COME, O PRINCE OF PEACE HOLY COMMUNION Exploring the promise of God for all Be alert for the coming of the Son of Man Sunday, December 2, 2018 10:30 am Choral Eucharist The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week. A tiny branch springs up from the tree of David Advent is about the coming days. God s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a righteous Branch to spring up for David. The Thessalonians awaited the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints. Our Lord s contemporaries hoped for the time to stand before the Son of Man. With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of our Lord in word and supper. PRELUDE Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying GATHERING J.S. Bach 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 evergreen crown that marks our days of preparation for Christ s advent. In this first week of waiting, rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes with all the saints and angels. Enlighten us with your grace and prepare our hearts to welcome him with joy. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. a Amen. PROCESSIONAL HYMN (hymn) 436 Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying - 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 your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father 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. CHILDREN S WORD Children are invited to gather under the advent wreath; parents are welcome to come with their children. READING A righteous branch springs up from David Jeremiah 33:14-16 In the Old Testament, righteousness often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today s reading, Jerusalem s future name The Lord is our righteousness proclaims that the Lord is even now working salvation for Israel. a The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: The LORD is our righteousness. Word of God, come down to us. Thanks be to God. Upon Timothy s report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overflowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church. SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Strengthen hearts of holiness for the coming of the Lord Paul writes to the church in Thessaloniki: How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Word of God, come down to us. a Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 21:28 The choir welcomes the Gospel with an acclamation from the Závorka Káncional (1602, Slovakia) c Stand up and raise your heads your redemption is drawing near. - 2 -
GOSPEL Be alert for the coming of the Son of Man Luke 21:25-36 The holy gospel according to Luke. a Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus says: There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. God will fulfill God s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God s promised redemption. 29 Then he told them a parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34 Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. The gospel of the Lord. a Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON silence for reflection follows the sermon HYMN OF THE DAY (hymn) 245 Creator of the Stars of Night stanza 1 all; 2 higher voices; 3 all; 4 lower voices; 5 all APOSTLES CREED A In hope and faith we await the Lord: a I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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. - 3 -
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION The prayers conclude with confession. Each petition concludes: Come Lord Jesus, a hear our prayer. 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. Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Gates Andreas Hammerschmidt Lift up your heads, ye gates and be lifted up eternal doors, that the King of Glory may enter. Who is this marvelous King of Glory? He is the Lord, strong and mighty in battle. Hosianna in the highest! 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: - 4 -
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. 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 All who come seeking Jesus are invited to receive these gifts 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. Communion Lamb of God The text for the anthem can be found in the cranberry worship book, hymn 248. (sung by Central Quartet) Carol of the Advent 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. Philip Dietterich God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. SENDING BLESSING P May Christ, the Sun of righteousness, shine upon you and scatter the darkness from your path a Amen. - 5 -
SENDING HYMN (hymn) 254 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Following worship coffee is served in the great room. Brief sanctuary tours will be offered after this service. Meet a docent at the pulpit. 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. POSTLUDE Praeludium Jan Podbielski 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 Peter Nycklemoe Diane Olson Deacon Mark Sedio Jane Lien Central Choir Froya Olson, Robin Helgen, Mike Fairbairn, David Gindra Steven Langmo, David Sand Seminarian Amanda Hutchinson Pastor Stephanie Friesen Mark Kieffer, Marc Wilson Varney Kiazolu Pat Forse Jeff Ingvall, Judy Korogi, Barbara Zalusky presiding preaching assisting minister cantor/organist associate cantor choir quartet readers crucifer communion minister sound operators lead usher for December docent hosts & greeters This service is being streamed live on the internet at www.centralmpls.org. Chancel flowers this weekend are given by Connie and Dick Adair in loving memory of their parents. If you wish to donate flowers, contact Judy Korogi 10 days in advance at 612-788-1288. Large print service folders, assisted listening devices, and access seating are available to aid your participation in worship. Please inquire with an usher. - 6 -
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. 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. - 7 -
WORSHIP AT CENTRAL December 2018 Advent-Christmas COME, O PRINCE OF PEACE December 8-9 Advent 2 Prepare the way of the Lord December 15-16 Advent 3 One more powerful is coming, baptizing with fire December 22-23 Advent 4 Mary visits Elizabeth: Blessed are you... December 24 Christmas Eve God is with us December 29-30 Christmas 1 The presentation of the child Saturday 5:00 p.m. Deacon Mark Sedio, piano/organ Saturday 5:00 p.m. Jane Lien, piano/organ Saturday 5:00 p.m. Timothy Short, piano/organ Twilight Service of Blessing 3:00 p.m. violin, harp & vocal quartet Saturday 5:00 p.m. Jane Lien, piano/organ Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. SS Christmas Pageant at 10:30 Luke 3:1-6 Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Central Choir at 10:30 Vivaldi Magnificat Luke 3:7-18 Sunday one service - 10 a.m. Luke 1:39-55 Candlelight 10:30 p.m. Central Choir, brass, harp & violin Luke 2:1-20 Sunday one service - 10 a.m. Hymns and liturgy feature Christmas carols and melodies Luke 2:22-40 December 25 Christmas Day The Word became flesh one service - 10 a.m. violin John 1:1-14