Gathering
Prelude
“Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel”
Rudolph Moser
Opening Hymn #31 (green hymnal)
“Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying”
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!
Prepare yourselves to meet the Lord,
whose light has stirred the waiting guard.
2 Zion hears the watchmen singing,
and in her heart new joy is springing.
She wakes, she rises from her gloom,
for her Lord comes down all-glorious,
the strong in grace, in truth victorious.
Her star is ris’n; her light is come.
Oh, come, you Blessed One,
Lord Jesus, God’s own Son.
Sing hosanna!
We go until the halls we view
where you have bid us dine with you.
3 Now let all the heav’ns adore you,
and saints and angels sing before you.
The harps and cymbals all unite.
Of one pearl each shining portal,
where, dwelling with the choir immortal,
we gather round your dazzling light.
No eye has seen, no ear
has yet been trained to hear,
what joy is ours!
Crescendos rise; your halls resound;
hosannas blend in cosmic sound.
Confession and Forgiveness
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who alone does wonders, who lifts up the lowly, who fills the hungry with good things.
C: Amen.
P: Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P: God for whom we wait,
C: in the presence of one another, we confess our sin before you. We fail in believing that your good news is for us. We falter in our call to tend your creation. We find our sense of self in material wealth. We fear those different from ourselves. We forget that we are your children and turn away from your love. Forgive us, Blessed One, and assure us again of your saving grace. Amen.
P: God, in Christ Jesus, has looked with favor upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. You are children of the Most High, inheritors of the eternal promise, and recipients of divine mercy. God strengthens you anew to follow the way of peace.
C: Amen.
Greeting and Prayer of the Day
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you.
P: Let us pray. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
The Word
Blessing of the Lector
P: Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Let us pray. Be with us, O God, as Linda opens for us the scriptures, and open our ears to hear the good Word, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
14 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”
The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Psalmody: Special Music
Psalm 25: “Unto You, O Lord”
Charles Monroe
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Gospel: Luke 21:25-36
P: The holy gospel according to St. Luke, the 21st chapter.
C: Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus said: 25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
P: The gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Music: “Light an Advent Candle”
Becki Slagle Mayo
P: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You call all nations to walk in your light and to seek your ways of justice and peace, for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near.
C: Bless us as we light the first candle of this wreath.
P: Rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes and welcome him into our hearts and homes, for he is our light and our salvation.
C: Blessed be God forever. Amen.
Children’s Sermon
Sermon
Silence for meditation
Hymn of the Day #27 (green hymnal)
“Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”
1 Lo! He comes with clouds descending,
once for favored sinners slain;
thousand thousand saints attending
swell the triumph of his train:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Christ the Lord returns to reign.
2 Ev’ry eye shall now behold him
robed in glorious majesty;
those who set at nought and sold him,
pierced and nailed him to the tree,
deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing,
shall their true Messiah see.
3 Those dear tokens of his passion
still his dazzling body bears,
cause of endless exultation
to his ransomed worshipers.
With what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture
gaze we on those glorious scars!
4 Yea, amen, let all adore thee,
high on thine eternal throne;
Savior, take the pow’r and glory,
claim the kingdom as thine own.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou shalt reign, and thou alone!
Blessing of Pets
Hymn #767 (blue hymnal)
“All Things Bright and Beautiful”
Kathryn:
Refrain
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
1 Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
God made their tiny wings. Refrain
All sing:
2 The purple-headed mountains,
the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning
that brightens up the sky. Refrain
3 The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
God made them ev’ry one. Refrain
4 God gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well. Refrain
P: Let us pray. O God, you have made us and these animals and all living things. You are ever more wonderful than the things you have made. We thank you for giving us these animals who give us joy. As you take care of us, so also we ask that we might take care of the animals who trust us to do so. By doing this, we share in your own love for all creation. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
C: Amen.
Those who have a picture of their pet, or a stuffed animal, are invited to bring it forward to receive an individual blessing.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
A: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
After each petition:
A: Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
After the last petition:
A: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
Peace
P: The peace of Christ be with you always.
C: And also with you.
