16

Regular Sunday Schedule

Worship Services

Sunday 8:00am & 10:30am

Sunday School - 9:15am

Teen Bible Study - 9:30am

Adult Bible Study - 9:30am

“The Story”

Growing In Christ

Adult Sunday School Curriculum

Additional Bible Studies

Tuesday AM Bible Study Every Tuesday 6:30-7:30am

Ladies Bible Study Every Thursday 9:00-10:00am

Moms Group Bible Study Every-other Tuesday 8:00-9:00am

The Story – small group discussion Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm

Bible Information Class Call for current schedule

1

December 14th, 2014 3rd Sunday of Advent

The Advent of Our King

FROM SHEPHERD TO KING

2

3rd Sunday of Advent

The Order of Service is printed out for you. Large print versions are available from the ushers.

Guest - we welcome you and invite you to sign our guest book in the atrium or fill out a guest card in the pew.

Parents with small children–we enjoy children in worship! However, if you need to leave during the service, we encourage you to use the nursery area in the lobby. Please use room 213 for nursing.

Restrooms and changing tables are located downstairs, past the elevators.

Sunday School begins at 9:15am.

Teen Bible Study starts at 9:30am in the Youth Room #210

Adult Bible Studies begin at 9:30am & childcare is available in the 4K Preschool room #121.

“The Story” in the Sanctuary

Growing in Christ in the Adult Ed. Rm #129

Please turn off or mute cell phones during the worship service

Serving in our worship… Pastor: Rev. Mark Kaesmeyer Choir Director: Mrs. Julie Hanson Flute: Mrs. Kim Pickett Organist: 8:00am: Mrs. Carol Bain 10:30am: Mrs. Morgan Padget Greeters: 8:00am: Matt & Nicole Klein 10:30am: Carol Wulf Ushers: 8:00am: Mr. Howard Watchke 10:30am: Mr. Ernie Latorre Mr. Jeff Becker Mr. Rich Stolpa Mr. Thom Cison Mr. Brian Herbst Mr. Dennis Hatcher Mr. Jack Zingler Mr. Mike Obraske Mr. Jared Kaesmeyer Mr. Jeff Jannicke Mr. Corey Walberg

A King from Bethlehem Micah prophesied, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of

Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from

of old, from ancient times.” Both David and the son of David had humble beginnings, but

overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to rescue and lead God’s people.

15

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT Sunday, December 14th

A King From Bethlehem

8:00a & 10:30a

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICE Wednesday, December 17th

A King Who Knows Forgiveness

4:30p Worship

5:15p Dinner

(Casserole Varieties*)

7:00p Worship

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICE

Sunday, December 21st

8:00a & 10:30a

Preschool Program

9:45am

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Wednesday, December 24th

7:00p - Candlelight Service

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP Wednesday, December 25th

9:00a - Joyful Celebration

FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 28th

8:00a & 10:30a

NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP Wednesday, December 31st

7:00p - with Holy Communion

REGULAR SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday, January 4th

8:00a Worship with Holy Communion

9:15a Sunday School

9:30a Family Bible Studies

10:30a Worship with Holy Communion

14

Today we will hold our Voter’s meeting and

open forum between services (9:15-10:15) All

church members and school families are

invited and encouraged to give their input

during the open forum. Your participation is

helpful to our directors and to our congrega-

tion as well.

On The Agenda

General updates from Board of Directors

Information regarding a new ministry

planning initiative called the "Self-

Analysis & Adjustment Program (SAA)"

Discussion on 2nd Pastor

Vote on BOD recommendation to extend

the timeframe for Pastor Birkholz's Call

to June 30, 2015

School growth

Vote on BOD recommendation to hire

an additional pre-school aide

Voter’s Meeting & Open Forum

Cross of Christ’s Adopt-a-Family

A giving tree for our adopt-a-families at Ad-

ams Elementary has been set up near the front

entryway. The ornaments on the tree have a

single item on it and a family symbol and num-

ber which will help us identify who receives it.

Please take one or as many as you would like,

purchase the item, wrap it and return it with the

tag. We will put the name of the recipient on it

before it is given to the family.

This year we are helping 3 families. We hope to have everything

purchased and turned in by Wednesday, Dec. 17th.If you have

any questions or concerns please contact Amy Lauria in the of-

fice at 763-786-0637.

