Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Dec 12, 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 Coming of Jesus Enables Us to Rejoice

The Third Sunday in Advent has traditionally been called by the Latin word Gaudete, meaning “Rejoice!” For as you are called to repentance, so also are you urged to rejoice in the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. By His own cross, He has accomplished salvation for you; “he has cleared away your enemies,” “taken away the judgments against you” and come to reign in your midst. Indeed, He rejoices over you with gladness and song (Zeph. 3:15–17)! Therefore, even from prison St. Paul encourages us to “rejoice in the Lord always,” knowing that the peace of God will guard and keep us in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4, 7). We find an example and encouragement in the case of John the Baptist. As he languishes in prison, he calls upon Jesus and is strengthened by the Word of the Gospel that he receives. The same good news is preached to you, by which all things are made new and even “the dead are raised up” (Luke 7:22). Do not be offended by the cross, therefore, but let your life be one of prayer and thanksgiving (Luke 7:23; Phil. 4:6).

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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:

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.

 

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

            The Introit is spoken by the Pastor (S:C Ps 81:8, 10-11, 1;  Antiphon-Luke  3:4b)

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

          

​READINGS:   Zephaniah 3: 14-20     Philippians 4: 4 - 7                  Luke 7:18-28 (29-35)

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HYMNS: 349, 345, 818

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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: Hans; Fran; Dennis (Extendicare – Park Rd); Sherran; Anne; Ray; Bob; Aina’s son Eric, wife Lauren and her father. Grant (Knee injury)

 

For Friends and Fellow Christians: Frank (heart surgery); Doris (wife of Rev. Konny Hahn in palliative care); Marli; Berti; Terry (heart attack); Norma; Clifford(Cancer); Etelka’s mother; Marlene; Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Mardelle; Corrina; Kathy; Annette; Marg’s nephew Joe and Michelle upon the death of their unborn daughter and her brother-in-law Dale (cancer). Mission Prayers for December: Rev Henry Evelerth Ramirez – Nicaragua; Rev. Mao Saron – Cambodia; Deaconess Maura Loudes Juarez-Nicaragua; Deaconess Thy Da – Cambodia

 

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

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ADVENT:  Last Mid-week Services will be on Wed. 15th  beginning at 7pm.  Come Quickly Lord Jesus!

 

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

 

MORE TOPICS, MORE GUESTS, MORE JESUS…Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.

 

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:  Micah 5:2-5a,  Hebrews 10: 5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)  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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CHRISTMAS SERVICES:  Christmas Eve 7:00pm, Christmas Day 10:30am and December 26 at 10:30am.

 

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

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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 (downstairs)

                              10:30am                            Divine Service

Wednesday           7:00pm                              Mid-week Advent Service following the order of Vespers

Sunday (b)             9:00am                              Online Sunday School

                              9:30am                              Bible Class

                              10:30am                            Divine Service