Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Dec 15, 2024 - 3rd 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 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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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Kevin Fast           Assisting minister (A): Shane

Acolyte:  Christine                                                   Sound System: Philip/ Nathan

Webmaster - Mike                                                  Secretary: Debby

Altar: Christa and Iulia       

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PRAY FOR:  Irene; Gina & Sean; Cristina (Mother is ill) 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: Kevin; Mark and Julia; Diane; Christy; Lynda; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Liam; Norma (home); 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. ​

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MEMORY CHRISTMAS TREE:  There is only 10 days to Christmas!!

We will be continuing with our memory tree again this year, in the front entrance.  Once the Tree is setup; Please bring in an ornament or you can use our ornaments to put the name and year passing of a loved one. All last years will be put back on the Tree on Wednesday November 20th @ 11:00 am; (weather permitting) volunteers to help contact Office; Bring a small serving to share in fellowship afterward for lunch. Church Tree decorating will be in December TBA. Blessings, Debby

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ADVENT MIDWEEK SERVICES: Mid-week service December 18 @ 7pm with Shane. 

 

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. Last Study Day is Tuesday 17, and 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 11th, 2025

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

                 

******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: We need to stock up now for Christmas.  We are in need of, nonperishable dried food, canned food and fruit with easy open lids, were running low. Please drop off non-perishable food, that can be eaten without cooking for homeless (Pull off lids tins), in their original container or wrapping. (Cereal bars, pudding/fruit cups, etc.); We have some can openers and spoons for now.  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          Catechism Studies (Last day for 2024)

Wednesday                             7:00 pm           Advent Service

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

  

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