Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit 3461 Cedar Crest Blvd. EMAIL [email protected]Emmaus, PA 18049-1599 www.LCHSEmmaus.org PHONE 610.967.2220 www.facebook.com/LCHSEmmaus FAX 610.966.3021 Sunday, December 1, 2019 10:45 am The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Ministry in Daily Life Gathered by God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we invite and welcome all people to join us on our journey to become more faithful ministers of Jesus Christ in our homes, our communities, and the world.
Transcript
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit 3461 Cedar Crest Blvd. EMAIL [email protected] Emmaus, PA 18049-1599 www.LCHSEmmaus.org PHONE 610.967.2220 www.facebook.com/LCHSEmmaus FAX 610.966.3021
Sunday, December 1, 2019 10:45 am
The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Ministry in Daily Life
Gathered by God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we invite and welcome all people to join us on our journey
to become more faithful ministers of Jesus Christ in our homes, our communities, and the world.
ELW refers to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the red worship book. Page numbers are in the front of the book with hymn numbers following in the middle & end.
During worship, please silence all communication devices. *As you are able, please stand.
Gathering Gathering Music An Advent Meditation setting, Lasky Advent Choral Gathering We Are Waiting for Jesus Helgen/Music Sourcebook 2013
The assembly sings the refrain and choir sings the verses.
Refrain
Verses - Choir Only
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Welcome and Theme of the Day
The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today's readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord's coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.
*Confession and Forgiveness
☩ All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the parent who rouses us from slumber, the
shepherd who gathers us on the holy mountain, the deliverer who sets us free. Amen. Let us come before the living God in confession.
Silence for reflection. As we wait and watch for the promised day of salvation, we open our hearts to you, O God. Search us and know us. Reveal all that we keep inside. To you, O God, we confess our sins, known and unknown. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us in your ways of justice and peace. Make us reflections of the radiant love of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Beloved children of the Most High, you are gathered before the righteous judge who has mercy on all. Splash exuberantly in the waters of baptism, where sin is washed away in the river of life. Dwell peacefully in the loving arms of the one who nurtures all creation. Go forth boldly in the assurance that your sins are forgiven
in the name of the one who is coming and is already here, ☩ Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
*Gathering Song Savior of the Nations, Come ELW Hymn 263
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*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.
*Kyrie Everlasting Light
*Prayer of the Day
Let us pray together. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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*Lighting of the Advent Wreath
At every beginning there is a yearning for the one who is coming. O Emmanuel, Wake us to your coming. We gather together to expect the unexpected and imagine the unimaginable. O Emmanuel, Wake us to your coming.
Make room for the advent of God! Make room for unforgettable transformation! Make room to see the world turned upside-down…Valleys will touch the sky… Mountains will be flattened. And we will all see it together! Let’s make room for something new. Jesus, we welcome your presence now with the lighting of this candle, whose flame brings warmth to winter and fills this place with the glow of hope.
Light the first Candle of Hope *Advent Song Advent Wreath Song Paul Inwood
Refrain 1, Verse 1 & Refrain 1 only
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*Advent Prayer
Let us pray together. God, we are ready for hope. We long for the light of hope to shine in our lives. Yet, as we rush through our days, we fail to see the hope-filled gifts you’ve given us. Help us slow down. Enter our hearts with a gentle reminder of the hope you bring. Open our eyes to the many blessings we’ve received, so that we can turn toward others and share your gifts of hope. Amen.
Word First Reading A Reading from Isaiah 2:1–5. NRSV, page 550
The visionary message presented in this reading focuses on a future day when God establishes a universal reign of peace. Divine decisions will make war obsolete, and the worshiping community responds: "Let us walk in that light of that Lord now!"
After the reading,
Word of God, Word of Hope. Thanks be to God!
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Psalm 122 The assembly reads responsively.
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself; to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, the assembly of Israel, to praise the name of the LORD. For there are the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers. For the sake of my kindred and companions, I pray for your prosperity.
Second Reading A Reading from Romans 13:11–14. NRSV, page 923
Paul compares the advent of Christ to the coming of dawn. We live our lives today in light of Christ's coming in the future.
