•Affirming•Courageous •Caring

December 8th, 2013 • 10:45am

Second Sunday of Advent75th Anniversary Sunday

Welcome to Grace! To help enable everyone’s participation in worship, Grace provides large-print bulletins and hearing-assistance devices for persons needing such assistance. Ask an usher about these aids. If you have other questions about worship, please ask an usher or someone sitting nearby.

To our Guests: For more information about Grace, please fill out the card in the pew and place it in the offering plate. Nursery care is provided for toddlers and infants during worship. An usher can direct you. Drawing materials and other quiet activity resources for children are available at the entrance to the sanctuary. Please join us for coffee and refreshments after worship, downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.Today’s Worship: At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the light of Christ's coming. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord's table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.

∂ GATHERING

Welcome Pastor Daniel Ruen

Silent Reflection

Confession & ForgivenessAll may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.Pastor: Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God: the Holy One of Israel who comes to set us free, the Promised One who comes to show mercy, the Guiding One who leads us into hope.All: Amen.

Pastor: As we await the day of the Lord, let us confess our sin.Silence is kept for reflection.

Pastor: God of hope and promise,All: We come to you in this time of waning daylight, aware of the shadows of complacency and doubt around us. We confess our tendency to hold back, not listening to your guiding voice, not embodying the confident freedom you offer us. Show us your ways. Teach us your paths. Lead us to act boldly in your name; through Jesus Christ, who came to live among us. Amen.

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Pastor: Sisters and brothers, come with joy and draw from the waters of salvation. Remember your baptism: in Jesus Christ + God comes to set you free. You belong to Christ and are anointed to serve. Raise your heads; the reign of God is near!All: Amen.

Processional Song Prepare! Prepare! Stephen Pishner With joy we bring everyday items from our homes to adorn the altar. We remember that God transforms these common objects, as well as ourselves, into holy vessels.All: Prepare! Prepare the way of the Lord. (3x) The Lord our God is coming soon.

GreetingPastor: People of God, this table is set for you today with common elements from our homes. We bring in the everyday items of our lives so that God might transform them and us through the Word and the Spirit. May God’s bountiful grace, hope and peace be with you all.All: And also with you.

Lighting the Advent Wreath Jeanine, Carl, Amelia, Sam & Henry BrownellAll children are invited to come forward and sit around the Advent wreath.

Reader: …. O Emmanuel,All: Prepare us for your coming.

Song: O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; O Sun of Justice, now draw near Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

Children’s Godly Play BlessingChildren may depart for Sunday School, dipping their hands in the font as they depart in reminder of their baptism. They return before Communion.

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∂ HONORING GRACE’S 75th ANNIVERSARY From Generation to Generation Lynn Shaw Bailey & Becki S. Mayo Grace Choir Readers: Fred Nagelbach, Lara Galicia, Cecilia Galicia Piano: Christine Collins Trumpet: Janet Wright

All: O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home; and our eternal home.

∂ SERVICE OF THE WORDSinging the Hebrew Prophecy Isaiah 11: 1-10 arr. M BowmanAll: Maranatha! Alleluia! Maranatha! Alleluia! (“Maranatha” is an ancient Aramaic word meaning “Come, O Lord”)

Cantor: 1. A shoot will come of Jesse’s stump, a branch grow out of its roots. The Spirit of

God shall rest on this One; a spirit of knowledge and wisdom and strength.2. This One will delight in fearing God; not judge or decide by appearances.But judge the needy with justice, and defend the rights of the helpless.3. This one will strike down all evil, speak a word to stop violence;And wear the belt of righteousness; rule the earth with integrity.4. Wolves and sheep will live in peace; leopards lie down with young goats.Calves with lion cubs will feed; they will be led by a little child.5. Cows and bears and their young live together; children play near the poisonous snake. No one is harmed in Zion; the earth will be filled with the knowledge of God.

Gospel Acclamation Celtic Alleluia Fintan O’Carroll & Christopher Walker

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Gospel Announced

Leader: This is the Holy Gospel according to Matthew the 3rd chapter.All: Glory to you, O Lord.

Gospel Matthew 3:1–12Just before Jesus begins his public ministry, John the Baptist appears, calling people to mend their ways and speaking of a powerful one who is to come.

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."Leader: This is the Gospel of the LordAll: Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon Pastor Daniel RuenFollowing the sermon we will observe a short time of reflective silence.

Centering Song Wait for the Lord RED BOOK #262Those who wish may come forward and kneel at the rail through the Prayers of the Community.

All: Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart!

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Prayers of the Community During Advent, we will pray in the style of bidding prayers. This style of prayer offers greater space for personal prayer and reflection. The Assisting Minister will begin by offering a simple petition, followed by moments of silence for personal prayer, before continuing on to the next petition. The Pastor will end the bidding prayers.

Song of the Day On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry RED BOOK #249

Statement of Faith The 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.

Sharing of the PeacePastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always.All: And also with you.

