Worship Plan for Sunday, September 22, 2019

Bethany Lutheran Church Escanaba, Michigan

December 13, 2020 10:45 a.m. Worship Service Third Sunday of Advent ORDER OF WORSHIP

PRELUDE Paul Rajala WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lighting the Advent Wreath – Advent 3 We praise you, O God, for this victory wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our hearts as we await the Lord’s coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may serve our neighbors in need. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen. Light three candles. (Sing three verses.) John & Kim Beck

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, whose forgiveness is sure and whose steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

Together let us honestly and humbly confess that we have not lived as God desires.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Loving and forgiving God, we confess that we are held captive by sin. In spite of our best efforts, we have gone astray. We have not welcomed the stranger; we have not loved our neighbor; we have not been Christ to one another. Restore us, O God. Wake us up and turn us from our sin. Renew us each day in the light of Christ. Amen.

People of God, hear this glad news: by God’s endless grace your sins are forgiven, and you are free— free from all that holds you back and free to live in the peaceable realm of God. May you be strengthened in God’s love, ☩ comforted by Christ’s peace, and accompanied with the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

GATHERING SONG – ELW # 264

GREETING

A: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.

KYRIE

HYMN OF PRAISE

PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. (A brief silence is kept.) Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

[Though the people had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, they continued to face hardship and oppression. In the language of the jubilee year described in Leviticus 25, the prophet, moved by the spirit of God, announces deliverance for those who are oppressed and comfort for those who mourn.]

A reading from Isaiah. 1The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory. 4They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 8For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; 7

I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed. 10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Luke 1:46b-55

46bMy soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 47my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49you, the Almighty, have done great things for me and holy is your name. 50You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation. 51You have shown strength with your arm and scattered the proud in their conceit, 52casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. 53You have filled the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away empty. 54You have come to the aid of your servant Israel, to remember the promise of mercy, 55the promise made to our forbears, to Abraham and his children forever.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

[Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians by encouraging them to live lives of continual joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. The closing blessing is grounded in the hope of Christ’s coming.]

A reading from 1st Thessalonians. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil. 23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION “Alleluia”

Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

[John’s gospel describes Jesus as the “light of the world.” John the Baptist is presented as a witness to Jesus, one who directs attention away from himself to Christ, the true light].

The holy gospel according to St. John. Glory to you, O Lord.

6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

19This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ” as the prophet Isaiah said. 24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Rev. Terry Frankenstein

HYMN OF THE DAY - ELW # 249

WELCOME OF NEW MEMBERS

Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism and for the following people, one with us in the body of Christ, whom we welcome as new members into the life and ministry of this congregation.

Craig Aho has come to our congregation by Affirmation of Baptism. Pr. Terry and John, Avalina and Melvin Frankenstein have come to our congregation by transfer. Tyler Frankenstein has come to our congregation by Affirmation of Baptism. Ernest Kaven has come to our congregation by transfer. Steven and Suzanne Miller have come to our congregation by transfer. Clifford and Janet Olsson have come to our congregation through transfer. Denis and Ann Severinsen have come to our congregation through transfer. Christopher Sauve has come to our congregation by Affirmation of Baptism.

With the whole church, let us confess our faith using the words of the 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; 12

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.

Let us welcome these sisters and brothers in Christ to this community of faith. We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

