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3rd Sunday in Advent

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, December 15, 2024

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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A Thrill of Hope, A Weary World Rejoices

December 15, 2024

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE Fantasy of German Carols Arr. Diane Bish

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 Awake! Awake and Greet the New Morn

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

Kyrie Eleison Kyrie Eleison

Christe Eleison Christe Eleison

Kyrie Eleison Kyrie Eleison

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, second and third candles on this wreath, rouse us from sleep and fill us with hope, with peace and with joy so that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes with all the saints and angels.

Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in the night, though dark the winter and cheerless,

the rising sun shall crown you with light, be strong and loving and fearless.

Love be our song and love our prayer and love our endless story;

may God fill ev'ry day we share and bring us at last into glory.

Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Let us pray: Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

SOLA SCRIPTURA +

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Zephaniah 3:14-20

The prophet Zephaniah’s message is mostly one of judgment for sin. This reading, however, which comes from the conclusion of the book, prophesies joy for Judah and Jerusalem. Judgment has led to repentance, and God’s salvation is at hand.

14 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!

15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies.

The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.

16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion;

do not let your hands grow weak.

17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory;

he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing

18 as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you,

so that you will not bear reproach for it.

19 I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather

the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.

20 At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make

you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your

fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.

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

PSALM: Rejoice! Rev. Bill Radatz, performed by the choir

The text is printed here only for your reflection later. Don’t try to follow along while listening this morning. Simply enjoy.

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice; rejoice with exceeding great joy

Rejoice with exceeding great joy o daughters of Zion

Rejoice, let all who seek refuge rejoice in your care that nations be glad and sing for joy.

Hope for your people comfort and joy your goodness and mercy will fill all our days

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice with exceeding great joy

Good news of great joy, the joy of the Lord, the trees of the field clap their hands,

mountains and hills burst into song waters, break forth and stream in the desert.

All of creation sings forth your praise

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice; rejoice with exceeding great joy

you show me the way of the fullness of life, the oil of gladness

The mantle of praise troubles are turning into joy in the morning led by your grace.

We are welcomed each day.

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice give thanks honor and praise.

My heart is glad my soul rejoices my body rest in your love

Rejoice, rejoice, fruits of the spirit, the spirit of joy, the fruits of the spirit are love, joy,

peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and peace.

We go out in joy, we walk in your ways and come back in peace and love

Love of the Lord is our way, good news of great joy and love teach self control, goodness

and great joy, joy to the world.

The Lord has come let the heavens be glad in the earth rejoice

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice with exceeding great joy.

This is the day the Lord has made sing, sing, sing to the Lord with the sound of the trumpet,

the lyre, the harp, guitar, violin, saxophone organ, piano and bells rejoice with the sound

of the wind and the rain, the mountains, resound, and a joyful refrain

Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice; rejoice with exceeding great joy

Good news, great joy is the sign of your love Lord, joy is the sign of your love,

All who see you rejoice and be glad, joy is the sign of your love

Our Lord will sustain us and keep us, joy is the sign of your love.

The joy of the Lord will bless us and keep us. Bless you keep you. rejoice.

Joy is the sign of your love Lord, joy as the sign of your love

Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice!

Some of Pastor Bill’s reflections: In scripture, “rejoice” occurs over 225 times, “joy” over 250 times. Scripture portrays the nature of God as joy – “the joy of the Lord” – not a feeling we create, but an invitation to participate in the joy of God over God’s creation.The comfortable beat and rhythm turned out to be the rhythm of the human heart – a rhythm of joy in our lives may be as important as our regular heartbeat.

EPISTLE LESSON: Philippians 4:4-7

Despite being in prison, Paul is remarkably upbeat as he writes this letter. Here, he urges his friends in Philippi to trust God with all their worries and concerns with the hope that they will experience God’s joy and peace.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness

GOSPEL: Luke 3:7-18 Glory to you, O Lord.

A light shines in the darkness. And the darkness cannot overcome it.

John the Baptist heralds the mighty one who is coming. John teaches that preparation for God’s reign is not a matter of identity but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.

7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin 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. 9 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.”

10 And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11 In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

18 So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

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

SERMON Pastor Kurt

HYMN OF THE DAY Hark, A Thrilling Voice is Sounding

SOLA FIDE +

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*after each petition:

Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

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 became truly human. 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 Poverty -Poor Man's Carol

-Dr. Caradog Roberts Welsh Composer choirmaster and organist 1878 -1935

Not many carols composed in this century have made it into popular repertoire, but

this carol is becoming more accepted. It expresses the compassion and fervour of the Welsh people and their musical traditions.

All poor men and humble, / All lame men who stumble, /Come haste ye, nor fell ye afraid. /

For Jesus, our treasure, With love past all measure, / In lowly poor manger was laid.

