third sunday of advent -...
TRANSCRIPT
Third Sunday of advent
December 11. 2016
Christ’s Lutheran Church exists to welcome people to faith in Christ Jesus;
to equip persons with a faith that works in real life;
and to send us in service into the world in Jesus’ name.
Christ’s Lutheran church
700 East Pennsylvania Avenue
Oreland, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Bill Vanderslice, Pastor
The rev. Paul Jann, Assistant to the Pastor
Welcome to Christ’s Lutheran Church!
May you experience the joy of God’s presence as we worship together this morning. We are blessed by your presence! Enjoy our gracious lobby to greet friends, guests, and visitors before the service. Please sign the guest book in the lobby if you are visiting with us today, and include your address and zip code. Please allow others to enjoy quiet space and time in the pews as they prepare for worship. Our musical prelude begins our worship experience. We encourage you to use this time to silently prepare to receive God’s Word. WHEN YOU LEAVE…..Introduce yourself to someone you do not know.
The flowers on the altar today are sponsored by The Beil Family in celebration of Mae Elizabeth's birthday
You may download an electronic copy of the worship program to your electronic device by scanning the QR code on the lobby bulletin board. Cell Phones - Please silence your electronic devices before entering the worship area. We request that you put your cell phone on “airplane” mode to avoid any interference with the sound system. An AED is located in the office hallway. There is an automated external defibrillator (AED) in case of an emergency. Large Print Bulletins are available in the lobby, or ask an usher. Activity Bags for young children are also available in the lobby. A lobby speaker and windows make it possible to see/hear the service from the Lobby in case you need to step out for your comfort or for attending to young children's need.
The Service is from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright 2006. All rights reserved
Service music and hymns are used by permission of Augsburg Fortress license #14002-LIT, CCLI License # 1589737 or One License # A 70825
The Service
[Congregational responses are printed in bold-faced type.] ELW: the hard covered service book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship
The Prelude “Once in Royal David’s City” arr. Smith
Welcome and Announcements Moment of Reflection
Please stand in body or spirit
GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
The Confession and Forgiveness
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩one God,
the Lord of Israel who comes to set us free, the mighty Savior who comes to show mercy, the Dawn from on high who guides us into peace. Amen.
Let us come before God in confession.
Silence is kept for reflection
To you, O God, we lift up our souls. You know us through and through; we confess our sins to you. Remember not our sins; remember us with your steadfast love. Show us your ways; teach us your paths; and lead us in justice and truth, for the sake of your goodness in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Sisters and brothers, come with joy and draw water from the well of salvation. Remember the gift of baptism:
your sin is washed away in the name of ☩ Jesus;
you belong to Christ; you are anointed to serve. Stand up and raise your heads! The reign of God is near. Amen. The Gathering Song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW #257 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 2.
See next page for the hymn.
2
The Greeting The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. The Prayer of the Day Let us pray together: 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 Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
3
Please be seated.
The Lighting of the Advent Wreath
10:30 am | Scott, Donna and Daria Yohe
Leader: As we light this candle, we remember the shepherds, simple men, out in the dark and cold night tending their flocks. Surely the last thing in the world they expected was the arrival of angels. Surely they never anticipated an invitation to come and adore the Christ child. And yet it happened---and it happened to them. Sometimes, wonderful things come when we least expect them. This Advent, we pray that we will be open to the miracles all around us. May we accept the invitation to come, just as we are, and adore our Lord Jesus. ALL: Amen.
One of the wreaths made at our Advent Wreath making event.
4
The Hymn of Praise “Angels We Have Heard on High” vs 1 & 2
5
THE WORD God speaks to us in scripture, preaching, and song.
First Reading Isaiah 35:1-10 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. Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
6
The Psalmody | Psalm 146 The congregation will sing the following response:
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 promises 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. Response 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!
Response
7
The Second Reading James 5:7-10
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. Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Please stand in body or spirit
The Gospel Acclamation 8 am | Sing two times
10:30 am | Sing once and then two times in a round
8
The Holy Gospel Matthew 11:2-11
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, Chapter 11 Glory to you, O Lord 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
The Children’s Message Pastor Paul Jann
The Sermon Pastor Paul Jann
9
The Hymn All Hail the Power or Jesus’ Name
Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 634 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 2
10
The Nicene Creed
Let us confess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed. We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son,* who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
11
The Prayers of Intercession
Please kneel or sit as you are able for the prayers. 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 patience 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 preparing for the holiday season, that the advent of Christ make our hearts and minds rejoice, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
In thanksgiving for the departed who were faithful to God’s word; that their words and actions 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.
