December Worship 2023 – Redeemer Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023 – 7:00 PM – Nativity of our Lord

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL He Came Down Redeemer Choir

WORDS OF WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP Ladies Choir

Were You There on that Christmas Eve

CAROL Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ELW 270

Please be seated for the candlelight service.

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The purpose of the Advent Candle Lighting Ceremony is to recapture the wonder of Christ’s coming and the joy of Christ’s presence.

MUSIC The Wonder of Christmas Redeemer Choir

During Advent, we have journeyed in faith toward God’s wonderous gift.

O come, let us adore him.

During Advent, we stood in awe of God’s saving grace.

O come, let us adore him.

During Advent, we recalled the promise the promise of God’s spoken word.

O come, let us adore him.

During Advent, we waited for the time of God’s glorious arrival.

O come, let us adore him.

Tonight our waiting is over, our eyes are open, and the gift is given.

O come, let us adore him.

CANDLE LIGHTING

Tonight we light all of the candles. The first candle reminds us to recapture the wonder of the season. In the midst of repeated refrains and familiar stories, Advent is a time to be awed by the God who came to restore our world. The second candle calls us to remember the promises of old, that from the dawn of creation all things have unfolded according to God’s redemptive plan. The third candle calls us to listen to the God who still speaks to us today. Advent is a time to hear afresh the joy of God’s reconciling love that beckons us homeward. The fourth candle calls us to reawaken our sense of expectation and behold the miraculous in our day and time. Tonight we light the Christ Candle, rejoicing in the Good News of the holy birth, the hope of humanity and the light of the world.

MUSIC The Wonder of Christmas Redeemer Choir

CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER

Gracious God, thank you for guiding us throughout this season of wonder. We stand amazed at the promise now fulfilled and awed by your humble birth. Help us receive, again, the joy and wonder of the greatest gift offered to the world. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our newborn King. Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC O Holy Night Lynn Barrett

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song from the Old Testament, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Isaiah 9: 2-7

This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

²The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
³You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
⁴For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
⁵For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

⁶For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace

for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness

from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING Titus 2: 11-14

The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final appearance.

¹¹The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, ¹²training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. ¹⁴He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

SPECIAL MUSIC Breath of Heaven Lynn Barrett

Please stand, if able, to welcome the Gospel.

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.

GOSPEL Luke 2: 1-20

God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace.

¹In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³All went to their own towns to be registered. ⁴Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. ⁵He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

⁸In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ¹¹to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

Please be seated.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

CAROL It Came Upon the Midnight Clear ELW 282

Please stand, if able, for the Nicene Creed.

NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and man was made.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others.

Trusting in God’s good news of great joy for all people, we offer our prayers for ourselves, our neighbors, and the world God loves.

A brief silence.

Glory to you, God, for the song of the angels, proclaiming to the world Christ’s holy birth. Give your church a joyful song to sing, that we bring the good news of peace and salvation to all people. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Glory to you, God, for the stars that shine in the depth of the night. Provoke awe in our hearts at the expansive mystery of the cosmos. Open us to find beauty in the clear darkness of night and in the first glimmers of dawn. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Glory to you, God, for the child born to us who establishes a kingdom of justice and righteousness. Break bonds of oppression, bring reconciliation to warring lands, and establish peace from this time onward and forevermore. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Glory to you, God, for Mary’s loving care. Lead us to tend to one another in time of need. Share the comfort of your presence with all people tonight who are alone or separated from loved ones due to estrangement, incarceration, or illness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Glory to you, God, for the faithfulness of the shepherds in their vocation. Grant rest to any who feel exhausted from their work during this season: retail and restaurant workers, church musicians, administrative staff, and clergy, organizers of charitable-giving events, and service workers doing essential tasks. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Glory to you, God, for the multitude of the heavenly host. We rejoice in the zeal of all your saints who have witnessed the appearing of your grace, and who reveal to us your salvation for all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We remember those of our congregation who may be suffering physically, emotionally or spiritually. Please bring healing, peace and comfort to all those that we name in our hearts and minds. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Protecting God, please keep our first responders and military personnel safe, whether they are at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

P: Abide with us, O God of mercy, and receive our prayers according to your abundant grace.

C: Amen.

OFFERING Carry Me to Bethlehem Redeemer Choir

OFFERING PRAYER

P: God of abundance, receive and bless these gifts we have offered. Join our hearts with the song of the angels, and gather us at your table of celebration. Strengthen us to share with all the world the abundance of your grace upon grace, poured out in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

P: 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 in 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 in remembrance of me.

