Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Dec 22, 2024 - 4th Sunday in Advent

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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 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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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Kevin Fast           Assisting minister (A): Shane

Acolyte:  Victor                                                         Sound System: Philip/ Nathan

Webmaster - Mike                                                  Secretary: Debby

Altar: Christa and Iulia       

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PRAY FOR:  Christa and family; Irene; Gina & Sean; Willie (car accident) & Minnie; Debbie (heart); Ed; Eloise (hip/shoulder); Sherran; Herta ; Phil; Corinne; Albinaj; for our call Pastor Rev Vasilios Christoforidis (aka Pastor Basil Christi) https://www.christourking.ca/our-pastors

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Friends and Fellow Christians: Norma (Deb's adopted mother); Kevin; Mark and Julia; Diane; Christy; Lynda; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Liam; Kristy; Laura; Chris; Susan; Heather; Waldtraut; Bev; Elizabeth; Joan; Mary (David’s mother), Carolyn; Rose; Jason; Joan; Adian & family (Ladies of Grace Seminary Student)

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​​PRAYER REQUESTS:  Please email them to gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com, call office or put a note on office desk.

 

​​MISSION PRAYERS FOR DECEMBER 2024 – CANADA - Rev. Seungwoo “Sam” Choi - Korean Lutheran Church in Toronto, Ontario;  Rev. James D. Kay - Sudanese congregation of Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton;  Rev. Marco-Antonio Jacobsen-  Assistant Missionary-at-Large for LCC’s French ministries in Quebec; Rev. Asefa Aredo- Oromo Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and LCC's Missionary-at-Large for Oromo Outreach;  Rev. David Milette- - Moncton, New Brunswick. He also provides support for LCC's French Ministries

 

MISSION PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as Your Son sent forth His Church to make disciples in all nations, we lift up before You, asking You to sustain THEM by Your Spirit and bless THEIR labours for the sake of the Gospel; Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer. ​

 

​MEMORY CHRISTMAS TREE:  There is only 3 days to Christmas Day!! Please bring in an ornament or you can use our ornaments to put the name and year passing of a loved one. Blessings, Debby

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CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF(CLWR) – See 2024 Christmas Catalogue program for this year, on the table in the Narthex. (Clean water, food, Project Tiny Hearts for Lake Chad.

 

CATECHISM STUDIES. Jan. return. 7th, 2025@07:00.

 

NATIONAL YOUTH GROUP 2025 – Theme UNBREAKABLE – Waterloo – Ephesians 6:11. See details on table in narthex.

 

BIRTHDAYS, Baptisms And Anniversaries and Calendar for December: see copies available on table at back of church. Please let me know if anyone is missing.

 

QUILTING: First Tuesday back January 7th, 2025. Come and try it out! Bring a friend!.

 

LADIES OF GRACE:  Our Next meeting will be on January 14th, 2025

 

DAILY DEVOTIONS LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES- sign up at www.lhm.org

 

THANK YOU: We would like to thank Doreen for donating our new Green Paraments. We would also like to thank the Lutheran East District for the Communion Set which is being blessed in today’s service. And to the Preda Family for the beautiful Poinsettias. The Elders

 

MISSING JACKET: Did anyone accidentally grab the wrong Jacket on Sunday.  Randy’s Jacket has the local Union 183 Liana logo on it.  Thank you. Blessings

 

BULLETIN EVENTS FOR JANUARY: Please have any calendar events to me by Dec 23rd. thank you blessings, Debby

 

GTA Strategies have led to Toronto declaring December as "Christian Heritage Month" See article on white board.

 

VOTER’S MEETING:  January 12th to review the proposed severance of property.

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Bulletins:  If you want to start receiving the bulletins/calendar via email.  Please email the office at gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com

 

******Ask the Pastor can be found in the Divine Service bulletin. *********

 

*****EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CONTACT AN ELDER OR LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE CHURCH PHONELINE 905-728-4381********

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*ATTENTION:  Please do not leave any offerings, cash or cheque, and personal information, in the outside church mailbox. Please call the church, 905-728-4381, if you need to arrange a drop off time.

 

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  may be placed in the holder outside the office door and for the monthly calendar.  They are due by Wednesday of each week.  Calendar events are due by the 3rd Sun of the month.  Email the info to: gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com

 

FOOD BANK: Thank you everyone for  helping us stock up.  Looks like we are good till the new year.. Blessings to you all.  We support our church members, our Seminary students (1/2) and community.

 

ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: A member has an immediate need to temporarily rent a room or basement appt. in Durham area. $600-$800max.If you know of anyone who might be able to assist or offer financial assistance please contact the Office. Blessings

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​​This week @ Grace:

Today (G)                                 11:15 am          Divine Service (C)

Tuesday                                     7:00 pm          Christmas Eve Service with Shane

Wednesday                            11:15am          Christmas Day Service with Pastor Fast

Sunday (G)                              11:15 am          Divine Service (C )

  

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