A Service of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Gathering Song ELW 283/LBW 45 O Come, All Ye Faithful
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.
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.
Lessons and Carols *We will sing the first two verses of each hymn
First Lesson Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19
Carol ELW 279/LBW 41 O Little Town of Bethlehem
Second Lesson Genesis 22:15-18
Carol ELW 257/LBW 34 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Third Lesson Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Carol ELW 282/LBW 54 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Fourth Lesson Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9
Carol ELW 296/LBW 40 What Child is This?
Fifth Lesson Luke 1:26-35,38
Carol ELW 270/LBW 60 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Sixth Lesson Luke 2:1-7
Carol ELW 277/LBW 67 Away in a Manger
Seventh Lesson Luke 2:8-16
Carol ELW 289/LBW 71 Angels We Have Heard on High
Eighth Lesson Matthew 2:1-11
Carol ELW 300/LBW 56 The First Noel
Ninth Lesson John 1:1-14
Carol ELW 281/LBW 65 Silent Night, Holy Night
Offering
Responsive Prayer
It is you, loving God, who lights our path with truth.
Your Word, Jesus, is truth.
In his light, draw all to the manger
to gather in wonder with the shepherds.
In his light, draw all to the manger
to kneel in reverence with the wise ones.
In his light, draw all to the manger
to sing for joy with the angels.
In the brightness of his life
cast away the darkness of injustice, poverty, and hunger in the world.
It is you, loving God, who meets us on our way.
In the light of Jesus, show the world the way of life.
Amen.
The 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.
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 ELW 267/LBW 39 Joy to the World
Pastoral Staff Contact Information
Pastor Daniel Croonquist Pastor Michelle Kleene
Email: Email:
Cell Phone: 220-3055 Cell Phone: 226-3535
If you would like a pastoral visit please contact Pastor Dan or Pastor Michelle
January 2018 Worship Schedule
St. John’s - 8am
Buffalo Lake – 8:15am
Bethesda and Monson Lake – 9:30am
Hope – 10:45am
Mamrelund – 11am
Jan. 7: Psalm 29, Gospel - Mark 1:4-11
Jan. 14: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, Gospel - John 1:43-51
Jan. 21: Psalm 62:5-12, Gospel - Mark 1:14-20
Jan. 28: Psalm 111, Gospel - Mark 1:21-28
Remember in Prayer
Janice Lindgren, Mary Rood, Don Nash, Max Graves, The Family of Alfred Urke & Linda Lorenzen-Groth
Today, Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Day
11am – Mamrelunds Lay Led Service, “Lessons & Carols”
Tuesday, January 2
9:30am – Coffee & Conversation at Bethesda
1pm - Coffee & Conversation at Hope
Saturday, January 6
7am – Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study at Sherrie’s Café in Kerkhoven
Tuesday, January 9
8:30-10:30am – Community Coffee at Hope Lutheran in Sunburg
9:30am – Coffee & Conversation at Bethesda
1pm - Coffee & Conversation at Hope
Wednesday, January 10
6:30-8pm – 7th – 9th Confirmation at Hope
Thursday, January 11
11:30am - Are you over 55? Do you enjoy good food and having fun? Please join us at the Kerkhoven Civic
Center. A light noon lunch consisting of homemade soups, sandwiches, bars, milk and coffee will be
served for a free will donation. After the lunch, Diane Shuck and Shirley Simmonds will be
presenting a musical program. There will be door prizes!!! If you'd like transportation, please call the
city office, 264-2581, by 3pm on Tuesday, January 9. Rustad Bus Service will be providing
transportation. Tell all your friends. Come out and join us for good food and some fun in January.
Sunday, January 14
8am – St. John’s annual meeting
Noon – Hope’s council
Noon – Mamrelunds council
Tuesday, January 16
8:30-10:30am – Community Coffee at Hope Lutheran in Sunburg
9:30am – Coffee & Conversation at Bethesda
1pm - Coffee & Conversation at Hope
6:30pm – Pastor Michelle’s internship meeting
Wednesday, January 17
10am – Miriam Manor Worship, Sunburg
6:30pm – ACT Parish council at St. John’s
Thursday, January 18
5-7pm – MOPS at Bethesda
Sunday, January 21
8:15am – Buffalo Lake potluck brunch & annual meeting
9:30am - Bethesda’s annual meeting & cemetery meeting followed by pot luck dinner
Tuesday, January 23
8:30-10:30am – Community Coffee at Hope Lutheran in Sunburg
9:30am – Coffee & Conversation at Bethesda
1pm - Coffee & Conversation at Hope
Wednesday, January 24
6:30-8pm – 7th – 9th Confirmation at Hope
Sunday, January 28
9:30am – Monson Lake Worship & annual meeting
11am – Mamrelund worship followed by pot luck dinner and annual meeting
Tuesday, January 30
8:30-10:30am – Community Coffee at Hope Lutheran in Sunburg
9:30am – Coffee & Conversation at Bethesda
1pm - Coffee & Conversation at Hope
Sunday, February 4
10:45am – Hope’s Worship & annual meeting