2013-12-08

Worship to the Glory of God Sunday, December 8, 2013 8:00 & 11:00 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

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH FAITH Saturday, December 21st at 5:00 pm Christmas Concert presented by Faith Factor Worship & Praise Band Tuesday, December 24th at 6:30 pm “Christmas Jubilee” presented by our Sunday School children Tuesday, December 24th at 11:00 pm “We Need a Little Christmas” a message from Rev. Gilbert Kuehn Christmas Songs, Communion, and Candlelight Wednesday, December 25th at 10:00 am “Festival Service” Christmas Songs, Communion Sunday, December 29th at 8:00 & 11:00 am New Year’s Celebration

2

THE SECOND SUNDAY in ADVENT December 8, 2013 – 8 & 11 am The Prelude The Chimes The Welcome and Announcements The Opening Hymn

“Arise, O Christian People”

354

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

 please rise 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.

Pastor:

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.

People:

3

Responsive Litany for Advent II Pastor: People:

We try to find peace in all the wrong places and in all the wrong ways.

We long for peace but there is no peace without the forgiveness of sins.

Pastor: People:

A second candle burns, adding to the growing light.

This is a light of peace, a shining light of forgiveness that brings us peace with God.

Pastor: People:

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”

Pastor:

The light of our salvations grows brighter and with it the promise of peace with God. The Child of Bethlehem came to walk the road to the cross and win forgiveness for us!

People: 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.

Prince of Peace, as we light the Advent candles and remember your victory over sin and death, fill us with the light of your peace. 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.

4

To the forest now we journey— What a wonder find we here!

From the fruitless stump of Jesse, Lo, a branch and flow’r appear.

Jesus is that branch, that blossom, Recreating life from death.

Bring us righteousness and justice, Spirit; guide our footsteps yet.

words 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 for

The First Lesson

Isaiah 11:1–10

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

5

In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious Reader: This is the Word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God The Second Lesson

Romans 15:4–13

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”

And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”

And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

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

 Please rise for the reading of the Gospel

6

All:

tune: Angels From the Realms of Glory

Alleluia! Come, Lord Jesus!

Hear your people as they pray, For the herald’s voice, resounding, Calls us to prepare the way.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Anxiously we wait the Day!

The Holy Gospel Pastor: All:

Written by Arden W. Mead.

Matthew 3:1–12

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the third chapter. (sing) Glory to you, O Lord.

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

7

Pastor: All:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

God’s abiding Word now hear.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

See the Son of Man appear.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Our redemption drawing near!  Please be seated The Hymn of the Day “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” The Message

344

“What a Man!” Matthew 3:1–12 Rev. Richard Arndt Guest Pastor The 8 am service continues:

Please rise for 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 8

The Closing Hymn

“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”

1

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.

4

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!

5

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.

341

The Meditation The Post service Music The 11 am service continues: Please rise for The Nicene Creed

(back of hymnal)

The Gathering of the Offerings 9

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 SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Pastor: People:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you

Pastor: People: Pastor:

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: Pastor:

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!’

10

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: People:

The Peace of the Lord be with you And also with you.

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. Please be seated for The Distribution  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: 11

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

357

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.

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 1

“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates�

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.

12

341

4

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!

5

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

Thank you for worshipping with us at Faith.

We pray that you were blessed by having been here.

We hope to see you again.

13

Those Serving Today: Presiding Minister: Rev. Richard Arndt Assisting Elder: 8 am: Larry Roach; 11 am: Lamar Miller Acolyte: 8 am: Jenna Crider; 11 am: Brittany Morrison Altar Care: 8 am: Mary Oles & Freda Steinke; 11 am: Edie Knudsen & Debbie Lackey Lay Reader: 8 am: Mel Reinstetle; 11 am: Mel Kasberg Audio Assistant: 8 am: Jonathan Tinker; 11 am: Bob Behnke Video Assistant: 8 am: Mike Muetzel; 11 am: John Schaerffer Ushers: 8 am: Ivo & Jackie Christopher and John & Mel Reinstetle; 11 am: Neil Finkenstadt, Larry Roach and Mel Kasberg Flower Angels: Clarine Greenlee, Jack Greenlee Fellowship Cards: Tom & Donalee Ogorzelec

A Measure of Our Devotion Saturday & Sunday, November 30th and December 1st Worship Attendance

188

Communion

62

Sunday School

19

Youth: CIA and Weekday Confirmation

10

Sunday Teachers & Adult Bible Studies / Weekday Studies Total Receipts

Light the Way Campaign Total

38 $12,320.19

$5,401.00

14

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.

