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: Ingrid Thom
Ushers:
Communion Server: Loretta Estu
Cantor: Joisanne Dailey
Acolytes: Brian and Ronan Atkinson
Broadcast: Charles Menke
Sound: John Holmgren
Refreshments: Loretta Estu
Lay Participants 11:00
Sunday School: Kevin and Carrie Macias and Sheri Menke
Lector & Assisting Minister: Maria Shepherd
Ushers: Jerry Shepherd
Communion Server: Aurora Steuer
Acolytes:
Sound: James Wade
Flowers are in celebration of Julie Christenson for her birthday from her mom, Joey.
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 the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you 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
Children Sermon
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.
3Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.
4Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
“Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
He will come and save you.”
5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;
7the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;
the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,
the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
8A highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Holy Way;
the unclean shall not travel on it,
but it shall be for God’s people;
no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.
9No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there.
10And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm: LUKE 1:46b-55
46bMy soul proclaims the greatness | of the Lord,
47my spirit rejoices in | God my Savior,
48for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your | lowly servant.
From this day all generations will | call me blessed:
49you, the Almighty, have done great | things for me
and holy | is your name.
50You have mercy on | those who fear you,
from generation to | generation. R
51You have shown strength | with your arm
and scattered the proud in | their conceit,
52casting down the mighty | from their thrones
and lifting | up the lowly.
53You have filled the hungry | with good things
and sent the rich | away empty.
54You have come to the aid of your | servant Israel,
to remember the prom- | ise of mercy,
55the promise made | to our forebears,
to Abraham and his chil- | dren forever. R
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
7Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation* All Creation Sings Setting 11
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 11:2-11
2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
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 4 Worship 8:30am in English and 11:00am Bilingual (Spanish & English)
December 4 Sunday School 9:45am
December 7 Spanish Class for adults 8:30-10:30am
December 7 Spanish Class for Children 1:00pm
December 7 Alcoholics Anonymous for Women 6:00pm
December 8 Estudio bíblico 8:30am Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82672196928
December 8 Bible Study, 10:30am-12:00pm
December 9 Piecemakers Quilting 9:30am
December 10 Christmas Decorating 8:00am please RSVP to Pastor
December 11 Finance Committee 12:15pm
December 16 Preschool Christmas Program
December 24 Children Pageant 4:00pm, Candlelight Traditional 11:00pm
December 25 Christmas Day 8:30am, [11:00am service canceled]
January 1 Worship 8:30am in English and 11:00am Bilingual (Spanish & English)
February 5 Church Wine Bottling Party
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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