Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

December 6, 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.

 

You Are Prepared through Repentance for the Coming of the Lord

“The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1) begins when John the Baptist appears and comes “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). As the prophet Isaiah had written, John is the messenger of the Lord, sent before His face to prepare His way. To this day, the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of the Law and the Gospel and in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. By these ways and means, “the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Is. 40:5), and the Good Shepherd “will gather the lambs in his arms” (Is. 40:11). He speaks “tenderly to Jerusalem,” and He comforts His people by pardoning their iniquity (Is. 40:1–2). What is more, He promises “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Repent, therefore, and humble yourself as you wait for His coming in peace (2 Peter 3:14), because He “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

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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  page 184.

The Introit will be spoken by the Pastor 

          

​READINGS:   : Isaiah 40: 1 - 11                  2 Peter 3:  8 - 14                                Mark 1: 1 - 8

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HYMNS: :  344,  346

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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- 2:00                                                 Altar Guild: Aina and Lisa                   

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Bible Class

Sunday 9:00am (virtual)

 

PRAYER INTERCESSIONS:

For Members of Grace: Grant and Debby; Carolyn, Fran; Dennis;  Rob, Debbie & Stephanie; Sherran; Anne; Ray 

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For Friends and Fellow Christians: 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. World Mission prayer: Rev Henry Evelerth

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ETHAN HENOCK: was baptized on Sat. Nov. 28.  God’s family rejoices in that our dear Lord has added Ethan’s name to His book of life.  Ethan’s parents are Henock and Fedait and his big sister is Abigail.  Serving as witness was Almaz.  God’s blessings to you!

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ADVENT SERVICE: Wednesday at 7:30pm.

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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

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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; donation of any item listed would be greatly appreciated or a monetary gift so they can purchase items as needed. Blessings

 

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 – Due to Durham Region being moved into the Red Zone, Ladies of Grace will not meet in December. For the ladies who have been gathering dimes in their Christmas stockings, you can bring them to church and pass them to Diana Grant either before or after the service; which in turn will be forwarded to Ontario District in order to support our Mission Project obligations.  It is hoped that we will once again be able to meet in January but that is dependent upon which COVID category we are in at that time.  I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year and hopefully we can once again gather together in January.  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.

 

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