Sunday, December 11, 2016

The Third Sunday of Advent

First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301

www.firstevlutheran.org

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Today’s altar flowers are given to the Greater Glory of God and in memory Alberto Fernandes

on his birthday by his grandmother, Shirley Elefson

The white poinsettia is given in memory of Arvid & Edith Swanson by their son, Harold and Family

Presiding Minister: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

Assisting Minister: Pamela Mansbach

Lector: 9 am : Beth Burnham

Crucifer: Angela Burke Acolytes: Ashley Burke & Aidan Burke

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Vision Statement: Our vision is to become a visible, outreaching community resource consisting of di-

verse, active, enthusiastic and supportive Christians of all ages, working together with dynamic leadership and

ministering to the spiritual and social needs of the congregation and community.

Our Mission Statement: Gathered in Christ, Together We Serve

A Congregation of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church 900 Main Street Brockton, Massachusetts 02301

Telephone: 508-586-9021 Fax: 508-583-5501

Website: www.firstevlutheran.org

Ministers: The Members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Pastor: The Reverend Jeffrey C. Johnson

E-mail: jjohnson@firstevlutheran.org Cell: 508-944-7109

Parish Administrator: James E. Benson

E-mail: jbenson@firstevlutheran.org Cell: 508-207-8746

Church Secretary: Evelyn Reuben

E-mail: ereuben@firstevlutheran.org

Minister of Music: David N. Burnham Sexton: Brian Gagne

Pastors Emeriti: The Reverend Michael P. Fruth, Ph.D., Pastor of FELC for 29 years

The Reverend Kenneth W. Hilston, Jr., Assistant Pastor & Pastor of FELC for 31 years

Minister of Music Emerita: Hope E. Mehaffey, Minister of Music at FELC for 53 years

Welcome to First Lutheran Church. All are welcome.

No really, we take this pretty seriously; we want everyone here, including the children. Children are wel-

comed and celebrated at First Lutheran Church. We understand that children are children: they make noise;

they run around; they like to play games; they even on occasion cry. This bothers the family of the crying

child more than it does us as a community. So please stay in worship with your children. Children’s Bulletins

are available from the greeters. Please take this seriously.

All are welcome. We’re glad you’re here!

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PRELUDE David Burnham, Organist

“Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland” J.S. Bach

Saviour, of the Nations Come

Sunday, December 11, 2016 The Third Sunday of Advent

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

clothed in majesty ever since the world began,

who loves us and frees us from our sins,

who leads us with all the saints to everlasting life.

Amen. Let us draw near with a true heart

and confess our sins to God.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God our maker and redeemer,

we confess that we have sinned against you

in thought, word, and deed.

We come for refuge to your infinite mercy.

You have given your only Son to die for us;

have mercy on us, and for his sake,

forgive us all our sin.

By your Holy Spirit, increase in us

true knowledge of you and your will,

and true obedience to your word,

that by your grace we may come to everlasting life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. Almighty God has had mercy on us,

and God’s only Son has been given to die for us,

and for his sake God ☩ forgives us all our sin.

Believing in Jesus’ name,

you have received power

to become the children of God;

you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

WELCOME

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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.

GATHERING HYMN 248

“People, Look East” Besançon

KYRIE

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ADVENT HYMN 240

The third candle is lit during the following verse:

“Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (verse 3) Tif In Veldele

Light three candles to watch for Messiah

let the light banish darkness.

Lift your heads and lift high the gateway

For the King of glory.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH

BLESSING (spoken together)

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.

You call all nations to walk in your light and to seek your ways of justice and peace,

for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near.

Bless us as we light the third candle of this wreath.

Rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes

and welcome him into our hearts and homes, for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Light three candles to watch for Messiah

let the light banish darkness.

Lift your heads and lift high the gateway

For the King of glory.

PRAYER OF DAY

Let us pray. Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your

coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Sav-

ior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

WELCOME of INQUIRERS 9 am

PRESENTATION The presiding minister addresses the assembly:

Dear friends, we are gathered today to meet these persons who have

been called by God’s Spirit to inquire into the Christian faith and life

in this congregation. Together, let us welcome them to this community

of faith in Jesus Christ.

The presiding minister continues:

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Grace and mercy are given to all who call upon God’s name.

