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Sunday, November 28th, 2021

The Greening of the Church 1st Sunday of Advent

PRELUDE Sleepers, Awake! J.S. Bach ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WELCOME PROCESSIONAL ~ Stand ** “Christ Be Our Light” Verse 1 Refrain

1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness.

Longing for truth, we turn to you. Make us your own, your holy people,

light for the world to see.

Refrain Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE

P: Brothers and sisters in Christ, for 1,500 years the church has used Advent as a time to prepare for the great festival of Christmas. During Advent we reflect upon the scriptural messages about the coming of Christ, the message of John the Baptist and the obedient servant Mary of being the Mother of our Lord. We also mark the anticipation of our Lord’s arrival through prayer and song. Further, we celebrate the fact that Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, still comes to our hearts in love and will come in His ultimate advent at the culmination of all time.

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CANDLES OF ADVENT READING J: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome

it.” Long ago prophets knew that God would not leave his people in sinful

darkness, without light, without hope, and without a Savior. “From Bethlehem,” said one. And another gave instructions, “You shall call his name Immanuel, for he will be God with us.” Even from their dark and dusty past, they told us Jesus would come, the Son of Mary, child of God. And they were right!

J: So, today, we light the first candle, the LOVE CANDLE, A: reminding us of the love of Christ. J: Next Sunday, we light the PEACE CANDLE, A: which reminds us of the title of our Messiah as the Prince of Peace. J: The third candle is the JOY CANDLE, which is the color pink, A: and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the joy that is given to us in

the Messiah’s birth. J: And the fourth is the HOPE CANDLE, A: because the birth of Jesus gives us eternal hope. CAROL “Christ Be Our Light” (refrain only)

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER P. Let us pray…Come, dear Prince, come to us as we anticipate Advent. Come to homes everywhere.

Come to noisy stores and streets, and to busy workplaces and freeways. Come to schools and government centers and care centers.

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Come to us all, with your love. Touch every heart so we may show compassion and sharing in this season, in Jesus’ name. Amen

FIRST LESSON- Lois Miller A reading from Isaiah 2: 1-5. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Juda and Jerusalem.

In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for

many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come let us walk in the light of the Lord!

The word of the Lord. A: Thanks be to God.

THE BLUE PARAMENTS

CAROL “The Magnificat” Song Leader: Mary Dexter An angel went from God to a town called Nazareth to a woman

whose name was Mary. The angel said to her, “Rejoice, O highly favored, for God is with you. You shall bear a child, and his name shall be Jesus, the Chosen One of God Most High.” And Mary said, “I am the servant of my God, I live to do your will.”

All: My soul proclaims your greatness,

O God, and my spirit rejoices in you, You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through.

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Great and mighty are you, O Holy One, strong is your kindness evermore. How you favor the weak and lowly one, humbling the proud of heart. You have cast the mighty down from their thrones, and uplifted the humble of heart, You have filled the hungry with wondrous things, and left the wealthy no part. Great and mighty are you, O Faithful One, strong is your justice, strong your love, As you promised to Sarah and Abraham, kindness forevermore. My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit rejoices in you, You have looked with love on your servant here, and blessed me all my life through.

PARAMENTS READING: Emily Vinz Romans 5:5 The liturgical color for Advent Season that begins next Sunday, is blue,

Mary’s color. Blue suggests hope, a major theme of Advent. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

A: May our hearts be filled with hopefulness when we see the Advent

blue.

THE EVERGREENS ANTHEM “O Christmas Tree”

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How lovely are thy branches

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How lovely are thy branches

Your boughs so green in summertime Stay bravely green in wintertime

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How lovely are thy branches

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EVERGREEN READING: Chloe Larson Everywhere, in homes, in churches, in communities, we hang

Christmas greens. When all else is barren, the evergreen reminds us of the promised reawakening in spring. So, we decorate with boughs of evergreen as a promise of new life and a sign of the hope that in Christ, life is forever.

