Sunday December 24 2020 Christmas Eve

First Lutheran Church

1212 Minneapolis Avenue Gladstone MI 49837

906-428-4565

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg

Our Mission Statement First Lutheran Church is Godrsquos people inviting involving equipping and empowering to serve that all may know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord

SUNDAY December 24 ndash Christmas Eve Lessons amp Carols

400pm - OnlineWorship

Altar Guild Pam Durbin Marty Nelson

Narrator Cindy Sjoquist

Reader Dale Schlemmer

SOLO ldquoOf the Fatherrsquos Love Begottenrdquo

Reader John 1 1-4 9-14 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God 2He was in the beginning with God 3All things came into being through him and without him not one thing came into being What has come into being 4in him was life and the life was the light of all people

9The true light which enlightens everyone was coming into the world 10He was in the world and the world came into being through him yet the world did not know him 11He came to what was his own and his own people did not accept him 12But to all who received him who believed in his name he gave power to become children of God 13who were born not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man but of God 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us and we have seen his glory the glory as of a fatherrsquos only son full of grace and truth

P GREETING Prayer of the Day (all) Almighty God you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesusrsquo presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory through your only Son Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever Amen

ELW 283 ldquoO Come All Ye Faithfulrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

Narrator Although God had been in the world from the beginning His chosen people Israel were despondent after hundreds of years of exile slavery occupation civil war and internal disagreements 800 years before Jesusrsquo birth the prophet Isaiah tried to assure his people who were split by civil war and about to be attacked by their powerful Assyrian neighbors of Godrsquos commitment to them

Reader Isaiah 9 2-6 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light those who lived in a land of deep darknessmdash on them light has shined 3You have multiplied the nation you have increased its joy they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest as people exult when dividing plunder 4For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders the rod of their oppressor you have broken as on the day of Midian 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire 6For a child has been born for us a son given to us authority rests upon his shoulders and he is named Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace

Narrator Isaiahrsquos words of comfort were on the minds of the people in Israel during the Roman occupation over 2000 years ago Their land had been occupied or ruled by foreign powers for as long as they could remember It had been centuries since God had sent a prophet to guide them The people doubted that God remembered them and longed for deliverance

Is it much different today Although most of us in the United States do not want for food or shelter and enjoy more freedom than ever before in human history we know there are problems in the world We see global epidemics that kill thousands tyrannical rulers that oppress their people corporations and individuals that spend their lives gratifying their own needs without concern for others and criminals that terrorize the innocent

We like the Jews 2000 years ago wonder ldquoWhere is Godrdquo The answer to that question came over 2000 years ago when the angel Gabriel appeared to a young girl named Mary His message that day and her willingness to obey Godrsquos will started a chain of events that today we call The Good News ndash the Gospel

The Annunciation Luke 1 26-28 30-32 38 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary The angel said to her ldquoRejoice O highly favored for God is with you You shall bear a child and his name shall be Jesus the Chosen One of God Most Highrdquo And Mary said ldquoI am the servant of my God I live to do your willrdquo

The Magnificat Luke 1 46-55 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life through Great and mighty are you O Holy One strong is your kindness evermore How you favor the weak and lowly one humbling the proud of heart You have cast the mighty down from their thrones and uplifted the humble of heart You have filled the hungry with wondrous things and left the wealthy no part Great and mighty are you O Faithful One strong is your justice strong your love As you promised to Sarah and Abraham kindness for evermore ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life throughrdquo

Narrator And so Mary carried the baby Jesus and Joseph a carpenter from Nazareth agreed to marry her and raise the child as his own Things were starting to settle down and the couple was getting ready for their first baby Then things suddenly got uncomfortably complicated

Reader Luke 2 1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria 3All went to their own towns to be registered 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to the city of David called Bethlehem because he was descended from the house and family of David 5He went to be registered with Mary to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child 6While they were there the time came for her to deliver her child 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn

ELW 277 ldquoAway in a Mangerrdquo (vs 1 amp 2)

Reader Luke 2 8-20 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified 10But the angel said to them lsquoDo not be afraid for seemdashI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah the Lord 12This will be a sign for you you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a mangerrsquo 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying14lsquoGlory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favorsrsquo 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another lsquoLet us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to usrsquo 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger 17When they saw this they made known what had been told them about this child 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart 20The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them

ELW 289 ldquoAngels We Have Heard On Highrdquo (vs 1 3)

