Bethlehem Lutheran Church Baptism of Our Lord January 7, 2018 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *All who are able, please stand. Welcome and Announcements *Confession and Forgiveness Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen. Leader: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Leader: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Most merciful God, All: we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen. Leader: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen. *Opening Hymn Joy to the World ELW 267 *Apostolic Greeting Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All: And also with you. *Kyrie pg 138 Leader: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, have mercy. Leader: For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, have mercy. Leader: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, have mercy. Leader: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, have mercy. Leader: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. All: Amen Hymn of Praise ELW page 140 This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Power, riches, wisdom and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are his. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation: Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia. This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Prayer of the Day Leader: Let us pray. Holy God, creator of light and giver of goodness, your voice moves over the waters. Immerse us in your grace, and transform us by your Spirit, that we may follow after your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. All: Amen. First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5 OT Page 1 Psalm 29 OT Page 467 Leader: 1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. All: 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor. Leader: 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. All: 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. Leader: 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. All: 6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. Leader: 7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. All: 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. Leader: 9 The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, Glory! All: 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever. Leader: 11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7 NT Page 122 *Gospel Acclamation God Himself Is with Us God himself is with us: let us now adore him, and with awe appear before him. God is in his temple, all within keep silence, and before him bow with reverence. Him alone do we own as our God and Savior; praise his name forever. Leader: The Gospel according to Mark, the 1st Chapter All: Glory to you, O Lord *Gospel: Mark 1:4-11 NT Page 30 Leader: The gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon Pastor Mark Hymn of the Day When Jesus Came to Jordan ELW 305
*Apostles Creed *Prayers of Intercession Each petition ends: Lord, in your mercy Response: Hear our prayer *Peace Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all. All: And also with you. Offering *Offertory Prayer Leader: Let us pray. Merciful Father, All: We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *The Great Thanksgiving Page 144 Leader: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Leader: It is indeed right And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: *Holy, Holy, Holy Page 144 Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heav'n and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. *Words of Institution *Lord s Prayer Lamb of God Page 146 Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace. Distribution of Communion Communion Hymns: Now We Join in Celebration ELW 462 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence ELW 490 O Living Bread from Heaven ELW 542 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! ELW 413 *Prayer After Communion Leader: Let us pray. Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen *Benediction *Closing Hymn Praise to the Lord, The Almighty ELW 858 *Dismissal Leader: Go in Peace. Serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
Holy Communion is celebrated today. We welcome all baptized believers who seek forgiveness of sins and renewal of their lives to come and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please come forward by the center aisle and kneel (if you are able) at the altar rail. Grape juice is the lighter liquid in the cups in the inner circle of the tray. Wine is the darker liquid in the cups in the outer circles. Please proceed toward the outer end of the altar rail as directed by the ushers, and return to your seat by the side aisles. Children and others not receiving communion are invited to come forward for a pastoral blessing (just fold your hands to let us know that you prefer a blessing today.) December 31 st : Attendance: 40 Offering: $960.00 Greeters: Shirley Fredericks, Kay Schmidt, Arlene Wimmer, Jan Johnson Reader: Dennis McClain Organist: Ann Johnke Power Point Operator: Ben McClain **************************************************** OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK AT BETHLEHEM Today: 9:30 Worship/Communion Sunday School 10:30 Fellowship 11:00 Choir Practice Monday: Deadline for all Annual Reports 6:30 Bible Study Wednesday: 9:30 Bible Study 3:30 King s Kamp 4:00 Confirmation 7:00 Youth Group Thursday: 7:00 Men s Breakfast @ Cafe Sunday: 9:30 Worship 10:30 Sunday School 10:30 Fellowship 11:00 Choir practice ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* -Ethan Batschelet, Missionary--Siloam Girls School in India--Joyce Sabel (daughter of Roger & Betty Kruse) -Virginia Christensen--Roger Struve -Ann Myers--Doug Seavert (son of Donnabelle Seavert)--Heath & Rebecca Huberg and baby Julia (Heath is son of Gary Huberg)--Tom Myers--Kelsey Saboe (daughter of Dave and Luanne Saboe)--Elsie Anderson--Steve Kracht--Sharon Strough (sister-in-law of Carma Betz)--family of Virgil Mortensen (brother of Vernon Mortenson)--Cleo Wild--Lucy Clark (aunt of Domenic Virelli (Pam & Jim s grandson)--jack Phillips--Dave Brugman (Please call the church office to add someone to the prayer list. Requests stay on the list for one month unless you instruct us to do otherwise. COMMUNICATIONS: Church Office: 933-2229 Pastor Mark Wilms: E-mail: pmamlw@royaltelco.net Pastor s cell phone: 507-251-8993 Lynn Wilms cell phone: 507-251-9242 Secretary Cindy Buren: E-mail: blc@royaltelco.net Today at 12 pm there will be a mission trip meeting for any of those who are going on (or considering going on) the summer 2018 mission trip. We will meet at Hope Lutheran in Everly just the same as last time. The reason for the meeting is to discuss finances and the fundraising that we will be starting this week. If you have questions you can contact Kendra at 319-350-4766. Our weekly Bible study for adults resumes on January 8 th and 10 th with a return to Genesis.