Toilet Tree Pioneers are collecting

items for the Toilet Tree

now till Dec 28! The

items will be donated to

the Cross of Christ Food

Shelf. Many people don't

have money to buy sim-

ple things like kleenex,

toothbrushes, toilet pa-

per, mouth wash and other items. Bring

your items and place them in the baskets

by the tree up in the Narthex. Thank you

for your support!

Christmas Giving Opportunities

3

The Gathering

Awake, O Sleeper1

Minister: Verse Congregation: Refrain M: Bethlehem, rejoice this day; from you comes Emmanuel. The Shepherd shall gather the lambs in his arms, with us our God will dwell. C: Refrain

M: Blessed are they who believe in the Word; God in our flesh come to earth. The sound of his voice will gladden the heart; the world a waits his birth. C: Refrain

M: Visit your people, the joy of your heart; come, O God and save. Send us the Savior who died to rise victorious from the grave. C: Refrain

Invocation

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

M: Look! Christ is coming with the clouds. C: Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.

Confession of Sins

M: Lest that Day surprise us unprepared, let us make confession of our sins, imploring our heavenly Father to have mercy on us for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Silence for personal confession

4

M: You came to call us from darkness into light: Lord have mercy.

C:

M: You came to strengthen your people with grace: Christ have mercy.

C:

M: You will return and our joy will be full: Lord have mercy.

C:

M: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

C:

Absolution

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authori-ty, I forgive all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen!

M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. C: Final Refrain

13

12

Closing Hymn “Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending” (CWS #704)

5

Prayer of the Day

M: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

BE SEATED

The Word First Lesson 1 Samuel 17:34-50

A shepherd who became a king

34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you." 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tu-nic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head.39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked Da-vid over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 "Come here," he said, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" 45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and jave-lin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the

6

air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.“ 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

Advent Candle

M: We light one Advent candle, remembering Jesus, who is coming again. He will come to gather his people from everywhere, both the living and the dead.

C: We remember Jesus, who will come at the end of time. None of us know what day that will be.

M: We hear his call to watch. C: We light one Advent candle as a sign of our watchfulness and waiting.

M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

Three Advent candles are lit.

11

M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

M: Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever, King of kings and Lord of lords.

C: The Lord God Almighty reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be

done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

M: Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strength-ened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

10

Prayer Of The Church

M: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!

C: Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory.

M: You are worthy, O Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.

C: Alleluia! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!

M: You are worthy, O Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased us for God. From every tribe and lan-guage and people and nation, you have called us into your kingdom and have made us priests to serve you, our God and Father.

C: Help us live as royal priests.

M: We give thanks to you, O Christ our Shepherd-King, because you have searched for us and found us. Lead us to the green pastures and quiet waters of your saving love, so that we may enjoy peace and comfort for our souls.

C: Heal our hearts when they are broken with sin and guilt. Strengthen us when we are weak.

M: We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Come with your mighty power to break and defeat every evil plan and purpose of the devil, of the ungodly influences and ideas of the world, and of our own sinful nature. Use your power to calm the unrest among nations and peoples so that your kingdom may spread and grow.

C: Strengthen our confidence in knowing that your kingdom will never be destroyed.

M: O Christ our King, you have supremacy over all. You will judge the world in righteous-ness and the peoples with equity. You have destroyed death and brought life and immor-tality to light through the gospel. Reign in our hearts that we may serve you more faith-fully and speak more boldly to others of your saving love.

C: Praise be to the Lord God, who alone does marvelous deeds. May the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

7

Second Lesson Acts 3:20b-37 The Son of David

20b After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' 23 "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Is-rael. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.' 26 "Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29

When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his wit-nesses to our people. 32 "We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. ' 34 The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings prom-ised to David.' 35 So it is stated elsewhere: " 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.' 36 "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

Song - Choir Sings “Jesus Christ Is Coming!”

STAND

Gospel Luke 1:26-38 The promise of a Shepherd King fulfilled

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Je-sus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a vir-

8

gin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's serv-ant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

M: This is the Gospel of our Lord. C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

BE SEATED

Children’s Message Hymn Of The Day “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” (CWS #375)

9

SERMOM TEXT 1 Samuel 17:34-50

SERMON THEME The Battle is the LORD’S

STAND

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth..

