edition # 36
TRANSCRIPT
Sunday, December 20, 2020 Edition # 36
ALL indoor services/activities/events are cancelled until further notice.
Church contact information Pastor Dave Teig cell: 715-557-0094 home: 715-268-9663
Church: 715-684-3701
Website Facebook Email
www.RushRiverLutheran.org Facebook.com/RushRiverLutheran [email protected]
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Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ December 20, 2020 (Using the ELW hymnal)
GATHERING Prelude
Welcome & Lighting of Advent Wreath
Confession and Forgiveness: In the name of the Father, and of the † Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you
and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive 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.
Absolution:
God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with
Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of † Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty
God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.
Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you
all. And also with you.
Kyrie: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above, and for our
salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let
us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.
Prayer of the Day: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might,
free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to
all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Hymn: “He Came Down” (ELW # 253)
1.) He came down that we might have love; He came down that we might have love; He came
down that we might have love; hallelujah forevermore.
2.) He came down that we might have peace; He came down that we might have peace; He
came down that we might have peace; hallelujah forevermore.
3.) He came down that we might have joy; He came down that we might have joy; He came
down that we might have joy; hallelujah forevermore.
WORD First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 (Toni Matz, reader)
Instead of David building a house (temple) for God, God promises to establish David’s house
(dynasty) forever. Centuries later, after the Babylonian exile, no king sat on the throne. Even then,
however, the people of Israel remembered this promise and continued to hope for a king, the
messiah, God’s anointed.
1Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies
around him, 2the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the
ark of God stays in a tent.” 3Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is
with you.”
4But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: 5Go and tell my servant David: Thus says
the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6I have not lived in a house since the day I
brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a
tabernacle. 7Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word
with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying,
“Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” 8Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant
David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince
over my people Israel; 9and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your
enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of
the earth. 10And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in
their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as
formerly, 11from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all
your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. 16Your house
and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Psalmody – Luke 1:46b-55 (Toni Matz, reader)
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: Romans16:25-27 (Toni Matz, reader)
Paul closes his letter to the Romans by praising God because, in the proclamation of the gospel of
Jesus Christ, God has revealed the promised, divine plan of salvation for all humanity. Paul proclaims
this gospel of Christ in order to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations.
25Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus
Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but is now
disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the
command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—27to the only wise God, through
Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Response after the announcement: C: Glory to you, O Lord.
In this annunciation, Luke makes clear that God comes with good news for ordinary people from little
known places. This king will not be born to royalty in a palace, but to common folk in a stall. Here Luke
highlights the role of the Spirit, a special emphasis in this gospel.
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a
virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was
Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was
much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to
her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your
womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of
the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over
the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How
can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be holy; he will be
called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and
this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with
God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.
In this annunciation, Luke makes clear that God comes with good news for ordinary people from little
known places. This king will not be born to royalty in a palace, but to common folk in a stall. Here Luke
highlights the role of the Spirit, a special emphasis in this gospel.
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a
virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was
Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was
much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to
her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your
womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of
the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over
the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How
can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be
called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and
this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with
God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.
Response after the conclusion C: Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon December 20, Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ Sermon by Pastor Dave
The angel Gabriel seems to have been busy during the Christmas season. In today’s lesson he makes
an announcement to the virgin Mary that will change the world. Angels always fascinate people,
especially children develop some interesting views of angels. One child, age 5, said, “I only know the
names of two angels, Hark and Harold.” The best kids’ view of angels was said by Katelynn, age 9,
“My angel is my grandmother who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she
was still down here on earth.” If we have grandkids, that is the kind of person, angel, we want to be,
by helping our grandkids here on earth.
