WELCOME TO TRINITY! On this day the church celebrates its universal nature and mission. In worship we pray that the Holy Spirit would make our lives radiant with the brightness of Christ. From the Lord's table the church goes forth into the world as a witness to Christ's merciful presence. As the stars light up the darkness of night, so the baptized are called to be light in the world. 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*)
GATHERING
Prelude ............ Lanette Arneson
Welcome and Announcements
Confession and Forgiveness
P: In the name of the Father, and of the+ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.
P: Let us confess our sins with confidence in God's promise of forgiveness.
Silence for reflection and self-examination.
P: God, wonderful counselor, C: we confess that we have turned from your gifts and chosen our own way. We have not made room for you in our hearts or in our world. We have lived in fear; we have not welcomed the stranger; we desire gifts that will not endure. Forgive us our sins, known and unknown, and open us to receive the peace of Jesus dwelling in and among us. Amen
P: God's lovingkindness has appeared to us in Christ our Savior. We are saved, not by anything we have done, but by God's mercy poured out on us richly. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. God give you faith to trust Jesus, who is Love born for you now and always. Amen
Opening Hymn "This Little Light of Mine" ELW# 667
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: P: 0 God, C: on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THE WORD
First Reading Isaiah 60:1-6
Second Reading Ephesians 3:1-12
*Gospel Acclamation "Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we " p.188 ELW
Response after announcement: Glory to you, 0 Lord. Matthew 2:1-12
Response after the conclusion: Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Children's Sermon
Sermon ......... Pastor Phil Bogen
Hymn of the Day "Bright and Glorious Is the Sky" (v. 1-5) ELW# 301
Apostles' Creed
Prayers of Intercession P: Lord, in your mercy. C: Hear our prayer.
MEAL
Offering
Offering Prayer: P: Holy God, C: your beauty shines forth from the manger and your love shines forth from the cross. As you gather us around these signs of your love come among us, warm us to extend your care among the hungry and all in need. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
*Great Thanksgiving p.190 ELW
*Proper Preface "Holy, holy, holy Lord, " p.190 ELW
*Words of Institution
*Lord's Prayer p.191 ELW
Invitation to Communion: P: Come to the table where Christ meets you. Eat, rejoice, and be glad!
Communion Hymns:
*"Lamb of God, you take away" p. 191 ELW
The First Noel" (vs. 1,2,3,5) ELW# 300
"As with Gladness Men of Old" (vs. 1,3,4) ELW# 302
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: God of wonder, C: in Jesus we behold the light of the world come near. As you have come among us now, send us out in joy, hastening to share the good news of your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit dwelling among us now and forever. Amen.
THE SENDING
Benediction
Closing Hymn "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise" ELW# 310
Dismissal: P: Go in peace. Share the joy of Christ. C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude ............. Lanette Arneson
TRINITY LUTHERAN ANNUAL REPORTS BY COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS ARE DUE TODAY: All reports for the Annual Report need to be submitted to the church secretary by today, Sunday, January 6, 2019. You can submit the reports either by email trinitystettin@yahoo.com, or by placing them in the church secretary mailbox. Thank you. Annual Meeting will be held on January 20th following worship. Please mark your calendars to attend this important meeting of the church.
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.
TRINITY JANUARY COUNCIL MEETING SET FOR this Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 6:30pm
MEN'S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY EVERY SECOND SATURDAY AT VILLAGE INN. Next men's breakfast and Bible study is scheduled for this Saturday, January 12, 2019, 8:00 a.m. at the Village Inn in Marathon. This is a great time for fellowship and a discussion on the upcoming Sunday gospel. No sign up needed; just show up; friends and neighbors are welcome! ·
TRINITY WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY: Trinity Women's Bible Study will meet again on January 22 for a special meeting at Kurt and Jo's at 11 am. This will be a belated Christmas celebration and we will use the Gather magazine as our guide of Bible Study. Women from both Trinity and St. Peter are invited to come.
CONFIRMATION TAKES BREAK FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS: Confirmation classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. Seventh graders will meet at 6 p.m. along with their mentors to begin the Dear Theophilus unit. Eighth graders will meet at 7 p.m. with their mentors present to begin their faith statements. These meetings will be at the Trinity basement.
