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Church of the Cross Office 218.963.2564 Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Email: lcc@lccnisswa.org Web Site: lccnisswa.org

Music Ministry/Organist Cathy Taylor Lay Ministries Coordinator Sally Hodgson Senior Choir Director Brian Stubbs Organist Laura Raedeke Bell Choir Director Judy Rickbeil King’s Kids Carol Smith ELCA Global Missionary Pr. Bradn Buerkle

DIRECTORY

Lutheran Church of the Cross 5064 Co. Rd. 13 Nisswa, MN 218-963-2564 www.lccnisswa.org lcc@nisswa.org

Organist/Pianist

Cathy Taylor Acolytes

8:15 Aron Hushagen, Tyler Hushagen, Weston Hiles

10:30 Max Roby, Landen Brill, Vaughn Petersen

Greeters 8:15 Pete & Carol Christofferson 10:30 Andy & Anne Ogren

Scripture Readers

8:15 Jean Kraft, Jim Kraft 10:30 Mindi Brill, Andy Ogren, Nancy Swenson

Musical Offering

LCC Congregation Sound Room John Hofmann

Ushers 8:15 Gary & Karen Boche 10:30 Dennis & Sandy Hins

Fellowship Hour/Brew Crew

Lee & Nancy Wangstad

Worship Coordinators

8:15 Chuck Trucano 10:30 Duane & Carolyn Blanck

Nursery Jaime Boesen

Comm. Asst

8:15 Lois Jensen, Darrell Paske, Bonnie Anderson 10:30 Nancy Swenson Zach & Ellie Malecha

Altar Guild Darrell Paske, Brad Swanson

Pastors Rev. Drew Bakken Rev. Kari Williamson Youth and Family Ministry Zach Malecha Custodian Clint Baker Office Manager Laurie Hemish Children and Family Ministry Kari Erickson Financial Secretary Karen Wiele

December 29, 2019 First Sunday of Christmas

Sweaters and Carols Service Lutheran Church of the Cross

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FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS December 29, 2019, 8:15 & 10:30 am

Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, Minnesota

Rev. Drew Bakken, Pastor Rev. Kari Williamson, Pastor

GOOD MORNING & WELCOME TO LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS! Welcome to worship as we come together in praise and thanksgiving to our living Savior!

Holy Spirit, blow through our church with power. Open our hearts to follow your call.

INTRODUCTION We celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and carry us as in days of old.

A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

PRELUDE “Christmas Medley,” Benson/Martin

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAROL “Angels From the Realms of Glory” (vss. 1 & 4) HYMN #275

GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the refining fire of the Holy Spirit, and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, be with you all. And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY O Lord God, you know that we cannot place our trust in our own powers. As you protected the infant Jesus, so defend us and all the needy from harm and adversity, 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)

CAROLS "Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” (vss. 1) HYMN #272 “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” (vss. 1 & 2) HYMN #284 READING MATTHEW 1:23 Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means

“God with us”.

CAROL "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," (vss. 1 & 7) HYMN #257

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THIS WEEK AT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS December 29, 2019—January 5, 2020

Today, 12-29: B-days: Stephanie Dutton, Carol Smith, Fred Soukup 8:15 Sweaters & Carols Worship w/ Communion 9:15 Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 Sweaters & Carols Worship w/ Communion 12:00 Young Adult Gathering 6:30 HS Youth Lock-In

MON, 12-30: B-days: Brittny Bzdok, Trevor Maier, Joel Mailand 1:00 Prayer Shawl Group 7:00 Brewing Theology

TUES, 12-31: B-days: Clara Bolt, Rosalie Gulbrandson, Gary Kleist, Dick Schmidt, Stefanie Ubl, Byron Wacker, Grace Winegar 9:00 Computer Lab 9:00-1:00 1:00 Staff Meeting/Prayer

WED, 1-1: B-Days: John Hahn, Benjamin Jones, Tyler Lehman OFFICE CLOSED—HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

THURS, 1-2: B-days: Ryan Heinlen 8:30 Thursday Morning Prayer 7:00 A.A.

FRI, 1-3: B-days: Angie Klein, Alex Pape Committee Reports Due for Annual Report

SAT, 1-4: B-days: Paulette Burke, Lowell Liebenow, Nathan Maier, Isaiah Petersen, Del Schmidt

SUN, 1-5: B-days: Denise Aune, Dick Carlson, Samantha Ciardelli, Laura Hernandez, Diane Hillman, Patricia McCleary, Isabelle Olson, Greg Ortmeier, Stewart Sawdey 8:15 Worship w/ Communion 9:15 Coffee & Fellowship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship w/ Communion /Welcome New Members 11:30 New Member Luncheon 2:00 Lakes Area Music Festival Concert

