Words of Welcome and Greeting

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

St. Lucas Ev. Lutheran Church

December24, 2017

RINGING OF THE BELLS

WORDS OF WELCOME AND GREETING

The people may greet one another in the name of the Lord, saying, “Peace be with you,” as a sign of reconciliation and of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Matt. 5:22–24; Eph. 4:1–3).

OPENING HYMN “Come, Thou Precious Ransom, Come” LSB 350

1Come, Thou precious Ransom, come, Only hope for sinful mortals!
Come, O Savior of the world! Open are to Thee all portals.
Come, Thy beauty let us see; Anxiously we wait for Thee.

2Enter now my waiting heart, Glorious King and Lord most holy.
Dwell in me and ne’er depart, Though I am but poor and lowly.
Ah, what riches will be mine When Thou art my guest divine!

3My hosannas and my palms Graciously receive, I pray Thee;
Evermore, as best I can, Savior, I will homage pay Thee,
And in faith I will embrace, Lord, Thy merit through Thy grace.

4Hail! Hosanna, David’s Son! Jesus, hear our supplication!
Let Thy kingdom, scepter, crown, Bring us blessing and salvation,
That forever we may sing: hail! Hosanna to our King.

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INVOCATION

Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Pastor: Beloved in the Lord, this wreath and the candles have been progressively lit each week

reminding us that Jesus Christ came to conquer the darkness of sin and lead us into the

light of His glorious kingdom. In this final week of the Advent season, we come to know

the meaning and power of our Savior’s name. The angel spoke to Joseph, “She will bear

a son, and you shall call His name Jesus,

People:for He will save His people from their sins.”

Pastor: All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

People: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name

Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Pastor: Let us pray. Lord Jesus, Savior and King, the true light who comes into this world, bless

us as we light this candle in the beginning of our preparation for Your coming. Enter our

hearts and minds with the light of Your love that we may welcome and receive You with

joy as true and eternal King; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

People: Amen.

Pastor: At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

People: in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

Pastor: Your word is a lamp to my feet

People: and a light to my path.

All four candles are lit.

HYMN “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Sts. 1–4: LSB 357

1O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

2O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who ord’rest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

3O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times didst give the Law In cloud and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

4O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree,Free them from Satan’s tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save,And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Pastor: If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

People: But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.

Pastor: Let us heed the call of the Lord through John the Baptist to repent—to turn from our

sins and turn to Jesus Christ, our Savior, through whom we find true and lasting hope.

People: Merciful Father, we have turned away from You and sinned against You in our

thoughts, words, and actions. We have not loved You above all things, and have

not loved our neighbor as ourselves. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, turn us

away from sin and to You, that we may love and serve You and Your ways of

righteousness, justice, and peace.

Pastor: God has heard our plea for forgiveness and for the sake of Jesus Christ, He answers our

prayer. As a called and ordained servant of the Word, and in the stead and by the

command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father

and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

 WORD 

KYRIE (Sung to “Amazing Grace”)

Look down in mercy on us, Lord,

Receive our prayers and praise,

Eternal Father, Spirit, Word,

For your amazing grace.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (Sung to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”)

Angels, sing, and earth, reply: “Glory be to God on high!”

God who flung the stars in space, God who formed the human race,

God the mind and God the cause, God the source of nature’s laws,

God of wisdom, power, and love, God of god, all gods above.

Angels, sing, and earth, reply: “Glory be to God on high!”

God who saw your creatures fall, loved them still, and loved them all,

Gave your only Son to prove, what is mercy, what is love;

And the Spirit, given free, Recreates your family.

Angels, sing, and earth, reply: “Glory be to God on high!”

SALUTATION

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor: Let us pray. Immanuel, we praise You for being God with us since creation. We thank

You for being God with us as the Word made flesh. We thank You for being God with us

in all eternity. We ask You to be with us now in Your Word, and with thefellowship of this

Body of Christ. In Your gracious saving name we pray, as You live andreign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

People: Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16

Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

EPISTLE Romans 16:25-27

Lector:This is the Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

VERSE

Pastor: Alleluia.

