Introduction to the Day Welcome to Emmanuel ! November 24 ...

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Welcome to Emmanuel !November 24, 2019

It is wonderful to worship with you today!

All are welcome regardless of your faith affiliation.

If you are a visitor worshiping with us today, we are

blessed by your presence. Please sign the guest book

in the Gathering Space, so we can keep in touch.

All parts of today’s worship service are printed in

this bulletin, including words for the songs. If you

would like to sing with music, books are provided in

the racks on the back of the seat in front of you. The

song or page number is provided for easy look up.

This is a service of Holy Communion. All God's

people are invited to the table by our Lord Jesus

Christ. You will find instructions for Holy

Communion later in the bulletin.

Assistive hearing devices are available in the

Gathering Space.

Restrooms are located in the hall off the Gathering

Space immediately to the left. Please see one of our

ushers for assistance.

Children age 3 and above are invited to participate in

Sunday’s Kids, a program providing age-appropriate

worship, education and activities. Follow the signs

in the gathering space to find the classroom.

Parents with children are welcome to use the

children’s activity bags, located by the entrance to

the Sanctuary. If needed, our nursery room is at the

end of the hall off the Gathering Space.

Please silence your phones, but feel free to post

pictures, videos, tweets or texts to social media. We

love using technology to share the Word of God!

Introduction to the Day

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and

righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in

the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the

Jews. It appears so utterly contradictory that the king

should be crucified with the criminal.

This victory appears for all the world as ignominious

defeat. Yet through the gate of death our Lord opens

the door to paradise.

____________________________________

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him, bless his name.

(Psalm 100:4)

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THE SERVICE

PRELUDE

“Our God is a Great Big God”

- Emmanuel Sunday’s Kids

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please stand as you are able.

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THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

the fountain of living water,

the rock who gave us birth,

our light and our salvation.

Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are

clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness.

Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning

your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word

you created the world, calling forth life in which you

took delight. Through the waters of the flood you

delivered Noah and his family.

Through the sea you led your people Israel

from slavery into freedom. At the river

your Son was baptized by John

and anointed with the Holy Spirit.

By water and your Word, you claim us as daughters

and sons, making us heirs of your promise and

servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that

sustains life, and above all we praise you

for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit,

and renew our lives

with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus

Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now

and forever.

Amen.

GATHERING SONG Crown Him With Many Crowns (855)

1 Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne;

hark, how the heav'nly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless king

through all eternity.

2 Crown him the virgin's Son,

the God incarnate born,

whose arm those crimson trophies won

which now his brow adorn;

fruit of the mystic rose,

yet of that rose the stem,

the root whence mercy ever flows,

the babe of Bethlehem.

3 Crown him the Lord of love--

behold his hands and side,

rich wounds, yet visible above,

in beauty glorified.

No angels in the sky

can fully bear that sight,

but downward bend their burning eyes

at mysteries so bright.

4 Crown him the Lord of life,

who triumphed o'er the grave

and rose victorious in the strife

for those he came to save.

His glories now we sing,

who died and rose on high,

who died, eternal life to bring,

and lives that death may die.

5 Crown him the Lord of years,

the potentate of time,

creator of the rolling spheres,

ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail!

For thou hast died for me;

thy praise and glory shall not fail

throughout eternity.

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GREETING

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.

SONG OF PRAISE Come All You People (819)

1 Come, all you people,

come and praise the Most High;

come, all you people,




come now and worship the Lord.


come and praise the Savior;







come and praise the Spirit;






PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you.

And also, with you.

Let us pray.

O God, our true life, to serve you is freedom, and to

know you is unending joy. We worship you, we

glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great

glory. Abide with us, reign in us, and make this

world into a fit habitation for your divine majesty,

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and forever.

Amen.

Please be seated.

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 23: 1-6

A reading from Jeremiah.

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the

sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. Therefore, thus

says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the

shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who

have scattered my flock, and have driven them away,

and you have not attended to them. So I will attend

to you for your evil doings, says the LORD.

Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock

out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I

will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be

fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over

them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear

any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing,

says the LORD.

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I

will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he

shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute

justice and righteousness in the land. In his days

Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety.

And this is the name by which he will be called:

“The LORD is our righteousness.”

Word of God, word of life.

Thanks be to God.

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PSALM: Psalm 46

(Read responsively)

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear,

though the earth be moved, and though the

mountains shake in the depths of the sea;

though its waters rage and foam,

and though the mountains tremble

with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the

city of God, the holy habitation

of the Most High.

God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be

shaken; God shall help it at the break of day.

The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake;

God speaks, and the earth melts away.

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come now, regard the works of the LORD,

what desolations God has brought

upon the earth;

9behold the one who makes war to cease

in all the world; who breaks the bow,

and shatters the spear,

and burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, then, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations;

I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD of | hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

SECOND READING: Colossians 1: 11-20

A reading from Colossians.