Please stand in body or spirit
12
The Peace
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
The congregation shares the greeting with one another saying, “Peace be with you,” or similar words.
Please be seated.
The Offering The Musical Offering Rejoice, All Ye Daughters” arr. Martin
“Rejoice, all ye daughters of Zion, rejoice! Break forth now with singing and jubilant noise! For a daughter of Zion is heaven’s high choice,
Now Messiah is coming, Let hope find her voice! Noel, Noel!
Please stand in body or spirit
13
The Offertory Hymn People Look East ELW 248
Sing Verse # 3
14
The Lord’s Prayer
United in Christ Jesus let us join hands as we pray the Lord’s Prayer. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. The Blessing (From Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen.
15
The Sending Song Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (see next page for hymn)
Hard Covered Hymn Book – ELW # 244 Reprinted by ownership of sufficient copies or license #, see page 2.
16
The Dismissal
Go in peace. Live in love, as Christ loved us. Thanks be to God. The Postlude
Worship has ended. Let the service begin!
PRAYER LIST FOR THE WEEK To add a name to the prayer list contact the office, a Pastor, or a staff
member. Please keep us updated on further needs or changes for the loved ones you place on the list. After 6 weeks names will be moved to the long
term prayer list if we have no further updates
Duck Edwards - health issues Carol Bricker (cousin of the Zweizig Family) - recurrence of cancer Joe Armas (Judy's husband) - spinal surgery scheduled for Dec 14) Bob Moyer (former member and friend of Carol Gehlhaus) Karen Naghski - recovering from shoulder surgery John Schmidt - (friend of Mary Ellen Myers) - Cancer Pastor Vanderslice Joan Zeberlein (Chris & Joan Reynolds' daughter-in-law's mother) Brian Buckman (Dick & Elaine Reimet's son-in-law) recovering from bypass surgery Pat McCool (friend of Chris & Joan Reynolds) Jim Heidler - recovering from foot surgery Carolyn Bahm Peggy Schroeder (Melody Maurer's grandmother) - health issues Doug Heyser (friend of Deb Quaco) - stroke Marie Shafer - rehab at home Kyle O'Brien (Mary Ellen Myers' cousin) Walt Wilks - stomach cancer David Niblick (friend of the Truppay family) - Cancer Chris Johnson (Dean & Sue Heller's brother-in-law)
Family and Friends of Bobby Hawley (son of a friend of John & Marty Frantz)- grieving his sudden death Family and Friends of Rich Gabel (family friend of Amy and Dennis Jacoby) - grieving his death Family and Friends of Joe Reedy - grieving his death
A LIST OF THOSE LOVED ONES
WHO ARE IN NEED OF LONG TERM PRAYERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE MONTHLY “LINK” NEWSLETTER
17
Christmas Worship Schedule
Christmas Eve, December 24 4:00 PM + Family Service
8:00 PM + Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 25 10:30 AM Combined Worship Hour
There will be no SCS or Education Hour or nursery care
Sunday, January 1 10:30 AM Combined Worship Hour
There will be no SCS or Education Hour or nursery care
Sunday, January 8 - regular Sunday schedule resumes
INSTANT DAILY ADVENT DEVOTIONS
Families! Are you looking for a super Advent resource to share with your kids? Look no further! Sign up to receive daily emails with cartoon videos and meaningful activities! To sign up go to: http://blog.sparkhouse.org/ instant-advent-sparkhouse- family-advent-activities/ ADVENT PRAYER CENTER Sun Dec. 11th -Wed. Dec. 14th, 4-8 pm!!
Once again CLC is offering the church and community the chance to explore 12 different hands-on prayer stations in a contemplative setting of soft music and candlelight (our Parish Hall). There is a signup book in the lobby. We will reserve slots for every 10 minutes between 4-8 PM (mornings available on request). It takes about an hour to go through the prayer center. Please join us, and invite your friends and neighbors!! Contact Elise for more information. Sign up in Lobby.
LESSONS & CAROLS - Dec 18th | ONE SERVICE at 10:30 am
On the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 18th, our chancel choir will present "Emmanuel, God with Us' arranged and composed by Lloyd Larson. This type of service dates back to 1918 and was held at King's College in Cambridge, England. Over the years, the basic format has been adapted and utilized by churches around the world over and over again. "Emmanuel, God with Us" blends historic carols with newer compositions along with scripture passages to tell the ageless story of Christmas. John 1:14 - "The Word (meaning God) became flesh and lived among us." Upcoming rehearsal dates: Tuesday, December 13th 7 – 8:30pm Wednesday, December 14th 7 – 8:30pm Saturday, December 17th 8:30 – 10:00am (in the sanctuary) Sunday, December 18th 9:00am warm-up/review
18
RIDES NEEDED! We have a few members that would like to attend church on Sundays and would just need a ride. If you are able to help with transportation please let the church office know. 215-886-4612 or [email protected]
CLC CAFE
Stop by for a little snack or coffee in the kitchen anytime between 9 and 10:15 am. INTENT CARDS
The Stewardship and Finance Committee would like to thank all those who completed their 2017 intent card in support of our congregational mission as we move forward together in the new year. If you have not completed an intent card, please consider returning an intent card to the church office. Extra cards are in the lobby. Thank you!
