FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD December 3, 2017 9:00 am GATHERING WELCOME CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism) Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who comes to wake us from sleep, who leads us into the light of grace. Amen. Let us prepare the way of the Lord by confessing our sin against God and neighbor. Silence for reflection and self-examination. God of all time, we confess that we have not prepared for your merciful reign among us. We ignore our neighbors in need and fail in the labor of justice and peace. In your mercy forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your light and to seek the things that will endure until Christ comes again in glory. Amen. Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. In Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven and all things are made new. Rejoice in this good news! Amen. 1
PROCESSIONAL HYMN Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH We praise you, O God, for this evergreen crown that marks our days of preparation for Christ's advent. As we light the first candle on this wreath, rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes with all the saints and angels. Enlighten us with your grace, and prepare our hearts to welcome him with joy. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen. 2
ADVENT WREATH SONG (today we sing verse 1 only) GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. 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 3
SERVICE OF THE WORD FIRST READING Isaiah 64:1-9 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence 2 as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! 3 When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 4 From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. 5 You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind 6 just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you 7 so that you because you hid yourself we transgressed. 6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. 8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ALLELUIA VERSE HOLY GOSPEL Mark 13:24-37 The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 13 th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. 24 But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the 4
Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. CHILDREN S MESSAGE O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide SERMON 5
APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 PRAYER (Response to each petition) Stir up your power and... Come, Lord Jesus SHARING OF THE PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING OFFERTORY PRAYER Let us pray. Savior of the nations, come. Make your home here in us. Feed us with your love, that our faith shine ever new and our lives reveal your light. Amen. SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING 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. It is good and right for us to give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared, proclaiming Him the promised Messiah, the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and calling sinners to repentance that they might greet him with faithful hearts when He comes again in glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: 6
SANCTUS ( Holy, holy, holy ) WORDS OF INSTITUTION As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 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 INVITATION TO THE TABLE Come to Christ, who comes to us in this holy supper. O, that you would tear open the heavens and come down 7
AGNUS DEI ( Lamb of God ) COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION Scripture says, Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther s Small Catechism says, Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink. All baptized Christians who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord s Table today. Children who have not received their first communion are invited to come to the table and receive a blessing. As you approach the table down the aisles, receive an empty cup from the cart. Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar. After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace. As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables to your left or right. Non-alcoholic wine is offered in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack. Gluten-free (and dairy-free and nut-free) wafers are offered in the small white bowl on the communion cart for those who prefer this option. 8
DISTRIBUTION SONGS Change My Heart, O God (sing twice) In the Singing 9
Wait for the Lord (repeat ad. lib.) SENDING DISMISSAL The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING God for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share. Make us ready always to welcome Christ into our hearts, and send us forth to be your people in the world, announcing your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen BENEDICTION The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen Go in peace. Christ lives in you. Thanks be to God. 10
CLOSING HYMN The King Shall Come SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader and preacher Elder Piano Lector Ushers Acolyte/Crucifer Greeters Jon Marxhausen Tom Schoenberg Mary Dinesen Dan Evenson Allen & Sally Warren TJ Richter Franklin and Sue Hotzel DON T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY What does your smiling face say to those in worship with you today? Might it say... You are welcome here. You belong here. You are loved. I care about you I m here for you. VOTERS ASSEMBLY Agenda items: Approval of 2018 Budget Proposed Amendment to By-Laws Vision Action Plan Update NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 at 10:15 am 11
WELCOME TO GRACE OF GOD Thank you for worshipping with us today. Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway. Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God. You are always welcome at Grace of God. GRACE OF GOD MISSION STATEMENT Grace of God is a Christ-centered community gathered around Word and Sacrament, preaching Christ crucified, serving our neighbor and discovering what it means to live under the grace of God. SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD Busy bags for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors. That room X also has a speaker to hear the worship service. Fall 2017 Bible Study Series The Great Commissions Six Biblical Calls to Make Known the Gospel (from Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Paul) Study led by Pastor Steven King NO STUDY TODAY or NEXT SUNDAY STUDY RESUMES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 from 10:15-11:15 am SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 12/3/17 Tom Schoenberg TJ Richter Dan Evenson Allen & Sally Warren Franklin and Sue Hotzel 12/6/17 Tom Schoenberg John Frelix Jill Olofson Bruce Gilman/ Jerry Corson Jeff & Jill Olofson 12/10/17 Allen Warren Jake Richter Heidi Zetterwall Franklin & Sue Hotzel Ken & Doreen Rubbert 12/13/17 Allen Warren George Zetterwall Kathy Rehbein Jim & Jan Roth Allen & Sally Warren Dec. 7-9 Dec. 14-16 Dec. 21-23 CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE TEAM 10 Barb Fallert/Kathy Rehbein/Dean Christenson/Franklin Hotzel TEAM 1 Jon and Dawn Marxhausen/ Martha and Tom Kaufenberg TEAM 2 Lori 12 Ruppel/Doreen Rubbert/ Pat Randall/Becky Vigstol
Sunday, December 3 December 3 10, 2017 9:00 am ADVENT 1 10:15 am Fellowship Sunday School (No Adult Bible Study) Monday, December 4 7:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday, December 5 9:30 am Ladies Bible Study 7:30 pm Cantate Choir Wednesday, December 6 6:00 pm Advent Supper 6:15 pm Handchime Choir practice 6:25-6:55 pm Sunday School Christmas program practice 7:00 pm ADVENT EVENING PRAYER Sunday, December 10 9:00 am ADVENT 2 10:15 am Fellowship Congregational Voters Assembly Upcoming opportunities to serve others in our community! During Advent we ll be sponsoring 5 families through Community Thread s Holiday Hope program. Beginning Sunday, November 26 you ll see in the fellowship area, a decorated Christmas tree with the gift options the families we sponsor have requested. Please consider purchasing one or more gifts for the families. The families always appreciate the gifts they receive! The 2018 dates we ll be serving at Hope for the Journey Home Family Shelter have been established. Please consider reserving time on your calendar now to help at the shelter. We ll be serving the weeks of January 14-January 20 and June 17-June 23. Watch for announcements regarding required safe environment training and background checks. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 THE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS Children and Youth Christmas Worship a puppet-based Christmas program written by Jeff Olofson Sunday, December 17 at 9:00 am 13
NEW Adult Bible Study beginning SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 at 10:15 am This study, led by Pastor Jon, will explore the literary and theological themes in the Gospel of Mark. Mark was the original story-teller of Jesus life and his Gospel influenced all the others! We will be hearing Gospels from Mark this year, and this study will help us understand these Gospels better and appreciate their unique contribution to the Gospel message! GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota 55128 651.730.4900 www.graceofgodlutheran.com Jon Marxhausen, pastor 14