As we celebrate Christmas joy, lets us look past the glitter and material gifts to the priceless gift of God’s love for us in the person of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

305 West 5th Street North Platte, Nebraska Phone: (308)532-0250 Fax: (308)532-5291 Email: frstluth@msn.com www.firstevlutheran-np.com

Rev. Frank H. Fitch, III Senior Pastor Marcia Dorn Associate in Ministry Kelli Jensen Christian Ed. & Youth Coordinator Ruth Strackbein Organist (11:00) Gail Jensen Praise Band and Bell Choir Director (7:30)

A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

For more information on the ELCA or its congregations, check web site at www.elca.org

Saturday Worship at 5:30 p.m., Sunday Worship at 8:15 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:15-10:15 am for Pre-K through High School

All baptized persons who are prepared to receive the Sacrament of

Holy Communion in this or their own congregation and come in repentance

believing that through the Sacrament of Holy Communion

Jesus Christ shares His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins

and assurance of resurrection to life everlasting are welcome.

White grape juice is available; ask the communion assistant serving you.

Emergency Contact Numbers Rev. Frank H. Fitch, III Cell #(308) 520-7469 Marcia Dorn, AiM Cell #(308) 380-4256 Olene Beck, Office Manager Cell #(308) 386-8677 Jim Nisley, President #(308) 534-8712

Christmas Eve 2009 7:30 PM

Praise Service

Parents: Lyle & Edna Nelson, Claude & Helen Latimer By Gene & Claudette Nelson

Robert & Anita Nisley By James & Shirley Nisley

Otto & Virginia Weskamp By James & Shirley Nisley

Bob’s Parents, Lloyd & Mildred Petersen and Arleen’s parents John & Emma Larson

By Bob & Arleen Petersen

Barbara Y. and Wesley Hansen By Pam & Al Short and families

Scott Schuster By Pat, Ernie, Sara, Brian, Stefani, and Tory

Cliff & Eunice Stoll By Jerry & Sandy Stoll and family

W.D. “Twist” Newberry By Gary & Eloise Tesar

Hilda Tesar By Gary & Eloise Tesar

Tonight’s Volunteers

Greeters: Brian & Michelle Moore and Family Acolyte/Processional: Sarah French, Tyler Aden, Bailee Keller, Andrea Epps, Katie Knox-Epps, Laura Evans Lector/Reader: Frankie Moore Communion Assistants: Mary Johnson, Mark Obermeier Ushers: Jim & Jill Falcon and Family Sound System: Jim Falcon Altar Care: Pat & Mark Obermeier

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PRELUDE ANGELIC RINGERS RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELLS

GATHERING SONGS Please Stand

ANNOUNCEMENTS & INTRODUCTIONS

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Clifton Hiltabidel By Lora Hiltabidel & family

Jo Heiss, Gerald Grabenstein, Bobbi Leggott and Char Johanson By Cory, Ashley and Cash Johanson

Herb & Mildred Jensen And Milton & Carolyn Tobey

By Jerry & Gail Jensen

Craig Nelms By Justin & Kelli Jensen

Scott Michael Johnson By Mom, Dad, Jill, Eric, Morgan, Kaitlyn, & Emily

Betty Kampfe By Raymond Kampfe

Art, Alva, and Danny Keithley By family and loved ones.

Gary Scott, Gerald Shaner, and Jean Shaner-Knoll By family and loved ones.

Husband, Roy Kempf By Fran Kempf

Duane Knepke-loving husband, father and grandfather By Betty Knepke and family

Ryan Lamberty By Keith, Becky, Eli and Ruth Kempke

Richard Zabel By Kim, Nancy & Jacque Kujath

Carl Lehmann By Linda Lehmann, Jennifer and Mike Swain

Wayne Luenenborg By Delphine, Gary and family, Gale & family, Gloria & family

Kortney Lynn Luttrell, daughter and sister By Mark, Dee, Tacey Luttrell And Joshua & Kayley Powell

