2013-12-01

Worship to the Glory of God Sunday, December 1, 2013 8 & 11 am

Faith Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

5443 Sunset Rd New Port Richey, FL 34652 (727) 849–4418 Rev. Richard Arndt Guest Pastor

e-mail: frontoffice@faithnpr.org

Saturday Worship & Praise: 5 pm (Communion 1st Saturday of month) Sunday Worship: 8 & 11 am (Communion: 1st & 3rd Sun. @ 8 am 2nd & 4th Sun. @ 11 am) Sunday School & Adult Bible Classes: 9:30 am

website: faithnpr.org

THE FIRST SUNDAY in ADVENT December 1, 2013 – 8 & 11 am The Pre-Service Music The Chimes The Welcome and Announcements The Opening Hymn

“The Advent of Our King”

331 Please rise for the last stanza

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Pastor: People:

In the name of the Father and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Pastor: Look! He is coming with the clouds.

People: Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.

Pastor: People:

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Pastor:

Lest that Day surprise us unprepared, let us make confession of our sins, imploring our heavenly Father to have mercy on us for the sake of Jesus Christ.

(Silence for reflection and self-examination.)

Pastor: People:

Most merciful God, we confess to you all our sins and iniquities with which we have offended you—in our thinking, in our speaking, and in our doing. By ourselves we cannot stand in the brightness of your withering judgment. We beg your forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ, and seek the help of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Pastor: People:

Born among us in fulfillment of God’s promises, Jesus Christ ascended the mountain of the Lord to give his life as a ransom for all. For his sake your sins are forgiven. In him the day has dawned; salvation has drawn near!

Oh come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! Amen.

Responsive Litany for Advent I Pastor: People:

Lost in the darkness of sin, we try to create our own light, our own way out.

Lost in darkness, we can only wait for a light to lead us into light.

Pastor: People:

One candle burns, a small and flickering flame.

This is a light of hope, sent by God, foretold by the prophets:

Pastor: People:

“I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Pastor: People:

The light of our salvation is small and unexpected.

Our hope is in our infant King, with no palace, no throne and only a humble manger for a bed.

Pastor: People:

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Pastor:

Lord, Jesus, Light of light begotten, by your death and resurrection you overcame the darkness of sin to lead us into the light of eternal life.

Jesus, our Savior, as we light the Advent candles and prepare to celebrate your birth in Bethlehem, fill us with the light of hope.

Amen.

People:

Hymn of Praise

tune: Love Divine, all Loves Excelling

As we make our Advent journey Let us walk as in the Lord; Pilgrims with a holy calling Trav’ling, strengthened by God’s word, Toward the stable, toward the manger, Toward the gift of God made flesh.

Spirit, fortify our journey; May this trek our souls refresh.

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Let us journey to the mountain, Scale the heights of God’s own hill Where God’s temple is established, Where his teaching goes out still.

For God’s hill is also Calv’ry Where God’s Son won our release.

Nations stream to find the graces Of the path to God-won peace

--written by Randall Haedge

The Prayer of the Day Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Let us pray…”Heavenly Father, as we make our Advent journey to the manger this Christmas, may your Holy Spirit guide our hearts to see the Christ child as the stable influence in all that we do.”

People: Amen.  Please be seated The First Lesson

Isaiah 2:1-5

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD. Reader: This is the Word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God

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The Second Lesson

Romans 13:11-14

(Baptized into Christ we are clothed with his righteousness.)

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep.

For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God



Please rise for the reading of the Gospel

All:

tune: Angels From the Realms of Glory

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hear the prayers of Christendom: Alleluia! Alleluia!

Come and take your people home.

Written by Arden W. Mead.

The Holy Gospel Pastor: All:

Matthew 24:36-44

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-fourth chapter. (sung) Glory to you, O Lord.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he 5

would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Pastor:

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All:

Alleluia! Alleluia!

God’s abiding Word now hear.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

See the Son of Man appear.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Our redemption drawing near!

