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1st Sunday in Advent

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, December 1, 2024

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A Thrill of Hope, A Weary World Rejoices

December 1, 2024

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE

Music from King’s College, Cambridge, founded in 1441 by King Henry VI

O Come O come Emmanuel arr. by Stephen Cleobury

Lord of All Hopefulness Words by Jan Struther

arr. by Stephen Cleobury First Published by Jan Struther in 1931 in Oxford. Set to a traditional Irish melody SLANE.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy,

be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,

your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

WELCOME

SOLA GRATIA +

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, alive in the world, reviving creation,

arriving soon. Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

God of mercy, we confess that we have sinned. We mistakenly put our trust in earthly powers and human authority alone. We grow fearful. We cling to false comforts.

God of might, we confess that we have sinned. We have turned away from our neighbors. We have trusted false promises.

God in our midst, we confess that we have sinned. We plead: come to us. Bring your mercy to birth in us. A righteous branch springs forth: it is Christ the Lord, our Savior, in whom we have forgiveness, life, and mercy.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, receive the grace and forgiveness of God through Christ Jesus, whose day draws near. Amen.

OPENING HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O Wisdom from on high,

embracing all things far and nigh:

in strength and beauty come and stay;

teach us your will and guide our way.

Refrain

O come, O Branch of Jesse, free

your own from Satan's tyranny;

from depths of hell your people save,

and give them vict'ry o'er the grave.

Refrain

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

Kyrie Ellison Kyrie Ellison

Christe Ellison Christe Ellison

Kyrie Ellison Kyrie Ellison

Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy

We praise you, O God, for this evergreen crown that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s advent. As we light the first candle on this wreath, rouse us from sleep and fill us with hope that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes with all the saints and angels.

O come, O King of nations, come,

O Cornerstone that binds in one:

refresh the hearts that long for you;

restore the broken, make us new. Refrain

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus!

SOLA SCRIPTURA +

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Jeremiah 33:14-16

In the Old Testament, “righteousness” often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s future name—“The Lord is our righteousness”—proclaims that God is even now working salvation for Israel.

14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

PSALM: 25 psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 12-14

Marty Haugen GIA Publications 1982 (sorry the text is crooked, I tried and tried)

Lord make me know your ways, teach me your paths and

keep me in the way of your truth, For You are god, my savior.

For the Lord is good and righteous, revealing his way to those who seek him,

gently leading the poor and the humble.

To the ones who seek the lord, who look to his word, who live his love,

he will always be near, he will show them his mercy.

EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Upon Timothy’s report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overflowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church.

9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness

from Randy’s suggestions

GOSPEL: Luke 21:25-36

Glory to you, O Lord.

God will fulfill God’s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God’s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God’s promised redemption.

Jesus said: 25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Kurt

HYMN OF THE DAY We Wait For You Randy’s tune

+SOLA FIDE+

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*sung at beginning of prayers:

*after each petition:

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

*sung at end of prayers:

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 was made man. 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 he 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.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

OFFERING Give online using the QR code to the right

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music Wachet auf setting by Paul Manz

OFFERING PRAYER

God of our waiting and watching, we offer the gifts of our hearts and our lives to the service of all your people. Prepare the way before us as we meet you in this simple meal, through Christ Jesus, our pathway and our peace. Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

PROPER PREFACE

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS

Holy, holy holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Lord, remember us in your Kingdom and teach us to 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.

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION First Lutheran invites all who trust that God is present in the bread and wine, however full of mystery that might be for you, to join us at the Table of Grace and Thanksgiving. In the center of each tray there is white grape juice for those who prefer. We also have gluten free wafers. If you wish for those please indicate when you reach Pastor.

AGNUS DEI

COMMUNION MUSIC Christ Be Our Light

INVITATION TO ACTION Fair Trade Fair

Welcome the Babe Project

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

Go now and let the Lord steer you in the way of truth. Be on your guard so that you will not be caught up in the trivialities and anxieties of the world. Be alert at all times and pray for strength

to escape the traps that would keep you from God.

And may God make you increase in love for one another; May Christ Jesus teach you how to live in God’s ways; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen your hearts in holiness, as you ready yourselves for the coming of the Lord.

