Loveimages.acswebnetworks.com/1/2938/Dec2122LargeBulletin.pdf · the stories of our lives together...
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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SUN CITY WELCOME! If this is your first time at American Lutheran Church, we are glad you have chosen to visit us. You are welcome to worship alongside us anytime as we weave the stories of our lives together with the eternal truths of God’s love. We invite you to please fill out the Welcome Pad placed in your pew. God’s joy, peace, and blessings be yours! Love Rev. Lowell D. Nelson 4th Sunday of Advent December 21, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. December 22, 2019 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. OUR MISSION To proclaim the love of Jesus Christ, invite others to participate in our faith community, and be a blessing to all in word and deed. Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel, ”a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
Transcript of Loveimages.acswebnetworks.com/1/2938/Dec2122LargeBulletin.pdf · the stories of our lives together...
AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SUN CITY
WELCOME! If this is your first time at American Lutheran Church, we are glad you
have chosen to visit us. You are welcome to worship alongside us anytime as we weave
the stories of our lives together with the eternal truths of God’s love. We invite you to
please fill out the Welcome Pad placed in your pew. God’s joy, peace, and blessings be
yours!
Love
Rev. Lowell D. Nelson
4th Sunday of Advent
December 21, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
December 22, 2019 at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
OUR MISSION
To proclaim the love of Jesus Christ,
invite others to participate in our faith community,
and be a blessing to all in word and deed.
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel.
The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named
Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come,
Emmanuel, ”a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for
the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to
celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
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PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
(Sat) Sussex Carol Mark Hayes
(Sun) A Cradle Song R. Billingham
The Grace Notes
WELCOME, MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS, and PRAYER CONCERNS
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
P: In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen. P: Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are united by a common faith in Jesus Christ.
The power at work in this community does not come from our own strength but
from God’s Spirit working in us. Claiming God’s promises, we remember again
God’s gracious love for us and recommit ourselves to joyful life together in
Christ. Baptism is a sign of God’s faithful covenant promises, under which we
live as a congregation each day. Let us remember now our baptism and be
thankful.
APOSTOLIC GREETING
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy
Spirit, be with you all.
C: And also with you.
P: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism, the love of God poured into our hearts,
and the victory of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we gather this day with faith,
confidence, and joy to worship in the name of (+) the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
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A CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY FOR ADVENT
Choral Opening
C: Refrain
P: Advent is a time to bind up the broken hearted.
C: Come, Lord, and make all things new.
P: For past wrongs that prevent us from moving forward:
C: Come, Lord, and make all things new.
P: For any bitterness that scratches our soul:
C: Come, Lord, and make all things new.
P: For relationships left in decay and neglect:
C: Come, Lord, and make all things new.
P: For any action that has wounded us or by which we have wounded others:
C: Grant that we might have the peace of Christ as we wait, the love of Christ as we act, and
the grace of Christ as we speak.
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P: The Candle Lighting
C: Refrain
P: Prayer
OPENING INVOCATION
P: This is the day the Lord has made;
C: let us rejoice and be glad in it.
P: Lord of Love and Advent Light,
C: shine through the darkness!
P: Prepare our hearts for this journey of faith
C: instilling Hope as the way.
P: Calm our minds
C: with your ways of Peace.
P: Fill our life with shouts of joy
C: as we proclaim the Gospel.
P: Reveal your love to us
C: as we reflect this love to others.
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P: In the name of the One who is coming into the world again
C: to bring hope, peace, joy and love!
P: This is the day the Lord has made;
C: let us rejoice and be glad in it.
HYMN OF PRAISE Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel LBW 34
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ORDER OF CONFESSION
P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no
secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy
Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through
Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Most merciful God,
C: we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have
sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by
what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have
not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in
your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
P: Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his sake, forgives
us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his
authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all of your sins, in the
name (+) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Let us pray. O God, our eternal redeemer, by the presence of your Spirit you renew
and direct our hearts. Keep always in our mind the end of all things and the day of
judgment. Inspire us for a holy life here, and bring us to the joy of the resurrection,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
C: Amen.
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ANTHEM (Saturday) A Cradle Song R. Billingham
Grace Notes
(Sunday) Creation Will Be at Peace Anna Laura Page
Celebration Choir
THE FIRST LESSON Isaiah 7:10-16
An Israelite and Aramean military coalition presented a serious threat to King Ahaz of
Judah. In response, Ahaz decided to secure his throne and kingdom by seeking Assyrian
help. Isaiah reminds Ahaz that human attempts to establish security will fail. The prophet
gives the sign that is the only source of true safety: Immanuel, God is with us!
L: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God!
PSALM 80:1-7, 17-19
P: Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are
enthroned up on the cherubim.
C: In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and
come to help us.
P: Restore us, O God; Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
C: O Lord God of hosts, how long will your anger fume when your people pray?
P: You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of tears to
drink.
C: You have made us the derision of our neighbors , and our enemies laugh us to
scorn.
P: Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
C: Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you have made so
strong for yourself. P: And so will we never turn away from you; give us life, that we may call up on your
name.
C: Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be
saved.
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SHINE, JESUS SHINE ELW 671
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THE SECOND LESSON Romans 1:1-7
Most of the Christians in Rome do not know Paul. In this letter’s opening he introduces
himself as an apostle divinely appointed to spread God’s gospel. The gospel’s content is
the promised coming of Christ, and Paul’s mission is to bring about the obedience of
faith among all nations, including his Roman audience.
L: This is the Word of the Lord
C: Thanks be to God!
