Living Every Day in Faith, Fully Prepared to Depart in Peace
As we continue our celebration of Jesus’ birth this 2021, our attention turns to the central Scripture lesson in our service today, our Gospel Lesson /Sermon Text’s account of Simeon’s and Anna’s encounter with the newborn Christ Child. He had been brought by His parents’ to the Temple to be “redeemed” on the 40th day following his birth.
Focusing this morning on the faithful examples of Simeon and Anna, we’ll consider how the Lord kept His promises to these ancient believers. He allowed them to see and celebrate their salvation with their own eyes as they beheld the infant Messiah in the temple’s courtyard. Simeon responded on that momentous occasion with a beautiful hymn of praise – commonly known by the Latin name “the Nunc Dimittis” (“Now let us depart”) – which we periodically sing as a concluding part of the communion portion of our worship services. In it, Simeon confessed that he was ready to die, a happy man, confident in the assurance that his salvation was certain in the Messiah. Anna, likewise, praised God for His faithfulness not only in keeping the promise made to her that she would not die before she saw the promised Savior, but especially for sending the Messiah into the world to be her and all mankind’s sin-Deliverer. Upon encountering Christ, Anna also provides us with an excellent “evangelist example” insofar as she promptly told everyone she could about the Messiah’s arrival.
Among the other lessons that we can draw from this portion of Scripture is our recognizing the significance of Jesus’ “Active Obedience” to the Law (His faithful activity of fulfilling – as our Substitute – of all that the OT Law required of us….see Galatians 4:4,5). We see it in this reading in connection with Jesus being circumcised on the eighth day (v. 21) and in His being devoted to the Lord as his mother’s firstborn and then “redeemed” for the offering-price of five shekels (which occurred as a separate occasion, 40 days after His birth). Both of these acts satisfied requirements of God’s Law for His OT believers. Our Savior’s “Passive Obedience” (His willing suffering and death as our Substitute for sin) is also seen in this reading in the shedding of His blood as part of the circumcision rite, and the culmination of that Passive Obedience is anticipated by Simeon when the latter speaks about Jesus crucifixion with the words”This Child is destined….to be a sign that will be spoken against.” Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon was able to look at the Christ Child and, in faith, praise God by exclaiming: “My Eyes have [at last] seen your Salvation!”
In today’s Epistle Lesson the writer to the Hebrews sets the tone for his letter – one filled with comparisons between Christ and angels (which we find in our reading), Moses the Lawgiver, the OT priesthood, and the OT required sacrifices. In each comparison, the superiority and supremacy of Christ is upheld. In our particular reading, the inspired writer makes the point that Christ is, in every way, superior to the angels that He created and which serve Him (and us). In addition (and in keeping with today’s “worship focus”), we want to listen to the writer’s exhortation about how important it is for us to avoid neglecting (or taking for granted) the saving faith we possess and its eternal benefits which are ours through Christ.
In our Children’s Lesson we’ll talk about buried treasure, pearls, and other valuable objects like some of our Christmas gifts as we ask ourselves (and answer) the question: “Just How Much is Your Faith Worth To You”?
Finally, through today’s Old Testament Lesson we’ll look at the dream of Jacob at Bethel. At this time he was literally fleeing for his life from his brother, Esau (who was furious with Jacob because the latter had tricked their father into giving him the firstborn’s blessing – which belonged to Esau). Jacob’s destination was his uncle Laban’s home in Haran – many miles distant from Esau. Unknown to him at the time, Jacob would stay in Haran as an “exile of sorts” for the next twenty years….during which time the Lord would greatly bless him. Here at Bethel, however, God provides Jacob with a different – and very special – kind of blessing, granting him a faith-encouraging glimpse of heaven through a dream. The LORD reassured Jacob that He would protect the patriarch on his journey and safely bring him back home. He also offered Jacob the same Messianic promise which He had earlier given to Abraham and Isaac…..namely that through their offspring all nations on earth would be blessed.
The Advent/Christmas Wreath and Its Candles
Central to our celebration of the Savior’s birth throughout both the pre-Christmas season of Advent and the 12 day long ‘Christmas Season” (ending January 6th) has been the “Advent Wreath and Candles” which continue to be found in the front of the sanctuary near the lectern. Yesterday (Dec 25th) for the first time this year, the large white candle in the center, the “Christ Candle,” was lit on the occasion of the formal celebration of Christ’s birth. It symbolizes the fulfillment of Christmas prophesy — the nativity/birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior and Light of the world. In addition, the four smaller candles (formerly 3 purple and one pink) have been replaced by four white candles. The color of white is used to symbolize the personal purity/righteousness of Christ our Savior, as well as to typify the status (of fully forgiven, heaven-bound saints) that Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice has secured for us. The significance of each of those four smaller candles is explained in what follows: The First Candle (violet/white) is the Candle of Prophesy, symbolizing the Old Testament prophecies of the Advent, or coming, of the Savior. The Second Advent Candle (violet/white) is the Bethlehem Candle. It symbolizes the coming to earth of Jesus, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary. The Third Advent Candle (pink/white) is the Shepherd Candle. Through this candle’s symbolism we recall the coming of the Savior into our hearts and lives through the Means of Grace (the Gospel in Word and Sacrament). The Fourth Candle (violet/white) is the Angel Candle. It represents the final coming of the Savior in glory with all His angels for the final judgement. Our Advent/Christmas wreath, now with all white candles, will continue to be used as a symbol of Christ’s redeeming work until the twelve day-long Christmas Season officially ends with the arrival of Epiphany on January 6th. The white altar cloths will also continue to be used through the first Sunday of Epiphany. The colors then change to green which – as is also symbolized through the evergreens of our wreath – reminds us of the eternal life that is ours through faith in Jesus.
Pre-Service Prayer
My faith looks up to Thee Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior Divine.
Now hear my while I pray; Take all my guilt away;
Oh, let me from this day be wholly Thine.
While life’s dark maze I tread And griefs around me spread,
Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Silent Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service music “
We Praise Our God
The Greeting and Invitation to Worship
The Opening Hymn Hymn 28 “Let the Earth Now Praise The Lord”
Sung antiphonally
All – Verse 1
Pulpit side – Verse 2 Lectern side – verse 3
Women and Girls – verse 4 Men and Boys – verse 5
All – verse 6
1 Let the earth now praise the Lord, Who has truly kept his word
And at last to us did send Christ, the sinner’s help and friend.
2 What the fathers most desired, What the prophets’ heart inspired,
What they longed for many a year Stands fulfilled in glory here.
3 Abram’s promised great reward, Zion’s helper, Jacob’s Lord —
Him of twofold race behold – Truly came, as long foretold.
4 Welcome, O my Savior, now! Joyful, Lord, to you I bow.
Come into my heart, I pray; Oh, prepare yourself a way.
5 Crush for me the serpent’s head That, set free from doubt and dread,
I may cling to you in faith, Safely kept through life and death,
6 And, when you shall come again As a glorious king to reign,
I with joy may see your face, Freely ransomed by your grace.
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: And of the Son
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
- And of the Holy Spirit
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
We Confess Our Sins
Pastor: As we approach the Lord in worship today, let us all confess our sins and seek God’s forgiving mercy:
Congregation: O Lord, hear my prayer, + Listen to my cry for mercy + and in Your faithfulness, come to my relief. + Do not bring Your servant into judgment, + for no one living is righteous
before You. + Answer me quickly, O Lord; + my spirit fails. + Do not hide Your face from me, + For I have put my trust in You. + Show me the way I should go, + for to You I lift up my soul. + Teach me to do Your will, + for You are my God.
Almighty God, merciful Father, + I, a troubled and repentant sinner + confess that I have sinned against You in my actions, thoughts and words. + I have not loved You with all my heart; + I have not loved others the way I should. + I have not been a faithful steward of the time, abilities, opportunities and resources + which You have entrusted to my care. + I have not always been eager and willing to worship You, serve You, or learn from You as I ought. + My transgressions, whether deliberate or done out of ignorance + are too numerous for me to recall. + I know that because of them + I deserve Your punishment both now and eternally. + But I truly am distressed by + and deeply sorry for my sins. + And so I implore You, for Jesus’ sake, + to have mercy upon me + and to forgive me, + a poor, sinful being.
Pastor: Jesus says to His followers: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven.” Do you believe this word and promise of your Savior?
Congregation: Yes, I believe.
Pastor: Then according to the command and promise of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and in His place, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Be at peace once more with your God, assured that you are a dear child of God and an heir of eternal life in heaven through faith in Christ Jesus.
Congregation: O Lord, my God + I called to You for help + and You answered me. + I thank You for the love You have shown me in Jesus Christ, my Savior. + Through Him You have rescued me
from the guilt and curse of my sin. + Renew me now, through Your Holy Spirit + that I might faithfully fight against all temptation, + correct whatever wrongs I can, + and live in the peace of Your forgiveness. + Let my life be filled with Your love and praise. + Now and forever. + Amen.
Our Grateful Response for God’s Forgiveness
To the tune of “Nun danket alle Gott” (“Now Thank We All our God”)
The Lord, my God be praised To Him with joyful song
My God, Who, ever-living, Our praises we are bringing
To Whom the heavenly host And with the angel throng
All praise and honor, giving – Thrice “Holy,” we are singing.
The Lord, my God, be praised, With one united voice
In Whose great name I boast, The Church does Him adore.
God Father, God the Son The Lord, my God, be praised
and God the Holy Ghost. Now and forevermore. Amen.
The Prayer for the Morning
Almighty God, + grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit, + and the wisdom which comes down from above. + Let nothing hinder Your Word + from being freely proclaimed + to the joy and edification of Christ’s holy people, + so that we may serve You in steadfast faith + and confess Your name as long as we live. + We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, + Your Son, our Savior, + Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, + One God, for ever and ever. + Amen
After which the Congregation will be seated as
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson Genesis 28:10-22
10 Jacob set out from Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and decided to spend the night there, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from that place, put it under his head, and lay down to sleep in that place. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching to heaven. There were angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 There at the top stood the Lord, who said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you are lying, I give to you and to your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15 Now, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back again into this land. Indeed, I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised to you.”
16 Jacob woke up from his sleep, and he said, “Certainly the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and he said, “How awe- inspiring is this place! This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven.”
18 Jacob got up early in the morning. He took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a sacred memorial stone and poured oil on top of it. 19 He named that place Bethel. (Before this, the name of the city had been Luz.) 20 Jacob took a vow, “If God will be with me to keep me safe on this journey I am making, and if he gives me food to eat and clothing to put on, 21 and I come back to my father’s house in safety, the Lord will be my God, 22 and this stone that I have set up as a memorial stone will be God’s house, and I will certainly give you a tenth of everything that you give me.”
The Epistle Lesson Hebrews 1:1-2:4
In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2 In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of the divine nature. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,[a] he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 The Son became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son. Today I have begotten you? And again:
I will be his Father, and he will be my Son. 6 And again, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said: Let all God’s angels worship him.
7 About the angels he says: He makes his messengers winds and his ministers flaming fire. 8 But about the Son he says: God, your throne is forever and ever, and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions. 10 And he says: In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain. They will all become old like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe, and they will be changed like a garment. But you are the same, and your years will never end.
13 To which of the angels has he ever said: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool under your feet? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent out to serve for the benefit of those who are going to inherit salvation?
