December 27, 2020

 
PRELUDE              Still, Still, Still
Pastor Aleese Kenitzer, Shepherd of the Cross Lutheran Church, Muscatine
 
GATHERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
 
GATHERING SONG Angels We Have Heard on High – ELW 289
Ensemble, Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton
 
DIALOGUE 
Jesus, the bright Morning Star, shines light in the world.
By day and night he shines for all to see.
Jesus was born in the midst of injustice and poverty
that the world may see the justice and richness of God.
God so loved the world that God sent Jesus,
so that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus is the light of the world.
Jesus is the light of our lives.
Sing to God a new song!
A song of hope, joy, and peace around the world.
 
OPENING PRAYER  
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray. Gracious God of heaven and earth,
you have thrown a lifeline to us in our darkness—
a beam of light that shines through Jesus.
Though born in a manger, he is the firstborn of all creation.
Though crucified on a cross, he is the Lord of life.
Fill us with the wonder and joy of his presence in the world
and in our hearts.
Amen.
 
WORD
READING           Hebrews 2:10-18
 
GOSPEL                 Luke 2:22-40
 
SERMON               Bishop Amy Current
 

 
HYMN OF THE DAY  Of the Father’s Love Begotten – ELW 295
                                                Pastor Richard Webb, Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines
 
 
 

 
THANKSGIVING FOR THE WORD
 
Holy God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor,
at the birth of time your Word brought light into the world,
and throughout the ages, you proclaim newness of life.
For your wondrous Word, we thank you, O God.
We thank you, O God.
 
In the fullness of time, your Word became flesh,
to shine in our world’s darkness,
to speak peace to all people,
and to welcome us as members of your family.
For your loving Word, we adore you, O God.
We adore you, O God.
 
Grant us now the gift of your Spirit,
that held, nourished, and protected by your Word,
we may live as your children,
bearing your goodness throughout the world.
For your powerful Word, we praise you, O God.
We praise you, O God.
 
All glory to you, holy God,
now and forever.
Amen.
 
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
 

 
SONG          In the Bleak Midwinter
                        Pastor Susan Bantz, Lutheran Living Senior Campus, Muscatine

SENDING

BLESSING FOR RETIREMENT   Pastor Paul Ostrem, Assistant to the Bishop, is retiring Dec. 31, 2020

 
BLESSING
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
Praise God, all creatures here below!
You are the shepherds telling the story.
We tell it in the streets and across the land.
You are the wise ones worshiping with thanksgiving.
We worship with gifts of song and service, talents and treasures.
You are the angels announcing peace.
We live with joy and go now in peace.
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.

 
SENDING SONG                  Good Christian Friends Rejoice –ELW 288
            Chime Choir, Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
 
POSTLUDE                  Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming
                                    David Krueger & Robin Wagner, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids
 

Worship Leaders:
 
Bishop Amy Current
Shonagh Current Giere
Emily Harlynn
Val Harlynn
Kathy Smith
Gary Smith
Pastor Paul Ostrem
Carol Ostrem
Pastor Erika Uthe
Charlotte Uthe
Frankie Uthe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Music provided by:
 
Shepherd of the Cross Lutheran Church, Muscatine
Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton
Roger Huff
Jon Dohrmann
Sheila Bosworth
Holly Mangels
Joan Huff
Pam Opolka
Shauna Bullard-Kane, accompanist
Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines
            Pastor Richard Webb
Lutheran Living Senior Campus, Muscatine
            Pastor Susan Bantz
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids
David Krueger
Robin Wagner, Organist
Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge
            Linda Szemkus
Beth Ann Anderson
Linda Golinghorst
Neal Becker
Susan Becker, Director