May you be made strong with all the strength that

comes from his glorious power, and may you be

prepared to endure everything with patience, while

joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled

you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the

light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness

and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved

Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness

of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of

all creation; 16for in him all things in heaven and on

earth were created, things visible and invisible,

whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—

all things have been created through him and for

him. He himself is before all things, and in him all

things hold together. 18He is the head of the body, the

church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the

dead, so that he might come to have first place in

everything.

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to

dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile

to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven,

by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Word of God, word of life.

Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able

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GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil (509)

Please sing once before, and once following the

reading of the Gospel.

Lord, let my heart be good soil

open to the seed of your Word.

Lord, let my heart be good soil

where love can grow,

and peace is understood.

When my heart is hard,

break the stone away.

When my heart is cold,

warm it with the day.

When my heart is lost,

lead me on your way.

Lord, let my heart

Lord, let my heart

Lord, let my heart be good soil.

GOSPEL: Luke 23: 33-43

The holy gospel according to Luke.

Glory to you, O Lord.

3When they came to the place that is called The

Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals,

one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said,

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what

they are doing.”

And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the

people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at

him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself

if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The

soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering

him sour wine, 37and saying, “If you are the King of

the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an

inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept

deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah?

Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him,

saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under

the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed

have been condemned justly, for we are getting what

we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done

nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come

into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you,

today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL RESPONSE Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil (512)

(words on previous page)

please be seated

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SERMON

The Rev. John T. Heidgerd

At conclusion of the sermon, please stand as you are

able for the Hymn of the Day

HYMN OF THE DAY Beautiful Savior (838)

1 Beautiful Savior,

King of creation,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Truly I'd love thee,

truly I'd serve thee,

light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

2 Fair are the meadows,

fair are the woodlands,

robed in flow'rs of blooming spring;

Jesus is fairer,

Jesus is purer,

he makes our sorrowing spirit sing.

3 Fair is the sunshine,

fair is the moonlight,

bright the sparkling stars on high;

Jesus shines brighter,

Jesus shines purer

than all the angels in the sky.

4 Beautiful Savior,

Lord of the nations,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor,

praise, adoration,

now and forevermore be thine!

THE CHRIST HYMN

(from Philippians 2: 5-11)

Let the same mind be in us that was in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,

but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death

even death on a cross

Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name

that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

At the end of each petition, the minister will say

"Hear us, O God."

The congregation responds:

"Your mercy is great.

SHARING OF THE PEACE

May the peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also, with you.

Let us now share a sign of God’s peace with each

other.

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OFFERING

Please be seated as we gather our offerings and

present them to God.

OFFERTORY

“I Will Praise You O Lord” (Mark Patterson)


OFFERING SONG

As the Grains of Wheat (465)

Refrain

As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill

were gathered into one to become our bread;

so may all your people from all the ends of earth

be gathered into one in you.

1 As this cup of blessing is shared within our

midst, may we share the presence of your love.

Refrain

2 Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come

when all creation shares this feast with you.

Refrain

OFFERING PRAYER

Together, let us pray.

Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things.

Through your goodness you have blessed us

with these gifts: ourselves, our time, and our

possessions.

Use us, and what we have gathered, in

feeding the world with your love, through the

one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ,

our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING

(Spoken by pastor)

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.

PREFACE

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks and praise to you,

almighty and merciful God,

through our Savior Jesus Christ;

who on this day overcame death and the grave,

and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way

of everlasting life.

And so, with all the choirs of angels,

with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (473) (please sing)

Holy, holy holy,

My heart, my heart adores you.

My heart is glad to say the words

You are holy, God.

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THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

We give you thanks, Father, through Jesus Christ,

your beloved Son, whom you sent to us to save and

redeem us and to proclaim to us your will.

He is your Word, inseparable from you, through

whom you created all things, and in whom

you take delight.

He took on our nature and our lot and was shown

forth as your Son, born of the Holy Spirit

and of the virgin Mary.

He is the one who, handed over to a death he freely

accepted, in order to destroy death, to break the

bonds of the evil one, to crush hell underfoot, to give

light to the righteous, to establish his covenant, and

to show forth the resurrection, taking bread and

giving thanks to you, said:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

In the same way 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.

Remembering, then, his death and resurrection,

we take this bread and cup, giving you thanks that

you have made us worthy to stand before you and to

serve you as your priestly people.

Send your Spirit upon these gifts of your church;

gather into one all who share this bread and wine;

fill us with your Holy Spirit to establish our faith in

truth, that we may praise and glorify you through

your Son Jesus Christ; through whom all glory and

honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy

Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever.

Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

Lord, 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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Come to the banquet. The feast is now ready.

