7:30am Music Warm Up
8:00am Sound Check All Worship Participants Present
8:25am/11:00am Please Prepare for Worship Pastor Wesley
Prelude:
8:30am Welcome Pastor Wesley
Grace Lutheran Church, Upland, CA
Pastor Wesley Menke
Accompanist: Tatiana Thibodeaux
Lay Participants 8:30
Lector & Assisting Minister: Kevin Macias
Ushers: Debbie and Todd Haag
Communion Server: Roberta Morton
Cantor: Joisanne Dailey
Acolytes: Grace and Katherine Morton
Broadcast: Charles Menke
Sound: John Holmgren
Refreshments: Darlene Thom
Lay Participants 11:00
Sunday School: Kevin and Carrie Macias and Sheri Menke
Lector & Assisting Minister: Jerry Uhler
Ushers: Auora Steuer
Communion Server: Ingrid Uhler
Acolytes: Rebecca and Alan Menke
Sound: James Wade
Flowers are in celebration of Loretta Estu’s wedding anniversary
Covid 19 Safety Protocol: The California Department of Health recommends wearing a mask while indoors.
Prayer request: please fill out the card and give to the usher during hymn of the day
Unsupervised cry room with live feed of service available in the preschool.
Confession and Forgiveness
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
who redeems us in Christ Jesus,
whose steadfast love endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
and our neighbors.
We have ignored voices
that call for your justice.
We have neglected actions
that witness to your righteousness.
We have spoken and acted
in ways that disrupt your beloved community.
We truly repent of things we have done
and left undone.
For the sake of Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Restore our troubled spirits,
so that we may live in newness,
follow the way of the Spirit,
and build up the body of Christ.
Amen.
Rejoice and be glad!
God hears the prayers of all who cry out,
and restores us to life through the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, I declare to you the forgiveness of all your sins,
in the name of the Father,
and of the ☩ Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Gathering Hymn
Greeting
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.
Gloria* All Creation Sings Setting 11
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.
Advent Wreath Lighting
Light one candle for hope.
One bright candle for hope.
Christ brings hope to every heart.
He comes. He comes.
Light one candle for Peace
One bright candle for Peace
Christ brings Peace to every heart
He comes, He comes.
Light one candle for Joy
One bright candle for Joy
Christ brings Joy to every heart
He comes, He comes
Light one candle for Love
One bright candle for Love
Christ brings Love to every heart
He comes, He comes
Children Sermon
First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16
10The 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: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
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.
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
1Paul, 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 God’s 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.
Gospel Acclamation* All Creation Sings Setting 11
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 1:18-25
18Now 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:
23“Look, 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.
Glory to you Oh Lord.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you Oh Christ.
Sermon Pastor
Hymn of the Day
Apostles’ Creed Assisting Minister (Lector)
With the whole church, let us confess our faith.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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.
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. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession* Assisting Minister (Lector)
As we prepare for the fullness of Christ’s presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, we rejoice in the gifts of your Spirit. Equip the global church to magnify your love and peace in every land. We pray for the work of the Lutheran World Federation and ELCA Global Mission. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Abundant God, we rejoice in your creation. Revive lands we have squandered and depleted. Make gardens flourish in cities and neighborhoods. Cleanse polluted air and water so living things may breathe, drink, and praise you. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Righteous God, we rejoice in your justice. End racism and oppression. Deliver all who are unjustly imprisoned or persecuted. Reconcile nations and peoples in conflict (regions in turmoil may be named). Help us pray for our enemies. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Healing God, we rejoice in your compassion. Comfort any in distress because of worry, illness, or loss (especially). Strengthen and protect health care workers, rescue teams, crisis counselors, and all who risk themselves to keep others safe. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Abiding God, we rejoice in your company. Give us calm and patient hearts as we gather with family and friends. Keep us mindful of those for whom this season is not happy. Console the grieving and surround them with loving support. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered. Pastor
For Max P., for end of life comfort and peace, from his daughter Meghan G.
Mary J’s little dog, had surgery and is recuperating.
Christine R. with severe MS in Sacramento, CA
Amy a friend of Sally who had triple bypass surgery.
Denise R., healing from a fall and broken collar bone , from the Macias family
Nicole, friend of Maria, for healing from bone cancer surgery requested by Maria S.
Roy Jung who is in hospital.