We think of 2000 years as a long time ago. The little town of Nazareth was nothing to brag about. Yet
this was when and where God broke into our world through the voice of Gabriel. The custom of the
day was to have arranged marriages. The parents of the two got together and decided who their
children would marry. I mentioned this to my daughters when they were still single. As I recall, they
mentioned maybe I should be sent to India and they’d choose their own parents. I took that to be a
NO! The arranged marriage does explain why a local carpenter much older was to marry the young
teenager. Mary was probably 13 or 14 years old. The couple would have no say in the marriage. Mary
became betrothed to Joseph. This usually would last for one year until they would get married. I
imagine Mary daydreaming, wondering what marriage would be like and how many children she
might have. Then she felt a presence and looked up and saw Gabriel. Should she scream, run, or just
shake in fear? This is not the kind of thing one even dreams about. If an angle appeared to me, I
would like to know what I did this time. Is it good or bad news? That is why Gabriel begins, “Greetings,
you are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Gabriel said this to a frightened Mary. What an unusual
way to begin, “You who are highly favored.” Mary was just an ordinary girl, barely a teenager. There
was nothing special about her that we know. She didn’t come from a wealthy family. She wasn’t listed
in the society pages of the Nazareth Times. No one outside of Nazareth had ever heard of her. She was
just your average young woman. Mary was perplexed and confused. Gabriel sensed Mary’s fear. He
tried to comfort her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Then he said, “You
will conceive and give birth to a son and you are to name him Jesus.” Mary thought, right; have you
any idea what Joseph and Dad will say about this? If you wonder what they said, read Matthew 1:18-
25. A bewildered Mary asked, “How can this be?” She knew enough about sex and how women got
pregnant to remind Gabriel, “I am a virgin.” After Gabriel did some more explaining to Mary, she said,
“I am the Lord’s servant.” Mary believed Gabriel’s message. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Although we know very little about Mary and her family, we can assume that she was a devout Jewish
girl who had listened and believed the scripture lessons read at the local synagogue. Although she
was certainly startled by the appearance of an angel, his words didn’t seem foreign to her. Deep in
her heart she believed that one day the Messiah would come. She just never realized she’d be chosen
to play a part in the Messiah’s birth.
It’s a beautiful story. It’s a sacred story to the 2.5 billion people on this earth who call themselves
Christians. That’s approximately 1 out of every 3 people on earth. What an amazing impact Mary’s
baby has had on the world. There are some elements to the story of the first Christmas that will live
forever in our hearts. Every time I read the Christmas story, I marvel how God chose to work his
mission. He chose to work through the least and the lowest of people, and places, reminding us of our
responsibilities to the least and lowest. Many of the deprived and outcast of this world identify in a
special way with the Christ child, who lay in a feeding trough for a bed and was attended by
shepherds, donkeys, and cattle. Everything about Christ’s birth affirms God’s love for the least and
lowest.
How absolutely astonishing it would have been to that humble first family of our faith, huddled in that
crude stable, if they would have realized that the birth of the Christ child would become a celebration
of extravagant materialistic indulgence. For those who remember, the first Christmas was aimed at the
humblest of people. It is a reminder that we who follow Jesus have a responsibility for those whom life
is a constant struggle. And there are many who struggle in these difficult times. The tradition of giving
gifts at Christmas time is usually tied to the story of the Magi giving gifts to baby Jesus. But the far
greater gift at Christmas time is the gift of the baby Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his
only son.” There’s no greater gift than that. I am reminded of the little boy growing up in a home that
didn’t want him. The father beat him often, and one time he was beaten so severely over the holidays
that he was hospitalized at Christmas. As he lay in his bed recovering, the nurses fell in love with him.
One nurse, doing her rounds late at night, looked in and saw his nightlight on. She went in to talk and
comfort him. When she got ready to go, she leaned over and gave him a kiss on his forehead. The
little boy said, “What was that?” She said, “That’s a kiss. It’s something you give to somebody you
really like, hope, and pray they get better.” And then the little boy said, “I have never had one of
those.” This story to me, is a story of God leaning out of the heavenly realm and giving us the kiss of his
gift of Jesus to heal and make us whole. God’s love is for the least and lowest. And, most important of
all, we see God’s love for each of us as well as all the people on earth through the gift of Jesus the
Christ our savior. Amen.
Hymn: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” (ELW #270)
1.) Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God
and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all you nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies; with angelic
hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the
newborn king!”
Apostles’ Creed: Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith. I believe in God, the Father
Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died,
and was buried; He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into
heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come 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.
RESPONSE TO THE WORD Prayers of Intercession
God of power and might, fulfill your promise and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers
for everyone in need.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, all generations call you blessed. In this holy season we pray for our neighbors of other
denominations and faiths (Nearby churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues may be named).