A: Bring in the greens; the pine, the fir, and the cedar, to remind us of

eternal life. SECOND LESSON-Lois Miller A reading from Romans 13: 11-14. Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for

you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the

flesh, to gratify its desires. The word of the Lord A: Thanks be to God.

THE HOLLY

CAROL “The Holly and The Ivy” The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown. The holly bears a blossom, as white as lily flow’r and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, to be our sweet Savior. The holly bears a berry, as red as any blood, and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, to do poor sinners good.

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HOLLY READING: Braxtyn Engen The thorny leaves of holly remind us of the crown of thorns worn by

Jesus when he was crucified. The red berries remind us of drops of blood…Jesus’ blood shed for us. Some form of holly grows in nearly every country of the world.

A: May the holly, with bright berries and its green leaves that last all

winter remind us of Christ’s promise to be with us always.

THE MISTLETOE CAROL “Love, Love, Love”

Love, love, love. That’s what it’s all about. For god loves us, we love each other; Mother, Father, Sister,

Brother. Everybody sing and shout! ‘Cause that’s what it’s all about. It’s about love, love, love. It’s about love, love, love.

2. Joy, Joy, Joy! 3. Peace, Peace, Peace! MISTLETOE READING: Izzy Schieffer The mistletoe has become for us the sign of merriment, symbolized by

the kiss. In some ancient cultures, it was a symbol of peace between enemies. We are reminded of the peace which comes from God, and the power of Christ to heal differences.

A: May God’s peace be among us!

THE BLANKET CAROL “Away in a Manger”

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Away in a manger, no crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky, looked down where he lay. The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes. But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky. And stay by my cradle, ‘til morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care And fit us for heaven, to live with you there. BLANKET READING: Emily Vinz As this blanket is brought forward, we are reminded that Mary

wrapped the Christ Child in swaddling cloths. A blanket or a quilt can be used for many things; a shelter, a roof, privacy in a crowded camp, a tote for belongings, or a sense of security for a small child. For a person in a care center, a quilt can be a reminder of being cared for. The gift of a blanket or a quilt can be a gift of love, like the gift

of love God sent at Christmas. A: O God, as we anticipate the Advent season, let your Spirit fill us with

love, so that we may seek to bring your justice for a world waiting in hope.

GOSPEL FOR THE DAY ~ Stand** P: The Holy Gospel according to Mark 13:24-37 A: (Spoken) Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said:] In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be

darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will

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see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until

all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, or the son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: “Keep awake.” P: The Gospel of the Lord A: (Spoken) Praise to you, O Christ. MEDITATION

THE BANNERS CAROL “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev’rywhere Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born. Down in a lonely manger the humble Christ was born;

and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn,

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Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev’rywhere Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born! BANNER READING: Chloe Larson The use of banners goes back to ancient times. The banner is a symbol. The Church has always needed a strong visual means of expressing its faith and hope. They express our hope and goals, state our faith, and convey our feelings. God, too, had his banner. God hung it in the sky for Noah and all the rest of us to see. God’s rainbow is a picture of a promise. It tells us that God seeks our salvation, not our destruction. There may be no pot of gold at its end but the rainbow tells us of arms of love, God’s love, that couldn’t stay away. A: Our banners testify of heaven’s joy in announcing the birth of Christ to

humanity.

THE STAR CAROL “We Three Kings”

We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. Oh, star of wonder, star of night,

star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

STAR READING: Braxtyn Engen One of the oldest of our Christmas symbols is the star. God promised Abraham and Sarah that their children would be as many as the stars of the heavens. Centuries later, a star shining on that first Christmas night sent forth its light over the manger in Bethlehem. Christians have used this Star of Bethlehem to symbolize for us the birth of Christ.

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Israel looked for the Messiah and the Star’s light continues to shine today, lighting the way for all who seek to find the Christ.

A: May the Star of Bethlehem guide us as modern-day shepherds to that same stable of old. Let it shed light not only on our trip to the manger, but on our going and telling all that we’ve seen and heard.