Thanks be to God.

LAMB OF GOD (195)

(Please sing)

Lamb of God, you take away

the sin of the world;

Have mercy on us.



Have mercy on us.



Grant us peace.

Grant us peace.

Please be seated.

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DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION

All God's people are invited by our Lord Jesus

Christ to receive Holy Communion. We receive

these gifts of bread and wine, of Christ's body and

blood in faith, trusting that in this meal our Lord

comes to us, forgives our sins, renews us in faith and

leads us into new life.

Emmanuel’s tradition is that communion is

distributed continuously. After the sacraments are

consecrated, the ushers will direct those in the

congregation by row to proceed down the center

aisle toward the pastor or assisting minister who will

distribute the bread.

If you prefer gluten-free bread, please signal to the

pastor or assisting minister as you approach.

As you walk down the aisle on the left or right side,

there are tables on which there are trays holding

individual cups. If you wish to receive wine,

please take an empty cup with you prior to receiving

the bread. If you prefer grape juice, please take a

pre-filled cup as you pass.

After receiving the bread turn to the left or right

where an assistant will pour wine into the empty

cup. After you have consumed the bread and wine

(or juice), please return to your seat via the side

aisle, placing the empty cup in the receptacle

provided on your way to your seat.

If you do not wish to receive Holy Communion, you

are invited to come forward and receive a blessing.

Please come forward with your arms folded across

your chest in the form of the St. Andrew's cross. (X)

SONGS DURING COMMUNION

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (693)

1 Come, ye thankful people, come;

raise the song of harvest home.

All be safely gathered in

ere the winter storms begin.

God, our maker, doth provide

for our wants to be supplied.

Come to God's own temple, come,

raise the song of harvest home.

2 All the world is God's own field,

fruit unto his praise to yield;

wheat and tares together sown,

unto joy or sorrow grown.

First the blade, and then the ear,

then the full corn shall appear.

Lord of harvest, grant that we

wholesome grain and pure may be.

3 For the Lord our God shall come

and shall take his harvest home;

from his field shall in that day

all offenses purge away;

give his angels charge at last

in the fire the tares to cast,

but the fruitful ears to store

in his garner evermore.

4 Even so, Lord, quickly come

to thy final harvest home.

Gather then thy people in,

free from sorrow, free from sin,

there, forever purified,

in thy garner to abide.

Come, with all thine angels, come,

raise the glorious harvest home!

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Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us (789)

1 Savior, like a shepherd lead us;

much we need your tender care.

In your pleasant pastures feed us,

for our use your fold prepare.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

you have bought us; we are yours.


you have bought us; we are yours.

2 We are yours; in love befriend us,

be the guardian of our way;

keep your flock, from sin defend us,

seek us when we go astray.


hear us children when we pray.


hear us children when we pray.

3 You have promised to receive us,

poor and sinful though we be;

you have mercy to relieve us,

grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free.


early let us turn to you.


early let us turn to you.

4 Early let us seek your favor,

early let us do your will;

blessed Lord and only Savior,

with your love our spirits fill.


you have loved us, love us still.


you have loved us, love us still.


TABLE BLESSING

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

strengthen you and keep you in his grace.

Amen.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

Together, let us pray.

O God, our life, our strength, our food, we give

you thanks for sustaining us with the body and

blood of your Son.

By your Holy Spirit, enliven us to be his body

in the world, that more and more we will give

you praise and serve your earth and its many

peoples, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and

Lord.

Amen.

BLESSING

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.

The Lord look upon you with favor and give you

peace.

Amen.

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SENDING HYMN Thine is the Glory (376)

1 Thine is the glory,

risen, conqu'ring Son;

endless is the vict'ry

thou o'er death hast won!

Angels in bright raiment

rolled the stone away,

kept the folded grave-clothes

where thy body lay.

Refrain

Thine is the glory,

risen, conqu'ring Son;

endless is the vict'ry

thou o'er death hast won!

2 Lo, Jesus meets thee,

risen from the tomb!

Lovingly he greets thee,

scatters fear and gloom;

let his church with gladness

hymns of triumph sing,

for the Lord now liveth;

death hath lost its sting! Refrain

3 No more we doubt thee,

glorious Prince of life;

life is naught without thee;

aid us in our strife;

make us more than conqu'rors,

through thy deathless love;

bring us safe through Jordan

to thy home above. Refrain

DISMISSAL

Go in peace and thanksgiving to love and serve the

Lord.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

“Crown Him With Many Crowns” (Wilbur Held)

Today – Nov. 24 (Christ the King Sunday)

Ministers: All God’s people gathered

Acolytes: Keira Drissel, Jack Pifer

Assisting Minister: Den. Marlene Natali

Altar Guild: TBD

CD Delivery: Pat Frankenfield

Communion Assts: Carole Darragh, John Wellington

Counters: Team 5: Melinda Ferrara & Bob Renner, Co-

Captains.

