Bethlehem Lutheran Church · 2020. 12. 20. · Sunday Worship 8:00 a.m. Pastor Katie Chullino...

Sunday Worship8:00 a.m.

PastorKatie Chullino

Bethlehem Lutheran Church1000 15th Avenue

Longmont, Colorado 80501Phone: 303-776-3290

Email: [email protected]: bethlehem-lutheran.net

Our MissionGathered around the Word and

Sacrament, we live the good news of Christ’s love throughout our

community and the world.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

December 20, 2020

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Order of Worship

Welcome and Announcements +All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism.* Please stand as you are able

Prelude

GatheringCall To Worship and ForgivenessOne: I knew joy, but when I heard the laughter of children,All: Suddenly, joy was overflowing.One: I knew love, but when you held my hand,All: Suddenly, love was overflowing.One: I knew God, but when you showed me grace,when you forgave me,when you loved me,when you raised me,All: Suddenly, God was overflowing.One: So, let us prepare our hearts to worship God together as we join in confession and forgiveness.God of Good News,You say, “You are highly favored,” but we struggle to see how that could be.You say, “Do not be afraid,” but we fear all the time.You say, “Even the impossible is possible, just look at Elizabeth!”But sometimes hope slips through our hands like water.The impossible often feels impossible.

So today we pray,Teach us to sing like Mary.Teach us to laugh like Elizabeth.Teach us to trust like the angels.Forgive us when we can only do one at a time, or none at all.Amen.

Children’s Message Deaconess Ann Maki

This week, we recognize what preceded Mary’s song of praise: news that was disorienting and bewildering, possibly threatening her life. Together, Mary and Elizabeth find courage and comfort in spite of their unusual circumstances. We, too, are called to carry, support, and encourage one another’s dreams. (Sanctified Art, sanctifiedart.org)

Gathering Hymn Light One Candle ELW 240 All verses

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Advent Wreath A: I dream of music that makes my heart swell.B: I dream of trees that take my breath away.A: I dream of sunrises that wrap me in light.B: I dream of family dinners that feel like home.A: I dream of church services that give me hope.B: I dream of love as the default.A: So today, as we draw near to Christmas day, we light the candle of love.Light candle.B: May this light burn bright as a reminder that God is here and God is love.A: We are not alone. Thanks be to God for a love like that. Amen.

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Prayer for the Day

Holy God,Before you could speak, you were speaking—Leaping in wombs, kicking, stretching, jumping for joy.You have always found a way to show up in our midst,Particularly on our fearful or lonely days.So today, as we crack open our Bibles,Fluttering through these old beloved pages,We ask that you would move again.Stir in us.Speak to us.Fill us with the Holy Spirit.And if we are not able to hear your Word clearly,Then give us ElizabethsWho will point out your presence in delight and joy.Before you could speak, you were speaking,So here and now, Creator God, we are listening.Amen.

Reading Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 1Your love, O Lord, forever will I sing; from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. 2For I am persuaded that your steadfast love is established forever; you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens. 3“I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn an oath to David my servant: 4‘I will establish your line forever, and preserve your throne for all generations.’ ” 19You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: “I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people. 20I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him. 21My hand will hold him fast and my arm will make him strong. 22No enemy shall deceive him, nor shall the wicked bring him down. 23I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. 24My faithfulness and steadfast love are with him, and he shall be victorious through my name. 25I will set his hand on the sea, and his right hand on the rivers. 26He will say to me, ‘You are my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.’

Sermon Deaconess Ann Maki

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Gospel Luke 1:26-38

26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him 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 ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel said to 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 holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

Prayers of Intercession

God of power and might, shine your radiance and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.

A brief silence.

God of preachers and messengers, you have entrusted your church with the work of proclaiming good news. Strengthen the witness of bishops, pastors, deacons, church musicians, lay leaders, and all people who contribute their prayers and talents to public worship (the congregation’s worship leaders may be named). Embed your word in their hearts. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.

God of every living creature, you announce the year of your favor for all of creation. Extend your kindness and relief to endangered animals and plants. Strengthen the human beings who rely on the rhythms of nature to make their living. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.

God of all peoples and nations, you plant us as your oaks of righteousness and ask us to care for one another. Be present with the leaders of every nation as they govern. Give them a spirit of righteousness, that your goodness and mercy is revealed through their actions. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.

God of exiles and wanderers, you repair what was once destroyed. We pray for people who have been displaced from their homes by fire, flood, earthquake, or storm (survivors of recent natural disasters may be named). Support the work of Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Disaster Response, and all disaster relief organizations in their recovery efforts. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.

God of the powerful and helpless, you clothe us with strength when our spirits are weak and weary. Bestow your spirit upon this congregation and empower us to comfort the people who turn to us in times of need. Make your church a place of refuge and healing. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of sinners and saints, you offer joy even in the midst of our grief. We are grateful for the beloved, imperfect people whose lives testified to your radiant love (especially Lucy, martyr of the church). Anoint all who mourn with the oil of gladness. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.

Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

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Offering Prayer

Let us pray. Merciful God,

On our own what we have to give does not amount to much in the light of all you have given to us in the face of so much need. Put together as a church what we offer you here in love, so that it may become more for your holy Creation. We ask you to bless these gifts as we are reminded that just as it was with the loaves and fishes, there is more than enough for all. Amen.

Communion

The Lord be with you.And also with you.Lift up your hearts.We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is right to give our thanks and praise. Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:Blessed are you for the birth of creation.Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.Blessed are you for your promise to your people.Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.Blessed are you for your Son Jesus,the Word made flesh. In the night in which he was betrayed,our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,and gave it for all to drink, saying:This cup is the new covenant in my blood,shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.Do this for the remembrance of me.

Peace and Offering

We remember the peace proclaimed by angels and made known in Jesus. We strive for peace on earth and we prayerfully consider our own offerings to God and neighbor as we gather bread and wine (or something else to eat and drink) for the holy meal we are about to share.

Meal

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Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died.Christ is risen.Christ will come again.

With this bread and cupwe remember your Word dwelling among us,full of grace and truth.We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.We look with hope for his coming.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Holy God, we long for your Spirit.Come among us.Bless this meal.May your Word take flesh in us.Awaken your people.Fill us with your light.Bring the gift of peace on earth.

Come, Holy Spirit.

All praise and glory are yours,Holy One of Israel,Word of God incarnate,Power of the Most High,one God, now and forever.Amen.

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.

Prayer Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to live as we pray,

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Communion Hymn In the Bleak Midwinter ELW 294 All verses

Blessing

SendingOne: We believe in God.All: We believe that God has dreams for humanity.One: We believe in the Holy Spirit.All: We believe that the Holy Spirit comforts us when our dreams turn to nightmares.One: We believe in Jesus.All: We believe that Jesus walked this world to wake us up, Inviting us to be the church in the world.One: We believe in dreams.All: We believe in the power that dreams have to show us a new way.One: So in this Advent season,All: We are those who dream and those who wake up. May it be so. Amen.

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Hymn Go Tell it on the Mountain ELW 290 All Verses

Liturgical Pieces from: Sanctified Art, sanctifiedart.org

Liturgy content from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2011 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #24256 CCLI License # A2989020 One License # A-714852

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Online Worship Volunteers

Ministers All baptized members of Bethlehem

Preaching Deaconess Ann M.

Presiding Pastor Katie

Assisting Minister Steve W.

Remote Lay Reader Joel S.

Children’s Message Deaconess Ann M.

Vocalists Dave H. and Dennis S.

Accompanist Ray L.

AV Team Rob B., Matt J., Bob L., Greg S.

Remote Prayers Jeanne P. and Dan K. and Pastor Katie

December 20, 2020

Please remember in prayers: Jamie J., Ranelle L., Robert H., Peggy P., George D., Estelle G., Carol D., Darlene B., Francis M., Bayne G., Betty C., Marilyn V., Bonnie M., Bruce B., Candy T.,Jeremy G., and our homebound members Mike G., Lydia M., Esther G., Doris C., and friends and relatives of our community: Mike G., June D., Scarlett K., Sue H., Erwin and Grace B., Donna S., Ron W., Sandy F., Robert F., and those serving our country: Ethan T., Brett B., Michael K. Jr., Bill W., and Steven R.

Healing Prayers Available

Good news! The Healing Prayers ministry is joining Sunday worship online. Each Sunday a member of the Healing Prayers ministry team will be available remotely for one-on-one prayer with members of the congregation. Join us as we experience God's power in this unique way. For healing prayers this Sunday, December 20, please contact Dan K. ([email protected]) from 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. For one-on-one prayer any day or time, contact Jeanne P. ([email protected]). Note: phone numbers can be found in your BLC Handbook Directory. Recent Scam Alert Note: There have been a number of scams targeting church members. Pastor Katie, Deaconess Ann, and BLC leaders will never ask for money or gift cards via emails or texts. Church Property Improvements The gutters on the north and east sides of the Bethlehem building will be replaced on either December 21-22 or December 28-29. Please avoid that section of the parking lot on those days so that this important repair can take place!

“Honk” for Harold Wollman’s 100 Birthday Parade Harold Wollman turns 100 on December 20, 2020! Celebrate this WWII veteran and former volunteer firefighter. Homebound due to Covid-19, we would like everyone to show your love by participating in this parade! When: Sunday December. 20, 2020 Time: 2:20 P.M. Where: Alta Vita Assisted Living Facility, 1001 Alta Vita Court, Longmont, CO

