Sunday School Children s Christmas Program Three Poets Point to Christ Peace Lutheran Church 2090 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003
Peace Lutheran Church Evangelical Lutheran Synod Serving Christ with united hearts and hands and voices Pastor Timothy Hartwig Church Office: 507-385-1386 Cell Phone: 507-382-6826 Email: pastorhartwig@gmail.com Jesus Lambs at Peace Preschool Teacher/Director: Joslyn Moldstad Phone: 507-385-7752 Email: joslynm@chartermi.net Sunday School Children s Christmas Program Sunday 10:45 AM December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday in Advent Welcome to Peace! The purpose of our congregation is to worship God, who gives life through Word and Sacrament; to serve one another in love and fellowship; and to proclaim forgiveness and salvation to all through Jesus Christ alone. Before Worship As you prepare to worship your Lord today, spend a few quiet minutes in prayer before the service. Review the lessons, the service notes, and pray this prayer: Prayer of the Day Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of Your birth, that we may receive You in joy and serve You always; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. For the Children A Cry-Room is available if your little ones need a moment. It is the first room on the left as you walk into the church building. Sound and video are piped into the room to enable you to hear and see the service. Facilities Restrooms are located down the hall and on the right side. 2
Three Poets Point to Christ Processional Hymn: O Come Little Children Sing We All Noel, p. 43 verse 1 4 th -8 th grade; verse 2 Pre-K-3 rd grade; verses 3-4 - congregation 3
Opening Prayer P: O Lord, our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter, we are assembled in Your presence to hear Your holy Word. We pray You to open our hearts by Your Holy Spirit, that through the preaching of Your Word we may be taught to repent of our sins, to believe on Jesus in life and death, and to grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us for Christ s sake. Amen. The Confession of Sin P: Let us confess our sins to God and pray: We poor sinners confess to You, O God, not only that we have been conceived and born in sin, but also that throughout life we have often and in many ways offended You, our Lord and Maker, in thought, word and deed, so that You could with perfect justice reject and condemn us for all eternity. Therefore we come before You with sorrow of heart, in dread and terror of Your holy justice and of everlasting death. Our sins are a grievous foe, which we should hate in every way as long as we live. O merciful God, You still grant us in this hour to be reminded of Your fatherly goodness. According to the promise of Your Word we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy and implore You, dearest Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your onlybegotten Son, our Brother, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised again for our justification: Forgive us all our sins through faith, which the Holy Spirit increases in our hearts to full assurance. C: We therefore pray You, O Lord, through Your servant to declare to us the forgiveness of all our sins. We poor sinners are willing to forgive all who have offended against us. We earnestly desire to grow in true godliness. Help us, O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. The Kyrie Eleison (Sung by Children) Kyrie Eleison, O Lord, have mercy on me; Kyrie Eleison, Creator of all that I see. Christe Eleison, O Christ have mercy on me; Christe Eleison, Your sacrifice set my soul free. Kyrie Eleison, O Lord have mercy on me; Kyrie Eleison, O comfort Your people in need. 4
The Absolution P: Hear the holy and comforting Word of our Lord: Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Lift up your hearts! By the authority of God and of my holy office I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Narrator - The number three plays an important role in the Bible as God Himself relates to us the story of our existence, our fall into sin, and the promise of a Savior. The one true God of all creation reveals to us that He is a triune God one God, yet three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The opening prayer of our Divine Service in the Lutheran Hymnary expresses this truth in these words: O Lord, our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter God made us, God saved us from sin, and God comforts us with the message of the gospel through word and sacrament. In our service this morning we will consider three writers, or poets, who through their work point us to the holy Christ child. All three poets are named Paul. We know the first poet as the apostle Paul. He was called by God to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the children of Israel and also to those who were not descendants of Abraham. He is rightly called the greatest missionary the church has ever known and his divinely inspired writings can be summed up in these words: but we preach Christ crucified (1 Cor. 1:23). We may not think of the apostle Paul s New Testament letters as poetry based on rhyme scheme and meter, but they truly are music to a believer s ear. Listen to Paul in his letter to the Galatians: But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law. That we might receive the full rights of sons. (Gal. 4:4) Listen to the children as they proclaim to you, through word and song, the same message concerning the Christ child that the apostle Paul preached so many years ago. Pre-school recitation: My king was born a baby; He came from heaven above. He left His throne for a crown of thorns; a miracle of love. Song, Pre-K-3 rd grade: Away in a Manger Sing We All Noel, p, 17 5
