December 27, 2015
Lutheran Church of the Cross
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
December 27, 2015, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, Minnesota
Rev. Andy Smith, Pastor
Rev. Kari Williamson, Pastor
GOOD MORNING & WELCOME TO LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS!
Welcome to worship as we come together in praise and thanksgiving to our living Savior!
With Christ as our brother, we are family to one another. What a gift!
On this first Sunday of Christmas, may we remain joyous
and share that joy with everyone around us!
PRELUDE
"Sing We Now of Christmas", Wagner
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing", Cherwien
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
(please stand)
P: Today the Christ is born! Alleluia!
C: Today salvation has appeared! Alleluia!
P: Today on earth choirs of angels are singing!
C: Today in heaven archangels are rejoicing!
P: Today the just exult and say,
C: Glory to God in the highest! Alleluia!
GREETING
P: The true light that enlightens everyone has come into the world!
God be with you.
C: And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more
wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to
share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(please be seated)
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE
Pastor Andy Smith
MUSICAL OFFERING
HYMN
8:15
10:30
"Do You Have Room?, Edwards
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
FIRST LESSON
The Fall, and the first proclamation of the Gospel.
Jordan Kleist
Megan Oelke
Genesis 3:1-15
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He
said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman
said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, 'You shall
not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you
shall die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; for God knows that when you
eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when
the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that
the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave
some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and
they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for
themselves.
They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening
breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among
the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are
you?" He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked;
and I hid myself." He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree
of which I commanded you not to eat?" The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with
me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate." Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What
is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent tricked me, and I ate." The LORD
God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures;
upon your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel."
HYMN
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"”
Hymn 254
SECOND LESSON
The Prophet Isaiah foretells the coming Messiah.
Isaiah 7:10-14; 9:2, 6-7
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol
or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then
Isaiah said: "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you
weary my God also? Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is
with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness —
on them light has shined.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness,
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
HYMN
“The King Shall Come"
THIRD LESSON
The Prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem.
Hymn 260
Micah 5:2-5
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth;
and he shall be the one of peace.
If the Assyrians come into our land and tread upon our soil,
we will raise against them seven shepherds and eight installed as rulers.
HYMN
“O Little Town of Bethlehem,” verses 1 and 4
FOURTH LESSON
The Angel Gabriel greets the virgin Mary.
Hymn 279
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
HYMN
“My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness"
FIFTH LESSON
Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
Hymn 251
Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be
registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in
Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the
house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and
who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a
manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
HYMN
“What Child is This?”
Hymn 296
SIXTH LESSON
Luke 2:8-16
The angels meet the shepherds.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing
you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a
Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in
bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of
the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let
us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made
known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the
manger.
HYMN
“The First Noel," vss. 1, 2
SEVENTH LESSON
The Wise Men are led by the star to Jesus.
Hymn 275
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East
came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we
observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard
this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests
and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told
him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the
star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the
child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him
homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star
that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they
saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they
saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening
their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been
warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
HYMN
“The First Noel," vss. 3, 4, 5
Hymn 275
.
MEDITATION
Pastor Andy Smith
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
"In The Bleak Midwinter," vs. 3
Hymn 294
OFFERING PRAYER
Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus,
who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.
As you have blessed us with your gifts,
let them be blessing for others.
With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven,
we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
(please stand)
Rejoicing in the light of Christ that shines upon us, we pray for the church, the world, and all
according to their needs.
Blessed are you, O God, for the salvation revealed in the face of Christ. Reveal the glory of your
loving presence in our congregation and fill our hearts with songs of your praise. Lord, in your
mercy,
hear our prayer.
Blessed are you for the hope you send among the nations. Stir leaders to act with
righteousness and peace, that nations will see your glory. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Blessed are you for coming to us in our weakness. Shower healing and hope on all for whom
the future seems to hold more threat than promise, the discouraged, the weary, and the sick;
Yvonne Halvorson, Lyle Steffenson, Virgil Knudson, Roy Kopischke, Chrisa and Harold Kraus,
Jana Campbell, Brian Stumvoll, Char and Dwayne Lieder (on the death of their daughter, Lori
Dooley), Jim Oraskovich (husband of Charlotte Oraskovich), Julie (sister of Jan Erickson), Teri
Anderson (niece to Joy Potthoff), Jerry Salfer (brother to Roger Salfer), Betty Ellertson (Hilary
Johnson's Grandmother), Josh Bigelow (brother of Jaime Boesen), Brandon Cram (grandson of
Mary and David Cram), Debbie Sawetzke (niece of Mary and David Cram), Darlene Cederstrom
(sister-in-law of Darrell and Candy Barnack), Heidi Skanet (daughter of Ev and Shari Holland),
Ruth Kloth (Sara Smith's grandmother), Jim Bennett (son-in-law of Scott and Sandie Tricker),
Mary, Eddie, Liam (niece and family of Chuck Nielsen), Carl Anderson (son of Wes and Lorrie
Anderson), Chris Roske (friend of Jim and Julie Raymo), Beth Rutske (friend of Jon and Erica
Henke), Tammy Clark (friend of Dawn Meierding), Charles and Ella Dahl (parents of Connie
Fordyce - friends of Bonnie Anderson), Philip and Rebecca Beardy (friends of Al and Linda Larson); our servicemen and women, those who are homeless and in need (as well as those who
try to help them find housing and resolve other life issues); and those battling addiction and
relapse.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Blessed are you for the children in our midst. Raise up for them faithful families, mentors,
guides, and teachers, and make them joyous, healthy, and kind. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Hear the hopes and prayers of our hearts, O God, and magnify our joy at the birth of your Light
among us, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
Amen.
