Service of Advent
The word advent, which means “coming,” is a good word with which to begin the Church Year, when we are tempted to ask, “What’s coming?” A more correct question would be “Who’s coming?”
Stir up Your power, O Lord, The answer is “Jesus!”
and come, that by Your The entire Old Testament points to Jesus as the one who was coming, when God’s time was protection we may be rescued right. For many centuries, prophets had foretold the coming of God’s Messiah, the one whom God had promised to save God’s people from their sins and teach us God’s will. Some from the threatening perils of of the Scripture readings in our Advent season quote those ancient promises. As the four our sins and saved by Your weeks of Advent move ahead, the coming gets more specific. We learn who Jesus’ mother will be, for example, and how God’s angel told her so. We learn about other members of the mighty deliverance; for You family as well, the family of John the Baptizer. live and reign with the Father All of this happened in history, of course, about 2,000 years ago. Another message of the and the Holy Spirit, one God, Advent season is that the One who has come is coming again. How does the Creed put it? now and forever. “To judge the living and the dead.” How did Jesus himself put it? “To take you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” So the Advent season actually deals with two Collect of the Day for First Sunday in Advent comings of Christ, one when Jesus was born hundreds of years ago, and one when he comes Lutheran Service Book: Propers of the Day again in the future to reveal himself as our Savior.
But there is a third coming of Christ, the Advent season announces. That is when Jesus comes into our hearts and lives right now by his Word [and Sacraments] so that we may believe in him. All three of these comings show up in the Church’s Advent readings, also stumbling over one another to make sure we get the point.
Many people and churches use an Advent wreath to mark the four weeks of the season, lighting one candle on the first Sunday of the season, two candles on the second, three on the third, and four on the last Sunday in Advent. As Christmas gets closer, the light gets brighter, and the Church prays, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus”—for Advent means “coming.” —Arden Mead and King Schoenfeld I Love to Live The Story: A Guide to Understanding & Celebrating the Christian Church Year
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Welcome! Whether you are a longtime member or visiting for the first time, you are a gift from God to us.
So that we may all celebrate your presence and give thanks to God for you, please fill out the Record of Fellowship at the end of your pew. At the time of the Offering, you may place your attendance sheet in the offering plate.
The love of Christ comfort you, and the love of His people encourage you.
“Sinfonia and Ritornello” from From Heaven Above, Ye Angels All Heinrich Spitta
Debbie Dickensheets, organ Sally Kann, viola Zac Lavender, cello Kim Reagan, flute
Please stand and face the lead candle. Of the Father’s Love Begotten 13th Century Plainsong arr. John Erickson
Musicians of Ascension
1. Of the Father’s love begotten Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see Evermore and evermore.
2. O ye heights of heav’n, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing. Pow’rs, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King. Let no tongue on earth be silent, Ev’ry voice in concert ring Evermore and evermore.
3. Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be, Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory Evermore and evermore. Amen.
PAGE 2 Psalm 50:2 -3a; Isaiah 40:3, 5; 45:8
P Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. C Our God shall come; He does not keep silence.
P Prepare the way of the Lord. C Make His paths straight.
P The glory of the Lord shall be revealed. C And all flesh shall see it together.
P Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness. C Let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth.
C Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Isaiah 9:2
P Beloved in the Lord, as we begin the season of Advent, let this wreath remind us that Jesus Christ came to conquer the darkness of sin and to lead us into the light of His glorious kingdom. As the prophet Isaiah says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”
At this time, the Advent wreath is lighted.
P The Lord be with you. C And with your spirit.
P Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, the true light who comes into the world to enlighten all people, bless us as we light the candles of this wreath in preparation for Your coming, and enkindle in our hearts the fire of Your love that we may receive You with joy and gladness and evermore remain steadfast in the faith; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen.
Sitting
A The First Lesson is from Genesis, chapter 2.
