An evening setting of Holy Communion St. David s Evangelical Lutheran Church Saturday, December 29, 2018 5:30 pm Holy Communion Christmas 1 Interims: The Reverend Larry Hoover and Bishop Emeritus Gregory Pile Church: 479-4110; Fax: 479-2994 www.stdavidslutheran.org
Welcome to St. David's Lutheran Church! We are blessed by your presence and honored that you have chosen to worship with us today. Please take a moment to sign the friendship sheet that is located in the booklet at the end of each pew, near the center aisle. These sheets will be collected after the service. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is offered to all who are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and who recognize the Sacrament as the true body and blood of our Lord. Baptized children are also welcome to receive the elements at the Lord s table at St. David s with the guidance and consent of their parents or guardians. Persons, who may not wish to receive the bread and wine of the communion, are still welcome to come to the table to receive a blessing. To do so please fold your hands and bow your head. Prayer Requests may be made by placing the request in the small wooden box at the rear, near the doors through which you entered. The acolyte will collect the requests and they will be included during the prayers of the congregation. For your comfort there is a restroom, equipped with a changing table and supplies and a water fountain located upstairs. Simply exit through the double doors back into the narthex. The restroom is straight ahead in the parlor, beside the grandfather clock, and the water fountain is to the right at the beginning of the hallway. Devotional The worship folder you are holding is also a weekly devotional booklet. The prayers and Scripture readings are appropriate for use at any time during the week. The liturgy itself is a Scripturally based order for daily prayer and devotion with Scriptural references noted where they apply. Even the hymns are appropriate tools for prayer and praise. Finally, there is a daily lectionary of Scripture readings for the rest of the week on the last printed page. INTRODUCTION On the first Sunday of Christmas we find the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind. We too have returned to the house of God to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God, who has gifted us with a savior. As the festival continues, let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. It is Christmas, still.
ANNOUNCEMENTS The assembly stands. WELCOME The angel said to [the shepherds], Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). As we gather we hear again the good news the angels proclaimed: God has come for all people through the birth of the one named Jesus. Through Bethlehem s manger God comes into the chaos, messiness, and vulnerability of the world. In all things and at all times, we rejoice that God comes to save us and reigns in love. We come to adore Jesus who is Savior, Christ, and Lord. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amid the troubles and fears of this world, let us confess our sin and welcome God s forgiveness, grace, and love. Silence is kept for reflection. Kneel/Sit Mary accepted your call to be the mother of Jesus. Forgive our lack of faith and trust. Your Son was born in the poverty of a stable. Forgive our neglect of the poor. The shepherds left their flocks and went to Bethlehem. Forgive our selfishness and complacency. God of grace and truth, in Christ Jesus you come among us as light shining in the darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, and have not trusted the good news of great joy. We have not loved you with our whole heart, We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have sinned in thought, word and deed. We repent, and are sorry for all our sins.
Forgive us and renew our hope, so that we may live in the fullness of your love, trusting in the grace of Christ our Lord. Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. With great joy the angels proclaimed, Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy. Today is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. In Jesus, who is Savior, Christ, and Lord, our sins are forgiven. May you know the peace which the angels sang from the heavens. Indeed, God s forgiveness is good news of great joy! The assembly stands. 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. KYRIE Lord, have mercy: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy: Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy: Lord, have mercy. PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer. Shine into our hearts the light of your wisdom, O God, and open our minds to the knowledge of your word, that in all things we may think and act according to your good will and may live continually in the light of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. The assembly is seated.
FIRST READING: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 A reading from 1 Samuel the 2 nd chapter. {Having dedicated her son Samuel to God s service, Hannah visits him every year when she and her husband, Elkanah, come to the Lord s house to offer sacrifices. God grants Hannah more children, and Samuel himself gains favor in the sight of all.} 18Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, May the LORD repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the LORD ; and then they would return to their home. 26Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and with the people. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. PSALM: 148 (read responsively) The splendor of the LORD is over earth and heaven. (Ps. 148:13) 1Hallelujah! Praise the LOR from the heavens; praise God in the heights. 2Praise the LORD, all you angels; sing praise, all you hosts of heaven. 3Praise the LORD, sun and moon; sing praise, all you shining stars. 4Praise the LORD, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. 5Let them praise the name of the LORD, who commanded, and they were created, 6who made them stand fast forever and ever, giving them a law that shall not pass away. 7Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps; 8fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing God s will; 9mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars;
10wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds; 11sovereigns of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world; 12young men and maidens, old and young together. 13Let them praise the name of the LORD, whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over earth and heaven. 14The LORD has raised up strength for the people and praise for all faithful servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near the LORD. Hallelujah! All: The splendor of the LORD is over earth and heaven. (Ps. 148:13) SECOND READING: Colossians 3:12-17 A reading from Colossians the 3 rd chapter. {Just as newly baptized Christians in the early church were clothed with white robes upon arising from the baptismal waters, so all who have received God s gift of life in Jesus Christ are covered with the character of Christ.} 12As God s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The assembly stands.