Inspire the faith of their people. Cultivate understanding among us and strengthen us in love and
service to our community. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Creator God, you scatter the proud. Everything we have belongs first to you. Bless and protect the
seas, mountains, plains, forests, skies, and soils that surround us. Give us humility as we tend them. Hear
us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Righteous God, you humble the powerful and lift up the lowly. We pray for the leaders of all nations,
that they amplify the voices of people in need. Guide all people entrusted with leadership, to create
societies in which everyone can flourish. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Compassionate God, you fill the hungry with good things and send the rich away empty. Nourish
those who lack access to adequate food and nutrition. Bless the work of advocates, community
organizers, and food pantries. Encourage others to provide for their neighbors in need. Hear us, O
God. Your mercy is great.
Healing God, you pour out mercy to all who cry out to you. Surround everyone in need of healing in
body, mind, or spirit with your tender presence (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Eternal God, you are faithful to the promises you made to our forebears. We give thanks for the
ministry of Katharina von Bora Luther and other ancestors who organized, planned, dreamed,
encouraged, and reached out as they served you. We give thanks for the bold leadership of female
leaders in our own time. Inspire others with their steadfast witness. 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
MEAL Offering: Please consider making your offering online at https://rushriverlutheran.org/give/ or mail your
offerings to Rush River Lutheran, N8623 County Rd Y, River Falls, WI 54022
Offertory Prayer:
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.
Words of Institution
Distribution/Communion
Lord’s Prayer: 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.
Prayer after Communion: Gracious and abundant God, you have done great things for us, and we
rejoice. In this bread and cup you give us life forever. In your boundless mercy, strengthen us
and open our hearts to the world’s needs, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
SENDING 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.
Dismissal: Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
**In our prayers: Linnea Cooper (daughter of Bruce & Luella Ramberg), Barb Hoyt, Sonia
Kotz, Carol (Gene) Larson (broken leg; address: 232 Cty Rd SS, River Falls, WI 54022), and
Evan Peterson). (If you would like your name added, or to add anyone else to our list,
please call Kathy Swenson at 715-425-6046 or see the church website at
rushriverlutheran.org/prayer-request.)
** Sunday School News Update: Virtual Sunday School has started! If you have not received an email about the
virtual Sunday School lessons, please email us at: [email protected].
It’s that time of the year to request funds from
The Endowment Fund on behalf of your committee, group or project. A Request Form is
available by going to rushriverlutheran.org, then under “About Us,” click on ”Forms and
Documents” and then click on the “Endowment
Disbursement Request Form.” Please complete and return via email to the church office:
[email protected], or you can mail it to: Rush River Lutheran Church, N8623 Cty Rd Y, River Falls, WI 54022.
(If you do not have computer access, you may contact the church office to obtain a form.)
PLEASE NOTE—THE DEADLINE TO MAKE A REQUEST IS DECEMBER 23RD, 2020!
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The Christmas Eve worship service (which follows this printing of the service) is a candlelight service,
and we ask that you get a candle to light at that time in the service, if you wish to do so.
Thank you to Murlona Austrum & Ione Hayes for leading us musically
for today’s service!
From the back of our bulletin for Sunday, December 20, 2020
“Called into the Future”
“In Luke’s first words about Mary, she sounds unflappable. In most scripture stories, a visit from an
angel provokes terror, but when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, she isn’t scared. She’s curious.
Even when the angel delivers the astonishing news that she will become pregnant with the Son of the
Most High God whose glorious kingdom will never end, her response is a simple question: ‘How can
this be?’ (Luke 1:34).
The angel reminds her that God’s powerful Spirit works in mysterious ways. Anything is possible with
God! That’s all the explanation Mary needs. ’Here I am,’ she declares. She is God’s servant, and she is
up for the task. What courage it must have taken to say yes! Parenthood is demanding to begin with.
Giving birth to the King of kings must have come with its own unique set of challenges. This moment
will change the course of her life.
Mary found strength in the knowledge that she was not alone. The first thing the angel said to her was,
‘The Lord is with you.’ (Luke 1:28). Mary knew that she was held in God’s presence even before she
understood what lay ahead of her. She was ‘favored’ by God, seen and known and loved. Whatever
future she was called into, she could trust the one who led her. That faith is the foundation for Mary’s
‘Yes.’
Like Mary, we, too, are servants of the Most High God, who calls us into ‘ventures of which we cannot
see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.’ (Evangelical Lutheran Worship,
pp. 304, 317). Even when we don’t feel quite as composed as Mary, we can trust in the same promise
she did: we are loved by the God who makes impossible things possible and goes with us into
whatever our futures hold.”