4 These are the generations had not caused it to rain on the land, of the heavens and the earth when they and there was no man to work the were created, ground, 6 and a mist was going up from in the day that the LORD God made the the land and was watering the whole earth and the heavens. face of the ground—7 then
the LORD God formed the man of dust 5 When no bush of the field was yet in from the ground and breathed into the land and no small plant of the field his nostrils the breath of life, and the had yet sprung up—for the LORD God man became a living creature. PAGE 3 A 8 And the LORD God planted a garden heavens and brought them to the man in Eden, in the east, and there he put to see what he would call them. And the man whom he had formed. 9 And whatever the man called every living out of the ground the LORD God made creature, that was its name. 20 The man to spring up every tree that is pleasant gave names to all livestock and to the to the sight and good for food. The tree birds of the heavens and to every beast of life was in the midst of the of the field. But for Adam there was not garden, and the tree of the knowledge found a helper fit for him. 21 So of good and evil. the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept 15 The LORD God took the man and put took one of his ribs and closed up its him in the garden of Eden to work it place with flesh.22 And the rib that and keep it. 16 And the LORD God the LORD God had taken from the man commanded the man, saying, “You he made into a woman and brought her may surely eat of every tree of the 23 17 to the man. Then the man said, garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall “This at last is bone of my bones not eat, for in the day that you eatof it and flesh of my flesh; you shall surely die.” she shall be called Woman,
18 because she was taken out of Man.” Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father will make him a helper fit and his mother and hold fast to his for him.” 19 Now out of the ground wife, and they shall become one the LORDGod had formed every beast flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were of the field and every bird of the both naked and were not ashamed.
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Lutheran Service Book 342 “What Hope! An Eden Prophesied”
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A The Second Lesson is from Genesis, chapter 3.
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than wife hid themselves from the presence any other beast of the field that of the LORD God among the trees of the the LORD God had made. garden. 9 But the LORDGod called to the man and said to him, “Where are He said to the woman, “Did God you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any sound of you in the garden, and I was tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman afraid, because I was naked, and I hid said to the serpent, “We may eat of the myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but you were naked? Have you eaten of the God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit tree of which I commanded you not to of the tree that is in the midst of the eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman garden, neither shall you touch it, lest whom you gave to be with me, she you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the gave me fruit of the tree, and I woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For ate.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the God knows that when you eat of it your woman, “What is this that you have eyes will be opened, and you will be done?” The woman said, “The serpent like God, knowing good and evil.” deceived me, and I ate.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree 14 The LORD God said to the serpent, was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree “Because you have done this, was to be desired to make one wise, she cursed are you above all livestock took of its fruit and ate, and she also and above all beasts of the field; gave some to her husband who was on your belly you shall go, with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of and dust you shall eat both were opened, and they knew that all the days of your life. they were naked. And they sewed fig 15 I will put enmity between you and leaves together and made themselves the woman, loincloths. and between your offspring and her offspring; 8 And they heard the sound of he shall bruise your head, the LORD God walking in the garden in and you shall bruise his heel.” the cool of the day, and the man and his
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
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Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Somerset folk song arr. Alan Bullard
Musicians of Ascension
1. Jesus Christ the Apple Tree The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit and always green: 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.
2. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne’er can tell, 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.
3. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought: 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.
4. I’m weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest a while: I’m weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest a while: Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.
5. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive: 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
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A The Third Lesson is from Isaiah, chapter 40.
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” 10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. PAGE 7
Lutheran Service Book 347 “Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People”
A The Fourth Lesson is from Jeremiah, chapter 31.
A 31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares declares the LORD: I will put my law the LORD, when I will make a new within them, and I will write it on their covenant with the house of Israel and the hearts. And I will be their God, and they house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall that I made with their fathers on the day each one teach his neighbor and each his when I took them by the hand to bring brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for them out of the land of Egypt, my they shall all know me, from the least of covenant that they broke, though I was them to the greatest, declares the LORD. their husband, declares the LORD. 33 For For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will this is the covenant that I will make with remember their sin no more.” the house of Israel after those days,
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
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Lutheran Service Book 334 (stanzas 1, 4, & 5) “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You”
5 Sin’s debt, that fearful burden, Cannot His love erase; Your guilt the Lord will pardon And cover by His grace. He comes, for you procuring The peace of sin forgiv’n, His children thus securing Eternal life in heav’n.
A The Fifth Lesson is from Isaiah, chapter 11.
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. PAGE 9
A 6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. 9 They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Savior of the Nations, Come Michael Altenburg
Musicians of Ascension
1. Savior of the nations, come, Virgin’s Son, make here Thy home! Marvel now, O heav’n and earth, That the Lord chose such a birth.
2. Not by human flesh and blood, By the Spirit of our God, Was the Word of God made flesh— Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.
3. From the Father forth He came And returneth to the same, Captive leading death and hell— High the song of triumph swell!
4. Brightly doth the manger shine, Glorious is its light divine. Let not sin o’ercloud this light; Ever be our faith thus bright.
