Summerlin Evangelical Lutheran Church

SUMMERLIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH THE COMMON SERVICE 1911 Pueblo Vista Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89128 www.summerlinlutheran.org PASTOR’S WELCOME OPENING HYMN: 11 COMFORT, COMFORT ALL MY PEOPLE Pastor Nathan Buch (414) 943-0812 Please stand after the hymn [email protected] December 7, 2014 P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. WELCOME! We are happy to have you worship with us and extend to you our heartfelt welcome. Please introduce yourself, the congregation would love to meet you. Please leave a record of your visit with us by filling in a gold visitor card and handing it to an usher. If you have any questions or concerns please ask an usher for assistance.

Little children are welcome in worship. Children are future pastors, teachers and members of God’s church. They need to meet Jesus and hear his Word too. We have reserved the back CONFESSION OF SINS row of chairs on the organ side of the church for families with small children. P: Beloved in the Lord: Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. We welcome the busyness of the little lambs in our sanctuary. However, we understand that the little ones may not be able to sit quietly for an hour. We have a quiet room, located off C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have the narthex, for infants, toddlers and their parents if the busyness turns into a disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and distraction to other worshippers. failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I If you are seeking a church home, our Pastor would be happy to visit with you and answer pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. any questions you may have concerning our church. Please stop and speak with him for a few moments after worship.

We respectfully request everyone turn off their cell phones and keep food and drink (except for little ones) at a minimum in our sanctuary. Thank you.

WILLING HANDS THIS MORNING: Organist: Carol Johnson Altar Care: Melissa Longworth Ushers: Loren Schlotfeldt, Larry Wiersum Com. Asst.: Jim Behmer Head Usher: Al Rousseau Tellers: Dick and Cathy Yeakel P: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be Kitchen Helpers: Wanda Boger, Joy Campo the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. SUGGESTIONS BEFORE WORSHIP: Today we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. We have the opportunity to declare our unity with our Savior and with others who share the faith that we do. As we prepare to receive this sacrament it is always good to take a moment of personal preparation and prayer. Personal Preparation for Holy Communion is found on page 156 in the front of the red hymnal. P: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. WE SING THANKS TO OUR LORD PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you.

P: Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, by your victory you have broken the power of the evil one. Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we look with hope to that day when every creature in heaven and earth will acclaim you King of kings and Lord of lords to your unending praise and glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated

Please be seated for the reading of the lessons.

THE WORD

FIRST LESSON: ISAIAH 40:1-11 God put many prophecies in the Old Testament that pointed to the Messiah’s coming. These signposts were to focus the people on what God had promised. They were to keep the signs close to their hearts so that when they appeared, the people would know he was here. In this prophecy, God speaks of not just a signpost pointing to Jesus, but a man whose message would be heard far and wide. When this voice would call out that the Messiah was here, people were to take notice. John the Baptist would not just prophecy that the Messiah was coming, he would show the people that their wait was over, their salvation, their Messiah, was here.

40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in NICENE CREED the wilderness a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and 5 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the maker of heaven and earth, glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the of all that is, seen and unseen. LORD has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 eternally begotten of the Father, The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” 9 You God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to begotten, not made, Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of of one being with the Father. Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules Through him all things were made. for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, gently leads those that have young. and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. SECOND LESSON: 2 PETER 3:8-14 He suffered death and was buried. As we prepare our hearts for the Savior to come in the manger, we also realize that as we On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. hear and study his Word we also prepare for the time when we will meet him face to face. He ascended into heaven Just as Jesus was urgent in explaining to the disciples to be ready for his second coming, so and is seated at the right hand of the Father. also Peter points out the swiftness of Jesus second coming so that we see that the time to be He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, ready is now. This time of grace, this life on earth, is not something to be trifled with. As and his kingdom will have no end. believers we clearly see that the Lord has given this time to us and to the world to hear his We believe in the Holy Spirit, Gospel message and to believe so that we are prepared whenever Jesus comes again. the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, 9 years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as who has spoken through the prophets. some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. everyone to come to repentance. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; We look for the resurrection of the dead the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. and the life of the world to come. Amen. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements HYMN OF THE DAY: 16 ON JORDAN’S BANK THE BAPTIST’S CRY will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new THE SERMON heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. Sermon Text: MARK 1:1-8 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”— 3“a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. paths for him.’ ” 2. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask You to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray. 4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for Bless all the dear children in Your tender care, the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went And take us to heaven to live with you there. out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and Please stand wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, PRAYER OF THE CHURCH but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” LORD’S PRAYER

WE BRING OUR OFFERING OF THANKS TO THE LORD Our Father, who art in heaven, Visitors, we would like to get to know you. Please sign the yellow card located in the back hallowed be thy name, of a seat in front of you with your name and number. thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. SONGS AND PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, In a Little Stable as we forgive those 1. In a little stable, Far across the sea. who trespass against us; Was a little Baby, Just like you and me. and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 2. Shepherds knelt before him, Angels watched with care For thine is the kingdom For this Babe was Jesus, lying smiling there. and the power and the glory 3. Oh, I love this Jesus, Who was little then. forever and ever. Amen.

