News & Announcements UPCOMING EVENTS CHRISTMAS CAROLING: All of Messiah is invited as we bring Christmas cheer through Christmas Caroling! TODAY! Sunday, December 9th from 4-6pm. We ll sing at our area Nursing Homes and the homes of some of our Messiah homebound members and then join in cookies and hot chocolate afterward! Please join us! CHRISTMAS POINTSETTAS: To help decorate our worship space for the Christmas season, you are invited to bring a pointsetta in memory or in honor of a loved one. Please mark your CONNECT sheet if you plan to bring a pointsetta, and let us know who it is in honor or memory of. Thank you! CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP: We will worship together on Monday, December 24th at 6:00pm. WOMEN, WISDOM, & WINE: WWW will meet again on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00 pm at the parsonage (130 Galway Rd.). All ladies of the church (and friends) are welcome! MEN S BREAKFAST Our next gathering will be Friday, December 28th from 6:30am-7:30am. At Messiah, we are powered by God s Grace! God s grace comes to us as we are. through grains of wheat that comprise the bread of Christ we share and that gathers us into the one Body of Christ. through grapes that are poured out together in the Blood of Christ, as we pour ourselves out into the world. through water that fills the baptismal font, washes us clean, and embraces us as Children of God..through the Holy Spirit that lives within us as the breath of life and that inspires us to live as grace-powered throughout the world. Messiah Lutheran Church, ELCA 415 S. 18th St., Aurora, NE 68818 402-694-2017 www.messiahaurora.org Senior Pastor - Rev. Sarah Ruch 402-833-8218 Pastor of Children, Youth & Family - Rev. Miles Ruch, Jr. 402-833-8219 December 9, 2018 12/09/2018 16 12/09/2018
A warm welcome to all today! May this time of worship strengthen your faith and desire to serve the Creator who loves us with everlasting love in Christ Jesus. Children are welcome in this worship service, and encouraged to participate in any way they are able to. Teach the children sitting around you how to use their hymnals, bulletins, follow the screens, and sing & speak loudly! We value the noise made by our children! THIS WEEK AT MESSIAH Sunday, December 9th 9:00 am -- Worship/Christmas Program/Baptism 10:15 am -- Year of the Bible 4:00pm-6:00pm Christmas Caroling (all are invited!) 6:00 pm -- Year of the Bible Tuesday, December 11th 8:30 am -- Moms in Prayer 6:30 pm -- Lions Club Program Director: Cassie Wineteer Program Helpers: Kiley James, Laura Reeson, Jackie Bowman Accompanist: Julie Jensen Sound Booth: Mark Jobman Thank you to all of the teachers and Jackie for their help. Thank you to Julie for playing the piano and to Mark for running the sound booth. A special thank you to Pam and Pastor Sarah for all of your help. A special thank you to parents for getting your children to rehearsals and for being so supportive. Visitors, we are especially glad to see you. Please come again!! As disciples of Christ, we encourage you to CONNECT with ministry opportunities here at Messiah! Please fill out a CONNECT sheet today. After you ve recorded your name(s) and pertinent information, please turn these sheets over and think about the ways in which you can use the gifts and talents given to you in the ministry here at Messiah. Wednesday, December 12th 6:30 pm -- Confirmation 7:00 pm -- Youth Group Christmas Party 7:00 pm -- First Place Bible Study Sunday, December 16th 9:00 am -- Worship 10:15 am -- Year of the Bible 6:00 pm -- Year of the Bible CONNECT sheets can be placed in the offering plate as we give our gifts of time, talent, and treasure to God. 12/09/2018 2 12/09/2018 15
Evan Dam Walter Lyon Atley Miller Hadley Hudson Shelby Staehr PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher: Stacey Pawling and Sarah Lyon KJ Helgoth Jack Lyon William Dam Quinn Reeson 1 st and 2 nd Grade Teachers: Laura Reeson and Ryan Wineteer Colt Aycock Avery Miller Lauren Wineteer Carter Howland Perry Helgoth Aaron Ruch Jack Carstensen Nolan Wineteer 3 rd and 4 th Grade Teachers-Sarah Carstenson and Kerilyn Mersch Hadley Helgoth Aislynn Jensen Violet Carstensen Cooper Hudson Kaitlyn Staehr Jillian Farris 5 th and 6 th grade Teachers: George and Tammy Chaney and Cassie Wineteer Lena Groetzinger Savanna James Garrett Kuehner Tainee Merrihew Avery Reeson Kendal Wineteer Caleb Ruch Quinton Lange Mason Howland Ian Jensen Kenna Merrihew Kiersten Mersch Ryan Staehr Keegan Chaney Parker Smith 12/09/2018 14 Ushers: Youth Ushers: Reader: Acolytes: Musician: Serving Us in Worship Today Todd Jensen KC Pawling Cassidy Aycock Elena Kuehner Christi Aycock Alexa Katt Kasey Schuster Julie Jensen A Few Notes. Greeters: Berniece Luthy Randy Luthy Sound Booth: Mark Jobman Video Recorder: Rick Penner PowerPoint: Noah Ziegler Worship Asst: Dixie Ziegler Coffee Bar Hosts: Stacy Groetzinger * Indicates congregation please stand if able. Congregational responses are printed in BOLD type ELW stands for Evangelical Lutheran Worship. This is the Cranberry colored hymnal found in each pew. You are welcome to look up our songs and liturgy in these hymnals, or follow along on the screens. If a p. is listed before the number, these are the small numbers found on the lower corners of each page in the front of the hymnal. If a number is simply listed, these are the large numbers found on the top corners in the back half of the hymnal. Communion today will be celebrated by Intinction. You will be offered a wafer and invited to dip this wafer into the chalice, where both wine and white grape juice are available. Gluten and Nut-free wafers are available from each server. Please simply indicate that this is needed and we will also provide an uncontaminated chalice of wine & grape juice for your use as well. We practice an open communion table at Messiah. If you are a baptized child of God and believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, you are welcome at the table. 12/09/2018 3
