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NOTE FROM THE PASTORFor the safety of all in our congregation,

the congregation council has determined that it will be best for our congregation to worship with our services online only beginning immediately.

On January 11, 2021 the council will evaluate the situation.

Please keep this bulletin and use it for the four Sundays in Advent.For those who are connected to the internet,

we will be posting our worship online early on Sunday mornings. It will be on facebook “First Evangelical Lutheran Church”

and also on our website at www.FELCC.org.

Our office hours will remain Monday-Thursday from 9:00 to 1:00.If you need to stop by the church, you may use your keycard to enter.

If you do not have a keycard, please call the church office (717-264-2015) from the parking lot and we will open the door for you.

Thank you to the decorating committee for their continued work in this Advent and Christmas season.

We appreciate all they are doing to make our worship experience meaningful.

If you would like to participate in the recording of Christmas or Advent worship, please contact Freda for Music (felccmusic@gmail.com)

and Pastor for readings and prayers (flcpastor@outlook.com)

Order forms for poinsettias were enclosed in the December Newsletter. If you would like to order one, please make sure the form and money are in the church office by December 10. It is most likely easiest to mail these. If you have lost the form,

please call the church office and Cheryl will assist you with your order. You are welcome to pick up the poinsettia after December 18 to use in your home.

We will be posting updated prayers and announcements on the website.Below the worship videos click on “Bulletins” and we will add the updates there.

The pipecleaner that is enclosed with your bulletin is for Sunday, December 6.

May God’s advent promise of Emmanuel (meaning God with us)give you hope during this season as we wait.

~Pastor Jane Nicholson~2

GATHERINGPRELUDE

WELCOME & ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Each Week Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,and ransom captive Israel,that mourns in lonely exile hereuntil the Son of God appear.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuelshall come to you, O Israel.

November 29 Oh, come, oh, come, great Lord of might,who to your tribes on Sinai’s heightin ancient times once gave the lawin cloud, and majesty, and awe. Refrain

December 6 Oh, come, strong Branch of Jesse, freeyour own from Satan’s tyranny;from depths of hell your people saveand give them vict’ry o’er the grave. Refrain

December 13 Oh, come, blest Dayspring, come and cheerour spirits by your advent here;disperse the gloomy clouds of night,and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Refrain

December 20 Oh, come, O Key of David, come,and open wide our heav’nly home;make safe the way that leads on high,and close the path to misery. Refrain

Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. John M. Neale, 1818-1866, alt.

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GREETINGIn this Advent Season,We seek Jesus.

In the quiet, in the calm, in the stillness,We seek Jesus.

In the clamor, in the cry, in the grief,We seek Jesus.

In this time of pandemic and separation from others,We seek Jesus.

As we await his coming,Let us worship the Lord.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY November 29 Let us pray. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By

your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

December 6 Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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December 13 Let us pray. Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

December 20 Let us pray. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WORDCHILDREN’S MESSAGE

November 29 Introduction to AdventDecember 6 Pipecleaner / Valleys and HillsDecember 13 Meet John the BaptistDecember 20 Mary, Mother of Our Lord

SPECIAL MUSIC

SCRIPTURE READING

November 29 Mark 13:24-37December 6 Isaiah 40:1-11December 13 John 1:6-8, 19-28December 20 Luke 1:26-38

SERMON

HYMN

OUR RESPONSE5

OFFERING Returning thanks to God with our offering is a regular part of our worship. You are welcome to mail your financial gifts to church at 43 West Washington St; Chambersburg PA 17202 or give online at www.FELCC.org. Click on the “give” button on the top right hand corner of your screen ot on you cellphone click on the three dots and choose “give.”

OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray: Generous God, you have created all that is, and you provide for us in every season. Bless all that we offer, that through these gifts the world will receive your blessing. In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, we pray. Amen. APOSTLES’ CREED

With the whole church, let us confess our faith.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's 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 to the dead.On the third day he rose again;he ascended into heaven,he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come 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.