We pray that God may lead you to Christ in baptism.

Now I invite you to join with this assembly to hear the word of God.

Will you be faithful in learning the way of Christ?

Each inquirer responds: I will, and I ask God to help me.

The presiding minister addresses the families and the assembly:

Families, you now present these inquirers to us.

All of you who are assembled here are called to welcome and support

these inquirers and their families.

Will you help them hear the gospel of Christ and come into the household of faith?

Congregation: We will, and we ask God to help us.

The presiding minister continues:

Let us pray.

Merciful God,

we give you thanks for Angela Mendez, Katarina Sousa, Jonathan Pearson,

and Ethan Woodward whom you have sought and summoned in many ways.

You have called them today and they have answered you in our presence.

We praise you, O God, and we bless you.

Congregation: We praise you, O God, and we bless you.

SIGNING WITH THE CROSS The inquirers and their families gather before the assembly.

The presiding minister addresses the inquirers with these words:

You have heard the holy and saving gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now receive the sign of

that gospel on your body and in your heart, that you may know the Lord and the power of his

resurrection.

A family member traces a cross on the inquirer’s forehead as the presiding minister says:

Receive the + cross on your forehead, a sign of God’s endless love and mercy for you.

Learn to know and to follow Christ.

The presiding minister may continue. A family member may trace a cross on each part of the inquirer’s

body as it is named.

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Receive the + cross on your ears, that you may hear the gospel of Christ, the word of life.

Receive the + cross on your eyes, that you may see the light of Christ, illumination for your

way.

Receive the + cross on your lips, that you may sing the praise of Christ, the joy of the church.

Receive the + cross on your heart, that God may dwell there by faith.

Receive the + cross on your shoulders, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ.

Receive the + cross on your hands, that God’s mercy may be known in your work.

Receive the + cross on your feet, that you may walk in the way of Christ.

PRESENTATION OF THE BIBLE

A representative of the congregation presents a Bible to each inquirer with these words:

Receive this Bible. Hear God’s word with us. Learn and tell its stories. Discover its mysteries.

Honor its commandments. Rejoice in its good news. May God’s life-giving word, sweeter than

honey, inspire you and make you wise.

BLESSING

The inquirers may kneel. The presiding minister may extend both hands over the inquirers or

may lay a hand on each inquirer’s head during the prayer:

Let us pray.

Merciful and most high God, creator and life-giver of all that is,you have called all people

from darkness into light, from error into truth, from death into life.

We ask you: Grant grace to Angela, Katarina, Jonathan and Ethan and bless them.

Raise them by your Spirit. Revive them by your word. Form them by your hand.

Bring them to the water of life and to the bread and cup of blessing, that with all your people

they may bear witness to your grace and praise you forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The assisting minister addresses the inquirers with these words:

God bring you in peace and joy to fullness of life in Christ

and call you to the waters of baptism.

Amen.

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THE FIRST READING: ISAIAH 35: 1-10

The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God

1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,

the desert shall rejoice and blossom;

like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly,

and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,

the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.

They shall see the glory of the LORD,

the majesty of our God.

3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.

4Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

“Be strong, do not fear!

Here is your God.

He will come with vengeance,

with terrible recompense.

He will come and save you.”

5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

6then the lame shall leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;

7the burning sand shall become a pool,

and the thirsty ground springs of water;

the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,

the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

8A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way;

the unclean shall not travel on it,

but it shall be for God’s people;

no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.

9No lion shall be there,

nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;

they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.

10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,

and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

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The Lesson Ends: Lector: The Word of the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God

THE PSALM: Psalm Chanted Responsively

THE SECOND READING: JAMES 5: 7-10 7:45 AM

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

5Happy are they who have the God of Jacob | for their help,

whose hope is in the | LORD their God;

6who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that | is in them;

who keeps promis- | es forever; 7who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to | those who hunger.

The LORD sets the | captive free.

8The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts up those who | are bowed down;

the LORD| loves the righteous. 9The LORD cares | for the stranger;

the LORD sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way | of the wicked.

10The LORD shall | reign forever,

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. | Hallelujah!

7Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious

crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8You also

must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Beloved, do not

grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the

doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the

name of the Lord.