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

ELW 283 ldquoO Come All Ye Faithfulrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

Narrator Although God had been in the world from the beginning His chosen people Israel were despondent after hundreds of years of exile slavery occupation civil war and internal disagreements 800 years before Jesusrsquo birth the prophet Isaiah tried to assure his people who were split by civil war and about to be attacked by their powerful Assyrian neighbors of Godrsquos commitment to them

Reader Isaiah 9 2-6 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light those who lived in a land of deep darknessmdash on them light has shined 3You have multiplied the nation you have increased its joy they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest as people exult when dividing plunder 4For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders the rod of their oppressor you have broken as on the day of Midian 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire 6For a child has been born for us a son given to us authority rests upon his shoulders and he is named Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace

Narrator Isaiahrsquos words of comfort were on the minds of the people in Israel during the Roman occupation over 2000 years ago Their land had been occupied or ruled by foreign powers for as long as they could remember It had been centuries since God had sent a prophet to guide them The people doubted that God remembered them and longed for deliverance

Is it much different today Although most of us in the United States do not want for food or shelter and enjoy more freedom than ever before in human history we know there are problems in the world We see global epidemics that kill thousands tyrannical rulers that oppress their people corporations and individuals that spend their lives gratifying their own needs without concern for others and criminals that terrorize the innocent

We like the Jews 2000 years ago wonder ldquoWhere is Godrdquo The answer to that question came over 2000 years ago when the angel Gabriel appeared to a young girl named Mary His message that day and her willingness to obey Godrsquos will started a chain of events that today we call The Good News ndash the Gospel

The Annunciation Luke 1 26-28 30-32 38 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary The angel said to her ldquoRejoice O highly favored for God is with you You shall bear a child and his name shall be Jesus the Chosen One of God Most Highrdquo And Mary said ldquoI am the servant of my God I live to do your willrdquo

The Magnificat Luke 1 46-55 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life through Great and mighty are you O Holy One strong is your kindness evermore How you favor the weak and lowly one humbling the proud of heart You have cast the mighty down from their thrones and uplifted the humble of heart You have filled the hungry with wondrous things and left the wealthy no part Great and mighty are you O Faithful One strong is your justice strong your love As you promised to Sarah and Abraham kindness for evermore ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life throughrdquo

Narrator And so Mary carried the baby Jesus and Joseph a carpenter from Nazareth agreed to marry her and raise the child as his own Things were starting to settle down and the couple was getting ready for their first baby Then things suddenly got uncomfortably complicated

Reader Luke 2 1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria 3All went to their own towns to be registered 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to the city of David called Bethlehem because he was descended from the house and family of David 5He went to be registered with Mary to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child 6While they were there the time came for her to deliver her child 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn

ELW 277 ldquoAway in a Mangerrdquo (vs 1 amp 2)

Reader Luke 2 8-20 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified 10But the angel said to them lsquoDo not be afraid for seemdashI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah the Lord 12This will be a sign for you you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a mangerrsquo 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying14lsquoGlory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favorsrsquo 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another lsquoLet us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to usrsquo 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger 17When they saw this they made known what had been told them about this child 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart 20The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them

ELW 289 ldquoAngels We Have Heard On Highrdquo (vs 1 3)

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

Narrator Although God had been in the world from the beginning His chosen people Israel were despondent after hundreds of years of exile slavery occupation civil war and internal disagreements 800 years before Jesusrsquo birth the prophet Isaiah tried to assure his people who were split by civil war and about to be attacked by their powerful Assyrian neighbors of Godrsquos commitment to them

Reader Isaiah 9 2-6 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light those who lived in a land of deep darknessmdash on them light has shined 3You have multiplied the nation you have increased its joy they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest as people exult when dividing plunder 4For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders the rod of their oppressor you have broken as on the day of Midian 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire 6For a child has been born for us a son given to us authority rests upon his shoulders and he is named Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace

Narrator Isaiahrsquos words of comfort were on the minds of the people in Israel during the Roman occupation over 2000 years ago Their land had been occupied or ruled by foreign powers for as long as they could remember It had been centuries since God had sent a prophet to guide them The people doubted that God remembered them and longed for deliverance

Is it much different today Although most of us in the United States do not want for food or shelter and enjoy more freedom than ever before in human history we know there are problems in the world We see global epidemics that kill thousands tyrannical rulers that oppress their people corporations and individuals that spend their lives gratifying their own needs without concern for others and criminals that terrorize the innocent

