sign up for your 2017 month at the welcome center. 14
Happy Birthday to: 12/4 Suzan Roggenbuck 12/5 Gail Barlund 12/5 Charlotte Farrell 12/5 Siera Wenzl 12/6 Michael Gruba 12/6 Alex Pauli 12/6 Steven Schlueter 12/7 Claire Kastrup 12/8 Shirley Thorson 12/9 Heidi Mischel 12/9 Steve Storm 12/9 Harley Zemlicka Happy Anniversary to: 12/8 Doug & Peg Dohrer 15