5. Praise to God the Father sing, Praise to God the Son, our King, Praise to God the Spirit be, Ever and eternally.
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A The Sixth Lesson is from Isaiah, chapter 64.
1 Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence— 2 as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! 3 When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. 4 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. 5 You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved? 6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 7 There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.
8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. 9 Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
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Lutheran Service Book 338 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
A The Sixth Lesson is from Micah, chapter 5.
2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace.
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
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Lutheran Service Book 354 “Arise, O Christian People”
P The Eighth Lesson is from Luke, chapter 1.
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, 8 Now while he was serving as priest there was a priest named before God when his division was on Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. duty, 9 according to the custom of the And he had a wife from the daughters priesthood, he was chosen by lot to of Aaron, and her name was enter the temple of the Lord and burn Elizabeth. 6 And they were incense. 10 And the whole multitude of both righteous before God, the people were praying outside at the walking blamelessly in all the hour of incense.11 And there appeared commandments and statutes of the to him an angel of the Lord standing on Lord. 7 But they had no child, the right side of the altar of because Elizabeth was barren, and both incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled were advanced in years. when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.
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P 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be God, and I was sent to speak to you and afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has to bring you this good news. 20 And been heard, and your wife Elizabeth behold, you will be silent and unable to will bear you a son, and you shall call speak until the day that these things his name John. 14 And you will have joy take place, because you did not believe and gladness, and many will rejoice at my words, which will be fulfilled in his birth, 15 for he will be great before their time.” 21 And the people were the Lord. And he must not drink wine waiting for Zechariah, and they were or strong drink, and he will be filled wondering at his delay in the with the Holy Spirit, even from his temple. 22 And when he came out, he mother's womb. 16 And he will turn was unable to speak to them, and they many of the children of Israel to the realized that he had seen a vision in the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before temple. And he kept making signs to him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to them and remained mute.23 And when turn the hearts of the fathers to the his time of service was ended, he went children, and the disobedient to the to his home. wisdom of the just, to make ready for 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth the Lord a people prepared.” conceived, and for five months she kept 18 And Zechariah said to the herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am Lord has done for me in the days when an old man, and my wife is advanced in he looked on me, to take away my years.” 19 And the angel answered him, reproach among people.” “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of
P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Jesus, Priceless Treasure Dietrich Buxtehude
Musicians of Ascension
1. Jesus, priceless treasure, 2. Hence, all fear and sadness! Fount of purest pleasure, For the Lord of gladness, Truest friend to me, Jesus, enters in. Ah, how long in anguish Those who love the Father, Shall my spirit languish, Though the storms may gather, Yearning, Lord, for Thee? Still have peace within. Thou art mine, Yea, whate’er O Lamb divine! I here must bear, I will suffer naught to hide Thee; Thou art still my purest Naught I ask beside Thee. pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure!
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P The Ninth Lesson is from Luke, chapter 1.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel house of Jacob forever, and of his was sent from God to a city of Galilee kingdom there will be no end.” named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How betrothed to a man whose name was will this be, since I am a virgin?” Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.28 And he came 35 And the angel answered her, “The to her and said, “Greetings, O favored Holy Spirit will come upon you, and one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she the power of the Most High will was greatly troubled at the saying, and overshadow you; therefore the child to tried to discern what sort of greeting be born will be called holy—the Son of this might be. 30 And the angel said to God. 36 And behold, your relative her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you Elizabeth in her old age has also have found favor with God. 31 And conceived a son, and this is the sixth behold, you will conceive in your month with her who was called womb and bear a son, and you shall barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I and will be called the Son of the Most am the servant of the Lord; let it be to High. And the Lord God will give to me according to your word.” And the him the throne of his father angel departed from her. David, 33 and he will reign over the
P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
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Lutheran Service Book 333 “Once He Came in Blessing”
E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come Paul Manz arr. Philip Brunelle
Jessica Luhrs, clarinet
Jeremiah 23:6 “And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.'” Jesus is our righteousness, our justification, our all. In Jesus we are forgiven and receive every blessing from the Father. This knowledge sets us free to live as children of the Heavenly Father without fear. Freed from the supposed need to justify ourselves, good works can be done by us for the right reason: to thank God and to serve our neighbor.
PAGE 16 Standing
P Beloved in the Lord, let us pray that our Emmanuel, “God with us,” would come and make all things new.
P O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, mightily ordering all things: C Come and teach us the way of prudence.
P O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai: C Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.
P O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage: C Come quickly to deliver us.
P O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open: C Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.