WINTER OUTERWEAR CLOTHING COLLECTION
FRIENDS OF RUSH RIVER
We may not look forward to it, but winter is coming. Children and adults are in need of winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens, boots, etc. All sizes are needed. The pandemic makes collections difficult, but we would like to try.
There are 2 blue tubs outside the church basement doors. Please put donations in the tubs and we will collect from them weekly. If you are not able to do that, please call Toni at 715-426-5217 and Friends of Rush River will arrange to get them. Donations will again go to “Basics for Kids.” Thank you for continuing to support our group as we “Reach Out in Love.”
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From the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
“THE UPPER ROOM”
A GATHERING OF HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
The gospel tells us of an “upper room” where the disciples often met with Jesus. Here, they learned, they shared, and they ate together.
For us, The Upper Room will be a gathering of high school youth with an opportunity to connect, share, read Scripture, and pray together. During some gatherings, we will also take time to discuss important and relevant issues and hear from various guest speakers. We hope you’ll join us!
+ + + December 20, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. (Christmas party!)
Zoom link found at: http://nwswi.org/synod-youth-board
Need Assistance?
Some individuals are offering help, such as grocery store gift cards, for anyone
from RRLC who may be in need during this pandemic. If you would like
assistance (it will be kept anonymous assistance), please contact the church
office.
Outdoor Lighted Christmas Display at RRLC
The Nativity
Daily 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Now through Christmas
We all miss not being able to be in a beautifully decorated
sanctuary this Christmas season,
but we suggest that you still take a drive to RRLC some evening
during this Advent season, turn off your headlights,
and feel the wonder of the Christmas season.
(This Nativity display was donated by David & Murlona Austrum—Thank you!!)
PIERCE COUNTY SERVICE EXTENSION
The help you need might be as near as your phone
Examples of aid: * Shelter (Rent-Mortgage-Motel) * Heat & Utilities * Food * Clothing
* Medical (Prescriptions – Eyeglasses – Co-pays) * Transportation (Gasoline – Auto Repair) *
Other Assistance on a Case-by-Case Basis
Service unit aid is intended to be temporary and is varied according to the needs of the
local community. A grant presently provides the Pierce County Service Extension with
more flexibility regarding assistance when addressing pandemic-related crisis situations.
Residents of…
Prescott School District: 715-307-4426
River Falls School District: 715-307-7750
All Other Portions of Pierce County: 715-307-4510
Council Corner ~ December 2020
The Council continues to make preparations for our Annual Meeting, which will be on Sunday January 31st. Our
constitution, thankfully, is quite specific in detailing how, when, where and what needs to be addressed at this
important meeting. So, as in years past, we are formulating an agenda, building a budget, writing reports, filling out
endowment requests, preparing for an audit, communicating with other groups and committees within the church,
etc.
Again, all the tasks which I just listed are usual and customary, BUT this year the meeting will not be usual and
customary. It will not be held after an in-person worship service nor will we be able to enjoy one of our great potluck
meals or bid on auction items sponsored by the FORR beforehand.
The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on your electronic device or by being connected to the meeting via your
phone, and we are thankful and impressed that our constitution even deals with this possible scenario. That language
is listed below:
C10.08. “This congregation may hold meetings by remote communication, including electronically and by
telephone conference, as long as there is an opportunity for simultaneous aural communication. To the extent
permitted by state law, notice of all meetings may be provided electronically.”
I will admit, holding a meeting electronically will add another reason for me to be a little nervous, but thankfully we
have at least three Council members of a generation younger than I who I trust to make it work logistically.
It may make you a bit nervous too, but we have some plans to, hopefully, guarantee your ability to join the meeting on
Annual meeting Sunday. We will be offering a practice sign-in to a virtual meeting a week or so prior to the actual
meeting. You will be given a link to the practice run to join electronically or directions how to call in to the meeting
using your phone. We are hopeful that the practice run will make everyone comfortable to “attend” the actual Annual
Meeting on January 31st. There will be more communication concerning the practice run and the actual meeting in
January.
We also are making every attempt to make sure that everyone receives a completed Annual Meeting packet either
electronically or through the USPS before the actual meeting. We have communicated with all groups, committees
and organizations within the church that all reports, financial statements, audits, Endowment requests etc. need to be
ready for our January 12th Council meeting and/or to Linda in the office by the 17th.
Merry Christmas everyone!