GOSPEL: MATTHEW 11: 2-11

The gospel is announced. The holy gospel according to Saint Matthew the eleventh chapter.

Congregation: Glory to you, O Lord.

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

CHILDREN’S SERMON 9:00 AM

SERMON Pastor Jeff Johnson

HYMN OF THE DAY BULLETIN PAGE 17

“Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending Helmsley

APOSTLES CREED 7:45 AM

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.

2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3and

said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4Jesus answered

them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk,

the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news

brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out

into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see?

Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What

then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the

one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.’ 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist;

yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

As we anticipate the fullness of the presence of Christ, we join with the church throughout the

world, praying for all who are in need.

A brief silence.

For the church and all messengers of the gospel, for all who call upon the name of the Lord,

and for congregations throughout the world; that God work through us to bring harmony and

reconciliation, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For rain forests and deserts, for wilderness and developed land, and for plants blossoming and

dormant; that the splendor and diversity of creation proclaim the glory of the Lord, let us

pray. Have mercy, O God.

For our government, for the military and international relief workers, and for those who care

for the stranger, widow, and orphan; that God raise up leaders who work for the protection of

all, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For the hungry and homeless, for those in captivity, for the fearful and sorrowful, for those

living with HIV/AIDS, and for the sick especially): that those who help others serve with pa-

tience and grace, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For all who call this community home, for those visiting from near and far, and for those pre-

paring for the holiday season, that the advent of Christ make our hearts and minds rejoice, let

us pray. Have mercy, O God.

In thanksgiving for the departed who were faithful to God’s word; that their words and ac-

tions direct us to the one who prepares a way for us, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, those spoken aloud and those known only to

you, and grant us peace through Jesus Christ, our coming Savior. Amen.

PEACE

The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFERING

CHOIR OFFERTORY FELC CHOIR

“On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”

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OFFERTORY CANTICLE 686 “We Give Thee but Thine Own” Heath

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray. God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and

with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the

coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

DIALOGUE

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PREFACE

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.

You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also

make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so,

with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your

name and join their unending hymn:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

Holy God, You alone are holy. You alone are God.

The universe Declares your praise: Beyond the stars; Beneath the sea;

Within each cell; With every breath.

We praise you, O God.

Generations bless your faithfulness: Through the water; by night and day;

Across the wilderness; Out of exile; Into the future.

We bless you, O God.

We give you thanks for your dear son: At the heart of human life; near to those who suffer;

Beside the sinner; Among the poor; With us now.

We thank you, O God.

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THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

In the night in which he was betrayed, Our Lord Jesus Christ 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.

Remembering his love for us on the way, At the table, and to the end, we proclaim the

mystery of faith.

We pray for the gift of your Spirit: In our gathering; Within this meal; Among your people;

Throughout the world.

Blessing, praise, and thanks to you, holy God, Through Jesus Christ, by your Spirit, in your

church, without end.

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.

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For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

He who was with God in the beginning, comes to us in this bread, he of whom the prophets

spoke is present to us in this cup.

LAMB OF GOD

THE COMMUNION (The assembly may be seated)

Christ welcomes you to this Feast of the Baptized. This morning's communion will be a communion at the rail using

Intinction as the method of distribution. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers, receive the bread from the

Pastor or Assistant, then to the cup and dip the in either the wine (the chalice closest to the bread) or in the grape juice

and proceed back to your seat by the side aisles. If you require gluten free bread, please indicate such to the Pastor/

Assistant.. Please Do Not Drink from the Cup. Small Children and infants are assisted by adults.

POST-COMMUNION BLESSING Assembly stands

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

Amen

HYMN AFTER COMMUNION

243

“Lost in the Night” Lost in the Night

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PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray,

Holy One, we give you thanks that in this bread and cup we have feasted again on your end-

less love. Let that love overflow more and more in our lives, that we may be messengers to

prepare your way, harvesters of justice and righteousness, and bearers of your eternal Word,

our Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

THE BLESSING

May God direct your ways in peace, make you abound in love for one another and for all, and

strengthen your hearts until the coming of our Lord Jesus. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and

Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

Amen.

