Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Dec 18, 2022

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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. Communicant members are asked to fill out a communion card found in the pew racks and place it in the offering plates.

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God’s Word Is Fulfilled for Us in the Flesh and Blood of Christ Jesus, the Son of Mary

The Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the Nativity of Our Lord. With the blessed Virgin Mary, we await the coming of the Christ, her Son, conceived in her womb by the Word and Spirit of God. This fulfillment of the sign once given to the house of David, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Is. 7:14), is now given to us in the Gospel. It declares that salvation is by His grace alone, entirely His work and a free gift. It also is the way and means by which the Lord our God is Immanuel, “God with us.” The almighty and eternal Son of God is conceived and born of Mary, and is thus “descended from David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3–4). He comes in this way to save us with His own flesh and blood; wherefore, He is called “Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). As Joseph received this sign in faith and immediately “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matt. 1:24), we also live by faith in this Holy Gospel.

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Collect of the day:

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; 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 on page 184

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

                

​READINGS:  Isaiah 7: 10-17  Romans 1: 1-7              Matthew 1: 18-25

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HYMNS: 340,  357,   350

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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: Carolyn        

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PRAYER INTERCESSION:  Anne & Bill; Fran; Sherran; Herta; Bob & Lucy; Grant; Miriam

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Friends and Fellow Christians: Lutheran Church in Ukraine; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Norma; Sue;  Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Kathy; Frank (Les’ father in LH-O); Kylene (friend of Gina’s);  Rev. Ron Mohr; Mission Prayer for December 2022: Rev. Sorn Sein – -Cambodia; Deaconess Thean BunTha [Thee-an] – Cambodia; Deaconess Erm Roun [Rue-un] – Cambodia;  Deaconess Candidate Sopean Da – Cambodia.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL BELL CHOIR:  under the direction of Lisa, will play an arrangement of two Christmas hymns before service today.  Thanks to Lisa and all the bell-ringers for adorning the service this morning with sacred music.

 

ALTAR FLOWERS:  are given to the glory of God by Fred and Diana upon the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.  God’s blessings to you as you rejoice in the Lord sustaining you thus far and seeing you safely home.

 

LADIES OF GRACE: Last week for tickets for baby Quilt!!  There are Aloe Vera plants left.  If you want one just make a donation to LADIES OF GRACE.  Any amount will be fine See quilt in the narthex. Quilt Tickets are $2.00 or 3 for $5.00 available after church. The draw will be today, December 18th, 2022.

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE:  for Paul Andrew Norman Hansel is planned for December 30, at 2pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, 471 Simcoe St. S, Oshawa.  Paul passed away at home on November 18.  He is the younger brother of Paula, who is looking after the service.

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This Week under Grace 

Today (b)           9:00am             Sunday School Bell choir practice

                           9:30am             Bible Study and Sunday School (downstairs)

                         10:30am             Divine Service

Wednesday                                 ST. THOMAS, APOSTLE

Saturday (w)     7:00pm             Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sunday (w)       10:30am            Christmas Day Divine Service