God’s Peace,
Don
Message from Pastor Dave:
I hope you notice and take the time to read the ELCA hunger letter, which
follows. As Covid-19 rolls along, so does the hunger in America, as well as
other places in the world. We have been supporting the ELCA hunger
programs each August by asking you to skip a meal each week and give
what that would have cost to the hunger program. This last August I knew
people might be hurting financially, so I skipped the program. I now realize I also closed off the
opportunity of some who felt strongly about giving to the program. I know the local food shelves can
use some help and we appreciate what the Harvest Dinner Committee did. I propose we do the
hunger drive from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Notice the ELCA world hunger will be matched dollar
for dollar up to $265,000. With local needs in mind, I would like to see us split the money collected half
and half to the ELCA and the local food shelves.
Peace, Pastor Dave
(You can make checks out to Rush River Lutheran, and in the memo line, write “ELCA World Hunger.”
~ Thank you!)
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was
a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
Dear friends,
Moses January is a 35-year-old farmer who lives in Malawi. Moses was raised as an orphan and made his living as a
subsistence farmer from a young age. Now he’s married with three children, and he and his wife also care for four
orphans. Despite his hard work, he and his family experienced persistent hunger from low farming yields. His
children faced malnutrition and had to drop out of school because the family was unable to pay their school fees.
I’m writing this letter because right now you have a special, limited-time opportunity to do twice as much to
accompany people like Moses who are working hard to put food on the table for their families during this especially
difficult time. Thanks to generous friends of ELCA World Hunger, every dollar given between now and
the end of the year will be matched—until we reach $265,000.
Things changed for Moses and his family when he became involved in training programs led by the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Malawi’s Evangelical Lutheran Development Services. Through these programs, Moses learned
about irrigation techniques, crop diversification, sustainable farming methods and livestock keeping. He also gained
access to money to buy seeds and fertilizer through a savings and loan group.
With the knowledge and resources he needed, Moses turned things around for his family.
The family began growing an improved variety of maize, which led to a bumper crop of almost double the earlier
yield. The children went from going hungry to having three meals per day. The family also began diversifying their
crops, growing potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables they could eat or take to the market to sell for additional
income.
They’ve done so well that they purchased three goats and 15 chickens, which provide eggs and milk to supplement
their diet. They also purchased a solar panel, battery and electric inverter. Because electricity is limited in their
village, they started a small business where people can charge their cell phones. From that additional income, Moses’
wife also purchased things she needed to begin making and selling doughnuts as an additional small business. With
their hard work and ingenuity, their family is no longer suffering from malnutrition but are thriving.
What’s next for Moses and his family? In addition to paying school fees for all seven children so they can obtain the
education they need, he plans to build a more modern home. He wants to use what he learned to help others in his
area, too. He’s become a trainer of trainers, teaching others the skills he learned to get out of poverty.
‘I feel myself a complete man,’ Moses said, explaining his newfound confidence. ‘I am now able to apply the
knowledge and skills that I have acquired. I am able to have three nutritionally balanced meals on a daily basis. I am
now able to support my family and able to send back my seven children to school, which they dropped out of in the
past year…The livestock, crop production [and] small-scale businesses such as phone charging will continue to
improve my financial base tremendously for healthy living and dignified life for the whole family.’
Although the world has faced tremendous challenges this year, we still have hope in Christ, and we are still walking
alongside people who are hungry all around the world. This is just one example of the hundreds of projects in 60
countries around the world that your gifts to ELCA World Hunger help fund.
Thank you for all you are doing in your community to support people experiencing hunger during this difficult time. I
believe our work together is more important than ever.
That’s why I want to ask you to make a generous donation today that will go twice as far to support families like
Moses’ so they can celebrate in the same way.
Please act now. Every gift will be matched dollar for dollar between now and the end of the year—until
we reach $265,000.
With gratitude and fellowship in Christ,
The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Funding
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America”
Letter Received From Hudson Hospital & Clinic
“December 4, 2020
Dear Friends,
Over the past 9+ months we have all been presented with challenges and changes in our lives due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. For many, the unanswered questions and extra stress has caused an increase in the
use of alcohol and/or other substances. Programs for Change is an alcohol and substance recovery
program that’s been trusted in the St. Croix Valley community for over 30 years. We’re the oldest
intensive outpatient primary treatment service in the region, and we’re known for providing
compassionate care and evidence-based treatment that transforms lives. We pride ourselves on fast
access to treatment and typically no wait lists. We know the importance of getting patients enrolled and
participating in treatment as quickly as possible.
