- 1 - First Sunday in Advent November 28, 2021 Gathering .The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God. Welcome & Announcements Confession and Forgiveness P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who alone does wonders, who lifts up the lowly, who fills the hungry with good things. C: Amen. P: Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God. God for whom we wait, C: in the presence of one another, we confess our sin before you. We have a hard time hearing the call to discipleship as good news. We falter in our call to tend your creation. We find our sense of self in material wealth. We fear those different from ourselves. We forget that we are your children and turn away from your love. Forgive us, Blessed One, and assure us again of your saving grace. Amen. P: People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favor upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the way of peace. C: Amen. Kyrie WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE LIVE AND WORSHIP ON THE UNCEDED TRADITION TERRITORY OF THE KWIKWETLEM FIRST NATION, WHICH LIES WITHIN THE SHARED TERRITORIES OF THE TSLEIL-WAUTUTH, KATZIE, MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH AND STOL:LO NATIONS. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CARED FOR THIS LAND SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL AS WE SEEK TO JOURNEY TOWARDS A MEANINGFUL RECONCILIATION.
Transcript
- 1 -
First Sunday in Advent November 28, 2021
Gathering .The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
Welcome & Announcements
Confession and Forgiveness
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who alone does wonders, who lifts up the lowly, who fills the hungry with good things. C: Amen.
P: Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God.
God for whom we wait, C: in the presence of one another, we confess our sin before you. We have a hard time hearing the call to discipleship as good news. We falter in our call to tend your creation. We find our sense of self in material wealth. We fear those different from ourselves. We forget that we are your children and turn away from your love. Forgive us, Blessed One, and assure us again of your saving grace. Amen.
P: People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favor upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the way of peace. C: Amen.
Kyrie
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE LIVE AND WORSHIP ON THE UNCEDED TRADITION TERRITORY OF THE KWIKWETLEM FIRST NATION, WHICH LIES WITHIN THE SHARED TERRITORIES OF THE TSLEIL-WAUTUTH, KATZIE, MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH AND STOL:LO NATIONS. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CARED FOR THIS
LAND SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL AS WE SEEK TO JOURNEY TOWARDS A MEANINGFUL RECONCILIATION.
- 2 -
Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.
Gathering Song WOV p.627 My Lord, What a Morning
Refrain: My Lord, what a morning; my Lord, what a morning; oh, my Lord, what a morning, when the stars begin to fall.
You will hear the trumpet sound, to wake the nations underground, looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall. Refrain
You will hear the sinner cry, to wake the nations underground, looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall. Refrain
You will hear the Christian shout, to wake the nations underground, looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall. Refrain
P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you.
Prayer of the Day
Word .God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
Children’s Time and Lighting of the Advent Wreath # 240 Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah All sing the first verse only while the Candle is being lit.
- 3 -
First Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16 In the Old Testament, “righteousness” often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s future name—“The Lord is our righteousness”—proclaims that God is even now working salvation for Israel.
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
P: The word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 25:1-10
Refrain:
L: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. C: Refrain
L: Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. C: Refrain
L: Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O LORD! C: Refrain
- 4 -
L: Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. C: Refrain
Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Upon Timothy’s report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overflowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church.
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
L: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
L: The holy Gospel according to Luke, the 21st chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord.
Gospel Reading Luke 21:25-36 God will fulfill God’s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God’s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God’s promised redemption.
[Jesus said:] “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know
- 5 -
that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
L: The gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
Hymn of the Day ACS#904 Come to Be Our Hope, O Jesus
Come to be our hope, O Jesus, come to set your people free. From oppression, come, release us, grant us your true liberty. Come, release from ev'ry prison those who suffer in our land. In your love we find the reason still to live and understand.
Come to build your new creation through the road of servanthood; give new life to ev'ry nation, changing evil into good. Come and open our tomorrow for your joyful reign so near. Take away all human sorrow; give us hope against our fear.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.* On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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
- 6 -
Prayers of Intercession
After each petition, the pastor will say "God of hope" and the congregation will respond "hear our prayer."