We like the Jews 2000 years ago wonder ldquoWhere is Godrdquo The answer to that question came over 2000 years ago when the angel Gabriel appeared to a young girl named Mary His message that day and her willingness to obey Godrsquos will started a chain of events that today we call The Good News ndash the Gospel

The Annunciation Luke 1 26-28 30-32 38 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary The angel said to her ldquoRejoice O highly favored for God is with you You shall bear a child and his name shall be Jesus the Chosen One of God Most Highrdquo And Mary said ldquoI am the servant of my God I live to do your willrdquo

The Magnificat Luke 1 46-55 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life through Great and mighty are you O Holy One strong is your kindness evermore How you favor the weak and lowly one humbling the proud of heart You have cast the mighty down from their thrones and uplifted the humble of heart You have filled the hungry with wondrous things and left the wealthy no part Great and mighty are you O Faithful One strong is your justice strong your love As you promised to Sarah and Abraham kindness for evermore ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life throughrdquo

Narrator And so Mary carried the baby Jesus and Joseph a carpenter from Nazareth agreed to marry her and raise the child as his own Things were starting to settle down and the couple was getting ready for their first baby Then things suddenly got uncomfortably complicated

Reader Luke 2 1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria 3All went to their own towns to be registered 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to the city of David called Bethlehem because he was descended from the house and family of David 5He went to be registered with Mary to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child 6While they were there the time came for her to deliver her child 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn

ELW 277 ldquoAway in a Mangerrdquo (vs 1 amp 2)

Reader Luke 2 8-20 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified 10But the angel said to them lsquoDo not be afraid for seemdashI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah the Lord 12This will be a sign for you you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a mangerrsquo 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying14lsquoGlory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favorsrsquo 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another lsquoLet us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to usrsquo 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger 17When they saw this they made known what had been told them about this child 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart 20The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them

ELW 289 ldquoAngels We Have Heard On Highrdquo (vs 1 3)

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

The Annunciation Luke 1 26-28 30-32 38 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman whose name was Mary The angel said to her ldquoRejoice O highly favored for God is with you You shall bear a child and his name shall be Jesus the Chosen One of God Most Highrdquo And Mary said ldquoI am the servant of my God I live to do your willrdquo

The Magnificat Luke 1 46-55 (solo from Holden Evening Prayer) ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life through Great and mighty are you O Holy One strong is your kindness evermore How you favor the weak and lowly one humbling the proud of heart You have cast the mighty down from their thrones and uplifted the humble of heart You have filled the hungry with wondrous things and left the wealthy no part Great and mighty are you O Faithful One strong is your justice strong your love As you promised to Sarah and Abraham kindness for evermore ldquoMy soul proclaims your greatness O God and my spirit rejoices in you You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life throughrdquo

Narrator And so Mary carried the baby Jesus and Joseph a carpenter from Nazareth agreed to marry her and raise the child as his own Things were starting to settle down and the couple was getting ready for their first baby Then things suddenly got uncomfortably complicated

Reader Luke 2 1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria 3All went to their own towns to be registered 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea to the city of David called Bethlehem because he was descended from the house and family of David 5He went to be registered with Mary to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child 6While they were there the time came for her to deliver her child 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn

ELW 277 ldquoAway in a Mangerrdquo (vs 1 amp 2)

Reader Luke 2 8-20 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified 10But the angel said to them lsquoDo not be afraid for seemdashI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah the Lord 12This will be a sign for you you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a mangerrsquo 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying14lsquoGlory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favorsrsquo 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another lsquoLet us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to usrsquo 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger 17When they saw this they made known what had been told them about this child 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart 20The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them

ELW 289 ldquoAngels We Have Heard On Highrdquo (vs 1 3)

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

ELW 277 ldquoAway in a Mangerrdquo (vs 1 amp 2)

Reader Luke 2 8-20 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified 10But the angel said to them lsquoDo not be afraid for seemdashI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah the Lord 12This will be a sign for you you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a mangerrsquo 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying14lsquoGlory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favorsrsquo 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another lsquoLet us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to usrsquo 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger 17When they saw this they made known what had been told them about this child 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart 20The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them

ELW 289 ldquoAngels We Have Heard On Highrdquo (vs 1 3)