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

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Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

LORD’S PRAYERLord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.

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.

SENDINGBLESSINGMay the Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting,may the long-expected Savior fill you with love,may the unexpected Spirit guide your journey,☩ now and forever. Amen.

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #33504. Hymns reprinted by permission under One License #A-727079 and CCLI #11318988

Remember in your prayers…7

Christian Bruce (11/30) Tom Burkey (12/18) Sandy CurfmanAloma Dawkins Ernie Fricke Rick Gates (1/11)Bob Hammer (12/11) Dorothy Hammer(12/11) Nancy JacobsElva Kroeger John Newcomer Dalton Paul (12/26)Julie Paul (12/3) Elaine Singer (11/30) Dia Schumacher (12/23)Evelyn Scott James Warne Connie Wilkins (12/18)Grace Williams (11/30) Jim Woods (12/26) Private Parker Brown

We will be posting updated prayers and announcements on the website. Below the worship videos click on “Bulletins” and we will add the updates there.

ADVENTO Come, O Come, Emmanuel

ADVENT WREATH will be lit during worship each Sunday leading up to Christmas.  If you do not have a wreath – take 4 candles – dinner candles, votive candles, electric candles, whatever you have and place them in a circle, lighting one each week.  Our congregation traditionally uses blue candles, the color of hope.

ADVENT BIBLE STUDY via Zoom Mondays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21 at 1:00 p.m.  The Zoom id is 853 1369 6275 and password is 191292. Study booklets available in Memorial Hall. If you are not interested in the zoom format, you may pick up a book for independent study.

POINSETTIAS FOR WORSHIP Without in person worship this year, we will be ordering poinsettias earlier so they will be in the worship videos for December 20 as well as Christmas Eve and Day. You would be welcome to take them home with you beginning Friday, December 18. You may like to place the poinsettia next to your device you will using to view worship. Please return your order form with money to the church office prior to December 10. If you have misplaced the form, call the church office for assistance.

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ADVENT - continuedADVENT DEVOTIONS from our LARC Partners (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic) will be posted weekly on our website as well as on facebook. Join us each week to hear Advent words of hope (Trinity Lutheran), expectation and promise (Trinity Episcopal), preparation (Corpus Christi), and promise fulfilled (First). Leslie Gotwald has also created some weekly advent devotions that you are able to find online at: www.willowingwell.com/do-not-be-afraid

POINSETTIA DELIVERY Willing to deliver poinsettias on behalf of our congregation to our homebound members? Please be in touch with Mary or Tim Gotwald if you would be willing to brighten people’s spirits with a flower delivery the weekend of December 19, 20, 21. We request that you give the flowers to the people at their door and do not enter into their living space. The church will provide the poinsettias.

CHRISTMAS PROJECT We are supporting the children in our community who are learning remotely.  The YMCA has a program to assist those without wifi in their learning endeavors.  They are also serving breakfast and lunch to the children.  The expense to support one child is approximately $100 per week.  Envelopes were included in the December newsletter. Additional envelopes are on the display in the Fellowship Hall. Please return your gifts to the church office.

CHRISTMAS COATS Without Christmas worship in person this year, we will be sharing the spirit of Christmas through the gift of coats with our neighbors. We

are collecting coats for children and adults alike. Please bring winter coats to the church between now and December 23. These items will be placed on the fence on December 24. What a wonderful Christmas gift of warmth for those who are in need

of them. Contact Mary Gotwald if you would like to help either on December 24 or sorting them prior to that. Thanks in advance for your contributions.

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CHRISTMASGETTING READY for Christmas Eve and Day Worship …. This Christmas we will be worshiping online. We are working to make this a very meaningful experience for those who worship in their homes or with family. In order to do this, we need your help. Being with people is an important part of worship and we are working to find ways for you to be included – even if you do not have online access.