Stewardship Sentence: Matthew 3:1-2 “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."” John prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. Then, when Jesus' ministry was complete and He was raised from the dead, He sent out his disciples to preach “repentance and the forgiveness of sins.” We never outgrow the need for repentance – for examining our lives, turning away from our pet sins, and turning toward Jesus in faith to receive his forgiveness and strength for a renewed life of godliness.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  THE “HANGING OF THE GREENS” is today after the 11:00 service. After service we will meet in the CLC for a light lunch before starting our work.  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.  CHRISTMAS 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.  Rose Ann Verheyen and Jerry Brock have a meeting with President Walton on Sunday. The congregation is invited to submit names of possible candidates on the forms in Narthex II. The forms are due back to Rose Ann no later than Sunday, December 15th.

15

 TUESDAY EVENINGS WITH BETH MOORE: Another opportunity to explore the life and ministry of St. Paul will be offered on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm starting on January 14th in the CLC. For those of you who do not have the time on Sunday morning, this course will last 11 weeks and conclude on March 25th. The charge for the workbook (homework!!!) is $16.00. Please indicate your interest on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex so we can secure the necessary materials. If you have any questions, please contact Phyllis Miller at phyalama@tampabay.rr.com or 727-847-0959.  THE LADIES BIBLE STUDY with Tami Musgrave will meet this Tuesday and then will break for the rest of the month. They will resume in January.  “WEDNESDAY ADVENT GATHERINGS” – We hope you were able to join us last Wednesday as we started our mid-week Advent services. Our next one will be this Wednesday, Dec. 11th at 6:30, with a light meal provided by our Board of Properties. It will include hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausage, sides, dessert and a beverage. Come join us this week as Pastor David Brockhoff introduces us to “A Star of Hope”. All ages are welcome. Free ornament making will follow the devotions in classrooms 7 & 8. A free-will offering will gladly be accepted from those who are able to help defray the cost.  CONGRATULATIONS TO FRED MIESER for winning the "Coffee Basket Raffle".

He was very surprised to receive our call. Again, the Christians In Action Class thanks all for your purchase of the raffle tickets. A total of 236 were sold and a total of $222.00 was raised to purchase the outdoor Nativity which was dedicated at last Sunday's 8:00 am worship service. You can see it on our front lawn and it looks beautiful all lit up at night too!  Our Sunday School will be hosting our annual Happy Birthday Jesus Party on Sunday December 22nd during the Sunday School hour. All children are invited to attend and enjoy the special visit from Saint Nicholas too! Bring your camera for those "Kodak moments".  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.

16

 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HUDSON will be presenting a Christmas play on Friday, December 20, 2013 called “Scrooge Revisited: A Dickens of a Sequel”, which puts Christ back into the classic Christmas Carol story. Faith Lutheran Church’s John Schaerffer will be taking part in the play as the ghost of Marley.

There will be a dinner at 6 pm, with the play to follow at 7pm. Tickets are $5 for the play by itself, or $10 for dinner and the play. If you are interested, please contact John Schaerffer by phone at (727)-863-8205 or by email at jrschaerffer@yahoo.com. Please reserve your tickets by Sunday, December 8.

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).

Birthdays

Anniversaries

8 – Andrew Hall 9 – John Noveck 10 – Ed Meier 15 – Kenny Korchak Jr.

17

This Week’s Opportunities to Seek, to Strengthen, and to Serve

Sunday, Dec. 8

8:00 am

Worship

9:30 am

SS / Adult Bible Studies

8:45 – 10:45

Faith Family Fellowship

BLOOD PRESSURE

11:00 am

Worship w/Holy Communion

CHECKS

12:15 pm

“Hanging of the Greens”

Monday, Dec. 9

2:00 pm

Board of Finance

7:00 pm

Executive Council

9:00 am

Willing Workers / GSH

7:00 pm

Women’s Bible Study / CLC

12 Noon

Genealogy Christmas Party / CLC

6:30 pm

Advent Dinner / Devotions / CLC

Tuesday, Dec. 10 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Thursday, Dec. 12

7:00 am 7:00 pm

PRAYER VIGIL FOR A PASTOR

9:15 am

Genesis concert / CLC

6:30 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous / GSH

Friday, Dec. 13

5:30 pm

Confirmation Class / CLC

Saturday, Dec. 14

NO SERVICE AT FAITH - COME SEE THE FAITH FACTOR FLOAT IN THE CHRISTMAS PARADE 8:00 am Worship w/Holy Communion

Sunday, Dec. 15

9:30 am

SS / Adult Bible Studies

11:00 am

Worship

18

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 19