Shepherd of the Desert Evangelical Lutheran Church The Seasons The Advent Season Ordinary Time The Season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany December 2/3 First Sunday in Advent Through February 10/11 The Transfiguration of Our Lord 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. MISSION STATEMENT Created, Redeemed and Called by God, we reach out to all, by sharing our gifts and the unconditional love of Jesus. VISION STATEMENT To be an intergenerational congregation that puts the Love of Christ into action from one generation to another and from our community to our world. Server/Sundays&Seasons
Holy communion celebrated at all Saturday & Sunday worship services. 1st Sunday of Advent December 2, 4:00 pm December 3, 9:30 am Stir up your power, and come! The psalmist s plea in Psalm 80:2 has become familiar to us in the Advent prayers. Isaiah wants God to rip the heavens open. Both cry out for an apparently distant, angry God to show up, to save, to restore. When we hear Jesus describing the coming of the Son of Man with stars falling from heaven, it can sound dire and horrible, not like anything we would ever hope for. But when we really look at the suffering of people God loves, we can share the hope that God would tear open the heavens and come. Prayers of the Day Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Color: Blue-sign of hopeful expectation Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Hymn: Rejoice, rejoice, believers ELW 244 Mark 13:24-37 2
2nd Sunday of Advent December 9, 4:00 pm December 10, 9:30 am John called people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing would get in the way of the Lord s coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, See, your God is coming! We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Color: Blue-sign of hopeful expectation Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Hymn: Comfort, comfort now my people ELW 256 Mark 1:1-8 New Member reception Saturday & Sunday Eucharistic Ministers will be sent to share the Sacrament of the Altar with the homebound, hospitalized and imprisoned. 3rd Sunday of Advent December 16, 4:00 pm December 17, 9:30 am 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. Prayers of the Day 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. Amen. Color: Blue-sign of hopeful expectation Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway ELW 264 John 1:6-8, 19-28 Please join us for our Annual Christmas /Cantata Pageant 1 pm Sat. 12/16 3
The Longest Night ( A Blue Christmas) Thursday, December 21, 6:30 pm The constant refrain on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the Christmas Season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, the gut wrenching loss of a child, the loneliness of no longer having a beloved spouse to share each day, the loss of a dear family pet all these can contribute to a feeling of being alone, of feeling blue in the midst of the society around us which seems bent on being happy and celebrating. There are years when we hurt at Christmas time and can t get into the festivities others seem to be able to do. It is at such times that we need to make the space and take the time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone. For these reasons, Shepherd of the Desert Evangelical Lutheran Church, invites you at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 21 to come and join in sharing and hearing prayers, Scripture and music that acknowledge that God s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle and that God s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Please accept this invitation to be with us a time to move from feeling blue to experiencing the wonder and hope of Christmas. No need to RSVP our doors will be open to all who come so please feel free to invite others to come with you, as your support, or if you know that they too, are finding that Christmas hurts. With Love, Pastor Daniel and the Congregation of Shepherd of the Desert Evangelical Lutheran Church 4th Sunday of Advent December 23, 4:00 pm December 24, 9:30 am God keeps the promise made to David, to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, Count me in. We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, Count us in. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Color: Blue-sign of hopeful expectation 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:46b-55 Romans 16:25-27 Hymn: O Come, O come, Emmanuel ELW 257 Luke 1:26-38 4
Monthly Mentionable (on going) 1st Wednesday Women s Bible Study 9:00am 1st Saturday Suppers 5:30pm (not in December) 1st Saturday & Sunday collection for Valley View Community Food Bank 2nd Saturday Men s Ministry 8:00am Last Saturday pancake breakfast 8:00am-10:00am Stephen Ministry Classes 2018 Saturday s at 11:30 am Jan. 13, 20, 27 Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 Mar. 3, 10, 17 Tuesday turnout (on going) Quilters Corner (Knit and Crochet too) 9:00am Healthy Living Class 6:00pm (dated classes) Tuesday 6:00 pm Communion Classes January 16, 23, 30 February 20, 27 March 6 5