THE SENDING HYMN 263

“Savior of the Nations, Come” Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Christ is with you.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

“Glory to God in the Highest” G. B. Pergolisi

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Please plan ahead: 2016 An-

nual reports from all commis-

sions/committees are due to Jim

Benson by Monday, December

26 so that the annual report

can be produced in a timely

fashion and available to the

membership as required by Jan-

uary 15. It is preferred that re-

ports be e-mailed to Jim at

jbenson@firstevlutheran.org

and that they be a Word docu-

ment in 12 point, Times New

Roman font. If you have any

questions please speak to Jim.

Thank you!

Your invitation to read and discuss a book.

The small paperback book is entitled, ‘The

God We Never Knew’ by Marcus Borg who

grew up Lutheran, in Minnesota. It will sur-

prise you and lead you deeper in your spir-

itual life.

The group meetings are: Options for time of

day and day of week that are being consid-

ered are as follows: Saturday morning at ‘Good Days’ in

West Bridgewater, Dunkin Donuts on Belmont Street,

Brockton, west of highway 24. Also, possibly, a week night

at 6:30 p.m. at the Cape Cod Café. Four weekly sessions is

the time commitment. Please use the yellow card to indi-

cate your interest and the best way to contact you. Thank

you, Pr. Ken Bjorklund

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Let Us Pray for our members that are homebound or ill, or otherwise in need of our prayers:

Marian Nelson-Hannah B. Shaw

Donna Persson

Eric Johnson

Jeanne Newman

Gary Eliasson-Brockton Rehabilitation

Vivian Tofteroo

Trudy Ciancarelli-Notre Dame Health

Phyllis Bolinder

Jeanne’e O’Connell

And for those members of our extended family:

Leeann Richardson-Trahan-cousin to Liz & Mike

Belanger

Jean Burgeson-cousin to Barbara Johnson & Jean-

Ellen Ouellette-Kenney

Monica Pizarro-family to John & Jean-Ellen

Ouellette-Kenney

Barbara Noe—sister of Skip Packard

Jennifer Anderson—cousin of Diane Perry &

niece of Alden Anderson

Don Anderson-son of Alden Anderson

Pastor Richard Schlak, Lutheran Church of Our

Redeemer, Foxboro

Bonnie Gagne –wife of Brian Gagne

Junior Nicholas-son of Rosa Nicholas

Sheri McIntire-friend of Anne & Rick Martin

Barbara Horton-neighbor the of the Govoni’s

Donna Jeffreys-friend of Jean Anderson

Christina Crosby-niece of Russ & Marian Grabau

Jack Foye-uncle of Karen Christensen

Doninick D’Agostino-father of Jessica Burke

Olivia Tassinari-friend of Carole Casey

Judy Dolan-grandmother of Pat & Chelsea Dolan

John Cunningham-friend of The Thompsons

Bob Bevis-friend of Don & Chris Newman, &

Jim Benson

John Core-brother of Jeanne Govoni

Monika Shoemaker—sister of Angie Goucher

Frankie Vigorito- friend of the Rovaldis

Lorena Giordano-sister-in-law to the Giordanos

Steve McLeod-friend of the MacNevins

Rachel Grabau-daughter of Russ & Marian

Grabau

Marilyn Gilmetti-Friend of The Thompsons

Lizzy Calisi & Patrick– Aunt & cousin of Angie

Goucher

Bob Lowe-friend of the Rovaldis

Sharon & Randall White-friends of Angie

Goucher

Lee Carlson-sister-in-law of Ruth Johnson

Sharon Palumbo-friend of Jean-Ellen Ouellette-

Kenney

Maureen Pigeon-friend of Pat McAfee

Kevin Gagne-brother of Brian Gagne

Whalen Goucher, son of Angelika Goucher

Velia DeCarli-mother-in-law of Barbara

DeCarli

Gary Lennon-friend of Barbara DeCarli

Martha Myers-aunt of Sandy White

John Bordieri—friend of the MacNevins

Sylvia Foster-Aunt of Pr. Jeff

Joe Hayes-friend of Sandy White

Steve Kahn– Sandy White’s family

Mary Quinlan-friend of Anne & Rick Martin

Joan Owen—aunt to Karen Christensen

Evelyn Carlson--grandmother to Rob, great-

grandmother to Matthew & Juliette Carlson

Bill & Lucille McSwain-Uncle & Aunt of Pr

Jeff

And for a Special Measure of God’s grace upon:

Those members of First Lutheran attending college

Captain Scott Friski-grandson of Phyllis Nielsen, Sgt. Erik Akerblom-stateside,

Sgt. Ryan R, Casey, USMC-stateside-grandson of Carole Casey

SPC Shawn Jenkins-stateside-son of Tana Jenkins,

Linda Sullivan

Sara Pearson

Barbara Childs-St. Joseph’s Manor

Phyllis Nielsen

Lisaann Czarnowski

Bill Kelley

Gustaf Dahlgren

Anna Haskins—St. Joseph’s Manor

Scott Dunn

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OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK

TODAY: The Third Sunday of Advent

7:45 & 9:00 am Worship with Holy Communion

10:15 am Coffee & Fellowship—Parlor

10:15 am Sunday School

10:15 am Youth Pageant &Choir Rehearsal

11:00 am Dedication of new Youth Room, lower level

4:00 pm Confirmation Class at Holy Trinity, N. Easton

TUESDAY, December 13: St. Lucia Day

7:00 pm Congregational Council Meeting

WEDNESDAY, December 14

10:00 am Bible Study

2:00 pm Food Delivery @ Food for Friends

FRIDAY, December 16

6:00 pm Tree Decorating with Pizza and soda

SATURDAY, December 17

10:00 am Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

NEXT SUNDAY, December 18 The Fourth Sunday of Advent

7:45 am & 9:00 am Worship with Holy Communion

9:00 am Sunday School Pageant

10:15 am Sunday School

10:15 am Coffee & Fellowship

1:00 pm Shut-in/Senior Worship Service

2017 Pledge Update: As of Sunday, No-

vember 27 73 pledges have been received

for a total of $115,870.00 If you have not

made your pledge for 2017 we ask that

you prayerfully consider doing so. To

those who have pledged we thank you for

your financial commitment to First Lu-

theran Church. Pledge cards are availa-

ble on the table in the hallway of from an

user.

2017 Offer-

ing Enve-

lopes are

on the ta-

bles outside

the Chapel,

please pick

your up as well as family and friends . If

you cannot find your box please speak to

Jim Benson. All boxes are in numerical

order and the number is on the address

label atop the box.

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We would like to thank everyone who has helped dur-

ing the past few months. Since the children started

back in September, many of you have been very gen-

erous with monetary and supply donations. Thank you

also to the members who attended our Spaghetti

Supper Fundraiser, and a special thanks to Pastor Ken

and Grace Bjorklund for handling the Thrivent Dona-

tions, and of course Beth Christianson and the mem-

bers of Youth Group who volunteered to serve and clean-up. A big thank you

to Pastor Jeff, Pat McAfee, Karen Pearson, Dawn Caffelle, Liz Belanger and

their families, Evelyn and Al Bandlow and Kirsten Denholm and Jim Benson for

all their help.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

from your friends at Children’s Ark Preschool.

This morning at 11 am following Sunday School the new Youth Room for our young people

will be dedicated on the lower level of the church where

Food for Friends Food Pantry formerly was. This space

has been decorated by our youth, choosing the color

scheme and the furnishings. Thank you to the Morgan

Family and to mark Richardson for their donation of ma-

terials and labor to make this room a reality.

If you will be leaving church before 11 you are invited

and welcomed to visit the space and look at what our

youth have done. Coffee and goodies will be available in

the youth room as well.

Thank you to all who supported the Campello Main Streets Lantern Walk

this past Wednesday. Thank you to Pastor Jeff for playing a mini-concert of

Christmas music on the organ for all to enjoy. Over 70 students from the

Huntington School as well as others from the neighborhood participated.

Thank you to everyone who donated cookies for the walkers to enjoy fol-

lowing the concert.

Thank you to the students of Children’s Ark Preschool for decorating the

trees in front of the church. This was truly a community event with many

business owners joining and supporting the event as well as the firefighters

from Station 2. We look forward to more community involvement and

events to strengthen our Campello community.

