St. Peder's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Sunday, January 2, 2022 9:00 am Worship Second Sunday Of Christmas - St. Peder's Evangelical ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
St. Peder's
Evangelical Lutheran Church
Sunday, January 2, 2022
9:00 am Worship
Second Sunday Of Christmas
Welcome to Worship at St. Peder’s! We are glad you have come to worship today. If you find yourself in need of assistance during worship, our ushers are here to assist you. -LARGE PRINT and Braille Bulletins are available, please see an usher for these resources. -You will find everything you need to participate in worship on the following pages. -Please note that we invite congregational participation on the parts printed in bold. Rooted in our heritage and embracing the future, we joyfully live the gospel with open hearts, open hands, and open doors. St. Peder's is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, explicitly af- firming the welcome of God to all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identi- ty/expression, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, physical or mental ability. Children are always welcome in worship. We recognize that throughout the course of the service children need to move, so we invite their dancing, standing, and moving about as they join in worship. There are activity bags hanging in the entry area, if you need help find- ing them, ask an usher for assistance. COVID Safety continues to be on our minds. Due to the rise in the COVID positive case count and recommendations by health officials, St. Peder's asks that all people resume wearing masks inside St. Peder's and social distance as able. We ask that you continue to be respectful of one another's level of comfort for close contact. Please make the choice to attend services and/or fellowship time based on your own com- fort. We ask that people continue to stay home if you are not feeling well Our Worship schedule offers opportunities to worship in person or online. For those who don't join us in person you can livestream the service or find a recording of the worship ser- vice on St Peder's YouTube channel linked at www.stpeders.org Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month and ALL are welcome to participate in this tangible gift of God's grace. For those who chose not to receive Com- munion please come forward for a blessing. If you would prefer to have Communion brought to you, please let the usher know and our Communion team will come to you. Fellowship time is an opportunity to check-in with one another and care for members of our community. We ask that all who attend coffee hour be fully vaccinated if they are eligi- ble for vaccination. Please remain masked unless you are actively eating or drinking.
GATHERING Prelude The Three Kings Gordon Young Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jan Mehlhoff Opening Prayer Max Vossen O Lord, we have come into this Your house to hear what You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will speak unto us. We pray You so to open our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that, through Your word, we may learn to repent of our sins, to believe in Jesus in life and in death and to grow day by day in grace and holiness. Hear us in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Gathering Hymn Joy to the World ELW 275
Call to Worship1
We waited.
And imagined a savior.
We imagined a king on a white horse wielding a sword.
We got a baby born in a stable among the livestock.
We imagined the work done for us through the destruction of our enemies.
We receive a baby who will teach us our calling: to seek reconciliation and to love ex-
pansively.
Praise be to God for the unexpected babe of Bethlehem.
Praise to the wisdom of love. Amen!
Confession and Forgiveness2
O God, you search us out and know us, and all that we are is open to you.
We confess that we have sinned.
Silence for reflection and self examination.
In your mercy, Lord, forgive us and heal us.
When we make no room for Christ, and fail to welcome him into our lives,
When we follow shooting stars and squander our gifts in Herod's court,
When we seek to cut down those who might rise above us,
When we sanitize your birth place and erase from memory the poor and displaced in
our lives,
When we sing sweet sentiments over Christ's birth, and fail to rejoice over his every-
day presence,
We turn to you, O Christ, perfect union of Spirit and flesh;
We renounce evil;
We claim your love;
We choose to be made whole.
In your mercy, Lord, forgive us and heal us.
God’s word called you into existence and fixed you forever in God’s love. Let the peace
of Christ rule in your hearts and sing with gratitude, for in the name of the Lord, Jesus
Christ, you are forgiven.
Hymn of Praise Good Christian Friends, Rejoice ELW 288
verses 2 and 3
1
Written by Tim Graves, https://liturgybits.wordpress.com/ Used with permission.
2
Written by Nathan Nettleton, https://laughingbird.net/ Used with permission.
-2-WORD
First Reading Jeremiah 31:7-14
7Thus says the Lord:
Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;
proclaim, give praise, and say,
“Save, O Lord, your people,
the remnant of Israel.”
8See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,
and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,
among them the blind and the lame,
those with child and those in labor, together;
a great company, they shall return here.
9With weeping they shall come,
and with consolations I will lead them back,
I will let them walk by brooks of water,
in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;
for I have become a father to Israel,
and Ephraim is my firstborn.
-3-10
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
and declare it in the coastlands far away;
say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him,
and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.”