People: Alleluia. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His

name Immanuel. Alleluia.

HOLY GOSPEL Luke 1:26–38

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the first chapter.

People: Glory to You, O Lord.

26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.30And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”34And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”5And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.36And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.37For nothing will be impossible with God.”38And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Pastor: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

People: Praise to You, O Lord.

THE GATHERING OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

HYMN OF THE DAY “Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love” LSB 900

1Jesus! Name of wondrous love,Name all other names above,
Unto which must ev’ry kneeBow in deep humility.

2Jesus! Name decreed of old,To the maiden mother told,
Kneeling in her lowly cell,By the angel Gabriel.

3Jesus! Name of priceless worthTo the fallen of the earth
For the promise that it gave,“Jesus shall His people save.”

4Jesus! Name of mercy mild,Given to the holy Child
When the cup of human woeFirst He tasted here below.

5Jesus! Only name that’s giv’nUnder all the mighty heav’n
Whereby those to sin enslavedBurst their fetters and are saved.

6Jesus! Name of wondrous love,Human name of God above;
Pleading only this, we fleeHelpless, O our God, to Thee.

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SERMON The Greatest Advent Miracle Luke 1:26-38

“The greatest advent miracle leading to Christmas was that Mary believed the angel. The angel revealed that Mary was favored to be the bearer of God's only begotten Son.And...she believed. "Let it be to me as you have said." Consider what God has given you and me to bear...and how the gift of faith gives our lives meaning and purpose.“

CREED (Sung to “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”)

Great God, our Creator, from whom all receive

Their being and blessing, in you we believe.

Almighty, all-knowing, all-gracious, all-true,

Provider and Father, our trust is in you.

And you, Jesus Christ, we affirm as our Lord,

True Son of the Father, by angels adored;

Redeemer incarnate, you paid for our sins,

And, joined in your rising, our new life begins.

Free Spirit of wisdom, of power and love,

On us, as on Christ, you descend from above;

You call us, you cleanse us, you open our eyes.

You keep us in peace, you restore paradise.

PRAYERS (After each petition. “Pastor: Lord, in Your Mercy;People: Hear our Prayer”)

THE LORD’S PRAYER

BENEDICTION

Pastor: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN “Oh, How Joyfully”

Oh, how joyfully, Oh, how merrily,
Christmas comes with its grace divine!
Grace again is beaming, Christ the world redeeming,
Hail, ye Christians, hail the joyous Christmas time.

2. Oh, how joyfully, Oh, how merrily,
Christmas comes with its peace divine!
Peace on earth is reigning, Christ our peace regaining,
Hail, ye Christians, hail the joyous Christmas time!

3. Oh, how joyfully, Oh, how merrily,
Christmas comes with its life divine!
Angels high in glory, Chant the Christmas story:
Hail, ye Christians, hail the joyous Christmas time!

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Acknowledgments

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Service - December 25, 9:00 a.m.

New Year’s Eve Day Sunday Services

December 31 – 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 each with communion

No evening service

Calendar for Week of December 24, 2017

Monday: Christmas Day Service 9:00 a.m.

Next Sunday: Bible Classes / Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

(no New Years Eve Service)

St. Lucas News

MUSIC DIRECTOR POSITION: Following the decision of the Congregational Assembly, St. Lucas is searching for interested candidates for the newly formed Director of Music position. This part-time position at up to nineteen hours per week reflects one of St. Lucas’ key vision priorities on worship. Key responsibilities include worship planning and leadership responsibilities for both traditional and contemporary worship. The full job description and information on how to apply is found at

TAX CREDITS: The last day for tax creditable donations is December 31st. All other donations after that will be credited to January 2018.

