Everyone is Always Welcome at
Sion Lutheran Church
Second Sunday of Advent
December 4th, 2022
Pastor Andy Graves
Call to Worship
For God, change can be small, evolutionary, atomic. A crumbled resistance, a slightly different direction, a fresh idea in the middle of the night.
For God, change can rain down like a tempest, a flood in every street that sweeps into our lives with energy that does not yield or listen.
God is urgently waiting to finally arrive.
God, we have been waiting for you, too.
Yet you often arrive before we notice: in the place we did not expect, in the word we did not hear.
Do not be afraid, your angels always say, right before you change a life.
You are here to change this place. We are not afraid.
Lighting of the Candle
In deep blue darkness, lighting a single candle creates only uncertainty. Light dances around uncertain shapes, and the dark refuses to yield its secrets.
When deep blue darkness steps aside for softly spreading flame, we take comfort from the warmth of living light.
This candle on our Advent wreath represents the joy of life, which spreads as we share it. Godly cheer can comfort us, even when our surroundings remain a mystery. In time every person will know the warmth of God’s love. But not yet; not fully.
Confession & Forgiveness
God is here, and God sees through every defense that fools the world.
Since we cannot hide from God, there is nothing left to do but to be honest with each other and humble before God
So, in humility, we confess our sins.
God, we have acted helpless, even when you called us to action.
We have resisted your truth, even when our lies were exhausting.
We have behaved as though we were alone, even when you were beside us. God, we have believed we were dying, even when you helped us grow.
God knows we can never undo our sins. We cannot ignore painful history as though it does not affect us today. Yet before our first mistake, God perfected the plan for salvation and that salvation comes to each of us today. Receive God’s forgiveness. This forgiveness is total. No sign of your old life remains, and if God has moved beyond your sin, you have no reason to return to it again.
We are healed. No blemish remains. Thanks be to God.
GATHERING SONG Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (ELW 244)
Greeting
Peace to you and welcome, from the God who fills life with resilience, the Savior who rushes to offer forgiveness, the Spirit who supports us with endurance.
KYRIE (ELW p. 184)
CANTICLE OF PRAISE (ELW p. 187)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Readings
FIRST READING: Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
PSALM: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the king’s son;
that he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice;
that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the hills, in righteousness.
Let him defend the needy among the people, rescue the poor, and crush the oppressor.
May he live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
Let him come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth.
In his time may the righteous flourish; and let there be an abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
Blessed are you, Lord God, the God of Israel; you alone do wondrous deeds!
And blessed be your glorious name forever, and may all the earth be filled with your glory. Amen. Amen.
SECOND READING: Romans 15:4-13
Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”;
and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;
and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”;
and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 188)
GOSPEL: Matthew 3:1-12
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
HYMN OF THE DAY He Came Down (ELW 253)
CREED (ELW p. 189)
Prayers of Intercession
As we prepare for the fullness of Christ’s presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.
God, you renew the church in every age. We give thanks for hymn writers and theologians. Inspire teachers, writers, and musicians to delight and instruct your people. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You give us a vision of creation in harmony, when hurting and destruction will be no more. Teach us to be stewards of the earth and companions to its creatures. Restore to balance and wholeness what human greed has harmed. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You defend the cause of all who are poor and oppressed. Raise up leaders who will govern with equity and serve the common good. Guide judges, lawmakers, and public officials to protect the rights of those who cannot advocate for themselves. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
You deliver those in need from suffering and fear. Come to the aid of any who are exploited or abused, especially children, elders, and victims of human trafficking. Provide safety and help to our neighbors without shelter, refugees, and those fleeing violence. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You urge your people to welcome one another as you have welcomed us. Nurture ministries of hospitality and care in this and every congregation. We pray for people who are homebound, hospitalized, or separated from loved ones. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
You embrace all who have died trusting in your promises, and we give thanks for their faithful witness. Sustain us in hope until we are united with them in the joy of your eternal presence. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Offering
Offering Prayer
Let us pray.
God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion
Holy Jesus, be our guest. For you are already here.
God is with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts in praise. We lift them to our God.
Let us give thanks to the God of our salvation. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Preface
Holy God, once you made humankind you could do nothing but love them.
Holy Spirit, once you called the prophets, you gave them words to afflict and words to heal, and they could do nothing but speak them.
Holy Jesus, once you committed to take the human frame, you walked the path to the end. You did not rush through childhood. You never used your power for yourself. You faced your enemies on their terms. You taught your friends until they learned.