Song Jesus Came Bringing Us Love traditional CameroonAll: Jesus came bringing us love; (3x) Hallelujah forevermore. Jesus came bringing us light… Jesus came bringing us peace…

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∂ THE MEALGathering of Gifts Creation of Peace Mark A. Miller

Grace Choir We’ll build a land where we bind up the broken; We’ll build a land where the captives go free,Where the oil of gladness dissolves all our mourning; We’ll build a land a promised land that can be.

We’ll build a land where we bring good tidings To all the afflicted and those who will mourn.We’ll give them garlands instead of ashes. We’ll build a land where peace is reborn!

O come build a land where sisters and brothers Anointed by God then create peace,Where justice shall slow down like the water, And peace, peace, like an ever-flowing stream.

We’ll build a land where those who go hungry Are given the food that makes a soul strong;Restoring the balance to all of God’s children, Come build a land where all will belong!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Peace flows down!

We’ll build a land where cries of praises Resound from spirits once faint and once weak,Where like oaks of righteousness stand her people. Come build a land, my people we seek!

Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful RED BOOK #182All: Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life. Gather the hopes and the dreams of all; unite them with the prayers we offer now. Grace our table with your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.

Great ThanksgivingThis Eucharist rite is a call and response setting meant to wake us up for the arrival of hope and light in the world.

Pastor: People, are you ready?All: Yes, we’re ready.Pastor: People, are you ready?All: Oh, yes, we are.Pastor: People, are you ready?All: Oh, yes, we’re ready. Ready to praise the Lord.Pastor: Sisters, are you ready? (repeat above) Brothers, are you ready? (repeat above) People, are you ready? (repeat above)

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Preface/Holy, Holy, Holy

Words of Institution

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

Lord's Prayer (all pray): Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Pastor: The gifts of God for the people of God!All: Thanks be to God!

Communion Distribution: Pilgrim Communion• All are invited to the Table. We believe that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine, and that

we receive God’s grace and forgiveness through this meal. Children are welcome to receive communion at Grace, but if you prefer a blessing simply ask and one will be given.

• Ushers will invite the center section to come forward in two lines toward the Pastor, who will alternate bread to both lines. After receiving the bread, please turn to the station toward the outside aisle. There will be a common cup of wine and a tray of individual wine and juice glasses. Please return to your seat along the outside aisle.

• The east and west transepts may come forward after the center section has received communion. Please go down the outside aisles toward the entrance of the sanctuary, and then up the center aisle to receive Communion.

• Wine is offered by both the common cup and individual glasses. The outermost circle of glasses contains white grace juice, while the innermost glasses have red wine.

• Prayer with anointing of oil: After you take communion, you may make your way to either side of the communion rails and also receive an anointing of oil and pray with one of the ministers.

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Lamb of God Tillis Butler & James Harris

Songs During Communion

Emmanuel, Emmanuel Bob McGee

All: Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.

While We Are Waiting, Come Claire Coninger & Don Cason All: While we are waiting, come; while we are waiting, come. Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel, while we are waiting, come.

Come, Lord Jesus Carey Landry All: Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus; come and be born in our hearts.

Prayer After CommunionPastor: God of wonder, we give thanks that you have fed us once again with this foretaste of the feast to come. Strengthen us through this gift to serve our neighbor with joy, that all may come to see your glory reflected in the lives of your people; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.All: Amen.

∂ SENDING

Sending of Communion / Benediction

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Closing Song Soon and Very Soon RED BOOK #439 As we honor that God makes everyday objects of our lives “holy” during this Advent season, members of the congregation are invited to come forward during this song and take one of the elements or coverings from the table to use in your home this week; then return it before worship next Sunday.

Assisting Minister: Go in peace, looking for The Holy in everyone and everything around you.All: Amen.

[ THANK YOU FOR SERVING \

Preaching and Presiding: .....................................................................Pastor Daniel RuenMusic Director: ...........................................................................................Mark BowmanAssisting Minister: ............................................................................................Kim BrownLector: ...........................................................................................................Sarah CarsonCantors: .....................................................Caitlin Sellnow, Craig Gonder, Reggie BruceTrumpets: .............................................................................Russ Kohnken, Janet WrightAcolyte: ........................................................................................................Cecilia GaliciaUshers:.................................................................................Larry Yarbrough, Jon FlahertyCoffee Hour:............................................................Nancy Schubert, Dorothy NagelbachAltar Care:............................................................................Ann Stevens, Nancy MathyerGodly Play.......................................................................Clare Tallon Ruen, Nina AlvarezNursery Care:.............................................................................................Nancy Schubert

[ A Special Thank You to the Advent Worship Planning Team \ Mark Bowman, Taína Rodriguez Encarnación, David Kosnik, Jen Rude, and Daniel Ruen

[ THIS WEEK AT GRACE \

Week of December 8th

Today After Worship - Join us for a 75th anniversary reception in Fellowship Hall. Once you leave the sanctuary, turn left, go down the stairs, and turn left again.