P O Dayspring, splendor of light everlasting: C Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
P O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, the cornerstone uniting all people: C Come and save us all, whom You formed out of clay.
P O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord, the anointed for the nations and their Savior: C Come and save us, O Lord our God.
P O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, King of kings and Lord of lords, the Son of the living God and Son of David, come. Come now to Your Church that You have purchased with Your blood. Come with Your gracious presence, that we may rejoice in You. Come and rule over us, that we may serve and follow You. Come with Your love, humility and perfect obedience, and let Your lowliness become our glory. Come into the midst of Your people and bless us, for we are Your heritage. Forgive us our sin, and do not angrily cast away Your servants, for You are meek and gracious. Clothe us with the garment of Your righteousness, for You are the only righteous one and our helper. Satisfy us with the abundance of Your mercy, for You did become poor for our sakes, that by Your poverty we might be made rich. Hear us, Lord Jesus, for the sake of Your holy name. C Amen.
Matthew 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:1-3
Following the prayers, please greet one another in the name of the Lord by saying, “Peace be with you,” as a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation in preparation for worthy reception of the Holy Supper. PAGE 17
2 Timothy 4:22; [Colossians 3:1]; [Psalm 136]
P It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared, proclaiming Him the promised Messiah, the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and calling sinners to repentance that they might escape from the wrath to be revealed when He comes again in glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:
~ Holy, Holy, Holy Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9
PAGE 18 P Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross.
Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen.
Matthew 26; Mark 14:22 -24; Luke 22:19 -20; 1 Corinthians 11:23 -25
P 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 T 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 cup is the new testament in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
1 Corinthians 11:26; Revelation 22:20
P As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
P O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
Matthew 6:9 -13
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.
PAGE 19 ~ The Peace of the Lord John 20:19
Lamb of God John 1:29
Sitting
Holy Communion is joyfully received here today. At the altar, our Lord Jesus Christ delivers His true body and blood into our mouths. His gift of body and blood, given in, with, and under the bread and wine, bestows tremendous benefits. His body and blood forgives our sins, strengthens our faith, binds us to the Lord, and unites us with each other. In this is life and salvation.
All members of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have publicly confessed this sacred gift and its blessings, and so are encouraged to commune. Other guests wishing to join our confession and receive this Holy Sacrament are asked to meet with the pastor in the weeks before communing for the first time.
When you have examined yourself according to Christ’s bidding (1 Corinthians 11:28), come to His altar rejoicing, just as Jesus asks, knowing that our Lord meets you here with joy.
Those coming to the altar for a blessing rather than Holy Communion are asked to cross their arms over their chest.
PAGE 20 Dear Savior, at Your gracious invitation I come to Your table to eat and drink Your holy body and blood. Let me find favor in Your eyes to receive this holy Sacrament in faith for the salvation of my soul and to the glory of Your holy name; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Before communing Lutheran Service Book
Sheep May Safely Graze Johann Sebastian Bach
Frank Pape and Kim Reagan, flutes Zac Lavender, cello Musicians of Ascension, women
Lutheran Service Book 353 “Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring”
Almighty and everlasting God, I thank and praise You for feeding me the life-giving body and blood of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Send Your Holy Spirit that, having with my mouth received the holy Sacrament, I may by faith obtain and eternally enjoy Your divine grace, the forgiveness of sins, unity with Christ, and life eternal; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving after receiving the Sacrament Lutheran Service Book PAGE 21 Standing
Song of Simeon Luke 2:29-32
P Let us pray. Gracious God, our heavenly Father, You have given us a foretaste of the feast to come in the Holy Supper of Your Son’s body and blood. Keep us firm in the true faith throughout our days of pilgrimage that, on the day of His coming, we may, together with all Your saints, celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom which has no end; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen.
Numbers 6:24-26
P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace. C Amen.
PAGE 22 Please remain standing and face the processional cross. Lutheran Service Book 357 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
ref Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
6 O come, Thou Dayspring from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Refrain
7 O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of Peace. Refrain
PAGE 23 Comfort Ye My People Johann Pachelbel
Almighty God, you once called John the Baptist to give witness to the coming of Your Son and to prepare his way. Grant us, your people, the wisdom to see your purpose today and the openness to hear your will, that we may witness to Christ’s coming and so prepare his way; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Collect of the Day for Third Sunday in Advent Lutheran Book of Worship
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DIVINE SERVICE, SETTING ONE FROM LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS ARE FROM THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CREATED BY LUTHERAN SERVICE BUILDER © 2006 CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE.
