The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 St. Paul s Lutheran Church 215 N. Warren St. Orwigsburg, PA 570-366-2316 www.stpauls-orwigsburg.org 1
Rev. Kathy Ash-Flashner, Designated Pastor 570-977-4189 St. Paul s, Summer Hill, PA Justin McClure, Organist/Choir Director 570-573-4076 justin@stpauls-orwigsburg.org Hope Clarke, Office Support Staff 570-366-2316 office@stpauls-orwigsburg.org Karen Travor, Treasurer 570-366-8757 Wayne Lutsey, Financial Secretary 570-366-8766 Jessica Swick, Social Media Manager 936-648-6809 jessica@stpauls-orwigsburg.org ******************************************************************* Welcome to Worship. Today we are using Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the red book, found in the pew racks. Friendship Pads. We ask that everyone sign the friendship pads in the pews. We invite visitors to sign the guest book in the narthex. St. Paul s has free WiFi. Click on (SPLC) to connect. Check in on Facebook, and let everyone know that you are worshipping with us today at St. Paul s! Our supply pastor for this weekend is The Reverend Robert Reier. Welcome, and thank you for leading us in worship! Introduction to the Day. Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and the blessed virgin Mary s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ s advent is for the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in the holy communion with high delight we proclaim the Lord's death. 2
GATHERING PRELUDE The Angel Gabriel A. L. Page CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the Lord of Israel who comes to set us free, the mighty Savior who comes to show mercy, the Dawn from on high who guides us into peace. Amen. Let us come before God in confession. (Silence is kept for reflection.) To you, O God, we lift up our souls. You know us through and through; we confess our sins to you. Remember not our sins; remember us with your steadfast love. Show us your ways; teach us your paths; and lead us in justice and truth, for the sake of your goodness in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Children of God, come with joy and draw water from the well of salvation. Remember the gift of baptism: your sin is washed away in the name of Jesus; you belong to Christ; you are anointed to serve. Stand up and raise your heads! The reign of God is near. Amen. PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you GATHERING HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #257 Verses 1 4 3
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. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Fourth Sunday - The Gift of Joy In a world where we often seek personal happiness, Advent beckons us to a deeper expression of our faith in Christ. For the Lord our God is with us both now and forevermore. Advent beckons us to remember God's unconditional love, even when we stumble. For the Lord our God is with us both now and forevermore. Advent beckons us to remember God's invitation to the human heart to be still in the face of strife. For the Lord our God is with us both now and forevermore. Advent beckons us to remember we always have hope, even when it seems as if our world is caving in around us. For the Lord our God is with us both now and forevermore. Today we light the fourth candle which reminds us that our joy abides in God who gently whispers to each human heart, "Come, follow me, for I have come that you might have life and have it to the fullest measure!" 4
Christ, Be Our Light PRAYER OF THE DAY Gracious God, in a world where the message is "be happy," we are reminded that only you grant the gift of true joy. Let us hear again with joyful hearts and proclaim with elated voices the wondrous refrain of your coming. "The Lord, our God, is with us both now and forevermore." We pray this in the name of Christ, our Savior. Amen. WORD A Reading from the Book of Micah 2 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. 5
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; 5a and he shall be the one of peace. (Micah 5:2 5a) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. PSALM: Luke 1:46b 55 46b My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 47 my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49 you, the Almighty, have done great things for me and holy is your name. 50 You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation. 51 You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit, 52 casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. 53 You have filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 You have come to the aid of your servant Israel, to remember the promise of mercy, 55 the promise made to our forbears, to Abraham and his children forever. 6
A Reading from the Book of Hebrews 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, See, God, I have come to do your will, O God (in the scroll of the book it is written of me). 8 When he said above, You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, See, I have come to do your will. He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10 And it is by God s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:5 10) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 7