God of power and might, shine your radiance and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need. A brief silence. God of preachers and messengers, you have entrusted your church with the work of proclaiming good news. Strengthen the witness of bishops, pastors, deacons, church musicians, lay leaders, and all people who contribute their prayers and talents to public worship especially during this pandemic. Embed your word in their hearts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of every living creature, you announce the year of your favor for all of creation. Extend your kindness and relief to endangered animals and plants. Strengthen the human beings who rely on the rhythms of nature to make their living. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of all peoples and nations, you plant us as your oaks of righteousness and ask us to care for one another. Be present with the leaders of every nation as they govern. Give them a spirit of righteousness, that your goodness and mercy is revealed through their actions. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of exiles and wanderers, you repair what was once destroyed. We pray for people who have been displaced from their homes by fire, flood, earthquake, or storm. Support the work of Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Disaster Response, and all disaster relief organizations in their recovery efforts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of the powerful and helpless, you clothe us with strength when our spirits are weak and weary. Bestow your spirit upon this congregation and empower us to comfort the people who turn to us in times of need. We pray especially today for all affected by cases of COVID, our shut-ins, and those in hospitals and nursing homes who are unable to be visited by family and friends. Heal, and nourish all in need, especially Karen Collier, John Pinar, Lois Pinar, Mary Beaver, Lloyd Jensen, Bill VanEffen, Elaine Peterson, Pr. Dave VanKley, Teri DePlonty, Sandy Anderson, Sandy Flinn, those who are listed in the bulletin, and those we name before you now, either aloud or in this moment of silence. Make your church a place of refuge and healing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We give you thanks for our new members, Craig, Pr. Terry, John, Avalina, Melvin, Tyler, Ernest, Steven, Suzanne, Cliff, Janet, Denis, Ann, and Christopher, whom you have drawn to yourself by the love of Jesus Christ and whom we have welcomed into this household of faith. Keep us close together in your Spirit and in service to others. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of sinners and saints, you offer joy even in the midst of our grief. We are grateful for the beloved, imperfect people whose lives testified to your radiant love, especially Lucy, martyr of the church. Anoint all who mourn with the oil of gladness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

BLESSING OF COMMITMENT CARDS

Friends in Christ: today we give thanks to God and we seek God’s blessing as we gather to dedicate our 2021 Commitment Cards to the praise and glory of God. Let us pray.

We give you thanks, O God, as we dedicate these commitment cards to your glory and praise. Grant us faith to know your gracious purpose in all things, give us joy in them, and lead us to the building up of your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

OFFERING SONG John & Kim Beck

OFFERTORY RESPONSE “Create In Me”

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray. Generous God, you have created all that is, and you provide for us in every season. Bless all that we offer, that through these gifts the world will receive your blessing. In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, we pray. Amen.

*LORD’S PRAYER Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.

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. BLESSING

The Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting, the long-expected Savior fill you with love, the unexpected Spirit guide your journey, ☩ now and forever. Amen.

SENDING HYMN – ELW # 239 15

DISMISSAL

A. Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. C. Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Paul Rajala

Radio Broadcast & Altar Flowers – (10:45 a.m. on AM 600 or FM 93.5) – given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Karen Peterson who celebrated her first birthday in heaven with our Lord on Friday the 11th by her loving husband Bill.

AVAILABLE FLOWER SPONSORS FOR 2020 ($17): December 27.

AVAILABLE RADIO SPONSORS 2021 ($90): January 31; February 21, 28; March 14, 21, 28; April 11, 18; May 9, 16, 23, 30; June 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18; August 15, 29; September 12, 19; October 10, 17, 31; November 21, 28; December 26

AVAILABLE FLOWER SPONSORS FOR 2021 ($17): January 17, 24; February 21, 28; March 21, 28; April 11, 18, 25; May 9, 16, 23; June 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18; August 8, 15, 29; October 24; November 21; December 12, 19, 26

THOSE IN THE ARMED FORCES – Christopher Klingman, Brian Rahoi, Jason Brooks, James Mokszycke, Emily, Katie, Mary & John Greenhouse, Dan Bourassa, Matt Holland, Steven & Jamie Viau, Jake Zelenak, Thor Heskin, Jacob Wight, Dawson Bruce, Kadin Mustafa, Joseph Jacobson and Courage Krueger.

CONTINUING PRAYERS – John Pinar, Lois Pinar, Mary Beaver, Alice Jones, Lloyd Jensen, Bill VanEffen, Elaine Peterson, Pr. Dave Van Kley, Teri DePlonty, Sandy Anderson, Sandy Flinn, Eva Mohr, Don Aronson, Alice Jensen, Virginia Clairmont, Janice Bouche, Dorothy Erickson, & Wanda Getzloff.

