Order of Worship
First Sunday of Advent
November 28, 2021

+ GATHERING +

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH 

God of Hope, your light shines. Your presence walks with
us. Your Spirit longs to draw us close. We are waiting. We
are alert. We are hopeful. We light candles trusting that the
smallest flame can drive out our greatest fears. We anticipate
your coming among us with peace and thankfulness. As we
await your coming, light a flame within us:
MAY WE SHINE WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF YOUR HOPE.

God of Hope, as we light this first candle, open our eyes to
your signs and wonders. Turn our attention to the beauty
of creation and the gifts of humanity. When our hearts are
heavy, give us peace. When our world feels uncertain, ground
us in your grace. Light a flame within us:
MAY WE SHINE WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF YOUR HOPE.

God of Hope, we remember today our sisters and brothers
in Latin America. The people who have lost so much from
Hurricanes Eta and Iota, the people who trust in your solid
ground, the people who long to find relief from the storms of
life. We pray for your presence, attention, and protection for
our neighbors. Light a flame within us:
MAY WE SHINE WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF YOUR HOPE.

God of Hope, keep us on guard for signs of your presence and
love. Fill our hearts with strength.
GUIDE US IN THESE ADVENT DAYS UNTIL OUR SAVIOR IS
BORN AMONG US.

Turn our attention to you, the One who is our song, our hope
and our joy. We pray all this in the name of Jesus, the light
that has no end.
AMEN.

PRELUDE      

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
    Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God.

    God for whom we wait
    in the presence of one another,
    we confess our sin before you.
    We fail in trusting that your good news is for us and for all.
    We falter in your call to us to tend to your good creation.
    We look to material wealth to reflect our value.
    We reject those who are different from ourselves.
    We do not live as your beloved children and
    we turn away from your love and mercy.    
    Forgive us we pray
    and assure us again of your saving grace.
    Amen.

    In Christ Jesus, God has looked upon us with favor.
    Hear this good news.
    Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
    + your sins are forgiven.
    You are children of the Most High,
    Heirs of the eternal promise
    and recipients of divine mercy.
    Amen.
                                                 
HYMN        People Look East
                         ELW 248  (vs 1,3)   

People, look east. The time is near 
of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east, and sing today—
Love, the Guest, is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim,
one more light the bowl shall brim,
shining beyond the frosty weather,
bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east, and sing today—
Love, the Star, is on the way.

GREETING
    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the holy spirit be with you all.
    And also with you.

KYRIE 
     ELW 154 

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy; have mercy, O Lord.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
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.

+ WORD +

FIRST READING     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.

PSALM  25:1-10      (read responsively by full verse)

 ¹To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
 ²O my God, in you I trust;
 do not let me be put to shame;
 do not let my enemies exult over me.
 ³Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
 let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
 ⁴Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
 teach me your paths.
 ⁵Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
 for you are the God of my salvation;
 for you I wait all day long.
 ⁶Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love,
 for they have been from of old.
 ⁷Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
 according to your steadfast love remember me,
 for your goodness' sake, O LORD!
 ⁸Good and upright is the LORD;
 therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
 ⁹He leads the humble in what is right,
 and teaches the humble his way.
 ¹⁰All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
 for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
    
SECOND READING     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.

⁹How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? ¹⁰Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
¹¹Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. ¹²And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. ¹³And 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.

The word of the Lord.     
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
     ELW 175

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL     Luke 21:25-36
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.

The holy gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said:] ²⁵There 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. ²⁶People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. ²⁸Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
²⁹Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; ³⁰as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. ³¹So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. ³²Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. ³³Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
³⁴Be 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, ³⁵like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be 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

HYMN OF THE DAY         We Are Waiting for Jesus
                                                     ACS 905

We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
Sun of justice, shine upon us;
we are trusting in your promise.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.

We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
Loving Shepherd, walk beside us;
stir our hearts, and gently guide us.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.

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.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
In this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places that yearn for God’s presence.

     A brief silence.

