Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

November 19, 2023 - 25th Sunday after Pentecost

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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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God’s Gift of Forgiveness Engenders Our Forgiveness of Others

 The Day of the Lord is “near and hastening fast,” and it will be “a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation” (Zeph. 1:14, 15). The Lord will search out and punish “the men who are complacent” concerning His Word, “who fill their master’s house with violence and fraud” (Zeph. 1:9, 12). Then all their works and efforts will be for nothing: “Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them” (Zeph. 1:13). But those who fear, love and trust in the Lord are “good and faithful” stewards of His property (Matt. 25:21). They live by faith in His free gift of forgiveness, and they multiply His goods in the loving forgiveness of their neighbor, and “the master of those servants” settles His accounts with them by the gracious reckoning of His Gospel (Matt. 25:19). Likewise, “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9). Therefore, let us also “put on the breastplate of faith and love” in our dealings with one another (1 Thess. 5:8).

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Collect of the day:

Almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You.  Dispel from us the works of darkness and grant us to live in the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that our faith may never be found wanting; 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 is found on the insert and sung responsively by half-verse

                

​READINGS:   Zephaniah 1: 7-16       1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11          Matthew 25: 14 - 30

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HYMNS: 914,  508,  783 (during offering), 348

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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 and Aina

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PRAYER INTERCESSION:  Anne & Bill; Sherran; Herta; Viena; Levi, 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; Don; Elizabeth; Mary (David’s mother), Stu; Doug & family; 

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Mission Prayers for November:  Rev. Jesùs Alberto Domínguez-Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Realejo.; Rev. Carlos Manuel Amador - missionary pastor in the community of Villa Nueva; Rev. Guillermo Zùniga - pastor in the Lutheran Church Jesus Christ King of Kings in the City of Granada.; Rev. Geronimo Francisco Cano- pastor in the Lutheran Church Cristo Vive in the Cristo Rey community and in El Calvario Lutheran Church.

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A DIVINE CALL: from St. Peter’s in Stratford was extended to Pastor Hetzel.  He will announce his decision whether to accept or decline the call on Nov. 26.  Please pray for Pastor, Grace Oshawa and St. Peter’s Stratford.

 

VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY: is called for November 26 following the service.

 

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: Christmas season is fast approaching; Advent starts on November 30th.  I am putting together a potluck luncheon on Saturday December 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. PLEASE NOTE: all dishes will need to be taken home, even disposable ones, with leftovers. Blessings to all of you.  Debby 

 

LADIES OF GRACE QUILTERS: will be meeting every Tuesday morning at 9:30 to make quilts.  Come out and help if you can. No experience required. 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.

 

LADIES OF GRACE: will be holding their Christmas Fellowship/Pot Luck luncheon December 2nd from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. All the ladies of the congregation are invited to attend. If you plan on attending please contact Diana by November 26th, to let her know and to tell her what type of dish you will be bringing to share. For those ladies who have Prayer Pals and have a gift for them please also bring that on December 2nd. We look forward to see many of you come out to share the joy of our Saviours birth.

 

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)

 

CONGRATULATIONS: to the Predas on the arrival of their granddaughter Madelyn Marie on Nov. 6.  Madelyn is the second daughter of Tibi and Katy.  God’s blessing to you all!                                         

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

 

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY:  is at 9:30am.

 

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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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.

 

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

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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.

 

SEMINARY GUILD MEMBERSHIP: fee of $10 is due. Please give to Carolyn.

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This Week under Grace 

Today (g)                 9:30am             Sunday School and Bible study

                                 10:30am             Divine Service

Tuesday                  9:30am             Quilting

Wednesday          9:30am              Bible Study

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

                                 10:30am             Divine Service followed by Voters Meeting

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