PEACE, EVERYONE! (MEALS, THAT IS)
We could always use more Peace Meal makers, so if you'd like to be added to the list please contact us! Making a meal for someone in a time of need is a very important part of our life as a faith community!! Contact Erinn Durham [email protected] 215-402-0247 or Janet Grove [email protected] 215-997-6233.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHARITABLE EFFORTS FOR 2016/17
This year we are supporting two amazing causes--ending polio worldwide and ending hunger locally! We are asking for donations of condiments, coffee, tea and healthy school snacks for the Mattie Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler. We are also asking for monetary donations which will go to the Gates Foundation's campaign END POLIO NOW. Sadly, there are still three nations with polio, and the goal is to totally irradiate this terrible disease. There will be a bin in the lobby for Cupboard donations, and a jar on the lobby table for END POLIO NOW donations. Thank you as always for helping our little ones help others!!
BIBLE STUDIES Sunday Bible Study 9:15 am in Room 200 – Led by Erinn Durham This is a topical study of the Bible that does not follow the lectionary readings. Our course of study moves with the interests of the group attending. All are welcome to attend. **Please note that this Bible study follows the schedule for the Sunday School so there are times during holidays when we will not meet.
Tuesday Bible Study 9:45am - Copies of Bible Study text are on the table in the narthex.
19
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS WANTED – January 8th! Want to make CLC members smile? Host a coffee hour after the 10:30 service! You can host solo, with family, with friends, or with a church group or committee. To secure a date, please sign up after church in the narthex or contact Allison Uehling at [email protected]. Dec 11 – Beverly Campbell Dec 18 - Choir Jan 8 – OPEN Feb 5 – Boy Scouts Feb 12 – Preschool Feb 26 – Men’s Group Mar 12 - Mary Truppay/Sue Frantz Mar 26 – Thrivent (Rick Graber) Apr 9 – Dorie Ramsdell Apr 23 - Diane Polis May 14 - Sunday School Families May 21 - (Conf.) - 8th Grade Parents SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CROSS+GEN EVENT SUNDAY, DEC. 18TH 9 AM IN PARISH HALL Looking for a very special way to get in the Christmas spirit with your church family? Please join us next Sunday morning in Parish Hall. We'll explore the Nativity story with a video, a skit, a Christmas Carol singalong, prayer and conversation, good food (of course) and much more!! Cross+Gen is a whole new way of experiencing Faith Formation, with ALL ages learning and laughing together!! There will be no adult Bible study or CLC Cafe that morning, so that those folks can be with us! Please RSVP to Elise ([email protected] or call 215-886-4612 ext 7), so we know amounts of food and supplies. Friends and neighbors are MOST welcome--the more the merrier! BLOOM CONSORT CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUCCESS! To hear a bit of the wonderful music from Saturday’s concert go to the link on the church website. “ http://christs-oreland.org/bloom-consort-fundraiser/ ” About $500 was raised for CLC's Helping Hand fund. Thanks to those who donated and to Thrivent Financial for their support and thanks to Chris Mudge and her talented group!
20
WHAT IS GOING ON??
To leaders of church groups & ministries: We all want to know what is going on. Please be sure to send information to the office about your programs and updates. LINK: Deadline for the LINK newsletter is the 15th of the month prior.
E-NEWS & BULLETIN -If you would like your info included in the e-news Wednesday email and or the Sunday bulletin please submit by Tuesday morning at 11 am. This allows times for editing and proofing. Information received after the deadline will be considered for future publications.