Greeters: Fran and Barry Hunsicker

Lector: Ann Renner

Ushers: Team 4, David Natali, Captain

Next Week – Dec. 1 (1st Sunday of Advent)

Ministers: All God’s people gathered

Acolytes: Cole Pifer, Macey Coll

Assisting Minister: David Blaich

Altar Guild: Becky Hartman, Melinda Ferrara, Blythe

Bealer

CD Delivery: Bob and Ann Renner

Communion Assts: Cindy Crouthamel, Deb McElwee

Counters: Team 6: Julie Freed, Evan Freed, Co- Captains.

Greeters: Merril and Bette Christman

Lector: Fred Crouthamel

Ushers: Team 5, Cory Gilbert, Captain

_________________________________________

Attendance for Sunday, November 17, 2019 – 85

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2019 Augsburg Fortress.

All rights reserved.

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Emmanuel Worships !

**Coming Next Week**

ADVENT BEGINS

@ EMMANUEL

_____________________________

Joint Worship with our friends

at Zwingli UCC

Wednesday,November 27

7 PM

At Zwingli UCC

350 Wile Ave., Souderton

“ W E G A T H E R T O G E T H E R T O A S K

T H E L O R D ’ S B L E S S I N G ” ____________________________________

Christ the King

Sunday

Why do we observe it?

Christ the King is not a festival commemorating

some great event of ancient days. The festival

didn’t emerge until the 20th century, and at first it

had nothing to do with the end of the church year.

Pope Pius XI established Christ the King Sunday in

1925 to counter what he regarded as the destructive

forces of the modern world: secularism in the West

and the rise of communism in Russia and fascism

in Italy and Spain, harbingers of the Nazism soon

to seize Germany. Pope Pius intended to draw

attention to the rule of Christ in opposition to the

totalitarian claims of these ideologies.

In the reform of the Roman liturgy after the Second

Vatican Council, the festival of Christ the King

moved to the last Sunday of the church year.

Placed at the end of the church year, with its

traditional emphasis on the “end-times”, the

festival now proclaimed Christ as “the goal of

human history, the center of humankind, the joy of

all hearts, and the fulfillment of all aspirations,” a

positive reconstruction of the festival’s original

stand against political ideologies.

Lutherans did not observe Christ the King Sunday

until much later. When the Inter-Lutheran

Commission on Worship adopted an updated

version of the 3-year Roman lectionary in the late

1970s, the Sunday of Christ the King came with it.

Because the end of the church year has a distinct

“end-times” flavor. The festival’s placement there

affirms this long-standing theme. Lutherans, have

long since been accustomed to dealing with texts

about Christ’s second coming, the final judgment,

and the end of the age on the last Sundays after

Pentecost. Christ the King deals with the judgment

that takes place when Christ comes again to gather

his faithful into the kingdom. The stress on

judgment clarifies the nature of faithfulness. Those

who are faithful will welcome the last judgment

because it is the vindication of Christ’s suffering

and persevering saints.

-from the Lutheran Forum, Fall 2017

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Emmanuel Worships!

Join Us For Worship!

Dec. 10 at 4 PM

And Every 2nd Sunday at 4 PM

“United in One Body”

Weekly Schedule

*Sundays at

11:30 AM

*Wednesdays at

7:30PM

Singers may come to either or both rehearsals. A

second rehearsal gives singers the option of coming

for extra work, or to make up for a missed session.

Weekly

Schedule

Wednesdays

at 6:30PM

You don’t need to know much about music,

just how to count!

“Beautiful Savior – A Most Loved Hymn”

If you ask any Lutheran “What is your favorite

hymn?”, you have a good chance of hearing

“Beautiful Savior” or “Fairest Lord Jesus” as their

answer. It was my Dad’s favorite of all hymns (and,

as a Lutheran pastor interested in music, he knew

many hymns) with no others even close to being his

“most favorite.”

The anonymous lyrics of “Beautiful Savior” have

been traced to the village of Munster, Westphalia, in

Germany, according to a 1622 Jesuit manuscript. It

was printed in the Roman Catholic hymnal of 1677

with five stanzas. The number of stanzas has varied

over time along with differing translations.

“Fairest Lord Jesus” as the opening line is from an

English translation by Richard Storrs Willis, who

also wrote the English translation of “It Came upon

the Midnight Clear”.

The opening line in the ELW version is “Beautiful

Savior” and was translated by Joseph Seiss. Seiss

lived in Maryland and went to the Moravian school

there. He wanted to be a pastor, but his father and

local bishop discouraged him. He studied with his

Moravian pastor anyway, and then the Lutherans

helped him. He studied at Gettysburg and in 1842

was licensed to preach by the Lutheran Synod of

Virginia.