I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

BE SEATED

Offering STAND

8

gin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's serv-ant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

M: This is the Gospel of our Lord. C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

BE SEATED

Children’s Message Hymn Of The Day “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” (CWS #375)

9

SERMOM TEXT 1 Samuel 17:34-50

SERMON THEME The Battle is the LORD’S

STAND

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth..

I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

BE SEATED

Offering STAND

10

Prayer Of The Church

M: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!

C: Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory.

M: You are worthy, O Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.

C: Alleluia! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!

M: You are worthy, O Christ our King, to receive honor and glory and praise because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased us for God. From every tribe and lan-guage and people and nation, you have called us into your kingdom and have made us priests to serve you, our God and Father.

C: Help us live as royal priests.

M: We give thanks to you, O Christ our Shepherd-King, because you have searched for us and found us. Lead us to the green pastures and quiet waters of your saving love, so that we may enjoy peace and comfort for our souls.

C: Heal our hearts when they are broken with sin and guilt. Strengthen us when we are weak.

M: We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Come with your mighty power to break and defeat every evil plan and purpose of the devil, of the ungodly influences and ideas of the world, and of our own sinful nature. Use your power to calm the unrest among nations and peoples so that your kingdom may spread and grow.

C: Strengthen our confidence in knowing that your kingdom will never be destroyed.

M: O Christ our King, you have supremacy over all. You will judge the world in righteous-ness and the peoples with equity. You have destroyed death and brought life and immor-tality to light through the gospel. Reign in our hearts that we may serve you more faith-fully and speak more boldly to others of your saving love.

C: Praise be to the Lord God, who alone does marvelous deeds. May the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

7

Second Lesson Acts 3:20b-37 The Son of David

20b After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' 23 "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Is-rael. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: 'Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.' 26 "Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29

When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his wit-nesses to our people. 32 "We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. ' 34 The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings prom-ised to David.' 35 So it is stated elsewhere: " 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.' 36 "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

Song - Choir Sings “Jesus Christ Is Coming!”

STAND

Gospel Luke 1:26-38 The promise of a Shepherd King fulfilled

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Je-sus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a vir-

6

air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.“ 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

Advent Candle

M: We light one Advent candle, remembering Jesus, who is coming again. He will come to gather his people from everywhere, both the living and the dead.

C: We remember Jesus, who will come at the end of time. None of us know what day that will be.

M: We hear his call to watch. C: We light one Advent candle as a sign of our watchfulness and waiting.

M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest. C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.

Three Advent candles are lit.

11

M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

M: Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever, King of kings and Lord of lords.

C: The Lord God Almighty reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be

done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

M: Almighty God, we thank you for teaching us the things you want us to believe and do. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep your Word in pure hearts that we may be strength-ened in faith, guided in holiness, and comforted in life and in death, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

12

Closing Hymn “Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending” (CWS #704)

5

Prayer of the Day

M: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

BE SEATED

The Word First Lesson 1 Samuel 17:34-50

A shepherd who became a king

34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you." 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tu-nic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head.39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked Da-vid over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 "Come here," he said, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!" 45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and jave-lin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the

4

M: You came to call us from darkness into light: Lord have mercy.

C:

M: You came to strengthen your people with grace: Christ have mercy.

C:

M: You will return and our joy will be full: Lord have mercy.

C:

M: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

C:

Absolution

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authori-ty, I forgive all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen!

M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. C: Final Refrain

13

14

Today we will hold our Voter’s meeting and

open forum between services (9:15-10:15) All

church members and school families are

invited and encouraged to give their input

during the open forum. Your participation is

helpful to our directors and to our congrega-

tion as well.

On The Agenda

General updates from Board of Directors

Information regarding a new ministry

planning initiative called the "Self-

Analysis & Adjustment Program (SAA)"

Discussion on 2nd Pastor

Vote on BOD recommendation to extend

the timeframe for Pastor Birkholz's Call

to June 30, 2015

School growth

Vote on BOD recommendation to hire

an additional pre-school aide

Voter’s Meeting & Open Forum

Cross of Christ’s Adopt-a-Family

A giving tree for our adopt-a-families at Ad-

ams Elementary has been set up near the front

entryway. The ornaments on the tree have a

single item on it and a family symbol and num-

ber which will help us identify who receives it.

Please take one or as many as you would like,

purchase the item, wrap it and return it with the

tag. We will put the name of the recipient on it

before it is given to the family.

