“jesus christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” december...

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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”

December 6, 2015

8:00 AM & 11:00 AM Services

Prelude “Rejoice, Rejoice Emmanuel! Bell Choir

Welcome

Presider: "A voice cries out: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make

straight in the desert a highway for our God.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.Then the glory of the Lord

shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the

Lord has spoken.'" (Isaiah 40)

People: And also with you.

Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness (Congregation stands)

Leader: Most merciful God,

People: We confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves.

We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we

have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You

with our whole heart: we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

For the sake of Your son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us,

renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk

in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Leader: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for you and

for His sake God forgives you all your sins. To those who believe in

Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and

bestows on them the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

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Entrance Hymn “Prepare the Royal Highway” 264

Apostolic Greeting

Presider: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion

of the Holy Spirit be with you all.


Advent Litany

Leader : Jesus Christ is the light ’ of the world,

People: The light no darkness can ’ overcome.

Leader: The Spirit and the ’ church cry out:

People: Amen. ’ Come , Lord Jesus.

Leader: For with you is the foun ’ tain of life,

People: And in your light ’ we see light.

“Joyous light of heavenly glory, loving glow of God’s own face,

You who sing creation’s story, shine on every land and race.

Mighty God of all creation, gentle Christ who lights our way.

Loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless day.”

Prayer of the Day

(Congregation may be seated)

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THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD [The Lutheran Church believes that the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New

Testaments are the written inspired Word of God. Shepherd of Life follows the lectionary,

and the lessons may be found on the back of this worship bulletin.]

First Lesson Malachai 3:1-4 Back Cover

Reader: The Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God!

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Bulletin Page 13

Second Lesson Philippians 1:3-11

Reader: The Word of the Lord.


Special Music

(Congregation stands and sings)

“Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia, Alleluia.”

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Gospel Reading Luke 3:1-6 Back Cover

Before Reading: “Glory to you , O Lord.”

After Reading: “Praise to you, O Christ.”


Message VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS Jonathan Lys

Hymn of the Day “Go Tell It On the Mountain” 290

Opportunities for Growth and Service

Joys and Concerns

(If you have a prayer concern or prayer of thanksgiving you would like included in the

bulletin, please call the church office.)

Prayers of the Church

“In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.”

I have found my peace.”

Apostle’s Creed (Congregation stands)

People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I

believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by

the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He

suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended

into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will

come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy

Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the

forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life

everlasting. Amen.

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Sharing of the Peace

Presider: The peace of the Lord be with you always.


(As a sign of God’s peace, please take a moment to greet those around you.)

THE GATHERING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

[By our tithes and offerings we say “Thank You” to God for all of our blessings. Your

offerings support Shepherd of Life’s ministry here, in our community, and around the world

through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Thank you for prayerfully

considering your sacrificial response.]

Offering Prayer

Presider: Merciful Father

People: We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us -

ourselves, our time and our possessions, signs of your gracious love.

Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Sung to the tune “What Child is This”)

Leader: What light of truth is offered here, what covenant from heaven?

What hope of everlasting life, what gracious gift is given?

People: This, this is Christ the king, the sun come up from heaven.

Oh, see and hear and sing! The Word of God is given!

Leader: What wine of love is offered here, what crimson drink from heaven?

What stream of everlasting life, what precious love is given?

People: This, this is Christ the king, the sweetest wine from heaven.

Oh, taste and see and sing! The Word of God is given!

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THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

[The Lutheran church believes that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine, and that

through the reception of this sacrament, we receive the forgiveness of sins. You do not have

to be a member in order to receive the Lord’s Supper at Shepherd of Life. All are welcome!

If you prefer to receive grape juice, simply point to the second communion assistant who

will also be holding grapes for our children.]

Consecration of the Elements

The Lord’s Prayer (Congregation joins hands)

(Congregation may be seated after prayer)

Communion Hymns:

“In the Singing” 466

“The King Shall Come” 260

“Lo’ How a Rose E’er Blooming” 272

Benediction

People: Amen.

Closing Hymn “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing” 547

Dismissal

Leader: Go in Peace. Serve the Lord.


Postlude

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Education Building, 9:30 AM

Conference Room Class: Books of Faith series, Ephesians

Lounge Room Class: Advent Study - “Awaiting the Already”

Today! Don’t miss it!