God of presence and peace, strengthen your church around the globe to proclaim the message of your love coming to the world. Open our hearts to recognize your face in all people and in all of creation.
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

God of mighty redwoods and microscopic plants, fields and city parks, the wind and the waves, be a healing balm to our wounded planet. May we nurture what you have lovingly created.
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

God of equity and compassion, bring righteousness and goodness to all peoples of the earth. Give a heart of discernment and integrity to leaders in our communities.  
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

God of comfort and care, be present with those who watch and wait. Come to all who await births, deaths, divorces, new unions, new jobs, retirements, healing, and life transitions of every kind, particularly Alena, Jenna, Margaret, Anna Mae, Julie, Alan, Ken, Carol, Anne, Allen, JoAnn, Sue, Meagan, Betty, Sharon, Jane, Dione, Nancy, Dottie, Theresa, Bobby, Dottie, Tim, Ruth, Henry, Mary, Greg, Ann Joyce, Barbara, and Shelby.  
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

God of promises kept and new dreams awakened, shelter your people from destructive storms. We pray for those whose lives have been upended by natural disasters, for the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran World Relief, and other relief organizations.
Hear us, O God.  
Your mercy is great.

God of companionship and community, we give you thanks for the saints who journeyed with us and now abide in you. Even in distress and uncertainty, make us confident that your promises endure forever.
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

God of new life, you come among us in the places we least expect. Receive these prayers and those of our hearts, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

GREETING OF PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.

+ MEAL +
     
During this time of pandemic, we are not passing offering plates during our worship service.  Instead, they are placed at the back of the sanctuary.  You may place your offerings there either before or after the service.  Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option.  Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.

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, who is peace.
Amen.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

    DIALOGUE    
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.
    
    PREFACE FOR ADVENT    
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:

    HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

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

    THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:  Blessed are you for the birth of creation.  Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people.  Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.  Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:  Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.  Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:  This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.  Do this for the remembrance of me.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
    Christ has died.
    Christ is risen.
    Christ will come again.

With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.  We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.  We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.

Holy God, we long for your Spirit.  Come among us.  Bless this meal.  May your Word take flesh in us.  Awaken your people.  Fill us with your light.  Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.

All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
Amen.    

LORD’S PRAYER
    Our Father, who art in heaven,
        hallowed be thy name,
        thy kingdom come,
        thy will be done,
            on earth as it is in heaven.
    Give us this day our daily bread;
    and forgive us our trespasses,
        as we forgive those
        who trespass against us;
    and lead us not into temptation,
        but deliver us from evil.
    For thine is the kingdom, 
        and the power, and the glory,
        forever and eve.  Amen.

BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Most High God, You have come among us at this table.  Having been nourished, shape us so that we may be bears of your Word, sharing the gifts of mercy and grace with all through Christ Jesus your Son, our Lord.
Amen.

BENEDICTION

HYMN                 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
                                   ELW 241  (vs. 1, 4)
  
O Lord, how shall I meet you,
how welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you,
my hope, my heart's delight!
Oh, kindle, Lord most holy,
your lamp within my breast
to do in spirit lowly
all that may please you best.

Rejoice, then, you sad-hearted,
who sit in deepest gloom,
who mourn your joys departed
and tremble at your doom.
All hail the Lord's appearing!
O glorious Sun, now come,
send forth your beams so cheering
and guide us safely home.

POSTLUDE   

People Look East, Text © Miss E. Farjeon Will Trust, admin. David Higham Associates.  Music: French carol, arr. Barry Rose, 1934.  © 1999 Novello & Company Ltd.,  Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Kyrie, Music: Mass No. 1, Avon Gillespie.  Music copy; GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Liturgical Text, Music, and Images from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006 and 2020 Augsburg Fortress and SundaysandSeasons.com. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761.  All rights reserved.

Gospel Acclamation,  Music: "Alleluia 7, Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994, and the Taizé Community.  Music copy; 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274.  All rights reserved.

We Are Waiting for Jesus,  Text and music:  John Helgen, b. 1957.  Text and music © 2014 Augsburg Fortress.  All rights reserved..  Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All right reserved.

O Lord, How Shall I Meet You  Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676; tr. composite.  Music:  Johann Crüger, 1598-1662.  Public domain.