FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Tel: (519) 753-3833

Email: faithlutheran1@bellnet.ca

Website: https://faithlutheranbrantford.com

3 ADVENTDecember 11, 2022

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Call to worship:

Jesus Christ, you are the light of the World

A light no darkness can overcome

Stay with us all bright days and all dark nights

A new day is just beginning

Let your light scatter the darkness,

And shine within your people here.

Gathering Hymn: Holden Page 3

Confession and Forgiveness:

God for whom we wait,

In the presence of one another we confess our sin before you.

We fail in believing that your good news is for us.

We falter in our call to tend for your creation.

We find our sense of self in material wealth.

We fear those different from ourselves.

We forget that we are your children and turn away from your love.

Forgive us, blessed One, and assure us again of your saving grace. Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Candles:

We praise you O God, for this Victory Wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s Advent.

As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our hearts as we await the Lord’s coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace that we may serve our neighbours in need.

Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen.

Candle Lighting Song: Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah ELW #240 Verses 1&2.

V1. Light one candle to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel, God fulfills the promise.

V2. Light two candles to watch for messiah: let the light banish darkness.

He shall feed the flock like a shepherd, gently lead them homeward.

V3. Light three candles to watch for Messiah: Let the light banish darkness.

Lift your heads and lift high the gateway for the King of Glory.

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

Response to Reading: Word of God, Word of life, Thanks be to God.

Psalmody: Holden Page 4-7

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Response: Glory to you, O Lord.

Response to Reading: The Gospel of the Lord, Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon:

Hymn of the Day:  ELW #239 Hark the Glad Sound

1 Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes, the Savior promised long;

let ev’ry heart prepare a throne and ev’ry voice a song.

2 He comes the pris’ners to release, in Satan’s bondage held.

The gates of brass before Him burst, the iron fetters yield.

3 He comes the broken heart to bind, the bleeding soul to cure,

and with the treasures of his grace to enrich the humble poor.

4 Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace, your welcome shall proclaim,

and heav’n’s eternal arches ring with your beloved name.

Annunciation and Magnificat: Holden Page 8-9

Leader: The light shines in the darkness

All: and the darkness has not overcome it.

Litany and prayers: Holden Page 10-11

Lord’s Prayer: Holden Page 11

Offertory & Giving Tree: ELW #583, Verses 1&2

Refrain: Take my life that I may be, consecrated Lord to thee; take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Verse 1: Take my hands and let them move, at the impulse of they love; take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for three.  (Refrain)

Verse 2: Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold; take my intellect and use ev’ry power as thou shalt choose. (Refrain)

Peace:

The Peace of Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

Thanksgiving for the Word:

O God of Justice and Love,

We give thanks to you that you illumine our way through life with the words of your son. Give us the light we need, awaken us to the needs of others and bring all the world to your feast; through Jesus Christ your son, Our saviour. Amen.

Final Blessing: Holden Page 12

Sending Hymn:  ELW 264 Prepare the Royal Highway

1 Prepare the royal highway, the King of kings is near;

let every hill and valley a level road appear.

Then greet the king of glory foretold in sacred story:

Hosanna to the Lord, for he fulfils God’s Word.

2 God’s people, see him coming: your own eternal king!

Palm branches strew before him; spread garments; shout and sing.

God’s promise will not fail you; no more shall doubt assail you:

Hosanna to the Lord, for he fulfils God’s Word.

3 Then fling the gates wide open to greet your promised king;

your king, yet every nation its tribute too may bring.

All lands, bow down before him; Their voices join your singing:

Hosanna to the Lord, for he fulfils God’s Word.

4 His is no earthly kingdom; it comes from heaven above.

His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.

So let your praise be sounding for kindness so abounding:

Hosanna to the Lord, for he fulfils God’s Word.

Dismissal: Christ is the Light. Go in Peace, share the good news.

Thanks be to God, Alleluia!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

FROM THE SYNOD OFFICE OF BISHOP PRYCE: “I am strongly recommending that all participants return to wearing a well-fitting mask during in-person worship as well as during all indoor social events.” 

Please also respect people’s need for distance in the pews!

THE GIVING TREE: Sunday December 11 – TODAY   Special Envelopes on the back table. The giving categories for 2022 are:                                                                                             CLWR for the Ukraine crisis and Faith’s Food Pantry. All other offerings should be in your regular envelopes.

ANNUAL REPORTS AND BUDGET REQUESTS:  It would be appreciated if 2022 reports from all groups and committees and budget requests for 2023 would be submitted to the Church Office by December 12th.

SEWING GROUP BLANKETS SALE: December 18. All proceeds to CLWR.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11: Carolling at Tranquility Place TODAY from 3-4 pm.  All singers welcome.  Please see Ginny Byron.

NEED FOR GROCERY BAGS for our Food Pantry. Please drop off anytime.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14:                                                           9 am – Food Pantry                                                                                  7 pm – Parish Council

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK:

Eberhard Poelzl              Grace Mueller                        Art Oswald                       Gladys Souliere                                                 David Neumann             Stephen Kovacs        Marlene and Ruby                   Jennifer Cherewka                     Dave Souliere               Patty Davis                                  Joan and Jackie              Luke Splettstoesser                  Miranda