Our daughter, Annetta Marlow By Jack & Barbara Marlow

Kyle May By Rocky & Mary May

Craig Dunbar By Duane & Beth Dunbar

Parents, grandparents, brothers and uncles, John, Fern, James & Robert Feeney

By Donna & Marion Effenbeck

Parents, Martin & Florence Effenbeck Grandparents, Steve & Alnetta Effenbeck

By Melvin, Marion & Donna Effenbeck

Maria Gosnell and Palmer Einspahr By Darrell & Rojean Einspahr and family

Dolores Pittman By Scott, Sherry, Sarah and Jake French

Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Lundberg Mr. & Mrs. John C. Gale

By Jim & Jan Gale

In loving memory of Tim George By Ken & Jan George and Family

Norm’s parents, Lorenz & Floretta Grabenstein and Mary Sue’s parents Pete Taylor, Milo & Ivadene Storrs

By Norm & Mary Sue Grabenstein

Gerald Grabenstein By Harriet Grabenstein, Bob & Patty Grabenstein & family,

Peggy & Larry Steel & family

Robert & Fae Guiles By Albert & Arta Sonneman, Alee Stout and girls, Alan & Becky

Sonneman and son Alex, Jodi Sonneman and family.

Don Gullion By Rae Gullion

Steve’s mother, June Gulzow By Steve and Deb Gulzow

Deb’s father, Joe Jorgenson By Steve and Deb Gulzow

Larry’s mother, Dorothy Hatch and our grandparents By Larry & Leita Hatch

Craig Marshall By Jeff, Marcia, Emilee, and Kacee Higgins

LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE Tonight, we light the Christ candle to remind us that the light of the world was born this night. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us.

PRAYER OF THE DAY P Let us pray, C 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 Jesus' 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.

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. C Amen.

P Amid the darkness of this world, let us confess our sin and welcome the light of God's forgiveness.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P God of grace and truth, C in Christ Jesus you come among us as light shining in the darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, and have not trusted the good news of great joy. Forgive us and renew our hope, so that we may live in the fullness of your love, trusting in the grace of Christ our Lord. Amen.

P The angel said, You shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sins. With great joy, I announce to you the entire forgiveness of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen.

GREETING

P The grace of our Savior Jesus Christ, Word made flesh, born of Mary, be with you all. C And also with you.

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Please Sit

FIRST LESSON: ISAIAH 9:2-7

L A reading from Isaiah.

2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — 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. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

L The Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God. 6

In Memory of:

Sharon Aden, mother and grandmother By Todd, Kim, DeLynn and Tyler Aden.

Husband, Harold and son, Garry Andrews, parents, Frank & Edith Lantz, sister, Lavida Morgen

By Margurite Andrews

Ralph & Iva Miller and Nina Aufrecht By Jim & Cheri Aufrecht

Bennitta M. Barrett By Robert D. Barrett

Verlien Bowker– We miss you. By Mom & dad, Doris, Gus, Mic, Paula, Theresa & Alan

Verlien Bowker By Vernon & Colleen Reutzel

Doug Howard’s parents, Virgil & Lora Howard and brother, Marvin

By Doug & Doris Howard

Martin Buck By Doris Buck

Clarence Christiansen By Marian Christiansen & family

Ben & Junette Clement By their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Parents, Bob & Shirley Coleman and father-in-law, Don Gullion

By Bob & Connie Coleman

Rose Klemm, adopted sister By Bertha F. Cook

Evelyn Pavel By Neal and Heidi Criddle and family.

Our parents, Roy & Dell Yocum, and Fred & Anna Dircksen

By Donna & Lawrence Dircksen

In Honor of:

Our grandson, Cooper William Hill By Chris & Kathy Buechle

Betty Candea By her friends

Neolo Einspahr and Alfred Gosnell By Darrell & Rojean Einspahr

Our children: Brenda, Stacy, Terri & Troy And grandchildren: Jessica, Andrew, Evan & Anastacia

By Doug & Doris Howard

Clara Kolkman By Rick & DiAnn Kolkman

Megan & Jeremy Adams and all US military service men and women

By Kim, Nancy & Jacque Kujath

Our children and grandchildren By Ed & Carol Mohr

Grandchildren: Jake, Bayley, Dawson, Hannah and Aspen By Gene & Claudette Nelson

Jim & Rhonda Johanson’s 30th Wedding Anniversary By Jim & Shirley Nisley

Our sons Todd, Jon & Marc and their wonderful families By Bob & Arleen Petersen

Vernon & Colleen Reutzel By Doris, Gus, Mic, Paula, Theresa & Alan and families.