For I know he loves me, Little though I am. THE SACRAMENT P: Let us fold our hands, bow our heads and ask Jesus our loving Savior to hear us as we Please be reminded that we follow the Scriptural principle (I Corinthians) that a person pray together: should only receive the Lord’s Supper if properly instructed, capable of self-examination, and united in faith with the congregation. We take these commands of our Lord very seriously. If C: Ah dearest Jesus, Holy Child, make thee a bed, soft undefiled. you are not a member of one of our fellow Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Within my heart that it may be a quiet chamber kept for thee. Amen. (WELS) or Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) churches, we ask that you first speak with our pastor to learn how you may establish this communion fellowship. We thank our Away in a Manger guests who are worshipping with us this morning for respecting this Biblical practice and 1. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, waiting to come forward to communion until we have established this unity. Thank you for this courtesy.

M: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. M: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them up unto the Lord. M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. C: It is good and right so to do. M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared when he called people to repentance and pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song: WORDS OF INSTITUTION M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” M: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: Amen.

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD PRAYER P: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by Be Seated your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 376 JESUS, YOUR BLOOD AND RIGHTEOUSNESS forever. After distribution of Holy Communion please stand.

SONG OF THANKSGIVING

BLESSING P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

CLOSING HYMN 14: ARISE, O CHRISTIAN PEOPLE

Thank you for worshipping with us today. Please join us again! from 10 – 12. Please contact Roberta Stephens for more information, or to make sure Announcements: your child is participating. Today 12/7: 9 AM Worship with communion 10:30 AM Bible Study/Sunday School  Beginning this week – Any children who are going to be in the Christmas service are 4 PM Christmas Party at the Brown’s asked to stay in church for a few minutes to practice their songs before going over to Monday 12/8: 6 PM Catechism Sunday School. Tuesday 12/9: 6:30 PM Church Council Wednesday 12/10: 10AM Adult Bible Study II Corinthians  Christmas Caroling – On Sunday. December 14th there will be caroling at Las 6 PM Choir Ventanas at 1:15 pm and at the Silver Hill Nursing Home at 2:30 pm. Those wishing to Saturday 12/13: 10 --12 Children’s Christmas Service Practice participate can contact Sue Sprengler for more information. Next Sunday 12/7: 9 AM Worship 10:30 AM Bible Study/Sunday School  Back to the Basics – A new Back to the Basics session will begin Monday, January 12th at 6:00. This is for Catechism students and their families, those interested in  Good Morning and Welcome to our visitors: We hope that your worship this becoming members or those in our congregation who could not make the Sunday morning was a good experience for you. Many of those sitting around you were in your morning class. Please contact pastor or sign-up in the narthex if you would like to attend. position once. They walked through the doors of the church and didn’t know anyone. They felt a little awkward to be in a new place. Yet, they found a home here and we hope  Every Member Visit: Look for the sign-up sheet on the board in the narthex of that you will too. If you would like information on how to become a member, if you church or call or e-mail pastor to set up a time that is more convenient for you and your have questions about worship, or if you are just curious, make sure to speak with Pastor family. Buch as you leave, or he will be happy to contact you during the week. If you would like to wait and visit again, that’s fine too. God’s blessings on your week and we hope to see  NA Groups – As a service to our community Summerlin has hosted NA groups over you again soon!! the past few years. After many years of service our coordinator and hosts are planning to step down at the end of December. If anyone would like to volunteer for these positions  Christmas Party: The Brown’s have once again offered to host a Christmas party please contact Jim Schumacher for more information. for the congregation. It is scheduled for this afternoon starting at 4 PM. Please bring your favorite Christmas treat or hors d’oeuvres to share. Adults are invited. It should be  SERVING THE LORD NEXT SUNDAY! Ushers: Gary Smioth, Kale Duboit; Altar: a lot of fun. Melissa Longworth; Tellers: Dick Yeakel, Cathy Yeakel; Kitchen helpers: Audrey Vergara, Janet Maesaka, Nancy Bucklin  Poinsettias for Christmas: The cost for poinsettias is $10. The envelopes for purchasing poinsettias are in the narthex for those who wish to purchase them. If you are  WE PRAY FOR ALL WHO CARRY HEAVY LOADS! We remember: Janan purchasing poinsettias in honor of a loved one who has passed away please include their Bader, Nancy Daniell, Sonia Henseley, Aaron & Ruby Laurent, and all other of our name so that we can include it in the bulletin. members, friends and families who are struggling physically or emotionally. If there are special needs you want to share with the Prayer Circle, please call Sandy Thiel (645-  Children’s service: Our Sunday School classes will be incorporated into a Christmas 2697). service on Sunday, December 21st. Practices will begin during the Sunday School hour after Thanksgiving. Make sure to have your children in Sunday School to practice their  OUR THANKS TO THE LORD: We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may parts! Saturday December 13 and 20, we will be practicing for the Christmas service be, all that we have is thine alone, a trust oh Lord from thee. Thanksgiving Worship: 52, Sunday Worship: 99; Bible Study: 39, Sunday School: 15, Wednesday Morning Bible Study: 9, Treasures over this Thanksgiving week: $ 3855. May the Lord who blesses us with every good gift, continue to shower us with his blessings that we may hear and grow in his Word.