The Meal
Offering Prayer
A: Let us pray.
C: 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.
Great Thanksgiving
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, 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:
Sanctus
LBW Setting 1 (green hymnal, p. 69)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
P: 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:
C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
P: 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.
C: Come, Lord Jesus.
P: 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.
C: Come, Holy Spirit.
P: All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
Invitation to Communion
P: Taste and see that the Lord is good.
The Body of Christ, broken for you.
The Blood of Christ, shed for you.
All eat bread and drink wine or juice at their seat.
Communion Hymn #25 (green hymnal)
“Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers”
1 Rejoice, rejoice, believers,
and let your lights appear;
the evening is advancing,
and darker night is near.
The bridegroom is arising
and soon is drawing nigh.
Up, pray and watch and wrestle;
at midnight comes the cry.
2 The watchers on the mountain
proclaim the bridegroom near;
go forth as he approaches
with alleluias clear.
The marriage feast is waiting;
the gates wide open stand.
Arise, O heirs of glory;
the bridegroom is at hand.
3 The saints, who here in patience
their cross and suff’rings bore,
shall live and reign forever
when sorrow is no more.
Around the throne of glory
the Lamb they shall behold;
in triumph cast before him
their diadems of gold.
4 Our hope and expectation,
O Jesus, now appear;
arise, O Sun so longed for,
o’er this benighted sphere.
With hearts and hands uplifted,
we plead, O Lord, to see
the day of earth’s redemption
that sets your people free!
Table Blessing
P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C: Amen.
Prayer after Communion
A: Let us pray. 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.
C: Amen.
Sending
Announcements for God’s Mission in the World
Blessing
P: Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
C: Amen.
Closing Hymn #32 (green hymnal)
“Fling Wide the Door” v. 1-2, 4
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.
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!
Dismissal
A: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude
Variations on “Once He Came in Blessing”
J.S. Bach and Heinrich Buttstedt
Worship Leaders
The Rev. Emily Beckering, Pastor
Kris Keith, Music Director
Kate Wollenburg, Organist
Carroll Mayhugh, Assisting Minister
Linda Miller, Reader
Upcoming Events
Sunday, November 28: First Sunday of Advent
Blessing of Pets – Pics and Stuffed Animals only please
**No Sunday School / Adult Forum**
10:30 am Worship Service (in-person/livestreamed)
2 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal
Tuesday, November 30
6:30 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal
Wednesday, December 1
7 pm Bell choir rehearsal
Thursday, December 2
10:30 am Bible Study – Sunday’s readings
6:30 pm “The Game’s Afoot” rehearsal
Friday, December 3
7 pm St. Paul Players perform “The Game’s Afoot”
Saturday, December 4
7 pm St. Paul Players perform “The Game’s Afoot”
Sunday, December 5: Second Sunday of Advent
9 am Sunday School / Adult Forum
10:30 am Worship Service (in-person/livestreamed)
After Worship: Hanging of the Greens
2 pm St. Paul Players perform “The Game’s Afoot”
Monday, December 6
5:30 pm Confirmation Class
Wednesday, December 8
7 pm Bell choir rehearsal
Thursday, December 9
10:30 am Bible Study – Sunday’s readings
6 pm Scouts BSA Meeting
Friday, December 10
7 pm St. Paul Players perform “The Game’s Afoot”
Saturday, December 11
12 pm Setup for Live Nativity
3 pm Live Nativity
7 pm St. Paul Players perform “The Game’s Afoot”
Copyright Notices
“Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel”: Arr. by Rudof Moser © 1953 Concordia Publishing House.
“Unto You, O Lord”: Text and music by Charles F. Monroe © 1971, 1973 CCCM Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.); Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
“Light an Advent Candle”: Words and music by Becki Slagle Mayo © 2007 Lorenz Publishing Company, a division of The Lorenz Corporation.
“Fling Wide the Door”: Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Arr. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress.
Hymns/anthems: Music reprinted and streamed by permission under ONE LICENSE #A-726103 and CCLI Licenses #21045423 and #21045416. All rights reserved.
Liturgical texts and service music: From SundaysandSeasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS010308.