We accept most types of insurance, Medical Assistance, and Medicare. We offer both day and evening
treatment groups and are meeting in person with required mask use and social distancing practices in
place.
Prospective participants are welcome to call our office assistant, Cheryl Odle at 715-531-6689 with
questions at any time or can visit our Hudson Hospital Programs for Change webpage at
https://healthpartners.com/care/specialty/mental-behavioral-health/alcohol-and-substance-use-
treatment/#programs-for-change.”
(Staff will meet in person or virtually. Brochure is posted on bulletin board inside church main doors.)
“Greetings, favored one!
The Lord is with you.”
~ Luke 1:28
Please note that the Christmas Eve
worship service follows on next page.
RUSH RIVER LUTHERAN CHURCH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Prelude
The Processional Christmas Carol: O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him, born the king of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in
the highest,
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
CHRISTMAS INTROIT
P: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders.
C: And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the
Prince of Peace.
GIFT OF MUSIC: “O Holy Night” ~ Ione Hayes & Murlona Austrum
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2:1-7
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king; Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all you nations, rise; Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the
newborn king!”
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Come, Desire of nations, Come,
Fix in us Thy humble home, Oh, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart!
Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2:8-14
O Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent
stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are
met in thee tonight.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of
his heav’n. No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still
the dear Christ enters in.
O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord
Immanuel!
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2:15-20
I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve
1.) I am so glad each Christmas Eve, the night of Jesus birth!
Then like the sun the star shone forth, and angels sang on earth.
2.) The little child in Bethlehem, he was a king indeed! For he came down from heav’n above to
help a world in need.
3.) He dwells again in heaven’s realm, the Son of God today;
And still he loves his little ones and hears them when they pray.
4.) I am so glad each Christmas Eve! His praises then I sing; He opens now for every child the
palace of the king.
5.) And so I love each Christmas Eve, and I love Jesus too; and that he loves me every day I know
so well is true.
THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE by Pastor Dave Those kids who believe in Santa can be so cute in the things that they do and say. Here are
some actual emails kids have sent to the north pole. “I’m sorry, Santa” says John age 7, “I
don’t have a chimney. I’ll leave the cat flap unlocked for you, but please watch out for the
litter box!” Or, another kid who had a problem believing Santa Claus would actually come
and eat the cookies and drink the milk he set out, said, “I’m sorry for putting all that Ex-lax
in your milk last year, but I wasn’t sure you were real. My dad was really mad.” Years ago,
there was a cartoon in the Family Circus comic strip. A little girl is depicted standing on a
chair and looking down into an open drawer. Behind her is a lovely manger scene. It’s
obviously Christmas. But in the caption, the little girl calls out, “We forgot to put the baby
Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve, Mommy. He’s still in the drawer.” Jesus is not still in
the drawer at your house if you are worshiping with us tonight. But it is difficult sometimes to
keep our priorities in the proper order. That’s why we’re here this evening. I know all our
boys and girls are going to receive something good from Santa this year—not because
they’ve been good necessarily, most of them have been, but because they are loved. This
is the reason for Christmas, God sent His most important gift into the world not because we were good,
but because God loves his children, all his children. God is not a Santa Claus checking his list, seeing
who is naughty and nice. That just isn’t the way God works. He gives gifts to the good and the bad.
I wish I could have been present that first Christmas with my daughters and their cameras. It is the
most beautiful story ever told. Imagine with me the pictures they could have taken. The first snapshot
would have to be of the guy who thought the world revolved around him. So, a picture of Caesar in his
royal robes and maybe a video of his strutting around holding a Roman coin with a graven image of
himself, with the caption “son of god.” He never realized he was just a pawn in the Christmas story. It
was his decree that a census should be taken that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Next
would be our second snapshot of the first Christmas, which would be a man leading a donkey with a
very pregnant wife. One of the translations puts it, she was great with child, meaning she was huge. It
was a long 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem riding a donkey while pregnant. And it wasn’t so
great for Joseph having to walk that far, either.