Tune: “Angels From the Realms of Glory”

Written by Arden W. Mead

 Please be seated The Hymn of the Day

“Hark, the Glad Sound”

The Message

349 “Happy New Year” Rev. Richard Arndt Guest Pastor

The 8 am service continues:

 Please rise for The Nicene Creed

(back of hymnal)

The Gathering of the Offerings

 As the offerings are brought forward the congregation rises to sing: The Offertory

Tune: On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’ Cry

With joy, O Lord, our gifts we bring, A tribute to our Advent King, Who comes within our midst to dwell As God with us, Emmanuel.

Employ, O God, the gifts here shared That in the world may be prepared The way of Christ, whose name we bless, Who comes, the Lord our righteousness.

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The Prayers (The Pastor will end each petition with “Lord, in your mercy …” and the congregation will respond with hear our prayer.)

THE SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Pastor: People:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you

Pastor: People: Pastor: People: Pastor:

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is good to give him thanks and praise.

In this Advent season as we prepare for Christ’s birth at Bethlehem, we rejoice as the wise men with exceeding great joy. Therefore with Angels and Archangels and all the company of Heaven, we laud and magnify Your Glorious Name, evermore praising you and singing.”

People:

tune: Angels From the Realms of Glory

Lo, the heav’nly host rejoices: ‘Holy, holy, holy Lord!’

Lo, God’s people join their voices: ‘God of hosts, by all adored, Heav’n and earth proclaim your glory, Sing your praise with one accord!’

Blest is he who now draws near us In the name of God the King!

Blest is he who comes to cheer us— Let our welcome joyful ring: ‘Hail! Hosanna! Hallelujah!’

Highest praises echoing.

The Lord’s Prayer

(back of hymnal)

The Words of Institution Pastor: The Peace of the Lord be with you People: And also with you.

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The Lamb of God

Tune: On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’ Cry

O Lamb of God, you take away The sin of all. Now hear us pray: The saving faith in us increase; Have mercy on us; grant us peace.

The Distribution (please be seated)

  

 

Faith’s statement of faith regarding communion is printed on the reverse side of the Fellowship Card.

Those who desire to commune are invited to come forward in the order indicated by the ushers. At the front of the church, follow the ushers’ directions to the communion rail.

Receive the bread from the elder either on the tongue or in the hand. Receive the wine either in the individual or the common cup. If you prefer the individual cup, take one from the proffered tray, place the empty cup in the basin as you return to your seat. If you prefer the common cup or chalice, please assist the serving pastor by guiding the cup to control the flow. When all in your group have communed, return to your seat by the side aisle.

If you desire to commune and are physically unable to come forward, please inform the ushers who will assist you.

Children who are not yet confirmed will be received at the altar rail for a special blessing.

The Hymn sung during the Distribution:

“Savior of the Nations Come” 332 verses 1 – 7

The Hymn of Thanks (please rise)

tune: Angels From the Realms of Glory

Thank the Lord, his praises voicing For his promised faithfulness!

All who seek the Lord, rejoicing, Tell his love, his name confess, For he leads us, with thanksgiving, In the paths of righteousness.

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The Prayer of Thanks Pastor: We give thanks to You, Almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this helpful gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy, You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

People: Amen.

The Benediction Pastor: People:

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The Closing Hymn

“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”

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Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates!

Behold, the King of glory waits.

The King of kings is drawing near; The Savior of the world is here.

Life and salvation He doth bring; Therefore rejoice and gladly sing.

To God the Father raise Your joyful songs of praise.

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Fling wide the portals of your heart; Make it a temple set apart From earthly use for heav’n’s employ, Adorned with prayer and love and joy.

So shall your Sov’reign enter in And new and nobler life begin.

To God alone be praise For word and deed and grace!

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Redeemer, come and open wide My heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide!

O enter with Thy grace divine; Thy face of mercy on me shine.