We would like for you to deliver a photograph of you or/and your family with a nativity scene. Photos may be sent to Theo.felcc@gmail.com or dropped off in the church office by December 14. In memo line of email write “Nativity Photo”

Would you be willing to record a verse of “Silent Night” with your family while lighting candles? Talk with Freda. felccmusic@gmail.com

Would you be willing to record “O Come All Ye Faithful” with you or your family? We will join all of the recordings together, so your voices will be blended with others. Talk with Freda for details. felccmusic@gmail.com

Would you be willing to read scripture or prayers and have that recorded for worship? Let Pastor Nicholson be aware of this. flcpastor@outlook.com

With everyone’s help, this will be an incredibly meaningful worship service. Please remember – worship is our gift of thanksgiving to God on Christmas. Join us in the celebration.

CHRISTMAS EVE ZOOM GATHERING Part of attending worship is greeting everyone prior to the service. So we will be having a Zoom gathering prior to worship to say hello to everyone on Christmas Eve. This zoom gathering will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Pop in as you are able. Go to www,zoom.us . Then click on “join a meeting.” Type in this id number: 867 0905 2421 . Type in this password: Christmas . (I wonder what I should wear? – pjs or tuxedo and evening gown? - Whatever you choose is fine! ) See you then!

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP Christmas Eve Worship, Worship with Families on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day worship will be on facebook and www.felcc.org

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ANNUAL REPORTS from committees/staff are due to felccoffice@gmail.com by Monday, January 4, 2021.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE for the January newsletter is December 7

BACK PACK PROGRAM November suggested items are: Canned fruit or fruit cups in light syrup; dried fruit such as raisins, plums and cranberries; and applesauce. Thank you for your continued support of this much-needed program.

THE GIVE AND TAKE BOX If you are able, please pick up a few items to share. Remember this box supplies personal care items. Needed items include shampoo, deodorant, tissues, toothpaste and brushes, hand soap, body soap, laundry detergent, dish detergent, band aids, toilet paper. Thank you.

COLLECTION OF QUARTERS by The Neighborhood Task Team has resumed for future Laundry Events. If you have donations you may drop them offat the church office during office hours or you may drop your donations at either entry/exit from the sanctuary. There is a basket at back of the sanctuary and a Laundry Soap container at the elevator entrance. Thanks so much for your support of this ministry to our neighbors.

PANDEMIC FATIGUE Are you feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted from all the disruptions to life brought on by the pandemic? Are you facing isolation, loneliness, anxiety, grief, health issues, financial strain or job loss? Please know you don’t have to face these things alone. If you or someone you care about is experiencing difficulties like these, our Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care, encourage, and be there to offer support. A Stephen Minister will meet with you privately—by phone or video chat—to focus on you and your needs. It’s free and completely confidential, and it offers real care, comfort, and hope. To learn more, please contact Stephen Ministry Leader, Linda Beaver at 717-264-0737 or lbeaver@spiritrustlutheran.org

ADDRESS CHANGE Grace Williams; 1 Village SquareChambersburg, PA 17201 717-263-5668

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West Washington StreetChambersburg Pa 17201

www.felcc.orgfelccoffice@gmail.com

717–264-2015

Pastor The Rev. Jane NicholsonPastoral Assistant The Rev. Charles KampmeyerDirector of Church Music Freda J. Dorand, DeaconDirector of Technology & Faith Formation Theo CamaraParish Administrator Cheryl ChristmanTreasurer Sally HerrittFinancial Secretary Carol McCoyCustodian Jim Forbes

Church Office Hours – Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Our Mission

The mission of First Lutheran Church is to be the light of Jesus, burning brightly and vigorously in our community.

Worship Schedule

Sundays on facebook at First Evangelical Lutheran Churchand on our webpage at www.FELCC.org

ALL are invited to hear and receive God's blessing in Jesus, and to worship with us.

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We welcome visitors this morning. Please pick up a visitor’s packet. They are located at the top of the steps

at the rear of the church or on the table at the elevator entrance.