Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Dec 5, 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 Preaching of Repentance Prepares Us for the Coming of the Lord

The preaching and Baptism “of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3) prepare us for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The historic work of John the Baptist was completed with the first advent of our Lord Jesus in the flesh, but the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of Law and Gospel and in Holy Baptism. Through His messengers, the Lord calls people of all nations to “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Our haughtiness is removed and our mountains of pride are brought low, but the Lord humbles us in order to exalt us in His mercy. As the Lord has begun this good work of repentance in us, so also does He perfect it by His Word and Holy Spirit, and He “will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). He purifies us to be His priestly people, precious in His sight and abounding in faith and love, so that we offer our very lives in righteousness to the Lord (Mal. 3:3–4).

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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:

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.

 

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:   Malachi 3: 1 – 7b                    Philippians 1: 2 – 11               Luke 3: 1 – 14 (15-20

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HYMNS: 872, 344, 346

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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: Irmgard fell asleep in Jesus Nov. 24; Hans; Fran; Dennis (Extendicare – Park Rd); Sherran; Anne; Ray; Bob; Aina’s son Eric, wife Lauren and her father.

 

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.  .

 

**IRMGARD: fell asleep in Christ on Nov. 24 at the age of 89.  Irmgard is the wife of Heinz and the mother of 5 boys.  Thanks be to God who blessed Irmgard to receive Christ Jesus coming in the Gospel and sacraments and now sees Him in glory!  Rejoice O daughter of Zion, see your king comes to you, righteous and bringing salvation!

 

ALTAR FLOWERS: were given by the Albrecht family in loving memory of Irmgard.

 

ADVENT:  Mid-week Services are offered on Wed. Dec. 8, and 15 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

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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.  This weeks topics include: The Advent Hymn “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending,” Encouragement for Christians in World of Darkness, A Lutheran View of Transgenderism, The Socialist Attack on the Family, Jesus’ Transfiguration and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.

 

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:  Zephaniah3: 14-20,  Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 7:18-28(29-35)  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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SUNDAY SCHOOL: is being held online at 9:00am.  Contact Lisa Hetzel 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