WEBSITE: - We'd love to put your upcoming event on the website under the Event Posts - possibly on the home page slider to spread the word and let the community know what is happening at our church! This will also keep the website fresh and inviting! Please email Amy Jacoby - [email protected] with a write up and details of your event and we'll get it up on the site. If it is an item that you have submitted to Jean for the e-news, please forward the same info to us! Thanks! - the Website Team
FAITH 5
Research has proven, spending quality time with your children (at any age) pays BIG dividends. But what if you don't have much time? Today's families are busier than ever...but one thing hasn't changed: parents still love their kids, and want to be closer to them. But how? Help is on the way, with Faith 5, a quick and simple way to have GREAT conversations with your family. Just 10 minutes at bedtime is all you need! Here are the Faith 5 steps: 1) Share your highs and lows of the day with each other 2) Read a Bible verse or story together 3) Talk about how the Bible reading might relate to your highs and lows 4) Pray for each others' highs and lows 5) Bless each other with the sign of the cross on each one's forehead
That's all there is to it! Faith 5's website provides a great list of ideas for Bible readings for every night (www.faith5.org), or choose your own from your Bible (or Story Bible for younger children). By sharing your days, you learn much more about each other. By reading and talking about Bible stories together, you learn that God's Word is very relevant to your lives today. Praying and blessing each other welcomes God into the heart of your family. Faith 5 bookmarks are available at church and in Sunday School. Take one, try it, and see what a difference 10 minutes can make!
21
This Week at CLC Sun, Dec 11 8am & 10:30am Worship Services 9am – Education Hour & Christmas Eve Rehearsal 4-8pm – Prayer Center (PH) Poinsettia order deadline
Mon, Dec 12 4-8pm – Advent Prayer Center (PH) 7pm – Boy Scouts (203)
Tue, Dec 13 9:30am – Bible Study (200) 4-8pm – Advent Prayer Center (PH) 6:45pm – Council meeting (200) 7pm – Academy Chorale (Sanctuary) 7pm – Tiger scouts (203) 7pm – Webelos 1/Bears (203)
Wed, Dec 14 12:30 - Local Pastor Lectionary Study 4-8pm – Advent Prayer Center (PH) 7pm – Webelos 2 (203) 7:30pm – AA (Chapel)
Thr, Dec 15 9:30am – Faith Circle (Kitchen) 9am – Preschool Christmas Parties 4-8pm – Advent Prayer Center (PH) 7pm – Webelos 2 (203) January LINK Deadline
Fri, Dec 16 9am – Preschool Christmas Parties 8pm – AA Holiday party (PH)
Sat, Dec 17 8:30am – Choir Rehearsal (Sanc) Next Week at CLC Sun, Dec 18 One 10:30am Worship Service – Lessons & Carols 9am – Education Hour
Mon, Dec 19 7pm – Boy Scouts (PH)
Tue, Dec 20 9:30am – Bible Study (200) 7pm – Rejoicing Spirits (Sanc)
Wed, Dec 21 12:30pm – Local Pastor Lectionary Study 5:30pm – Girl Scouts (203)
7pm – Wolf scouts (200) 7:30pm – AA (PH)
Fri, Dec 23 10am – Link assembly (200) 8pm – AA (203)
Sat, Dec 24 4 & 8pm - Christmas Eve Services
22
Those Serving Sunday
Greeters – Maurer Family Lector – (8) Ken Selinger (10:30) Sally Werntz Acolytes – Collin Ross, Brendan Reape Ryan Kaminski Soundboard – Jen Keller Ushers – Diane Polis, Jon Rasmussen, Ray Ebner, Matti Crossan Nursery – Jerry Beil Altar Guild – Cathie Baker, Deb Hilbert Flower Delivery - Gail Polis Counters – Tim & Deb Hilbert Coffee Hour – Beverly Campbell Closer –Ray Ebner
Serving Next Sunday
Greeters – Ron & Karen Greilich Lector – (8) Bob/Adele Kelly (10:30) Jerry Beil Communion Assistants – (8) Rod Hildebrand (10:30) Jerry Beil, Kim Bray Acolytes – JT Durham, Skye Durham Will Mead Sound Board – John Frantz Ushers – Dave Asher, John Melnick, Roger Wilcox, John Seasholtz Nursery – Betty Messer, Kathy Lightcap Altar Guild – Dorie & Tom Ramsdell Flower Delivery – Poinsettias Counters – Sue Frantz, Lori Stevens Coffee Hour – Choir Closer – Mike Messer
Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 700 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oreland, PA 19075
Office Phone: 215-886-4612 | FAX: 215-886-1422 www.christs-oreland.org
email: [email protected]
Bill Vanderslice, Pastor: [email protected] Paul Jann, Assistant to the Pastor, [email protected] Ken Selinger, Director of Music: [email protected]
Elise Seyfried, Director of Spiritual Formation: [email protected] Jean Graber, Secretary: [email protected]
Deb Hilbert, Preschool Director: [email protected] Peter Carr, Sexton: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8:30am-12:30pm