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

Reader Luke 2 8-20 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified 10But the angel said to them lsquoDo not be afraid for seemdashI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah the Lord 12This will be a sign for you you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a mangerrsquo 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying14lsquoGlory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favorsrsquo 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another lsquoLet us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to usrsquo 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger 17When they saw this they made known what had been told them about this child 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart 20The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told them

ELW 289 ldquoAngels We Have Heard On Highrdquo (vs 1 3)

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

ELW 289 ldquoAngels We Have Heard On Highrdquo (vs 1 3)

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

Reader Matthew 2 1-12 hellipwise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2asking lsquoWhere is the child who has been born king of the Jews For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homagersquo 3When King Herod heard this he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born 5They told him lsquoIn Bethlehem of Judea for so it has been written by the prophet 6ldquoAnd you Bethlehem in the land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israelrdquorsquo 7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem saying lsquoGo and search diligently for the child and when you have found him bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagersquo

9 When they had heard the king they set out and there ahead of them went the star that they had seen at its rising until it stopped over the place where the child was 10When they saw that the star had stopped they were overwhelmed with joy 11On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother and they knelt down and paid him homage Then opening their treasure chests they offered him gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod they left for their own country by another road

ELW 300 ldquoThe First Noelrdquo (vs 3 ndash 5)

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE ldquoFront Porchesrdquo Pastor Dennis Meyette

OFFERTORY HYMN ELW 296 ldquoWhat Child Is Thisrdquo (vs 3)

Closing Meditation Narrator We forget more things than we remember Thatrsquos just the way our brains work So why do we go to such trouble to remember that a baby was born in a barn in a tiny town at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea over 2000 years ago

Why do we spend so much energy with candles trees lights cookies carols and lutefisk Its because we donrsquot want to forget that God came down to earth to live among us to show us the way and to take away our sin We begin to understand Godrsquos love for us with the birth of Jesus We understand it more as we hear His teachings Then we are speechless by the sacrifice He makes for us on Good Friday and truly amazed at His rising on Easter Then perhaps best of all He sends the Holy Spirit and promises to live IN us God is here God is in us Immanuel

Thatrsquos why we donrsquot want to forget what happened in Bethlehem That is why we go to all this trouble We donrsquot need to wait for God He acts through us His children

ELW 281 ldquoSilent Nightrdquo (vs 1-3)

Prayers of the Church P Rejoicing in Godrsquos gift of gentle grace let us pray for the church the world and all on whom the light of Christ shines

A brief silence

P Wonderful Counselor you increase our joy as the church gathers on this holy night to sing of your presence among us May the story of salvation live in the hearts of all who sing of its wonders God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Mighty God you broke the yoke of sinrsquos burden through the birth of your Son Comfort those whose burdens distract them from the deeper peace of this holy night and grant them a restful mind God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Everlasting Father uphold all who are in sorrow or in need of your divine goodness and mercy We remember with thanksgiving all who have died and who now rest in your peaceful light God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Prince of Peace may your reign be known in all places of violence and unrest and grant resolution to conflicts throughout the world God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Hear our prayers gracious God and bathe us always in the light of your Word made flesh Jesus Christ our Lord C Amen Reader Titus 2 11-14 For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled upright and godly 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds

ELW 267 ldquoJoy to the Worldrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE ldquoFront Porchesrdquo Pastor Dennis Meyette

OFFERTORY HYMN ELW 296 ldquoWhat Child Is Thisrdquo (vs 3)

Closing Meditation Narrator We forget more things than we remember Thatrsquos just the way our brains work So why do we go to such trouble to remember that a baby was born in a barn in a tiny town at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea over 2000 years ago

Why do we spend so much energy with candles trees lights cookies carols and lutefisk Its because we donrsquot want to forget that God came down to earth to live among us to show us the way and to take away our sin We begin to understand Godrsquos love for us with the birth of Jesus We understand it more as we hear His teachings Then we are speechless by the sacrifice He makes for us on Good Friday and truly amazed at His rising on Easter Then perhaps best of all He sends the Holy Spirit and promises to live IN us God is here God is in us Immanuel

Thatrsquos why we donrsquot want to forget what happened in Bethlehem That is why we go to all this trouble We donrsquot need to wait for God He acts through us His children

ELW 281 ldquoSilent Nightrdquo (vs 1-3)

Prayers of the Church P Rejoicing in Godrsquos gift of gentle grace let us pray for the church the world and all on whom the light of Christ shines