The next picture would be the emperor’s magnificent palace. He was living in the lap of luxury even
for our day. I have never been impressed by the attitudes of the super-rich. Queen Elizabeth II would
have been a soulmate of Caesar Augustus. Phil Yancey, in his book, “The Jesus I Never Knew,” tells of
a visit Queen Elizabeth II made to the United States. He told how reporters delighted in spelling out the
logistics involved. For example, she had 4,000 lbs. of luggage which included 2 outfits for every
occasion. For some reason, she carried along 40 pints of plasma (I guess in case she was in an
accident). Most unusual of all, the list included ‘white, kid leather toilet seat covers’ (bless her royal
butt). She also brought along her own hair dressers, two valets, and a host of other attendants. The
brief visit of royalty to our country easily cost $20,000,000.
Our next snapshot would be that of the humble stable, an animal shelter where the birth of Jesus took
place. The conditions were not ideal by any standards. But remember, many births in the world, even
today, are in the home. I would imagine that some of you, like me, were born at home. My
grandmother Teig was the midwife. In Jesus’ day, as bad as we think, and it was bad, they were used
to conditions that make us shutter. A seminary professor, Malcolm Tolbert, wrote an article asking and
answering the question of why Jesus was born in a stable. “Had Jesus been born in a mansion on the
hilltop few people would have felt welcome in his presence. But he was born in a barn; anyone can
go there. The lowly shepherds did not hesitate to enter a stable and bow before the child. Then and
now, anyone willing to humble himself may come to Jesus.” The picture of that stable with cattle,
sheep, a young couple and their newborn son would be a treasure. The next snapshot would be
outside with the shepherds out in the fields with their sheep. The camera really would be clicking when
the angel appeared, bringing the good news of the birth of Jesus, when the company of heavenly
hosts appeared praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to
those on whom his favor rests.” My daughters would have needed digital cameras because the old
ones would have run out of film.
The angels were proclaiming a message that sooner or later would speak to every heart. “Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you, he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby
wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger. That is a message that gladdens the heart of every
believer. Some of you may have the tradition of watching the popular TV special, A Charlie Brown
Christmas. James Moore’s Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break tells about a beautiful moment towards the
end of this animated Christmas special. The scene features Linus, the fearful kid known for his security
blanket he carries with him everywhere he goes. The next time you watch the show, notice that at the
end, Linus takes the spotlight. He begins to recite the Christmas story from Luke 2, our scripture for this
service, but he adds a little bit of drama. When he comes to the part about the shepherds receiving
the news of Jesus’ birth, he quotes the angels saying, “Fear not,” and throws his blanket down and
finishes the story with both hands free so he can give gesture to the amazing announcement of the gift
of love in the baby Jesus. Finally, our photo scrap book would show the emperor in his palace
compared to Mary and Joseph in the stable. Then we see the highlight of the angels appearing to the
shepherds and how they hurried to bow down to the real king. The last picture, that warms my heart
the most, is the picture of our family worshiping the Savior, celebrating the greatest night since the
creation of the Earth. Amen.
OFFERING: Please consider making your offering online at https://rushriverlutheran.org/give/ or mail
your offerings to Rush River Lutheran, N8623 County Rd Y, River Falls, WI 54022
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold;
“Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heav’n’s all gracious king.”
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
And you, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow:
Look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing;
And all the world give back the song which now the angels sing.
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
Silent Night, Holy Night
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender
and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts
sing, alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, loves pure light
Radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord at your birth.
PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS
THE CANDLES ARE EXTINGUISHED
BENEDICTION
THE RECESSIONAL CAROL:
Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king;
Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
(Continues on next page)
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow, far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love,
And wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Pastor Dave Teig
Accompanist: Evelyn Rohrbach
Vocalists: Tom Stephan & Ione Hayes
Reader: Toni Matz
Rush River Lutheran Church 715-684-3701
RushRiverLutheran.org
From Pastor Dave & Dixie:
Thank you for the Christmas greetings we have received.
Christmas greetings to each and every one of you, and a happy new year.
Peace to all,
Pastor Dave and Dixie
Rush River Lutheran Church
N8623 County Road Y
River Falls, WI 54022
Rush River Lutheran Church ~ Weekly Worship & News
Sunday, December 20, 2020 & Christmas Eve Service
Church contact information Pastor Dave Teig cell: 715-557-0094 home: 715-268-9663
Church: 715-684-3701
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www.RushRiverLutheran.org Facebook.com/RushRiverLutheran [email protected]