Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

December 3, 2023 - Advent 1

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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 Jesus Comes in Meekness and Humility to Save Us 

Although we pray that God “would rend the heavens and come down” (Is. 64:1), that He would take vengeance against our enemies, we ourselves “have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Is. 64:6). We have continued in our sins for “a long time, and shall we be saved?” (Is. 64:5). Yet, the Lord does not punish us in anger. He comes in voluntary meekness and humility to save us by His grace. Just as He once came into Jerusalem to sacrifice Himself for us upon the cross (Mark 11:4–8), He still comes to His Church with the fruits of His Passion. By His ministry of the Gospel, we are “enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge,” and so He will “sustain you to the end” (1 Cor. 1:5, 8). Although “heaven and earth will pass away,” His words “will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). As He sends disciples to call us to Himself in the fellowship of His Church, so will He “send out the angels” to gather us and all of His elect “from the ends of the earth” to Himself in heaven forever (Mark 13:27).

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Collect of the day:

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; 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 is found on the insert and is spoken responsively by half-verse.

       The Gloria in Excelsis is omitted during Advent and returns Christmas Eve.

                

Next Sunday’s Readings:  Isaiah 40:1-11          2 Peter 3:8-14             Mark 1:1-8

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HYMNS: 333,  332,  351 (during offering),  340

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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:  Julia 

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

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Friends and Fellow Christians: Matthew and Megan; Rev. Robert Morley; Joan; Lynda; Les’s cousin Mike; Lutheran Church in Ukraine; 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 December:  Rev. Seungwoo “Sam” Choi –  Pastor of Korean Lutheran Church in Toronto, Ontario.; Rev. James D. Kay – Pastor of the Sudanese congregation of Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton, Alberta; Rev. Daniel Barr – Pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kakabeka Falls and Street Chaplain with Street Reach Ministries in Thunder Bay, Ontario; Rev. David Milette - Pastor of l’Eìglise lutheìrienne du Bon Berger (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church) in Moncton, New Brunswick and he also provides support for LCC's French Ministries; Rev. Asefa Aredo – Pastor of Shalom Oromo Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba and LCC's Missionary-at-Large for Oromo Outreach

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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, Grace Oshawa and St. Peter’s Stratford.

 

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: Christmas season is fast approaching; Advent starts on December 3rd.  I am putting together a potluck luncheon on Sat. Dec. 9th from 1-4pm at church. I know it's a busy time for you all but I hope we can connect during this most wonderful time of the church year. The large whiteboard we used in the past has gone astray so I will get a board up end of next week. You can email or call me at home or church to rsvp adults & kids and what you’re bringing, so we are not top heavy in desserts. All dishes will need to be taken home, even disposable ones, with leftovers. Blessings, Debby

 

LADIES OF GRACE QUILTERS: November 28 will be the last day of quilting in 2023. Quilting will resume on January 9th, 2024.  Thanks to all the ladies who have been coming out each week. We will be having a Christmas raffle for a beautiful Quilt to raise money for our missions/seminary. Tickets:  $2 or 3/$5 Draw December 17th by Pastor.  Blessings.

 

CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREE for those who have been called home by our Father. We are gathering ornaments in memory of a member of Grace or a loved one.  You can place it on the tree in the entrance of the Church.  On the ornament, please label in memory of… If you wish to take it home after Christmas you may do so, or donate your ornament for the years to come. (Rev. 7:17)   

 

USHERS NEEDED: We need more volunteers for the ushering team. If you are interested in helping out with this important part of our worship service please talk to one of the elders.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL: and Bible study is at 9:30am.

 

VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY: met last Sunday and passed the 2024 budget.

 

CHURCH KEYS:  Members that no longer need their church keys can you please return them to the office; new trustees and some council members are in need of them.  To get new keys cut are costly around $75 per key.  Thank You.  Debby

 

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

                            10:30am                        Divine Service

                                                                      Kingston Mission

Tuesday            7:00pm                        Elders meeting

Wednesday    7:00pm                        Advent Service

Saturday          1 – 4pm                      Advent Pot-Luck

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

                            10:30am                       Divine Service

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