SENDING SONG

Go in peace. You are the body of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

See Amid the Winter’s Snow excerpts from an arrangement by James Kasen

Edward Caswell’s best-known hymn is the Christmas Carol “See, Amid the Winter’s Snow,” first published in 1858 with his book The Masque of Mary and Other Poems. It is possible that some of the imagery of this hymn was influenced by his contemporary, Charles Dickens, author of the beloved work A Christmas Carol. Another contemporary of Caswall, John Goss, composed the tune for this hymn in 1871. Called “HUMILITY,” this tune is fitting for the season and the text of “See, Amid the Winter’s Snow.” They were both published in Goss and Caswall’s joint work Christmas Carols Old and New. Though the original was composed of seven stanzas, many hymnals only use four.

See amid the winter's snow | Born for us on earth below

See the tender Lamb appears | Promised from eternal years

Hail, thou ever blessed morn | Hail, redemption's happy dawn

Sing through all Jerusalem | Christ is born in Bethlehem

Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director and Organist

Earl Vaults, Tenor Saxophone

Trevor Patricia Watkin, Flute

Jan Neuhaus, Cantor

Martha Radatz, Lector

Mary Ann Horton, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Paul Engel, Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Joann Masters, and Randy & Joyce Sensmeier, Singers

Brian Jensen, Genette McGowan, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Tech team

Ruth Clayton, Dan Kjonegaard, Melinda Person, Paula Gutterud, Ushers

Martha Radatz, Fellowship Snacks

prayer of the day, offering prayer, and dismissal

from Sundays and Seasons 2021, Year B

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

gospel acclamation, preface, eucharist, sanctus, agnus dei, nunc dimittis

from All Creation Sings setting 12

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,

License A-710629.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Keeping it out Front…Our Strategic Ministry At Work

First Lutheran Church Congregational Priorities:

Connecting with each other
Fostering leadership
Attending to our Virtual Community
Incorporating Children, Youth, & Families into the Life of the Congregation.
Justice focus of Anti-Racism, Diversity and Racial Justice

Today after Worship: Fair Trade Fair

Please consider making some gift purchases at the Fair Trade Fair today after worship! These gifts support small businesses around the world who engage in fair trade practices. Come shop and sample food! Cash and checks preferred, but CC and Venmo accepted for a fee.

Upcoming Post-Worship Forums

December 8: Budget Draft Review

December 15: Congregational Meeting 1: Budget Approval

December 22: Special forum with Pastor Lee Precup

December 29: Welcome the Babe packing

Congregational Meeting December 15

At this first of two annual congregational meetings, we will take a vote to approve next year’s budget. Any questions or suggestions for revision can be discussed at the forum on December 8 when the current draft is presented. The meeting on the 15th will simply be to take the vote on the final revised budget. Anyone who is a member of FLC may submit their vote. Please attend - we need a quorum to be able to vote!

FLC Night at TACO: December 2

Fellow FLC volunteers, tomorrow December 2nd is the first Monday of December and our evening to assist with serving dinner at TACO. Please consider giving 2 hours of your time for this worthwhile and heartwarming experience. If you can give of your time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday December 2, please let Joann Masters know, either at church or by email: jbmasters56@gmail.com, and she'll take care of signing you up. Come join the fun! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Welcome the Babe Items Needed

If you are able, please consider donating any amount to help fund our Welcome the Babe, baby care kit project. You will be able to make donations during the Fair Trade Fair today. Otherwise, please go to our website at: firstlutheransd.org, go to “Give,” then to the drop-down menu to “Welcome the Babe.” If you would rather pay by check or cash, Joann will be available after church on Sunday. Make checks payable to First Lutheran Church, with “Welcome the Babe” in the memo. Thank you so much for considering this important ministry. Kits will be assembled after church on December 29 and blessed on Epiphany, January 5.

Children, Youth, and Families Corner

Grab a bag! Children’s worship bags will be available to grab on your way into the sanctuary, filled with quiet activities to do during worship. Those marked with a heart are for children under 5. Those marked with a star are for older children.

Children’s Church: We invite children up to age 12 to a special time in the library during worship, from the scripture readings until the sharing of the peace.

TACO Bites

TACO cordially invites members of FLC to a special holiday celebration to be held downtown on December 6. Cost to attend is $50 per person. Additional info can be found in the Heartbeat email. Scan the QR code to the right to RSVP.

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lounge 4:00 TACO meal and free clinics
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks
Thursday	12:00 Al Anon in the library
Friday	9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby
Saturday	12:00 TACO First Saturday Giveaway
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship