Worship for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 17, 2021

Gathering

Welcome to Worship

Lowell

Prelude Music

Thanksgiving for Baptism[1]

Lowell

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Holy God, fountain of living water,
source of mercy, tender and mighty,
you are clothed with majesty and splendor.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
satisfying the thirst of all living things,
sustaining life in this community,
nourishing and delighting us.
We bless you for these gifts of water:
Penn’s Creek and the Susquehanna River.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through water,
a sign of your saving power:
Noah and the animals survive the flood,
Hagar discovers your well.
The Israelites escape through the sea,
and they drink from your gushing rock.
Naaman washes his leprosy away,
and the Samaritan woman will never be thirsty again.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your love flows through the water of baptism
joined to your life-giving Word:
your well of mercy and cleansing flood,
your sea of deliverance from death into life,
your healing river washing sin away,
your living water springing up to eternal life.
Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Your steadfast love fills the earth.

Shower us with your Holy Spirit.
Fill us with your love.
Clothe us and all your people with grace.
Embolden us to do justice.
Bless us to love mercy.
Guide us to walk humbly with you,
whom we thank and praise, through Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen

Gathering Song – ELW 677 – “This Little Light of Mine”

Kate and Nate

Greeting

Lowell

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for reflection.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give. May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

Word

First Reading – 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Tom or Miriam

A reading from 1 Samuel.

1Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
2At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 3the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” 5and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So Samuel went and lay down. 6The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if the Lord calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

Kate and Nate

Refrain – Sing twice at the beginning and once at the
You have searched me out and known me.

1Lord, you have | searched me out;
  O Lord, you | have known me.
2You know my sitting down and my | rising up;
  you discern my thoughts | from afar.
3You trace my journeys and my | resting-places
  and are acquainted with | all my ways.
4Indeed, there is not a word | on my lips,
  but you, O Lord, know it | altogether. ℟
5You encompass me, behind | and before,
  and lay your | hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonder- | ful for me;
  it is so high that I cannot at- | tain to it.
13For you yourself created my | inmost parts;
  you knit me together in my | mother’s womb.
14I will thank you because I am mar- | velously made;
  your works are wonderful, and I | know it well.
15My body was not hid- | den from you,
  while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths | of the earth.
16Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb; all of them were written | in your book;
  my days were fashioned before they | came to be.
17How deep I find your | thoughts, O God!
  How great is the | sum of them!
18If I were to count them, they would be more in number | than the sand;
  to count them all, my life span would need to | be like yours. 

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Tom or Miriam

A reading from 1 Corinthians:

12“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 13“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by divine power. 15Do you not know that your bodies are parts of the body of Christ? Should I therefore take the parts of the body of Christ and make them parts of a prostitute? Never! 16Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with that prostitute? For it is said, ‘The two shall be one flesh.’ 17But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with the Lord. 18Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. 19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel – John 1:43-51

Lowell

The holy gospel according to St. Mark.
43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found the one about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46Nathanael said to Philip, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael asked Jesus, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51And Jesus said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son-of-Man.”

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

Homily

Hymn of the Day –ELW 798 – “Will You Come and Follow Me”

Tom and Miriam

Prayers of Intercession

Lowell

All are invited to unmute on Zoom and join in the prayers, responding to each petition with “Have mercy, O God.”

Peace

Lowell

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

All share the peace of Christ with one another.

Meal

Announcements

Lowell

Offertory – ELW 593, Refrain – “Drawn to the Light”

Kate and Nate

Offering Prayer

Brittany

O God,
receive these gifts as you receive us:
like a mother receives her child, with arms open wide.
Nourish us anew in your tender care,
and empower us in faithful service
to tend to others with this same love,
through Jesus Christ, our saving grace.
Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

Lowell

All are encouraged to unmute and join in the responses in bold.

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.

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;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
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 Lord,
God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed are you, O holy God:
          you are the Life and Light of all.
By your powerful word you created all things.
Through the prophets you called your people to be a light to the nations.
Blessed are you for Jesus, your Son.
He is your Light, shining in our darkness
          and revealing to us your mercy and might.

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.

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.

Remembering, therefore,
          his preaching and healing,
          his dying and rising,
          and his promise to come again,
          we await that day when all the universe
          will rejoice in your holy and life-giving light
as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

By your Spirit bless us and this meal,
          that, refreshed with this heavenly food,
          we may be light for the world,
          revealing the brilliance of your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours,
Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit,
in your holy Church,
both now and forever.

Amen

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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 the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion

All distribute to one another saying:

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

After communing Brittany distributes to Lowell

Blessing at the Table

Lowell

May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in eternal life.

Prayer after communion

Brittany

Christ Jesus,
at this table we have feasted on your very life
and are strengthened for our journey.
Send us forth from this banquet
nourished in body and in spirit
to proclaim your good news
and serve others in your name.
Amen

Sending

Sending of Communion

Lowell

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 310 – “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise”

Tom and Miriam

Dismissal

Brittany

Go in peace. Be the light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Stay right here for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.


[1] All Creation Sings – Form E © 2020 Augsburg Fortress.

Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Connect to Zoom on your computer and keep this open on your phone to join in the service.

Gathering

Prepare your space with candles, a lighter or matches, bread and wine.
Begin with your Advent candles unlit.

Advent Litany

My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
God has looked with favor on the lowly ones.

God has done great things for me. Holy is God’s name.
God has looked with favor on the lowly ones.

God has kept God’s promise forever.
God has looked with favor on the lowly ones.

Gathering Song – ELW 247 – “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

Light four candles while singing.

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for individual prayer.

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Word

First Reading – 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

A reading from 2 Samuel.

1Now when David the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” 3Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.”
4But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. 7Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” 8Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 16Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – Luke 1:46b-55

Refrain – Sung twice at the beginning and once at the

You, Lord, have lifted up the lowly.

46bMy soul proclaims the greatness | of the Lord,
47my spirit rejoices in | God my Savior,
48for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your | lowly servant.
  From this day all generations will | call me blessed:
49you, the Almighty, have done great | things for me
  and holy | is your name.
50You have mercy on | those who fear you,
  from generation to | generation. ℟
51You have shown strength | with your arm
  and scattered the proud in | their conceit,
52casting down the mighty | from their thrones
  and lifting | up the lowly.
53You have filled the hungry | with good things
  and sent the rich | away empty.
54You have come to the aid of your | servant Israel,
  to remember the prom- | ise of mercy,
55the promise made | to our forbears,
  to Abraham and his chil- | dren forever. ℟

Second Reading – Romans 16:25-27

25Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever! Amen.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

All say this together to welcome the gospel.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
We prepare for you, O Lord
Your words give us hope for life with you.
Alleluia

Gospel – Luke 1:26-38

The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.

26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin woman engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was much perplexed by the angel’s words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He 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. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his dominion there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The 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. 36And 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. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38Then 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.

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

Homily

Hymn of the Day – ELW 574- Here I Am Lord

Prayers of Intercession

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

God of power and might, fulfill your promise and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.

Prayers are offered for the church, the world, and all in need.
Each petition concludes:

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

After all petitions:

Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace

Meal

Announcements

Offertory – ELW 487, vs. 1 – “What Feast of Love”

Offering Prayer

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.

The Great Thanksgiving

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

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.

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:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God, for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion Distribution.

If you are alone in worship, the pastor will distribute to you momentarily.

If you are gathered with multiple people, please distribute communion to one another with these words:

The body of Christ given for you.
The blood of Christ shed for you.

Post-Communion Prayer

God for whom we wait, in this meal you give us a foretaste of that day when the hungry will be fed with good things. Send us forth to make known your deeds and to proclaim the greatness of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Blessing

The Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting,
the long-expected Savior fill you with love,
the unexpected Spirit guide your journey,
now and forever.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 267 – “Joy to the World”

The presentation of this hymn is a collaboration of singers from 5 congregations of the Buffalo Valley Conference of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA.

Dismissal

Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Stay right here for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy, except the Gospel Acclamation and Advent Litany, Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Gospel Acclamation is © Disrupt Worship Project. Used by permission. Advent Litany by Lowell Chilton. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

December 13, 2020 – The Third Sunday of Advent

Connect to Zoom on your computer and keep this open on your phone to join in the service.

Gathering

Prepare your space with candles, a lighter or matches, bread and wine.
Begin with your Advent candles unlit.

Advent Litany

The Lord our God gives us garlands instead of ashes.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.

The Lord our God turns mourning into gladness.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.

The Lord our God brings good news to the oppressed and comforts all who mourn.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord.

Gathering Song – ELW 247 – “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

Light three candles while singing.

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for individual prayer.

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Word

First Reading – Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

A reading from Isaiah.

  1The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
  because the Lord has anointed me;
 the Lord has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
  to bind up the brokenhearted,
 to proclaim liberty to the captives,
  and release to the prisoners;
2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
  and the day of vengeance of our God;
  to comfort all who mourn;
3to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
  to give them a garland instead of ashes,
 the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
  the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
 They will be called oaks of righteousness,
  the planting of the Lord, to display the glory of God.
4They shall build up the ancient ruins,
  they shall raise up the former devastations;
 they shall repair the ruined cities,
  the devastations of many generations.

8For I the Lord love justice,
  I hate robbery and wrongdoing;
 I will faithfully give them their recompense,
  and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
  and their offspring among the peoples;
 all who see them shall acknowledge
  that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
  my whole being shall exult in my God;
 for God has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
  and has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
 as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
  and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
  and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
 so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
  to spring up before all the nations.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – Psalm 126

Refrain – Sung twice at the beginning and once at the

The Lord has done great things for us.

1When the Lord restored the for- | tunes of Zion,
 then were we like | those who dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
and our tongue with | shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great | things for them.”
3The Lord has done great | things for us,
 and we are | glad indeed.
4Restore our for- | tunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses | of the Negeb. ℟
5Those who | sowed with tears
 will reap with | songs of joy.
6Those who go out weeping, carry- | ing the seed,
will come again with joy, shoulder- | ing their sheaves. ℟

Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil.
23May the God of peace sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and will do this.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

All say this together to welcome the gospel.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
We prepare for you, O Lord
Your words give us hope for life with you.
Alleluia

Gospel – John 1:6-8, 19-28

The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.

6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
19This is the testimony given by John when the Judeans sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20John confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23John said,
 “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
 ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ”
as the prophet Isaiah said.
24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27the one who is coming after me; the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

Homily

Hymn of the Day – ELW 264- Prepare the Royal Highway

Prayers of Intercession

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

God of power and might, fulfill your promise and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.

Prayers are offered for the church, the world, and all in need.
Each petition concludes:

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

After all petitions:

Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace

Meal

Announcements

Offertory – ELW 487, vs. 1 – “What Feast of Love”

Offering Prayer

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.

The Great Thanksgiving

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

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.

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:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God, for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion Distribution.

If you are alone in worship, the pastor will distribute to you momentarily.

If you are gathered with multiple people, please distribute communion to one another with these words:

The body of Christ given for you.
The blood of Christ shed for you.

Post-Communion Prayer

God for whom we wait, in this meal you give us a foretaste of that day when the hungry will be fed with good things. Send us forth to make known your deeds and to proclaim the greatness of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Blessing

The Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting,
the long-expected Savior fill you with love,
the unexpected Spirit guide your journey,
now and forever.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 248 – “People Look East”

Dismissal

Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Stay right here for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy, except the Gospel Acclamation and Advent Litany, Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Gospel Acclamation is © Disrupt Worship Project. Used by permission. Advent Litany by Lowell Chilton. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

Worship for the Second Sunday of Advent – December 6, 2020

Connect to Zoom on your computer and keep this open on your phone to join in the service.

Gathering

Prepare your space with candles, a lighter or matches, bread and wine.
Begin with your Advent candles unlit.

Advent Litany

Based on Isaiah 40:1-11

A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord.”
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain be made low.
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.

See, the Lord God comes with might.
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.

Gathering Song – ELW 247 – “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

Light two candles while singing.

Come now, O Prince of peace, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.

Come now, O God of love, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.

Text: Geon-yong Lee, b. 1947; tr. Marion Pope
Text © Geonyong Lee.

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for individual prayer.

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Word

First Reading – Isaiah 40:1-11

A reading from Isaiah.

1Comfort, O comfort my people,
  says your God.
2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
  and cry to the city
 that it has served its term,
  that its penalty is paid,
 that it has received from the Lord’s hand
  double for all its sins.

3A voice cries out:
 “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
  make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4Every valley shall be lifted up,
  and every mountain and hill be made low;
 the uneven ground shall become level,
  and the rough places a plain.
5Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
  and all people shall see it together,
  for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

6A voice says, “Cry out!”
  And I said, “What shall I cry?”
 All people are grass,
  their constancy is like the flower of the field.
7The grass withers, the flower fades,
  when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
  surely the people are grass.
8The grass withers, the flower fades;
  but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
  O  Zion, herald of good tidings;
 lift up your voice with strength,
  O  Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
  Lift it up, do not fear;
 say to the cities of Judah,
  “Here is your God!”
10See, the Lord God comes with might,
  with an arm to rule;
 God comes bearing the reward,
  preceded by the recompense.
11The Lord will feed the chosen flock like a shepherd;
  God’s arms will gather the lambs,
 God’s bosom will carry them,
  and the Lord will gently lead the mother sheep.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Refrain – Sung twice at the beginning and once at the

Righteousness shall prepare a pathway for God.

1You have been gracious to your | land, O Lord;
  you have restored the good for- | tune of Jacob.
2You have forgiven the iniquity | of your people
  and blotted out | all their sins.
8I will listen to what the Lord| God is saying;
  for you speak peace to your faithful people
  and to those who turn their | hearts to you.
9Truly, your salvation is very near to | those who fear you,
  that your glory may dwell | in our land. ℟
10Steadfast love and faithfulness have | met together;
  righteousness and peace have | kissed each other.
11Faithfulness shall spring up | from the earth,
  and righteousness shall look | down from heaven.
12The Lord will indeed | grant prosperity,
  and our land will | yield its increase.
13Righteousness shall go be- | fore the Lord
  and shall prepare for | God a pathway. ℟

Second Reading – 2 Peter 3:8-15A

A reading from 2 Peter.

8Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9The Lord is not slow concerning the promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
11Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13But, in accordance with God’s promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
14Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by God at peace, without spot or blemish; 15aand regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

All say this together to welcome the gospel.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
We prepare for you, O Lord
Your words give us hope for life with you.
Alleluia

Gospel – Mark 1:1-8

The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
 “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
  who will prepare your way;
3the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
  ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
  make straight the paths of the Lord,’ ”
4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, “After me one who is more powerful than I is coming; the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I have baptized you with water; but the one who is coming will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

Homily

Hymn of the Day – ELW 266 – All Earth Is Hopeful

All earth is hopeful, the Savior comes at last!
Furrows lie open for God’s creative task:
this, the labor of people who struggle to see
how God’s truth and justice set ev’rybody free.

People of Israel, you heard the prophet tell:
“A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel”;
she conceived him, “God with us,” our brother, whose birth
restores hope and courage to children of this earth.

Mountains and valleys will have to be prepared;
new highways opened, new protocols declared.
Almost here! God is nearing, in beauty and grace!
All clear ev’ry gateway, in haste, come out in haste!

We first saw Jesus a baby in a crib.
This same Lord Jesus today has come to live
in our world; he is present, in neighbors we see
our Jesus is with us, and ever sets us free.

Text: Alberto Taulé, b. 1932; tr. Madeleine Forell Marshall, b. 1946
Spanish text © 1993 and English text © 1995 Centro de Pastoral Liturgica, admin. OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213.

Prayers of Intercession

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

God of power and might, fulfill your promise and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.

Prayers are offered for the church, the world, and all in need.
Each petition concludes:

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

After all petitions:

Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace

Meal

Announcements

Offertory – ELW 487, vs. 1 – “What Feast of Love”

      What feast of love is offered here,
        what banquet come from heaven?
       What food of everlasting life,
        what gracious gift is given?
        This, this is Christ the king,
        the bread come down from heaven.
        Oh, taste and see and sing!
        How sweet the manna given!

Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939 Text © 1993 Delores Dufner, OSB. Published by OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland OR 97213. All rights reserved.

Offering Prayer

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.

The Great Thanksgiving

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

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.

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:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God, for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion Distribution.

If you are alone in worship, the pastor will distribute to you momentarily.

If you are gathered with multiple people, please distribute communion to one another with these words:

The body of Christ given for you.
The blood of Christ shed for you.

