Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

December 17, 2023 - Advent 3

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Welcome in the name of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. If you are visiting, we are glad that you are here and kindly ask that you sign our guest book at the sanctuary doors. If you would like to become a member please speak to the Pastor. In case of illness, the Pastor should be informed. He will always be glad to speak with those who are confronted with problems of a spiritual nature. The time before worship is a quiet time for prayer and meditation to prepare for worship. Please see the inside cover of the hymnal for prayers and page 329f to prepare for Holy Communion. God bless you as we gather before our gracious God!  

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The Coming of the Christ Brings True Rejoicing in His Forgiveness 

When he preaches repentance, John the Baptist points us to Christ Jesus. John was sent by God “as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). He baptizes with water in order to “make straight the way of the Lord,” who shall redeem His people from their sins (John 1:23). That Lord Jesus “who comes after” John now stands among us and makes Himself known to us (John 1:26–27). He has been anointed by the Holy Spirit “to bring good news to the poor” and “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is. 61:1). By the washing of the water with His Word and Spirit, He clothes His Church with “the garments of salvation” and adorns her with His own righteousness “as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Is. 61:10). Therefore, we “rejoice always” in the Lord, “pray without ceasing” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16–18). For “the God of peace,” who has called you by the Gospel, will surely “sanctify you completely,” so that “your whole spirit and soul and body” will “be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23–24)

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Collect of the day:

Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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ORDER OF SERVICE:  Setting Three  page 184. 

       The Introit is found on the insert and is spoken responsively by half-verse.

       The Gloria in Excelsis is omitted during Advent and returns Christmas Eve.

                

Next Sunday’s Readings:  2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16      Romans 16:25-27         Luke 1: 26-38

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HYMNS: 914,  345,  338 (during offering),  349

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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Jack Hetzel  

Assisting minister (A) lay: Shane

Acolyte: Nathan

Sound System: Philip  

Webmaster:  Michael Haeussler

Office Secretary: Debby and Leslie

Altar Guild:  Christa and Julia 

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PRAYER INTERCESSION:  Anne; Sherran; Herta; Viena; Debbie

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Friends and Fellow Christians: Rory; Matthew and Megan; Rev. Robert Morley; Joan; Lynda; Mike; Les’s cousin Mike; Lutheran Church in Ukraine; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Norma; Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Kathy; Bev; Elizabeth; Mary (David’s mother), Stu; Doug & family; 

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Mission Prayers for December:  Rev. Seungwoo “Sam” Choi –  Pastor of Korean Lutheran Church in Toronto, Ontario.; Rev. James D. Kay – Pastor of the Sudanese congregation of Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton, Alberta; Rev. Daniel Barr – Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kakabeka Falls and Street Chaplain with Street Reach Ministries in Thunder Bay, Ontario; Rev. David Milette - Pastor of l’Eìglise lutheìrienne du Bon Berger (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church) in Moncton, New Brunswick and he also provides support for LCC's French Ministries; Rev. Asefa Aredo – Pastor of Shalom Oromo Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba and LCC's Missionary-at-Large for Oromo Outreach

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DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Alyxandria, Kathryn, Gail, Rowan, Betty, June, Sean, Reg, Shane, Bianca

 

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES: Dave & Karin, Fred & Diana

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A DIVINE CALL: from St. Peter’s in Stratford was extended to Pastor Hetzel and on Nov.26 he accepted it.  Please pray for Pastor, Grace Oshawa and St. Peter’s Stratford.

 

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: Christmas season is fast approaching; Advent starts on December 3rd.  I am putting together a potluck luncheon on Sat. Dec. 9th from 1-4pm at church. I know it's a busy time for you all but I hope we can connect during this most wonderful time of the church year. The large whiteboard we used in the past has gone astray so I will get a board up end of next week. You can email or call me at home or church to rsvp adults & kids and what you’re bringing, so we are not top heavy in desserts. All dishes will need to be taken home, even disposable ones, with leftovers. Blessings, Debby

 

LADIES OF GRACE QUILTERS: November 28 will be the last day of quilting in 2023. Quilting will resume on January 9th, 2024.  Thanks to all the ladies who have been coming out each week. We will be having a Christmas raffle for a beautiful Quilt to raise money for our missions/seminary. Tickets:  $2 or 3/$5 Draw December 17th by Pastor.  Blessings.

 

CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREE for those who have been called home by our Father. We are gathering ornaments in memory of a member of Grace or a loved one.  You can place it on the tree in the entrance of the Church.  On the ornament, please label in memory of… If you wish to take it home after Christmas you may do so, or donate your ornament for the years to come. (Rev. 7:17)   

 

USHERS NEEDED: We need more volunteers for the ushering team. If you are interested in helping out with this important part of our worship service please talk to one of the elders.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL: and Bible study is at 9:30am.

 

CHURCH KEYS:  Members that no longer need their church keys can you please return them to the office; new trustees and some council members are in need of them.  To get new keys cut are costly around $75 per key.  Thank You.  Debby

 

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: is at 7:00pm.

 

CHRISTMAS DAY:  service is at 10:30am.

 

FOOD BANK:  Our food cabinet is running low on food; please drop off non-perishable food so we can support our church members, our Seminary students (1/2) and community.

 

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  may be placed in the holder outside the office door and for the monthly calendar.  Bulletin items are due by Wednesday of each week.  Calendar events are due by the 3rd Sunday of the month.  You can email the info to office@gracelutheranoshawa.net

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This Week under Grace  

Today (b)                9:30am            Sunday School and Bible study

                                10:30am            Divine Service

Wednesday         7:00pm            Advent Service

Sunday (b)            9:30am            Sunday School and Bible study                     

                               10:30am            Divine Service

            (w)                7:00pm            Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

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