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Presiding Minister Presiding Minister The Rev. David V. Miller, Pastor The Rev. David V. Miller, Pastor
Lay Assistant(s) Lay Assistant(s) Justin Ledford, Elder J.P. Morr, Head Elder Penny Durden, Acolyte Edie Durden, Acolyte
Organist Organist Debbie Dickensheets, Director of Music Debbie Dickensheets, Director of Music
Musicians of Ascension Musician(s) Frank Pape, flute Dan Reagan, trombone Kim Reagan flute Kim Reagan, flute
Jessica Luhrs, soprano/clarinet LCA Ensemble Laura Negus, soprano Jessica Luhrs, soprano Anne Hull, alto Laura Negus, soprano Ginnie Little, alto Anne Hull, alto Sally Kann, alto/viola Ginnie Little, alto Zac Lavender, tenor/cello Sally Kann, alto Adrian Popescu, tenor Adrian Popescu, tenor Evan Lavan, bass Evan Lavan, bass
Children’s Choir Altar Guild Edie Durden Linda Rathje/Anne Bigelow Penny Durden
Eden Miller Greeter(s) Joy Negus Richard & Jill Drachenberg Emilie Schoellen
Usher(s) Altar Guild Brian Beckman/J.P. Morr Jeni Miller/Jill Drachenberg
Fellowship Host(s) Greeter(s) The Schoellen family The Ledford family
Usher(s)
Clinton Carlson/Brian Beckman
Fellowship Host(s)
Richard & Jill Drachenberg
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Sunday Service of Advent Lessons & Carols 12/3 Nursery available 8:30 – 11:30 AM LCA Ensemble Rehearsal 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study: A Man Named Martin * 9:00 AM Children’s Sunday School 9:00 AM Divine Service with Holy Communion * 10:00 AM Fellowship Hour Following worship Advent Party Following fellowship
Monday 12/4 Open Arms LCDC 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Church Office Closed
Tuesday 12/5 Open Arms LCDC 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Church Office 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Wednesday Advent Midweek I 12/6 Open Arms LCDC 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Church Office 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Open Arms LCDC Chapel 10:00 AM Matins 12:00 PM
Thursday 12/7 Open Arms LCDC 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Church Office 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday 12/8 Open Arms LCDC 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Church Office 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Open Arms LCDC Christmas Program 5:30 PM
Saturday 12/9 Open Arms LCDC Closed Church Office Closed
Sunday Second Sunday in Advent 12/10 Nursery available 8:30 – 11:30 AM LCA Ensemble Rehearsal 8:45 AM Adult Bible Study: Why Are We Lutheran? * 9:00 AM Children’s Sunday School 9:00 AM Divine Service with Holy Communion * 10:00 AM Fellowship Hour Following worship Open Arms Board Meeting Following fellowship
*Nursery available for young children
PAGE 26 Service of Advent Lessons & Carols Theme: Make ready the way of the Lord! Prepare your heart to meet the Savior with this annual service. Various prophetic readings and special music will announce His coming and pull us into the Advent season. Find comfort and joy through our promised Emmanuel! Holy Communion will also be celebrated.
Day & Time: Sunday, December 3 at 10 A.M.
Location: Church sanctuary
Advent Midweek Services
Theme: Matins will be offered the three Wednesdays in Advent to highlight this special season. As we have had preaching series on the Six Chief Parts of the Small Catechism, we will continue with the Fifth Chief Part: Confession.
Day & Time: Wednesdays in Advent; December 6, 13, & 20 at noon
Location: Church sanctuary
Christmas Poinsettias for Purchase Theme: Poinsettias are available for purchase to help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas. If you would like to dedicate your poinsettia(s) in memory of a loved one(s) please fill out the green form and we will print this information in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bulletins. The cost for each poinsettia is $15.00. If you would like to make a purchase, please note in the memo line that it is for Christmas poinsettias. The checks may be placed in the offering plates along with your other contributions. Each poinsettia will be available to take home after the Christmas Day service.
Day: Contributions and memorials due by Sunday, December 10
Christmas Schedule December 24 at 10:00 A.M. – Fourth Sunday in Advent December 24 at 7:30 P.M. – Christmas Eve (with carols by candlelight) December 25 at 10:00 A.M. – Christmas Day
PAGE 27 Bible Study: Why Are We Lutheran?
Theme: We will answer the question of why we are Lutheran as we continue to study the foundational document that defines our beliefs, the Augsburg Confession.