You allowed yourself to die the same way you were born: as a fragile person, in a filthy place, where bare flesh and blood were spilled to give life.
This is rarely a kind world, but you love it anyway.
This was rarely an innocent world, but you saved it anyway
We are rarely peaceful people, but you have swaddled us in peace.
We will always hunger for healing. Nurse us with grace.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (ELW p. 190)
Memory of That Night Around the Table
While Pilate rested in his palace, and the city of Jerusalem slept, while the priests set their plot in motion, the disciples sat down at the table.
The bread was on the table; the wine was in the glass.This was the night for which Jesus was born.
Even if you know this is part of God’s plan, you might still grieve.
To say goodbye to your closest friends, who do not know you will die.
To end the chapter of friendship with the one you love, before they turn away.
Even good days bring sadness and loss. And it was a good day, that final day, filled with certainty and hope, when Jesus lingered at the table and took that bread and cup.
Words of Institution
That night, 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.
At a meal like this, we savor the food while it lasts; we cling to love before we step out of reach. And we pray that God will give us each day the blessing we share in this place.
So, we pray as Jesus taught us.
LORD’S PRAYER (ELW p. 191)
Beckoning the Presence of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, just as you made a stable into a nursery fit for the sovereign of heaven, you make this table a holy cradle for salvation. You fashion this bread and wine into the presence of Christ’s love. And you make us your people, who can never separate from you again. God, your heart split with the pain of the world, so you left yourself in heaven to be born a childlike one of us. Now bless this bread, which is broken, so we might draw together as one.
Invitation to the Table
People of God, come to the table and encounter the God who waits to love you.
Communion
COMMUNION HYMNS - Eat This Bread: Jesus Christ, (ELW 472)
(2 TIMES)
Come to the Table (ELW 481) (2 TIMES)
As the Grains of Wheat (ELW 465)
Prayer after Communion
The meal has ended. Now let the remembering begin. Remember you have met God in this place. Remember that no person who meets God can ever be the same.
We pray:
You have called us. We have listened. You invited us. We took our place at the table. You have sat with us so we might follow you.
Now there is nowhere else we can go, because you alone have the words of life. Amen.
Blessing
God, we do not know the end to which you call us.
God, let us be your servants, wherever this road goes.
God, you could have judged us, but you chose us.
You have made us worthy so we might speak your words.
You alone guide us down the path that leads to life.
Every other path is no longer a path for me.
SENDING SONG Prepare the Royal Highway (ELW 264)
Dismissal
Go in peace. Serve the lowly.
Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER LIST
Continue to remember all who are experiencing health problems in our prayers: Billy Kushinski, Heather Wallenberg Anderson, August Graves; Ivy Jean Klegstad (Gabboy's baby); Rustee and Noah's newborn son, Thorson Allen; Liz Christinsin; Julie Norland; Ronnie Joe Olson; Coleson Sletten; Pat Miesner; Kristen Olsonawski; Elizabeth Olson, Mary Forfang; Galen Schultz; Ricky Carlson, Colleen Kaml-Kukowski (sister of Mary Olson), Paul Peterson, Pat Burton, Gary Burton, Ally Jo Monda (Shannon Hunstad's daughter), Corey Plaine, Kayla Sjostrand Thompson, Tom Swanson, Terri Christopherson, Sandy Alper, Dale Van Dale, Owen & Janet Swenson, Landon Labine, and, as always, pray for our Armed Forces, our Law Enforcement and First Responders.
In Memoriam: Please pray for the families of: Marlys Anderson; Carl Nordin; Sandy (Overend) Olsonawski; Anita Sjostrand Erickson; Brian Anderson, Deb Finney
Reader December 4th – Curtiss Coffee December 4th – “F thru J”
December 11th – Sunday School Program
Reader December 18th – Tim Coffee December 18th – “K thru N”
No reader needed for Christmas Service and no coffee after
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
December 4th – 10:30 – Sunday School Christmas Program practice
December 7th – Family Fun Night
December 8th – Frozen Meal Distribution
December 11th – 8 am – Final Sunday School Christmas Program practice
December 11th – 9:30 –School Christmas Program
December 24th – 4:30 pm – Christmas Sunday Eve Worship Service
Watch for upcoming information on fundraisers for Feed My Starving
Children
Don’t forget to sign up for the various volunteer slots. The sign up sheets for ushers, communion assistants, snow shoveling, etc in the parish hall.
I’m looking for people to read in January. If you would like to read please let me know…and we’d love to see some young folks volunteer.