Sharing of the Peace L: The peace Christ be with you always. C: And also with you.
All are invited to share a sign of peace with those with whom they are worshipping.
Meal .God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ .
Presentation of the Gifts
Offering Prayer
P: Let us pray.
God of our waiting and watching, we offer the gifts of our hearts and our lives to the service of all your people. Prepare the way before us as we meet you in this simple meal, through Christ Jesus, our pathway and our peace. C: Amen
- 7 -
Great Thanksgiving
P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy... we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
C:
Thanksgiving at the Table
P: Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Lord's Prayer
C: 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.
- 8 -
Lamb of God
Communion is distributed Directions for Communion: Any adult or child who believes that Christ is present in this meal is welcome to participate. At the Pastor’s direction, you are invited to eat the wafer distributed to you in the baggie. The Pastor will come around with a tray of individual glasses of wine and grape juice. Please stay in your seat to receive. If you prefer grape juice please take an individual glass from the centre ring of the tray.
Communion Hymn # 658 O Jesus Joy of Loving Hearts
O Jesus, joy of loving hearts, the fount of life, the light of all: from ev'ry bliss that earth imparts we turn, unfilled, to hear your call.
We taste you, ever-living bread, and long to feast upon you still; we drink of you, the fountainhead; our thirsting souls from you we fill.
For you our restless spirits yearn, where'er our changing lot is cast; glad, when your smile on us you turn, blest, when by faith we hold you fast.
O Jesus, ever with us stay! Make all our moments fair and bright! Oh, chase the night of sin away! Shed o'er the world your holy light.
Communion Hymn # 262 Wait for the Lord
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart!
- 9 -
Prayer after Communion
P: Most High God, you have come among us at this table. By the Spirit’s power, form us to be bearers of your word, sharing gifts of mercy and grace with all, through Christ Jesus, our host and our guest. C: Amen.
Sending .God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
Blessing
L: The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus for whom we wait. C: Amen.
Sending Song # 248 People, Look East
People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look east, and sing today— Love, the Guest, is on the way.
Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there. Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in course the flow'r may flourish. People, look east, and sing today— Love, the Rose, is on the way.
Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim, one more light the bowl shall brim, shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together. People, look east, and sing today— Love, the Star, is on the way.
Angels announce with shouts of mirth him who brings new life to earth. Set ev'ry peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming. People, look east, and sing today— Love, the Lord, is on the way.
Thanksgiving for Elinor Knudson
- 10 -
Dismissal
P: Go in peace. Christ is near. C: Thanks be to God.
From sundaysandseasons.com. and With One Voice. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
- 11 -
ANNOUNCEMENTS November 28, 2021
(To open hyperlinks, try right-clicking your mouse while on the link and select Open Hyperlink or Control-Click)
Flowers: Flowers today are placed in thanksgiving for the new church year and God’s promise of a future with hope.
With Much Gratitude: We celebrate and give thanks today for Elinor Knudson as she retires from her long service of coordinating our altar guild. We are grateful for her dedication and diligent care and attention to this ministry of our congregation. Thank you Elinor!
In-Person Worship: Public Health Safety protocols currently limit the available seating in our Sanctuary. While these temporary measures are in place, please call or email the office weekly to reserve your seats.
TODAY: ELCIC Bible Book Club- Part II: We meet again today at 9 am to look at the book of Revelation. All are invited to again pre-read the introduction here, and the questions here, and to read as much of the book of Revelation that you can. Bring your questions with you, and come and join in on the spirited discussion that follows.
CLWR Emergency Appeal for BC: The ELCIC in partnership with CLWR invites you to pray for the people of British Columbia, and to consider making a gift to provide emergency support and hope for recovery. CLWR is accepting donations now on its website. Donations can also be made by phoning their office at 1.800.661.2597 (Monday to Thursday, 9:00 – 16:00 CDT) or by mailing a cheque to 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5.
