WELCOME TO TRINITY! We come to the threshold of the celebration. The time is right; the place, Bethlehem of Judah, is identified; Mary's song announces the great things God is doing. A new day is being birthed into existence and we are meant to be a part of it. This final Sunday of preparation leads to the darkness of Christmas Eve and the dawn of Christmas Day, where the mystery unfolds again. A joyous greeting to one and all. A special welcome to those who are visiting with us. Please take time to sign our guest book in the entry leaving both an address and a telephone number.
(Worship-Setting# 8 in ELW-page 184-items designated by*)
The Advent Wreath: One of the best known customs for the season is the Advent wreath. The wreath and winter candle-lighting in the midst of growing darkness strengthen some of the Advent images found in the Bible. The unbroken circle of greens is clearly an image of everlasting life, a victory wreath, the crown of Christ, or the wheel of time itself Christians use the wreath as a sign that Christ reaches into our time to lead us to the light of everlasting life. The four candles mark the progress of the four weeks of advent and the growth of light.
GATHERING
Prelude: - Laurie Wiedeman
Welcome and Announcements
Confession & Forgiveness
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Let us come before God in confession.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P: To you, 0 God, C: we lift up our souls. You know us through and through; we confess our sins to you. Remember not our sins; remember us with your steadfast love.
Show us your ways; teach us your paths; and lead us in justice and truth, for the sake of your goodness in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
P: Children of God, come with joy and draw water from the well of salvation. Remember the gift of baptism: your sin is washed away in the name of Jesus; you belong to Christ; you are anointed to serve. Stand up and raise your heads! The reign of God is near. C: Amen.
The Lighting Hymn"Savior of the Nations, Come"(vs. 1, 5) ELW# 263
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
We praise you, 0 God, for this wheel of time that marks our days of preparation for Christ's Advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, (light four candles) open our eyes to see your presence in the lowly ones of this earth. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may sing of your advent among us in the Word made flesh. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. C: Amen!!
Gathering Hymn "Awake, Awake, and Great the New Mom" ELW#242
*The Greeting: P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.
Prayer of the Day: C: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Special Music "0 Come, 0 Come, Emmanuel" Trinity Choir
THE WORD
First Reading Micah 5:2-5a
Second Reading Hebrews 10:5-10
*Gospel Acclamation "Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we" p.188 ELW
Response after announcement: Glory to you, 0 Lord.
Response after the conclusion: Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Children's Sermon
Sermon "Mary's Song" Pastor Phil Bogen
Hymn of the Day "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus" ELW# 254
Apostles' Creed
Prayers of Intercession P: Lord, in your mercy. C: Hear our prayer.
MEAL
Offering
Offering Prayer: P: God of abundance, C: we bring before you the precious fruits of your
creation, and with them our very lives. Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need until the coming of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
*Great Thanksgiving p. 190 ELW
*Proper Preface "Holy, holy, holy Lord, " p. 190 ELW
*Words of lnstitution
*Lord's Prayer p. 191 ELW
Invitation to Communion: P: God fills the hungry with good things. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Communion Hymns: *"Lamb of God, you take away ...." p.191 ELW
"0 Little Town of Bethlehem" ELW# 279
"Comfort, Comfort Now My People" ELW# 256
Post Communion Blessing: P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep you
in his grace. C: Amen
Prayer after Communion: P: Holy One, C: we give you thanks that in this bread and cup we have feasted again on your endless love. Let that love overflow more and more in our lives, that we may be messengers to prepare your way, and bearers of your eternal Word, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE SENDING
Benediction
Sending Hymn "My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness" ELW# 251
Dismissal: P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude: - Laurie Wiedeman
DON'T FORGET WORSHIP TIMES ARE SWITCHED LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Worship times for Dec. 30 and Jan. 27 will be 8:30a.m. at Trinity and 10:15 a.m. at St. Peter. Please get the word around about our change of worship times on the last Sunday of the month.
CONFIRMATION TAKES BREAK FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS:
Confirmation will not meet gearing the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Confirmation classes will resume on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Seventh graders will meet at 6 PM along with their mentors to begin the Dear Theophilus unit. Eighth-graders will meet at 7 PM with their mentors present to begin their faith statements. These meetings will be at the Trinity basement.
MEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY EVERY SECOND SATURDAY AT VILLAGE INN:
Next men’s breakfast and Bible study is scheduled for January 12, 2019, 8 AM at the Village Inn in Marathon. This is a great time for fellowship and a discussion on the up coming Sunday gospel. No sign-up needed; just show up; friends and neighbors are welcome.
TRINITY WOMAN’S BIBLE STUDY WILL NOT MEET IN DECEMBER: they will meet again on January 22 for a special meeting at Kurt & Jo’s at 11 AM. This will be a belated Christmas celebration and we will use the December gather magazine as our guide of Bible study. Women from both Trinity and St. Peter are invited to come.
PASTOR PHIL WILL BE ON VACATION FROM DECEMBER 26th
THRU JANUARY 2nd: Pastor Phil will take a week of vacation from December 26 through January 2. Pastor Ted Gulhaugen will be your supply pastor on Sun., Dec. 30 and Pastor Dan Sire will be on call for emergencies and can be reached at 715-212-7359.
TRINITY FINANCIAL BOOKS will close on Monday, December 31st The church council asks that you complete your 2018 financial giving by that date. Any and all offerings received after December 31st by either the Treasurer or Financial Secretary whether mailed or in person, will be credited to 2019. There will be no exceptions
TRINITY ANNUAL REPORTS, committee and officer reports for the annual report need to be submitted to the church secretary by Sunday, January 6, 2019. You can either submit the reports either by email to trinitystettin@yahoo.com or by placing them in the church secretary mailbox. Annual meeting will be held on January 20th following worship. Please mark your calendars to attend this important meeting
PHONE NUMBER CHANGES & ADDRESS CHANGES FORWARDED TO SECRETARY: Please remember to notify the church secretary if you have a phone number change or an address change. We want to make sure we are listing and getting information to the correct places. Please leave the change in the church secretary mailbox or email the change to trinitystettin@yahoo.com
GIVING ENVELOPES FOR 2019 have been placed in mailboxes. If you did not receive envelopes & want them for your donations, please contact financial secretary, Nancy Buttke. Giving envelopes enable the church to track your donations for tax purposes. As a reminder, electronic funds transfer is available to our membership and is an easy way to budget your donations.
