{"id":6849,"date":"2021-12-12T18:44:23","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T00:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=6849"},"modified":"2021-12-12T18:44:23","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T00:44:23","slug":"third-sunday-of-advent-12-december-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=6849","title":{"rendered":"Third Sunday of Advent: 12 December 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Peace, siblings in Christ!Thanks to our clarinet players, Brittany Anderson and Abbigail Lee for the accompaniment on the opening hymn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Blessings to you this Advent season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Order of Worship Service: Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prelude:<\/strong> ELW 284- “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meditation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Christ\u2019s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one \u201cmore powerful\u201d than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news\u2014and cause for exultation\u2014for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confession and Forgiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blessed be the holy Trinity, \u2629 one God, who alone does wonders, who lifts up the lowly, who fills the hungry with good things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God for whom we wait,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

in the presence of one another,<\/strong> we confess our sin before you.<\/strong> We fail in believing that your good news is for us.<\/strong> We falter in our call to tend your creation.<\/strong> We find our sense of self in material wealth.<\/strong> We fear those different from ourselves.<\/strong> We forget that we are your children<\/strong> and turn away from your love.<\/strong> Forgive us, Blessed One,<\/strong> and assure us again of your saving grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God, in Christ Jesus, has looked with favor upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, \u2629 your sins are forgiven. You are children of the Most High, inheritors of the eternal promise, and recipients of divine mercy. God strengthens you anew to follow the way of peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hymn: <\/strong>ELW 519- “Open Your Ears, O Faithful People,” both verses. Clarinets: Brittany Anderson & Abbigail Lee <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of the Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Candles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third Sunday of Advent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessed are you, God of might and majesty, for you promise to make the desert rejoice and blossom, to watch over the strangers, and to set the prisoners free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we light these candles, satisfy our hunger with your good gifts, open our eyes to the great things you have done for us, and fill us with patience until the coming of the Lord Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O ransomed people of the Lord, come,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

let us travel on God\u2019s holy way<\/strong> and enter into Zion with singing. Amen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light the first , second, and third candle<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting of the Advent Candle:<\/strong> ELW 249- \u201cLight One Candle to Watch for Messiah,\u201d 3rd verse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The prophet Zephaniah\u2019s message is mostly one of judgment for sin. This reading, however, which comes from the conclusion of the book, prophesies joy for Judah and Jerusalem. Judgment has led to repentance, and God\u2019s salvation is at hand.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200314<\/sup>Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
\u2003\u2003shout, O Israel!
\u2003Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
\u2003\u2003O daughter Jerusalem!
\u200315<\/sup>The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,
\u2003\u2003he has turned away your enemies.
\u2003The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
\u2003\u2003you shall fear disaster no more.
\u200316<\/sup>On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
\u2003Do not fear, O Zion;
\u2003\u2003do not let your hands grow weak.
\u200317<\/sup>The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
\u2003\u2003a warrior who gives victory;
\u2003he will rejoice over you with gladness,
\u2003\u2003he will renew you in his love;
\u2003he will exult over you with loud singing
\u2003\u200318<\/sup>as on a day of festival.
\u2003I will remove disaster from you,
\u2003\u2003so that you will not bear reproach for it.
\u200319<\/sup>I will deal with all your oppressors
\u2003\u2003at that time.
\u2003And I will save the lame
\u2003\u2003and gather the outcast,
\u2003and I will change their shame into praise
\u2003\u2003and renown in all the earth.
\u200320<\/sup>At that time I will bring you home,
\u2003\u2003at the time when I gather you;
\u2003for I will make you renowned and praised
\u2003\u2003among all the peoples of the earth,
\u2003when I restore your fortunes
\u2003\u2003before your eyes, says the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Despite being in prison, Paul is remarkably upbeat as he writes this letter. Here, he urges his friends in Philippi to trust God with all their worries and concerns with the hope that they will experience God\u2019s joy and peace.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4<\/sup>Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5<\/sup>Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6<\/sup>Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7<\/sup>And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gospel: Luke 3:7-18<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

