“To Know Christ and Share God’s Love”

Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4500 Wadsworth Blvd Wheat Ridge, CO Ph: 303.423.5654

www.holycrosswheatridge.org

Pastor: Ron Bock Intern Pastor: Aly Kohlmeyer Director of Mission & Ministry: Scott Moore Director of Education: Anne Pipho Organist: Susan Cicirello Choir Director: Beth Letendre Youth Director: Allison Schriver Office Manager: Kamila Hosaja

The First Sunday of Christmas December 29, 2018

9:30 a.m.

(+ indicates those who are able shall stand)

Gathering

Prelude Susan Cicirello “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” (Fiess)

Welcome Carol: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”

Because Roman Catholic Christians in England were forbidden to practice their faith from 1558-1829, this song was written to help teach the faith to their children. Each day’s gift was code for some major element of Christian teaching. The words in parentheses below following each day’s “gift” explain what was really being sung about...and taught.

(Congregation sings words in bold print)

On the-First day of Christmas my true love (God) gave to me a Partridge in a Pear Tree (Jesus Christ on the cross)

On the Second day of Christmas my true love gave to me Two turtle doves,

(Old and New Testaments) and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Third day of Christmas my true love gave to me Three French Hens,

(The Trinity, and/or Gifts of the Magi) two turtle doves,

and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Four Calling Birds,

(4 Gospels) three French hens, two turtle doves,

and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Five Golden Rings,

(The Penteteuch‒the first Five books of the Bible) four calling birds, three French hens,

two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

This Week at Holy Cross

Today 1st Sunday of Christmas!

Family Promise Week Begins 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour 12:00 p.m. Women’s H&W

STYROFOAM RECYCLING (BEFORE AND AFTER WORSHIP)

Monday, December 30

Office Closed 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

Tuesday, December 31

New Year’s Eve Office Closed

11:00 a.m. Alanon 7:00 p.m. Alanon

Wednesday, January 1

New Year’s Day Office Closed

7:30 p.m. Alanon

Thursday, January 2

Office Closed 6:00 p.m. District 9 Alanon

Friday, January 3

Office Closed Annual Reports Due

10:30 a.m. Alanon 12:00 p.m. Alanon

Saturday, January 4

9:00 a.m. Card Ministry 11:00 a.m. Doris Bollenbach Funeral Service

Sunday, January 5 2nd Sunday of Christmas!

9:30 a.m. Worship (One Service Only; no Sunday School) 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour 12:00 p.m. Women’s H&W STYROFOAM RECYCLING (BEFORE AND AFTER WORSHIP)

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Ministers: The People of Holy Cross Pastor: Ron Bock Intern Pastor: Aly Kohlmeyer Assisting Minister: Bob Hinshaw Acolyte: Ella McGregor Communion Stewards: Christie and Kevin Kurth & Jack Major

Usher Captains: Rex Thomsen & Gary Crocker

Sound Tech: Harold Stitt

Tellers: Mike Davidson Bus Driver: Jim Ritter

Greeters: Tonya and Jack Major Hospitality Table: Joyce Estrem Welcome Pads: Karen DeJean

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THANK YOU to all our volunteers who serve today—and through the week!

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Those Who Serve Today

We Pray For Each Other and The World

We pray for the family and friends of Doris Bollenbach, Angela Weishaar, Claudia Harris,

Duane Chesley, Judy Makowski, Esther Jacobson, Suzanne Stanfield and

Shaundra Rana. We pray for all of the homebound members of Holy Cross and their

faithful caregivers.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Six Geese a laying,

(6 days of Creation before God rested) five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens,

two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Seven Swans a swimming, (7 miracles in John's Gospel)

six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves,

and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Eight Maids a milking

(8 Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel) seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,

five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves,

and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Nine Ladies dancing,

(9 Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians) eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming,

six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens,

two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Ten Lords a leaping, (10 Commandments)

nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,

five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves,

and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Eleven Pipers piping, (11 Faithful Disciples)

ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming,

six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens,

two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me Twelve Drummers drumming,

(12 Points in the Apostles' Creed) eleven pipers piping, ten lords a leaping,

nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,

five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves,

and a partridge in a pear tree.

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Coffee Hour today is Potluck Sunday! Thank you to all of those who brought delicious treats for all to share and

those who volunteered to assist in the set up and clean up of our wonderful coffee hour; we truly appreciate you!

Flowers are provided by Janice and Dale Horkey, in celebration of their 41st wedding anniversary!

DOLL MINISTRY For the month of January, Doll Ministry will be meeting on Thursday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you all there!

