THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 18th, 2016
Holy Communion (ELW 5)

PRELUDE

INTRODUCTION

All may stand and make the sign of the cross, the sign with which we are
marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name
him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthews account of the annunciation and
birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of
Advent we pray, O come, O come, Emmanuel, a beloved hymn based on
ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this
final Sunday in Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to
save us from the power of sin and death.

Nol sur les Fltes

Louis-Claude Daquin

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

In the name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from
whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the
inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily
magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHILDREN are always welcome to our Worship Service. Rainbow bags

and a cry room are available. A staffed nursery is also available if needed.
An usher will gladly provide you with assistance.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

As a worship courtesy, we ask that you please turn off or set to vibrate
all cellular telephones and pagers during the worship service.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

We ask that all present today please fill out the Attendance and Communion
registration card found in your bulletin and place it in the offering plate so
that we may record your presence with us.

PRAYER UPON ENTERING THE PEW

Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and
yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life
of the one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. Amen.

Please kneel, silence is kept for reflection.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We
have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have
done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our
whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the
sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us,
and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high has shined
upon us. Jesus Christ has come to be born among us and to die for us, all to
reconcile us to God. In Christs name and for his sake I declare to you: God
forgives you all your sins. Almighty God grant unto us the grace and
comfort of the Holy Spirit, true repentance, and time for the amendment of
life. Amen.
Please stand.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, vv. 6-8 (ELW 257)
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. In your Son,
Emmanuel, you have shown us your light and saved us from the power of
sin. Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath. Increase our longing for
your presence, that at the celebration of your Sons birth his Spirit might
dwell anew in our midst, for he is our light and our salvation. Blessed be
God forever. Amen.
CHILDRENS MESSAGE
PROCESSIONAL HYMN: Blessed Be the God of Israel (ELW 250)
GREETING
Behold, now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. The grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy
Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and
might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may
receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated.

FIRST READING:

Isaiah 7:10-16

10

The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let
it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I
will not put the LORD to the test. 13Then Isaiah said: Hear then, O house of
David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God
also? 14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young
woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him
Immanuel. 15He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to
refuse the evil and choose the good. 16For before the child knows how to
refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you
are in dread will be deserted.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Refrain:

Tone:

7Restore us, O | God of hosts;

let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved.
17Let your hand be upon the one at | your right hand,
the one you have made so strong | for yourself.
18And so will we never turn a- | way from you;
give us life, that we may call up- | on your name.
19Restore us, O LORD| God of hosts;
let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved. R
SECOND READING:

Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for

the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in
the holy scriptures, 3the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended
from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be Son of God with
power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead,
Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and
apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for
the sake of his name, 6including yourselves who are called to belong to
Jesus Christ,
7To all Gods beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand for the reading of the gospel.

1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph | like a flock;

shine forth, you that are enthroned up- | on the cherubim.
2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, | and Manasseh,
stir up your strength and | come to help us.
3Restore | us, O God;
let your face shine upon us, and we | shall be saved.
4O LORD| God of hosts,
how long will your anger fume when your | people pray? R
5You have fed them with the | bread of tears;
you have given them bowls of | tears to drink.
6You have made us the derision | of our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh | us to scorn.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION AND VERSE

Verse:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and | bear a son,*

and they shall name him Em- | manuel, (Matt. 1:23)

GOSPEL: Matthew 1:18-25

As the Gospel is announced, worshippers are invited to trace a cross upon

their forehead, then over their lips, and then over their hearts, silently
praying, May the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ be ever on my mind, on
my lips, and in my heart.
The holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew
Glory to you, O Lord!
18

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When
his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived
together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her
husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to
public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had
resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and
said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for
the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and
you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their
sins. 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord
through the prophet:
23Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means, God is with us.24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as
the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no
marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him
Jesus.
The gospel of the Lord!
Praise to you, O Christ!

Those making affirmation are presented by a sponsor or another

representative of the congregation:
I present Michael and Barbara, who desire to make public affirmation
of their baptism.
The presiding minister may continue with prayer.
Let us pray.
Merciful God, we thank you for Barbara and Michael, whom you have
made your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called them to
yourself, enlightened them with the gifts of your Spirit, and
nourished them in the community of faith. Uphold your servants in the gifts
and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have
brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
Michael and Barbara, I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject
sin, and confess the faith of the church.
Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
I renounce them.
The presiding minister addresses the candidates and the assembly.

Please be seated.
SERMON Pastor Charles Peterson
Please stand and sing:
HYMN OF THE DAY Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (ELW 272)
AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM for Michael and Barbara Mayer

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, Gods only Son, our Lord, who was conceived
by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at
the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and
the dead.