Post-Communion Prayer

God for whom we wait, in this meal you give us a foretaste of that day when the hungry will be fed with good things. Send us forth to make known your deeds and to proclaim the greatness of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Blessing

The Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting,
the long-expected Savior fill you with love,
the unexpected Spirit guide your journey,
now and forever.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 259 – “Fling Wide the Door”

1      Fling wide the door, unbar the gate;
        the King of glory comes in state;
        the Lord of lords and King of kings,
        the Savior of the world who brings
        his great salvation to the earth.
        So raise a shout of holy mirth
        and praise our God and Lord,
        Creator, Spirit, Word.

2      He is the rock of our belief,
        the heart of mercy’s gentle self.
        His kingly crown is holiness;
        his scepter is his loveliness;
        he brings our sorrows to an end.
        Now gladly praise our king and friend,
        and worship him with song
        for saving us from wrong.

3      Oh, happy towns and blessed lands
        that live by their true king’s commands.
        And blessed be the hearts he rules,
        the humble places where he dwells.
        He is the rightful Son of bliss
        who fills our lives and makes us his,
        creator of the world,
        our only strength for good.

4      Come, Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ;
        our hearts are open wide in trust.
        Oh, show us now your lovely grace,
        upon our sorrows shine your face,
        and let your Holy Spirit guide
        our journey in your grace so wide.
        We praise your holy name,
        from age to age the same!

Text: Georg Weissel, 1590-1635; tr. Gracia Grindal, b. 1943
Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

Dismissal

Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Stay right here for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy, except the Gospel Acclamation and Advent Litany, Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Gospel Acclamation is © Disrupt Worship Project. Used by permission. Advent Litany by Lowell Chilton, based on Psalm 80. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.

Worship for November 29, 2020 – The First Sunday of Advent

Connect to Zoom on your computer and keep this open on your phone to join in the service.

Gathering

Prepare your space with candles, a lighter or matches, bread and wine.
Begin with your Advent candles unlit.

Advent Litany

Based on Psalm 80

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
stir up your might and come to save us.
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

How long, O Lord, will you tarry?
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Give us life, and we will call on your name.
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Gathering Song – ELW 247 – “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

Light the appropriate number of candles while singing.

Come now, O Prince of peace, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.

Text: Geon-yong Lee, b. 1947; tr. Marion Pope
Text © Geonyong Lee.

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.

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray,

A period of silence for individual prayer.

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Word

First Reading – Isaiah 64:1-9

Read by Kay Trick

A reading from Isaiah.

1O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
  so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
2as when fire kindles brushwood
  and the fire causes water to boil—
 to make your name known to your adversaries,
  so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
3When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
  you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
4From ages past no one has heard,
  no ear has perceived,
 no eye has seen any God besides you,
  who works for those who wait for you.
5You meet those who gladly do right,
  those who remember you in your ways.
 But you were angry, and we sinned;
  because you hid yourself we transgressed.
6We have all become like one who is unclean,
  and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
 We all fade like a leaf,
  and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
7There is no one who calls on your name,
  or attempts to take hold of you;
 for you have hidden your face from us,
  and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
8Yet, O Lord, you are as a father to us;
  we are the clay, and you are our potter;
  we are all the work of your hand.
9Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
  and do not remember iniquity forever.
  Now consider, we are all your people.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm – Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Led by Frances and Ronald Blatchley

Refrain – Sung twice at the beginning and once at the

Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved

1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph | like a flock;
 shine forth, you that are enthroned up- | on the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, | and Manasseh,
stir up your strength and | come to help us.
3Restore | us, O God;
 let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved.
4O Lord| God of hosts,
how long will your anger fume when your | people pray? ℟
5You have fed them with the | bread of tears;
 you have given them bowls of | tears to drink.
6You have made us the derision | of our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh | us to scorn.
7Restore us, O | God of hosts;
 let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved.
17Let your hand be upon the one at | your right hand,
the one you have made so strong | for yourself. ℟
18And so will we never turn a- | way from you;
 give us life, that we may call up- | on your name.
19Restore us, O Lord| God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved. ℟

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Read by Kay Trick

A reading from 1 Corinthians.

3Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in Christ, in speech and knowledge of every kind—6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by whom you were called into the communion of the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

All say this together to welcome the gospel.