The music of this beloved hymn is titled the

Crusader’s Hymn. There is a legend that it goes

back to the German Crusades of the 12th Century,

thought the Jesuit manuscript appeared nearly 500

years later.

The first published record of “Crusader’s Hymn”

was in 1842. It was included in Franz Lizst’s

oratorio “Legend of Saint Elizabeth.”

Despite its confusing origins, “Beautiful Savior” has

become a favorite hymn of devotion to our Lord

Jesus Christ, and has stood the test of time

Musical Notes from Deacon Ethel Geist,

Dir. of Music Ministries

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Emmanuel Worships

NEW at Emmanuel

First Friday of Each Month

Next Meeting – December 6

A light supper will be available at 7 pm.

RSVPs are requested to mailto:[email protected].

New Path is a faith community where people in recovery and the people who love them can worship God, explore spiritual practices for recovery, and find company on the journey.

Come as you are and experience God’s grace

and unconditional love.

Sponsored by Kairos Communities

For more information: [email protected]

Facebook.com/Kairos

Join Us for the Souderton Premiere

At Emmanuel’s Annual Christmas

Children’s Worship and Pageant

Sing Christmas Songs

Hear the Christmas Story

Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus

Enjoy Christmas Treats

Casting Call !

Rehearsals Saturdays at 1 PM

Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14

Pageant Casting Needs

Talent – Singing, Instrumental,

Dance, Poetry

Adults

and Children

Narrators Middle School + High School

Main Pageant Roles Children who are good readers and

speakers

Other Speaking Roles Children who can memorize short parts

Non-Speaking Roles Children of any age

Stage Crew and Support

Adults and Older Teens

Sign Up TODAY !

mailto:[email protected]


15

Schedule of Events Friday, Dec. 13 7:00 PM

“Deck the Halls”

Come Decorate the Church for

Christmas

Specia l

Chr is tmas Treats

Saturday, Dec. 14

8:30 – 10 AM

Free Community Breakfast

With Santa Claus

and Chris tmas Carols

Sunday, Dec. 15

3:00 PM Christmas Pageant

‘To Hear the Angels Sing”

The Souderton

Premiere

Christmas Eve Dec. 24

7:00 PM

Family Service

Featuring “Las Posadas”

An interact ive

retel l ing

of Mary and Joseph’s

journey to Bethlehem

Christmas Eve Dec. 24

9:00 PM

Candlelight

Service

Tradi t ional Lessons

and Chris tmas Carols

including

“Si lent Night”

by Candlel ight

Christmas Day Dec. 25

10:00 AM

Service of Holy

Communion

Welcome

the Chris t Chi ld

on Chr is tmas Morn

T

Come Ce lebrate

Christmas

at Emmanuel

M a r k Y o u r C a l e n d a r s N o w !

16

Emmanuel Nurtures !

Coming Up Soon:

Wed. Dec. 18th

@ Noon

Location:

Franconia Cafe

For information, and transportation needs,

contact: Gloria Heckler 215-799-2264

Join us for lunch, conversation and

fellowship every 3rd Wednesday

_______________________________

Next Meeting

December 16

@ 7:00 PM

Bring a wrapped book

to share

Christmas Book Swap

Join the ladies of Emmanuel for fun conversation

and fellowship – and always a good read!

For information, e-mail Mary Anne Morral

[email protected]

__________________________________________

Knitters and Crocheters !

“Come and gather

to make shawls for those

in need of comfort.”

Next Meeting:

December 1st @ 1PM

And every first Sunday of the month.

Instruction available for all who are interested.

__________________________________________

“A New Kind of Sunday School”

Last Week at Sunday’s Kids…

God sent 10 plagues to Egypt to convince Pharaoh to release the Hebrews from slavery.

This week: The Israelites cross over the Red Sea – on foot !...

Next week: …but the Promised Land is still 40 years away.

Have fun!

Form faith!

Make friends!

Sundays at 10AM

Don’t miss Sunday’s Kids !!!


17

Emmanuel . Nurtures !

Inspire Extravagant Generosity

Save January 10-11 for a weekend of

informative and useful presentations

designed to inspire extravagant generosity in

your church! This event is hosted at Trinity

Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St.,

Lansdale, PA 19446.

This stewardship extravaganza features

keynote speakers J. Clif Christopher (author

of: It’s Not Your Father’s Offering Plate,

Whose Offering Plate Is It?, The Church

Money Manual and more), Aimee Laramore

(Owner/Lead Consultant for ALlyd Image

Solutions, a boutique consulting firm

dedicated to building organizational capacity

and effective development practices) and the

Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills (Program

Associate Director for African Descent

Ministries for the ELCA).