Happy Birthday - Kelly Brunger (12/8), Nancy Stewart (12/8), Christine Collins (12/10), Mark Mathyer (12/10), David Utech (12/10),

Mark Bowman (12/12), Cecilia Galicia (12/14)

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[ JOIN US NEXT SUNDAY \

9:30am Adult Education - Advent’s theme is “The Provocation of Poetry: A Study of the

Advent Isaiah Readings" taught by Pastor Daniel.

10:45am Worship - Pastor Daniel Ruen preaches and presides.

Next Week’s Scriptures - Isaiah 35:1–10; James 5:7–10; Matthew 11:2–11

• PRAYERS

In our prayers: (For healing, protection, or other needs) Martie Johnson; our Community of Care Partners; for the unemployed and all those struggling with financial pressures and anxieties; for those who serve in our military, their families; for our enemies; for all those who have suffered the effects of extreme weather all over the world. For Anne Dana, wife of Samaritan counselor Gregg Dana; for Carolyn Sims, friend of Connie Wood. We give thanks for the lives of Samuel Phillip, childhood friend of Gerald Daye; Charles Bruce, father of Reggie Bruce; and Linda Wrobel, dear friend of Lynn and Craig Gonder. We ask for comfort for all who mourn.The Grace Prayer Network: Claudia Perry: 847- 563-8587; Connie Wood: 847-869-2289 or prayergraceevanston@gmail.com. Your request will be passed on to the prayer network members. If you are interested in joining, use the email address or contact Connie Wood.

• UPCOMING EVENTS INFOUsing the Lift at Grace - Please note that our lift (elevator) has a few idiosyncrasies but it works! At times you may have to hold the call button up to 10 seconds before it will begin moving. If you see someone having trouble using the lift, mention the 10 second rule to them.

Flower Donation Sign Up - The 2014 Flower Donation calendar is ready for anyone to sign up for one or more dates. Look for the calendar in the narthex near the large print bulletin table. If you would like to commemorate a date to celebrate or honor a loved one, please write your name and the name(s) of those to be honored on the date you select. Close to the date, a member of the committee will contact you to remind you of your donation. The flower committee will purchase the flowers and arrange them. Grace requests a $20 donation to cover the cost of the flowers; you will receive them after the service.

Contributions for Staff Christmas Gifts - A reminder that we are collecting donations for Christmas gifts for Pastor Daniel, Mark Bowman, Marie O’Brien, and Steve Brunger, this Sunday and next. You may put your envelope in the offering plate or give it to any council member.

Tween Lock-In - Dec 13,14 Calling all Tweens! Join us for the first ever youth lock-in at Grace and St. Nick’s. Enjoy pizza, games, movies, and prayer. Email Pastor Daniel or Jarrod jarrod.gaither@gmail.com for more info.

Fair Trade Sale - Dec 15 Get your holiday supply of fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and almonds at this month’s sale during fellowship hour.

Acolyte Meeting - Dec 15 To all acolytes and parents: please join Rachel Stark Inch, your liaison, for a short meeting after worship 12/15.

Mark Your Calendars - Important Grace Dates!Dec 11, 18 - Advent Midweek Services, 7:30pmDec 13-14 - Tween Lock-InDec 15 - Acolyte Meeting after Worship Fair Trade Coffee SaleDec 24 - Christmas Eve Service, 7pm music 7:30 worshipDec 25 - Christmas Day Eucharist, 10amJan 8 - Threads of Grace

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www.graceevanston.org1430 South BoulevardEvanston, IL 60202Tel: 847.475.2211Fax: 847.869.9442

STAFF• The Rev. Daniel Ruen / Pastor pd@graceevanston.org Emergency# 847.804.3010 Schedule: Day off is from Fri. pm - Sat. pm

• Mark Bowman / Music Director markleby@comcast.net • The Revs. Kaari Reierson, Jen Rude and Raquel Rodriguez / Colleagues in Ministry • Marie O’Brien / Parish Administrator churchoffice@graceevanston.org Mon. 10am - 4pm; Wed. - Fri. 10am - 5pm • Steve Brunger / Sexton

OUR MISSION:To live out our faith courageously by

sharing grace with each other and the communities we serve.

OUR VISION:All God’s people will feel accepted,

challenged, and cared for by Grace Church.

WE ARE RECONCILED IN CHRIST:Grace joyfully welcomes and affirms

LGBT followers of Jesus, inviting all into full participation.

About GraceIn December of 2013, Grace Lutheran Church celebrates 75 years of ministry in south Evanston. We support local

ministries such as Interfaith Action of Evanston and its soup kitchens,

metropolitan justice ministries such as The Community Renewal Society, and international agencies such as ELCA

Disaster Relief.

We are in partnership with thousands of congregations, Lutheran colleges and universities, seminaries, world-wide missionaries, one of the largest social service networks in the United

States, as well as Lutheran World Relief—all ministries of the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America.

•Affirming•Courageous •Caring