EXTENDED FRIENDS & FAMILY Barbara Anderson (sister of Dave Klasell and cousin of Mary Jo Roll and John Decker) Pat Cook & Sandra Seymour (sister, friend of Rod Spence) Karen Chown Collier (former member) Brooke (Jeanine Dagenais’ great niece) Debbie Renken (Carol Butryn’s friend) Sharon Curtin (Debbie Johnsen’s friend) Beth Vogl (Carol & Gary Butryn’s daughter) Sharilyn (Neiman) DeGrand (Carole Beck’s friend) Michelle Bouchard (Dixie Lindstedt’s friend) Jessica Wright (Bonnie Bauerle’s grand-daughter-in-law) Betty Fallstich (Teri DePlonty’s sister) Carrie Peters (Betsy Dagenais’ sister) Bert Zenker (Ralph & Dorothy Zenker’s son) Paul Sauter (Jeanne Sauter’s brother-in-law) Joanne Finnorn (Alice & Lloyd Jensen’s daughter) Lisa Boudreau (niece of Rosemary & Greg Hendrickson) John Miller (brother of Pr. Terry, Steve Miller) Danny Richards, Karen Olsen, Tina Harkens (Julie Gardiner’s friends) Jennifer Baugher & Scott McGary (Don & Norma Hopkins’ friends) Ken Patenaude & Rosane Bourassa (Jean Bourassa’s brother, sister) 17

Jacobetti Center Renaissance Ctr – Marinette Cedar Hill William Johnson Ruth Karkkainen Wanda Getzloff #106

Lakeview-Gladstone Northwoods Assisted Living Bishop Noa Home Judie Dagenais Don Aronson # 215 Alice Jones Jane Mulvaney Christian Park Village Brookridge – Mqt Apts Jill Bolm Louise Waisanen Sirkka Saarelainen #121

HOLY COMMUNION OPTION – Pr. Terry is offering Holy Communion to individuals and family groups by appointment. We’re using the pre-packaged communion sets, and we are asking participants to wear masks and observe social distancing. If you’d like to set up a time, please call the church office and let us know what days/times might work best to get together with Pr. Terry.

NEW MEMBERS – Welcome to the following new members of Bethany who are being received virtually today by transfer or Affirmation of Baptism: Craig Aho, Pr. Terry, John, Avalina, Melvin, and Tyler Frankenstein, Ernest Kaven, Steven and Suzanne Miller, Clifford and Janet Olsson, Denis and Ann Severinson, and Christopher Sauve. We rejoice with you and give thanks for you! Look for more information about our new members in the January Echo.

WATCH, WAIT, & LISTEN – We invite you to join with us in our final mid-week Advent gathering by Zoom. We will meet for 30-40 minutes to hear God’s word proclaimed and then engage in a Spirit-led conversation – to watch, wait, and listen for the coming Christ. As Christians living in the midst of a pandemic, we encourage you to view this disruptive time in our lives as a way to prepare for the arrival of the Christ child. You are invited to join in on our final session at 6:30 p.m. on December 16th via Zoom. Contact Pr. Terry for the link.

ANGEL TREES – Thank you to everyone participating in Operation Christmas Smiles! All the angels have been spoken for, and shopping is well underway. We’re going to make Christmas special for quite a number of lucky little boys and girls! Please return your purchased items (with gift receipt if possible) UN-WRAPPED to church by tomorrow, MONDAY, DECEMBER 14th. If you have a box for the item, that is helpful… but not required. Thank you so much for your generosity!

MITTENS & HATS – We continue collecting mittens and hats for all ages of schoolchildren. Your gifts may be placed on the mitten and hat Christmas Tree in the foyer of the education building. Thanks for helping keep kids warm during the cold of winter.