Though wise men who found him / Laid rich gifts around him. / Yet oxen they gave him their

hay: / And Jesus in beauty / Accepted their duty: / Contented in manger he lay

BLESSING OF THE GIFTS TACO’s Concrete Christmas

The 200 wrapped packages at the foot of the altar this morning each contain a Christmas Stocking stuffed with a scarf, beanie, hand wipes, body wash, deodorant, and socks. There is alo a torch light, mylar blanket, a hygiene kit, and nail clippers.

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 … 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 Prepare the Way

COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER

Now may the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace. Amen.

Lord Jesus, in this simple meal you have set before us a banquet.

Sustain us on the journey, strengthen us to care for the least of your beloved children, and give us glad and generous hearts as we meet you on the way.

Amen.

SENDING SONG Joy to the World

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

Go now and rejoice in the Lord always. Do not be afraid or worried about anything,
but in everything trust God and pray. Bear fruits worthy of repentance,
sharing what you have and being gentle with all. And may God rejoice over you with gladness; May Christ Jesus renew you in his love; and may the Holy Spirit give you

peace beyond understanding to guard your hearts and minds in Christ.

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Rejoice the Lord is King arr. James Kasen

Rejoice, the Lord is King! / Your Lord and King adore,

Mortals, give thanks, and sing, / And triumph evermore;

Lift up your heart, lift up your voice, / Rejoice, again, I say, rejoice.

-written byCharles Wesley 1744

Sanctuary Flowers were given by Frank Jessie “In memory of my mom Beverly, brother Michael, and sisters Antoinette and Kelly.”

Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director and Organist

Earl Vaults, Tenor Saxophone

Trevor Patricia Watkin, Flute

Jan Neuhaus, Cantor

Jan Neuhaus, Lector

Chuck Leib, 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

Beth Slevcove, 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

Last call for Poinsettias!

Poinsettia ordering concludes today! Choose “Christmas Poinsettias” from the Tithely drop-down menu and enter the name(s) in the memo area that you'd like your poinsettias to honor. The cost of each poinsettia will be $20. If you prefer to pay with cash or check, complete the order form in the bulletin and put it in an envelope with your payment to drop in the plate. You may take your poinsettia home after Christmas Eve worship. Thank you for helping to beautify our sanctuary during the Christmas season by honoring your loved ones!

Today after Worship: Annual Congregational Meeting (Part 1)

At this first of two annual congregational meetings, we will take a vote to approve next year’s budget. Anyone who is a member of FLC may submit their vote. Please attend - we need a quorum to be able to vote! Afterward, those who brought homemade cookies for the exchange can choose their cookies to take home!

ELCA Good Gifts Tree

In the lobby you’ll see our Good Gifts Tree display. On the table are various ornaments representing different gifts you may purchase for a family in need in different parts of the world. Please choose a gift and make your donation through Tithely using the QR code posted on the wall. Choose "ELCA Good Gifts" from the drop-down menu, and note what you are purchasing in the memo area. Checks or cash should be left in the plate. Grab an envelope and label it "Good Gifts" and note what you are purchasing. Then hang an ornament on the tree that represents your gift. Help us decorate or Good Gifts Tree!

Upcoming Post-Worship Forums

If you wish to attend a forum online please notify the church office

December 22: Special forum with Pastor Lee Precup

December 29: Welcome the Babe packing

Holiday Office Closure

The church office will be closed December 23-January 1 for the Christmas holiday. Normal work schedules will resume on January 2. For urgent requests, please email administrator@firstlutheransd.org. Merry Christmas!

Book Group News

The book James: A Novel by Percival Everett that was supposed to be our January selection is now postponed until November. It is a new book, and has received so many accolades that waIt lists at the libraries are impossibly long. The hope is by November everyone but us will have read it! So instead, in January we will be reading The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woodsjust in case you want to get a head start!

Thank you to our 2024 VIP Special Music Supporters!

Maestro ($1000+)

Rich & Joann Masters

Mehary & Abrehet Berhan

Dan & Dr. Rebecca Kjonegaard

Dr. Patricia Lindquist

John & Suzanne Pew

Randy & Joyce Sensmeier

Virtuoso ($500+)

Richard Phillips

Debra Hoistad & Jo Koch

Gary Kashefska

Virginia Hallerberg

Troy Hanson

Bob Schroeder

Dr. John & Jeannie Roehrs

Connoisseur ($100+)

Bill & Sheri Bengtson

Marlene Garich

Elizabeth Connolly

Heidi Hoxie

The Slevcove Family

Kaaren Nyberg

Chuck Leib & Frank DeLouise

Carol Schroeder Wold

Barry Hanson

TACO Bites

Thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas fundraiser! We raised about $2,000 for TACO. The shower trailer will be making an appearance in early January.

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
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship