GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS December 11, 2013

THE ORDER OF EVENING PRAYER FOR THE WEEK OF THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
PRAYER UPON ENTERING THE CHURCH
Lord Jesus Christ, You are Immanuel, God with us and for us, even as I know by faith that You are with me and for me, because You promised. You are the fulfillment of all of Gods promises given through the prophets. As You laid down Your life for me, granting me forgiveness and eternal life, grant that my life is lived for You by Your Spirits power so that others may know You to be Lord and Savior. In Your holy name I pray. Amen

WELCOME
This is a busy time of year. It is good that you have chosen to take this time to be here this evening. There are many things for us to do in this season and there does not seem to be enough time to do them. Use this time to be strengthened by Gods Word, refreshed by the Gospel which is the power to salvation. If you are visiting with us and have any questions about Grace Congregation, please speak with our Pastor. We invite you to come and worship with us again.

AS WE GATHER
Advent means coming. In the Church Year we observe Advent which has us focus our attention on the Second Coming of Christ even as it is the beginning of the Church Year. Advent has long been a time of preparation, preparation for the celebration of Christmas and for recognizing that our Lord Jesus will come again in power and glory. As we wait to once again hear the story of Christmas, our Lords First Advent, we cannot help but think about the waiting done by Gods Old Testament people from the time of the first promise given to our first parents and further given through the prophets, until the fulfillment of all of those prophecies in Christs First Advent. It does us well to remember that God our heavenly Father, from before the beginning of time, had a plan. While that is a mystery for us we must remember that faith accepts God at His Word and so we are left to confess that, while we may not understand, we believe. Our believing is Gods work in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. During our Midweek Evening Prayer Services we will be considering Advent Prophecy. In so doing we will once again hear the promise, identify the person and hear about the place of Advent.

Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Service of Light
Stand

Versicles

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Phos Hilaron: O Light Whose Splendor

LSB 891

1989 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100011479.

Thanksgiving For Light

P Blessed are You, O Lord, our God, king of the universe, who led Your people Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Enlighten our darkness by the light of Your Christ; may His Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; for You are merciful, and You love Your whole creation and we, Your creatures, glorify You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. C Amen

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Psalmody
Psalm
P Why do the nations rage C and the peoples plot in vain? P The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, C against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, P Let us burst their bonds apart C and cast away their cords from us. P He who sits in the heavens laughs; C the Lord holds them in derision. P Then he will speak to them in his wrath, C and terrify them in his fury, saying, P As for me, I have set my King C on Zion, my holy hill. P I will tell of the decree: C The LORD said to me, You are my Son; today I have begotten you. P Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, C and the ends of the earth your possession. P You shall break them with a rod of iron C and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel. P Now therefore, O kings, be wise; C be warned, O rulers of the earth. P Serve the LORD with fear, C and rejoice with trembling. P Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. C Blessd are all who take refuge in him. C Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen
Sit Psalm 2:112

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Readings
Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 7:1014

Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 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. And he said, Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. P O Lord, have mercy on us. C Thanks be to God.

Epistle

Hebrews 3:16

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all Gods house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Mosesas much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all Gods house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over Gods house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. P O Lord, have mercy on us. C Thanks be to God.

Sermon Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

LSB 338

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Public domain

Sermon

Isaiah 7:14

Advent Person

Stand

Catechism
P The second article of the Apostles Creed: Redemption C I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge both the living and the dead. P What does this mean? C I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from all eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil;

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not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Sit

Offering

Petite Litanies de Jesus

Stand

Canticle
Magnificat: My Soul Rejoices LSB 933

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 1991 Stephen P. Starke. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100011479. Public domain

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Prayer
Litany
Service Note: The congregation's response may begin just as the leader's petition ends so that the word "Lord" is sung simultaneously by leader and congregation. Note this exception: The Alleluia and To You, O Lord following the additional petitions at the end of the Litany are sung after the leader chants Lord.

P For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For Matthew, our Synodical President, and Roger, our District President, for all pastors in Christ, for all servants of the Church, and for all the people, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For our President, for all public servants, for the government and those who protect us, that they may be upheld and strengthened in every good deed, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For those who work to bring peace, justice, health, and protection in this and every place, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For those who bring offerings, those who do good works in this congregation, those who toil, those who sing, and all the people here present who await from the Lord great and abundant mercy, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy.

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P For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and need, let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. P For . . . [additional bids for prayer may be inserted here] . . . let us pray to the Lord: C Lord, have mercy. The prayers then continue:

Silence for individual prayer may follow.

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Collect For Peace

P O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Luther's Evening Prayer

C I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen

Lord's Prayer
P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: C 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

Matthew 6:913

Benedicamus

Psalm 103:1

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Benediction

Closing Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

LSB 357 st. 1

Public domain

Postlude T T T

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version , copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by David and Suzanne Raddle in honor of the One who made all love possible; and in celebration of their 21st wedding anniversary.

THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Vicar: Director of Parish Music: Acolyte: Greeter: Harp: Ushers: Nursery Attendant: Altar Guild: Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Ethan Andrews Debbie Penny Alisa Coffey Shaun Baker, Ron Krueger Tim Sweeney, Greg Warren Mary Ann Dyer Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter

Our thanks to JOY Club and Young Adults for serving our Advent dinner this evening.

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE TUES - FRI: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY: SATURDAY: 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study at St. Vincents 5:30 p.m. Advent Dinner 7:00 p.m. Advent Evening Prayer Service 12:00 noon Noon Devotions with Pastor 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation Wittenberg Caf has been cancelled for December 9:00 a.m. Childrens Christmas Program practice 12:00 noon Decorate the Christmas trees in the sanctuary 3:00 p.m. Baby Shower for Megan and David Witte

REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Anita Allaben continues her recovery from pneumonia. Allen Deislinger is recovering following tests. Judith Seidenschnur is recovering following a heart procedure. Larry Jones has returned to Brookside Nursing Center. Ron Krueger is recovering following shoulder surgery. Norma Bisgood is a patient in Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road. Jeanette Keehn continues receiving care at home. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 12/1: 173 (8:15 112 and 10:45 61). Thanksgiving Day: 125. Advent Evening Prayer Service 12/4: 85. Offerings: Sunday 12/1: $11,451.00. Thanksgiving Day: $2,140.00. Honorariums and Memorials: $220.00. Building Fund: $215.00. Seminary Scholarship Fund: $150.00. Mission Fund: $25.00. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Dec. 9 Bette Bogart, Kim Woodyard Dec. 11 Lance Whitney Dec. 12 Carryl Blackburn, Linda Royster Dec. 14 David Cannon CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE The children will practice this Saturday, December 14th, at 9:00 a.m. This will also practice during the Sunday School opening on Sunday morning. Please have your children downstairs by 9:45 a.m. for practice. The children will also practice on The Christmas Program is Sunday afternoon, December 15th, at 3:00 p.m. - 14 -

THANK YOU As you walk across the bridge take a moment to pause and enjoy the addition to the collection of stained glass art work that is hanging in the windows. You will notice that a new stained glass symbol for Easter has been hung. Thank you to Nancy Wade for using her gifts to design and create this beautiful artwork. We appreciate Nancy and Jim using their talents to serve our Lord and His church. NOON DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR is Thursday, December 12th, at 12:00 noon in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter shares a devotional Bible study with us so bring your Bible and a sandwich. Drinks, chips, and dessert are provided. This is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and Bible Study. Come and bring a friend with you!! DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREES in the sanctuary this Saturday afternoon, December 14th, at 12:00 noon. Join us for a couple of hours of fun and fellowship. WITTE BABY BOY SHOWER - You are invited to a Baby Boy Shower for Megan and David Witte on Saturday, December 14th, at 3:00 p.m. in the Parlor. The hostesses are Alisa Coffey, Lauren Schluterman, Paula Walter, Sheila Wilimzig and Riley Middaugh. Megan and David are most in need of diapers and gift cards. ANNUAL COOKIE WALK this Sunday, December 15th, will benefit 2 Grace families this Christmas. We will also help the dedicated caregiver of Jeanette Keehn, who lost everything in a house fire recently. Bake at least one batch of cookies to bring this Sunday. The cookies will be displayed for sale in the Family Life Center between services. Purchasers buy a zip lock bag to fill with their choice of cookies, to enjoy then or to take home and enjoy later. Of course, we hope you will buy lots of cookies, too. This is a great way to stock up on a variety of goodies to share with your Christmas guests. Thank you for your generous support of our Christmas season fundraiser. 2014 FLOWER CALENDAR is posted in the Ushers room at the back of the sanctuary. Please sign up on the date that you would like to place flowers on the altar in 2014. The chart fills up quickly, so sign up now. CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL ONE NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM Join Christ Lutheran School on Thursday, December 19th, for our annual Christmas Program. Our students will be presenting the Christmas Gospel as we journey to the birthplace of our risen Savior. The program will be presented at 8:15 a.m. and then again at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel, and is free and open to the public. It will feature all students, as well as the various music ensembles at our school. Join us! In Christ, Paul Walter - 15 -

CONGRATULATIONS to Jonathan and Kristin Middaugh on the birth of their son Benjamin Scott Middaugh who was born on December 10th in Texas. Benjamins grandparents are Randy and Riley Middaugh. PORTALS OF PRAYER Your Portals of Prayer for January March, 2014 are available on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick up your copy for next year and then remember to recycle your old ones. WITTENBERG CAF will not meet in December. Please contact Mark Peterson or watch the bulletin for more information and the next date to meet. AN HONORARIUM has been given to Grace by Warren and Judy Rivers in honor of Bette Bogarts birthday. This gift has been given to the Grace Building Fund. MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF REV. JAMES MEIMERSTORF Nephew of Mildred Burgess. TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Verna and Shirley Rieve TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Warren and Judy Rivers IN MEMORY OF MR. ARTHUR LANGLAIS TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Warren and Judy Rivers IN MEMORY OF MRS. MIRANDA ELLING Mother of Nancy Wade TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Warren and Judy Rivers IN MEMORY OF MRS. POLLY HICKS Sister of Judy Keppel TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Warren and Judy Rivers IN MEMORY OF MRS. MARTHA PILS TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Rudy and Sherry Bischof

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THE GREAT COOKIE WALK

Sunday, December 15th
Between Services in Parker Hall
What is it? Purchase a bag to fill with an assortment of cookies. Proceeds benefit Grace Families with special Christmas needs. Each year the fundraiser raises over $700, through your generosity. Help the effort by baking batches of your favorite cookies to donate to the event. That morning bring them to church by end of first service. The JOY Club will set out the amazing selection of treats for your choosing. Purchase a bag and fill it with an assortment of wonderful homemade cookies. Take home and enjoy, if you can wait that long!!! If you have questions, contact Bev Sanders at 425-8806 or 225-6390 or Riley Middaugh at 240-4035.

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ADVENT EVENING PRAYER SERVICES Advent Prophecy

The theme for our Midweek Advent Evening Prayer Services is Advent Prophecy. We will consider Gods Promise of a Savior, who that Savior would be and where He w ould be born. Come and worship with us as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to hear the Good News of forgiveness that comes through Him. ADVENT SERVICES December 11th 7:00 p.m. Person Isaiah 7:14 December 18th 7:00 p.m. Place Micah 5:2

~~~~~~ ADVENT SUPPERS ADVENT SUPPERS will be served before the Advent Services at 5:30 p.m. each week in Parker Hall. The following menus will be served with salad and dessert. December 11th December 18th Chili Served by JOY Club and Young Adults Soup Served by Board of Parish Fellowship

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