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.

Please be seated.

Communion will be distributed in a continuous fashion.

Please stand, if able.

P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C: Amen.

A Christmas Blessing

May the peace of Christmas fill your world this night,

Peace for ev’ry nation, peace in ev’ry life.

Heal our inward strife that war may cease on earth.

Peace, be born within us with the Savior’s birth.

CAROL Silent Night, Holy Night ELW 281

BENEDICTION

P: May Christ, who by his incarnation has filled us with grace and truth, give you peace this Christmas and always. Almighty God, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

C: Amen.

CLOSING CAROL Joy to the World ELW 267

P: Go in peace. Rejoice in Christ our Savior.

C: Thanks be to God.

December 24 2023 10:00 am – Fourth Sunday of Advent

God keeps the promise made to David to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David’s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, “Count me in.” We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, “Count us in.”

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Redeemer Choir

Please join the choir in singing.

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Soon and Very Soon Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who opens the heavens and draws near to us with salvation.

C: Amen.

P: God is patient and merciful, desiring all to come to repentance. Trusting this promise of grace, let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Everlasting God,

C: you love justice and you hate wrongdoing. We confess the fear, greed, and self-centeredness that make us reluctant to work against oppression. We are complicit in systems of exploitation. We choose comfort over courage. We are careless with creation’s bounty. Look upon us with mercy. Turn our hearts again to you. Make us glad to do your will and to walk in your ways for the sake of our waiting world. Amen.

P: Hear these words of assurance: God clothes you with garments of salvation and covers you with robes of righteousness. In the tender compassion of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. God’s covenant is eternal, and God’s blessing rests upon us all.

C: Amen.

Please be seated.

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The purpose of the Advent Candle Lighting Ceremony is to recapture the wonder of Christ’s coming and the joy of Christ’s presence.

MUSIC We Wait in Hope Redeemer Choir

The Wonder of Hope

During Advent, we ignite the wonder of expectation.

Open our eyes, O Lord, to behold your glory.

During Advent, we look for the light that shines in the darkness.

Open our eyes, O Lord, to behold your glory.

During Advent, we embrace the hope that enlivens the soul.

Open our eyes, O Lord, to behold your glory.

During Advent, we welcome the Savior who beckons the world.

Open our eyes, O Lord, to behold your glory.

During Advent, we rejoice in the One who has reclaimed the lost.

Open our eyes, O Lord, to behold your glory.

CANDLE LIGHTING

Today we light four candles. The first candle calls us to behold the glory of the season with renewed wonder. Advent is a time to be awed by God’s redeeming love for the lost and broken. The second candle calls us to reclaim the promises of God spoken in ages past. As the light fills this room, so the Word of God fills our world with hope for the hurting, peace for the restless, and joy for the heavy hearted. The third candle is an invitation to wait patiently upon the Lord. In a world where we often lack for patience, Advent reminds us to rest in God’s timing and trust God’s plan. The fourth candle challenges us to grow in faithful expectation. As people whose faith often becomes tamed to the miraculous, Advent is a time to remember afresh a God in whom all things are possible.

MUSIC The Wonder of Christmas Redeemer Choir

ADVENT PRAYER

Gracious Lord, open our eyes to the wonders you have done, open our ears to the promises you have spoken, and open our hearts that we might become the people you have called us to be. We pray this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the first chapter.

GOSPEL Luke 1:26-38

In this annunciation, Luke makes clear that God comes with good news for ordinary people from little known places. This king will not be born to royalty in a palace, but to common folk in a stall. Here Luke highlights the role of the Spirit, a special emphasis in this gospel.

²⁶In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” ²⁹But she was much perplexed by his 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 kingdom 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.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

CANTATA Peace Redeemer Choir

Let there be peace on earth.

While our world often seems overrun with conflict, it’s the Christmas season and God’s promise of peace on earth that keeps us hopeful. Jesus came to offer the ultimate form of peace and to remind us that peace on earth begins in the hearts of individuals.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!

A Prayer For Peace

Centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah fortold his coming. He said “a child will be born, a son will be given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Does the world long for anything more than it longs for peace?