Immediately following the

11 o’clock service

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Worship Participants

8:00 9:30 11:00

Acolytes Erin Rosenbaum

Sam Jorgensen

Minister

Assistants

Gary Johnson Ashley Griffith

Roger Dismore

Janet Neuman

Jonathan Lys

Altar Guild Mark and Jean Lien

Shirley Porter

Martha Williams

Greeters Scott Fields Ron and Louise Engel

Kay Glenn

Prayer of

the Day

Mark Lien Robin Lee Lori Anderson

Readers Sherri Wade Marie Fraterrigo John Jager

Ushers Joe Johnson Scott Fields

Diana Osborn

Clint Gober

Norm Roberts

Jonathan Young

Ruthie Martin

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Altar Flowers are given by...

Don and Cindy Lyle for the many blessings in our lives.

11/30 Joshua & Kristen

Cobler

12/04 Joe & Bonnie

Johnson

Robert & Sarah Wolff

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

11/30 - Dan Stephans Cameron Dodd 12/01 - Alex Dryg Tori Dryg 12/02- Valerie Burton 12/03 - Kristen Berg Julia Higgins Scott Cross 12/06 - Susan Vavrin

12/06 Susan Vavrin 12/07 Robert Blake 12/08 Janet MacKay 12/09 Kelly Campbell 12/10 Brian George 12/11 Brandon Engberg

Altar flowers are given by…

Joanne Hedrick in honor of her mother, Bobbie Haglund.

12/10

Robert & Michelle Blake

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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Sunday, November 30 - Decorate the Church for Christmas (lunch provided)

Sunday, December 7 - Congregational Meeting

Friday, December 12 - Preschool Christmas Program at 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 13 - Progressive Dinner

Sunday, December 14 - Sunday School Christmas program at the 11:00 AM Service

Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 11:00 PM Sunday, December 28th - One Combined Service at 9:30 AM

Holiday Schedule

TODAY - Congregational Meeting - 12:15 PM Friday, December 11 - Preschool Christmas Program at 7:00 PM Saturday, December 12 - Progressive Dinner Sunday, December 13 - Sunday School Christmas program at 11:00 AM Service Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, And 11:00 PM Sunday, December 27th - One Combined Service at 9:30 AM

Holiday Schedule

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Poinsettia sign up sheets will be in the narthex through December 21st.

Today - Adopt an Angel DECEMBER 13 - Return gifts in a gift bag

Gifts are in the $25.00 range. We will also be accepting unwrapped gift donations for those who want to participate but are unable to get an angel.

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Thank you to everyone who has supported

Shepherd's Pantry with your time, donations,

and prayers. This is a growing and vital

ministry supporting people in our

community and combating food insecurity.

The Pantry continues to need your support to

meet the ongoing need to feed God's sheep.

Monetary donations are most helpful so that

we can purchase standard items at the best

prices; however, there is a collection box in

the narthex to accept other types of

donations you wish to provide. If you are

interested in volunteering on a Thursday

night at the Pantry or in helping during the

week with shopping or other organizational

tasks, please contact Lissy Bethmann,

Jennifer Zaffke, or Sarah Skinner.

John 21:17 ...Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

Designated Benevolence

Each year Shepherd of Life passes on a portion of its offerings to other organizations, both here and abroad. In 2015 SOL supported the following groups: Briarwood Retreat Center, Arlington Charities, Arlington Life Shelter, Mission Arlington, Safe Haven, Church of the Damascus Road, Mission on the Move, and the NT-NL Mission Area Earthquake Relief Effort in Nepal.

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Progressive Dinner Saturday, December 12th

Pick up your invitations TODAY !

Peace

The second candle of Advent is the Candle of Peace. It is sometimes called the

Bethlehem Candle to remind us of the place in which preparations were made to

receive and cradle the Christ child. Peace is a gift that we must be prepared for. God

gives us the gift of peace when we turn to him in faith. We light this candle today to

remind us that he brings peace to all who trust in him.

Let us pray. Loving god, thank you for the peace you give us through Jesus. Help us

prepare our hearts to receive Him. Bless our worship. Guide us in all that we say

and do. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen

During the lighting of the Advent wreath we sing:

“Light two candles to watch for Messiah:

Let the light banish darkness.

He shall feed the flock like a shepherd,

Gently lead them homeward.”

Peace

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Join us NEXT SUNDAY at 11:00 am for our children’s program

Guess Who’s Coming to Bethlehem?

IMPORTANT Schedule for Worship for

NEXT SUNDAY is as follows:

8:00 AM - Worship

9:30 AM - Worship

11:00 AM - Children’s Program

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Shepherd of Life’s Youth and Family Page Check here for the latest information regarding all our

Youth and Family activities

Go!