Alleluia, Alleluia.
We prepare for you, O Lord
Your words give us hope for life with you.
Alleluia

Gospel – Mark 13:24-37

Read by Lowell Chilton

The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said:] 24“In those days, after that suffering,
 the sun will be darkened,
  and the moon will not give its light,
25and the stars will be falling from heaven,
  and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26Then they will see ‘the Son-of-Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27Then the Son-of-Man will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
28“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like someone going on a journey, who leaving home and putting the slaves in charge of their own work, commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the lord of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36or else coming suddenly, the lord may find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

Homily

Hymn of the Day – ELW 436, LBW 31 – “Wake, Awake for Night is Flying”

Led by Kate and Nate Williard.

1      Wake, awake, for night is flying,
        the watchmen on the heights are crying;
        awake, Jerusalem, at last.
        Midnight hears the welcome voices,
        and at the thrilling cry rejoices:
        “Come forth, you maidens! Night is past.
        The bridegroom comes! Awake;
        your lamps with gladness take!”
        Alleluia!
        Rise and prepare the feast to share;
        go, meet the bridegroom, who draws near.

2      Zion hears the watchmen singing,
        and all her heart with joy is springing.
        She wakes, she rises from her gloom.
        Her dear friend comes down, all glorious,
        the strong in grace, in truth victorious:
        her star is ris’n; her light is come.
        Now come, O Blessed One,
        Lord Jesus, God’s own Son.
       Sing hosanna!
        Oh, hear the call! Come one, come all,
        and follow to the banquet hall.

3      Gloria! Let heav’n adore you!
       Let saints and angels sing before you,
        with harp and cymbal’s clearest tone.
        Gates of pearl, twelve portals gleaming,
        lead us to bliss beyond all dreaming,
        with angel choirs around your throne.
        No eye has caught the light,
        no ear the thund’ring might
        of such glory.
        There we will go: what joy we’ll know!
        There sweet delight will ever flow.

Text: Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608; tr. composite Text © 1999 Augsburg Fortress.

Prayers of Intercession

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

God of power and might, fulfill your promise and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.

Prayers are offered for the church, the world, and all in need.
Each petition concludes:

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

After all petitions:

Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace

Meal

Offertory – ELW 487, vs. 1 – “What Feast of Love”

      What feast of love is offered here,
        what banquet come from heaven?
       What food of everlasting life,
        what gracious gift is given?
        This, this is Christ the king,
        the bread come down from heaven.
        Oh, taste and see and sing!
        How sweet the manna given!

Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939 Text © 1993 Delores Dufner, OSB. Published by OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland OR 97213. All rights reserved.

Offering Prayer

Led by Amy Shuck

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.

The Great Thanksgiving

Please unmute your Zoom so that we all hear the responses.

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.

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:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 the Table

These are indeed the gifts of God, for you, the very much beloved people of God. Taste and see that God is good.

Communion Distribution.

If you are alone in worship, the pastor will distribute to you momentarily.

If you are gathered with multiple people, please distribute communion to one another with these words:

The body of Christ given for you.
The blood of Christ shed for you.

Post-Communion Prayer

Led by Amy Shuck

God for whom we wait, in this meal you give us a foretaste of that day when the hungry will be fed with good things. Send us forth to make known your deeds and to proclaim the greatness of your name, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Sending

Sending of Communion

Gracious God, as we gather as one body this day and feast at your table, our assembly is incomplete for there are many unable to join us today. We long for the day when we are reunited as one body around a common table and we pray that you extend our gathering into homes and campsites, yards and porches, and strengthen all who hear your Word and feast at your table with the abiding presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Announcements

Blessing

The Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting,
the long-expected Savior fill you with love,
the unexpected Spirit guide your journey,
now and forever.

Amen.

Sending Song – ELW 715 – “Christ Be Our Light”

Led by Madi Styers

Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.

Refrain
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has pow’r to save us.
Make us your living voice.  Refrain

Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.  Refrain

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.  Refrain

Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
signs of your kingdom come.  Refrain

Dismissal

Led by Amy Shuck

Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Stay right here for Coffee Hour.

Liturgy, except the Gospel Acclamation and Advent Litany, Evangelical Lutheran Worship and Sundays and Seasons © Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission under Augsburg Fortress Annual Liturgies License SBT002156. Gospel Acclamation is © Disrupt Worship Project. Used by permission. Advent Litany by Lowell Chilton, based on Psalm 80. Music is used by permission under OneLicense.net # A-715196.