Let Us Adore Him

Bring Us Heavenly Peace

Of the promised Messiah, Isaiah wrote, “Here is my servant, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching, the lands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:1-4)

In Royal David’s City

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken, and everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph went to Bethlehem to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn. (from Luke 2)

Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host joined the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace and goodwill to all.” (Luke 2:8-14)

Carry Me to Bethlehem

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (Luke 2:15-16)

Still, Still, Still

When they had seen the child, the shepherds told Mary and Joseph what the angels had said about Jesus. Both were astonished at what the shepherds said, but Mary treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:17-19)

Let There Be Peace on Earth

On that first Christmas morning, the ancient prophecy was fulfilled. For unto us, a child was born; a son was given. And we call him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching, our world puts its hope.

Let Us Adore Him- Reprise

CAROL Come, Thou Long- Expected Jesus sheet

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 to the dead. 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.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

With hope and expectation, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who await God’s day of restoration.

A brief silence.

You promise mercy to Abraham and Sarah and their descendants forever. Bring your church into thoughtful, caring, and collaborative relationship with those of other faiths. Strengthen our shared values, that we work together in caring for our world. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

As fields and crops lie dormant, bless them with holy rest. Prepare them to thrive, that they provide abundant food in due season. Protect animals who hibernate and provide for all who scavenge for food in the lean season. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

You raise up the lowly and cast down the arrogant. Teach humility to all in positions of authority. Break down systems of oppression, especially systems that perpetuate inequity and exclusion. Do not allow wealth, power, or pride to become idols that obscure your call to justice. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Look with favor upon all who cry out to you. Accompany with tenderness all who are afraid or ill. Rescue all who experience abuse or who live under threat of violence, especially refugees, immigrants, and asylum-seekers in search of a safe and stable home. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

You are pleased to make your home among us. Make our homecomings joyful as we gather with friends, families, and chosen families in celebration. Grant safety to all who travel. Sustain the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and other ministries that assist in setting up new homes. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Blessed are you for Mary and all your servants in every generation who lived according to your promise of mercy. Strengthen us by their example until the revelation of your glory is made known. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Almighty God, in this season of Advent we are mindful of how you faithfully come to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Come and bless All Saints Lutheran church and other congregations in the Tampa Conference that are in the transition process to call new pastors to serve as their shepherds. Guide them with your wisdom in their discernment. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Listen to these and all our prayers, O God of hosts, and restore us with your great and everlasting mercy.

C: Amen.

OFFERING

OFFERING PRAYER

P: God our provider, by your merciful hand abundance springs up from the earth. Receive and bless these gifts of your own bounty. Let them be a sign of your steadfast love and faithfulness for all people, through Jesus Christ our Savior.

C: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING CAROL The First Noel ELW 300

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Keep awake.

C: Thanks be to God.

December 17, 2023 – Third Sunday of Advent

“Rejoice always,” begins the reading from 1 Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. “All God’s children got a robe,” go the words of a spiritual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes we are happy to wear. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God’s party.

*Please conclude all conversations when the music begins*

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Emmanuel, Emmanuel Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Lift Up Your Heads to the Coming King Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who opens the heavens and draws near to us with salvation.

C: Amen.

P: God is patient and merciful, desiring all to come to repentance. Trusting this promise of grace, let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Everlasting God,

Amen.

C: Amen.

GATHERING CAROL Come, You People of the Promise sheet

Please be seated for our Candlelight Service

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The purpose of the Advent Candle Lighting Ceremony is to recapture the wonder of Christ’s coming and the joy of Christ’s presence.

MUSIC The Wonder of the Message Redeemer Choir

P: During Advent we listen for the wonder of God’s Word.

C: Speak to us, O Lord, for our hearts are open.

P: During Advent we reach beyond the noise and distractions of this world.

C: Speak to us, O Lord, for our hearts are open.

P: During Advent we ponder the good news that is our great joy.

C: Speak to us, O Lord, for our hearts are open.

P: During Advent we speak words of hope to those engaged in life’s struggles.

C: Speak to us, O Lord, for our hearts are open.

P: During Advent we offer words of peace to those overcome by life’s fears.

C: Speak to us, O Lord, for our hearts are open.

CANDLE LIGHTING

Today we light three candles. The first candle calls us to behold the wonder of the season in a fresh way. In a world where too often the familiar becomes commonplace, Advent is a time to ponder the mystery of God’s amazing love. The second candle invites us to hear again the ancient prophecies that, like flames in the darkness, illuminate our world, inspire our faith, and guide our journey. As we light the third candle, we affirm that Advent is a time to hear again the still small voice calling us to behold God’s promise, and embrace the gift of a Savior who is Christ our Lord.

