Holy Trinity Lutheran Church With Christmas Eve and New Year s Eve falling on Sundays this year, we have decided that we will not have Sunday morning classes on those two days. Thank you to everyone who contributed items for the Stockings for Soldiers project! Also, thanks to those who helped to stuff the stockings (Sunday school children and soup supper helpers)! With Thrivent Action Team funds, we were able to fill 45 stockings that are being sent to soldiers from Indiana. December 17, 2017 Our Mission Statement: Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world. The 2018 sign-up sheets are now posted! Please consider hosting coffee fellowship or give flowers in honor or in memory of someone special. Signup sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. Cost for the altar flowers is $30.00. The Rev. Matthew Masko Pastor 24 Also please check the 2017 Flower chart to make sure that you have paid for your flowers. You might have intended to or possibly thought you did, but did not. Thank you.
W E L C O M E TO W O R S H I P O N T H I S THIRD Sunday of advent Rejoice always, begins the reading from First Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. All God s children got a robe, go the words of the spiritual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes that make us feel happy just to put on. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God s party. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA 535 S. 14th St., New Castle, IN 47362 (765) 529-2421 htlc2421@sbcglobal.net Pastor Matthew Masko (765) 529-2421 Cell: (563) 663-6674 Pastor@holytrinitync.org GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. NEW YEAR, NEW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS!!!! On Sunday, January 7 th, the adult Sunday school class will begin a new study titled Making Sense of the Christian Faith, by Dr. David J. Lose. This study is similar in structure to the one we did in 2016 by Dr. Lose called Making Sense of Scripture. It is not necessary for you to have participated in the previous study to enjoy this one. In this study, Dr. Lose attempts to answer many of the hard questions that nonbelievers, lapsed believers, and believers with doubts have about Christianity. If God loves us, why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? Did God really stop creating after only six days? What is original sin, and what really happened in the Garden of Eden? What is the purpose of all those covenants in the Old Testament? Why did Jesus really come into the world, and what does incarnation mean? Why did Jesus have to die and rise again for my atonement? What are the real purposes of the Christian church and regular worship? What is the Book of Revelation really saying about the end times? How can one Bible study, with only 8 chapters and 235 pages, answer all these questions, spanning Genesis through Revelation? If you are intrigued by these questions, but want more information, contact Karen Yancey at karenjy75@comcast.net or 765-760-7788. Or, come to a preview session on Sunday, December 31 st! Prelude O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Jay Rouse Welcome and Announcements 2 Worship Meditation 23
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (verse 1) O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. Litany SALVATION ARMY Food Theme for December " Christmas Dinner and Christmas Cookies" Suggestions for donations: * instant mashed potatoes *gravy *mac & cheese *vegetables / fruit *baking ingredients *pie crust/ pie filling *cookie mix *icing / sprinkles *cookie cutters Check out a full list of suggested food donations in the Narthex. Thank you! P At every beginning there is a yearning for the one who is coming. O Emmanuel, C Open us up to your coming. P We gather together to allow our deeply held hopes to be reshaped by God s promises. O Emmanuel, C Open us up to your coming. P We wait for the day when God will make for us a future that is no longer predicated on our fear. O Emmanuel, C Open us up to your coming. P We find a new receptivity within us that desires God s will over our own will and relies on God s justice and mercy to accomplish it. O Emmanuel, C Open us up to your coming. 22 P Jesus, we welcome your presence now with the lighting of these candles, whose flames bring warmth to winter and fill this place with the glow of hope. C Amen. 3 candles are lit. Silence for reflection. Song: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (verse 4) O come, O Branch of Jesse, free your own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell your people save, and give them vict'ry o'er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. 3
greeting P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C And also with you. Prayer of the Day P Let us pray. Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen. SALVATION ARMY Christmas Kids Evangelism has organized gift needs for 20 children this year. Please find in the Narthex a display with items that these children need and want. These items need to be returned to church by December 17th. Please check out the Christmas tree that's collecting mittens, hats, and socks. These will be given to Salvation Army, too. Let's be sure that these children, whose need is great, will feel God's love through our generosity this Christmas! Thank you! Your Evangelism team WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 4 Though the people had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, they continued to face hardship and oppression. In the language of the jubilee year described in Leviticus 25, the prophet, moved by the spirit of the Lord, announces deliverance for those who are oppressed and comfort for those who mourn. 1The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; A LIFE BEYOND AMAZING Why were first century people so attracted to Jesus? They'd never experienced someone whose character included traits of being loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, compassionate, generous, faithful, humble and self controlled all at the same time. This study, written by Dr. David Jeremiah, explores what the Apostle Paul referred to as the fruits of the Spirit. Plan to join the Women's Bible Study group on January 8, 2018 in Hobby Library at 6:30 p.m. Order your book "A Life Beyond Amazing" by Dec. 31. A sign up sheet will be in the Narthex. Come give this group a try!, 21
