Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church ELW Setting 5 November 29, 2015 8:30 and 11:00 am First Sunday of Advent Advent is about the coming days. God s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation fi nds specifi c, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a righteous Branch to spring up for David. The Thessalonians awaited the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints. Our Lord s contemporaries hoped for the time to stand before the Son of Man. With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of our Lord in word and supper.
Welcome members and guests to our worship service today. If you are visiting, we encourage you to sign the guest register located in the narthex. At each service, we ask that all members and guests please sign the black pew register. Please include your home address, email address and phone number. A nursery is available for children up to five years of age during the service. The nursery is located off the hallway on the Huntington Avenue side of the church building. There are also quiet bags available for older children to enjoy during the service. Please ask an usher about borrowing one. Parents are invited to bring children from the nursery for Holy Communion to receive a blessing. If children become restless or noisy during worship, parents are encouraged to take them in to and out of the sanctuary as necessary. Trinity offers an induction loop for the benefit of hearing impaired worshippers. To use, please switch your hearing aid to T. If you are unsure if your hearing aid is compatible, please contact your audiologist. The Reverend Doctor James G. Cobb, Interim Pastor C. Robert Keene II, Organist and Director of Music Congregation of Trinity Lutheran, Ministers of the Word 6812 River Road, Newport News, VA 23607 (757) 245-7861 www.trinitylutheran-nn.com Trinity Lutheran is a partner church with Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center. Cover image by JoAnne Rawls.
Welcome and Announcements Lighting the Advent Wreath The Stevens and Dell Families The first candle we light is the Hope candle, reminding us of the prophets foretelling of the coming Messiah and of the hope we have for our Lord s coming again. Let us pray: 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. Hymn Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (stanza 1) ELW 240 Confession and Forgiveness The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, the Lord of Israel who comes to set us free, the mighty Savior who comes to show mercy, the Dawn from on high who guides us into peace. Amen. Let us come before God in confession. To you, O God, we lift up our lives. You know us through and through; we confess our sins to you. Remember not our sins; remember us with your steadfast love. Show us your ways; teach us your paths; and lead us in justice and truth, for the sake of your goodness in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Silence is kept for refl ection. Sisters and brothers, come with joy and draw water from the well of salvation. Remember the gift of baptism: your sin is washed away in the name of + Jesus; you belong to Christ; you are anointed to serve. Stand up and raise your heads! The reign of God is near. Amen. Gathering Hymn Fling Wide the Door ELW 259 The Greeting Kyrie 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. The Kyrie Eleison, Greek for Lord have mercy, asks for God s mercy and peace for us, for the Church, and for the whole world.
Prayer of the Day Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The assembly is seated.
Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 33:14-16 In the Old Testament, righteousness often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today s reading, Jerusalem s future name The Lord is our righteousness proclaims that the Lord is even now working salvation for Israel. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: The Lord is our righteousness. Let us rejoice at the unfolding of salvation. Thanks be to God. Psalm 25:1-10 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Let none who look to you be put to shame; rather let those be put to shame who are treacherous. Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. Remember, O Lord, your compas- sion and love, for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your good- ness, O Lord. You are gracious and up- right, O Lord; therefore you teach sinners in your way. You lead the low- ly in justice and teach the low- ly your way. All your paths, O Lord, are steadfast love and faithfulness to those who keep your covenant and your testimonies. Epistle Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Upon Timothy s report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overfl owing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Let us rejoice at the unfolding of salvation. Thanks be to God. The assembly stands.
Gospel Acclamation Stand up and raise your heads * your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28) Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:25-36 The Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. God will fulfi ll God s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfi llment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God s promised redemption. Jesus said: There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Then he told them a parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Time with the Children Sermon The assembly is seated. Silence is kept for refl ection after the sermon. The assembly stands. The Rev. Larry Shoberg Hymn of the Day The King Shall Come ELW 260 The 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 to the dead.
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. Prayers of Intercession Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Sharing of the Peace The peace, which enables people to live in unity and in the spirit of mutual forgiveness, comes from Christ whose word has been proclaimed. The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. The assembly is seated. Air (8:30) from Elijah, Op. 70 Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Hear ye, Israel! hear what the Lord speaketh: Oh, hadst thou heeded my commandments! Who hath believed our report? to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him oppressed by tyrants; thus saith the Lord: I am He that comforteth; be not afraid, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee. Say, who art thou, that thou art afraid of a man that shall die; and forgettest the Lord, the Lord thy Maker, who hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the earth s foundations? Anthem (11:00) Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Daniel Pinkham The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all: but now I see Tis found in Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. I m weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Under the shadow I will be Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree. The assembly stands. Offertory Hymn As with Gladness Men of Old (stanza 3) ELW 302 Offertory Prayer God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving The sacrament of Holy Communion is also known as the Eucharist, from the Greek word for thanksgiving. Jesus gave thanks when he took the bread and wine and gave it to his disciples. Proper Preface It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Sanctus The text of the Sanctus is based on Isaiah 6:3 and Matthew 21:9. This is the highest point of the entire liturgy. Thanksgiving at the Table Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary s openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming. Come, Lord Jesus. Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth. Come, Holy Spirit. All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. 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. Agnus Dei The assembly is seated. In John 1:29, John the Baptist says of Jesus, Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Before Holy Communion, we sing these same words.
Communion As you receive the bread in your hand, you may commune by intinction using the silver chalice, or you may consume the bread and then drink from the pewter chalice. Music During the Distribution Conditor alme siderum Gerald Near Bread of Life, Our Host and Meal ELW 464 Wait for the Lord ELW 262 Table Blessing The assembly stands. The blessings and body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. Post Communion Canticle
Post Communion Prayer Holy One, we give you thanks that in this bread and cup we have feasted again on your endless love. Let that love overflow more and more in our lives, that we may be messengers to prepare your way, harvesters of justice and righteousness, and bearers of your eternal Word, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Blessing The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace. In the name of the Father, and of the Son +, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Sending Hymn Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ELW 244 Dismissal Our liturgy is ended: go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Voluntary Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 545 Johann Sebastian Bach