MUSIC The Wonder of Christmas Redeemer Choir

ADVENT PRAYER

Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we pray that we would be guided by grace, strengthened by faith, and encouraged by Christ. With the many distractions surrounding us daily, keep our eyes focused on your glory and our ears attentive to your Word. We pray this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song) Lynn Barrett

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Though the people had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, they continued to face hardship and oppression. In the language of the jubilee year described in Leviticus 25, the prophet, moved by the spirit of God, announces deliverance for those who are oppressed and comfort for those who mourn.

¹The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me;
he 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 his glory.
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 he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he 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.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 126

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

Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians by encouraging them to live lives of continual joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. The closing blessing is grounded in the hope of Christ’s coming.

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 himself 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 he will do this.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Celtic Alleluia ELW 174

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the first chapter.

GOSPEL John 1:6-8, 19-28

John’s gospel describes Jesus as the “light of the world.” John the Baptist is presented as a witness to Jesus, one who directs attention away from himself to Christ, the true light.

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 Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” ²⁰He 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?” ²³He 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; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” ²⁸This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

CAROL OF THE DAY The Moon with Borrowed Light Sheet

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

With hope and expectation, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who await God’s day of restoration.

A brief silence.

Fill our mouths with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy as we bear witness to the great things you have done. Give your church a spirit of gladness as we gather and as we are sent. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Let the trees of the field sing your praise. Protect forests, orchards, rainforests, and all wooded areas from disease and deforestation. Keep us grateful for their gifts of oxygen, food, shade, and shelter. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

You love justice and promise your favor to those who are oppressed, brokenhearted, and incarcerated. Grant wisdom and compassion to those who work for public safety and all who work within prisons, jails, and courts, that mercy may increase and violence wither away. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Give us strength to pray for our world without ceasing and provoke us toward love and good deeds for all who are in need. Provide for all without adequate housing, food, employment, or access to health care. Empower us as helpers and advocates. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Open our hearts to those who serve as truth-tellers in our church and in our society. Bless leaders in church and society in their task of proclamation. Amplify voices of peacemakers, advocates, and especially those whose voices are ignored or marginalized. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

With gratitude we rejoice in the saints who witnessed to your life in all circumstances, in whom your Spirit was not quenched, even in death. Through them, teach us always to hold fast to what is good. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

P: Listen to these and all our prayers, O God of hosts, and restore us with your great and everlasting mercy.

C: Amen.

OFFERING/ANTHEM Redeemer Choir

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

OFFERING PRAYER

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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.

Please be seated.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION – Lamb of God

Please stand, if able.

P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C: Amen.

SENDING OF COMMUNION

P: O God of tender compassion, as you healed the sick and welcomed the stranger, bless those who leave this assembly to share the gifts of

this table with our sisters and brothers who are sick, homebound, or imprisoned. May they be sustained by the love and prayers of this community, and by the Bread of life that satisfies all hunger, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING CAROL Hark, the Glad Sound! ELW 239

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Keep awake.

C: Thanks be to God.

December 10, 2023 – Second Sunday of Advent

John calls people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing gets in the way of the Lord’s coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, “See, your God is coming!” We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace.

*Please conclude all conversations when the music begins*

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Come Lord Jesus Redeemer Choir

TEMPLE TALK WELCA Luncheon Carolyn Cole

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP Enter In the Wilderness Sherri Knaub

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who opens the heavens and draws near to us with salvation.

C: Amen.

P: God is patient and merciful, desiring all to come to repentance. Trusting this promise of grace, let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Everlasting God,

Amen.

C: Amen.

GATHERING CAROL Prepare the Royal Highway ELW 264

Please be seated for our Candlelight Service.

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The purpose of the Advent Candle Lighting Ceremony is to recapture the wonder of Christ’s coming and the joy of Christ’s presence.

MUSIC The Wonder of the Promise Redeemer Choir

During Advent we recall God’s promises spoken through the prophets.

The Word of the Lord is steadfast and true.

To the hurting, God promises unshakeable hope.

The Word of the Lord is steadfast and true.

To the forsaken, God promises unconditional love.

The Word of the Lord is steadfast and true.

To the broken, God promises unmerited grace.

The Word of the Lord is steadfast and true.

To the heavy hearted, God promises unbridled joy.

The Word of the Lord is steadfast and true.

CANDLE LIGHTING

Today we light two candles. The first candle reminds us to recapture the wonder of the season. In a world that seldom slows, Advent is an opportunity to still our hearts and open our eyes to the wonder and majesty of our Savior. As we light the second candle, we call to mind God’s promise to restore, redeem and reconcile a broken world, spoken through the prophets and fulfilled through Christ.

MUSIC The Wonder of Christmas Redeemer Choir

ADVENT PRAYER

Gracious God, we pray for your continued guidance throughout this Advent season. As we prepare to once again celebrate the greatest gift offered to the world, we pray for our hearts to be filled with wonder, for our steps to be guided by faith, and for our hope to be anchored in the certainty of your Word. We pray this in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

ANTHEM Prepare & Celebrate Redeemer Choir

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Isaiah 40:1-11

In grand, flowing, poetic lines, the prophet announces that the exile of God’s people in Babylon is over. God will deliver Israel and will care for her as a shepherd cares for the sheep. This word can be trusted, because the only enduring reality in life is the word of God.

¹Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
²Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her 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.
⁹Get 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,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
¹¹He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 85:1-2,8-13

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

This short letter deals with pressing concerns regarding the final advent of Jesus, especially concerns that could arise over its apparent delay. The author of the letter calls on Christians to anticipate the promised coming of the Lord through conduct dedicated to God.

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 about his 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 his 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 him at peace, without spot or blemish; ^15aand regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Celtic Alleluia ELW 174

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the first chapter.

GOSPEL Mark 1:1-8

The Gospel of Mark does not begin with a story of Jesus’ birth but with the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the 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 his paths straight,’ ”

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, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. ⁸I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

CAROL OF THE DAY Jesus Came the Heavens Adoring sheet

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

OFFERING

Please join in singing the offertory response.

OFFERTORY RESPONSE – Create In Me a Clean Heart

OFFERING PRAYER

P: God of all goodness, generations have turned to you, gathered around your table, and shared your abundant blessings. Number us among them that, as we gather these gifts from your abundance, and give thanks for your rich blessings, we may feast upon your very self and care for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant.

C: Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

With hope and expectation, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who await God’s day of restoration.

A brief silence.

Send forth your faithful people with words of promise and forgiveness. Teach your church to be bold in revealing your good news in word and in deed. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Reveal your majesty in mountain peaks, flowing rivers, and blossoming wilderness roads. Heal the earth where it longs for renewal. Bring wholeness to the earth and all its creatures. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Turn the hearts of the nations toward righteousness and peace. Increase cooperation for justice between countries, commonwealths, political parties, and diplomatic leaders. In times of prosperity, direct leaders to be generous for the sake of all. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Comfort your people with tender words of love and healing. Surround all who are grieving, all who know depression or anxiety, or all who feel lonely or forgotten. Be a steadfast presence when all else feels uncertain. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Grant holy patience to all who are waiting this season. Give hope to those seeking employment. Bring reassurance to people awaiting new diagnoses or treatments. Protect expectant parents. Watch with those who keep bedside vigil. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

With you a thousand years is like a day. Bless the memory of the saints from ages past and the anticipation of saints yet to be born. Inspire us to live with faith as we await your new heaven and new earth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

P: Listen to these and all our prayers, O God of hosts, and restore us with your great and everlasting mercy.

C: Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING CAROL On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry ELW 249

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Keep awake.

C: Thanks be to God.

December 3, 2023 – First Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power, and come! The psalmist’s plea in Psalm 80:2 has become familiar to us in the Advent prayers. Isaiah wants God to rip the heavens open. Both cry out for an apparently distant, angry God to show up, to save, to restore. When we hear Jesus describing the coming of the Son of Man with stars falling from heaven, it can sound dire and horrible, not like anything we would ever hope for. But when we really look at the suffering of people God loves, we can share the hope that God would tear open the heavens and come.

*Please conclude all conversations when the music begins*

PRELUDE

PROCESSIONAL Emmanuel, Emmanuel Redeemer Choir

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP I Wonder as I Wander Lynn Barrett

Redeemer’s Mission is to Grow in Faith.

The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who opens the heavens and draws near to us with salvation.

C: Amen.

P: God is patient and merciful, desiring all to come to repentance. Trusting this promise of grace, let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Everlasting God,

Amen.

