December 1, 2024
First Sunday in Advent
Holy Communion

Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.

+ GATHERING +

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH

The prophet Isaiah shared a word with the weary world, a vision of the day when God will bring our conflicts to an end. God's house will be on top of the highest mountain, and people from all over will come to it. God will judge all countries and settle our disputes.

Weapons will be turned into tools for growth.
Wars will come to an end.

As we wait faithfully for God’s time, we light the candle of Hope. Our hope is in God, who will bring all nations together.

Christ, Be Our Light
ELW 715, verse 1

Refrain
   Christ, be our light!
   Shine in our hearts.
   Shine through the darkness.
   Christ, be our light!
   Shine in your church gathered today.

Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.   Refrain

Blessed are you, God of Jacob, for you promise that the day will come when your salvation dawns and the night of our sin is gone. May the hope of that coming sustain us in these days, wake us from our sleep, and wrap us in your light.

O house of Jacob, come,
Let us walk in the hope of the Lord. Amen.

PRELUDE 

Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
arr. Paul Fey

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS  

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

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

Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive 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.

n the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God 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 your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

GATHERING HYMN

Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW 264

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    (page 138)

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.

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.

+ READINGS +  

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.

¹⁴The 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. ¹⁵In 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. ¹⁶In 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."

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God. 

Psalm 25:1-10      (Read responsively by full verse)

¹ To you, O Lord,
  I lift up my soul.
 ² My God, I put my trust in you; let me not be put to shame,
  nor let my enemies triumph over me.
 ³ Let none who look to you be put to shame;
  rather let those be put to shame who are treacherous.
 ⁴ Show me your ways, O Lord,
  and teach me your paths.
 ⁵ Lead me in your truth and teach me,
  for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.
 ⁶ Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love,
  for they are from everlasting.
 ⁷ Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions;
  remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
 ⁸ You are gracious and upright, O Lord;
  therefore you teach sinners in your way.
 ⁹ You lead the lowly in justice
  and teach the lowly your way.
 ¹⁰ All your paths, O Lord, are steadfast love and faithfulness
  to those who keep your covenant and your testimonies.

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     (page 142)

Alleluia, Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the word of eternal life, 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:] 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. 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       Pastor Jeannine Sweet

HYMN OF THE DAY    

Jesus Shall Reign
ELW 434

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run;
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.

To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head;
his name like sweet perfume shall rise
with ev'ry morning sacrifice.

People and realms of ev'ry tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song;
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.

Blessings abound where'er he reigns:
the pris'ners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.

Let ev'ry creature rise and bring
peculiar honors to our king;
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen.

APOSTLES’ CREED    (page 105)

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

SHARING OF THE PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.

We prepare now to receive our offerings as we return to God a portion of what God has entrusted to us.

  + MEAL +  

OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during 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.

ANTHEM

Create in Me a Clean Heart
ELW 188

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.

OFFERING PRAYER

Creator God,
you made the whole world,
even the farthest stars,
and you draw near to feed us.
We praise you for these gifts of bread and wine.
Strengthen us with this food
that we may live in expectation
for the advent of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

    HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING   

DIALOGUE    (page 107)
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

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    (page 144)

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

You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God.
You are most holy, and great is the majesty of your glory.
You so loved the world that you gave your only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.
We give you thanks for his coming into the world to fulfill for us your holy will and to accomplish all things for our salvation.

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.
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.

Remembering, therefore, his salutary command, his life-giving passion and death, his glorious resurrection and ascension, and the promise of his coming again, we give thanks to you, O Lord God Almighty, not as we ought but as we are able; we ask you mercifully to accept our praise and thanksgiving and with your Word and Holy Spirit to bless us, your servants, and these your own gifts of bread and wine, so that we and all who share in the body and blood of Christ may be filled with heavenly blessing and grace, and, receiving the forgiveness of sin, may be formed to live as your holy people and be given our inheritance with all your saints.

To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever. Amen.

LORD'S PRAYER    (page 145)

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 ever.  Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Behold, God is making all things new.
Take your place in the new creation.

The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.

AGNUS DEI    (page 146)

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace.

COMMUNION HYMNS

 Now We Join in Celebration
ELW 462

Now we join in celebration
at our Savior's invitation,
dressed no more in spirit somber,
clothed instead in joy and wonder;
for the Lord of all existence,
putting off divine transcendence,
stoops again in love to meet us,
with his very life to feed us.

Lord, as round this feast we gather,
fill our hearts with holy rapture!
For this bread and cup of blessing
are for us the sure possessing
of your loving deed on Calv'ry,
of your living self, our vict'ry,
pledge of your unfailing presence,
foretaste here of heav'nly gladness.

Lord, we share in this communion
as one fam'ly of God's children,
reconciled through you, our brother,
one in you with God our Father.
Give us grace to live for others,
serving all, both friends and strangers,
seeking justice, love, and mercy
till you come in final glory.

As The Grains of Wheat
ELW 465

TABLE BLESSING

Let us pray:
Generous God,
we thank you for the gift of life,
for the bread of salvation.
We thank you for coming among us,
for leading us into peace.
We thank you for showering us with mercy,
for sending us into the world.
Come, Lord Jesus, and go with us
as we feed the hungry in your name.
Amen.

+ SENDING +  

SENDING SONG

The King Shall Come
ELW 260

The King shall come when morning dawns
and light triumphant breaks,
when beauty gilds the eastern hills
and life to joy awakes.

Not as of old a little child,
to bear and fight and die,
but crowned with glory like the sun
that lights the morning sky.

Oh, brighter than the rising morn
when Christ, victorious, rose
and left the lonesome place of death,
despite the rage of foes.

Oh, brighter than that glorious morn
shall dawn upon our race
the day when Christ in splendor comes,
and we shall see his face.

The King shall come when morning dawns
and light and beauty brings.
Hail, Christ the Lord! Your people pray:
come quickly, King of kings.

BENEDICTION

The Ancient One, enthroned,
the Crucified One, now risen,
the Indwelling One, poured out,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Encourage one another in Christ.
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

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Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761.  All rights reserved.

Christ, Be Our Light, Text and music: Bernadette Farrell, b. 1957. Text and music © 1993 Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP Publications. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending, Music: Thomas Olivers, 1725-1799. Arr. Paul Fey.

Prepare the Royal Highway, Frans Mikael Franzén, 1722-1847, tr. Lutheran Book of Worship.  Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin Augsburg Fortress.  Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music: Swedish folk tune, 17th cent.  Public Domain.

Jesus Shall Reign, Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt. Music: attr. John Hatton, c. 1793.  Public domain.

Creator of the Stars of Night, Text: Latin Hymn, 9th Century, Tr. J.M. Neale. Tr. © 1940, 1985 Church Publishing,Inc.  Music: Andrew Bruhn.  Music © 2022 Augsburg Fortress.   Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Create in Me a Clean Heart, Music: J. A. Freylinghausen, 1670-1739. Public domain.

Now We Join in Celebration, Text: Joel W. Lundeen, Text © Joel W. Lundeen, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved. Music: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662.  Public domain.

As The Grains of Wheat, Text: Didache, 2nd cent.; Marty Haugen, b. 1950, Music:  Marty Haugen, Text and music © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

The King Shall Come, Text: John Brownlie, 1859-1925.  Public domain. Music: A. Davisson, Kentucky Harmony, 1816, arr. Theodore A. Beck, 1929-2003.  Arr. © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Savior of the Nations, Come, Music: Martin Luther, arr. J.S. Bach.  Public domain.