December 2, 9 & 23, 2012 [ÉÑx Sundays of Advent _Éäx cxtvx ]Éç Welcome Visitors! We re glad you are with us today. Please sign in on the YES! Sheet and pass it to the center aisle. If you would like to request a prayer to be read during worship, write it on the back. An usher will pick it up during the Hymn of the Day. Embracing the diversity of God s creation and celebrating our oneness in Christ. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 611 Randolph Oak Park, Illinois 60302 708-848-4741 churchoffice@goodshepherdlc.org www.goodshepherdlc.org
Holy Communion ELW=red book hymnal Please stand as you are able Congregation responses are bold After worship today, please drop your bulletin in the basket at the back of the sanctuary so it may be used again for upcoming Sundays. Gathering Prelude Confession and Forgiveness (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.) 2 In this Advent time of waiting and watching, the words of the angel Gabriel break into our world: "Greetings! The Lord is with you. Do not fear, for nothing will be impossible with God." Will we respond with Mary to the angel's message? "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Will we join with Elizabeth to greet the mother of our Lord: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Or will we be like the many innkeepers in Bethlehem who said that we don t have room, don t have time or can t be bothered. Will we make excuses like Zachariah who said, It is impossible, we are too old. (silence for reflection) God, we are not all as brave as Mary was. Often we hear your words of invitation and are too afraid to take your gift. We would have to give up so much in order to receive it. We cannot understand how anyone would want to follow such an uncertain path. We seek your blessings, God, but we also seek your understanding, hope and peace. Life is a balancing act between faith and fear. Even as we choose fear the Christ child enters our world. We are not condemned, but forgiven. We do not remain on the outside, but are drawn closer by grace. Hope, peace, joy and love come to us + Immanuel, God with us.
Entrance Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ELW 257 December 2 verses 1, 3, 5 December 9 verses 1, 4, 6 December 23 verses 1, 2, 7 Greeting Presiding Minister: From the one who was, who is, and who is to come: Grace and peace be with you all. And also with you. Light Advent Candle (Melody: Away in a Manger) December 2 In darkness enshrouded, the world waits for light To shatter the shadowy darkness of night. To greenery circled, the faithful draw near And longingly listen, God's message to hear. Send out your light and your truth, O Lord; let them be our guide. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, "Let there be light!" Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Did not our hearts burn within us while he spoke to us and opened the Scriptures for us? "Let the prophet who has my word speak my word faithfully," says the Lord. "Is not my word a fire?" December 9 One candle is burning--through darkness shines light, As prophets were yearning for God's holy might. To people in darkness came promises new-- The promise of Jesus is faithful and true. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples. But the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
December 23 Oh, keep us, Lord Jesus, in your mighty care As for your arrival your people prepare. The flames for the faithful, Lord, let them burn bright, That hearts of all people in faith may ignite. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. So we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the daystar rises in our hearts. Prayer of the Day Presiding minister leads the prayer of the day: Let us pray Word First Reading Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Psalm Second Reading Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Gospel Acclamation Christ, Be Our Light 4
Gospel Before the gospel: Glory to you, O Lord. After the gospel: Praise to you, O Christ. Today s Readings Gathering Song & Mini-Meditation for Children (Children are invited to come forward during the song. The YES! Sheet are collected.) Jesus, name above all names, Beautiful Savior, glorious Lord, Emmanuel, God is with us Blessed Redeemer, living Word. Hymn of the Day (During the hymn, the YES! Sheets are collected.) December 2 Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending ELW 435 December 9 Fling Wide the Door ELW 259 December 23 Unexpected and Mysterious ELW 258 5
Sermon (December 2 & 23) Pastor Kathy Nolte (December 9) Rev Karl Reko Creed Presiding Minister: With the whole church, let us confess our faith: We believe in God, creator and lover of the earth, origin and destiny of us all. empowers us to confront and transform all that is corrupt, degrading and deceitful. We believe in Jesus Christ God coming to us in the fragile promise of a baby yet unborn who emerges as the herald of hope, God s laughter in the face of despair. Plunged into death and hell, he broke free the captives, and is leading the way to the land of promise where justice and peace will flourish. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who implants the seed of truth, brings us to birth as the body of Christ, and We believe in the coming reign of God. Announced by the Baptist, it has drawn near to us in Jesus, and will be consummated in the glorious marriage of earth and heaven, when all who have passed through the world s deep sorrow will be raised from the waters, robed in righteousness, and gathered into the joyous fulfillment of God s desire. For the coming of that day on this day, we work and pray: Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Prayers of Intercession Peace The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Meal Offering (Gifts are gathered as the table is prepared. A musical offering is shared.) 6
Offertory Hymn Let the Vineyards Offering Prayer Assisting Minister: Let us pray God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in blessing. From all that you have given us, receive these gifts, signs of our thanksgiving and praise. Fill us with good things at your table that we may come to the help of all in need; through Jesus Christ, our redeemer. Amen. 7
Dialogue (Presiding minister greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks.) Preface Presiding Minister: It is our duty... and join their unending hymn: Holy, Holy 8
Eucharistic Prayer Presiding Minister: Holy God, the Beginning and the End Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, both now and forever. Amen. Lord s Prayer Presiding Minister: Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: 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. 9
Invitation to Communion God fills the hungry with good things. Come with joy to the feast. Communion December 2 -- Please come forward to the railing as the ushers direct and kneel if you are able. As you come up please take a cup from the tray unless you want to drink wine from the common cup. You will be given bread. Gluten free communion wafers are available. You may choose to be served wine from the silver cup or grape juice from the golden cup. If you do not have a cup you will be offered the common cup with wine. December 9 & 23 -- Please come forward as the ushers direct. You will be given bread. You may eat the bread and drink; or intinct (dip) in the large cup and eat. Please move to the appropriate server. The silver cup has wine; the oversize pottery cup has grape juice for intinction. Gluten free communion wafers are available. Please let Pastor Kathy or the assisting minister know when you come forward. After you commune, feel free to kneel at the altar rail in silent prayer. Communion Song Lamb of God
December 2 Prepare the Royal Highway ELW 264 Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ELW 244 December 9 Come Now, O Prince of Peace ELW 247 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You ELW 241 December 23 People, Look East ELW 248 For All the Faithful Women (verses 1, 2, Mary, Last) ELW 419 After all have returned to their places, please remain seated. Presiding Minister: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. Prayer after Communion Assisting Minister: 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 Lord. Amen. Announcements Sending Blessing Presiding Minister: Rejoice that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Be ready to say yes! Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. 11
Sending Hymn December 2 Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand ELW 441 December 9 Hark, the Glad Sound! ELW 239 December 23 My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness ELW 251 Dismissal Assisting Minister: Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God. Postlude By Arden W. Mead and Peter J. Mead. Art by Sally Beck. 1994/2007 by Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. 1-800-325-9414. www.creativecommunications.com. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Creed written by Nathan Nettleton, used by permission. Liturgy from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2012 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26258. 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. printed on 100% recycled envirocopy paper Sunday worship 8:00 & 10:30am (Holy Communion celebrated at both services) Pastor Rev. Kathryn Nolte Council President Barbara Hunt Director of Christian Education Deaconess Debbie Rank Council Vice President Brad Grining Office Administrator Vicki May Custodian Tali Melani Sunday Nursery Attendants Elois Gardner & Courtney Roberson 12