Saturday will feature 12 workshops designed

to stimulate your stewardship efforts.

Cost: $50/person

Saturday ONLY $35/ person.

Registration includes Saturday lunch.

Interested? See Pastor John

“ W h ile W e Wa it”

This Advent you are invited to…WAIT.

Two Sessions Each Week.

Mondays – 3PM at The Broad St. Grind

(11/25, 12/2, 9, 16)

Tuesdays – 7PM in the church PARLOR.

(11/26, 12/3, 10, 17)

This Advent, you are invited to wait. I know

that is not the most attractive invitation to

give to a busy person, but it may be the most

important. You are invited to… “WAIT”

“While We Wait” is a bible study series

designed and led by Pastor John. Together,

we examine the promises made by God

through the prophets even as we wait with

anticipation for their fulfillment in Jesus.

The study is in four installments, one for

each week in Advent. Each installment is

free-standing, so you don’t have to commit to

coming to all four sessions.

“While We Wait” is a collaborative and

conversational study guided by the four

letters of the word “WAIT”.

Week 1 – Watch

Week 2 - Anticipate

Week 3 – Inspect

Week 4 - Treasure

This Advent, you are invited to…WAIT!

While We Wait

18

Emmanuel . Nurtures !

Dig deeper into your faith !

“The

Gospel

for Today”

Sundays

9:00 AM

Led by our own

Deacon Marlene Natali ____________________________

Let ’s Get

Ready for

Chr is tmas !

An e ven in g o f go od c heer As w e “ Dec k T he H a l l s ”

a t E mm an u e l

Fr iday , December 13 7 :00 PM

Chris tmas Music

Chr is tmas Treats

Chr is tmas Cheer

As we decorate toget her !

S ign U p T od ay in t he G a t her in g S pac e .

For our Homebound Members Doris Alderfer

William & Helen De Turk

Norma Detweiler

Mary & Bill Frank

Betty Frese

Rita Fritz

Louella Gehringer

John Kemmerer

Kitty Kramer

Jane Niemczyk

Kathryn Stover

Joseph Sykes

Faye Wetzel

Dorothy Wohlgemuth

Current addresses for our homebound are posted in the Gathering Space

For Health and Healing Members of Emmanuel

Roy Becker

Werner Buschmann

Anthony Campolei

Elaine Cash

Pat Conard

Dominick DeSalvo

Keira Drissel

Faye Landis

Kermit Schnable

Anita Sykes

Floyd Yothers

Robert Ziegler

Friends of Emmanuel Donna Clemens (friend of Janel and Barry Gibson)

Dennis Beer (friend of the Kulps)

Jim Clark (friend of Caren and Doug Landis)

Luca Condo (friend of Ruth Miller)

Helen Freed (Craig Freed’s Mom)

Sabrina Haap (Ruth Miller’s Niece)

Donald Heller (Shirley’s Brother-in-law)

Dixie Kephart (Darlene’s Mother)

Marvin Krupp (Friend of Roy Becker)

William Lewis (Anita Vogel’s Brother)

Ed Natali (David’s Brother)

Samir Nowar (friend of Pastor John)

Alicia Ranberg (Friend of the Crouthamels)

Stewart Schrauger (Julie Freed’s Brother)

Michael Smith (friend of Cheryl Starke)

Eric Sykes (Anita & Joe’s Son)

Pam Valenti (Lou Gehringer’s Sister)

Alexander & Sylvia Wagwicz (Friends of DeSalvos)

Suzanne Willauer (Ed Cash’s Sister)

Al Winters and Family (Friend of Werner Buschmann)

Chase Ziegler (Christman’s Great-Grandson)

While Away at School David Henry Samantha Plinke Abby Steinly

In order to keep our Prayer List up to date, names will remain

for four weeks unless otherwise notified

19

Emmanuel Nurtures !

Thoughts on

God’s Word for

Today

Nov. 24, 2019

What to do with Revelation? It is the most mysterious and controversial book in

the bible. It is so misunderstood and misinterpreted

that Martin Luther once wrote: “If a book is to be

called Revelation, then it should reveal something.”

Since we’re at the time of year where many of our

lessons point to the “end times”, I thought it might

be could to say a few words about the book that

claims to be a vision of what that will look like.

I wish I could say that I can unlock for you the secret

of Revelation. That would assume there is one to be

found. Revelation is not an encrypted message that

one can solve and discover the secret about the end.

In fact, the message of Revelation would have been

obvious to people at the time it was written. The

literary genre of Revelation is Jewish Apocalyptic,

which was quite popular in its day, but I have not yet

seen a Barnes and Noble section dedicated to it.

