The First Sunday in Advent December 3, 2017

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Wantagh, New York Church Office 221-3286 The Rev. Martin R. Nale, Pastor Residence 826-4692 Web site: www.clcwantagh.org Email: PastorMartin@CLCWantagh.org First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 THE HOLY EUCHARIST, 9:00 & 10:15 A.M. PRELUDE The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who comes to wake us P: from sleep, who leads us into the light of grace. Let us prepare the way of the Lord by confessing our sin against P: God and neighbor. Silence for reflection and self-examination God of all time, P: C: 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. The First Sunday in Advent December 3, 2017 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 3384 Island Road Wantagh, New York P: 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! GATHERING SONG Hymn #239 Hark, the Glad Sound! P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you. 1

KYRIE (Lord) HYMN OF PRAISE 2 3

PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Let us pray. A brief silence is kept before the prayer. 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. The assembly is seated. THE BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH THE ADVENT HYMN #257 vs. 1 FIRST READING: Isaiah 64:1 9 O Come, O Come Emmanuel This lament comes from a people who have had their hopes shattered. The visions of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a renewed people of God, spoken of in Isaiah 40-55, have not been realized. Instead, the people experience ruin, conflict, and famine. This lament calls God to account to be the God who has brought deliverance in the past.. A: A reading from Isaiah O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence 2as 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! 3When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 4From 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. 5You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. 6We 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. 7There 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. 8Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9Do not be exceedingly angry, O LORD, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. The word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God. Psalm 80:1 7, 17 19 Read Responsively by whole verse (bold type) 1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. 2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us. 3Restore us, O God; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. 4O LORD God of hosts, how long will your anger fume when your people pray? 5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of tears to drink. 6You have made us the derision of our neighbors, and our enemies laugh us to scorn. 7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. 17Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you have made so strong for yourself. 18And so will we never turn away from you; give us life, that we may call upon your name. 19Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. 4 5

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:3 9 As the Christians in Corinth await the advent of Jesus, Paul reminds them how the Lord has already enriched them through spiritual gifts and will continue to strengthen them until the coming day of the Lord. A: A reading from 1 Corinthians 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of 5 God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the 8 revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. The word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God. The assembly stands to welcome the gospel. P: The holy gospel according to St. Mark. C: Glory to you, O Lord GOSPEL: Mark 13:24 37 In today's reading, Jesus encourages his followers to look forward to the day when he returns in power and glory to end all suffering. 25 24But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, 6 and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great 27 power and glory. 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. 28From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes 29 tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, 30 at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away 31 until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in 33 heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you 34 do not know when the time will come. 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. 35Therefore, 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 36 at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake." The gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ. The assembly is seated. SERMON Silence for reflection follows the sermon. HYMN OF THE DAY Hymn #434 Jesus Shall Reign 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. 7

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. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION (Petition Response to Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer) PEACE The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ. P: The peace of Christ be with you always. C: And also with you. The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may say, "Peace be with you," or similar words. The assembly is seated. OFFERING An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. OFFERING PRAYER GREAT THANKSGIVING Offertory Song The thanksgiving continues with the preface for the day; the assembly responds: 8 9

Please be seated All who believe in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament are invited to come forward to receive. Follow the instructions of the ushers. Children who have not yet received first communion instruction are invited to come forward for a blessing. COMMUNION SONG EUCHARISTIC PRAYER (Pastor) Responses page 66 red hymnal - VI Holy God, mighty Lord gracious Father...we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes: C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again....to share with us the great and promised feast. C: Amen, Come Lord Jesus....and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light. C: Amen, Come Holy Spirit....all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. LORD'S PRAYER C: 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 POST COMMUNION BLESSING please stand SONG AFTER COMMUNION INVITATION TO COMMUNION 10 11

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Response after the Prayer C: AMEN BLESSING P: The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus. P: The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. P: The God of all grace + bless you now and forever. SENDING SONG Hymn #246 Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding! DISMISSAL P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C: Thanks be to God. The First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 We Welcome all visitors to our services this morning. Please introduce yourself and sign our guest book on the desk in the Sanctuary. Parents with Restless Children may wish to move to the Library where a loudspeaker has been installed so that they may continue to follow the service in more comfortable surroundings. The Altar Flowers this morning are given by Pete and Dee Bloomfield and family in loving memory of Dee s mother, Marion A. Nyholm. The Bread and Wine for Holy Communion today is a gift from Roxanne Toomey in Thanksgiving to God for many, many blessings.. Serving Today Deacon: Roxanne Toomey Lector: Roxanne Toomey Comm.Assists: 9:00 - Julia Juergens, Ruth Kollar Acolytes: 9:00 - Delaney Gercken Crucifer: 9:00 - Timothy Hennig Greeter: 9:00 - Ruth Kollar Ushers: Roger Ohlander, Bob Rath, Frank Tetro Altar Guild: Eileen Colton, Lilly Ann Munnich, Carol Shoemaker, Claudia Gross, Linda Daurio Counters: Roger Ohlander, Doris Ohlander, Dennis Colton, Eileen Colton, Jerry Fitzgerald, Frank Tetro Flower Delivery: Emmy Grenzig Coffee Hour Hosts: The Feder & Rastelli Families Announcements for the Week of December 3, 2017 Many thanks to the Feder & Rastelli Families for hosting the Coffee Hour on Sunday morning. The Advent/Christmas Communion Assistants sign-up sheet is on the desk in the back of the Sanctuary. If you can help out on any of the Sundays listed, please sign up next to that date. Also, if you would like to donate the Communion Elements during Advent, there is a sign up sheet on the desk in the back of the Church. The Annual Congregational Christmas Card will be on the side wall of the Church in the coming weeks. Money received through the Christmas card donations will go to Grace Lutheran Church - New Life Center - Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry in Uniondale. Your donation and greeting card should be sent to the Church office - 3384 Island Rd., Wantagh, NY 11793. Thank You! 12 13

Please note: Rick Weiboldt, from St. John of Jerusalem Chapel on Wantagh Avenue in Levittown, extended an invitation to our congregation for a Christmas Event at the Chapel on Saturday, December 16-4:00-7:00 pm. Mr. Mittens will be leaving the Narthex today, Sunday, December 3. All the donated gloves, mittens, hats, scarves along with the children s books will be delivered to Nassau University Medical Center. We thank all those who donated and a special thank you to Regina Coons, who will be delivering the donations to the Medical Center. 2017 Christmas Memorial Flowers - if you wish to place a memorial for Christmas, please see bulletin insert for additional information. The deadline is Friday, December 8. Please note: if you ordered a Christmas wreath from the Boy Scouts, they will be available at coffee hour this Sunday, Dec. 3 for pickup. The Youth Choir is looking for additional members to join their fun group! They meet on Thursdays at 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary. If your child is interested, please call Jeri at 826-3330. Nursery School has a continuous registration for all open classes 2's, 3's and 4's. Spaces are still available for all ages. If you are interested or know of someone who is interested in enrolling their child(ren), please contact the Nursery School Office at 679-8425. THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE ARE ON OUR PRAYER LIST ~ WE REMEMBER THEM IN OUR PRAYERS TODAY Kathy Ackermann, Jose Alves, Nancy Balland, Carole Brodman, William Callanan, Jerry Cardone, Donna Chillemi, Timothy Coffey, Dennis Colton, Zena Contreas, Frank DiBella, Gerald & Gladys Dougherty, Lillian Eastlund, Carol Falco, Michael Florio, Lynn Franz, Carol Gallagher, Doris Gannon, Barbara Grieser, Jessica Grimes, Carl Gscheidle, Regina Hutter, Ed Kazcmarcyk, Florence Kirch, Carly Mantay, Maritza Mazza, Joe McCarthy, Janet McShea, William McShea, Susan Mulder, Tara Nappo, Gary Proce, Eunice Rischan, George & Marylou Steele, Austin Thomsen, Angela Ucci, Justin We would appreciate your keeping us updated and let us know of any changes. If you have any changes or if you would like to add someone to the list who is in need of prayers, please let Pastor know or call Elaine at 221-3286. ST. JOHN S FOOD PANTRY syrup, salad dressing, chili, pancake mix, chicken broth, ketchup, peanut butter, coffee, canned fruit, hot chocolate, jelly, mayonnaise, evaporated milk, hamburger helper, juice, egg noodles, chicken gravy, Spam, canned ham, 1 lb., cooking oil, toothpaste, bar soap, paper towels, toilet tissue Please check the expiration dates on the packaged foods before you donate the item! Your donations are appreciated. Thank you! REMINDER ~ THRIFT SHOP HOURS: Fridays ~ 9am - 3pm st 1 Saturday of month ~ 10am - 2pm Weekly Calendar Sun. 9:00am First Sunday of Advent - Worship 10:00am Coffee Hour 10:15am First Sunday of Advent - Worship 10:15am Sunday School & Confirmation Classes Wed. 1:00pm WELCA - Christmas Program Fri. SPIRE DEADLINE 9:00am-3pm Thrift Shop Sun. 9:00am Second Sunday of Advent - Worship 10:00am Coffee Hour 10:15am Second Sunday of Advent - Worship 10:15am Sunday School & Confirmation Classes 14 15