Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

January 7, 2024 - Epiphany (Observed)

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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 God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son 

The Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a “thirteenth day” of Christmas, and yet it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. Where Christmas has focused on the incarnation of our Lord, that is, on God becoming flesh, the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth, not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5–11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3–6).

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Collect of the day:

O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles.  Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You 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 sung responsively by half-verse.

The Rite of Confirmation is on page 272.

                

Next Sunday’s Readings:  Isaiah 60: 1 - 6                        Ephesians 3: 1 - 12              Matthew 2: 1 - 12

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HYMNS: 409,  395,  370 (during offering),  397

 

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:  Kathy 

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

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Friends and Fellow Christians: Family of Marilyn; Rory; Matthew and Megan; Joan; Lynda; Mike; 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 January: Rev. Van Ravy - Assistant Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Phnom Penh and also serves with Lutheran Hour Ministries, Rev. Heng Kim Hai (Hi) – Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Kampong and Instructor for Garuna Christian school, Rev. Rochom Binh (Rock-om) - Missionary Pastor for the Jarai community in his village in Ratanakiri,  Rev. Romass Svell – Pastor for the Jarai community in Ratanakiri

 

BIRTHDAYS: Ida, Michael, Leslie, Renee, Irene, David, Doug, Emilee, Reta, Rylan, Victor, Selby, Giso, Christa, Christopher, James, Edward, Loretta, Justin, Scott, Sherri

 

ANNIVERSARIES: Mihaly & Etelka, David & Margaret, David & Lynn, Owen & Bea

 

Next Sunday’s Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)       1 Cor. 6:12-20          John 1:43-51

 

CONFIRMATION:  Scottie is confirmed this morning.  Our gracious God has gifted Scottie with gifts in holy baptism and now graciously offers her the precious gift of Christ’s body and blood.  We rejoice with her that God has bound us together in the life of Christ.  Her confirmation verse is John 6:56 where Jesus said: “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.”

 

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, that the Lord would bless his move and his ministry there and for Grace Lutheran Oshawa, that our gracious Lord would provide a faithful Shepherd to guide and feed His flock to life eternal.

 

PASTOR & LISA: thank all you dear ones for your prayers, well wishes and Christmas gifts this year.  It made our last Christmas together wonderful and we wish you every kind blessing in Christ our dear Lord whose holy incarnation has restored us and blessed us in every way!  Merry Christmas to you all.  

 

LADIES OF GRACE: MEETING HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM JANUARY 13TH TO JANUARY 20TH.  We will meet at 9:30 and reveal our prayer pals and get new prayer pals so I encourage everyone to come out. - Diana, President Ladies of Grace.

 

QUILT DRAW: Since no one came forward to claim the quilt, we will be drawing another ticket after service today.  If no one comes forward with a winning ticket by January 21st we will donate the quilt to a worthy organization - Diana, President Ladies of Grace

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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 (w)             9:30am           Bible study

                              10:30am           Divine Service

Tuesday            11:00am           Toronto Circuit Pastors meeting at Grace, Oshawa

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

                             10:30am            Divine Service

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