NEW PRESCHOOL ROOM OPENING:Preschool is growing at St. Lucas! Beginning January 4th, a new Pre-K3 class will be available for students who turn three by 12/31/17 and are potty-trained. For more information call 314-832-1244 ext. 112 or email . The class will be Mon/Wed/Fri from 8:15 - 11:45 a.m. and taught by Mrs. Cassie Wolfgram.

THANK YOU: The Women’s Guild is thanking all of the generous members of our congregation. The gifts and items purchased for our 3 families will have a big impact on their Christmas. Many Thanks & Blessings

THE MEN”S CLUB wish to thank the generous members of St. Lucas and the Bunko group for helping with the collection of 9 bags of toys to donate to the TOYS FOR TOTS program. God has blessed us with our special gift.

THANK YOU: Thank you to those who donated one or more poinsettias for the altar on Christmas: Bill & Joyce Kolnik (memory of Sam & Elena Kolnik and Emil & Viola Ochonicky), Jim & Shirley Vuch, Jim & Barb Morrison, Bob & Judi Newman, Sharon Prokop (in thanksgiving for the spiritual education, friendship developed from my years at St. Lucas and in memory of my parents and grandparents, Bob Sadlon (in memory of Mom & Dad), Pastor & Lisa Larson

BAPTISM INVITATION: In Baptism, God makes promises to us that He brings forgiveness and salvation (1 Peter 3:21, Titus 3:5). This promise is for everyone, including our children (Acts 2:38-39). If you would like more information, or know someone who may be interested, make a note on the communication card or contact the church office.

GOD CONNECTSis an online, video course that explains the basic teachings of the Christian faith. This class explores what the Bible says about our God, and how His love gives direction and meaning to your life today and forever. This class is designed for those who are interested in learning or reviewing the foundations of the Christian faith. Attendance at the class may lead to membership in our church, but there are no obligations. We will be forming a new class yet this winter. Contact the church office for more information. Child-care is provided. Watch an introductory video at

Those Serving December 24, 2017
Preacher:Pastor Mark Frith 9:00 a.m.
Rev. Dr. Mark Larson 7:00 p.m.
Organist: Mark Dunajcik
Lay Readers: 9:00 a.m. – Dennis Lee
7:00 p.m. – Ted Medler
Lay Ministers: 9:00 a.m. – Phil Miksad
7:00 p.m. – Ron Shebik
Greeters: 9:00 a.m. – Jim & Barb Morrison
7:00 p.m. – Tricia & Justin Leitner
Ushers: 9:00 a.m. – Jim & Barb Morrison
Earl & Judy Willenbrock
Ted Medler, Al Belko,
Leslie Werner, Tony Werner
7:00p.m.– Phil Miksad, Ted Medler
Craig Dunajcik, Mike Schuster / Those Serving December 31, 2017
Preacher:Pastor Mark Frith 8:00 a.m.
Rev. Dr. Mark Larson 10:30 a.m.
Organist: Mark Dunajcik
Lay Readers: 8:00 – Jim Vuch
10:30 – Jane Mihalevich
Lay Ministers: 8:00 – Mel Nierdieck
10:30 – Justin Leitner
Greeters: 8:00 – Earl & Judy Willenbrock
10:30 – Jack & Maggie Grothe
Ushers: 8:00 – Joe Pyatek
Steve Kulifay
10:30 – Ron & Joan Shebik
Teresa Schuster
Our Response to God’s Blessings
Church Attendance: 8:00 –42 10:30 – 82 Total –124 Bible Class –10
Sunday School – 9
Offerings:Plate: $86.00 Envelope $7438.00 Building Repair/Maint: $70.00
Gift to Church: $35.00 Bible Class: $ 7.00 Misc: $48.57 Total: $7684.57
Needed weekly: $ 4900.00
Gift to Church: Curtis & Debbie Wade, In Memory of Tony Banks, Lynn Banks

Celebrating a birthday this week

25 – Ronald Shebik

27 – Jason Dunajcik

Emily Leitner