We love you.

Thanks to all for sharing your

Poinsettias for Christmas 2009.

To the Glory of God: The family of Virgil David Virgil & Sue French LaVay & Charles Henderson Kathy Lowe Joe & Alice Ratzlaff Jim & Deanna Schwartz

Bonnie Thanel

SECOND LESSON: Titus 2:11-14

L A reading from Titus. 11For 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.

L The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God. 7

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Please Stand

GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-20

P The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 2nd chapter. 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. 8In 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, "Do not be afraid; for see — I 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 manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 8

CLOSING CAROL “Joy to the World” DISMISSAL P Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

BLESSING

P May Christ, born into time to bring endless peace, guide your days and years in righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and … + give you peace. C Amen

Copyright Notes: All music and Liturgy in our Sunday bulletins are used by permission under the following copyright licenses: #23783.

Augsburg Fortress license #12512-S; OneLicense.net #A-705223; and CCLI License #869587.

14"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 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.

P The Gospel of the Lord.

Please Sit

SERMON

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10

Please Stand

HYMN OF THE DAY LWB 67

THE CAROL “Silent Night” LBW 65

Please extinguish your candles. Stand.

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POST-COMMUNION CANTICLE

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

P Let us pray. Radiant God,

C with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen

SPECIAL MUSIC by Pastor Frank and Justin Jensen

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NICENE CREED

C We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen 11

PRAYERS

L Joining our voices with all in heaven and on earth praising the Word made flesh in Jesus, let us pray for the world to which Christ comes, the church whom Christ calls, and all people in need whom Christ loves. A brief silence. L Wonderful Counselor, in the fullness of time you became one of us and your wisdom from on high came down to make a home among us. On this holy night, establish and uphold our world with your justice and righteousness. Lord, in your mercy, C Hear our prayer.

L Mighty God, when the time had been fulfilled, you came down from heaven and became one with your creation by taking on our humanity. On this holy night, enable and empower your church to embrace your beloved humanity in its many and varied expressions. Lord, in your mercy, C Hear our prayer.

L Everlasting Father, when all was in readiness, you became flesh and blood to heal and redeem the world. On this holy night, may the light of Christ banish the darkness of war and global strife, that the nations may rejoice in your light. Lord, in your mercy, C Hear our prayer.

L Prince of Peace, at the moment of your birth the night sky rang out with the song of the angels. On this holy night, preserve the earth, sea, and skies, the forests, fish, and fields, that peace on earth might extend to every living creature. Lord, in your mercy, C Hear our prayer.

L Word of life, on the night of your birth you hallowed all time and all flesh. On this holy night, expand the vision of this faith community to recognize and welcome your holy face in every human being, and acknowledge your sacred fingerprint on every living thing. Today we remember… Lord, in your mercy, C Hear our prayer.

L God with us, in every time and place the voices of saints and angels together proclaim the good news of great joy which is for all people. Blend our voices with theirs, and at the last day assemble us all around your heavenly throne to forever sing a joyful song to you. Lord, in your mercy, C Hear our prayer.

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COMMUNION

SPECIAL MUSIC “Breath of Heaven” Amber Kniep “Oh, Holy Night” Tim Vanderheiden After all have returned to their places, the minister may say these words, Please Stand

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

C Amen

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P In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

C Amen Please Sit 16

Here other intercessions may be offered.

L Come down to us, O God, and make your home with us, in us, and through us, for the sake of the one whose birth the angels sang and the shepherds proclaimed, Jesus Christ our Savior.

C Amen

PRAYER RESPONSE

Please Sit

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OFFERING “Mary Did You Know” Tim Vanderheiden

OFFERTORY Please Stand

OFFERTORY PRAYER

P Let us pray. Merciful Father, C it would have been enough for you to give us the fruit of the earth by which we live. But in this meal, by your promise, you also give us your self. Use what we have gathered here in feeding the hungry world with your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 14

GREAT THANKSGIVING

P The Lord be with you. C And also with you.

P Lift up your hearts. C We lift them unto the Lord.

P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give him thanks and praise.

P It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, through Christ our Lord. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory; that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. And so, with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

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