Thy Holy Spirit guide us on Until our glorious goal is won.

Eternal praise and fame We offer to Thy name.

The Meditation The Post-service Music The 11 am service continues: The Apostles’ Creed

(back of hymnal)

The Gathering of the Offerings



As the offerings are brought forward the congregation rises to sing:

The Offertory

Tune: On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’ Cry

With joy, O Lord, our gifts we bring, A tribute to our Advent King, Who comes within our midst to dwell As God with us, Emmanuel.

Employ, O God, the gifts here shared That in the world may be prepared The way of Christ, whose name we bless, Who comes, the Lord our righteousness.

The Prayers (The Pastor will end each petition with “Lord, in your mercy …” and the congregation will respond with hear our prayer.)

The Lord’s Prayer The Benediction

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The Closing Hymn

“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”

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Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates!

Behold, the King of glory waits.

The King of kings is drawing near; The Savior of the world is here.

Life and salvation He doth bring; Therefore rejoice and gladly sing.

To God the Father raise Your joyful songs of praise.

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Fling wide the portals of your heart; Make it a temple set apart From earthly use for heav’n’s employ, Adorned with prayer and love and joy.

So shall your Sov’reign enter in And new and nobler life begin.

To God alone be praise For word and deed and grace!

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Redeemer, come and open wide My heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide!

O enter with Thy grace divine; Thy face of mercy on me shine.

Thy Holy Spirit guide us on Until our glorious goal is won.

Eternal praise and fame We offer to Thy name.

The Meditation The Post service Music

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Those Serving Today: Presiding Minister: Rev. Richard Arndt Assisting Elder: 8 am: Larry Roach; 11 am: Lamar Miller Acolyte: 8 am: Jessi Smith; 11 am: Kristen Hahn Altar Care: 8 am: Mary Oles & Freda Steinke; 11 am: Edie Knudsen & Debbie Lackey Altar Flowers are Given Today by: Clarine Greenlee & Ben Kuhn in memory of Maize Musial; Jack Greenlee in honor of his mother Clarine on her birthday, December 4th; Bev Kuhn in honor of her friend Clarine Greenlee on her birthday Lay Reader: 8 am: Mel Reinstetle; 11 am: Sue Leader Audio Assistant: 8 am: Keith Allard; 11 am: Rose Wegner Video Assistant: 8 am: Mike Muetzel; 11 am: Barbara Hahn Ushers: 8 am: Bob & Mickie Ferguson; Mel & John Reinstetle 11 am: Neil Finkenstadt, Larry Roach, Mike Muetzel and Mel Kasberg

Thank you for worshipping with us at Faith.

We pray that you were blessed by having been here.

We hope to see you again.

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Our Purpose The love of Christ compels us to reach out and make disciples who seek the lost, strengthen the weak, and serve those in need while giving glory to God. When Holy Communion is served: Anyone having difficulty walking to the front of the church for Holy Communion may sit in the front pew on the lectern side. The Pastor will bring Holy Communion to the pew. An appropriate personal prayer for before receiving the Sacrament can be found on the page opposite the inside front cover of the hymnal.

This Week’s Opportunities to Seek, to Strengthen, and to Serve Saturday, November 30 Sunday, December 1

Monday, December 2 Tuesday, December 3 Wednesday, December 4 Thursday, December 5 Friday, December 6 Saturday, December 7 Sunday, December 8

3:00 pm 5:00 pm 8:00 am 9:30 am 11:00 am 7:00 pm 9:00 am 7:00 pm Noon 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 5:30 pm 3:00 pm 5:00 pm 8:00 am 8:45-10:45

