Announcements
A cordial welcome to everyone, especially to our guests and visitors! Everyone is invited to our coffee hour following the service in the fellowship hall where December birthdays will be celebrated, which can be reached by the outside ramp, the stairway behind the conference room, or the elevator by the organ.
Our secretary will be out of the office for the next week for the holidays. She will back on January 7, 2018.
There is a new Bible Study with Pastor Lynda this Wednesday in the fellowship hall from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Come and bring a friend! Start the new year with the Word of God.
If you wish a copy of your giving for 2017, please call the office at (562) 598-8697 and leave your name and address. They will be sent by the end of January.
All committee reports are due in the office Tuesday, January 18, 2018 to be included in the published report for the annual meeting ~ part 2 on February 11, 2018.
Thanks to all who made contributions toward the purchase of the new office computer. Further cash gifts may be made by using an offering envelope and writing on the outside Computer.
The new Portals of Prayer is in the tract rack.
We pray God's blessing on all for the New Year.
If you wish to add or remove someone from the prayer list, please call the office at (562) 598-8697. You can always leave a message. Our list gets long; if no longer in special need for church prayer, please let us know. We will be creating a new list starting next month.
Our Respite Care meets on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the fellowship hall. Please contact Respite Care for information on registration and volunteering at (562) 596-1209.
A website which features the congregation’s monthly newsletter can be accessed at
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Of Leisure World
13564 St. Andrews Drive
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 598-8697
e-mail:
website:
“… began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
WORSHIP SERVICE
DECEMBER 31, 2017
1ST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
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WORSHIP Service
PRELUDE
DUET“Carol of the Bells”Cedric and Lynda Elmer
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING HYMN“Angels, from the Realms of Glory”
STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT
Authority of Scripture
Jesus affirmed the authority of Scripture. He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). God wants us to grow in spiritual maturity, and we can’t grow apart from the truth and grace we find in His Word. Paul scolded the believers in Corinth who hadn’t grown as much as they should have: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Paul expected more from those who had listened to the Word of God for a long period of time. Should God expect more from us as well?
Prayer: Dear Lord, You Words are a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I thank You that You speak to me through Your Word. I know that it is through Your Word that I can begin to understand how much You love me and want to bless me. Grant me the desire to read and study Your Word daily. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.
Blessings on Your Stewardship Journey!
Last Sunday’s Attendance: Not Available
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Guidelines for prayer list:
We are requesting all members (and friends) to please call the church office and leave a message requesting prayer regarding any illnesses, surgeries, procedures, and treatments regarding you, church members, and family members. Please also notify us when the prayers are no longer needed. Our pastor is also available after Sunday morning service for personal prayer. Let him know as you leave services and he will meet you at the altar rail immediately following “the last person out of church”.
Our Members: Wendy Alfageme, Dena Anderson, Bea Bander, Russ Cullimore, Patti Drumm, Bob Edwards, Helyn Edwards, Lucy Fitch, Jim and Ann Gay, Sarah Gould, Debbie Hugdahl, Ken and Mavis Lancaster, Nancy Luebben, Dody Lynch, Glen Massingill, Karen Merkel, Dorothea Moll, Lavona Moore, Kathleen Nilsson, Lodi Nieto, Erich Obersteiner, Christine Osterberg, Jim Pushman, Linda Robertson, Lillian Smith, Linda Tracey, Don Trinkle, Sandra Wright, and Martha Ziegler;
And Our Family Members and Friends: Laura Arnold, John Baumler family, Kyle Belanger, Rose Betancourt, Roman Bentley, Lynda Bischof, John Bishop, Sally Blevins, Julie Carlson, Rich Carlson, Paul Chen family, Caren Condon, Joan and Elwin Cubitt, Fay Cummings, Frank Dean, Anna Dow, Eileen Dow, Cindy Duran, Loretta Gilbert, Rachelle Gould, Margie Garceau, Jim Grimes, Paul Higgenbotham, Kiersten Hnizdo, Joey Jananian, Dolores and Gordy Jagusch, John LaMarr, Roger Langevin, Mary Lanza, Mike Lawrence, John Lochiavo, David Ludwig, Jessica Mackner, George Massingill, Mary Matthews, Mark McCombs, Donna McIntyre, Ethan Millerick, Heidi Mitchell, Bill Montague, Chuck Nieto, Victor Obersteiner, Pat O’Donnell, David Ream, Joyce Rettela, Nathan Rhodes, Matthew Shaffer, William Sue-Ho, Garette Townson, Louise Wagner, June Welton, and Bryce Young.
We also remember those confined at home, in hospitals, or in nursing homes. And, always pray for peace.
Emergency Pastoral Care: Whenever you are in need of emergency pastoral care give Pastor Gil a phone call (562) 430-7999. Cedric Elmer and Margo Geesing (our secretary) also know how to reach Pastor Gil.
GREETING
PGrace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the promised gifts of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
CAnd also with you.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
PGathered in the name of Jesus, let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor.
Silence for reflection and self-examination.
CGracious God, in Christ Jesus you come among us as light shining in darkness. We confess our failure to welcome this light. Forgive us and renew our hope, so that we may live in the light of your grace, and welcome the truth of Christ the Lord. Amen.
PI bring you good news of great joy for all the people: To you is born a Savior, Christ the Lord. Your sins are forgiven in + Jesus' name.
CAmen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
CAlmighty 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.
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THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
Congregation prays together:
PGlory to God in the highest,
Cand peace to God’s people on earth.
PBlessed are you, Prince of peace. You rule the earth with truth and justice.
CSend your gift of peace to all nations of the world.
PBlessed are you, Son of Mary. You share our humanity.
CHave mercy on the sick, the dying, and all who suffer this day.
PBlessed are you, Son of God. You dwell among us as the Word made flesh.
CReveal yourself to us in word and sacrament that we may bear your light to all the world.
Light the candles as the congregation sings:
Congregational Hymn“Away in a Manger”
Pastor:------Rev. Gil Moore, home phone is (562) 430-7999
Organist:-----Sharon Heck
Altar Flowers:are given by: Margaret Miller in Honor of My 90th Birthday.
See listing of Poinsettias
Everyone please, remember to turn off your cell phones and pagers. Please, complete an attendance registration slip (from pew rack) and place it in the offering plate. Thank you!
THOSE WHO SERVE TODAY
Presider: Pastor Gil Moore; Acolyte: Barbara Schuyler; Greeters: Marion Fraide; Ushers: Maria Swift; Reader: Margaret Miller; Prayer Leader: Juanita Townsend; Financial Team: Wendy Alfageme, Barbara Dykman, and Alma Zamzow; and our Hospitality Host and Altar Guild.
THIS WEEK AT REDEEMER
Today------Birthdays Celebrated at Coffee Fellowship in Fellowship Hall
Mon.------9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Respite Care
Tues.------NO Office Hours
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Respite Care
Wed.------10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study
Thurs.------NO Office Hours
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Respite Care
Next Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Communion Service
Epiphany Celebration
Coffee Fellowship
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DISMISSAL
Congregation is reminded to stand and face the rear of church for the Dismissal at the end of the service. This gives you an opportunity to view the stained-glass window of the ascending Christ giving a blessing. And it encourages the congregation to take the blessings of this worship into the week ahead.
PGlory to God in the highest!
CPeace to God's people on earth!
PGo in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.
CThanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Copyright hymns are reprinted under One License.net #A-709132
Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Scripture quotations (except psalms) from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD PROCLAIMED
THE LESSONS
First LessonIsaiah 61:10—62:3
Second LessonGalatians 4:4-7
Gospel LessonLuke 2:22-40
INTRODUCTION
The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon's song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God's salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we speak of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world.
The First Lesson is from Isaiah chapter 61 verse 10 through chapter 62 verse 3
10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
62:1For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch.
2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give.
3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
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CHIME CHOIR“Away in the Manger”
The Second Lesson is from Galatians chapter 4 verses 4-7
4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
(Congregation stands and sings verses 1 and 2 of “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” following the Second Reading & verse 3 after the Gospel Reading)
SENDING HYMN“O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
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OFFERTORY PRAYER
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
LDrawn near to God as children and heirs of Christ's promise, we pray for all people of God, for our nation and our world, and for those in need.
A brief silence.
Prayer LeaderLord, in your mercy,
Chear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
COur 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.
BLESSING
PMay Christ, who by his incarnation has filled us with grace and truth, give you peace this Christmas and always. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
CAmen.
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 2 verses 22-40
22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
33And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
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SERMON“What's In Your Closet?”
HYMN OF THE DAY“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
APOSTLES’ CREED
CI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
OFFERING AND TITHES
Choir Anthem“That Boy-child of Mary”
Offertory Response “Create in Me a Clean Heart”
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