THE POINSETTA PIANO SOLO

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming Lo, how a rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming as all through time have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night. POINSETTIA READING: Izzy Schieffer Most Christmas greenery reflects old world traditions, but the colorful,

flaming star-like poinsettia is a native of this continent. This brilliant tropical plant is a happy flower to us, for its red symbolizes love and sacrifice.

It is called “Flower of the Holy Night.” A charming Mexican legend explains its origin: Having finished running his daily errands, an orphan boy named Pedro sadly counted his centavos. There were hardly enough of them to buy his evening meal. “Come with us to the Cathedral,” urged his friends. “No,” answered Pedro. “I have no money to buy a gift for the Christ Child.” “Take this,” suggested one of his practical friends, pointing to a weed by the side of the road. Hesitantly, Pedro picked the stringy weed, climbed the steep hill to the church, and slowly made his way to the altar with its manger scene. Kneeling, he reverently laid his gift in front of the figure of the Christ Child. He soon became aware of the murmuring of the crowd. In wide-eyed amazement, he saw a beautiful scarlet flower, formed like a star, where only dried leaves had existed before. His humble offering had been miraculously transformed.

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APOSTLES CREED ~Stand ** 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.

OFFERING PRAYER Instrumental P: Let us pray…Blessed are you, A: O Lord our God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts. With them we offer ourselves to your service and dedicate our lives to the care and redemption of all that you have made, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE 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.

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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. LORD’S PRAYER P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom and hear us as we pray… A: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name, Thy kingdom come, they 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

COMMUNION Taste and see that the Lord is good Let’s all commune together, where we are, in the pew, or in our home, wherever we are. The body of Christ given for you and the blood of Christ shed for you. COMMUNION PRAYER Most High God, you have come among us at this table. By the Spirit’s power, form us to be bearers of your word, sharing gifts of mercy and grace with all, through Christ Jesus, our host and our guest. Amen. BLESSING The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus for whom we wait. Amen.

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BENEDICTION P: Almighty God, Father, son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. A: Amen CAROL “All Earth is Hopeful”

1 All earth is hopeful, the Savior comes at last!

Furrows lie open for God's creative task: this, the labor of people who struggle to see

how God's truth and justice set ev'rybody free.

2 People of Israel, you heard the prophet tell: "A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel";

she conceived him, "God with us," our brother, whose birth

restores hope and courage to children of this earth.

3 Mountains and valleys will have to be prepared; new highways opened, new protocols declared.

Almost here! God is nearing, in beauty and grace! All clear ev'ry gateway, in haste, come out in haste!

4 We first saw Jesus a baby in a crib.

This same Lord Jesus today has come to live in our world; he is present, in neighbors we see

our Jesus is with us, and ever sets us free.

SENDING FORTH P: Go in Peace. Serve the Lord! A: Thanks be to God!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week at Faith

Pastor Is Gone 11/29 – 12/5

➢ If you need something or any emergency Contact Anastasia at the office-regular hours: Tues-Thurs 9-1 and Fri 9-12

OR Covering Pastor Info: Peter Muschinske # 314-703-1496

• Today 11-28-21: Worship service at 9:00am-Faith & 10:30 – Trinity “Greening of the Church’ 1st Sunday of Advent

• Wednesday 12-1-21: GIFT & Faith Journeyer’s 6pm

• Saturday 12-4-21: Family Advent Retreat @ Luther Bible Camp

• Next Sunday 12-5-21: Worship with Jane “ Fireside Chat” at

9:00-Faith & 10:30-Trinity

Faith Lutheran Telephone: 715-458-2788 Worship Line: 951-799-9891

E-Mail: churchoffice@faithcameron.org

Pastor Tamra Harder: pastor.partnersrl@gmail.com

715-501-3681

Mon 12-2 @ Trinity Tues 12-2 @Trinity Wed 10-12 @ Faith Thurs 10-12 @ Trinity

Ministers:

The People of Partners in Faith Lutheran Parish.