Just because it is written in an ancient style to speak

to ancient people does not mean it won’t have value

to people of today. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

It’s often assumed that Revelation was written to

inspire and comfort the faithful in the face of

increasing persecutions. This is true, but it is not the

whole truth. It was also written to encourage the

growing churches in the Roman Empire to resist

compromising their faith by aligning themselves

with the Empire, its unjust systems and lust for

power and wealth.

As a text to give hope to persecuted Christians it

does not have great meaning for Americans. As a

text that cautions against alignment with unjust

practices of an empire, it has a lot to say. If you

haven’t already done so, please take a look at the

article on page 12 that explains the origins and

purpose of “Christ the King Sunday”.

We have it set this day aside in our church year as a

day to remember who we worship and who reigns

over all. Our King is not a powerful ruler who wears

a crown and rules through conquest, violence, unjust

accumulation of wealth, and misuse of nature. Our

King is the slaughtered baby lamb who God raised

from the dead and placed on the throne of heaven.

Our King is the one who loved and suffered for

others. Our King overcame the world’s greatest sin

and injustice by giving up his life to die on a cross.

One of the main themes of Revelation is the idea that

we are “aliens living in an alien culture”. That is

descriptive of Christians in every time and place.

We are called to follow Christ – and only Christ.

When following Christ puts us at odds with what our

culture, society and systems demand from us, then

we are asked to choose Christ, choose the Gospel,

choose to serve, choose to love – even when the

prevailing systems seek to overwhelm us.

Readers of Revelation often get lost in the rich

symbolism and imagery of the book. Plagues of

giant scorpion-like locusts, huge beasts rising from

the abyss, heavy use of symbolic numerology,

visions of a new world coming down from heaven.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to figure out

what it all means, as if that knowledge will bring us

closer to God. Don’t fall for the “left-behind” myth.

Don’t fall for the “sign of the end” myth. Revelation

is not about making predictions. It does, however,

communicate a vision of a new world and how that

new world might come to be.

The point of Revelation is that God is supreme, and

all the other powers of the world are “under God”.

That’s why the words “under God” were added to

our pledge of allegiance. Yes, we pledge allegiance

to our great nation, but only to the extent that it acts

as a nation “under God”. God reigns, not through

exercise of power, not through wrathful judgment,

not through concentration of wealth. God reigns as a

slaughtered baby lamb – through acts of peace, love,

self-sacrifice. In the end, those are the qualities of

the living that will bring about real change in the

world. That is when the “New Jerusalem” will come

down from heaven; the reign of Christ fulfilled.

Revelation doesn’t mark for us a time of world

destruction. Instead it is a vision of a God who is

always making something new, and that means that

evil and its aligned forces will ultimately be

defeated, not by violence, but by the slaughtered

baby lamb, our King, our Lord Jesus Christ.

20

Emmanuel

Serves !

Sponsored by:

Emmanuel’s Men in Mission

Saturday, Dec. 14

8:30 – 10:00 AM

Did we say it’s F R E E !

Eggs, Pancakes, Sausage

Community and Conversation

Join us every 2nd Saturday!

Emmanuel Hires New

Parish Administrator

Welcome Deacon Kathleen Afflerbach!

(You can call her Kathie)

We are excited to announce that Deacon Kathie

Afflerbach has joined Emmanuel’s staff as our

new Parish Administrator. Kathie began her

duties on November 18, coming to us from after

holding a similar position at Grace Lutheran in

Hatfield.

Prior to her work with Grace, Kathie was the

Director of Donor Services for the Lutheran

Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now

United Lutheran Seminary). While there, she

worked with Pastor John, supporting the

Development staff through communications to

donors, database management, organizing fund-

raising programs and recording contributions.

She also has significant experience in Human

Resource work.

Kathie’s role at Emmanuel will include

volunteer coordination, printed and digital

communications, hospitality, bookkeeping and

database management. She will have regular

office hours which will be posted once they have

been established.

A rostered Deacon in the ELCA, Kathie holds a

Master of Arts in Religion Degree from The

Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

She is a life-long resident of Quakertown, and

worships at St. John’s Lutheran Church in

Spinnerstown.

We will welcome Kathie to the Emmanuel

family at worship on Sunday, December 1.

21

Emmanuel

Serves !

Cards and

List will be

available

in the

Gathering

Space on

December 1.

Let’s give our homebound friends some

good cheer for Christmas.

See Ann Renner if you have questions.

________________________________

Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training

December 7, 2019

9AM – 4PM

One-day Lay Eucharistic Visitor training

hosted by Lutheran Congregational Services

(LCS)

Twining Village,

280 Middle Holland Road,

Holland, PA.

LCS’s training ministry engages learners in

the Biblical and theological background of

the Sacrament of Holy Communion and

teaches potential Eucharistic Visitors about

visitation and administration of the

sacrament.

Registration is required

Contact Julia Menzo

[email protected].

Please let Pastor John know if you

are interested.

