Third Sunday of Advent December 11, PDF Free Download

Galilee Evangelical Lutheran Church Third Sunday of Advent December 11, 2016 Mission Statement To gather people together to hear the story of God s love in Jesus Christ, to be nurtured in faith and knowledge, and to share the Good News through word and deed. Dana Nelson, Pastor 145 North McCarrons Boulevard Roseville, MN 55113-6923 office: 651-488-6769 Church Office: office.galilee@gmail.com Web Site: www.galileelutheran.net Web Team: galileelutheran@gmail.com www.elca.org Office Hours Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8 a.m. noon. Thursdays 8 a.m. 3 p.m. 1

Third Sunday of Advent December 11, 2016 ELW Setting 4 9:30 a.m. A note of joyful expectation marks today s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom. Jesus points to signs of God s reign: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ s advent among us. Serving in Worship this Morning Acolyte: Monique Taylor Lector: Liana Taylor Altar Guild: Lorrie Hayne Organist: Raymond Nottidge Assisting Minister: Lori O Keefe Special Music: Bells of Galilee Children s Message: Ryan Berkas Ushers: Henry Taylor and Sonia Rivas ORDER OF WORSHIP Regular Liturgist Bold Congregation + Stand as Able PRELUDE CALL TO WORSHIP GATHERING Traditional Cambodian Orchestra + CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS...Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. + GATHERING SONG He Came Down Hymn #253 + LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE + GREETING Response: And also with you. + PRAYER OF THE DAY SPECIAL MUSIC Christmas Reflections arr. Bill Ingram 3

WORD FIRST READING Isaiah 35:1-10 The prophet describes the return from the Babylonian captivity as a joyous procession to Zion. God s coming reign will bring a renewal of creation in which health and wholeness will be restored. There is no need for fear, for God is coming to save. 1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8 A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, 4

but it shall be for God s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 9 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 146:5-10 (Spoken responsively) My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Lk. 1:47) 46b My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 47 my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49 you, the Almighty, have done great things for me and holy is your name. 50 You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation. 51 You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit, 52 casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. 53 You have filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. 54 You have come to the aid of your servant Israel, to remember the prom- ise of mercy, 55 the promise made to our forbears, to Abraham and his chil- dren forever. 5

SECOND READING James 5:7-10 In anticipation of the Lord s coming, Christians are called upon to cultivate patience rather than discontent. 7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. CHILDREN S MESSAGE Ryan Berkas + GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia P. 151 + GOSPEL Matthew 11:2-11 The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the second chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God s judgment upon the earth. From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. 2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another? 4 Jesus answered them, Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me. 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. 6

SERMON (A time of silence for reflection will follow the sermon.) Ryan Berkas HYMN OF THE DAY In Christ There Is No East or West #650 + NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 7

+ PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION...let us pray. Have mercy, O God. + PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. The congregation is invited to greet one another with a gesture of peace using the words Peace be with you and then be seated. MEAL OFFERING Traditional Cambodian Orchestra (Children are invited to come to the altar with their offering for global missions.) + OFFERING PRAYER Response: Amen. + THE GREAT THANKSGIVING P. 152...Remembering his love for us on the way, at the table, and to the end, we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. + THE LORD S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven P. 154 THE EUCHARIST Lamb of God P. 154 Communion HYMN One Bread, One Body #496 SENDING + BLESSING Response: Amen. + SENDING SONG Joy to the World #267 ANNOUNCEMENTS + DISMISSAL Response: Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Traditional Cambodian Orchestra 8

TODAY S ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME Welcome to all guests and visitors. We are glad that we can worship together this morning. We invite you to sign the guest book in the narthex. If you would like to sign up for an event, you can do so in the kiosk book, located at the front doors of the church. The Voice of Galilee, our monthly newsletter, is also available in the kiosk. HOLY COMMUNION The real presence of Christ is celebrated in this sacrament. Children not yet communing are invited to come forward for a blessing. Communion today is served around the altar. (Grape juice is chalice with white ribbon.) In respect to those with gluten sensitivity, gluten free wafers are available. You can request them when you receive communion. REFRESHMENTS You are invited to join in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments after worship. Thank you to Mary Lanoux for bringing treats today. Next week the youth are serving Christmas cookies! There is a signup sheet in the kiosk; please sign up if you are able to help with refreshments on future Sundays. PASTOR VISIT? If you would like a visit from our pastor, please call the church office, 651-488-6769, or Pastor Dana herself, at 651-434-9485. YOUNG ADULT IN GLOBAL MISSION (YAGM) Welcome to our Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM), Ryan Berkas. Ryan will be giving the message today about the Lutheran Church in Cambodia (LCC). Cambodian Orchestra Welcome to the Traditional Cambodian Orchestra, led by Jane Lanctot. the music school is housed in Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill. Adult Forum From September to May, Galilee hosts Adult Forums after worship at 11 a.m. Speakers of interest from partner organizations join us to teach about ministry. And experts from the Twin Cities come to teach us about new and interesting ideas of faith. Today, Ryan Berkas, our Cambodian missionary will speak. Next week, Pastor Dana will present on the topic of intercultural development. If you are interested in presenting on a topic, or have an idea for a topic, please contact Pastor Dana. Globe Offering The goal for the year is $1,000, and we have exceeded it by $36.47! This means we can feed 15 refugee families for one week. Can we feed more? What can we reach by the new year? You may contribute in your offering envelope or by check in the Globe if you wish to receive credit for your contribution. YOUNG AT HEART Our next meeting is December 13. Noon until 3:00 p.m. All adults are invited for socializing, a potluck luncheon, and games. Twitch and Social Security are two favorite games we enjoy playing. We hope you can join us on one (or both) of these dates. The more, the merrier! Questions? Call Karen at 651-488-9074. 9

