Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Dec 19, 2021

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Welcome back 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 sign the communion book at the entrance of the church.

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The Lord Comes to Visit Us in Peace

The Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the nativity of our Lord. With Mary, we await the coming of the Christ, her Son, conceived in her womb by the Spirit of God. As the Lord dealt graciously with her and did great things for her (Luke 1:48–49), so also He manifests Himself and His glory to us in mercy and gentleness. He comes to rule His people in peace, to “shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD.” He comes forth not from the great capital city of Rome or Jerusalem, but from lowly little Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, 4). He comes to sacrifice Himself, in fulfillment of His Father’s will, for the salvation and sanctification of His people (Heb. 10:10). He who once visited Elizabeth while hidden in the womb of Mary (Luke 1:39–45) now comes to visit us today, hidden in the lowliness of simple water, bread and wine.

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COVID 19 PROTOCOL FOR WORSHIP:  While we are here to rejoice in God’s house, we still have to follow the rules for social distancing; wearing a mask and sanitizing hands on your way in and out of church.  If you are wearing gloves, please dispose of them at home.  Please take your masks and bulletins home to limit exposure and the amount of recycling for the church.  A detailed description of worship guidelines is on the small table with the bulletin and offering plates.

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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.

 

ORDER OF SERVICE: Diving Service Setting Three page 184. (Sung)

            The Introit is spoken by the Pastor (S:C 1stSam 2:1b,2,5b-7 Antiphon-Luke 1:46b-41 

            During Advent the Gloria in Excelsis on p. 187 is omitted

          

​READINGS:   Micah 5: 2 – 5a                       Hebrews 10: 5-10                   Luke 1: 39-45 (46-56)

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HYMNS: 361, 357, 933

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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Jack Hetzel                                          Assisting minister (A) lay: Shane                                                                     

Sound System: Philip                                                                         Webmaster:  Michael

Secretary: Debby                                                                                Acolyte: Christine               

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PRAYER INTERCESSIONS:

For Members of Grace: Reg: Hans; Fran; Dennis; Sherran; Anne; Ray; Bob; Aina’s son Eric, wife Lauren and her father. Grant

 

For Friends and Fellow Christians: Ryan (friend of Lynn); Doris (wife of Rev. Konny Hahn died in the Lord Nov. 9); Marli; Berti; Terry (heart attack); Norma ; Clifford (Cancer); Etelka’s mother; Marlene; Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Mardelle; Corrina; Kathy; Annette; Dale (cancer surgery). Mission Prayers for December: Rev Henry Evelerth Ramirez – Nicaragua; Rev. Mao Saron – Cambodia; Deaconess Maura Loudes Juarez-Nicaragua; Deaconess Thy Da – Cambodia

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PRAYER REQUEST:  If you have any spiritual need for prayers, please call Pastor Hetzel at the office (905) 728-4381.  

 

REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE:  Please record any maintenance work in the trustees log on the wall by the office including details of the work done and the date.  Any receipts from contractors or inspection reports please copy so I can put in the maintenance manual. This will help the trustees in the future. Thank you, blessing, Debby gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com

 

EXPERT GUESTS, EXPANSIVE TOPICS, EXTOLLING CHRIST…Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  This weeks subjects include: The Christmas Hymn “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” The Movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” What Can We Learn from “The Benedict Option”?, Jesus Seeking the Lost in Luke 15 and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.

 

GRACE AUTOMATED CALL SERVICE: is a computer generated program that delivers a message through the phone and computer.  The church number will be displayed.  If you wish not to receive these messages, please call the church office.  Thanks to those who donated it to keep everyone updated.

 

NEXT SUNDAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS:  2 Chronicles 24: 17-22,  Acts 6:8-7:51-60, Matthew 23:34-39 in case you would like to read ahead and prepare for the divine service.

 

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS:  Thank you to the following members who contributed to our Christmas flowers:  Bea and Owen; Minnie and Willi in memory of Willi’s brother and sister; Verna in memory of her husband Jim; and Carolyn in memory of her husband Bill.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL: is being held online at 9:00am.  Contact Lisa for more details.

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES:  Christmas Eve 7:00pm, Christmas Day 10:30am and December 26 at 10:30am.

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BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Dates for events and bulletin inserts may be placed in the holder outside the office door, there will be no printed calendar at this time;   Bulletin items are due by Wednesday of each week.    You can email the info to gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com

 

FOOD PANTRY: onations welcome, Please contact the office 905-728-4381 to see when someone will be in church if you need to drop off or pick up to deliver other than on Sunday.

 

REFERENCE MATERIALS:  We have a new reference booklet of who is who from LCC; “Together One”.  Please take a few moments over the next few Sundays to review our Church business and community bulletin board; and other resource materials on the tables/shelve and racks in the narthex.  Please take some home or give to a friend.

 

INDIVIDUAL HOLY COMMUNION:  during these days of separation from covid and illness or in any hunger of our Lord’s body and blood, you can make arrangements with Pastor to receive the Lord’s Supper.  Please call him at the church office.

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This Week under Grace 

Today (b)              9:00am                              Online Sunday School

                              9:30am                              Bible Class led by seminarian Dan Cunningham (downstairs)

                              10:30am                            Divine Service

Tuesday                ST. THOMAS, ASPOSTLE

Friday (w)              7:00pm                              Christmas Eve Service

Saturday (w)          10:30am                            Christmas Day Service

Sunday (r)             9:30am                              Bible Class

                              10:30am                            Divine Service