Monday, December 9

9:30 am 11:00 am 2:00 pm 7:00 pm

Worship & Praise Rehearsal Worship & Praise Service Worship w/Holy Communion SS / Adult Bible Studies Worship Board of Christian Education Willing Workers Women’s Bible Class / CLC Ladies’ Guild Christmas Luncheon Advent Dinner / Devotions Narcotics Anonymous / GSH Worship & Praise Rehearsal Confirmation Class / CLC Worship & Praise Rehearsal Worship & Praise w/Holy Communion Worship Faith Family Fellowship SS / Adult Bible Studies Worship w/Holy Communion Board of Finance Executive Council

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Demonstrate your thankfulness this season Every year around this time, Faith anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. These contributions help support the work of the church now and throughout the year. This Thanksgiving season, please consider acknowledging your own good fortune by making an additional contribution.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  “WEDNESDAY ADVENT GATHERINGS” will be held on Dec. 4th, Dec. 11th and Dec. 18th. Each week there will be a light dinner at 6:30, followed by a devotional and Christmas carols at 7:15. We are grateful to Pastor David Brockhoff, from Holy Trinity in Masaryktown for giving of his time to help us celebrate this special season of Advent. The Sunday School Staff will be sponsoring the first week with their traditional spaghetti dinner. A free-will offering will gladly be accepted from those who are able to help defray the cost. All ages are welcome.

Free ornament making will follow the devotions in classrooms 7 & 8.

JOIN US AS WE START A NEW TRADITION – THE “HANGING OF THE GREENS” (decorating the church and grounds). December 8th, after the 11 am service we will be stringing the lights, hanging the ornaments, hanging the “greens” (wreathes), setting up the Nativity and preparing the altar for this special time of year. A Light lunch will be provided. Won’t you be a part of helping us make God’s house more festive looking?  PRAYER VIGIL: On Thursday, December 12th from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm there will be a “Prayer Vigil” in the Church Sanctuary. Everyone is asked to come when they can and pray for 12 minutes, that God will send Faith the Pastor He wants.

You can also pray at home, or at work.

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 The Annual Ladies Guild Luncheon will be held this Wednesday at The Spartan Manor. Entertainment will be the Genesis Singers & Bell Ringers, directed by Dawn Seguin. Get your tickets today ($15) and select a ham, chicken or vegetarian menu. Please visit our table in Narthex II.  ANGEL TREE: We have 14 children who are to be helped this Christmas. Choose a tag from the Angel Tree and purchase one or more items listed.

Bring your gifts (unwrapped and with the tag attached) back to the church before December 15th. Can’t do the shopping? Sharon Rubia will be glad to do it for you. Call her at (727) 376-5338.  CHRISTMAS PARADE: On Saturday, December 14th Faith will have a float in the New Port Richey Christmas Parade. Our “Faith Factor Band” will be playing all along the route. Come out and watch the Parade that Saturday.  CHRISRTMAS CONCERT: On Saturday, December 21st at 5:00 pm the “Faith Factor Band” will present an evening of Christmas songs as part of our Saturday Worship & Praise service. Plan to attend and be uplifted.  HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HUDSON will be presenting a Christmas play on Friday, December 20, 2013 called “Scrooge Revisited: A Dickens of a Sequel”.

Faith Lutheran Church’s John Schaerffer will be taking part in the play as the ghost of Marley. Please contact John Schaerffer by phone at (727)-863-8205 or by email at jrschaerffer@yahoo.com to reserve your tickets by Sunday, December 8. Cost is $5 for the meal, and $5 for the play. The address for Hope Lutheran Church is: 12321 Canton Ave., Hudson FL (Right off of SR 52, less than a quarter of a mile east of Little Road).

Thank you for worshipping with us at Faith.

We pray that you were blessed by having been here.

We hope to see you again.

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PRAYER VIGIL FOR A PASTOR 12 - Month of the Year: December 12 - Day of the Month: Thursday, 12/12 12 - Hours of Prayer: 7 am – 7 pm 12 - minimum minutes of personal prayer 240 – goal of (20 x 12) people who will commit to participate in the vigil. The church will be open for all to come, or you may pray at home or at work.

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

John 16:23 “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

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