Welcome in the name of Jesus Christ! We thank God that you have joined us this morning for worship. If you are visiting with us, we thank God you are here and pray our worship together will be a mutual blessing. If you are looking for a church home, we hope Abiding Savior can meet your needs. Please introduce yourself to one of the Pastors. We ask both members and visitors to kindly fill out attendance cards and pass them to the center aisle. The ushers will gather them during the Sermon Hymn which follows the Children s Message. Feel free to add a prayer request for the Pastor to include in the congregational prayer. We love children here at Abiding Savior. Parents are encouraged to sit in the front pews so that young children can see what is happening during worship. If you should want to make use of our cry room or nursery, please ask one of our ushers for directions. Ministers Rev. Dr. Thomas Rogers... Senior Pastor Rev. Glenn Lucas... Associate Pastor Rev. Richard Schumm, Emeritus... Assistant to the Pastors Mrs. Donna Lucas... Principal Pam Howard... Preschool Director Chris Rogers... Music Director & Organist Kyle Salesky.Director of Family and Youth Ministries Hank Hellfeld... Deacon Call Us Church Office... (949) 830-1460 School Office... (949) 830-1461 Preschool Office... (949) 837-4292 On the Web... www.abidingsavior.com facebook.com/abidingsaviorlakeforest @abidingsavior @aslc_youth
Worship Service of Word and Song Fourth Sunday in Advent Sunday, December 24, 2017 10:00 a.m. WELCOME Please stand. OPENING CONGREGATIONAL SONG All Hail the Power of Jesus Name All hail the pow r of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all. Crown Him, you martyrs of our God, Who from His altar call; Extol the Stem of Jesse s rod And crown Him Lord of all. Extol the Stem of Jesse s rod And crown Him Lord of all. O seed of Israel s chosen race, Now ransomed from the fall, Hail Him Who saves you by His grace And crown Him Lord of all. Hail Him Who saves you by His grace And crown Him Lord of all. Oh, that with yonder sacred throng We at His feet may fall! We ll join the everlasting song And crown Him Lord of all. We ll join the everlasting song And crown Him Lord of all. INVOCATION Pastor: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Worshippers are invited to kneel for the Confession and Absolution. Those who desire not to kneel may sit or stand. CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Pastor: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Pastor: If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared. Pastor: Since we are gathered to hear God s Word and call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people, let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner. 2
Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen. Pastor: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. OLD TESTAMENT READING 2 SAMUEL 7:1-11, 11, 16 Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you. But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, Go and tell my servant David, Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever. Reader: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. EPISTLE READING ROMANS 16:25-27 27 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Reader: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3
Please stand for the Reading of the Holy Gospel. THE HOLY GOSPEL LUKE 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you! But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. And Mary said to the angel, How will this be, since I am a virgin? And the angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God. And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You O Christ. Worshippers are invited to stand and share the peace of the Lord with each other. Children can come down to the chancel steps for the children s message. CHILDREN HILDREN S MESSAGE Prayer and member/guest cards will be collected during the singing of the following song: CONGREGATIONAL SONG Jesus Messiah He became sin who knew no sin That we might become His righteousness. He humbled Himself and carried the cross. Love so amazing, love so amazing. Refrain: Jesus Messiah, Name above all names, Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel, The Rescue for sinners, The Ransom from heaven, h Jesus Messiah, Lord of all. His body the bread, His blood the wine Broken and poured out all for love. The whole earth trembled and the veil was torn. Love so amazing, love so amazing. Refrain All our hope is in You. All our hope is in You. All the glory to You, God, The Light of the world. Refrain Jesus Messiah, Lord of all. Words & Music by Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash & Jesse Reeves Copyright 2008 worshiptogether.com (Admin. By EMI Christian Music Publishing) All rights reserved Used by permission CCLI #5183443 4
THE SERMON REV EV. TOM ROGERS APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His 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 into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. GATHERING OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS God doesn t need our money, but in His grace He gives us the privilege to be stewards of everything He has entrusted to our care. We can do more together than separately. As one body in Christ, our congregation has agreed to offer our first fruits to support ministries and missions that enable us to communicate Christ s love to everyone, everywhere; and our love for Him. Your sacrificial gift enables this holy work. CONGREGATIONAL MUSICAL OFFERING What A Beautiful Name You were the Word at the beginning, One with God the Lord Most High. Your hidden glory in creation, Now revealed in You our Christ. What a beautiful Name it is, what a beautiful Name it is. The Name of Jesus Christ my King. What a beautiful Name it is, Nothing compares to this. What a beautiful Name it is, The Name of Jesus. You didn t want heaven without us, So Jesus You brought heaven down. My sin was great, Your love was greater, What could separate us now. What a wonderful Name it is, What a wonderful Name it is. The Name of Jesus Christ my King. What a wonderful Name it is, Nothing compares to this. What a wonderful Name it is, The Name of Jesus. What a wonderful Name it is, The Name of Jesus. What a wonderful Name it is, The Name of Jesus. By Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. By Capitol CMG Publishing) All rights reserved. Used by permission. CCLI #7068424 THE PRAYERS Pastor: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. 5
Pastor: Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer. After each petition the prayer concludes: Pastor: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy through Jesus Christ, our Lord. We pray together, THE LORD ORD 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 u from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen. HOLY COMMUNION REGARDING HOLY COMMUNION As Lutheran communicants, we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in this holy supper. Be mindful of the words of St. Paul: Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28) Are you truly sorry for your sins? Do you believe your sins are forgiven because Jesus died for them? Do you believe that Jesus gives you His own body and blood in the sacrament as a seal of that forgiveness? Do you have the sincere intent to do better in living the Christian life? Then come, and receive assurance and strength from Jesus. NOTE: In the center of each communion tray are a few glasses with grape juice wine for those who are on alcohol restrictive medications or who, for personal reasons, wish to abstain from wine. Also we have gluten-free communion wafers available for those who need them. They are in the small plastic containers on the wafer trays (patens). The empty plastic containers may be placed in the bags with the used communion cups. WORDS OF INSTITUTION Pastor: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me. In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. THE PEACE Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you. People: And also with you. 6
DISTRIBUTION SONGS Prepare the Royal Highway Prepare the royal highway; The King of kings is near! Let ev ry hill and valley A level road appear! Then greet the King of Glory Foretold in sacred story: Refrain: Oh, blest is he that came In God the Father s name! God s people, see Him coming: Your own eternal king! Palm branches strew before Him! Spread garments! Shout and sing! God s promise will not fail you! No more shall doubt assail you! Refrain Then fling the gates wide open To greet your promised king! Your king, yet ev ry nation Its tribute too should bring. All lands, bow down before Him! All voices, join in singing: Refrain His is no earthly kingdom; It comes from heav n above. His rule is peace and freedom And justice, truth, and love. So let your praise be sounding For kindness so abounding: Refrain LSBHymnLicense.net #100012189 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel! O come, O Key of David, come, And open wide our heav nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Refrain O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Oh, bid our sad divisions cease, And be Yourself our King of Peace. Refrain LSBHymnLicense.net #100012189 PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Pastor: Let us pray. O God our Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled to serve You constantly; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 7
BENEDICTION Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen! CLOSING CONGREGATIONAL SONG The Lion And The Lamb He s coming on the clouds, Kings and kingdoms will bow down. And ev ry chain will break As broken hearts declare His praise For who can stop the Lord Almighty? Refrain: Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah. He s roaring with power, And fighting our battles. And ev ry knee will bow before Him. Our God is the Lamb, The Lamb that was slain. For the sins of the world, His blood breaks the chains. And ev ry knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb. Ev ry knee will bow before Him. So open up the gates, Make way before the King of kings. The God who comes to save Is here to set the captives free. For who can stop the Lord Almighty? Refrain Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord? Refrain Words & Music by Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson & Leeland Mooring 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) All rights reserved Used by permission CCLI #7038281 Pastor: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to t God. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Flowers The flowers which grace our altar this weekend are dedicated to the glory of the Lord by Chris Rogers. 8
Keep in Your Prayers Prayers for strength and healing, guidance and blessing for: Betsy Hotsko Patricia Howard Elizabeth Hurley Jeanne Kelly Brad Lucente Ross Marchand Suzanne Bailey Bill Bartlett Leigh Bassler Dorothy Carnevale Terri Green Alexander Hernandez Crystal Nylander Brett Riedlinger Lee Seib Junko Shiki Denice Soresi Eileen Stewart Judy Williams We pray for r those who are ill: Irene Fabre Larry Reimnitz Lou Torres Etsuko Busker Rosemary Colburn We pray for those who are recovering: Jeff Conrad Rocky Hewitt June Thomas 9