News from OUTREACH TEAM... 1. Although 3030 Gordon is temporarily suspending donations being randomly dropped off due to COVID, they
are in need of some cold weather items. Items may be placed in the box in the foyer of the church labelled For 3030. Items requested: men's underwear (new) medium and large, womens' underwear (new) s,m,l, warm socks, mens and womens' coats or warm hoodies (clean gently used), gloves, belts and running shoes.
2. Please continue to donate items to the Food Bank.( baby food is needed too). Keep an eye out as cases of soups and beans etc...are now on sale.
"The crowds asked him,' What then should we do?' He answered, 'Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do the same.' " Luke 3: 10-11
Blanket Exercise at St. Laurence: Developed by Kairos Canada and Aboriginal Rights Coalition, the Blanket Exercise is an interactive experience that tells the history of Indigenous peoples of Canada. St. Laurence will be hosting this event on Saturday December 4th from 10am to 1 pm. Because the workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants, registration is required and can be done here. If you have never been part of this before, we recommend that you check this out.
Turning the World Upside Down: The Magnificat: The ELCA Wittenberg Center invites you to a three-part webinar series to mark the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s commentary on the Magnificat and the continued significance of Mary’s voice. Each hour-long session will take place at 9 am. Free Registration here.
December 15 - My Soul Magnifies the Lord: The Gift of Mary’s Voice
December 16 - Brought Down the Mighty From Their Thrones: The Strength of Mary’s Voice
December 17 - From Generation to Generation: The Future of Mary’s Voice
Good Samaritan Christmas Angels Program: The Good Samaritan Society, through their Christmas Angels program, ensures that all of the 3,000+ seniors and individuals within their care are recognized during the holiday season with a personalized gift, from personal care items, clothing, puzzles, books or a special treat. For a limited time, your donation will be doubled (up to $2,000) thanks to a matching gift from Edmonton-based law firm, Reynolds Mirth Richard & Farmer LLP. During this season of giving, please consider supporting the Christmas Angels program and be an angel to a senior in your community. Click here to donate.
CLWR Gift-Matching on Now!: The opportunity exists to multiply your gift-giving with three specific matched gifts from this year’s CLWR’s Gifts from the Heart online catalogue. Hard copies of the catalogue are expected to arrive at the church soon, and you’ll be notified when they do.
Canada Lutheran is Looking for In Mission Nominees: Every congregation and community has special people who use their energy, talent, and leadership in ways that make them role models. If you know of any such individuals for our In Mission column, please get in touch with us at [email protected] and tell us why you think we should interview them.
Living our Faith: For the last two years, we have been sharing National Bishop Susan Johnson's vision for a four-year emphasis on Living our Faith - as together we pray, read, worship and love (www.elcic.ca/LivingOurFaith). Over the past year, many of us have been enjoying the Bible Book Club as a way of living into the theme of “Read”. Now into the third year, we continue our focus on worship with the goal of deepening our experience in worship when the community gathers (either together in person or online) and to deepen our individual practice of daily devotion. Would you be willing to share with us a tip, suggestion, or inspiration on how you make worship a daily practice, how you fit devotions into your life and/or how you actively seek to deepen your devotional practice? We are looking for just a sentence or two (40-60 words) and we welcome resource suggestions as well. To share your thoughts and ideas now, please fill out this quick and easy form.
See the latest of these suggestions/inspirations, this one by Rev. Herman & Carol Hagen on page 15.
UN Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence Inspires Churches Beyond Borders 2021 Devotional: Churches Beyond Borders - made up of the Anglican Church of Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Episcopal Church, and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - has developed devotions written by laity and clergy, timed with and inspired by the United Nations' annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, .designed to be read
from November 25 to December 10. To read the news release and download the devotions, please click here.