Sion Lutheran Church
Second Sunday of Advent
December 4th, 2022
Pastor Andy Graves
Call to Worship
For God, change can be small, evolutionary, atomic. A crumbled resistance, a slightly different direction, a fresh idea in the middle of the night.
For God, change can rain down like a tempest, a flood in every street that sweeps into our lives with energy that does not yield or listen.
God is urgently waiting to finally arrive.
God, we have been waiting for you, too.
Yet you often arrive before we notice: in the place we did not expect, in the word we did not hear.
Do not be afraid, your angels always say, right before you change a life.
You are here to change this place. We are not afraid.
Lighting of the Candle
In deep blue darkness, lighting a single candle creates only uncertainty. Light dances around uncertain shapes, and the dark refuses to yield its secrets.
When deep blue darkness steps aside for softly spreading flame, we take comfort from the warmth of living light.
This candle on our Advent wreath represents the joy of life, which spreads as we share it. Godly cheer can comfort us, even when our surroundings remain a mystery. In time every person will know the warmth of God’s love. But not yet; not fully.
Confession & Forgiveness
God is here, and God sees through every defense that fools the world.
Since we cannot hide from God, there is nothing left to do but to be honest with each other and humble before God
So, in humility, we confess our sins.
God, we have acted helpless, even when you called us to action.
We have resisted your truth, even when our lies were exhausting.
We have behaved as though we were alone, even when you were beside us. God, we have believed we were dying, even when you helped us grow.
God knows we can never undo our sins. We cannot ignore painful history as though it does not affect us today. Yet before our first mistake, God perfected the plan for salvation and that salvation comes to each of us today. Receive God’s forgiveness. This forgiveness is total. No sign of your old life remains, and if God has moved beyond your sin, you have no reason to return to it again.
We are healed. No blemish remains. Thanks be to God.
GATHERING SONG Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers (ELW 244)
Greeting
Peace to you and welcome, from the God who fills life with resilience, the Savior who rushes to offer forgiveness, the Spirit who supports us with endurance.
KYRIE (ELW p. 184)
CANTICLE OF PRAISE (ELW p. 187)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Readings
FIRST READING: Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
PSALM: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the king’s son;
that he may rule your people righteously and the poor with justice;
that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, and the hills, in righteousness.
Let him defend the needy among the people, rescue the poor, and crush the oppressor.
May he live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
Let him come down like rain upon the mown field, like showers that water the earth.
In his time may the righteous flourish; and let there be an abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
Blessed are you, Lord God, the God of Israel; you alone do wondrous deeds!
And blessed be your glorious name forever, and may all the earth be filled with your glory. Amen. Amen.
SECOND READING: Romans 15:4-13
Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”;
and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;
and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”;
and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 188)
GOSPEL: Matthew 3:1-12
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon
HYMN OF THE DAY He Came Down (ELW 253)
CREED (ELW p. 189)
Prayers of Intercession
As we prepare for the fullness of Christ’s presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.
God, you renew the church in every age. We give thanks for hymn writers and theologians. Inspire teachers, writers, and musicians to delight and instruct your people. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You give us a vision of creation in harmony, when hurting and destruction will be no more. Teach us to be stewards of the earth and companions to its creatures. Restore to balance and wholeness what human greed has harmed. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You defend the cause of all who are poor and oppressed. Raise up leaders who will govern with equity and serve the common good. Guide judges, lawmakers, and public officials to protect the rights of those who cannot advocate for themselves. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
You deliver those in need from suffering and fear. Come to the aid of any who are exploited or abused, especially children, elders, and victims of human trafficking. Provide safety and help to our neighbors without shelter, refugees, and those fleeing violence. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
You urge your people to welcome one another as you have welcomed us. Nurture ministries of hospitality and care in this and every congregation. We pray for people who are homebound, hospitalized, or separated from loved ones. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
You embrace all who have died trusting in your promises, and we give thanks for their faithful witness. Sustain us in hope until we are united with them in the joy of your eternal presence. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Offering
Offering Prayer
Let us pray.
God of abundance, we bring before you the precious fruits of your creation, and with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion
Holy Jesus, be our guest. For you are already here.
God is with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts in praise. We lift them to our God.
Let us give thanks to the God of our salvation. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Preface
Holy God, once you made humankind you could do nothing but love them.
Holy Spirit, once you called the prophets, you gave them words to afflict and words to heal, and they could do nothing but speak them.
Holy Jesus, once you committed to take the human frame, you walked the path to the end. You did not rush through childhood. You never used your power for yourself. You faced your enemies on their terms. You taught your friends until they learned.
