WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, alive in the world, reviving creation, arriving soon. Amen. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
(Silence for reflection)
God of mercy, we confess that we have sinned. We trust earthly powers and human authority alone. We grow fearful. We cling to false comforts.
God of might, we confess that we have sinned. We have turned away from our neighbors. We have trusted false promises.
God in our midst, we confess that we have sinned. We plead: come to us. Bring your mercy to birth in us
A righteous branch springs forth: it is Christ the Lord, our Savior, in whom we have forgiveness, life, and mercy. By the power of the Holy Spirit, receive the grace and forgiveness of God through ☩ Christ Jesus, whose day draws near. Amen.
OPENING HYMN: #244 REJOICE, REJOICE, BELIEVERS (v. 1-3)
APOSTOLIC 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.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT “HOPE” CANDLE & ADVENT SONG
ADVENT SONG: THE KING OF GLORY – INSERT (v. 1-2)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
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. 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. “Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
PSALM 25:1-10 (please read responsively)
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 Let none who look to you be put to shame; rather let those be put to shame who are treacherous.
4 Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.
6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
8 You are gracious and upright, O Lord; therefore you teach sinners in your way.
9 You lead the lowly in justice and teach the lowly your way.
10 All your paths, O Lord, are steadfast love and faithfulness to those who keep your covenant and your testimonies
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. Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: LUKE 21:25-36
The Holy Gospel according Luke the 21st Chapter. 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.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Kurt Bockoven
HYMN OF THE DAY: #KEEP YOUR LAMPS TRIMMED AND BURING – INSERT (v. 1-3)
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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 (please answer “Hear Our Prayer”)
PASSING OF THE PEACE
OFFERATORY
Please be seated Offering plates will be passed during this time.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray: Creator God, you made the whole world, even the farthest stars, and you draw near to feed us. We praise you for these gifts of bread and wine. Strengthen us with this food that we may live in expectation for the advent of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION / LORD’S PRAYER
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… and join their unending hymn: (Please sing:153)
Holy, holy, holy Lord, 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.
In the night he was betrayed…. Do this for the remembrance of me. Our Father who art in heaven….
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
God feeds us with tender mercy. Come to the table.
(All who hunger for God’s grace are welcome at this meal. White grape juice and gluten free wafers are available for those who need them. Children who have not had first communion training are welcome to come for a blessing.)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray: Generous God, we thank you for the gift of life, for the bread of salvation. We thank you for coming among us, for leading us into peace. We thank you for showering us with mercy, for sending us into the world. Come, Lord Jesus, and go with us as we feed the hungry in your name. Amen.
BLESSING
God of endings and beginnings, God in the darkness and the light, God, our hope for the journey, ☩ bless and keep you now and forever. Amen
CLOSING HYMN: #438 MY LORD, WHAT A MORNING
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Prepare the way for Emmanuel. Thanks be to God.
Welcome guests, we’re glad you’re here!
- COOKIES!!! Please have your cookies to the church on Wednesday, Dec. 4th for the Youth Breakfast with Santa Cookie Sale coming up December 7th.
- SHARE YOUR TALENT!! Special music or readings for Christmas Eve Services are needed. 4:30 and/or 6:30 pm services. Please contact the office.
- Greenfield Youth Mitten Tree Ministry. Items go to those in need in Fillmore County. – A BIG thank you to the Rachel Circle for doing the Mitten tree for so many years.
- Bible Study with Pastor Kurt Wednesdays at 8:15 am at Gabby Lou’s! Join us!
- December Confirmation Classes – Dec 4, Dec 11, Dec 18, No class on Dec 25.
Thank You to Our Assistants: Morem Family Helpers/Acolytes, Eric Slindee Reader, Ron Stevens Usher/Helper and Advent Reader, Steve Donney Video; Reagan Rose Piano, Scott Snyder and Vicky Tribon Offering Counters, Kandace Johnson Altar Guild, Sunday School/Youth practice for the Christmas Program led by Josh.
Please Remember Our Homebound and Senior Care Residents: Merle Roelofs, Carla Erickson, Lee Fishbaugher, Walt Ward, Mel Mikkelson.
Please Keep in Prayers: Carole Engen, Bernie Hurley, Lu Ommen, Marlin Easler, Sondra Taubert.
Liturgy taken from sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SB134626. CCLI Streaming License #20959486
GREENFIELD LUTHERAN CHURCH ~ 507-886-3272 office@greenfieldlutheran.com