The presiding minister addresses the assembly.

Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism and for Barbara and
Michael Mayer, one with us in the body of Christ, who are making public
affirmation of their baptism.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life
everlasting.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
As we anticipate the fullness of the presence of Christ, we join with the
church throughout the world, praying for those who are affirming their
Baptism, for all the baptized everywhere, and for all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Each petition ends with:
let us pray.
Have mercy, O God.

The blessing may be repeated for each person. The minister may lay both
hands on the head of the person and say:
Stir up in Barbara and Michael the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of
knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both
now and forever. Amen.
A representative of the congregation addresses the assembly.
Let us rejoice with this sister and brother in Christ.
We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks
and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.
Please greet one another in the peace of the risen Christ.

Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, those spoken aloud and
those known only to you, and grant us peace through Jesus Christ, our
coming Savior. Amen.

PEACE

The presiding minister addresses those making public affirmation of

baptism.

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Michael and Barbara, you have made public profession of your faith. Do
you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
to live among Gods faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lords supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
Each person responds:
I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.
The minister addresses the assembly.
People of God, do you promise to support this sister and brother and pray
for them in their life in Christ?
We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
The presiding minister prays for Gods blessing.
Let us pray.
We give you thanks, O God that through water and the Holy Spirit you give
us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life.

Please be seated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANTHEM AT THE OFFERING Een so Lord Jesus Come Paul Manz
Please stand and sing:
OFFERTORY HYMN: Create in Me a Clean Heart (ELW 188)

PREFACE

OFFERING PRAYER
God of abundance, you have entrusted us with the precious fruits of your
creation. We return a portion of them to you in thanksgiving, a sign that all
we have, and all we are, and all that there is belongs to you. Give us
patience, hope, and joy in being as good to all people and to your world as
you have been to us, until the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord. Amen.
DIALOGUE

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Worshippers are invited to bow through to the words Hosanna in the
highest!

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Worshippers are invited to bow with the consecration of the Lords body
and blood, each time the words Do this for the remembrance of me, are
spoken.
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life Do this for the
remembrance of me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
With this bread We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, for whom all creation waits, remember us in your
kingdom, and teach us to pray:

INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The coming of the Lord Jesus is a consuming fire. All who desire their old
life to pass away and to live a new life in Christ, come with joy to the feast.
Please be seated.
COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen.
All baptized people are welcome to the table to receive Christs body and
blood. If you have not been baptized, you are also welcome to the table as
Gods guest; we are honored by your presence. We recognize the Body of
Christ as the community of the baptized, so if you would like to become
part of the Body of Christ, we encourage you to seek baptism. If you cant
or dont wish to receive today, we encourage you to hold your hands over
your chest for a blessing as you come forward.

LAMB OF GOD

Please stand.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord God, we give you thanks that you have fed us even now with the
banquet that is yet to come. Keep us alert for signs of your presence in the
world around us. Send us as healing oil and sheltering comfort to those in
need, and make us bold in testifying to the light of Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord. Amen.
HYMN DURING DISTRIBUTION:
O Little Town of Bethlehem (ELW 279)
SONG AFTER COMMUNION: Now, Lord

BLESSING
(ELW 201)

The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony

with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus. Amen.
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you
may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The God of all grace: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and
forever. Amen.
SENDING SONG: Once in Royal David's City (ELW 269)
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Bring good news to the poor.
Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Chorale Fantasia on Cold December Flies Away Wells

The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God

and in honor of Shirley Griffin.

The Altar flowers are administered by the worship committee. The 2017
Altar Flower chart is posted on the bulletin board in the lower lobby and
there is attached to it a tear-off sheet for donors to complete and hand into
the office or place in the offering plate for proper publication in the
bulletin.
If you would like to purchase flowers for worship in memory of or in honor
of someone, please sign up. The cost is $35 per arrangement, and checks
should be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church. The contact person is Mary
in the church office (614) 224.6818 or email: office@oldtrinity.com.
Please do not remove flowers unless you purchased them or made
arrangements.

Commemorations for the Week

Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, died 1552
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Born to an impoverished nobleman, Katie eventually took vows as a
nun, but around age twenty-four she and several other nuns who were
influenced by the writings of Martin Luther left the convent. Six
children were born to Katie and Martin.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH?
We receive members throughout the year by Baptism, Affirmation of Faith,
Confirmation, Letter of Transfer, and New Member Instruction. Please
contact the church office with any questions. 224-6818.
Please feel free to take your bulletin and happenings with you.
If you wish to discard your bulletin, a recycling box is located at the exit.
Thank you.