K-1 st grade recitation: He was born a baby small, Jesus came to save us all. Little children rise and sing; praises to the new-born King. Jesus came with us to live, came His life for us to give. Little children rise and sing; praises to the new-born King. Song, Pre-K-3 rd grade: God Loves Me Dearly ELH 175 Narrator - The second poet we consider today is Paul Gerhardt. Paul Gerhardt, a German Lutheran pastor, was born in 1607 and died in 1676. He was known as the most popular preacher in the city of Berlin during his time there. However, the Christian church has come to know him as one of the greatest Lutheran hymn writers and poets of all time. Only Martin Luther has more hymns (28) contained in our Lutheran Hymnary than Paul Gerhardt (23). We may know him best for hymns such as O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (#334), If God Himself Be for Me (#517), and Now Rest Beneath Night s Shadow (#569). But Paul Gerhardt also wrote a number of Christmas hymns. Though his earthly life was beset with great tragedy he witnessed the death of four of his five children and his wife also preceded him in death his hymns like the writing of St. Paul, preach Christ crucified. Many of his hymns are really sermons set to music as he rightly divides and proclaims law and gospel. The congregation will join in singing verses 1-4 of Paul Gerhardt s joyful Christmas anthem, Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising (#128) and the children will continue to point us to Christ with their songs and recitations. Hymn: #128:1-4, Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising 2 nd -3 rd grade boys recitation: When Jesus enters meek and lowly to fill the home with sweetest peace; when hearts have felt His blessing holy and found from sin complete release; then light and calm within shall reign and hearts divided love again. 2 nd -3 rd grade girls recitation: When Jesus comes, O blessed story! He works a change in heart and life; God s kingdom comes with pow r and glory to young and old, to man and wife; through Sacrament and living Word, faith love and hope are now conferred. Song, 4 th -8 th grade: Once in Royal David s City ELH 139:1, 2, 4, 5 6
The Apostles Creed (Sung) Verses 1, 2 Children; verse 3 Congregation I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav n and earth. And in Jesus Christ, our Savior; God s own Son of human birth. Virgin-born, the Lord incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; He s the God whom I believe! Crucified, what dead and buried; Down to hell in victory; From the dead he rose the third day; Up to heav n triumphantly. There at God s right hand he s ruling, By his will the world is led. He will come to judge the nations, Both the living and the dead. I believe in God the Spirit, In his Church, his chosen band. They are joined in sweet communion, Holy in his sight they stand. I believe in sins forgiven I believe I ll rise again; I believe in life eternal. Amen! A-amen! A-a-men! Sermon: Luke 1:39-55 Believe What is Accomplished at Christmas P: The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto everlasting life. Amen. Prayer of the Church P: Eternal Father, throughout the centuries You repeated and affirmed Your promise to send the offspring of the woman to crush the serpent s head. Through Your prophets of old, You continually directed the eyes of Your people to the advent of their Savior. C: We praise You, O Lord, for keeping Your promise and sending Your Son to destroy the works of the devil. P: As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our King, use Your mighty Word to shatter our pride and to rouse us from spiritual slumber and apathy. C: Move us to take to heart the words of John: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. P: You sent Your Son to redeem us from sin. Let this good news be our joy and strength. Use it to cheer the lonely, encourage the fearful, and give hope to the despairing. In these days before Christmas, spare us from the stress of deadlines and the frenzy of commercialism. C: Fill our lives with the message of Your peace and the music of Your grace. 7
P: Direct our eyes not only to the manger but also to the skies, where we will see Your Son coming again, not as a lowly child but as the Lord of lords. C: Lift up our hearts in joyful anticipation of that day. Special prayers and intercessions may follow. P: Come quickly, Lord Jesus, in Your grace, in Your power, and in Your glory. C: Come, Lord Jesus! Amen. The Apostolic Benediction P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. The Offering The members of Peace Lutheran Congregation have joined together to do the Lord s work in this community and around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our ministry. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10) Please fill out the Friendship Register. The Lord s Prayer 8
Narrator Our third poet to consider this morning is Paul G. Madson. The G in Paul G. Madson stands for Gerhardt, and he was named in honor of the great Lutheran hymn writer and poet. As we shall see, the name is appropriate. Paul G. Madson was born in 1927. Included in his education are degrees from Bethany Lutheran College, Northwestern College, and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. He was ordained into the Lutheran ministry in 1952 and served in that capacity for 48 years. Since his retirement in the year 2000 he has lived in North Mankato and is an active member of our own Peace Lutheran Church. Included in our service this morning are two Christmas poems written by Paul Gerhardt Madson. Like the two Pauls before him in today s service, Paul G. Madson has used his talents to preach Christ crucified. Listen as our children take us back to Bethlehem with these two poems. 9
4 th -6 th grade boys recitation: The Wonder of It All Long years, long centuries had passed, The world expectant lay. Awaiting how God s plan at last Might see the light of day. It had been hinted by His seers, And now what they foretold, With light upon the night burst forth, Heaven s drama to unfold. God s angels wing their way to earth From outer, outer space, Past Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, To tell the human race That God has in His Son come down To this terrestrial ball, Yes, earth the focus of His love Oh, wonder of it all! This Son was sent to die for all, Since all through sin were lost. He lived and loved them unto death His life s blood was the cost. The ransom paid, He left the tomb, Thus vanquishing the grave. And now o er all the world He stands The only power to save. From womb to tomb, to heaven again God s Son, His work complete, Has heard His Father s word, Well done! The world now at His feet. With art and song we recreate The angels, shepherds, stall But not till heaven we ll truly know The wonder of it all! Paul G. Madson 10