After the reading, Word of God, Word of Hope. Thanks be to God! Word for God’s Children
Children age 3-7 are invited to the All Saints Room. They will return after the Sermon. We encourage at least one parent to be present.
*Gospel Acclamation ELW Hymn 257
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Refrain Refrain Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O Wisdom from on high, embracing all things far and nigh: in strength and beauty come and stay; teach us your will and guide our way. Refrain
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*Gospel The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 24:36–44. NRSV, page 806 Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, unexpected event that will bring salvation or judgment upon people caught up in the usual affairs of daily life. He urges people to be alert and expectant.
After the reading of the gospel, The Gospel of Our Lord! Praise to You, O Christ.
Sermon Pr. Spencer Steele *Hymn of the Day My Lord, What a Morning ELW Hymn 438 *Advent Affirmation of Faith
Let us affirm our Advent hope. We are an Advent people, a people of hope. For us, Advent is a time of waiting, and so we wait. We wait for the coming of the One who is the fulfillment of God’s promise, the fulfillment of hope, the declaration that we have been healed and restored. Even so, we are not a naïve people. We know that the world in which we live will continue to be filled with pain and sorrow. We know that hatred and violence will continue to exist. We know that death and separation will continue to be a part of our lives. Because we are an Advent people, we know that none of these things will win in the end. The Holy One is coming, to make holy once again all that was, is, and ever will be. And in our waiting and in our hoping, we work and worship, pray and play, give and receive, in all things hoping that peace, love and joy will reign in our lives and in our world, now and forever. Amen.
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*Prayers of the People Keeping awake as we watch for Christ, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
After each petition: Filled with hope, Come, Lord Jesus, come.
You hear the cries of our hearts, O Lord. Fill us with hopeful expectation, that in each day and hour we may love and serve our neighbors, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
*Share the Peace
May the peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The people greet one another with the peace of Christ.
Offering Hope of the World Larson
Adult Choir
The assembly responds to the Word of God by gathering an offering for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. The music is offered as a gift to the glory of God. You may give your offering in the offering plate, or by using a credit or debit card at the Giving Kiosk, or Give by Text (610-981-1312), or through Simply Giving, or by sending it to the church office. The table is set.
*Prayer
Let us pray. Bless these gifts, O God, that they become a source of hope for those caught in despair and a beacon of light to a world in need. Teach us patience as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Meal *Great Thanksgiving
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.
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It is indeed 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:
Holy, Holy, Holy Everlasting Light
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary's openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Words of Institution Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming. Come, Lord Jesus.
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Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth. Come, Holy Spirit. All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Lord’s Prayer
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: 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 now with joy to Emmanuel’s table. Feast at the banquet of hope. Amen.
Sacrament of Holy Communion
All who are baptized and believe in the presence of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion are welcome to receive the Sacrament. To facilitate flow, the ushers invite the side sections, the front few rows and then go to the back rows. The people come forward, using the center aisle in two lines, to receive the bread from the ministers, then go to the side to dip their bread into the wine. Grape juice is used in our celebration so that all may freely receive. In addition, gluten free wafers are available. After receiving the elements, people may kneel at the altar rail for prayer, and return to their seats using the side aisles. Children may receive the sacrament if they have completed instruction with a pastor. Children who do not commune may come forward for a blessing.
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Communion Songs
The assembly sings as we wait for the hope of the world. Lamb of God Everlasting Light
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence ELW Hymn 490 1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descending comes full homage to demand. 2 King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords in human vesture, in the body and the blood, he will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food.
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*Prayer
Let us pray. Lord God, we give you thanks that you have fed us even now with the banquet that is yet to come. Keep us alert for signs of your presence in the world around us. Send us as healing oil and sheltering comfort to those in need, and make us bold in testifying to the light of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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Sending *Blessing
God most high, God with us, God poured out on us, strengthen our hearts with hope until the coming of our Lord Jesus.
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever. Amen.
*Sending Song Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ELW Hymn 244 *Dismissal
The assisting minister sends the assembly into mission. Go in peace. Christ is the hope of the world. Thanks be to God!