You allowed yourself to die the same way you were born: as a fragile person, in a filthy place, where bare flesh and blood were spilled to give life.
This is rarely a kind world, but you love it anyway.
This was rarely an innocent world, but you saved it anyway
We are rarely peaceful people, but you have swaddled us in peace.
We will always hunger for healing. Nurse us with grace.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (ELW p. 190)
Memory of That Night Around the Table
While Pilate rested in his palace, and the city of Jerusalem slept, while the priests set their plot in motion, the disciples sat down at the table.
The bread was on the table; the wine was in the glass.This was the night for which Jesus was born.
Even if you know this is part of God’s plan, you might still grieve.
To say goodbye to your closest friends, who do not know you will die.
To end the chapter of friendship with the one you love, before they turn away.
Even good days bring sadness and loss. And it was a good day, that final day, filled with certainty and hope, when Jesus lingered at the table and took that bread and cup.
Words of Institution
That night, 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.
At a meal like this, we savor the food while it lasts; we cling to love before we step out of reach. And we pray that God will give us each day the blessing we share in this place.
So, we pray as Jesus taught us.
LORD’S PRAYER (ELW p. 191)
Beckoning the Presence of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, just as you made a stable into a nursery fit for the sovereign of heaven, you make this table a holy cradle for salvation. You fashion this bread and wine into the presence of Christ’s love. And you make us your people, who can never separate from you again. God, your heart split with the pain of the world, so you left yourself in heaven to be born a childlike one of us. Now bless this bread, which is broken, so we might draw together as one.
Invitation to the Table
People of God, come to the table and encounter the God who waits to love you.
Communion
COMMUNION HYMNS - Eat This Bread: Jesus Christ, (ELW 472)
(2 TIMES)
Come to the Table (ELW 481) (2 TIMES)
As the Grains of Wheat (ELW 465)
Prayer after Communion
The meal has ended. Now let the remembering begin. Remember you have met God in this place. Remember that no person who meets God can ever be the same.
We pray:
You have called us. We have listened. You invited us. We took our place at the table. You have sat with us so we might follow you.
Now there is nowhere else we can go, because you alone have the words of life. Amen.
Blessing
God, we do not know the end to which you call us.
God, let us be your servants, wherever this road goes.
God, you could have judged us, but you chose us.
You have made us worthy so we might speak your words.
You alone guide us down the path that leads to life.
Every other path is no longer a path for me.
SENDING SONG Prepare the Royal Highway (ELW 264)
Dismissal
Go in peace. Serve the lowly.
Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRAYER LIST
Continue to remember all who are experiencing health problems in our prayers: Billy Kushinski, Heather Wallenberg Anderson, August Graves; Ivy Jean Klegstad (Gabboy's baby); Rustee and Noah's newborn son, Thorson Allen; Liz Christinsin; Julie Norland; Ronnie Joe Olson; Coleson Sletten; Pat Miesner; Kristen Olsonawski; Elizabeth Olson, Mary Forfang; Galen Schultz; Ricky Carlson, Colleen Kaml-Kukowski (sister of Mary Olson), Paul Peterson, Pat Burton, Gary Burton, Ally Jo Monda (Shannon Hunstad's daughter), Corey Plaine, Kayla Sjostrand Thompson, Tom Swanson, Terri Christopherson, Sandy Alper, Dale Van Dale, Owen & Janet Swenson, Landon Labine, and, as always, pray for our Armed Forces, our Law Enforcement and First Responders.
In Memoriam: Please pray for the families of: Marlys Anderson; Carl Nordin; Sandy (Overend) Olsonawski; Anita Sjostrand Erickson; Brian Anderson, Deb Finney
Reader December 4th – Curtiss Coffee December 4th – “F thru J”
December 11th – Sunday School Program
Reader December 18th – Tim Coffee December 18th – “K thru N”
No reader needed for Christmas Service and no coffee after
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
December 4th – 10:30 – Sunday School Christmas Program practice
December 7th – Family Fun Night
December 8th – Frozen Meal Distribution
December 11th – 8 am – Final Sunday School Christmas Program practice
December 11th – 9:30 –School Christmas Program
December 24th – 4:30 pm – Christmas Sunday Eve Worship Service
Watch for upcoming information on fundraisers for Feed My Starving
Children
Don’t forget to sign up for the various volunteer slots. The sign up sheets for ushers, communion assistants, snow shoveling, etc in the parish hall.
I’m looking for people to read in January. If you would like to read please let me know…and we’d love to see some young folks volunteer.