| December 8, 2024
9:00am 2nd Sunday of Advent More Than Words Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
Our image for this week is a painting made by Sliman Mansour, a well-known Palestinian artist. It is titled “Symbol of Hope, 1985” and fits our focus on hope on the first Sunday of Advent. You can see more of Mansour’s art at: www.slimanmansour.com |
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GATHERING |
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WELCOME
PRELUDE Come Now, O Prince of Peace setting by Roberta Rowland-Raybold
Yeon Soh, organ
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Grace and peace to you in the name of the ☩ triune God
the Shaper of Life,
the Savior of Humanity,
the Spirit of Renewal.
Today, as we confess our sins, we recognize how easily we overlook the gifts God gives.
And we accept the sad truth that our limitations often create the conditions for sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Let us pray.
Generous God, we want a faith that feels like more than words,
but we lack your power to embody goodness.
We hear your call to serve others, yet feel too worn out to make the food.
We hunger to taste justice, but fear the meal will burn us.
We want our place at your table, but resist sitting beside a stranger.
We have lost our appetites for mere thoughts and prayers,
but we fail to match our intentions to our actions.
Forgive us and restore us with the healing wholeness of your presence.
Friends, God knows you are imperfect.
But God did not invite you here today for what you have done or how you have behaved.
God loves you.
God always cared much more for you than for your shortcomings.
God forgives you all your sins.
We accept God’s forgiveness. We take our place in God’s purpose. Amen!
GATHERING HYMN Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding ELW 246
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. God, we feel threatened by painful truths, but you build the path to peace through the wilderness. Speak boldly to us today so we can construct true peace upon the foundation of your care. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING
Each of our Advent candles represents God’s generous goodness,
the advent of Jesus, God’s greatest gift,
and the Spirit’s fluttering flicker of joy.
As we light each candle, we recognize the gifts God has given us this week.
Light the candle for hope:
God, we reach for unreasonable hope;
and you prepare an incomparable future.
Light the candle for peace:
God, we breathe in your peaceful refuge,
for you have made a place where we can safely rest.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Malachi 3:1-4
God announces a covenant with Israel. A messenger like Malachi (his name means “my messenger”) will prepare the way for the coming of the Lord by purifying and refining God’s people, as silver and gold are refined.
A reading from Malachi:
1 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; 3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Philippians 1:3-11
The apostle Paul was the pastor of many new churches. He writes in this letter about his joy to be in partnership with the Christians of Philippi. Listen to how tender-hearted Paul, sometimes a stern preacher, is with his friends as he encourages them to grow in love and knowledge.
A reading from Philippians:
3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Bishop Pipho
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist is a herald of Jesus, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.
The Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.
1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Bishop Pipho
HYMN OF THE DAY On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry ELW 249
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
As we prepare for Emmanuel, God-with-us, let us pray for all people and places that long for God’s presence.
A brief silence.
Refining God, move through your church. Root out practices that harm your people, and kindle a fire for sharing the gospel among bishops, pastors, deacons, and all the baptized. Bless the work of Bishop Pipho and those on staff of the New England Synod, that their efforts will strengthen the Church and bear fruit within the world. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Renewing God, transform your creation. Steer us from habits that harm what you have made, and guide us in practices that preserve and restore creatures and habitats.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Ruling God, teach the nations your ways. Strengthen organizations and communities that broker peace and care for immigrants and refugees. Bring a lasting peace to Gaza, to Syria, to Ukraine and to all caught in the web of war. Re-establish political stability in South Korea, and raise up leaders that serve the interests of their people. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Rescuing God, restore your people who are in any need. Heal all who are suffering, especially Juliet, Michael, Bill, Lou, Larry, Don, Maryann, Gina, Michael, Al, Bev, Lloyd and Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Provide comfort and strength, and nurture sustained wholeness for the future. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Reforming God, fill this congregation with your presence and a clear understanding of our call. Enrich our preparations for Christmas, and bless the efforts by worship committees, music ensembles, staff, clergy, and lay leaders as they work in the weeks ahead.
Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Reassuring God, we remember those who have died and rest in you. Guide us in deep gratitude for their life, and allow us to learn from their faithful witness. We give thanks for the life of Kathryn Grassey with altar flowers given by Caryn Francese; and we celebrate the gift of life, especially Diana Barton’s birthday with altar flowers given by Bert Barton. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Savior of the nations, come, and receive these prayers and the pleas of our hearts, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
ANTHEM There’s a Voice in the Wilderness arr. Anne Krentz Organ
Chancel Choir
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS A Story for All People Collins/Kallman
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. Holy Spirit, bless these small gifts we give. Set this table with plenty of love.
Prepare room in your home. Prepare a place in your vision.
Prepare a seat at your table; for us and all our neighbors. Amen.
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MEAL |
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
God, yours was the First Thought; before any human lived or knew your name,
you whispered, and creation built itself around your words.
Before your ancient people knew the depth of your love,
you promised them goodness, and led them to freedom.
Your love grows unseen.
Before the world knew your face, your own child was born in a quiet stable.
Your love blooms in the dark.
Before we knew the depth of your love, your child died, crucified;
and you forgave, as new life grew in the grave.
Your love echoes in the silence.
Once you made Mary agelessly blessed.
Once you turned turncoat disciples into the family of the forgiven.
You wrote the words for their hope, and they sang the song of joy.
What you have done for them you have also done for us.
And so we remember that 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.
Together, we follow that command:
Jesus, we remember your death.
We remember God’s love sparked new life in your body.
We remember you shall return to empty every grave.
Holy Spirit, be with us now in this meal, where you embody forgiveness;
and in these people, whom you have leavened with grace. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come taste the goodness of God’s mercy and see what God has done for us!
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS All Earth Is Hopeful ELW 266
Come Now, O Prince of Peace ELW 247
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
God, what you have planned for us unfolds slowly. Your love often goes unrecognized.
But at this table, we have noticed what others do not see.
We have tasted your unspoken goodness. And now we will magnify your love. Amen.
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SENDING |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
God of endings and beginnings,
God in the darkness and the light,
God, our hope for the journey,
☩ bless and keep you now and forever. Amen.
SENDING HYMN Prepare the Royal Highway ELW 264
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. God’s peace is more than a word!
Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Fughetta on People Look East Richard Shephard
Yeon Soh, organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Caryn Francese
Lector Dana Gillin
Communion Presenters Ellen Cloutier and Gail Walker
Ushers Jim Scanlon & Jamie Sutherland
Altar Care Katie Zimmermann & Trudy Roybal
Livestream Operator Bill Whalen
Upcoming Commemorations
Lucy, martyr, died 304
Friday, December 13, 2024
Lucy was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Her celebration became particularly important in Sweden and Norway, perhaps because the feast of Lucia (whose name means “light”) originally fell on the shortest day of the year.
John of the Cross, renewer of the church, died 1591
Saturday, December 14, 2024
John was a member of the Carmelite monastic order, and worked to reform it. His writings reflect a deep interest in mystical thought and meditation.
From sundaysandseasons.com.
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| Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028.
New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. More Than Words: Confession & Forgiveness, Prayer of the Day, Advent Wreath Lighting, Offering Prayer, Great Thanksgiving, Invitation to Communion, & Prayer after Communion © 2024 Barn Geese Worship. Used by permission. [Adapted by Rev. Jeff Goodrich and Rev. Cassie Hartnett] CCLI#1313879. OneLicense # A-716488 8 December Hymn based.docx |
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