11
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
12
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall become like a watered garden,
and they shall never languish again.
13
Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,
and the young men and the old shall be merry.
I will turn their mourning into joy,
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
14
I will give the priests their fill of fatness,
and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,
says the Lord.
P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God!
Second Reading Ephesians 1:3-14
3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in
Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4just as he chose us in
Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in
love. 5He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according
to the good pleasure of his will, 6to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely
bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8that he lav-
ished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9he has made known to us the mystery of
his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10as a plan for
the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on
earth. 11In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined ac-
cording to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his coun-
sel and will, 12so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live
for the praise of his glory. 13In him you also, when you had heard the word of
truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the
seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14this is the pledge of our inheritance toward re-
demption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
-4-Gospel Acclamation Glory to God, Glory in the Highest ELW 164
-5-Holy Gospel John 1:[1-9] 10– 18
1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was
in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one
thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of
all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to
the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to
testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.]
10
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not
know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all
who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of
God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of
God.
14
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as
of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified to him and cried out, “This was
he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before
me.’ ”) 16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17The law indeed was given
through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. It is
God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
R: The Gospel of the Lord C: Thanks be to God!
Sermon Pastor Jan Mehlhoff
Hymn of the Day Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming ELW 272
-6-Prayers of the People
Gathered in the presence of Christ this Christmas season, we pray for the church, the
world, and all those who are in need.
Wonderful Counsellor, grant wisdom to political leaders to govern with kindness and
care, to campaigners to creatively challenge injustice and inequality, and to peacemakers
to find lasting solutions to protracted conflict. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Mighty God, grant courage to those having to escape their homes to find refuge, to those
dreading the next violent outburst, and to those unsure of the future for their fami-
lies. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Everlasting Creator, grant us inspiration to imagine a world free from species extinction
and climate chaos, to make economic decisions so all the earth may flourish, to com-
mune with creation as creature before consumer. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Emmanuel, God with us, calm our hearts and inspire our spirits, be with those we name
in our hearts and minds who are need of your care, may they be comforted in their pain
and strengthened in your Spirit. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prince of Peace, be present in the lives of those who serve our communities putting their
lives on the line despite fatigue, weariness, and personal safety – for doctors, nurses,
first responders, police, and fire fighters. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray in the authority of the child that has been born for us,
the son given to us, Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen.
Offering
As the offering plates are passed down each row, take a moment to reflect on the many
gifts we offer to God in our lives – our time, our talents, and our treasures. Offer to God
the gifts that you will use in the coming week and the ways you will bless others with
these gifts that you freely give with praise and thanksgiving for what God has first given.
A Gift of Music It Came Upon the Midnight Clear arr. William Himes
Max Vossen, alto saxophone
Offering Prayer
God of the holy and mundane,
In this season we receive so much. We offer these signs of our gratitude for your
love shown to us in the newborn Saviour. May these gifts become God-with-us for
all the world. May they spark a sense of wonder and joy for all. In Jesus’ name we
pray. Amen.
-7-MEAL
The Lord is here,
God’s Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to offer God thanks and praise.
Gathering around Christ’s table as we celebrate new life born in Christ we remember so
many stories shared around tables; tables where bread is broken and cup is poured out,
where families gather and generations share, where stories are remembered,
refined, reshaped.
Gathering around Christ’s table, we remember the story of the sacred daring to share our
life, the story of the holy donning human flesh and dwelling among us, a story that is at
once both ethereal and earthly.
Gathering around Christ’s table, we break the bread and remember the paradox that it is
in our brokenness that we become whole; we fill this cup and remember the abundance
discovered in each new sharing of our sacred stories.
So we remember the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took the bread, giving thanks
he broke it and gave it to those gathered saying “this is my body, given for you do this in
remembrance of me.” And then he took the cup, having given thanks, he poured it out
for all to drink saying, “this is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all
people for the forgiveness of sin, take and drink in remembrance of me.”
Bless this bread and bless this fruit of the vine.
Bless all of us in our eating and drinking that our eyes might be opened, that we might
recognize the Spirit rising in our midst, indeed, in one another.
Gathered around Christ’s table, let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught …
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine in the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Communion Distribution
All who desire to receive the free gift of love and forgiveness that is ours in this meal
Christ has given us are invited to communion. Those not communing are invited to
come forward for a blessing. If you prefer to have Communion brought to you, please let
an usher know and the servers will be happy to bring communion to you in your pew.