Gospel The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. (Luke 1:39-45) The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, O Christ. SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came #265 8
APOSTLE S CREED P. 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. 9
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION As we await the coming of Christ, we pray in hope for the church, the world, and all of creation. A brief silence. Faithful Lord, you keep your promises. Move your church to sing like Mary and rejoice like Elizabeth. Teach us to sing of your faithfulness all our days. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Ancient of Days, with joy you danced over the waters and birthed creation. Give us joy in caring for the soil beneath us, the water around us, and the sky above us. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Prince of peace, your sacrifice gives abundant life to all. Raise up leaders in every nation whose goals are health and well-being for all people and creation. Grant them wisdom and compassion to serve as you would have them serve. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Good Shepherd, you feed your flock. Fill the hungry with good things. Lift up the lowly. Accompany the refugee. Comfort the lonely. Heal the sick (especially). Send us in haste to surround them with your love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Love Incarnate, you are with us at the manger, on the cross, and on the resurrection road. Walk with all who live with depression, grief, or heartache in this season. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Here other intercessions may be offered. Ever-living God, you are Alpha and Omega. We thank you for all who sing now in the heavenly choir, especially those dear to us. Join our voices with theirs in praise of the Christ child. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Confident that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we bring to you these prayers and those unspoken, in the name of Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 10
OFFERING Ushers: Come immediately to the front and wait for the Communion Assistant. Receive the collection along the center aisle, from front to back, then walk behind the last pews and up the side aisles to receive the collection on the outside aisles again from front to back. Return to the back and wait for the Communion Assistant to come forward with the alms basin. ORGAN OFFERTORY (8:00) ANTHEM (10:30) Angels Are Making Their Rounds P. Choplin OFFERTORY HYMN OFFERTORY PRAYER 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. Amen. 11
MEAL 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. It is indeed right, our duty, and joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth, and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: SANCTUS 12
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary s openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh. 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. Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. 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. 13
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen. THE 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 forever. Amen. INVITATION TO COMMUNION God fills the hungry with good things. Taste and see that the Lord is good. DISTRIBUTION The Sacrament will be distributed by Intinction, pulpit side first. Please move into the center aisle, proceed to the Pastor, and receive the bread in your open hand. Then turn to the assistant, where you may dip the host into the wine and partake, returning to your seat by the side aisle. The lectern side will follow, then the choir. Those unable to come forward will receive the Sacrament in their pews. 14
AGNUS DEI COMMUNION HYMNS My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness #251 Savior of the Nations, Come #263 Please rise if you are able. TABLE BLESSING The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Holy One, we give you thanks that in this bread and cup we have feasted again on your endless love. Let that love overflow more and more in our lives, that we may be messengers to prepare your way, harvesters of justice and righteousness, and bearers of your eternal Word, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 15
SENDING BLESSING May God direct your ways in peace, make you abound in love for one another and for all, and strengthen your hearts until the coming of our Lord Jesus. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. SENDING HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #257 Verses 5 8 THE DISMISSAL Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God! POSTLUDE And the Glory of the Lord G. F. Handel Our Liturgy and Music are used by permission through Augsburg Fortress License #20611. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Altar flowers are presented in memory of Harry W. Lafko by his family. Chancel flowers are presented in memory of my parents, H. Clair and Jane Zimmerman, by Steve Zimmerman. Today s bulletins are presented in memory of my parents, LeRoy and Christine Diefenderfer, by Hope Clarke. 16