2:1 Therefore, we need to pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message that was spoken through angels was valid, and every transgression and disobedient act received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? First the message was spoken by the Lord; then it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it with signs and wonders, various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his will.
after which the Congregation will rise out of respect for the reading of
The Gospel Lesson Luke 2:21-40
21 After eight days passed, when the child was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be called holy to the Lord.”) 24 And they came to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, 28 Simeon took him into his arms and praised God. He said, 29 “Lord, you now dismiss your servant in peace, according to your word, 30 because my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared before the face of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 Joseph and the child’s mother were amazed at the things that were spoken about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Listen carefully, this child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 Anna, a prophetess, was there. She was a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old. She had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 and then she was a widow of eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple complex, since she was worshipping with fasting and prayers night and day. 38 Standing nearby at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord. She kept speaking about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had accomplished everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town, Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Matthew 13:44-46
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again. In his joy, he goes away and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls. 46 When he found one very valuable pearl, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
What’s Your Faith in Jesus “Worth” To You?
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 78 “O Light of Gentile Nations”
1 O Light of Gentile nations, O Savior from above,
Drawn by your Spirit’s leading, We come with joy and love
Into your holy temple And wait with rev’rent mind
As Simeon once had waited His God and Lord to find.
2 Dear Lord, your servants meet you In ev’ry holy place
Where your true Word has promised That we should see your face.
Today you still allow us Who gather round you here
In arms of faith to hold you As did that aged seer.
3 Lord, when life’s troubles touch us, You seem to hide your face,
And through our tears we often Can scarcely sense your grace.
Then be our joy and brightness, Our cheer in pain and loss,
Our sun in darkest terror, The glory round our cross.
4 Let us, O Lord, be faithful Like Simeon to the end
So that his prayer exultant May from our hearts ascend:
“O Lord, now let your servant Depart in peace, I pray,
Since I have seen my Savior And here beheld his day.”
after which the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
The Sermon Text based on Luke 2:21-40
May You Live in Faith, Until You Depart in Peace
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, now encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Present God with our Offerings and Prayers
The Offering
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.
However, for those watching this worship service, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can go to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option.
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
Today’s Special Prayers
Included in our prayers are:
A Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of Lesa Roe, who is recovering
at home following surgery this past Thursday;
And
An Intercessory Prayer for Dan Beck, who is hospitalized at Mercy Hospital,
and who is also contending with the challenge of cancer;
And, in addition,
A Prayer of Intercession for Chris Merritt, who is on a ventilator in a
Mankato, MN hospital due to complications from the Covid virus
And also
A Prayer of Intercession for Sarah Bruns, who will undergo
surgery tomorrow at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock
Today’s General Prayer
The 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.
Our Self-Examination Before Receiving the Lord’s Supper
Pastor – Let us now examine ourselves in preparation for receiving this Sacrament, as the inspired Apostle Paul so instructs us in I Corinthians 11, where he writes:: “…whoever eats the bread and
drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement upon himself.”
Pastor – Accordingly, are you sincerely sorry for your sins and determined, with God’s help, to change your sinful ways?
Congregation Yes, I am sorry for my sins and desire to serve Jesus and not a sinful lifestyle.
Pastor – Do you believe that here in the Lord’s Supper you will receive, along with the bread and wine, the true body and blood of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
Congregation Yes, I believe that I will be receiving the true body and blood of my Lord and Savior, which was given into death for my sins.
Pastor – Are you coming to the Lord’s table as one in the faith with this Christian congregation, as the Scriptures teach?
Congregation Yes I have studied the teachings of this congregation concerning God’s Word; I agree with them; And am one in faith with them, as the Scriptures command me to be before I come to the Lord’s table with anyone.
Pastor – Finally, do you recognize your need for forgiveness and do you believe that you will receive through the Lord’s Supper the full and free forgiveness of all your sins?
Congregation Yes, I have examined my life, see the need for God’s forgiveness and believe that I will receive complete forgiveness for all my sins, as my Savior has promised.
Pastor – Having examined yourselves and confessed your sins, come now with confidence and joy to your Lord’s table and receive here, through His body and blood, the guarantee that your sins are all forgiven, and that eternal life and salvation are surely yours.
The Words of Institution – Spoken by the Pastor
Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always. Amen.