4 th -6 th grade girls recitation: That Night in Bethlehem Two natures in one person dwelt That night in Bethlehem, Not fused, not changed, but each retained Its essence, which was God and Man. Omnipotence, infinity, omniscience all divine, That night in Bethlehem, Stare at us from a baby s face Of flesh and blood, both God and Man. The quiet, humble, harmless scene, That night in Bethlehem, Belied this infant s priestly power For reconciling God and man. It leaves us torn betwixt the two, That night in Bethlehem, Whether we should with shepherds shout, Or with the sheep be still. Be still, and know that I am God: The nations will my name exalt! The Lord of hosts is with us still, Our Refuge is the Son of God! Paul G. Madson Song, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come ELH 123 Verses 1,2 4 th -8 th grade children; verses 13-15 Congregation 13. Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for Thee. 14. My heart for very joy doth leap; My lips no more can silence keep. I, too, must sing with joyful tongue That sweetest ancient cradle-song: 15. Glory to God in highest heav n, Who unto us His Son hath giv n! While angels sing with pious mirth A glad new year to all the earth. Narrator Three poets, three men named Paul. They lived during three different eras and yet their message remains the same the little baby Jesus born in Bethlehem is also God s Son and our Savior from sin. It is a good reminder that the Word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We hear the timeless story once again as our children proclaim to us the Christmas gospel. 11
7 th -8 th grade recitation: The Christmas Gospel, Luke 2:1-14 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." The Benediction P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. The Closing Hymn #140, Silent Night Verse 1 Sunday School Boys; verse 2 Sunday School Girls; verses 3, 4 Everyone 12
Thank you to those who served in our service today: The Sunday School Children; Special Music: Leah Klammer, Gracen Lukasek; Henry Manthe, Andy & Elie Wendinger; Rylee, Olivia, Claire & Bridger Woller; Organist: Amanda Madson; The ushers; Cover artwork: Don Moldstad. To God be the Glory! Announcements Thank you to the Sunday school children and to the Peace Lutheran Sunday school staff Heidi Riehl, Ashley Olsen, Denice Woller, Darci Theiste, Jen Wosmek, Kyle Jore, Denise Geistfeld, Emily Klammer, accompanist Amanda Madson and Superintendent Mike Madson. There will be no CROSSED tonight. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Ask your family to spend a few minutes each night to focus on God s greatest gift - his Son who lived, died, and rose for us! Solid Grounds Bible Study is taking a two week break. We will start again on January 5 th. Youth Choir rehearsals will take a break and resume again on Wednesday, January 6 th, at 4:00pm. If your child is interested in joining, please contact Anna Tecken (atecken@blc.edu; (712) 539-8745). Adult Choir rehearsal this Wednesdays is at 7:00pm. We will take a break and start up again on January 6 th, at 7:00pm. We welcome new members! Please contact Eric Harstad (emh_music @hotmail.com) for more information. Jesus Lambs at Peace Preschoolers thank everyone who participated in the Puffin Pastry Fundraiser. We sold a total of 243 boxes and raised $1,335 in profits and donations. We send God s richest blessings to preschooler Ben Flantz and family. In January Ben will be attending preschool at St. Peter Lutheran Preschool. We will miss you, Ben! Our second semester is right around the corner. If you would like to register your child, please call Joslyn at 385-7752. 13
Offering counters needed for after second service. You would only be scheduled for one Sunday per month. If you are interested or would like more information please contact Brian Koch at 605-941-5521. Please prayerfully consider if you can serve Peace in this way. Thank you. HELP! We are in need of a few volunteers to record baptisms and the various choirs during the 10:45 service. You won't need to record the entire service - only the baptism and/or special music. If you would like to help, please contact Paul Fries (507-381-6807; paul.fries@blc.edu). NAVIGATORS NEEDED! We are starting a program to help new members feel at home at Peace. Only a small time commitment is involved. If you'd like to help with this important activity, we'd love to have you! Contact the church office or Paul Fries (507-381-6807; paul.fries@blc.edu) for more information. Group One is responsible for Sunday morning refreshments in January. The information has been posted on Volunteer Spot. (check your email or www.volunteerspot.com) Volunteer Spot is a very easy way to view where help is still needed and to sign up for bringing treats, serving or cleaning up. To watch our services live, go to: www.peacemankato.com/live-streaming. The service will start automatically when it is live (8:30AM). For recorded services, go to www.vimeo.com/peacemankato and you can choose which service you want to watch. Last week at Peace: Divine Worship 332 Advent Service 143 Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Events Housing for an international student - Would your home be a good fit for an international student? Make a lasting connection with a young world traveler. Consider hosting a new MVL student from China for the Spring Semester. Contact Jason Jaspersen at jjaspersen@mvlhs.org for more information. Please respond by December 22. 14
Christmas Eve Divine Service 6:30pm Christmas Day Divine Service 9:00am New Year s Eve Scripture & Song Service 6:30pm One Worship service at 9:00am on December 27 th. No Sunday School or Bible Class on December 27 th. Classes resume again January 3 rd. No Solid Grounds Bible Study on December 22 nd or 29 th. Class resumes on January 5 th. No Confirmation Class on December 23 rd or 30 th. Class will resume on January 6 th. 15