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Scenes from Wreath Decorating 2017

Photos by

Pam Mansbach,

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Scenes from Wreath Decorating 2017

Look for more great pictures in

the Christmas edition of Tidings

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Today’s Hymn of the Day is a beautiful Advent hymn written by Charles Wesley and set

to the hymn tune ‘Helmsley’ composed by Thomas Olivers

Thomas Olivers was born at Tregynon, near Newtown, Montgomeryshire, in 1725. His father's death, when

the son was only four years of age, followed by that of the mother shortly afterwards,

caused him to be passed on to the care of one relative after another, by whom he was

brought up in a somewhat careless manner, and with little education. He was apprenticed to

a shoemaker. His youth was one of great ungodliness, through which at the age of 18 he

was compelled to leave his native place. He journeyed to Shrewsbury, Wrexham, and Bris-

tol, miserably poor and very wretched. At Bristol he heard G. Whitefield preach from the

text "Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" That sermon turned the whole current of

his life, and he became a decided Christian. His intention at the first was to join the follow-

ers of Whitefield, but being discouraged from doing so by one of Whitefield's preachers, he

subsequently joined the Methodist Society at Bradford-on-Avon. At that town, where he purposed carrying on

his business of shoemaking, he met John Wesley, who, recognising in him both ability and zeal, engaged him

as one of his preachers. Olivers joined Wesley at once, and proceeded as an evangelist to Cornwall. This was

on Oct. 1, 1753. He continued his work till his death, which took place suddenly in London, in March 1799.

He was buried in Wesley's tomb in the City Road Chapel burying ground, London. Olivers was for some time

co-editor with J. Wesley of the Arminian Magazine, but his lack of education unfitted him for the work. As the

author of the tune Helmsley, and of the hymn “The God of Abraham praise," he is widely known. He also

wrote “Come Immortal King of glory;" and "O Thou God of my salvation," whilst residing at Chester; and an

Elegy on the death of John Wesley. His hymns and the Elegy were reprinted (with a Memoir by the Rev. J.

Kirk) by D. Sedgwick, in 1868. John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Charles Wesley, M.A. was the great hymn-writer of the Wesley family, perhaps, taking quantity and quality

into consideration, the great hymn-writer of all ages. Charles Wesley was the

youngest son and 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and was born at Ep-

worth Rectory, Dec. 18, 1707. In 1716 he went to Westminster School, being pro-

vided with a home and board by his elder brother Samuel, then usher at the school,

until 1721, when he was elected King's Scholar, and as such received his board and

education free. In 1726 Charles Wesley was elected to a Westminster studentship at

Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his degree in 1729, and became a college tu-

tor. In the early part of the same year his religious impressions were much deep-

ened, and he became one of the first band of "Oxford Methodists." He died in Lon-

don, March 29, 1788, and was buried in Marylebone churchyard. He had a large family, four of whom sur-

vived him; three sons, who all became distinguished in the musical world, and one daughter, who inherited

some of her father's poetical genius. The widow and orphans were treated with the greatest kindness and gen-

erosity by John Wesley. As a hymn-writer Charles Wesley was unique. He is said to have written no less than

6500 hymns, and though, of course, in so vast a number some are of unequal merit, it is perfectly marvelous

how many there are which rise to the highest degree of excellence. His feelings on every occasion of im-

portance, whether private or public, found their best expression in a hymn. His own conversion, his own mar-

riage, the earthquake panic, the rumors of an invasion from France, the defeat of Prince Charles Edward at

Culloden, the Gordon riots, every Festival of the Christian Church, every doctrine of the Christian Faith, strik-

ing scenes in Scripture history, striking scenes which came within his own view, the deaths of friends as they

passed away, one by one, before him, all furnished occasions for the exercise of his divine gift. Nor must we

forget his hymns for little children, a branch of sacred poetry in which the mantle of Dr. Watts seems to have

fallen upon him. It would be simply impossible within our space to enumerate even those of the hymns which

have become really classical. The saying that a really good hymn is as rare an appearance as that of a comet is

falsified by the work of Charles Wesley; for hymns, which are really good in every respect, flowed from his

pen in quick succession, and death alone stopped the course of the perennial stream. Wikipedia

24

Our Christmas and New Year’s Worship Schedule

The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve,

Saturday, December 24

Candlelight Service at 5 pm

Traditional Festival Candlelight Service at 11 pm

The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day,

Sunday, December 25

Service of Holy Communion at 9 am

New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2017

Service of Lessons & Carols at 9 am