A brief silence

P Wonderful Counselor you increase our joy as the church gathers on this holy night to sing of your presence among us May the story of salvation live in the hearts of all who sing of its wonders God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Mighty God you broke the yoke of sinrsquos burden through the birth of your Son Comfort those whose burdens distract them from the deeper peace of this holy night and grant them a restful mind God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Everlasting Father uphold all who are in sorrow or in need of your divine goodness and mercy We remember with thanksgiving all who have died and who now rest in your peaceful light God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Prince of Peace may your reign be known in all places of violence and unrest and grant resolution to conflicts throughout the world God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Hear our prayers gracious God and bathe us always in the light of your Word made flesh Jesus Christ our Lord C Amen Reader Titus 2 11-14 For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled upright and godly 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds

ELW 267 ldquoJoy to the Worldrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

OFFERTORY HYMN ELW 296 ldquoWhat Child Is Thisrdquo (vs 3)

Closing Meditation Narrator We forget more things than we remember Thatrsquos just the way our brains work So why do we go to such trouble to remember that a baby was born in a barn in a tiny town at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea over 2000 years ago

Why do we spend so much energy with candles trees lights cookies carols and lutefisk Its because we donrsquot want to forget that God came down to earth to live among us to show us the way and to take away our sin We begin to understand Godrsquos love for us with the birth of Jesus We understand it more as we hear His teachings Then we are speechless by the sacrifice He makes for us on Good Friday and truly amazed at His rising on Easter Then perhaps best of all He sends the Holy Spirit and promises to live IN us God is here God is in us Immanuel

Thatrsquos why we donrsquot want to forget what happened in Bethlehem That is why we go to all this trouble We donrsquot need to wait for God He acts through us His children

ELW 281 ldquoSilent Nightrdquo (vs 1-3)

Prayers of the Church P Rejoicing in Godrsquos gift of gentle grace let us pray for the church the world and all on whom the light of Christ shines

A brief silence

P Wonderful Counselor you increase our joy as the church gathers on this holy night to sing of your presence among us May the story of salvation live in the hearts of all who sing of its wonders God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Mighty God you broke the yoke of sinrsquos burden through the birth of your Son Comfort those whose burdens distract them from the deeper peace of this holy night and grant them a restful mind God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Everlasting Father uphold all who are in sorrow or in need of your divine goodness and mercy We remember with thanksgiving all who have died and who now rest in your peaceful light God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Prince of Peace may your reign be known in all places of violence and unrest and grant resolution to conflicts throughout the world God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Hear our prayers gracious God and bathe us always in the light of your Word made flesh Jesus Christ our Lord C Amen Reader Titus 2 11-14 For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled upright and godly 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds

ELW 267 ldquoJoy to the Worldrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

Closing Meditation Narrator We forget more things than we remember Thatrsquos just the way our brains work So why do we go to such trouble to remember that a baby was born in a barn in a tiny town at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea over 2000 years ago

Why do we spend so much energy with candles trees lights cookies carols and lutefisk Its because we donrsquot want to forget that God came down to earth to live among us to show us the way and to take away our sin We begin to understand Godrsquos love for us with the birth of Jesus We understand it more as we hear His teachings Then we are speechless by the sacrifice He makes for us on Good Friday and truly amazed at His rising on Easter Then perhaps best of all He sends the Holy Spirit and promises to live IN us God is here God is in us Immanuel

Thatrsquos why we donrsquot want to forget what happened in Bethlehem That is why we go to all this trouble We donrsquot need to wait for God He acts through us His children

ELW 281 ldquoSilent Nightrdquo (vs 1-3)

Prayers of the Church P Rejoicing in Godrsquos gift of gentle grace let us pray for the church the world and all on whom the light of Christ shines

A brief silence

P Wonderful Counselor you increase our joy as the church gathers on this holy night to sing of your presence among us May the story of salvation live in the hearts of all who sing of its wonders God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Mighty God you broke the yoke of sinrsquos burden through the birth of your Son Comfort those whose burdens distract them from the deeper peace of this holy night and grant them a restful mind God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Everlasting Father uphold all who are in sorrow or in need of your divine goodness and mercy We remember with thanksgiving all who have died and who now rest in your peaceful light God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Prince of Peace may your reign be known in all places of violence and unrest and grant resolution to conflicts throughout the world God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Hear our prayers gracious God and bathe us always in the light of your Word made flesh Jesus Christ our Lord C Amen Reader Titus 2 11-14 For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled upright and godly 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds

ELW 267 ldquoJoy to the Worldrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

ELW 281 ldquoSilent Nightrdquo (vs 1-3)

Prayers of the Church P Rejoicing in Godrsquos gift of gentle grace let us pray for the church the world and all on whom the light of Christ shines

A brief silence

P Wonderful Counselor you increase our joy as the church gathers on this holy night to sing of your presence among us May the story of salvation live in the hearts of all who sing of its wonders God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Mighty God you broke the yoke of sinrsquos burden through the birth of your Son Comfort those whose burdens distract them from the deeper peace of this holy night and grant them a restful mind God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Everlasting Father uphold all who are in sorrow or in need of your divine goodness and mercy We remember with thanksgiving all who have died and who now rest in your peaceful light God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Prince of Peace may your reign be known in all places of violence and unrest and grant resolution to conflicts throughout the world God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Hear our prayers gracious God and bathe us always in the light of your Word made flesh Jesus Christ our Lord C Amen Reader Titus 2 11-14 For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled upright and godly 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds

ELW 267 ldquoJoy to the Worldrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

Prayers of the Church P Rejoicing in Godrsquos gift of gentle grace let us pray for the church the world and all on whom the light of Christ shines

A brief silence

P Wonderful Counselor you increase our joy as the church gathers on this holy night to sing of your presence among us May the story of salvation live in the hearts of all who sing of its wonders God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Mighty God you broke the yoke of sinrsquos burden through the birth of your Son Comfort those whose burdens distract them from the deeper peace of this holy night and grant them a restful mind God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Everlasting Father uphold all who are in sorrow or in need of your divine goodness and mercy We remember with thanksgiving all who have died and who now rest in your peaceful light God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Prince of Peace may your reign be known in all places of violence and unrest and grant resolution to conflicts throughout the world God of grace C Hear our prayer

P Hear our prayers gracious God and bathe us always in the light of your Word made flesh Jesus Christ our Lord C Amen Reader Titus 2 11-14 For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled upright and godly 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds

ELW 267 ldquoJoy to the Worldrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

ELW 267 ldquoJoy to the Worldrdquo (vs 1 amp 4)

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

SENDING P Go in peace C Serve the Lord POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasonscom Copyright copy 2015 Augsburg Fortress All rights reserved Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License SAS006954New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright copy 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 Other songs reprinted by permission under One License A-709914 CCLI License 3105779

NEXT SUNDAY ndash December 27 2020

First Sunday of Christmas Lessons and Carols

800am ndash Online Worship

Give+ Text We are now able to text our offering First Lutheranrsquos Give+ Text number is 844-940-1434 Just text the amount you would like to give and press send The first time you use Give+ Text you will be sent a link to register after that give anytime by texting the amount you wish to give If you have questions please contact the church office at 428-4565

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

Christmas donations have been given

To Kitchen Fund in loving memory of Elmer and Hazel Holm By Duane amp Nancy Bovin

To Capital Improvement Fund in honor of the Family of Isabel Schetter

By Denise Warner

To Hope at the Inn in loving memory of Jack and Virginia Johnson By Patty amp Paul Geiken

To Sound System in loving memory of Willard and Dan Morley

By Gen Morley amp Family

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Richard Hongisto By Marlene Hongisto

To Grief Resources in memory of Loved Ones

By Joe amp Pam Durbin

To Tech Development in loving memory of Irv Bostwick By Monica amp Jay Bostwick

To Choir Fund in loving memory of Jack amp Virginia Johnson

Effie Dekeyser and Gary Allan Williams Johnson By Their Family

To Miriam Scholarship in loving memory of

Violet amp Harlow Christiansen By Amy amp Kraig Dyer Ann Christiansen amp Steve Bolek

To Hope at the Inn in memory of Loved Ones By Tuskan Manson amp Coyne-Smith Families

To InternSeminary in loving memory of Ron Anderson

By Joan Anderson

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI

MINISTRY STAFF Rev Dennis Meyette Administrative Interim Pastor

revdennis0621gmailcom Administrative Assistant Rhonda Husbye

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Secretary Reyna Rose

officefirstlutheran-gladstoneorg Musician Paul Rajala

Christian Ed Coordinator Custodian Warren Eichner

wwwfirstlutheran-gladstoneorg wwwfacebookcompagesFirst-Lutheran-Church-ELCA-

Gladstone-MI