(please be seated)
THE PRAYER OF BLESSING
Pastor:
People:
O God, as we enter the New Year, bless these households who ask for your
grace. Let your spirit guide their words and deeds, so that their light may shine
and lead all who know them to give you praise.
O holy One, we ask this blessing through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Families/households/couples/individuals come forward to receive a blessing)
Pastor:
May this household be filled with: your spirit of love and peace, the happiness
of faith and service, and the strength of hope for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
THE PRAYER FOR HOUSEHOLDS
(please stand)
Pastor:
People:
O Loving God,
Thank you for these households and the gift that they are. Help us to grow in
love of you and others in our life. Strengthen us for service to others in the
world you love. Grant to each your grace and peace. In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
BENEDICTION
The Maker of all, the Word made flesh, the Giver of life, Father, †Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever. Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
SENDING HYMN
“Go Tell It on the Mountain”
POSTLUDE
Hymn 290
"Now Sing We, Now Rejoice", Manz
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2013 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies
Annual License #24150. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches
of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Christian Copyright Solutions Worshipcast License #7366
Special Thanks to our Worship Assistants!
Organist/Pianist
Greeters
Special Music
Cheryl Karlgaard
8:15 Pete and Carol Christofferson
10:30 Lenny and Sally Hodgson
8:15
10:30
Megan Kleist
Megan Oelke
Ushers
8:15 Kevin and Kathy Kosobud
10:30 Mark and Pam Sandelin
Readers
8:15 Dawn and Mallory Maine, Kari Erickson
10:30 Jaime Boesen, Barb Elmquist, Carolyn Blanck
Acolytes
8:15 Daniel Hemish
10:30 Riley Henry, Dylan Paulson, Mia Wolter
Worship
Coordinators
8:15 Chuck and Dagny Trucano
10:30 Darrel Paske
Brew Crew
Sound Room
9:15 Arlene Brodeur,
Wes and Lorrie Anderson
Steve Lanz and Bob Burns
Pastors
Rev. Andy Smith
Rev. Kari Williamson
Children and Family Ministry
Erin Karlgaard
Financial Secretary
Karen Wiele
Lay Ministries Coordinator
Sally Hodgson
Custodian
Clint Baker
Music Ministry/Organist
Cathy Taylor
Senior Choir Director
Brian Stubbs
Organist
Laura Raedeke
Bell Choir Director
Judy Rickbeil
ELCA Global Missionary
Pr. Bradn Buerkle
Phone: 218.963.2564 Web Site: lccnisswa.org Email: lcc@lccnisswa.org
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 11:45 am; 12:30 - 4:30 pm
Office Manager: Kari Erickson
God of the sojourner, we pray for the safety and well-being of all refugees, especially newly
arrived Syrian families that have been welcomed to the U.S., as they begin to rebuild their
lives in a new land. They were strangers once, but are now our neighbors. And we pray for
the ministries of organizations and congregations who work to support these new neighbors.
http://blog.lirs.org/no-room-at-the-inn-what-you-can-do-to-welcome-syrian-refugees/
MIDDLE EAST AND EUROPE REFUGEE CRISIS
The Situation:
A record number of people are fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East in search of a better way of
life – especially Syrians. Although they come from different countries, for various reasons, they share a
common goal: hope for a brighter future. Many have fled with only the clothes on their backs. With
temperatures dropping, the already difficult situation is becoming life-threatening.
Our Response:
Lutheran Disaster Response has been and will continue to meet the basic humanitarian needs and
upholding the rights of those fleeing war and oppression. We are working with our trusted partners and
companion churches, whoa re helping provide safety, support and basic amenities, such as water, food
and shelter.
WHAT CAN WE DO??
PRAY for those who are affected by violence and are vulnerable, that they may be granted peace and
healing.
GIVE - gifts of money are needed now to help with immediate relief. Those designated for the
Middle East and Europe Refugee Crisis will be used in full (100 percent) to assist those directly
impacted and have fled for safety.
ELCA
God's work.
Our hands.
Senior Choir and Bells of Praise
will resume practicing on
December 30!
The Newsletter Crew will meet on
December 29
for another morning of work and fellowship.
Join us in Chapel Hall at 8:45am. Helpers are always
welcome! (many hands make light work)
WELCOME, VISITORS!!
If you are interested in joining
Lutheran Church of the Cross,
fill out the white card that you receive with your bulletin this
morning, check "membership" and place it in the offering basket or contact Pastor Andy or Pastor Kari if you have questions. We look forward to hearing from you and talking about
membership!
Mark your calendars - the LCC Youth will be
rolling into the new year"
"
…
Fresh, warm cinnamon rolls will be baked and
served during Fellowship Hour on January 10.
Don't miss out on this chance to help them
prepare for their Mission Trip to Illinois in July!