John the Baptist heralds the mighty one who is coming. John teaches that preparation for God\u2019s reign is not a matter of identity but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7<\/sup>John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, \u201cYou brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8<\/sup>Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, \u2018We have Abraham as our ancestor\u2019; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9<\/sup>Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.\u201d
\u2003 10<\/sup>And the crowds asked him, \u201cWhat then should we do?\u201d 11<\/sup>In reply he said to them, \u201cWhoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.\u201d 12<\/sup>Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, \u201cTeacher, what should we do?\u201d 13<\/sup>He said to them, \u201cCollect no more than the amount prescribed for you.\u201d 14<\/sup>Soldiers also asked him, \u201cAnd we, what should we do?\u201d He said to them, \u201cDo not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.\u201d
\u2003 15<\/sup>As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16<\/sup>John answered all of them by saying, \u201cI baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17<\/sup>His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.\u201d
\u2003 18<\/sup>So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sermon:<\/strong> Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hymn of the Day:<\/strong> ELW 242- “Awake! Awake and Greet the Morn,” all verses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayers of Intercession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places that yearn for God\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holy God, renew your church and raise up leaders who announce your good news. Grant peace to congregations and seminarians in the midst of transition. Guide the work of candidacy and call committees. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating God, your Spirit brought forth the earth and all that is in it. Breathe life into us, that we are inspired to live in harmony with one another and the planet. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shepherding God, you lead your people in paths of righteousness. Raise up prophets in our own day who warn against captivity to greed and point us to the freedom found in generosity. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nurturing God, you come near in times of worry and need. Cradle us in your arms, that we trust you and are not afraid. Attend to any who are hungry, imprisoned, or ill this day especially Bruce and Sandy Wright; Betty Lee; Paige Wheeler; Julie Prenatt; David Neu; Sheri Stoutt; Nan Hibbs; Britta Maddox; Everett Noah; Libby Hofsas; Noah Stoutt; Shelley Collis; Deb Schafer; Richard Hotchkiss; Nancy and Bob Bosco; Charysse and Adean Heritage and Family; Randy McIntyre; Karen Bemowski; Marilyn Hubbard; Helen Schubert, and all those we name before you now, aloud or in our hearts…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Scott and Gary Berg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give them tangible signs of your steadfast love.\u00a0 Grant them healing and wholeness. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rejoicing God, you exult over us in singing. Enliven the song of this assembly and bless the ministry of church musicians. With instruments and dance, join our voices to the song of all creation. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We give you thanks for your servants who showed us your goodness and grace especially Rose Reasor; Marijane Cook; and their families. By the power of your Spirit, keep us steadfast in faith until we make our home with you. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God of new life, you come among us in the places we least expect. Receive these prayers and those of our hearts, in the name of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great Thanksgiving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord’s Prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communion: <\/strong>ACS 905- “We Are Waiting for Jesus.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communion: <\/strong>ELW 261- “As the Dark Awaits the Dawn.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer after Communion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most High God, you have come among us at this table. By your Spirit\u2019s power, form us to be bearers of your word, sharing gifts of mercy and grace with all, through Christ Jesus, our host and our guest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Siblings in God–the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus for whom we wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending Hymn:<\/strong> ELW 248- “People, Look East,” all verses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dismissal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Go in peace. Christ is near.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks be to God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postlude:<\/strong> “Let There Be Peace on Earth,”- Miller\/ Jackson <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook link to worship service:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/190629367619921\/videos\/449511026814267<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credits:<\/strong> Baptism-of-Jesus-anointed, bibleuniverse.com; Christmas Walk at First, Therese Guise; and Do Not Be Anxious Philippians 4, Pinterest<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miriam Anderson: Song Leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pam Edwards: Music Director\/ Piano\/ Organ<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” Text: Jean de Brebeuf, 1593 – 1649; tr. Jesse E. Middleton, 1872 – 1960, alt.. Music: French folk tune, c. 16th cent.. Text copyright 1927 The Frederick Harris Music Company. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Open Your Ears, O Faithful People.” Text: Hasidic traditional; Willard F. Jabusch, b. 1930, English version. Music: Hasidic tune. Text copyright 1966, 1982 Willard F. Jabusch, admin. OCP Publications. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLight One Candle to Watch for Messiah.\u201d Text: Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954. Music: Yiddish folk tune. Text copyright 1984 Fortress Press. Public domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Awake! Awake and Greet the Morn.” Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: Marty Haugen. Text and music copyright 1983 GIA Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We Are Waiting for Jesus.” Text: John Helgen, b. 1957. Music: John Helgen. Text and music copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As the Dark Awaits the Dawn.” Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953. Music: Carl F. Schalk, b. 1929. Text copyright 1996 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music copyright 1997 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“People, Look East.” Text: Eleanor Farjeon, 1881 – 1965. Music: French carol; arr. Barry Rose, b. 1934. Text copyright Miss E. Farjeon Will Trust, by permission of David Higham Associates. Arr. copyright 1999 Novello & Co. Ltd. London. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Contributors: Sy Miller, Jill Jackson. Tune: \u00a9 1955, 1983, Jan-Lee Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. Used with permission. (One License #80436) All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted\/ streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS006904. Duplication in any form is prohibited without permission or valid license from the copyright administrator.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Peace, siblings in Christ!Thanks to our clarinet players, Brittany Anderson and Abbigail Lee for the accompaniment on the opening hymn. Blessings to you this Advent season. Pastor Chris Lee Order of Worship Service: Third Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2021 Prelude: ELW 284- “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime.” ANNOUNCEMENTS Meditation Christ\u2019s presence in our … [Read more…]<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["entry","post","publish","author-flcadmin","post-6849","format-standard","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6849","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6849"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6849\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6945,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6849\/revisions\/6945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}