C: Amen.

GATHERING CAROL Rejoice, Rejoice Believers ELW 244

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The purpose of the Advent Candle Lighting Ceremony is to recapture the wonder of Christ’s coming and the joy of Christ’s presence.

MUSIC The Wonder of the Season Redeemer Choir

P: Advent is a time to remember the wonders of our faith.

C: God has done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

P: Advent is a time to be amazed at God’s wonderous love.

C: God has done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

P: Advent is a time to retrace our past, and reclaim the hope of our future.

C: God has done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

P: Advent is a time to be awed by God’s unfolding plan for creation.

C: God has done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

CANDLE LIGHTING

Today we light the first candle. The first candle reminds us that the season of Advent is a time of unspeakable wonder. As we begin our Advent journey, let us stand amazed at the promise God has fulfilled, the love God has shown, and the joy God has given through the birth of Christ.

MUSIC The Wonder of Christmas Redeemer Choir

ADVENT PRAYER

God in Heaven, as we begin this season of Advent, re-ignite our sense of wonder. Help us move beyond what is familiar to your indescribable glory. Allow us to be still, in the midst of what our minds cannot fully grasp, and what our lips cannot fully explain. Fill our hearts this Advent with restored amazement for what you have done, the love you have shown, and the gift you have given, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching and song

from the Old Testament, Psalms, and the New Testament.

FIRST READING Isaiah 64:1-9

This lament comes from a people who have had their hopes shattered. The visions of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a renewed people of God, spoken of in Isaiah 40–55, have not been realized. Instead, the people experience ruin, conflict, and famine. This lament calls God to account—to be the God who has brought deliverance in the past.

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 him.
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 our Father;
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.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM Psalm 80:1-7,17-19

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

As the Christians in Corinth await the advent of Jesus, Paul reminds them how the Lord has already enriched them through spiritual gifts and will continue to strengthen them until the coming day of the Lord.

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 him, 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 him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The reader concludes: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Celtic Alleluia ELW 174

P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the thirteenth chapter.

GOSPEL Mark 13:24-37

Jesus encourages his followers to look forward to the day when he returns in power and glory to end all suffering.

[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 he 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 a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. ³⁵Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, ³⁶or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. ³⁷And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

MESSAGE David Allman, Pastor

CAROL OF THE DAY Waken, O Sleeper Sheet

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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.

Redeemer’s Mission is to Love All People.

Prayers on behalf of others

With hope and expectation, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who await God’s day of restoration.

A brief silence.

Call your church into holy fellowship as we await the restoration of all things. Reenergize your faithful people to live with hope and compassion, especially those who serve as missionaries near and far. Center us on your promise to come among us and make all things new. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

All creation signals your presence, O God: the vastness of the cosmos, the turn of the seasons, and living things that both rest and flourish. Rekindle our commitment to care for the earth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Let the nations tremble at your holy presence, that justice and liberation prevail in all corners of the earth. Restore peace to nations in conflict, teach righteousness to corrupt leaders and systems, and bring stability to areas facing uncertain futures. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Enrich the spirits of all who feel hopeless, fearful, or despairing. Stay close to those who await healing or relief. Deliver all in any need. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Be with those who keep awake at night: nurses working overnight shifts, caregivers of newborns, expectant mothers, and aging adults, stargazers, those who are anxious, or those who are traveling. Reveal to all that the dark can be a place of calm and comfort filled with your presence. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

You have sent out your angels and gathered your faithful people from every time and place, calling them into one fellowship of saints. Bless the witness of those who dwell in your eternal presence. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

P: Listen to these and all our prayers, O God of hosts, and restore us with your great and everlasting mercy.

C: Amen.

OFFERING/ANTHEM Joy of Longing Hearts Redeemer Choir

OFFERING PRAYER

C: Amen.

The Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Speak to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, and make us one with you.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

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

Please be seated.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION – Lamb of God

Please stand, if able.

P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

C: Amen.

SENDING OF COMMUNION

P: O God of tender compassion, as you healed the sick and welcomed the stranger, bless those who leave this assembly to share the gifts of

C: Amen.

BENEDICTION

P: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look on us with favor and give us peace. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

C: Choral Amen.

SENDING CAROL Soon and Very Soon ELW 439

Redeemer’s Mission is to Proclaim Jesus Christ.

P: Go in peace. Keep awake.

C: Thanks be to God.