COME, O PRINCE OF PEACE HOLY COMMUNION Second Sunday in Advent Sunday School Christmas pageant Exploring the promise of God for all Prepare the way of the Lord Sunday, December 9, 2018 10:30 am Choral Eucharist The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week. German composer Max Reger (1873-1916) is mainly known for his Lieder, organ and piano compositions. Later in life he turned to chamber and orchestral music as well. (The choir performed his mini-cantata Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht last Lent.) Benedictus takes its name from the Benedictus qui venit section of the Sanctus ( Holy, Holy, Holy ) blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord in English perfect for the season of Advent. The Lord is a refiner s fire who warms and molds us Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the Baptizer s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Baruch s prophesy heralds the coming of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the salvation of God. PRELUDE Benedictus GATHERING Max Reger The carillon calls the assembly to worship. At the sound of the bell the assembly stands to face the worship leaders at the back of the church. PRAYER UNDER ADVENT WREATH A Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. a Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven! A I will hear what the Lord God has to say a a voice that speaks for peace. A Peace for all faithful people a and those who turn to God. A God s help is near. a May God s glory dwell in our land. A Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. a Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven! P We praise you, O God, for this circle of light that marks our days of preparation for Christ s advent. In this second week of waiting, kindle within us the fire of your Spirit, that we may be light shining in the darkness. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may welcome others as you have welcomed us. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. a Amen. PROCESSIONAL HYMN (hymn) 264 Prepare the Royal Highway stanzas 2 & 3 in harmony - 1 -
GREETING AND PRAYER OF THE DAY P From the One who was, and who is, and who is to come: Grace and peace be with you all. a And also with you. P Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming give to all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. a Amen. The presider continues with words of welcome. WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. A poem of hope from the school of the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the return of scattered Israel from Babylon, but also looks beyond that to the end times when God s kingdom will be established. Baruch is from the section of the Bible called the apocrypha or deuterocanonical books. Luther included the deuterocanonical books in his translation of the German Bible, but he did relocate them to after the Old Testament, calling them useful and good to read. In this light, readings from these books are sometimes suggested as alternate choices for a given day for use in worship. READING The return of scattered Israel Baruch 5:1 9 a Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God. 2 Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting; 3 for God will show your splendor everywhere under heaven. 4 For God will give you evermore the name, Righteous Peace, Godly Glory. 5 Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height; look toward the east, and see your children gathered from west and east at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them. 6 For they went out from you on foot, led away by their enemies; but God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne. 7 For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. 8 The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God s command. 9 For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him. Word of God, come down to us. Thanks be to God. SECOND READING Philippians 1:3-11 A harvest of righteousness on the day of Jesus Christ The apostle Paul was the pastor of many new churches. He writes in this letter about his joy to be in partnership with the Christians of Philippi. Listen to how tender-hearted Paul, sometimes a stern preacher, is with his friends as he encourages them to grow in love and knowledge. Paul writes to the church at Philippi: I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. - 2 -
9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Word of God, come down to us. a Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 3:4, 6 The assembly stands and welcomes the gospel, singing: L Prepare the way of the Lord. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. The assembly repeats the ALLELUIA. GOSPEL Prepare the way of the Lord Luke 3:1 6 The holy gospel according to Luke. a Glory to you, O Lord. John the Baptist is a herald of the saving Lord, whose way is prepared by repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. The gospel of the Lord. a Praise to you, O Christ. The assembly repeats the Alleluia: - 3 -
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT THE PROPHETS DIALOG Readers: Alexander Colchin, Juliette Faber-Savage, Benjamin Glover, Samuel Kozicky, Carl Weiblen, Ingrid Lyle, Alice Isaacson, Caleb Kukuroboman, Carrie Surla, Morgan Williams, Hannah Brenke SONG Come, Come Emmanuel Come, come Messiah, come. Come Emmanuel. Come, come O Promised One. Come Emmanuel. Lynn Bailey & Becki Mayo Prophets of old have told of your coming. Long we have waited; long we have prayed. Kingdoms and kings will bow down before you. Come Emmanuel today. SONG Mary and Joseph Had a Baby Boy West Indian carol Mary and Joseph had a baby boy, and they say that his name is Jesus. He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. Oh, yes, believer! Oh, yes, believer! He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom. The angels sang when the baby was born, and they sang that his name is Jesus. The shepherds came where the baby was born, and they say that his name is Jesus. The wise men saw where the baby was born, and they say that his name is Jesus. THANK YOU Heartfelt thanks to the Sunday school children and their families for learning and practicing new songs; to Sunday school shepherds and to Jane Eschleman for their faithful presence and care of our children each week; and to Jane Lien and Susan Troselius for their leadership in teaching and guiding our students this season. Prayer requests may be recorded in the book of prayer concerns in the great room prayer niche. SONG O Little Town of Bethlehem English folk tune (Forest Green) students sing stanza 1; assembly joins on stanzas 2-4 O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above they deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth; the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. a For Christ is born of Mary, and, gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond ring love. O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the king, and peace to all the earth! How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv n. So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of his heav n. No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still the dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell. Oh come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel! PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION The prayers conclude with confession. Each petition concludes: Come Lord Jesus, a hear our prayer. - 4 -