GOSPEL ALLELUIA
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL
READING OF THE GOSPEL Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew’s story of Jesus’ birth focuses on the role of Joseph, who adopts the divinely-
begotten child into the family of David and obediently gives him the name Jesus, which
means “God saves”.
RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
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SERMON Love Rev. Lowell D. Nelson
HYMN OF THE DAY The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came ELW 365
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CONFESSION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord,
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died,
and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
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OFFERTORY How Far is it to Bethlehem? Mark Hayes, arr.
OFFERTORY RESPONSE
OFFERTORY PRAYER
P: Let us pray. Merciful Father,
C: we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us—ourselves, our
time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake
of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS
P: Keeping awake as we watch for Christ, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in
need.
(Following each petition) P
P: Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
BLESSING AND RESPONSE Threefold Amen (All sing)
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CLOSING HYMN Joy to the World LBW 39
THE DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord!
C: Thanks be to God
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POSTLUDE Prepare the Royal Highway Robert Hobby
All are invited to partake in Holy Communion in the Chapel.
Next Week’s Lessons:
Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23
Liturgy, hymns and praise songs are reprinted with permission from OneLicense.com;
CCLI License #511983; Augsburg Fortress License #9786000167707
Please join us for coffee in the Fellowship Hall between services.
LAY READERS:
Saturday: 4:00 - Sharon Friedrichsen
Sunday: 8:30 - Gayle Bummer
10:30 - Doug Shamberger
Today’s Altar flowers are provided by: Vicki Merlak in loving memory of her family and husband, Jim
Lenard and Moneita Kalas in memory of their parents
In Lieu of Flowers:
Steve and Charlotte Skrabak in celebration of their 57th wedding anniversary
Bob Richards in loving memory of his wife, Sandra Sue Richards
Altar Flowers delivered by: Butch and Connie Kurth
2019 ANNUAL REPORT Submissions for the 2019 Annual Report are due by January 3rd. Please send them to the
Communications and Media Specialist, Oddesy Hernandez, at [email protected].
WALK FOR NAVAJO WATER- HOUSING NEEDED Housing is needed for 2 nights for Navajo’s Rock Point Mission on January 10 – 11.
Please contact Bob Rogalski to volunteer and for any questions at (623) 521-6446.
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QUILTERS will NOT meet Monday, Dec. 23 (but will meet regular time Dec. 30)
POINSETTIA SIGN UP Please remember to sign up in the Narthex for a poinsettia plant for $12.00 that will beautify our
altar on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
FRIDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Sign-Up! Beginning January 10, “Experiencing God”, by Henry Blackaby (8-10 week
course). Through examination of biblical and contemporary illustrations, participants will
understand and apply seven realities of experiencing God.
ALC GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP A New Day, ALC grief support group, will not meet on Tuesday, December 24, or Tuesday,
December 31. We will gather again on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in the lounge.
TWELFTH NIGHT FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Christmas isn’t “over” on December 25! Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, the choirs, bells,
instrumentalists and soloists will present a “12th Night” program on Sunday afternoon, January 5,
at 3:00. Invite your friends and neighbors who worship in their own churches and don’t have the
opportunity to hear our talented musicians. Please come!
Christmas Eve Services 3:00 and 5:00
Festive Choral and Instrumental Music will begin at 2:40 and 4:40 respectively.
Christmas Day Communion Worship 9:30 am
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Sunday, December 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:30/10:30 Worship – 1
9:30 Coffee Fellowship – 5
Monday, December 23 9:00 Sewing/Crafts/Prayer Shawl –5
2:30 Intercessors – 11
3:00 Personnel Committee- 19
7:00 AA - 10
Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve
10:00 Christo Bells- 1
3:00/5:00 Christmas Eve Worship
(bus runs for 3:00 service only
6:30 Al-Anon – 9
Wednesday, December 25 Office closed Christmas Day
9:30 Christmas Day Communion Worship – 1
6:00 AA – 9
Thursday, December 26 Office/Campus Closed
Christmas Holiday
Friday, December 27 8:00 Bulletin Crew – 10
Saturday, December 28 9:00 El Dorado 2M–El Dorado
4:00 Worship – 1
Sunday, December 29 First Sunday after Christmas
8:30/10:30 Worship – 1
9:30 Coffee Fellowship – 5
PASTORAL STAFF
Rev. Lowell D. Nelson Senior Pastor
Rev. Gary R. Ulrich Pastor of Care Ministry
Rev. Judith Rainforth Pastor
Rev. Gary R. Garvey Visitation Pastor
MUSIC MINISTRY
Linda Shirck Interim Organist
[email protected] Janet MacDonald Interim Choir Director
George Zoske Director of Christo Bells
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Julie Ochs Finance Coordinator
Toni Molck Operations Coordinator
Oddesy Hernandez Communications/Media
Lori Kellar Wellness Ministry
Bettie Jo Gomez Receptionist
Dave Tigges Property / Grounds
Rolfe Blaess Sound
LOCATION LEGEND: 1 – Sanctuary 2 – Chapel 3 – Narthex 4 – Lounge 5 – Fellowship Hall
LOCATION LEGEND: 6 – Multi-Purpose Room 7 – Education A 8 – Education B
9 – Education A & B 10 – Education C
LOCATION LEGEND: 11 – Ed. D/ Library 12 – Choir Room 14 – Office Workroom 15 – Senior Pastor 16 – Pastor of Care
LOCATION LEGEND: 17 – Pastor of Outreach 18 – Business
Administrator
19 – Admin. Meeting Room
20 – Columbarium
