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Christmas 1 – Series C December 30, 2018

DIVINE GRACE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH SCHOOL PRESCHOOL

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod 3000 S. Lapeer Road Orion, MI 48359-1317

(248) 391-1131 www.divinegrace.net

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Welcome to Divine Grace Lutheran Church

Welcome to worship! May God fill your heart with his Holy Spirit and bless your hour of worship. May you find in Jesus the eternal peace, joy and comfort for which your soul longs. If you are a visitor, please sign the Guest Register in the entryway of the church with your complete name and address. Be sure to visit us again!

Theme: Christ Jesus lives as our substitute.

Opening Hymn Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising | CW 42 Liturgy: Service of the Word, p. 38 Old Testament Lesson: 1 Samuel 2:18-20,26 The similarities between the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus are striking: a gracious gift to his mother, the boy Samuel was dedicated to the Lord’s service, ministering in the Tabernacle. By grace he would grow “in favor with God and men.” By grace he would willingly carry out the “Father’s things/business” all the days of his life.

18But Samuel ministered before the LORD while he was still a young boy,

dressed in a special vest made of linen. 19His mother would make a little robe for

him and bring it to him whenever she came up with her husband to offer the annual

sacrifice. 20Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the LORD give you

offspring from this woman in place of the son she asked for, whom she loaned to the

LORD.” Then they would go back to their home. 26The young man Samuel continued

to grow, and he increased in favor with both the LORD and with men.

Psalm 111, page 106 in the hymnal

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done mar-vel-ous things.

Great are the works 'of the Lord;* they are pondered by all who de'light in them.

Glorious and majestic 'are his deeds,* and his righteousness endures for'ever.

He has caused his wonders to be re'membered;* the Lord is gracious and com'passionate.

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Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done mar-vel-ous things.

The works of his hands are faith'ful and just;* all his precepts are trust'worthy.

He provided redemption for his 'people;* he ordained his covenant for'ever.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of 'wisdom;* all who follow his precepts have good under 'standing.

Glory be to the Father and 'to the Son* and to the Holy 'Spirit, as it was in the be'ginning,* is now, and will be forever. 'Amen.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done mar-vel-ous things. Epistle Lesson: Hebrews 2:10-18 God demanded a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. Therefore Jesus became fully human. He became our brother, like us in every way, except without sin, that he might atone for our sins. In the face of temptation, we turn to Jesus who overcame all temptations to sin.

10Certainly it was fitting for God (the one for whom and through whom everything

exists), in leading many sons to glory, to bring the author of their salvation to his goal

through sufferings. 11For he who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified all have one

Father. For that reason, he is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12He says: I will declare

your name to my brothers. Within the congregation I will sing your praise. 13And again: I

will trust in him. And again: Here I am and the children God has given me. 14Therefore, since the children share flesh and blood, he also shared the same flesh

and blood, so that through death he could destroy the one who had the power of death (that

is, the Devil) 15and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16For surely he was not concerned with helping angels but with helping Abraham’s

offspring. 17For this reason, he had to become like his brothers in every way, in order that he

would be a merciful and faithful high priest in the things pertaining to God, so that he could

pay for the sins of the people. 18Indeed, because he suffered when he was tempted, he is able

to help those who are being tempted.

Verse of the Day: Alleluia. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Alleluia.

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Gospel Lesson & Sermon Text: Luke 2:41-52 With an emphasis on the two natures of Christ, these words from Luke reveal Jesus’ growth “in favor with God and men.” Yet, very clearly, Jesus always understood his purpose was to carry out the Father’s plan of salvation. Though he willingly he obeyed Mary and Joseph, more striking is his willing obedience to the Father’s will.

41Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42When he

was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Festival. 43When the days

had ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents

did not know it. 44Since they thought he was in their group, they went a day’s journey. Then

they began to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him,

they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers,

listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his

understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His

mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? See, your father and I have

been anxiously looking for you.” 49He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be

taking care of my Father’s business?” 50They did not understand what he was telling them. 51He went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was always obedient to them.

And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52Jesus grew in wisdom and

stature, and in favor with God and with people.

All scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage VersionTM (EHVTM) copyright © 2016 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org

Hymn of the Day Let All Together Praise Our God | CW 41 Sermon (Luke 2:41-52):

Jesus Generates Excitement!

Offering Our congregation’s members willingly give offerings to support the Lord’s work here and around the world out of their love for Christ. If you are a guest or visitor today, please do not feel obligated to give an offering. Hymn O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild | CW 366 Closing Hymn Let Us All with Gladsome Voice | CW 64

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We thank our Service Participants: Sunday Preacher: Pastor Mark Voss Organist: Mrs. Marie Sazy Sunday Ushers: 8:00 am – J. Anderson, L. Sak, L. Buss, P. Miela 10:45 am – R. Davies, T. Pentis, G. Gooch, C. Gooch

AT A GLANCE…

New Years Eve Worship – Dec 31 at 6:00 pm

Taking Down Decorations on January 6 after Late Service

School Resumes January 7

Our Week with the Savior: December 30-January 6 This Sunday

8:00 & 10:45 am 9:30 am 9:30 am

Worship Services Adult Bible Class NO Children’s Sunday School

Monday 6:00 pm New Years Eve Worship Service with the Lord’s Supper Mon- Fri No School Next Sunday

8:00 & 10:45 am 9:30 am

12:00 pm

Worship Services with the Lord’s Supper Adult Bible Class, Children’s Sunday School, Youth Group Taking Down Christmas Decorations

Church News… Altar Flowers: The Christmas poinsettias that beautify our service today were given to God’s glory by these families– Crass (3) Root (2), Sazy (2), Voss, and Reinhold. You may take your flowers home after the service today.

New Years Eve Service – 6:00 pm: Please join us for worship and the Lord’s Supper tomorrow evening at 6:00 pm.

Thank You: As a staff of called workers here at Divine Grace, we wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the thoughtful and generous Christmas gift of money given to each of us by members of the congregation. It is truly humbling to think of the precious privilege of serving in God’s kingdom here among you. We thank God for you daily. Thank you for your kind remembrances. May our gracious God continue to bless and guide us together as a family of believers! “We always thank God for all of you” (1 Thessalonians 1:2).

Taking Down Christmas Decorations: After the 10:45 worship service on January 6th, we will be taking down the Christmas decorations in church. Your help would be deeply appreciated. Thanks!

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No Children’s Sunday School Today. Children’s Sunday School will resume next Sunday.

Volunteer Sign-Up: The 2019 Snack Schedule and Cleaning Schedule have been posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Please consider volunteering. Thank you!

Church Cleaning: Volunteers are needed for cleaning our worship area next year. Since the schedule is set so that we only clean once every two weeks, every space on the signup sheet needs to be filled. That is only 26 spots to fill! Please choose a weekend to help with this service. Supplies are in the church janitor’s closet and a list of duties is posted there.

Youth Group Pop Can Donations: The youth group would like to thank the individuals who have helped support them through their generous donations of returnable cans and bottles. If you would like to help fund ongoing activities with your returnable beverage containers, there is a blue recyclable can in the storage closet closest near the school entry doors. Thanks again for your support. Jeff Thorsen- Youth Group Leader

College Students: Please make sure Mrs. Pentis has your correct address if you are living away from home. Email updates to office@divinegrace.net ASAP. Thank you!

New Year’s Resolution: Grow in Your Knowledge of God’s Word: The new year is a great time to get in on one of our Bible studies here at church! Today we are continuing the study entitled “The Seven Letters to the Seven Churches (Rev. 1-3),” which is held Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. Wednesday Morning Bible Class will resume on January 9th at 9:30 am. The class meets every Wednesday during the school year. Please plan to join us at one or both!

Annual Report: If you are the head of a church or school committee or group and have not done so already, please write your report and e-mail it to me at office@divinegrace.net. Thank you. Deanna Pentis

Annual Report Paper Copies: If you are interested in receiving a paper copy of the Annual Report, please add your name to the list on the clipboard found on the entryway credenza. (Council members will automatically receive a complete paper copy and do not need to sign up.) You may also indicate if you would prefer to receive a PDF version via e-mail. Otherwise, you will receive a brief summary sheet of the Annual Report in your church mailbox once the report is finalized.

WELS Marriage Enrichment & Get-Away Weekend: It’s simple, really. Marriage is a man and a woman promising to live together as husband and wife until death. But anyone who has tried it knows it’s also complicated. Spend the weekend with your spouse making it simple again. In Simply Marriage couples learn to overcome frustration, appreciate their incompatibility, break patterns that destroy oneness, use words that work and grow more intimate. Register for Simply Marriage in Canton, Ohio March 29-31, 2019. The registration deadline is February 12th. Makes a wonderful Valentine's gift! See the poster or brochures in the Fellowship Hall. Visit www.wels.net/marriage-enrichment to register.

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Forward in Christ magazines were placed in the mailboxes of those who have requested them. There are extras available on the credenza in the church entryway.

WELS Lutherans for Life Annual Meeting: The Redford Pregnancy Care Center (RPCC) invites you to its annual meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Livonia on Sunday, January 13, at 3 p.m. Pastor Bill Natsis will present the keynote address, “Luther’s Treatment of the Sixth Commandment in the Large Catechism.” The topic is closely related to the Mission of the Pregnancy Care Center. However, everyone is welcome to join us and meditate on timeless truths from God’s Word. The WELS Lutherans for Life of Michigan Annual Meeting will follow the address. The Redford Pregnancy Care Center is a chapter of the national Christian Life Resources organization.

25th Annual Today’s Christian Women Retreat: Registration is open for the Women’s Retreat held March 22-24, 2019, at the Auburn Hills Marriott Campus in Pontiac. Register via the website www.tcwr.org. Password: retreat.

Men’s Rally: Registration is open for the Men’s Rally on February 16, 2019, at the Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center in Midland. You can find more information and registration forms online at www.menalivebalm.org or in the Fellowship Hall on the bulletin board. Registration deadline is January 31.

Attendance: Children’s Christmas Service 12/21 7:00 pm Worship: 161 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 12/24 5:00 pm Worship: 224

Christmas Day Worship Service 12/25 9:00 am Worship: 90 Sunday 12/23 8:00 am Worship: 59 Communion: -- 10:45 am Worship: 80 Communion: -- Sunday Adult Bible Class: 47

Bible Study (totals for the week): Adults - 47 Teens - -- Children - --

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Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod www.wels.net

Pastor Mark Voss Cell Phone: (248) 462-1390 Email: mvoss@divinegrace.net Principal Jesse Nofftz Cell Phone: (608) 498-2105 Email: jnofftz@divinegrace.net

Preschool Director Barb Musinski Email: bmusinski@divinegrace.net

Divine Grace Worship Services – Sundays, 8:00 & 10:45 am Children’s Sunday School – Sundays, 9:30 am

Bible Classes – Sundays, 9:30 am – Adult Bible Class Wednesdays, 9:30 am – Mid-Week Bible Class

Visit our website – divinegrace.net facebook.com/divinegracelutheranchurch

www.twitter.com/DivineGraceWELS Email – office@divinegrace.net

Volunteers for Next Week:

12/31 6:00 pm New Year’s Eve Service: Ushers– volunteers needed Communion Support – Jim Teller

1/5 Church Cleaning: volunteer needed

1/6 8:00 am Sunday Service: 1/6 10:45 am Sunday Service: Communion Setup – volunteer needed 8:00 Ushers– D. Schreiner, S. Kerlin,

N. Hagewood, D. Bessolo 10:45 Ushers– K. Uhlig, S. Kimmel,

C. Uhlig, J. Uhlig Communion Support – J. Nofftz Communion Support – K. Uhlig Fellowship Snack – Sak Communion Cleanup – volunteer needed

Upcoming Birthdays:

12/30 Calvin Koch, Gavin Morse, Maverick Watson

1/2 Stacy Baker 1/3 Justin Petoskey, Nate Sak 1/4 Rachel Nordlie

1/5 Gary Brockman 1/8 Carter Coffin 1/9 Carter Gooch 1/11 Vivienne Roggenbuck 1/13 Samantha Miller