Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Dec 4, 2022

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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. Communicant members are asked to fill out a communion card found in the pew racks and place it in the offering plates.

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By the Preaching of Repentance, We Are Prepared for the Coming of the Lord

“John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent’” (Matt. 3:1–2). His preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins prepared people for the coming of Christ into the world. St. John’s work was historically complete with the incarnate advent of Jesus, but his vital ministry continues in preaching Law and Gospel. The Son of God has come in the flesh, “a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots” (Is. 11:1), and continues to bear the fruits of righteousness. His good tree of the cross is “a signal for the peoples” (Is. 11:10), by which He calls the nations to repentance. “With the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips” (Is. 11:4), He slays the wicked and brings the dead to life, making sons of Abraham out of lifeless stones. So also the “root of Jesse” comes to us, “even he who arises to rule the Gentiles” (Rom. 15:12), that “we might have hope” and be filled “with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom. 15:4, 13).

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Collect of the day:

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serve You with pure minds; 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 on page 184

         Introit is found on the insert and is spoken responsively by half-verse.

       

​READINGS:  Isaiah 11: 1-10 Romans 15: 4 - 13        Matthew 3: 1 - 12

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HYMNS: 901,  344,   359 

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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: Aina         

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PRAYER INTERCESSION:  Anne & Bill; Fran; Sherran; Herta; Bob & Lucy; Grant

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Friends and Fellow members of the Church: Mary (mother of David, hospitalized in Florida by a severe stroke); Lutheran Church in Ukraine; Alice; Terry & Brenda; Norma; Sue; Etelka’s mother; Chris; Susan; Heather; George & Waldtraut; Kathy; Frank (Les’ father); Kylene (friend of Gina); Kirsten; Rev. Ron Mohr (Lutheran Bible Translators – has incurable intestinal cancer)

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ADVENT SEASON:  During Advent, the Gloria in Excelsis on p. 187 is omitted.  We will pray Vespers Wednesday Dec. 7 and 14 at 7pm.  

 

DEATH NOTICES:  Ruth, a member of Grace who lived in Whitby died in the Lord some time last month.  Lena died at the age of 96 earlier this month. Paul also passed away after suffering complications from cancer.  God grant his saints who mourn, comfort in their grief and grace to enter the joys of paradise.

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CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF: Gifts From The Heart 2022 Christmas Catalogue are in if you need to buy a gift for some that is very hard to buy for,  buy a food basket, Chicken or a beehive, etc., or a donation @ www.clwr.org/GFTH OR 1800-661-2597. They are on the shelf. Blessings

 

LADIES OF GRACE: We are currently fundraising for our seminary student. To begin we are raffling off a beautiful baby (crib size) quilt created by Diane Grant. See quilt in the narthex. Tickets are $2.00 or 3 for $5.00 available after church. The draw will be December 18th, 2022. Please see us after church to get a ticket. Blessings Carolyn McLeod, Debby Miller and Diane Grant

 

This Week under Grace 

Today (b)          9:00am               Sunday School Bell choir practice

                          9:30am               Bible Study and Sunday School (downstairs)

                         10:30am              Divine Service

Wednesday       7:00pm             Vespers

Sunday (b)        9:00am              Sunday School Bell choir practice

                           9:30am              Bible Study and Sunday School (downstairs)

                         10:30am              Divine Service