Bob and Karla M., healing from cancer, successful CAR T therapy, thanksgiving for heat at home
Lowell because of major burns and other issues, a friend of Joey C.
Dasa, Marco, Luis, Rosy, Luca, and Jabobo
Eileen, because of end of life issues, requested by Debbie H.
Mary Ann M. for healing in her legs
Ed T. and Jenny B. for health and guidance from Clay T.
Doug for a cancer diagnosis from Aurora S.
Mary Ann R. who is threatened with eviction, help to pay rent and not become homeless
Anarosa, healing from lung cancer, sister of Rosalio
Victims and families of the tragedy (shooting) in Colorado Springs.
For the family of Liza, who died, grandmother of Tish S.
Assisting Minister (Lector) resumes praying:
Faithful God, we rejoice with Mary, Mother of our Lord, and with all the saints, that your mercy endures for all generations. Look with favor on those who have died and lead us to joyfully sing of your everlasting promises. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Passing of the Peace* Assisting Minister (Lector)
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
**You may make your offering or donation through our website HERE.
Offertory
Offering Prayer
Gracious God,
in your great love you richly provide for our needs.
Make of these gifts a banquet of blessing,
and make us ready to share with all in need;
through Jesus Christ, who sets a table for all.
Amen.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Great Thanksgiving Pastor
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is our duty and delight | that we should everywhere and always offer thanks and praise to you O God, | through Jesus Christ |
who calls us to follow his way of humble servíce and love,
And so with the church on earth, all creation and the host of heaven| we praise your name and join their unending hymn.
Sanctus
Words of Institution
[[In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
La noche en que fue entregado,
nuestro Señor Jesús tomó pan y dio gracias; lo partió y lo dio a sus discípulos, diciendo: Tomen y coman; esto es mi cuerpo, dado por ustedes.
Hagan esto en memoria mía.
De igual manera, después de haber cenado, tomó la copa,
dio gracias y la dio a beber a todos, diciendo: Esta copa es el nuevo pacto en mi sangre, derramada por ustedes y por todo el mundo para el perdón del pecado.
Hagan esto en memoria mía.]
Lord’s Prayer*
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu nombre. Venga tu reino. Hágase tu voluntad en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos de mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo el poder y tuya la gloria ahora y siempre. Amén.
Invitation to Communion
Christ invites you to this table.
Come, taste and see.
Please come forward for communion. Open your hands to receive the bread. You may intinct the host into the common cup, or take a little cup of either wine or grape juice. All who wish to participate are welcome.
Agnus Dei
Communion Hymn
Prayer After Communion
God of the abundant table,
you have refreshed our hearts in this meal
with bread for the journey.
Give us your grace on the road
that we might serve our neighbors with joy;
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Nunc Dimittis
[NOTE: PLEASE SWITCH OFF MIC BEFORE LEAVING AMBO]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
December 18 Worship 8:30am in English and 11:00am Bilingual (Spanish & English)
December 18 Sunday School 9:45am
December 20 Spanish Class for Children 1:00pm
December 21 Spanish Class for adults 8:30-10:30am
December 21 Alcoholics Anonymous for Women 6:00pm
December 22 Estudio bíblico 8:30am Zoom
December 22 Bible Study, 10:30am-12:00pm
December 24 Youth Lead 4:00pm, Candlelight Traditional 11:00pm
December 25 Christmas Day 8:30am, [11:00am service canceled]
December 27 Staff Meeting 10:30am
December 27 Church Council 7:15pm
January 1 Worship 8:30am in English and 11:00am Bilingual (Spanish & English)
January 6 Sock Hop?
January 15 12:30 Confirmation Youth Group Begins
January 24 Synod Financial Training, 6:30pm council, staff, all members welcome
February 5 Church Wine Bottling Party
February 12 Souper Bowl of Caring non-perishable food item collection
December Birthdays and Anniversaries!
Kevin Macias, Noella Macias, Debbie Haines, Erik Hopkins, Keith Calvert, Brian Berg, Tyler Lott, and Debbie Haag
Happy Anniversary to: Earl and Carolyn Schoenwetter
Blessing*
God, who gives life to all things
and frees us from despair,
bless you with truth and peace.
And may the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
guide you always in faith, hope, and love.
Amen.
Sending Hymn
Dismissal
Go in peace. Christ is near.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude
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