3to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. 4They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. LITTLE FREE LIBRARY Our free library will soon be open for business! We have registered our library and will receive a sign which will display our church name, established date, and the title "Little Free Library". It's time now to gather materials to fill our library. These materials will be made available to the community. We'd like to offer Christian materials for adults and children, We'd also like a variety of reading materials other than religious books. Please consider donating those appropriate books that you no longer need. In the Narthex there'll be a container available that you may place your materials in. Thank you! Your Evangelism Team 8For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. The reading is concluded: L The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. 20 5
Psalm 126 Psalm is to be spoken responsively. 1When the Lord restored the for- tunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream. 2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. 3The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. 4Restore our for- tunes, O Lord, like the watercourses of the Negeb. 5Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6Those who go out weeping, carry- ing the seed, will come again with joy, shoulder- ing their sheaves. In our prayers Erin Kitchell Julie Potter (daughter-in-law of Lois Hamilton s friends) Bonnie Linville Ron Stanley (Donna Stanley s son) Carol and Mark McQueeney Jane (Brenda Armstrong s friend) Travis Wenning (Jim Wenning s great-nephew) CHILDREN'S SERMON Men of Holy Trinity: A very special mission trip is on the way! Training for the next fourday Kairos Weekend at New Castle Correctional Facility begins on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 and the Weekend is March 1-4, 2018. David Burns and/or Ken Nordstrom will be happy to visit with you about this opportunity and explain the details. While prison ministry is not for everyone, please prayerfully consider if sharing your Christian faith with this special group might be a good fit for YOU. 6 19
SERVING TODAY Acolyte/Crucifer Ashlyn Bell Ushers Steve Hamilton, Michael Mahoney, Todd Hiday Tim Atkinson Altar Guild Callie Yanos, Nancy Fisher, Linda Adams Building Steward Gerry Yanos/Melissa HIday Teller Bethany Phillips Lector Carlos Gray Coffee Hour Hospitality Greeter Joe and Marti Allen Next week s greeters are the Hidays. Attendance Last week: 63 WEEKLY CALENDAR Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians by encouraging them to live lives of continual joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. The closing blessing is grounded in the hope of Christ s coming. 16Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise the words of prophets, 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. 23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. The reading is concluded: L The word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. Sunday 12/17 9:15 a.m. Faith Formation 10:30 a.m. Worship with Communion Wednesday 12/20 6:00 p.m. Supper 7:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer 7:45 p.m. Chancel Choir Gospel acclamation Sunday 12/24 9:15 a.m. Faith Formation 10:30 a.m. Worship with Communion 7:00 p.m. Candlelight worship with Communion 18 Next week s readings are: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38. 7
The gospel is announced: P The Holy Gospel according to John. C Glory to you, O Lord. Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 John s gospel describes Jesus as the light of the world. John the Baptist is presented as a witness to Jesus, one who directs attention away from himself to Christ, the true light. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 19This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? 20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, I am not the Messiah. 21 And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered, No. 22 Then they said to him, Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said. 24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet? 26 John answered them, I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal. 28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. Worship Notes (continued) December 17, 2017 Though all of us are tempted to act otherwise, now is the time for slowing down and leaning together. As with the ancients, we gather in the darkness to wait for the light. If our ancestors removed a wagon wheel for torchlight, consider what it would be like for us to take a wheel off our car, truck, or minivan. Instead of rushing to the mall, we d stay home but also gather with friends to sing ancient hymns and hear readings of prophecy and promise. In the dead of winter, we need one another and we need signs that the sun (and the Son) will come again life returning to dark and dormant land and lives. Like the ancients who gathered together for courage and hope that the sun would return, we gather each week to hear the word that does not pass away. The season s texts give us voice for our brokenness and the promise of a savior. In this third week of Advent, Isaiah promises good news to the captives. We who walk in darkness, especially in this season of waiting and watching, also rejoice. God is turning our mourning into laughter and joy. That s good news for a people stuck in winter, awaiting light. John wasn t stuck in winter, but he was stuck in the wilderness, breaking forth to testify to the light. We walk in our own wildernesses but are called to join the baptized of all generations to testify to the one who brings light and life to a broken world. (From Sundays and Seasons: Year B, 2018. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2017, 19.) P The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ. sermon 8 17
Worship Notes December 17, 2017 HYMN OF THE DAY ELW 264 Advent is both a wonderful and a challenging liturgical season. We begin a new church year while the world is busy finishing a calendar year and the month is filled with shopping, pageants, and parties beyond what our energy and time can handle. But while society urges us to hurry and spend, scripture and tradition beckon us to slow down and wait. Congregational leaders have an important and particular responsibility and yes, challenge to help members (and themselves) focus and wait. Enter the wheel. Author, theologian, and artist Gertrud Mueller Nelson doesn t tire in her enthusiasm for the Advent wreath as the season s most powerful symbol. She wrote about its significance in her groundbreaking book, To Dance with God (Paulist Press, 1986), and now in her eighties speaks of it with the same passion. The wreath can be traced to the Romans ancient rite of waiting in the darkness for the return of the sun, and for the Feast of the Sun on December 25. The ancients, Nelson says, took a wheel off their wagons and fastened torches to it to see them through the darkness. The only thing alive in the winter, evergreen, was brought inside and fastened to the wheel. To those huddled in darkness, it was a sign of vegetation and springtime. More than three hundred years ago, German Christians fashioned the same elements into the Advent wreath the greens a sign of hope and eternity. What was once a Feast of the Sun has become for us the Feast of the Son. Today our Advent wreaths are often purchased, as are Advent calendars. Even the local secular bookstore has those (sometimes filled with chocolate). Both are symbols and tools of what Advent urges us to do: mark the passage of time as we wait. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Advent is about the art of waiting. But holiday decorations have been on the shelves at Target since well before Halloween, and the world declares everything after Thanksgiving Day the Christmas season. 16 9
Prayers of Intercession P Guided by the light of Christ, let us pray for the coming dawn of joy, healing, and comfort for all God s people. A brief silence. Guiding Lord, bless church leaders, volunteers, teachers, musicians, acolytes, deacons, pastors, seminarians, and those discerning a call to ministry. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer. P We raise our prayers to you, O God, in the name of the one who is, who was, and who is to come, Jesus Christ our Lord. C Amen. Peace P The peace of Christ be with you always. C And also with you. The leaders and congregation may greet one another with a gesture of peace using these or similar words: Peace be with you. MEAL God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. Offertory The Father's Rose arr. Mark Hayes 10 15
Prayer after Communion P Let us pray. God for whom we wait, in this meal you give us a foretaste of that day when the hungry will be fed with good things. Send us forth to make known your deeds and to proclaim the greatness of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C Amen. Blessing SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. P May Christ, the Sun of righteousness, shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C Amen. Offertory prayer P Let us pray. 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. C Amen. Great thanksgiving P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Lift up your hearts. C We lift them to the Lord. P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give our thanks and praise. SENDING HYMN ELW 242 On Next Page Dismissal P Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. 14 11
Thanksgiving at the table Holy God, the Beginning and the End, our Salvation and our Hope, we praise you for creating a world of order and beauty. When we brought on chaos, cruelty and despair, you sent the prophets to proclaim your justice and mercy. At this end of the ages your Son Jesus came to bring us your love and to heal all the suffering world. 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. Remembering, therefore, his life, death, and resurrection, we await his coming again in righteousness and peace. Send your Spirit on us and on this bread and wine we share: strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and bring to birth the justice and joy of your Son. 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. Amen. INVITATION TO COMMUNION Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you. Share in the feast of salvation. Distribution of Holy Communion Please be seated communion Hymns Come Now, O Prince of Peace: Ososo, ososo ELW 247 Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming ELW 272 What Feast of Love ELW 487 Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, both now and forever. Amen. 12 13