STEWARDSHIP We have 25 pledges for a total of $117,982. Last year $118,134 was pledged. Can you help us reach or surpass that? NEW YEAR S EVE GAME NIGHT Come to Galilee on New Year s Eve and have fun, fellowship and a good time. Bring your favorite game and a snack to share. This is a family event for all ages. Bring your friends! 7 p.m. December 31. CHRISTMAS COOKIE PARTY Everyone, join us on Saturday, December 17 for a Christmas Cookie Party! Bring four dozen cookies to be involved in the Christmas cookie exchange, leave with four dozen different cookies. Youth, come prepared to bake and decorate cookies for Sunday s fellowship hour, and to practice our Christmas pageant. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. TANZANIA TRIP Join a two-week Bega Kwa Bega team from Galilee Lutheran and enjoy the richness of Iringa, Tanzania and its generous people in a remarkable way - shoulder to shoulder. Our trip to the Iringa Diocese will help to strengthen the relationship between our church, Galilee, and our partner church in Uhominyi. Pastor Dana is planning to take a group from Galilee in the fall of 2017 to visit our partner congregation. If you have questions about this trip, please contact her, Tom Ososki (nelsonososki@yahoo.co.uk), or Cynthia Erickson (cynthia.erickson@ minnmicro.com). BIBLE STUDY RETURNS! Join us on Thursdays, beginning January 5, at 11a.m. for Bible study in the church library. No experience necessary. Bring a bag lunch. 10

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR COMING EVENTS December 17 Christmas Cookie Party December 24 Christmas Eve Worship, 4 p.m. December 25 Christmas Day Worship, 9:30 a.m. December 31 New Year s Eve Game Night BIRTHDAYS December 11 December 17 16 Lou Wanna Osterman PRAYER REQUESTS The prayers of the congregation are requested for: Lois LaVon Brase Pamela Beverly Earl Eberhardt Family and friends of Kimberly Farr Betty Link Ettel Dr. Roger Ettel Lyn Grunewald Joan Gustafson (cousin of Jo Ann French) Dan Hayne Ian (friend of Joyce Solberg) Bill Johnson Linda (sister of Sandy Ebert) Jacob Matadi Joseph Matadi Pearl Franges (niece of Dell Sailer) Pastor Susan Schubert (friend of Shari Sailer) Our sister church in Uhominyi, Tanzania Alex D. Vicuña Missionaries in South Sudan, Romania All prayer requests are also supported through Galilee s Prayer Circle. We are delighted to pray for anyone and include their name on our prayer list, as well as mention them in the intercessions during Sunday worship. Please keep the church office informed about their status. We will keep these names on our prayer list for one month. If, on the other hand, you would like us to keep them on the prayer list for longer than a month, please call the church office. 11

THIS WEEK AT GALILEE Sunday December 11 Galilee Worship Service (Missionary Ryan Berkas from Cambodia)... 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time... 10:30 a.m. Sunday School, Confirmation, Adult Forum...11 a.m. MFCLC Worship Service... 11 a.m. La Hermosa Gathering... 2:30 4:30 p.m. Monday December 12 Healing Touch Exchange... 6 p.m. Tuesday December 13 Staff Meeting... 9 a.m. Young at Heart... noon Wednesday December 14 Pastor s Office Hours...9 a.m. 9 p.m. ICFC in Fellowship Hall...10 a.m. noon Villa Park Devotions...1 p.m. Bells of Galilee...6 p.m. Galilee Choir...7:15 p.m. VOICE Articles Due Thursday December 15 Friday December 16 MFCLC Bible Study...6 p.m. Saturday December 17 Chinese Prayer...6 a.m. Christmas Cookie Party...10 a.m. ICFC Choir Rehearsal (Downstairs)...11 a.m. Sunday December 18 Service of Lessons and Carols... 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time... 10:30 a.m. Sunday School, Confirmation, Adult Forum...11 a.m. MFCLC Worship Service... 11 a.m. La Hermosa Gathering... 2:30 4:30 p.m. Hearing assistance receivers are available. Please ask the ushers for assistance. 12