Please bring your

Keystone Food Pantry Donations to

Church each week and place them on or

under the collection table

in the gathering space.

Members of Emmanuel’s “Men in

Mission” will transport them to Keystone

every 1 – 2 weeks.

Thank You!


22

Emmanuel Reaches Out !

It’s Easy to Help !

1. Take an ornament

off of the gift tree in

the Gathering

Space.

2. Purchase the gift at

any store, or online.

3. Bring unwrapped

gifts and drop in the

collection box.

Please drop off gifts

no later than December 1.

______________________________

Upcoming Sanctuary Church Discussion Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - 7pm

The Upper Bucks Conference has scheduled a

gathering to talk about the recent ELCA Churchwide

decision to become a Sanctuary Church

It will be held in the Activity Center at

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Richlandtown.

All church members & leaders are invited to attend!

Come and hear information about what being a

Sanctuary Church means and what it does not.

This is an opportunity to talk openly and honestly

about the decision with your brothers and sisters in

the Upper Bucks Conference.

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT BINGE DRINKING?DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS OF ALCOHOL POISONING?

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES?

IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE . . .

AND IT DID. Come and hear about the alcohol poisoning education program called “Don’t Stall, Just Call!” and learn how you can save life! Please join Mary Ciammetti as she shares her story about the tragic loss of her son due to binge drinking and her new initiative designed to help educate and inspire!

, ~7:00pm

ALL ARE WELCOME!

For more information, please contact:

23

Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

Please return to church office no later than

Sunday, December 15.

Number of plants ________ @ $10 each = $_______

(Enclose check or cash donation)

Please check 1 or more, and write neatly for

bulletin acknowledgement

In Memory of __________________________

_______________________________________

______________________________________

In Honor of __________________________

_______________________________________

______________________________________

In Thankfulness to God for ________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

Given By:

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

Following the Sunday, December 29 Service:

I would like to take the poinsettia home.

Please donate to a homebound member.

World Hunger Donation Form Please return to church office no later than

Sunday, December 15.

Donation - $_________

(Enclose check or cash donation)

For suggestions – please see gift chart below

Please check 1 or more, and write neatly for

bulletin acknowledgement

In Memory of __________________________

_______________________________________

______________________________________

In Honor of __________________________

_______________________________________

______________________________________

In Thankfulness to God for ________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

Given By:

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

Gift Value Chart

$10 -Egg laying Chicken

$20-Honey Beehive

$30-Piglet

$50-Goat

$250-A Fish Farm

$500-Cow

$750-A Family Farm

P

l

e

24

Emmanuel Evangelical

Lutheran Church

Sunday Schedule

Bible Study/Discussion – 9AM

Worship and Sunday’s Kids – 10 AM

Fellowship Time – 11 AM

Contact Us:

69 W. Broad Street • Souderton, PA 18964

Church Telephone: 215-723-7514

Welcome to our new Parish Administrator:

We are pleased to announce the hiring of

Deacon Kathleen Afflerbach

as Emmanuel’s new Parish Administrator

Kathie will be introduced to the

congregation on December 1.

Office hours are still being considered and

we will post them soon.

E-mail:

[email protected]

On the Web:

www.emmanuellutheranchurch.net

Facebook.com/EmmanuelSouderton

Church Staff

Reverend John T. Heidgerd, Pastor

Mobile Phone: 914-275-3106

Email Address: [email protected]

Dcn. Kathleen Afflerbach, Parish Admin.

Dcn. Ethel Geist, Dir. of Music Ministries

Michael B. Geiger, Facilities Manager

Rev. Richard G. Miller, Jr., Pastor Emeritus

Marlene H. Natali, Parish Deacon

Here is What’s

Happening

@ Emmanuel

11/24 – 12/01

Sun 9:00 AM Bible Study/Discussion

10:00 AM Worship

10:00 AM Sunday’s Kids

11:30 AM Choir Rehearsal

Mon 5:30 PM Bushi Karate

3:00 PM Advent Bible Study-at

Broad Street Grind

8:00 PM AA Group

Tue 5:30 PM Bushi Karate

7:00 PM Advent Bible Study at

Emmanuel

7:30 PM AA Step Group

Wed 5:30 PM Bushi Karate

7:00 PM Thanksgiving Eve Service

at Zwingli

Thu Office Closed

Fri. Office Closed

Sat 9:00 AM Bushi Karate

1:00 PM Pageant Rehearsal #2

Sun First Sunday of Advent

9:00 AM Bible Study/Discussion

10:00 AM Worship

10:00 AM Sunday’s Kids

11:30 AM Choir Rehearsal

______________________________________

The bulletins today are

given To The Glory of God

by Gloria and Gerry

Heckler

http://www.emmanuellutheranchurch.net/

Introduction to the Day Welcome to Emmanuel ! November 24 ...

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