HOPE AT THE INN – Delta County’s rotating homeless shelter opened on November 29th. There is a great need for help staffing the three nightly shifts: 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; 10:30 p.m.-3:00 a.m.; and 3:00 am.m.-8:00 a.m. New policies and procedures are in place to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. The next training is on December 14th at 5:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army. Contact Lisa at 420-1311 for more information.

CHRISTMAS EVE MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS – Members and friends wishing to remember loved ones or honor them may do so by using the blue envelope which is marked FLORAL/RADIO in your packet of envelopes. Please indicate your preferred wording for the Christmas Eve bulletin. We would appreciate receiving this information no later than Wednesday, December 16th please. Any amount of money may be given, and the funds will help undergird Christmas decorating expenses and year around florist expenses.

CHRISTMAS OFFERING – Our Christmas Offering this year will be divided between two recipients: Hope at the Inn is a faith-based, rotating, emergency homeless shelter. The shelter’s mission is to provide support for those who are homeless in Delta County. This is made possible through the cooperative efforts of an interfaith coalition and various social service agencies offering a safe emergency shelter and an opportunity for these individuals to choose a path of transition to independence. Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a four- season place of beauty that attracts thousands of visitors every year. For more than 80 years, Fortune Lake has been a special place where God’s abundant grace is not simply taught, but experienced. Please use the “My Christmas Offering” envelope in your packet. Your support for these two organizations makes an important difference in the lives of many!

CHRISTMAS SEASON SCHEDULE  Children’s Christmas Pageant – Our Sunday School children are preparing a recorded virtual service to premiere at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 20th airing on AM600, FM93.5, and You Tube (with Facebook and website links).  Outdoor Christmas Eve Service – Join us in the Circle Drive at 4:30 p.m. for a short worship service that will include a bonfire and carol singing, a Christmas message, and group singing of Silent Night with glowsticks to light the darkness.  Christmas Eve Festive Service – Our traditional service, including a number of special music pieces, will be recorded and premiere at 8:30 p.m. on You Tube (with Facebook and website links). o The Christmas Eve festive service will also air on WCHT AM-FM and Kool 105.5 at 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 11:00 a.m. on Christmas.  Lessons and Carols – A recorded virtual service that includes Old and New Testament readings with related Christmas Carols will premiere at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 27th, airing on AM600, FM93.5, and You Tube (with Facebook and website links).

FIX-IT MINISTRY – Bethany’s Social Ministry Team is launching a Fix-It Ministry for Bethany members who need extra help around their home or in their yard. If you’re someone interested in helping with minor home repair projects, shoveling, or yard work, this may be the ministry for you! Watch for more details!

Bethany Lutheran Church 202 S 11th St. – Escanaba, MI 49829 (906-786-6642) Website: www.bethanyescanaba.com

THOSE WHO SERVE

Pastor – [email protected] .…………….……….… …….…… Rev. Terry Frankenstein Church Office – [email protected] .….………….…………….………………………………… Church Accountant – [email protected] ….……..……….……..……….… Traci Harris Financial Secretary …………………………………………………………………………… Carole Beck Administrative Assistant …..………………………………….…….……….………...…….Jeanne Sauter Youth Ministry Leader …………………………………………………………………………Brooke Prins Mission Coordinator ……………………………………………………………………….… Marcie Kaven Organist .……………………………………………………………..………………………..…Paul Rajala Custodian - [email protected] ……………………..……..….………..……….…..Dave Moran Pastor Emeritus.……………...... ………..…… Rev. Dean A. Peterson Choir Director and Musician………………………………………………………………..……..John Beck Pianist ……………………………………………………………………………………………….Kim Beck Assisting Minister …………………………………………………………………………………Sara Beck Social Media Producer/Web Developer………………………………………………………… Kyra Beck

Regular and LARGE PRINT Bulletins are available in the Education wing entrance for pick-up. If you prefer to receive them by email, please call the church office with your preferred email address.

For further assistance, please call the church office, we are here to help! 906-786-6642