Days & Times: Sundays at 9:00 A.M.
Location: Church fellowship hall
Advent Party: Christmas Decorating & Seasonal Fellowship Theme: The Savior is coming, the Savior is coming! Let’s get this place ready for Him. There’s plenty of decorating to do and fun to be had. Please join us as we pull out the boxes of Christmas decorations and get the sanctuary “spruced up” before the Open Arms Christmas Program later that week. Please sign up in the narthex to bring a snack or beverage for the occasion.
Day & Time: Sunday, December 3 following the Divine Service
Location: Refreshments in church narthex Decorating in church sanctuary
Open Arms Christmas Program Theme: It’s time again for the Open Arms Christmas Program! This annual event fills the sanctuary with parents and grandparents who are excited to see their little ones sing and dance, as they share the good news of our Lord’s birth. LCA is hosting a reception in the narthex afterwards and we need your help! Would you please assist by providing cookies, bars, or some other yummy treats? Feel free to drop them off any time the week of the Program. Please leave them on the secretary’s desk in the church office. We also welcome anyone to attend the program and/or help out serving at the reception as we share Christ’s love with the Open Arms families. Please look for the signup sheet in the narthex. Thank you!
Day & Time: Refreshments for reception need to be received before Friday, December 8 Christmas Program on Friday, December 8 at 5:00 P.M.
Location: Refreshments drop-off in church office Christmas Program in church sanctuary
PAGE 28 LWML YarnWorks Theme: You are invited to join with the LWML in knitting, crocheting, and weaving items for local and national charities. Please pick up a flyer in the narthex, which provides a list of the kinds of handmade items that may be contributed, such as scarves, small afghans, and baby items. This Christmas we are planning to give many items to Stepping Stone Mission. For further information, please contact Kati Durden ([email protected]) or Judy Russell ([email protected]).
Birthdays None this week
Rebirthdays (Baptismal Anniversaries) Amy Balog, 12/5
Wedding Anniversaries None this week
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PAGE 31 Restrooms are located to the right of the church entrance, down the hallway. Please see an usher if you need assistance.
Children are always welcome and encouraged to be in
worship! For those who need it, however, we have a staffed nursery located down the hallway in the preschool. It is intended for children from birth to age 5. Hours of operation are 8:30 – 11:30 A.M.
For your convenience, a baby changing station is located in · both the men’s and women’s restrooms on this level, just
down the hall. For further privacy, a mother-infant station, which includes a rocking chair and changing table, is Darlene Beckman, Church Secretary………x128 [email protected] available in the enclosed lounge of the women’s restroom downstairs. Debbie Dickensheets, Director of Music…x131
The Rev. David V. Miller, Pastor………..x127 Each Sunday your child may pick up a “busy bag” from the [email protected] stand in the Narthex. Each busy bag has different books and Jeni Miller, Social Media & Communications Manager activities for your child to keep them busy during the Divine [email protected] Service when they are unable to focus. Please return the Homero Salgado, Maintenance Manager….x129 pouch and its contents to the stand in the Narthex at the end [email protected] of the service. This way the pouches will be clean and ready Sig Johnson, Bookkeeper……………..……….x130 for the next Sunday’s service. [email protected]
Richard Drachenberg, Treasurer [email protected] Charlie Gottlinger (son-in-law of Shirley Scrugham), for health and healing. Justin Ledford, Chair of Stewardship Persecuted Christians in Nigeria, where kidnapped British [email protected] missionary was killed for singing “Amazing Grace” to J.P. Morr, Chair of Elders comfort fellow captives. [email protected]
Lauren Morr, Chair of Open Arms Board [email protected] Dan Buehl II (son of Eileen Buehl), for restoration of his Clara Smith, Chair of Property home. [email protected] Jack and Carolyn DeLong, for health and healing.
Hannibal (Hank) Durden, for growth and development. Rev. Dr. Jonathan & Dcs. Cheryl Naumann, missionaries to Rachael Charles-McKenzie, Curriculum the Dominican Republic. Coordinator…………………………………..x124 [email protected] All guests and visitors of Lutheran Church of the
Barbara Collins, Executive Director……..…x126 Ascension [email protected] Lutheran Church of the Ascension & Pastor David Miller Open Arms Lutheran Child Development Center & Sig Johnson, Business Manager……………...x125 Director, Barbara Collins [email protected] LCMS President Matthew Harrison English District Bishop Jamison Hardy President Donald Trump and all U.S. government officials
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