We need volunteers: We d love to have YOU share your cookies, bars, rolls, or anything during fellowship each Sunday. There is a calendar on the bulletin board outside the pastor s office where you can put your name on a Sunday this year. If you (or you with a friend) sign up, you should bring enough pieces and/or cookies for about 100 people. Amazon Smile donates 0.5% of designated purchases to the recipient charitable organization. This could add up to a lot of money for our church if people used Amazon Smile. It's exactly the same as Amazon. People could use Amazon Smile.com and designate BLC. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our Dear Church family, During this season of giving, please consider contributing to our Haitian mission trip that leaves Jan. 31st. We ask for both your support & your prayers. With your help, we will be serving as the hands and feet of Jesus and spreading the news of the little baby who changed everything for all of us. Checks can be made out to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Thank you so much! Kent & Mindy Means ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A new year is coming and that means annual meeting (January 21 st ) and seeking new council members and members of our committees. We ask that you give prayerful thought to serving on the council or on one of our church committees. Also, we will be needing your written and financial reports for our annual report. All written reports need to be in the church office immediately. All financial reports need to be in January 8 th. Giving Moment Here's a new year's resolution that you can become addicted to instead of fail at: Every day contains a possibility of making someone else's life better. Look for that opportunity every day, and you'll never be completely unhappy again! Welcome to Kings Kamp! We meet each Wednesday from 3:30-5:00. Children ages 4 years to 5 th grade are welcome. This week in the Good Shepherd Centers Pre-1 st grade: Jesus is Baptized 2 nd - 3 rd grade: Jesus is Baptized 4 th - 5 th grade: Transfiguration of Jesus
*Apostles Creed 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 into hell. 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. *Lord s Prayer 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. Joy to the World (ELW 267) 1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing. 2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 3 No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. 4 He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. Public Domain
When Jesus Came to Jordan ELW 305 1 When Jesus came to Jordan to be baptized by John, he did not come for pardon but as the Sinless One. He came to share repentance with all who mourn their sins, to speak the vital sentence with which good news begins. 2 He came to share temptation, our utmost woe and loss, for us and our salvation to die upon the cross. So when the dove descended on him, the Son of Man, the hidden years had ended, the age of grace began. 3 Come, Holy Spirit, aid us to keep the vows we make; this very day invade us, and ev'ry bondage break. Come, give our lives direction, the gift we covet most: to share the resurrection that leads to Pentecost. Hymn #462 Now We Join in Celebration 1. Now we join in celebration At our Savior s invitation, Dressed no more in spirit somber, Clothed instead in joy and wonder; For the Lord of all existence, Putting off divine transcendence, Stoops again in love to meet us, With his very life to feed us. 2. Lord, as round this feast we gather, Fill our hearts with holy rapture! For this bread and cup of blessing Are for us the sure possessing Of your loving deed on Calv ry, Of your living self, our vict ry, Pledge of your unfailing presence, Foretaste here of heav nly gladness. 3. Lord, we share in this communion As one fam ly of God s children, Reconciled through you, our brother, One in you with God our Father. Give us grace to live for others, Serving all, both friends and stranger, Seeking justice, love, and mercy Till you come in final glory. Words:Copyright Joel W. Lundeen. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net#A-713827
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (ELW 490) 1. Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descending comes full homage to demand. 2. King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords in human vesture, in the body and the blood, he will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food. 3. Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way; as the Light of light, descending from the realms of endless day, comes, the pow'rs of hell to vanquish, as the darkness clears away. 4. At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry: "Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!" Public Domain O Living Bread from Heaven ELW 542 1 O living Bread from heaven, how well you feed your guest! The gifts that you have given have filled my heart with rest. O wondrous food of blessing! O cup that heals our woes! My heart, this gift possessing, in thankful song o'er flows. 2 My Savior, you have led me within your holiest place, and here yourself have fed me with treasures of your grace; for you have freely given what earth could never buy, the bread of life from heaven, that now I shall not die. 3 You gave me all I wanted; this food can death destroy. And you have freely granted the cup of endless joy. My Lord, I do not merit the favor you have shown; and all my soul and spirit bow down before your throne. 4 Oh, grant me then, well-strengthened with heav'nly food, while here my course on earth is lengthened, to serve you, free from fear; and bring me home to praise you where none can peace destroy, where I will ever raise you glad songs in endless joy.
# 413 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! 1 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity! 2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, which wert and art, and evermore shalt be. 3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in pow'r, in love and purity. 4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea. Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity! Public Domain Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (ELW 858) 1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation! Let all who hear now to his temple draw near, joining in glad adoration! 2. Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things is wondrously reigning and, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining. Have you not seen all that is needful has been sent by his gracious ordaining? 3. Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you; surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do if with his love he befriend you. 4. Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him! Let the amen sound from his people again. Gladly forever adore him! Public Domain
Genesis 1:1-5 1In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, Let there be light ; and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Acts 19:1-7 19While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers? They replied, No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. 3 Then he said, Into what then were you baptized? They answered, Into John s baptism. 4 Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus. 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied 7 altogether there were about twelve of them. Mark 1:4-11 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.