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Sunday, December 27, 2020 First Sunday of Christmas

10:00am Worship Service— YouTube Live

11:00am—Facebook Live and ZOOM

100 E Water Street

Abbottstown, PA 17301

717-259-0796

www.stjohnsatown.com

Introduction

The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, crea-tures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we tell of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world.

About Holy Communion

St. John’s practices Eucharistic hospitality. All baptized persons are invited to join us for Holy Communion, to receive the Lord’s body and blood for for-giveness of sin and renewal of life. The church provides pre-filled communion elements ready to use at home and you are also welcome to share your own bread and wine or grape juice with your family to use during the service as you watch at home.

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THE GATHERING

PRELUDE

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME

Hear the good news of peace and salvation! God forgives us all our sins, not through our own work, but through + Jesus Christ, made known to all people. With all who come to the manger, rejoice in this amazing gift of grace. Amen

Confession and Forgiveness

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as we begin.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who was in the beginning, who makes a dwelling

among us, who covers us with justice and mercy. Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God of goodness and lovingkindness,

we confess that we have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have turned away from

your invitation to new life. We have turned away from the lowly and downtrodden. In your

abundant mercy, forgive us our sins, those we know and those known only to you, for the

sake of the one who came to live among us,

Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

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Vs 1 & 2

*THE GREETING

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.

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

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.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to share our humani-ty, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

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THE WORD

FIRST READING: Isaiah 61:10--62:3

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.

62:1For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. 2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. 3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Holy Wisdom, Holy Word.

Thanks be to God.

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Psalm 148

1Hallelujah! Praise the Lord| from the heavens; praise God | in the heights. 2Praise the Lord, all you angels; sing praise, all you hosts of heaven. 3Praise the Lord, sun and moon; sing praise, all you shining stars. 4Praise the Lord, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. 5Let them praise the name of the Lord, who commanded, and they were created, 6who made them stand fast forever and ever, giving them a law that shall not pass away. 7Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps; 8fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing God’s will; 9mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; 10wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds; 11sovereigns of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world; 12young men and maidens, old and | young together. 13Let them praise the name of the Lord, whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over | earth and heaven. 14The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for all faithful servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near the Lord. Hallelujah!

Galatians 4:4-7

4When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, cry-ing, “Abba! Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. Holy Wisdom, Holy Word. Thanks Be to God.

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SERMON Pastor Shawn Berkebile

Luke 2:22-40

The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke the 2nd Chapter. Glory to you, Oh Lord.

22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, [Joseph and Mary] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Oh Christ.

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HYMN OF THE DAY “The First Noel” #300 ELW Verses 1—3

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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; 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.

*THE NICENE CREED

*SHARING OF THE PEACE

THE OFFERING We encourage you to please mail in your offering or click here to donate online. You can also go to our church

website www.stjohnsatown.com and make a one-time donation or recurring donation.

OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray… Gracious God, you came to us as one unknown, bringing joy and salvation to the earth. Nourish us at your banquet table, that with all who welcome your birth we may proclaim your peace, revealed in Jesus Christ, our Savior. AMEN

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

Please share a sign of peace with those in your household. If you are watching on Facebook offer a message of peace in the comment section

Prayers of Intercession

Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need..…

Hear us, O God, Your mercy is great.

…..God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.

AMEN.

https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=wWsk24ZWJSTZKsGd1RMKlg0BDvsSG3VIWQCPJNNxD8upkiY7JlDavDsozUE7KG0nFx2NSo8LdUKGuGuF396vbSYq_9mzS_ngstDSgdfOd6dlCzU6fgSU37P98E9MZmdW8r8h56xPR2TSz5HCux7l14RQ_Qnqb_AOTC2gi9RyWDU=&ver=3http://www.stjohnsatown.com

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*THE 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.

*THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

In the night in which he was betrayed,

our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Special Communion Instructions

St. John’s Lutheran Church practices Eucharistic hospitality. All baptized persons are invited to the Lord’s table, to receive the Lord’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sin and renewal

of life. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, St. John’s is using Fellowship Cups to help limit the spread of this dangerous virus. If you did not pick up a Fellowship Cup at the church you are

welcome to use your own bread and wine/ grape juice for the communion service.

THE MEAL

*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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*THE BLESSING Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the angels, sent the shepherds with good news, and led the magi by a star, bless you this day + through the Word made flesh.

AMEN

THE SENDING

THE DISTRIBUTION

The body of Christ, given for you.

The blood of Christ, shed for you.

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

Amen.

*POST COMMUNION BLESSING

Let us pray….We give you thanks, gracious God, that you have once again fed us from your very self with the body and blood of Christ. Through this mystery, send us forth to proclaim your promise to a world in need, through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen.

*POST COMMUNION PRAYER

DISTRUBITON SOLO “O Holy Night”

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*THE DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.

Thanks be to God. We Will!

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PRAYER CONCERNS For homebound members:

Erma Becker, Gloria Breighner, Suzanne George, Dorothy Hoffheins, Miriam Huff, Cindy Linebaugh, Merle Linebaugh and Darlene Rodgers

For those serving the larger church:

Dr. Stephan J. and Jodi Lynn Swanson – Tanzania

For persons undergoing treatment or hospitalized:

Cindy Linebaugh - receiving palliative care at home

Scarlet - (great-granddaughter of Bonnie Staub)

Ruth Linebaugh - recovering at home after a fall

Dolly Hamm - Cancer recovery (Nancy Emig’s sister)

Janet Heflin & Betty Mauk - Cancer (friends of Lorna Runk)

Nicole Valentine and her unborn child, Dakoda

Dot Bonebrake - doing well at home after 6 days in the hospital

Jared & Peggy Tyson - receiving care at home after an accident

OFFICE HOURS DURING NEW YEAR’S WEEK

St. John’s office will be open Monday, December 28th, Tuesday, December 29th and Wednesday, December 30th.