This year we are helping 3 families. We hope to have everything

purchased and turned in by Wednesday, Dec. 17th.If you have

any questions or concerns please contact Amy Lauria in the of-

fice at 763-786-0637.

Toilet Tree Pioneers are collecting

items for the Toilet Tree

now till Dec 28! The

items will be donated to

the Cross of Christ Food

Shelf. Many people don't

have money to buy sim-

ple things like kleenex,

toothbrushes, toilet pa-

per, mouth wash and other items. Bring

your items and place them in the baskets

by the tree up in the Narthex. Thank you

for your support!

Christmas Giving Opportunities

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The Gathering

Awake, O Sleeper1

Minister: Verse Congregation: Refrain M: Bethlehem, rejoice this day; from you comes Emmanuel. The Shepherd shall gather the lambs in his arms, with us our God will dwell. C: Refrain

M: Blessed are they who believe in the Word; God in our flesh come to earth. The sound of his voice will gladden the heart; the world a waits his birth. C: Refrain

M: Visit your people, the joy of your heart; come, O God and save. Send us the Savior who died to rise victorious from the grave. C: Refrain

Invocation

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

M: Look! Christ is coming with the clouds. C: Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.

Confession of Sins

M: Lest that Day surprise us unprepared, let us make confession of our sins, imploring our heavenly Father to have mercy on us for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Silence for personal confession

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3rd Sunday of Advent

The Order of Service is printed out for you. Large print versions are available from the ushers.

Guest - we welcome you and invite you to sign our guest book in the atrium or fill out a guest card in the pew.

Parents with small children–we enjoy children in worship! However, if you need to leave during the service, we encourage you to use the nursery area in the lobby. Please use room 213 for nursing.

Restrooms and changing tables are located downstairs, past the elevators.

Sunday School begins at 9:15am.

Teen Bible Study starts at 9:30am in the Youth Room #210

Adult Bible Studies begin at 9:30am & childcare is available in the 4K Preschool room #121.

“The Story” in the Sanctuary

Growing in Christ in the Adult Ed. Rm #129

Please turn off or mute cell phones during the worship service

Serving in our worship… Pastor: Rev. Mark Kaesmeyer Choir Director: Mrs. Julie Hanson Flute: Mrs. Kim Pickett Organist: 8:00am: Mrs. Carol Bain 10:30am: Mrs. Morgan Padget Greeters: 8:00am: Matt & Nicole Klein 10:30am: Carol Wulf Ushers: 8:00am: Mr. Howard Watchke 10:30am: Mr. Ernie Latorre Mr. Jeff Becker Mr. Rich Stolpa Mr. Thom Cison Mr. Brian Herbst Mr. Dennis Hatcher Mr. Jack Zingler Mr. Mike Obraske Mr. Jared Kaesmeyer Mr. Jeff Jannicke Mr. Corey Walberg

A King from Bethlehem Micah prophesied, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of

Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from

of old, from ancient times.” Both David and the son of David had humble beginnings, but

overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to rescue and lead God’s people.

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THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT Sunday, December 14th

A King From Bethlehem

8:00a & 10:30a

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICE Wednesday, December 17th

A King Who Knows Forgiveness

4:30p Worship

5:15p Dinner

(Casserole Varieties*)

7:00p Worship

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICE

Sunday, December 21st

8:00a & 10:30a

Preschool Program

9:45am

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Wednesday, December 24th

7:00p - Candlelight Service

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP Wednesday, December 25th

9:00a - Joyful Celebration

FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 28th

8:00a & 10:30a

NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP Wednesday, December 31st

7:00p - with Holy Communion

REGULAR SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday, January 4th

8:00a Worship with Holy Communion

9:15a Sunday School

9:30a Family Bible Studies

10:30a Worship with Holy Communion

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Regular Sunday Schedule

Worship Services

Sunday 8:00am & 10:30am

Sunday School - 9:15am

Teen Bible Study - 9:30am

Adult Bible Study - 9:30am

“The Story”

Growing In Christ

Adult Sunday School Curriculum

Additional Bible Studies

Tuesday AM Bible Study Every Tuesday 6:30-7:30am

Ladies Bible Study Every Thursday 9:00-10:00am

Moms Group Bible Study Every-other Tuesday 8:00-9:00am

The Story – small group discussion Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm

Bible Information Class Call for current schedule

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December 14th, 2014 3rd Sunday of Advent

The Advent of Our King

FROM SHEPHERD TO KING