MEAL PEACE P The peace of Christ be with you always. a And also with you. The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another. God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. GATHERING OF GIFTS The offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time, the table is set. After the offering is gathered, bread, wine, money, and other gifts are brought forward. The assembly stands as the procession reaches the chancel. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Offertory Prayer A Let us pray together. a We proclaim your greatness, O Lord. You have filled us with good things. Now remember your promise of mercy. Feed us with your love, that our lives may reveal your light; in Jesus name we pray. Amen. The assisting minister pours out the wine. GREAT THANKSGIVING P The Lord be with you. a And also with you. P Lift up your hearts. a We lift them to the Lord. P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. a It is right to give our thanks and praise. P we praise your name and join their unending hymn: arr. Cathy Moklebust The presider continues with the Great Thanksgiving, concluding: Lord s Prayer (1975) a Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. - 5 -
Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Breaking of the Bread and Invitation to Communion Communion All who come seeking Jesus are invited to receive these gifts of God. Lamb of God Communion at this service is served standing. Please follow the directions of the ushers to a communion station. Grape juice and gluten-free bread are available upon request. The benefits of the sacrament are fully present in either the bread or the wine, should health reasons prevent you from receiving one of them. Children are welcome to receive communion or a blessing. Prayer at the chancel kneelers during communion is always welcomed. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence silence for reflection concludes the Communion Prayer after Communion A Let us pray. God for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share. Make us ready always to welcome Christ into our lives, and send us forth to be your people in the world, announcing your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. a Amen. arr. Cathy Moklebust God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. Following worship coffee is served in the great room. Brief sanctuary tours will be offered after this service. Meet a docent at the pulpit. SENDING BLESSING P May Christ, the Sun of righteousness, shine upon you and scatter the darkness from your path. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever a Amen. SENDING HYMN (hymn) 239 Hark the Glad Sound stanzas 2 and 3 in harmony - 6 -
DISMISSAL Please face the processional cross for the dismissal. A Go in peace. Prepare the way. a Thanks be to God. The carillon sends the assembly into mission. It was believed that Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) wrote no organ music other than the Intrada he composed for the Swedish King and Queen s visit to Finland in 1925. Thus, it was a great surprise when a collection of previously unknown Sibelius manuscripts donated to the Helsinki University Library in 1982 contained two works for the instrument a prelude and a postlude. Today s postlude is one of these and marks the conclusion year-long celebration of the centenary of Finnish independence (December 6). POSTLUDE Postlude Jean Sibelius Portions of the liturgy are from Sundays and Seasons.com 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress liturgies license #26515. SERVING TODAY Pastor D. Foy Christopherson Pastor Melissa Pohlman Brad Boogren Anna Hielsberg, Floyd Ward Rick Johnston Pastor Stephanie Friesen Susan Troselius Deacon Mark Sedio Jane Lien Central Bell Choir Pastor Peter Nycklemoe Megan & Matt Bowman Mark Kieffer, Marc Wilson Varney Kiazolu Judith Hedman Jim Snustad, Janet Krofta presiding gospeller assisting minister readers crucifer Sunday school pageant director Sunday school choir director cantor/organist associate cantor/organist handbell choir communion minister presenting the gifts sound operators lead usher for December docent hosts & greeters Chancel flowers this weekend are given by Karl Starr and Christopher Haug in celebration of the December 14 birthday of sister-in-law Hazel Harrison, and in remembrance of the December 14 birth anniversary of nephew, Christian Olaf Osen. If you wish to donate flowers contact Judy Korogi 10 days in advance at 612-788-1288. This service is being streamed live on the internet at www.centralmpls.org. Large print service folders, assisted listening devices, and access seating are available to aid your participation in worship. Please inquire with an usher. - 7 -
WELCOME TO CENTRAL Everyone is welcome. As a community of the people of God, the members of Central Lutheran Church are called to welcome all people regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orientation. We affirm that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female (Galatians 3:28). Christ has made us one. JOIN US for Christmas Worship Monday, December 24 3:00 pm Twilight Service of Blessing and Carols 10:30 pm Candlelight Holy Communion Tuesday, December 25 10:00 am Contemplative Holy Communion with Carols Saturday-Sunday, December 29-30 Holy Communion 5:00 pm Saturday; 10:00 am Sunday Guests are welcome. We are pleased you are worshiping with us today. We invite guests to complete the Welcome to Central card found in the pew racks and leave it with an usher or place it in the offering plate. If you would like more information about Central, please contact us at 612-870-4416, or email info@centralmpls.org. Children are welcome at all services. Worship bulletins for children and activity bags are available at Sanctuary entrances. A nursery may be found near the welcome desk. Nursery staff are provided Sunday mornings. Welcome to the Lord s Table. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome at Holy Communion. Please follow the guidance of the ushers and instructions in the order of service. During communion, ministers will bring bread and wine to persons in designated access seating areas. Communion may be received in one kind (only bread or only wine) from any station if wheat bread or alcohol presents a health concern. Gluten-free breads and alcohol-free wine are available by request at most liturgies from most communion stations. Welcome to the Holy Baptism. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome to receive Holy Baptism. Please visit with any worship leader, staff member, hospitality volunteer, contact the church office, or complete an information card, indicating that you wish to be baptized. A pastor will contact you. Friends of Central Stay connected. Across the country and beyond there are many people who have a soft spot in their heart for Central Lutheran Church people who feel a connection both to the history and the ongoing mission of this congregation. If you re one of them, we invite you to join a network of Friends of Central. Pick up a brochure or visit our website for more information or to join. Electronic Giving Opportunities: Online at www.centralmpls.org click on Give Today; or text 73256, enter code word centralmpls (lower case), and a numerical amount. Press send and fill in the details. All contributions from members and guests will appear in a contribution statement. Wi-Fi is available as Central Lutheran (password guestclc). If you give electronically, use the green pew card to drop in the offering plate instead of an envelope. Central Lutheran is supported by givers like you. Questions? Contact the church office at 612-870-4416. - 8 -