GOSPEL: Luke 2:41-52 The holy gospel according to Luke the 2 nd chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. {Jesus grew up in a family that went to the Passover festival each year. It was in this environment of faithful adherence to the law that Jesus grew into spiritual maturity and an understanding of his identity and mission.} 41Now every year [Jesus ] parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety. 49 He said to them, Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father s house? 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ SERMON The assembly is seated. Silence for reflection may follow. The assembly stands.
Together we confess our faith: NICENE CREED 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; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Dwelling in the presence of God with us, let us boldly pray for the church, the world, and all in any need. A brief silence. God of wisdom, open our ears to hear your grace through the words and deeds of children. Inspire the youngest and oldest in our midst to learn from one another with humility and patience. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of creation, praise to you for hills and mountains, fruit trees and forests, animals wild and tame, sea monsters, birds, and reptiles. Spark delight in our hearts for all that you have made. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of hope, call us to peace and bind us together in perfect unity. Make wars to cease. Guide the leaders of the nations in your way of wisdom, compassion, and tolerance. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of healing, mend the broken hearts of those who suffer this day. Treasure everyone who struggles with addiction, loneliness, hunger, unemployment, mental illness, or sickness (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of life, draw us into the body of Christ and make us grow in faith and hope. Fill us with hearts of thanksgiving made visible in our words and actions for the sake of the whole world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Here other intercessions may be offered. God of delight, fill us with songs of praise and hope even in the midst of despair and death. Comfort the grieving (especially). Strengthen our faith until the day we will be gathered around your throne singing in eternal praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Trusting in the presence of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, we commend all for whom we pray, dwelling in the light and hope of Christ, our Savior.
PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. The minister and congregation may greet one another in the name of the Lord. Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Please be seated, while the table is set. The assembly stands. OFFERING PRAYER Holy God, your beauty shines forth from the manger and your love flows from the cross. As you gather us around these signs of your love come among us, warm us to extend your care among the hungry and all in need. In Jesus name we pray. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Born in humility, he came to rule over all. Helpless as an infant, he showed the power of your love. Poor in things of the world, he brought the wealth of your grace. Rejected by many, he welcomed all who sought him. In his dying and rising, you gave birth to your church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit. We give you thanks that on 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. Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us. Come among us in your gifts of bread and wine, and bless this meal that we might be Christ's presence in the world even as Jesus was and is and ever will be God-with-us. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever.
THE LORD S PRAYER Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray. 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. LAMB OF GOD Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace. The assembly is seated. The Holy Communion is distributed with these or similar words: The body of Christ, given for you The blood of Christ, shed for you COMMUNION Following the Holy Communion the congregation stands: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER Let us pray. God of wonder, in Jesus we behold the light of the world come near. As you have come among us now, send us out in joy, hastening to share the good news of your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit dwelling among us now and forever. BLESSING May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, and the everlasting peace of Jesus who is Savior, Christ, and Lord. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you and keep you now and forever. QUIET MEDITATION DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve our Savior, Christ, and Lord. Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE
GOSPEL MESSAGE December 30, 2018 FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Anxious Searching The central image for today is of two parents anxiously searching for Jesus. Mary s words ring out: Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety (Luke 2:48). It is an anxiety-producing thing when we are put into a position of searching for that which we cannot find. We are destabilized and knocked out of a position of control. To search is to be vulnerable, and that vulnerability usually manifests itself in anxiety. Notice, however, that while Mary and Joseph are frantic (and rightfully so), Jesus is anything but anxious. Jesus knows where his parents are, and he knows to whom he belongs. He goes about the world as a child with unmatched calm and trust. He responds to his mother, Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father s house? (Luke 2:49). Do you hear the difference between Jesus tone and Mary s tone? One feels secure while the other feels afraid. Jesus security comes from knowing that he is known and loved by God. It s like a child at a playground; if the child trusts that the parent is nearby and watching, he or she is free to explore and play and even venture out. Mary s security comes from knowing where her son is. In other words, Mary s security is dependent upon what she knows, whereas Jesus security is dependent upon being known. There is much to search for in this life and much to feel anxious about. But rejoice! Though things may feel out of joint or lost, we can rest securely in Christ. Just as Christ belongs to the Father, so do you. You are known and embraced fully by God. So, rest easy, breathe deeply, and carry out your searching in peace.
Daily Readings for the Week December 30-January 5 Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Psalm 147:12-20 2 Chronicles 1:7-13 Mark 13:32-37 Psalm 147:12-20 1 Kings 3:5-14 John 8:12-19 Numbers 6:22-27 Psalm 8 Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 2:15-21 Psalm 147:12-20 Proverbs 1:1-7 James 3:13-18 Psalm 72 Job 42:10-17 Luke 8:16-21 Psalm 72 Isaiah 6:1-5 Acts 7:44-53 Saturday: Psalm 72 Jeremiah 31:7-14 John 1:[1-9] 10-18 Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS006303. 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