WCC Online Event: The World Council of Churches (WCC) in collaboration with ACT Alliance, Lutheran World Federation, World YWCA, and WCC regional partners is holding an online event entitled "Missing and Murdered: Addressing Femicide and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Our Global Context", which will address the shadow pandemic of violence against women, and will help raise awareness around missing and murdered women as one aspect of the 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25-December 10). Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance. December 2, 6:00 am PST Perspectives from Caribbean, Latin America, North America (Interpretation available in English, French). Click here to register
Bishop Greg’s Article: Click here to read Bishop Greg’s article from the latest Canada Lutheran Magazine.
Installation Service: All members of the BC Synod are invited to attend the installation service for Pastor Ingrid Cramer-Doerschel at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Vancouver (1693 East 18th Avenue, Vancouver) on December 5th at 9:30 am during their morning service. Guests are requested to wear a mask and confirm your attention by emailing the church at [email protected]
Advent Resources:
• Prayers during Advent: all are invited to prepare for Christmas with prayers sent to you by email each morning during advent. Just register here or contact Pastor Bruce directly by forwarding your email details.
• On Eagles Wings Advent Devotionals: We have a supply of this year’s Advent Reflections from On Eagles Wings. You can pick up a copy if you attend worship, or contact the office and one can be mailed to you.
CREATION CARE:
• Resisting Structural Evil: Climate, Economy, and Hope: The Anglican Diocese and the University of Victoria present a lecture with Cynthia-Moe-Lobeda and David Seljak on December 2nd at 5 pm. See the poster on page 16 for further details.
• Climate Crisis Needs Reset of Global Economic Model: (LWI) - The climate crisis requires an urgent "system reset" of the world's current development model "founded upon fossil fuel-driven economic growth." That is the message to heads of the G20 nations from leaders of the Lutheran World Federation, the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Methodist Council and the Council for World Mission. They stress that "these changes must happen within a rapidly closing window of opportunity." To read the full article, please click here.
• The Story of Plastic: The documentary The Story of Plastic is now available for viewing at the following link .
FIRST NATIONS RECONCILIATION:
• Telling and Teaching the Truth: Leaders from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Anglican Church of Canada, The Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have written to their churches as a sign of their commitments to work towards truth, healing, justice and accurate education. To read the full text of the letter, please visit our website by clicking here. The leaders have also prepared the following video.
• CBC Interview with Justice Murray Sinclair: Next Steps for Truth and Reconciliation. In a radio interview with host Rosanna Deerchild, former senator and TRC head Murray Sinclair reflects on our journey to reconciliation. Justice Sinclair offers insightful reflection and raises important questions. To listen to this interview in this episode of Unreserved, please click here.
SOCIAL JUSTICE RESOURCES:
• Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Today: A video recording of a conversation between Mennonite
author-activist Sarah Augustine and National Anglican Indigenous Archbishop Mark MacDonald, which took place online on October 13 on how the Church can begin to dismantle harm caused by this guiding colonial policy can be viewed here.
• New SDGs Training Manual for Faith-Based Actors: The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has published a manual for trainers to help churches increase their participation in implementing the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. It includes self-assessment tools that show the link between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the mission of the church. For information, please click here. For additional information, please contact Rev. Paul Gehrs at [email protected] .
This Sunday…. ELCIC Bible Book Club-Part II at 9 am – Revelation Worship Service with Holy Communion live-streamed at 10:30 am with registered attendees – First Sunday in Advent (View here for GSLC’s YouTube Channel) Online Sunday School at 1:30 pm
Wednesday…. Prayer Gathering at 1 pm (Click here)
Thursday……… Happy Hour at 4 pm (Click here)
Friday………….. ignYte Youth Group Movie Night at 7 pm
Next Sunday… Bible study at 9 am Worship Service with Holy Communion live-streamed at 10:30 am with registered attendees – Second Sunday in Advent (View here for GSLC’s YouTube Channel)
Note 1: Most events are pre-recorded or ZOOM events. Links to these events will be sent out weekly. Contact the office if you do not receive these email links.
We welcome you to worship today. It is our prayer that you sense the joy that is present in Jesus Christ. God loves and values each of you without conditions attached. We bring our joys and needs before God, trusting in God's presence.