WOW Word on Wednesday/Bible Adventures Wednesdays Supper at 5:30pm Classes at 6:00pm (unless otherwise noted) Wednesday, December 6 Midweek Advent The Creche 6:30 pm Wednesday, December 13 Midweek Advent The Creche 6:30 pm Wednesday, December 20 Midweek Advent The Posada 5:30 pm Service supper & Piñata to follow at 6:00 pm We invite the greater community and we celebrate the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem with our Brothers and Sisters from Pan de Vida Wednesday, December 27 NO WOW Wednesday, January 3, 2018 NO WOW Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Mission Investment Joel Wubell Wednesday, January 17, 2018 I love to tell The Story An intergenerational exploration of Stories and Songs of Gods presences and promises. Wednesday, January 24, 2018 I Love to tell The Story Wednesday, January 31, 2018 I Love to tell The Story Wednesday, February 7, 2018 I Love to tell The Story 6
Thursday s Word Thursday s Class offered at 10:30am and 6:30pm Thursday, December 7 Thursday, December 14 O Come, O Come Emmanuel The Season of Advent O Come, O Come Emmanuel The Days of Christmas Thursday, December 21 NO 10:30AM CLASS 6:30pm Worship-The Longest Night-Blue Christmas Amidst all of the Festive Joy of the Coming expectations of The Holy Days of Christmas, The church pauses on this day of Advent, the 21st of December the Longest Night of the year to remember. (more information on page 4) Thursday, December 28 NO CLASSES Thursday, January 4, 2018 NO CLASSES Thursday, January 11, 2018 Epiphany and the Days After Thursday, January 18, 2018 The Book of Revelation Thursday, January 25. 2018 The Book of Revelation Thursday, February 1, 2018 The Book of Revelation Thursday, February 8, 2018 The Book of Revelation 7
Nativity of Our Lord Christmas Eve Candlelight December 24, 6:30 pm & 10:30 pm On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming of the light. Isaiah announces that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. In the familiar account of Christ s birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, Glory to God in the highest. Amid our broken world we proclaim that the prince of peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh in Christ s body and blood so that we may be bearers of divine light to all the world. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Color: White Associated with Festivals of Christ Isaiah 9:2-7 traditionally suggesting gladness Christ Light and Joy! Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Hymn: From Heaven Above ELW 268 Nativity of Our Lord Christmas Day December 25, 2017, 10:30 am On this Christmas morning the people of God gather to celebrate the birth of the Word made flesh, Christ our Lord. Luke recounts the familiar story of shepherds and angels; John s gospel tells of the Word that dwells among us, full of grace and truth. The meaning of Christmas is made clear: the light shines in the darkness. It is in the liturgy that we encounter the Word made flesh in the people of God gathered together as the body of Christ, and in the meal around the holy table. We go forth to be bearers of light as we proclaim this good news to all the ends of the earth. Almighty God, you gave us your only Son to take on our human nature and to illumine the world with your light. By your grace adopt us as your children and enlighten us with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Color: White- Associated with Festivals of Christ Isaiah 52:7-10 traditionally suggesting gladness Christ Light and Joy! Psalm 98 Hebrew 1:1-12 Hymn: Go Tell it on the Mountain ELW 290 John 1:1-14 Join us for this Day of sharing Christmas Lessons & Carols and the Holy Eucharist as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. 8
First Sunday of Christmas December 30, 4:00 pm December 31, 9:30 am In the psalm all the natural world praises God, including all humanity, male and female, young and old. The voices of Simeon and 84-yearold Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we speak of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world. Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen Color : White - Associated with Festivals of Christ Isaiah 61:10--62:3 traditionally suggesting gladness Christ Light and Joy! Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Hymn: What Child is This ELW 296 Luke 2:22-40 Please join us for a Pancake Breakfast 12/30, 8-10am Epiphany of Our Lord Saturday, January 6, 4:00 pm Epiphany means manifestation. On this day we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles that is, to all nations. Some Christian traditions celebrate three great epiphanies on this day: the magi s adoration of the Christ child, Jesus baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle, in which he changes water into wine. The word and sacraments are for us the great epiphany of God s grace and mercy. We go forth to witness to the light that shines brightly in our midst. Almighty and ever-living God, you revealed the incarnation of your Son by the brilliant shining of a star. Shine the light of your justice always in our hearts and over all lands, and accept our lives as the treasure we offer in your praise and for your service, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Color: White-Associated with Festivals of Christ Isaiah 60:1-6 traditionally suggesting gladness Christ Light and Joy! Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Hymn: O Morning Star, how fair and bright ELW 308 Matthew 2:1-12 Join us after the Saturday night service for the 1st Saturday supper. 9
Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, January 7, 9:30 am Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit/wind moved over the waters. Both Mark s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit s movement that distinguishes Jesus baptism from John s. The Spirit has come upon us as upon Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God s beloved children and setting us on Jesus mission to recreate the world in the image of God s vision of justice and peace. 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. Amen. Color: White -White-Associated with Festivals of Christ Genesis 1:1-5 traditionally suggesting gladness Christ Light and Joy! Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Hymn: Song of Thankfulness and Praise ELW 310 Mark 1:4-11 Second Sunday after Epiphany January 13, 4:00 pm January 14, 9:30 am All the baptized have a calling in God s world. God calls not just the clergy but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn t important; it s where or rather whom we come to. Jesus refers to the story of the vision of Jacob, who called the place of his vision the house of God, and... the gate of heaven (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God. Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give. May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Color: Green Time of Growth in the Spirit. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20] Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Hymn: Here I am Lord ELW 574 John 1:43-51 Eucharistic Ministers will be sent to share the Sacrament of the Altar with the homebound, hospitalized and imprisoned. 10
Third Sunday after Epiphany January 20, 4:00 pm January 21, 9:30 am Stories of the call to discipleship continue as the Time after Epiphany plays out the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of fisherman brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people. Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Color: Green Time of Growth in the Spirit. Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:5-12 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Hymn: Jesus Calls Us; O er the Tumult ELW 696 Mark 1:14-20 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany January 27, 4:00 pm January 28, 9:30 am In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God; in Psalm 111 God shows the people the power of God s works. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority people sensed in Jesus actions and words. We encounter that authority in God s word, around which we gather, the word that trumps any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus. Compassionate God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring wholeness to all that is broken and speak truth to us in our confusion, that all creation will see and know your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Color: Green Time of Growth in the Spirit. Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Psalm 111 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Hymn: Rise Shine, You People! ELW 665 Mark 1:21-28 Please join us for a Pancake Breakfast 1/27, 8-10am. Annual Congregational Meeting 11/28 11am. 11
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany February 3, 4:00 pm February 4, 9:30 am In Isaiah it is the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars it is that God who strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon s mother-in-law, we are lifted up to health and diakonia. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer. Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Color: Green Time of Growth in the Spirit. Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Hymn: I m so glad Jesus lifted me ELW 860 Mark 1:29-39 Join us after the Saturday night service for the 1st Saturday supper. Transfiguration of Our Lord February 10, 4:00 pm February 11, 9:30 am The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus baptism and end with three disciples vision of his transfiguration. In Mark s story of Jesus baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears the words from heaven. But now Jesus three closest friends hear the same words naming him God s beloved son. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus face, because the same God who created light in the first place has shone in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God s glory in Jesus has enlightened us through baptism and shines in us also for others to see. Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Color: White -Associated with Festivals of Christ 2 Kings 2:1-12 traditionally suggesting gladness Christ Light and Joy! Psalm 50:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Hymn: How good, Lord to be here ELW 315 Mark 9:2-9 Eucharistic Ministers will be sent to share the Sacrament of the Altar with the homebound, hospitalized and imprisoned. Scout Sunday will be celebrated 2/11. We will welcome our Girl Scout Troop #997, & Cub Scout Pack #197. They will participate in our worship this day. We invite all scouts and scouters to this celebration. 12