Go out and pray like it all depends on prayer

Go out and work like it all depends on work

Go out and love till the final day

Till He comes

Go out and sing the greatest song you know

Go out and study His word so we all can grow

Into the fullness of the likeness of his Son

God is calling us to pray (pray, pray, pray, pray)

God is calling us to work (work, work, work, work)

God is calling us to love and sing and study his Word

Disciples now it’s time to 1…2…3…4…GO!

Christmas Program Practice Dates:

December 6th @ 9:30 am

December 12th @ 9:00 am-11:00 am (Dress Rehearsal)

December 13th @ 9:30 am (Final Run-Through)

December 13th @ 11:00 am (Chr istmas Program)

You should have received costume information by e-mail

before Thanksgiving. Let Jonathan know if you need it again!

The Christmas Party for both Junior High and High

School will be on Sunday December 20th. It’s a Super

Holiday Sunday! We will have Sunday School, worship

together at 11:00, go out for lunch, have our gift card

exchange and then play some Whirlyball! All you need to

bring is money for lunch and a wrapped $10 gift card. Friends are welcome. Please let

Jonathan or Tina know by Friday December 18th if you plan on coming.

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Let us come before Him with Thanksgiving… For the opportunities for fellowship and giving brought by the season of Advent. For I am the Lord who heals you…

Scott Cross and his mother; Laurie Young’s uncle ;Zane Donaho and his company; Ell Yu Silva’s grandmother, Raquel Gomez; Andrea Wolz’ brother-in-law’s grandmother; Paula Koontz; Sharon Stewart’s father; Andres Bentley’s father; Ethel Oncken; Kellie Kessler; Norm Phillips; Jaxon Owens-Wilen; Kay Glenn; Tina Greenlee’s mother- in- law; Marge Wigstone; Bill Doege’s mother, Helen; Jeff Hecht; Millie Philips; Amy Keller; and Susan Voise’s mother, Arlyne Ehli.

Our God is full of compassion… For the Gober family following the passing of Craig’s father.

If you have a prayer request or would like to be part of the prayer chain, please contact Judy Pfretzschner at [email protected].


Extending our prayers Your prayer requests for family members and friends are often included in the prayers of our church. We think they would be blessed to know that. By providing a mailing address to Pastor John he will then send them a personal note to let them know that our church has prayed for them during worship.

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“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”

9:30 AM Service

Call to Worship “Rejoice, Rejoice Emmanuel! Bell Choir

Welcome

Presider: "A voice cries out: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make

straight in the desert a highway for our God.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.Then the glory of the Lord

shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the

Lord has spoken.'" (Isaiah 40)


Student Prayer

Special Music “Go!” Youth Choir

(Congregation stands and sings)

Opening Song “Prepare the Royal Highway” 264

Prayer of the Day


THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD [The Lutheran Church believes that the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New

Testaments are the written and inspired Word of God. Shepherd of Life follows the

lectionary, and the lessons may be found on the back of this worship bulletin.]

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Bulletin Page 13

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Gospel Reading Luke 3:1-6 Back Cover

Reader: The Word of the Lord


Special Music

Message VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS Jonathan Lys

Hymn of the Day “Go Tell It On the Mountain” 290

Opportunities for Growth and Service

Joys and Concerns

(If you have a prayer concern or prayer of thanksgiving you would like included in the

bulletin, please call the church office.)


“In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.”

I have found my peace.”

Sharing of the Peace Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always.


(As a sign of God’s peace, please take a moment to greet those around you.)

THE GATHERING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS (By our tithes and offerings we say “Thank You” to God for all of our blessings. Your

offerings support Shepherd of Life’s ministry here, in our community, and around the world

through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Thank you for prayerfully

considering your sacrificial response.)

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Offering Prayer

Presider: Merciful Father

People: We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us

ourselves, our time and our possessions, signs of your gracious love.

Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

[[The Lutheran church believes that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine, and that

through the reception of this sacrament, we receive the forgiveness of sins. You do not have

to be a member in order to receive the Lord’s Supper at Shepherd of Life. All are welcome!

If you prefer to receive grape juice, simply point to the second communion assistant who

will also be holding grapes for our children.]

Consecration of the Elements

The Lord’s Prayer (Congregation joins hands)

(Congregation may be seated after prayer)

Communion Songs:

“In the Singing” 466

“The King Shall Come” 260

“Lo’ How a Rose E’er Blooming” 272

Benediction

People: Amen.

Closing Song “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing” 547

Dismissal

Leader: Go in Peace. Serve the Lord.


Postlude

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The Peace of Wild Things

By Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

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