Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa
540 Cromwell Ave. + Oshawa, Ontario + L1J 4V4 + Phone: 905-728-4381 + email: gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com
Weekly Bulletin
December 13, 2020
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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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COVID 19 PROTOCOL FOR WORSHIP:
Welcome home everyone! While we are here to rejoice in God’s house, we still have to follow the rules for social distancing; wearing a mask and santitizing 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. As of Nov. 12, 2020 the Health Dept of Durham region has restricted us to no singing. So the liturgy and hymns will be spoken.
The Coming of the Christ Brings True Rejoicing in His Forgiveness
When he preaches repentance, John the Baptist points us to Christ Jesus. John was sent by God “as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). He baptizes with water in order to “make straight the way of the Lord,” who shall redeem His people from their sins (John 1:23). That Lord Jesus “who comes after” John now stands among us and makes Himself known to us (John 1:26–27). He has been anointed by the Holy Spirit “to bring good news to the poor” and “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is. 61:1). By the washing of the water with His Word and Spirit, He clothes His Church with “the garments of salvation” and adorns her with His own righteousness “as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Is. 61:10). Therefore, we “rejoice always” in the Lord, “pray without ceasing” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16–18). For “the God of peace,” who has called you by the Gospel, will surely “sanctify you completely,” so that “your whole spirit and soul and body” will “be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23–24).
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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.
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ORDER OF SERVICE: : Setting Three page 184.
The Introit will be spoken by the Pastor
​READINGS: : Isaiah 61: 1 – 4, 8 - 11 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 24 John 1: 6 – 8, 19 - 28
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HYMNS: 345, 349
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Presiding Minister (P): Rev. Jack Hetzel Assisting minister (A) lay: Shane
Organist/Pianist: Paula Acolyte: Christine
Sound System: Philip Webmaster: Michael
Secretary: Debby WED 11:45- 1:30 Altar Guild: Minnie
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Bible Class
Sunday 9:00am (virtual)
PRAYER INTERCESSIONS:
For Members of Grace: Marshall; Carolyn, Fran; Dennis; Rob, Debbie & Stephanie; Sherran; Anne; Ray
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For Friends and Fellow Christians: Rev. Jim Scholz; Wendy & George and Udistair; parents of Etelka; father of Rev. Matthew Habermas; Marlene; Donna & Walter; Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Mardelle; Corrina; Natalie; Rev. Dr. Roger Winger; Deaconess Carmen and Christian Missionaries travelling all over the world.
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ADVENT SERVICE: Wednesday at 7:30pm.
VOTERS MEETING: TODAY immediately after service.
CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF: GIFT FROM THE HEART -Brochures on the table in the entrance. Buy a goat, pig or a chicken. Please see directions in brochures
SUNDAY SCHOOL: starts at 9:00am online due to Covid19. Contact Iulia or Lisa for more information.
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STAMP AND CAN TABS COLLECTION: Monica is collecting the can tab for her legion #43 and cancelled stamps; you can place them in the labelled boxes in the narthex. Thank and blessings
CLWR: The CLWR “We Care Program” (school kits are being suspended due to shipping restrictions. They will still be accepting monetary donation to CLWR to support missions. See listing on table in narthex for donations for the Layettes(baby bundles) which are included in MEDICAL Mission 2020.
TALK RADIO & PODCASTS FOR THE ADVENT SEASON… 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 week’s teachings include: The Hymn “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending," John the Baptist, 4th Century Christian Martyr Lucia, The Book of 1 John and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.
ADVENT DEVOTIONS: Lutheran Church Canada has now released their 2020 online devotion; you can view this online or print it off daily. https://lll.ca/product/advent-devotions-2020/
Ladies of Grace: To all the ladies who have over this past year been collecting times in their Christmas stocking, would you please bring them to church on December 20th, 2020 and give the to me either prior to or after the service. The monies collected from these stockings go directly to our Mites and I would like to forward a cheque to the Ontario District before the end of this year. I know 2020 has been a difficult year, but with our mites we can bring joy to those in need. God bless, Diana, President, Ladies of Grace
PORTALS OF PRAYER: Unfortunately we will not have the funds at this time to purchase them. Please pick one up and then you can reuse them. To personally order the second quarter for 2021, phone 1-800-325-3040 by January 10, 2021. You can get an approx. cost in USA$$ in your current Portals of Prayer order forms. It would be faster by phone. You pay annually or you can order a 2 year subscription. Shipping cost is $4/yr small AND $6/yr for medium or large. Its doubles if you buy a 2 year subscription. Call the Debby on Wednesdays if you any questions.
Bill C 7: is being proposed by the Federal government that would eliminate safe-guards and restrictions to euthanasia. Bill C6 passed second reading in parliament that prevents counselling from anyone who is interested in ‘conversion therapy’ that would attempt to change their gender. Both bills are extremely damaging to everyone involved as well as our entire nation. Lutheran Church Canada’s Commission on Theology has offered an opinion that is accessible here: https://www.lutheranchurchcanada.ca/who-we-are/what-we-believe/theological-docs/
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: 5PM OR 7PM Please contact the church office to register your attendance to maintain social distancing. 905-728-4381 Thank You.
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 gracelutheranoshawa.office@gmail.com
FOOD PANTRY is getting low, please contact the office 905-728-4381 to see when someone will be in church for your drop off. Please wipe off each item with a Lysol wipe. Blessings
PRAYER CHAIN: for anyone who is in need. The prayer chain members will be called with your confidential request. Only the name will be made known to the prayer chain unless instructed otherwise. Call Paula 905-728-8555.
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This Week under Grace
Today (b) 9:00am Sunday School (online)
9:30am Bible class
10:30am Divine Service
Wednesday 7:30pm Advent Service
Sunday (b) 9:00am Sunday School (online)
9:30am Bible Class
10:30am Divine Service