STYROFOAM RECYCLING

That's right! Not the snow-covered birth of our Savior but the tons of white Styrofoam packing material protecting our Christmas and everyday purchases. This material and its creation/disposal are disastrous for our environment in terms of energy waste and landfill space. We all need to do our part. Start saving your materials now, because we have another Christmas present for you! Sue von Roedern will have her pickup truck at the entrance to church

TODAY and Sunday, January 5th before and after the 9:30 service. Please bring all your white Styrofoam packing materials

(NO peanuts or food containers, please!) and throw it in the back of her truck. She will kindly take care of the recycling!

For those of you who will not be there on those two Sundays, either call Sue at 303-278-4159 or recycle for yourself at:

ACH Foam Technologies LLC

5250 Sherman Street

Denver, CO 80216

303-297-3844

Hours:

Mon.-Thurs.: 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

SANCTUARY LAMP DEDICATION There are still two available spots open

(August and September) for the 2020 Sanctuary Lamp Dedication. If you would like to sign up,

please feel free to do so on the sign up board in the Narthex.

From Genesis to Jesus: Lessons & Carols

The Story of God’s Pursuit of his People in Lessons and Carols

First Reading Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Carol: “Angels We Have Heard on High” #289

Second Reading

Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Carol: “Joy to the World” #267 (Vs 1,2,4)

Third Reading Genesis 3:1-13 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

They heard the sound of the Lord GOD walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord GOD among the trees of the garden. But the Lord GOD called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate." Then the Lord GOD said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me, and I ate."

And he drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life.

Carol: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” #254

Fourth Reading Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Behold, the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined… For unto us a child is born,

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+ Sharing of Peace Offering of Our Gifts and Tithes Special Music: “Coventry Carol” (Lasky) Susan Cicirellio

Sending

+ Prayers of the Church + Lord’s Prayer

The Congregation is invited to join hands

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 Song: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” #290

+ Blessing and Dismissal Christ is born! Go tell it on the mountain and everywhere. Thanks be to God.

Postlude: “Fanfare on Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hobby) Susan Cicirello

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HAVE YOU TURNED IN YOUR PLEDGE CARD? If not, please turn your pledge card in as soon as possible. Extra Pledge Cards are available in the narthex. Thanks for your generosity!

A REMINDER that the Financial Records of Holy Cross for 2019 will be closed on December 31. If you have a contribution you wish to be included on your 2019 statement, please note that it must be received by that date. A 2019 postmark on an envelope that is mailed in will suffice.

IT’S EARLY, WE KNOW, but in preparation for our ANNUAL MEETING on January 26—Annual Reports for the Annual Meeting booklet are due in the church office by Friday, January 3. Please submit your report in digital format, preferably using Microsoft Word (or a compatible alternative).

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE TAX RELIEF FOR 2019? Why not make an early gift to the Capital Fund? A Capital Fund campaign to eliminate our current mortgage of approximately $295,000 by December 31, 2020, will begin in early 2020; but we’re already accepting donations. Want to know how we are doing so far? We have approximately $150,000 already committed. Join us in the adventure!

ARE YOU A FIRST-TIME GUEST WITH US this morning? Welcome to Holy Cross! Please stop by our Hospitality Table as you leave the worship area to receive a gift of thanks for worshiping with us!

RESTROOMS are located down both hall-ways outside the worship area. Look for the signs above the restroom doors.

JUST A REMINDER: Children are always welcome in worship (even if they get a little fussy sometimes). However, if you would like to use our staffed nursery, simply ask an usher for directions.

COFFEE HOUR today will be at 10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Lounge (there will be no Sunday School). Come join us!

unto us a son is given; and all authority shall rest upon his shoulders; and he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His 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.

Carol: “I Saw Three Ships” I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day, on Christmas day I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day in the morning

And what was on those ships all three On Christmas day, on Christmas day A little boy and our lady On Christmas day in the morning

Oh they sailed to Bethlehem On Christmas day, on Christmas day Oh they sailed to Bethlehem On Christmas day in the morning

Then let us all rejoice and sing On Christmas day, on Christmas day And all the bells on earth shall ring On Christmas day in the morning

Carol: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” #272 (Vs 1,2)

Fifth Reading Micah 5:2-5a But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #279 (Vs 1-3) Sixth Reading

Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by

his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Carol: “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” #265 (Vs 1,4) Seventh Reading

Matthew 1:18-23 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."

Carol: “Silent Night, Holy Night” #281 (Vs 1,3)

Eighth Reading Luke 2:8-16 And in that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. But the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" And when 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." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” #260 (Vs 1,3)

+ Ninth Reading John 1:1-5, 10-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the

beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. And what has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Carol: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” #295 (Vs 1-3)

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