A “Dumpster” Christmas Service - Sign-ups for our Dumpster Christmas Services go live on Monday, December 7 at noon. Space is limited for safety reasons. These services will be held near the dumpster (and Stable) on December 24 at 4:00 p.m. (with Light of Christ) and at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. This Christmas service comes from The Book of Uncommon Prayer. It is a service in which we both hear the Christmas story, experience the elements around us, and imagine the world into which Christ is born. We invite you to bring a candle (real or battery operated) or flashlight from home to join in this service. The service should last about 30 minutes. You may bring a chair if you'd like, otherwise we will stand for this worship service. Sign-Up for 4:00 p.m.: https://forms.gle/65W2aDc28vHKoUVX8 Sign-Up for 7:00 p.m.: https://forms.gle/ MXgk2mRoqLkhQEVe8 Sign-Up for 9:00 p.m.: https://forms.gle/ jpze2vQB9awL9RJW8

https://forms.gle/65W2aDc28vHKoUVX8https://forms.gle/%0DMXgk2mRoqLkhQEVe8https://forms.gle/%0Djpze2vQB9awL9RJW8

Bethlehem Book Club Join us on Thursday, January 14, at 9:00 a.m. for our discussion of The Braid by Laetitia Colombani. Details of the meeting will be sent out by email; if you would like to be added to our email list, please contact Mary Jane ([email protected]).

We will meet virtually using our Zoom connections and welcome all who are interested! Information on how to join a Zoom meeting will be provided. Our monthly reading list is on our website (https:// www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/connect/ bethlehem-book-club.html).

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Jane. ( [email protected]). Deadlines for 2020 Giving The end of the year is once again upon us, and what a year it has been! Thank you to all who have been able to continue to contribute to our ministry here at Bethlehem—your donations have enabled us to not only maintain salaries and facilities but also to meet our ministry needs and even expand some of our missions. Thank you all very much! As we near the end of the calendar year, we would like to remind you of a few important deadlines. In order for a check or cash contribution to be deposited in 2020, it must be received in the church office no later than December 26; please allow for extra days if mailing at this time of year! We will be processing and depositing those contributions on Monday morning, December 28. In order for an online payment to be deposited in 2020, depending on whether it is drawn from a bank account or by credit card, the deadline for deposit is December 30 (bank account) or December 28 (cards). If you have any questions or concerns about whether your donation will be deposited in 2020, please contact our financial secretary, Jenny K., as soon as possible ([email protected]). Thank you again for your 2020 giving!

Join us in Reading the Bible in a Year

Manna Bible Study has committed to the Daily Walk, a reading plan that intersperses brief explanatory and inspirational teachings between the segments of scripture, guiding you through the entire Bible day by day. The Bible is God’s story of His love for mankind. It is His guide book for everyone who seeks Him and who will follow His Son, Jesus.

https://www.amazon.com/Braid-Novel-Laetitia-Colombani-ebook/dp/B07P5HMRTD/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Braid&qid=1605216351&s=digital-text&sr=1-1http://www.bethlehem-lutheran.net/connect/mailto:[email protected]

What a privilege and joy we have being able to read God’s Holy Word. Several members from Bethlehem are committing to read the Daily Walk, starting January 1, 2021. These daily scriptures will take you 15-20 minutes to read. We will begin a zoom discussion every Thursday afternoon for the first 3 months, then switch to Monday mornings. Thursday, January 7 at 1:00 pm will be the first zoom discussion. Please contact Pastor Katie or Colleen Beyer([email protected]) The Daily Walk Bible NIV by John Hoover. Publisher - Tynsdale House Publisher COVID-19 Update: From Orange to Red On Friday, November 20, Boulder County moved to the Red status of Colorado’s COVID19 Dial. At this level we will make the following adjustments and commitments:

1. Worship: We continue online worship services. Because of rapidly increasing rates, we ask that anyone leading from the sanctuary wear a mask, except when preaching. We have acquired some mask-aids to help those who wear masks during worship. We hope this helps those listening at home, too. We continue to look for ways to make worship meaningful and safe.

2. Meetings and Groups: No indoor or outdoor in-person meetings. We will continue scheduling Zoom gatherings. If you’d like a gathering scheduled, please contact [email protected].

3. Office: We will not be meeting in offices. One person may work in an office at a time. Colorado (and we) recommend remote work as much as possible.

4. Building: The building remains closed unless an appointment is made through staff or approval is given through council. All people entering the building must sign in and record their temperature at the front door. Further instructions are listed by the check-in log on the podium by the front door.

5. Travel: If you travel to a state with a seven-day rolling average of 5% COVID19 positivity rate or higher for the time you were there, please refrain from in-person visits to the church for two weeks following your return. If you are scheduled to lead in worship, please contact Brenda ([email protected]) and we will find a substitute for you.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church will continue to heed the health recommendations of relevant organizations—which include the ELCA, Rocky Mountain Synod (RMS), the CDC, Boulder County Health, and the State of Colorado. Please continue to follow our weekly email, announcements, website, and Facebook posts for notifications of any changes and updates to our current situation. Please call or email with questions or needs during this time (303-776-3290),

mailto:[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]




[email protected]

12.20.2020 4 AdvenDecember 20, 2020

Bethlehem Lutheran Church · 2020. 12. 20. · Sunday Worship 8:00 a.m. Pastor Katie Chullino...

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