The First Sunday in Advent

Light one candle to watch for Messiah:

let the light banish darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

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Sunday, December 1, 2019 First Sunday of Advent

Holy Communion

December 1, 2019 ● 9:30, & 11:00 AM Service

WELCOME TO EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH INTRODUCTION 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. PRELUDE Pastoral Symphony & Overture to “The Messiah” G. F. Handel

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS TRINITARIAN CHIMES

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

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 and self-examination. The assembly may stand or kneel.

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.

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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 Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn ELW 242 GREETING Beloved of God, who are called to be saints: grace and peace be with you all. And also with you. KYRIE

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Let us pray. Blessed are you, God of Jacob, for you promise to transform weapons of war into implements of planting and harvest and to teach us your way of peace; you promise that our night of sin is far gone and that your day of salvation is dawning. As we light the first candle on this wreath, wake us from our sleep, wrap us in your light, empower us to live honorably, and guide us along your path of peace.

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Amen.

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The first Advent candle is lit as the Assembly sings verse one of Light One Candle:

PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from 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. The assembly is seated. FIRST READING: Isaiah 2: 1-5 (Please turn in the Old Testament to page 700 in your pew Bible).

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!"

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. SECOND READING: Romans 13:11–14 (Please turn in the New Testament to page 169 in your pew Bible).

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.

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The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The assembly stands to welcome the Gospel. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION LORD, PREPARE OUR HEARTS (SING TWICE)

GOSPEL: Matthew 24:36–44 (Please turn in the New Testament to page 28 in your pew Bible). The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-fourth chapter. 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. The Gospel of our Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

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The assembly is seated. SERMON Pastor William Kittinger The assembly stands. HYMN OF THE DAY: My Lord, What a Morning ELW 438 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.

*Or, "who proceeds from the Father." The phrase "and the Son" is a later addition to the creed.

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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Keeping awake as we watch for Christ, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need. Hear us , O God. Your mercy is great. Congregational refrain: “Wait for the Lord”

We bring to you, Christ, members and friends of Emmanuel who need your healing touch. (Names from our congregation…) Into your loving hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abundant mercy, through Jesus Christ our risen Savior. Amen. Congregational refrain: “Wait for the Lord” PEACE The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

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The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ's peace, and may say, "Peace be with you," or similar words. The assembly is seated. OFFERING An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time, the table is set. (9:30) O Come, Emmanuel Anne Krentz Organ Emmanuel Choir Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel. Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel. Jesus, the Light of the world! Come, my light, and illumine my darkness. Come, my life, and revive me from death. Come, my physician, heal my wounds. Come, come, Jesus, the light of the world! Come, my light, and illumine my darkness. Come, my life, and revive me from death. Come, my physician, heal my wounds. Come, come, Jesus, the light of the world! Come, flame of divine love, and burn up the thorns of my sins, kindling my heart with the flame of thy love. Come, my king, sit upon the throne of my heart. Come and reign in my heart. For thou alone art my king and my lord. Come, come, Jesus, the light of the world! Jesus, the light of the world. Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel. Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel. Jesus, the light of the world. Oh, come. (11:00) Creator of the Stars of Night arr. Charles Callahan The assembly stands. OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. Giver of every good thing, we set before you the gifts that you have already given to sustain our lives and to share with others. Help us to be good stewards of the earth and all that is in it, and let our lives be a testimony to the abundant feast you prepare for all who hunger. Amen.

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THE GREAT THANKSGIVING DIALOGUE

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:

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HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

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.

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.

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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. Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. LORD'S PRAYER 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. INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come now with joy to Emmanuel’s table. Feast at the banquet of hope and love. COMMUNION When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say, The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you, and each person may respond Amen.

Jesus Christ is the host of this Holy Communion, in which we celebrate the Real Presence of our Lord. All are welcome! The Communion is administered by “intinction,” that is, the bread is handed to the communicant and the communicant dips the bread into the wine. If you are not able to take the wine, simply take the bread. Children are invited to come forward for a blessing. If you desire Communion, but are not able to come forward, please let an usher know. We’ll bring it to you. If you do not wish to partake of the Sacrament, simply remain seated when your row is directed to come forward. Gluten-free wafers are available; simply ask the server.

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ASSEMBLY HYMNS: The Advent of Our God (tune: This Is My Father’s World) 1 The advent of our God Shall be our theme for prayer; Come, let us meet him on the road And place for him prepare. (Refrain) The everlasting Son Incarnate stoops to be, Himself the servant’s form puts on To set his people free. 2 As judge, on clouds of light, He soon will come again, And all his scattered saints unite With him on high to reign. (Refrain) All glory to the Son, Who comes to set us free, With Father, Spirit, ever one Through all eternity. ASSEMBLY HYMNS : Savior of the Nations, Come ELW 263 Comfort, Comfort Now My People ELW 256

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The assembly stands. POST-COMMUNION BLESSING The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray. God of abundance, we give you thanks that in this holy meal you have invited us to feast with you and one another. May the taste of your love remain with us, and may our words and our work in your name invite others into your bountiful grace. Send us from your table to proclaim your presence, even as we await the glorious coming of Christ our Savior. Amen. BLESSING May God, who gathers us in love, lead you in pathways of righteousness and justice. May God, who knows us more deeply than we know ourselves, lead you in pathways of forgiveness and freedom. May God, who fills us with good things, lead you in pathways of equity and abundance.

The blessing of the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

be upon you and remain with you forever. Amen. SENDING SONG Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers ELW 244 DISMISSAL Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying arr. Hobby

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WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS 9:30 Service Greeters: Dave & Janet Pedersen; John & Marit Granskog Assisting Minister: Sally Johnson Lector: Edie Cole Acolyte: Ann Berlam Ushers: Dave & Janet Pedersen; John & Marit Granskog Altar Guild: Bruce & Cheryl Carlson AV: Zack Faust, Colleen Ziegelmaier, Adam Mason, Jayden Wampler (helper) 11:00 Service Greeters: Tom & Norine Petruzelli; Dick & Vera Hynes Assisting Minister: Kathy Worley Lector: Norine Petruzelli Acolyte: Jola Boe Ushers: Tom & Norine Petruzelli; Dick & Vera Hynes Altar Guild: Diedre Milligan AV: Zack Faust, Colleen Ziegelmaier, Adam Mason, Jayden Wampler (helper)

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Please Join Us For Our Advent & Christmas Services

Sunday Morning Advent Services:

December 1, 8, 15, 22 (7:45 A.M., 9:30 A.M., 11:00 A.M)—Sanctuary

(10:00 A.M.)—Alive, Family Life Center (11:15 A.M.)—Bilingual, Family Life Center

Wednesday Evening Advent Services:

(5:30 P.M.)--Sanctuary December 4, 11--Holden Evening Prayer December 18—Blue Christmas Service

Christmas Eve Services

(5:00 P.M.) Paper Bag Pageant (Family-friendly Service)

(7:00 P.M., 9:00 P.M.) Traditional Services

All Sunday Services Will Be Serving Holy Communion.

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VOICES OF NAPLES

presents its

9th ANNUAL CONCERT

"Home for the Holidays" Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019, 7:00 pm

In Emmanuel’s Sanctuary No ticket necessary—Free-Will Offering

Brass Quintet included; Featuring a Double Chorus Largest Chorus ever and

some Emmanuel members are singing!