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SERVING TODAY: 8:00 AM LECTOR: Connie Teter; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Gail Rarick; USHERS: ; GREETER: Kay Weidensaul 10:30 AM LECTOR: Bob Schuld II; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Madelyn Knecht; USHERS: Deb Bolinsky & Wayne Lutsey; ACOLYTE/CRUCIFER: ; GREETERS: Scott Butler & Barb Sterner; COUNTERS: Connie Teter, Jean Premich & Barb Sterner; ALTAR GUILD: Barb Lafko & Fern Moyer SERVING CHRISTMAS EVE (12/24/18): 5:00 PM LECTOR: Tom Wehr; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Kay Weidensaul; USHERS: Deb, Hadley, and Kate Bolinsky & Carl Heintzelman; ACOLYTE/CRUCIFER: Nora Goessel; GREETERS: Crystal Brensinger, Beth Post, Jim Spotts & Kay Weidensaul; COUNTERS: Connie Teter, Jean Premich & Barb Sterner; ALTAR GUILD: Barb Lafko & Fern Moyer 9:00 PM LECTOR: Tina Butler; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Scott Butler; USHERS: Jeff Ritschel, Lindsay Novelli, Sandy Freeman & David Kriner; ACOLYTE/CRUCIFER: ; GREETERS: Scott & Tina Butler 11:00 PM LECTOR: Sue Schenck; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Chris Long; USHERS: Steve Zimmerman & Kurt Schenck; ACOLYTE/CRUCIFER: ; GREETERS: Robin Zimmerman & Sue Schenck 17
SERVING NEXT WEEK (12/30/18): 8:00 AM LECTOR: Samantha Clarke; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Ruth Ann Withers; USHERS: ; GREETER: Kay Weidensaul 10:30 AM LECTOR: Kathy Miller; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Janice Snyder; USHERS: Glenda Bright & Steve Zimmerman; ACOLYTE/CRUCIFER: Emily Heydt; GREETERS: Scott Butler & Hope Clarke; COUNTERS: Connie Teter, Barb Sterner & Glenda Bright; ALTAR GUILD: Hope Clarke & Madelyn Knecht +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CALENDAR Saturday, Dec. 22 5:30 PM Worship Sunday, Dec. 23 8:00 AM Worship 9:15 AM Adult Forum & Sunday school 10:30 AM Worship Monday, Dec. 24 5:00 PM Christmas Eve service 9:00 PM Christmas Eve service 11:00 PM Christmas Eve service Sunday, Dec. 30 8:00 AM Worship 10:30 AM Worship ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE BIG EVENT Calling all St. Paul s Youth in grades 3 thru 12! WE NEED YOU for our next BIG EVENT! The Youth Bell Choir will be presenting a musical offering Christmas Eve at the 5:00 PM service, and we will be preparing during the Advent season. We rehearse Sundays from 9:15 AM 9:45 AM with a snack, fellowship, and discussion time after rehearsal from 9:45 AM 10:15 AM. For the upcoming Advent season, we will be working on a church-wide project featuring Mary s Song, with scripture from Luke 1 and 2. Dec. 23: Love 18
To the Congregation: We need your help! During the season of Advent, you ll see St. Paul s youth in the gathering room working on a special project from 9:45 10:15 AM. We invite you to JOIN US! Pull up a chair, grab your favorite colored pencil, and join us as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child with this cross-generational project! This project will be set up for the entire month of December, so feel free to work on it anytime you are in the church. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Christmas Eve at St. Paul s 5:00 PM - Family Service Traditional Candlelight Service Blessing of the Crèche The Sacrament of Holy Communion 9:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Service The Choir s Proclamation and the Bells of Christmas The Sacrament of Holy Communion 11:00 PM Traditional Candlelight Service The Sacrament of Holy Communion +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DAVE RAMSEY S FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS St. Paul s will host the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Class beginning on Monday, January 14, 2019, from 6:30 PM 8:00 PM for 9 consecutive weeks, weather permitting. This biblically based class is open to everyone, and couples and families are encouraged to attend together. Learn how to take control of your finances, create a monthly zero-based budget, and make wise decisions regarding mortgages, insurance, retirement planning, vehicle purchasing, impulse spending, and debt. 19
Each class consists of watching a Dave Ramsey video, group discussions, and homework to prepare for the next week and get started budgeting. The class is free and the materials can be purchased online at www.fpu.com. Please wait until about 3 weeks before the class starts to purchase your materials, as the materials are currently being updated to a new format. To register, go to https://fpu.com/1072160. Any questions, please contact Class Coordinator Mary Timpany at 570-449-9965 or mtimpany@timpanylaw.com. If you want to attend FPU but cannot attend on these dates, check online for other FPU classes in our area. If you want to get started with a budget now, go to the free online budgeting tool, www.everydollar.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DECEMBER SUPPLY PASTORS December 24 The Rev. Lee A. Diefenderfer December 30 The Rev. Brenda Boyer ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHURCH OFFICE CLOSURE Please note that the church office will be closed during the week of Christmas through December 31. In case of emergency, you can contact Pastor Kathy Ash-Flashner. 20