The Distribution of the Sacramental Elements
We offer the Lord’s Supper this evening only to those individuals who are confirmed, communicant members of Grace Lutheran congregation, or of a member congregation of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. To our Guests this evening, we appreciate your presence among us and celebrate the faith in Christ which we share with you. However, we ask that you will please respect our communion practice (see above). A brochure further explaining the Biblical basis for our Communion practice is available on the entryway tract/brochure rack. We encourage you both to examine it – especially the Biblical references within it, and also to speak with our Pastor after the service (at your convenience) so that you might better understand and appreciate our Biblically-based “Close Communion” practice. Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and for your presence here among us this evening.
The Distribution Hymn Hymn 312
“Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared”
After the distribution of the Lord’s Supper the Congregation will rise to sing:
Lord now let Your servant depart in peace, According to Your Word.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You have prepared before the face of all people.
A light to lighten the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.
The Closing Prayer
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 power of Your Holy Spirit, that we may love You more completely, praise You more joyously, and serve You more faithfully. These requests we make in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, both now and forever. Amen.
The Benediction
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God, the Father,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 64 “Let Us All With Gladsome Voice”
1 Let us all with gladsome voice Praise the God of heaven,
Who, to bid our hearts rejoice, His own Son has given.
2 To this vale of tears he comes, Here to serve in sadness,
That with him in heav’n’s fair homes We may reign in gladness.
3 We are rich, for he was poor; Is not this a wonder?
Therefore praise God evermore Here on earth and yonder.
4 O Lord Christ, our Savior dear, Bless us and be near us.
Grant us now a glad new year. Amen, Jesus hear us!
Silent Prayer,
Announcements,
Post-Worship Music
Announcements
This Past Week at Grace Lutheran Sunday’s Attendance: 77
Bible Class Attendance: 24 Sunday School 9
Sunday Budgetary Offerings: $2568 Online: $419.98 Cap Imv: $10
Attendances…..Christmas Eve: 74 Christmas Day: 46
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Morning Worship at 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Period, 10:40
No Bible Class or Sunday School Today
Tuesday NO Morning Bible Study…….class resumes January 4th.
Friday New Year’s Eve Worship, with the Lord’s Supper, 7:p.m.
Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. (including the Lord’s Supper)
Fellowship Period, 10:45 a.m.
Bible Class / Sunday School – 11:05 a.m.
Serving Us NEXT SUNDAY (1-02)
Elders: Steve Stone and Vic Walker
Altar Guild: Harriet Johnson, Tina Wambold
Ushers: Fred Cusanelli, Chris Roberts
Birthdays This Week Dec 31 Sarah Bruns
There Will Be NO Bible Class Today (Sunday) or this Tuesday
New Year’s Eve Worship Service THIS FRIDAY: Please remember that this coming Friday evening, December 31st, we will be holding a special service of thanksgiving to our God for His guidance and blessings from which we benefitted physically and spiritually during 2021, and we’ll seek His continued blessings as we sit on the threshold of a new year, 2022. Our service on New Year’s Eve includes a celebration of the Lord’s Supper and begins at 7p.m.
January 8th “UnDecorating” Time We hope that you’ll be willing and able to set aside a couple of hours of your time on Saturday, January 8th, starting at 9 a.m. to “undecorate” our church. By then it’ll be time for us to take down and put away all the Advent/Christmas decorations that we’ve been using both to enhance our worship during this time of the year, as well as to beautify our church facilities. As always, many hands make the work go faster and better. We hope that you’ll offer your hands (as well as the rest of you) to help us “undecorate” on January 8th. For more information, please speak with Pastor.
The Huebners Would Like to Offer a Heart-felt “Thank You” …. to all of you who so graciously blessed us with your gifts, your cards, and your good wishes and prayers during this Christmas season. Words can’t express the appreciation we have for you, and the thanks that we give to God because He has given us such wonderful friends and fellow Christians in all of you. Your kindnesses and friendship are more than we deserve. Again, “thank you” and God bless every one of you.
– Pastor and Debbie