-8-Communion Hymn What Feast of Love ELW 487
Communion Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem ELW 279
-9-Communion Hymn In the Singing ELW 466
-10-Communion Blessing
Post Communion Prayer
God of the Nativity,
We give you thanks for this meal which fills us with the peace of Christ that rules in
our hearts, for Christ’s word which dwells in us richly, clothing us in Your love, and
nourishing our growth to maturity in wisdom, in compassion and in love, to the glory
of your holy name. Amen.
Benediction
Go now, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; clothe yourselves with love;
forgive one another and do everything you do in the name of Christ, giving thanks to God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Sending Hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain ELW 290
-11-As we depart from this place, rooted in our heritage and embracing the future we will:
Joyfully live the Gospel with open hearts, open hands, and open doors.
Thanks be to God. Amen!
Postlude Noel Joyeux Gordon Young
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under
Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS009672.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. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg For-
tress. Used by permission.
Serving in Worship this Morning
Presiding: Pastor Jan Mehlhoff
Organist: Mia Kruse
Greeters: Mark and Jodi Jenson
Ushers: Lisa Jensen and Andrea Wollak
Acolyte: Alice Petersen
Reader: Max Vossen
Communion Set Up & Clean Up: Eva Tangen and Phoebe Anderson
Communion Assistants: Kristi Erickson, Leslee Nestingen, Dan and Karen Vetsch
Bread and Wine: Alice Bekke
Counters: Marcia Rocheleau and John Skraba
LSS Safe House Dinner for January 3: Terri Vetsch and Dan and Karen Vetsch
Social Hour hosted by Shepherding Group 5
Reminder…
For those who ordered poinsettias, please
feel free to take yours home after worship
today—thank you for helping to adorn our
sanctuary during this Christmas Season!EVENTS & ANNOUNCMENTS
Coffee & Fellowship Update
We are resuming coffee hour, but ask that all who attend coffee hour be fully vaccinated if
they are eligible for vaccination. Please remain masked unless you are actively eating or
drinking. All are welcome to attend services, but must remain masked at all times and main-
tain social distance. Please make the choice to attend services and/or fellowship time based
on your own comfort. We ask that people continue to stay home if you are not feeling well.
Pastor Recommendations
Are you aware of a Pastor who you think would be a good fit for St. Peder’s? As our Call
Committee begins their work, If you have pastors you would like to have considered, please
fill out a blue form on the counter in the office and leave on Jeannie’s desk. Please keep your
recommendations confidential for the integrity of the pastor’s current call.
Thank You to Happy Land Tree Farm!
A big thanks to Happy Land Tree Farm for their donation of our Christmas tree in the Sanctu-
ary. Consider this family owned business for your tree next year~
www.happylandtreefarms.com
Paint the Parsonage!
Are you still interested in seeing the inside of the parsonage? Couldn't make the last volun-
teer dates? Join a group of us to refresh the interior walls & ceilings of the parsonage. Activi-
ties include prepping and painting the room. Supplies and paint will be provided. Interested
in helping please contact Dan or Karen Vetsch 612-721-7385 boodjv@yahoo.com
January 6th Thursday 5 - 7:30 pm
January 22nd Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
(If needed, future dates will be scheduled)
Pub Theology
Come and join in a lively discussion, good food, and your favorite beverage at Pub
Theology We will meet at Parkway Pizza, 4359 Minnehaha Avenue, on Tuesday,
January 4 at 7:00 pm. January’s topic for discussion is: Do we hold our leaders to
a higher ethical, moral, and faith standard? Why? How does our view of our leaders
change when they don’t live up to our own or society’s standards?This Week at St. Peder’s
Today — December 26, 2021
9 am Worship Service
10 am Coffee and Fellowship
Sunday, January 2
9:00 am Worship Service w/Holy Communion
10:00 am Coffee and Fellowship
St. Peder's Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA)
4600 East 42nd Street Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone: (612) 722-8000 www.stpeders.org
Rooted in our heritage and embracing the future,
we joyfully live the gospel with open hearts,
open hands and open doors.
St. Peder’s is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation,
affirming the welcome of God to all persons regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity.
Church Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Eric Luedtke pastoreric@stpeders.org
Organist/Music Ministry Coordinator: Mia Kruse mia@stpeders.org
Office Coordinator: Jeannie Farrell office@stpeders.org
Accounts Manager: Debbie Wolking bookkeeping@stpeders.org
Caretaker: Jim AustinYou can also read