ANNOUNCEMENTS SONG OF THE ADVENT WREATH He Came Down ELW 253 ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING Order for Worship He came down that we may have peace; he came down that we may have peace; he came down that we may have peace; hallelujah forevermore. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy, then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." In the beginning was the Word--spoken and breathed, a promise made and kept. Speak it loud and clear: God's promise is true! The Word was in the beginning, and through him all things come into being. Eternal and near at hand, already and not-yet, God's promise is the foundation of all life. DISMISSAL (repeat, singing verses in ascending order) I'm gonna send thee, three by three, #3: Three for the Hebrew children #4 Four for the four that stood at the door #5: Five for the five that stayed alive #6: Six for the six that never got fixed #7: Seven for the seven who never got to heaven #8: Eight for the eight that stood at the gate #9: Nine for the nine that stood in line #10: Ten for the Ten Commandments All: Was born, born, born in Bethlehem. Do not hold back! Speak out, giving voice to God's peace that passes all understanding. Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. Two candles of the Advent Wreath are lit. The second candle represents God's peace. SONG OF THE ADVENT WREATH He Came Down ELW 253 He came down that we may have peace; he came down that we may have peace; he came down that we may have peace; hallelujah forevermore. Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS000462. 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. 12/09/2018 4 12/09/2018 13
COMMUNION BAPTISM OF CHARLOTTE JO JENSEN 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. 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 SONG Children, Go Where I Send Thee All: Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee? I m gonna send thee one by one, #1: One for the little bitty baby All: Was born, born, born in Bethlehem. All: Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee? I m gonna send thee two by two, #2: Two for Paul and Silas #1: One for the little bitty baby All: Was born, born, born in Bethlehem. All: Children go where I send thee, how shall I send thee? INTRODUCTION ELW p. 227 In baptism our gracious heavenly Father frees us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are born children of a fallen humanity; by water and the Holy Spirit we are reborn children of God and made members of the church, the body of Christ. Living with Christ and in the communion of saints, we grow in faith, love, and obedience to the will of God. PRESENTATION Charlotte Jo Jensen is presented for baptism by her sponsors and her baptismal promises are made. People of God, do you promise to support Charlotte and pray for her in her new life in Christ? We do. PROFESSION OF FAITH ELW p. 229 I ask all who are gathered today to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church. Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? I renounce them. Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? I renounce them. Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? I renounce them. Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the 12/09/2018 12 12/09/2018 5
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. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? 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. THANKSGIVING AT THE FONT ELW p. 230 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. We give you thanks, O God... in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. BAPTISM ELW p. 230 PRAYER FOR THE PARENTS WELCOME ELW p. 231 Let us welcome the newly baptized. We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God's creative and redeeming word to all the world. 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. 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. LORD S PRAYER 12/09/2018 6 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. Amen. 12/09/2018 11
GREAT THANKSGIVING DIALOGUE ELW p. 161 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. PREFACE ELW p. 161 It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,...... we praise your name and join their unending hymn: THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE ELW p. 162 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: 12/09/2018 10 CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM CHRISTMAS PROGRAM HYMNS Hark the Herald Angels Sing Hark the Herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem Hark the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn king Hail the heav n born Prince of Peace Hail the Son of Righteousness Light and life to all he brings Ris n with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by Born that man no more may die Born to raise the sons of earth Born to give them second birth Hark the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! O Come All Ye Faithful O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and Triumphant O Come Ye, O Come Ye to Bethlehem Come and Behold Him Born the King of Angels 12/09/2018 7
Christ the Lord. O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and Triumphant O Come Ye, O Come Ye to Bethlehem Come and Behold Him Born the King of Angels Christ the Lord Silent Night Children: Children: Children: CHRISTMAS PRAYER We thank and Praise you Lord For showing us it is better to give then to get We thank and praise you Lord For Christmas hope and peace, and for eternal joy. We thank you and praise you Lord Fill us all with your Spirit, so we can come to Christmas ready to receive the newborn King. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for this time to prepare for your birth. Almighty God, we receive the gift of your Son who was born for our salvation. Pour out your Spirit that we may go forth from here today singing our joy and proclaiming the wonders of your love. Be born again in us this Christmas day. Amen. BENEDICTION FOR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Silent Night, Holy Night All is Calm, All is Bright Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Children: PEACE May the Child of Bethlehem bless you and keep you in his love and grace from this day on until his return. Go in peace and serve the Lord Thanks be to Jesus, the joy of our world! A TIME OF THANKS Children: Let us Pray, Loving Father, for the miracle of Christmas We thank and Praise you Lord Children: For the baby in the manger-for the shepherds on a hillside-for the angels in the sky We thank and Praise you Lord Children: For stars and candles and Christmas trees for remembering We thank and praise you Lord Children: For the life of Jesus, our brother We thank and praise you Lord Children: For being on the receiving end of your love 12/09/2018 8 The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING OFFERING 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. 12/09/2018 9