We wish you a Very Merry Christmas and A Wonderful New Year!

END OF YEAR GIFTS- There is still time to donate for this year and make a tax deductible gift. As we approach the end of the year, we want to remind you that you have an opportunity to take advantage of the CARES Act tax incentive through Dec. 31, 2020.

The CARES Act encourages charitable giving by allowing a new deduction for donors who do not normally itemize when filing their tax returns. If you do not itemize but make a gift to charity, you will be allowed to take a special tax deduction, up to $300, to reduce your tax liability.

Click on the QR Code, (click here) or go to www.stjohnsatown.com to make your gift. You will have the option to make a one time donation or a recurring donation. This website is easy, quick and very secure. Thank you for your support!

OFFERING: MONTHLY SPECIAL DESIGNATION - During the month of DECEMBER, the special designation on your envelope will go to ELCA World Hunger. It is our hope that gifts designated to the Special Designation in

December go above and beyond someone’s regular giving to the general fund.

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ZOOM WORSHIP LINK Use the ZOOM link information below to connect with the 11AM. Connect using the ZOOM Meeting ID and

Password no more than 10 minutes before the service. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9078365134?pwd=OEE2K002VkY4b0JCeWx5T2U3YmRRQT09

Meeting ID: 907 836 5134

Passcode: 407818 Dial by your location- +1 929 205 6099

Use the same Meeting ID and Passcode.

2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP IN THE HALLWAY—FEEL FREE TO TAKE FOR ANYONE WHO IS NOT ABLE TO PICK THEIRS UP AS WELL

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2009 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permis-sion under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #37288. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copy-right 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. One License — Annual License w/Podcasting, Cate-gory C average weekly attendance 101 to 200. A-736100 for Jul 29, 2020 - Jul 28, 2021

YouTube Channel Use the YouTube channel to watch the service live at 10:00am or the video will be available after the service

to watch at a later time.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYusK7PV28KOqSVH6xpbFA

IF YOU ORDER POINTSETTIAS….FEEL FREE TO STOP BY THE CHURCH

OFFICE AND PICK THEM UP!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYusK7PV28KOqSVH6xpbFAhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYusK7PV28KOqSVH6xpbFA

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St. John Lutheran Church

POINSETTIA

The following are presented to the Glory of God and …

Red

In memory of Bern & Marg Anthony by Barbe, Dick, Kristi, Joe, Josh, Luke, Matt, Angie, Annie & Matty

In memory of Bud Sharrer by Barbe, Dick, Kristi, Joe, Josh, Luke, Matt, Angie, Annie & Matty

In memory of Hilly & Becky Rife by Hilly & Sally

In memory of Merle & Janet Grim by Hilly & Sally

In memory of Loved Ones by Dave, Donna, Kristin, Megan, Ryan, Allison, JC, Emma & Owen

In memory of Bud & Lorraine Wildasin by Bev, Dan & families

In memory of Wayne Burgemeister by Dan, Lisa, Zoe & Colby Wildasin

In memory of Howard & Emma Keeney by The Poist family

In memory of Mary & George Poist by The Poist family

In memory of Ron Hoke by Jeanne Hoke

In memory of Morgan Ruthetta Ruth by the family

In memory of Donald Crawford by Dave, Tracy, Cortney & Colin Marshall

In honor of Betty Sharrer by Barbe, Dick, Kristi, Joe, Josh, Luke, Matt, Angie, Annie & Matty

In honor of Shirley Crawford by Dave, Tracy, Cortney & Colin Marshall

In honor of Tom & Ruthetta Baker by Trudy & Randy Gentzler

White

In memory of Anthony J. Colandreo by Barbra Colandreo

In memory of Gertie Stambaugh by Bev, Dan and families

In honor of the Volunteers of St. John’s by Shawn, Rachel, Andrew, Elizabeth & Clara Berkebile

In honor of our children: Andrew, Elizabeth & Clara by Shawn & Rachel Berkebile

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Jinglebell

In memory of Fabe & Edith Wildasin by Bev, Dan and families

In memory of Dan & Mary Leib by Bev, Dan and families

In memory of Loved Ones by Linda & Bob Meckley

In honor of our grandparents: Paul & Kathy Berkebile by the Berkebile children

In honor of our grandparents: Warren & Gretchen Smith by the Berkebile children

In honor of our parents: Shawn & Rachecl Berkebile by Andrew, Elizabeth & Clara

World Hunger

In memory of my Family & Friends by Bonnie Staub

In memory of Anthony J. Colandreo by Barbra Colandreo

In memory of Loved Ones by Norma Rohrbaugh

In memory of Loved Ones by Linda Rohrbaugh

In memory of Nevin & Virginia Myers by LouAnn Hahn & family

In memory of Edna & Robert Pagel by Janet & Larry Ellison

In memory of Dorothy Lehman by Janet & Larry Ellison

In memory of Loved Ones by Linda & Bob Meckley

In honor of Pastor Shawn, Rachel, Andrew, Elizabeth & Clara by Kathy & Paul Berkebile

In honor of my Family & Friends & all St. John’s Members by Bonnie Staub

In honor of Pastor Shawn & family and Secretary Donna by Bonnie Staub

In honor of Loved Ones by Linda & Bob Meckley