Lutheran Church of the Cross

Daily Bible Reading from Lectionary A

Mon., Dec 30, 2019 Jeremiah 31:15-22

Luke 19:41-44 Psalm 20

Tues., Dec 31, 2019 Isaiah 26:1-9

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Psalm 20

Wed., Jan 1, 2020 Numbers 6:22-27

Luke 2:15-21 Psalm 8

Thurs., Jan 2, 2020 Genesis 12:1-7

Hebrews 11:1-12 Psalm 72

Friday, Jan 3, 2020 Genesis 28:10-22 Hebrews 11:13-22

Psalm 72 Sat., Jan 4, 2020

Exodus 3:1-5 Hebrews 11:23-31

Psalm 72

Congregational Meetings Jan. 12th 9:30 discuss

2020 budget

Jan. 19th at 9:30 Annual Mtg Part 2—to approve budget & highlight goals for 2020

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Lutheran Church of the Cross - News and Notes December 29, 2019—January 5, 2020

Prayer Requests LCC Members: Nancy Erickson (Bill Erickson’s mom), Cheryl Karlgaard, Gary Rivers, Bonnie Tinnes, Mary Cram, Vickie Reph, Sarah Aga, Sue Pratt, Bill Campbell, Mark Boesen, Nora Jabas, Dave Stevens

Friends & Relatives of LCC Members: Maury Mogenson (Pete Mogenson’s uncle), Curt Jacobson (Gary & Joann Rivers’ nephew), Harvey Samson (Midge Shaws’s husband), Nancy Triebel (Sharon Leese’s sister), Tom Betz (friend of Clark & Julie Fillbrandt, Landon Lizakowski (friend of Kari Erickson), Ken Ganske (friend of Marv & Elvera Pelkey), Betti Labs (Lea Anderson’s mom), Tobias Walter (Joy Walter’s grandson), Merrill Semingson (Lorrie Anderson’s brother), Joan Goggins (Diane Fogarty’s sister), Chris Weiss (son-in-law of Gary & JoAnn Rivers), Cori Thompson (Lori Olson’s cousin), Thor Wicklund (Pete Mogenson’s friend), Joan Nyhus (Maureen Schmidt’s sister), Brandon Cram (Mary & Dave Cram’s grandson), Lucille Schellin (Pete Mogenson’s aunt), Marion Peterson (cousin of Erv Gravdahl), Brady Feist (friend of the Campbell family), Jason Winter (friend of Brent & Jana Campbell), Judi Smieja (friend of Brent & Jana Campbell), John Grell (David Grell’s dad), Brandon Heinz (friend of JoAnn Rivers), Lori Dowd (Lois Jensen’s daughter), all of our veterans and active servicemen and women, and those struggling with mental health or addiction issues.

Please call the church office to make updates to the prayer list.

Children & Family Ministry News—NO SUNDAY SCHOOL today. Route 56: Jan. 8th is Family Faith Formation Bible Dive after worship. Camp Sunday/Wednesday, Jan. 12 & 15—volunteers needed to help lead worship—let Kari know if you can help (especially if you’ve been to LCBC!). Bowling & Pizza event at Pine River Comm. Bowl & Pizzeria on Jan. 12 at 2pm. Zach’s Blurb—Young Adult Gathering - Let's chat and get brunch at Main Street after the second service today. All young adults are invited. Reunite with old friends, and make new ones! High School Lock-In! - Join us for an epic evening of movies, games and more today,

Dec 29. 6:30. Ooey Gooey Rolls - Are back on Jan 5th! After a snowy hiatus we are excited to serve you rolls again.

Our sincere sympathies and prayers to Darrell Schreiner and family on the passing of Nancy Schreiner

Nancy’s funeral will be held on Saturday, January 4th at 11:00 with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Please keep Darrell and family and friends in your prayers as they grieve their loss of Nancy.

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READING ISAIAH 9:2, 6-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

CAROL “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (vss. 1 & 4) HYMN #279

READING LUKE 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

CAROL “Away in a Manger” (vss. 1 & 3) HYMN #278 “Silent Night” (vs. 1) HYMN #281

READING LUKE 2:8-16 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

CAROL “Angels We Have Heard on High” (vs. 1) HYMN #289 “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (vs. 1) HYMN #290

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READING MATTHEW 2:1-11 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage”. When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

CAROL “We Three Kings” We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

Refrain O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!

Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice; Heav’n sings alleluia: alleluia the earth replies. Refrain

READING JOHN 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

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CAROL “Love Has Come” (vs. 1) HYMN #292

SERMON “Morning Has Broken” Pr. Drew Bakken

OFFERING "In the Bleak Midwinter" HYMN #294

OFFERING PRAYER Generous God, you have given us life, this community, and these gifts of the earth that become the meal of your grace. Move in our hearts, that we might use your gifts to bring hope and blessing wherever we go, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. (please be seated)

COMMUNION Piano Selections

POST COMMUNION PRAYER Emmanuel, God with us, you grace us with life and breath and give us bread for the journey. Send us out in service to this world that you love, telling the amazing news of your coming to be Savior and Lord of all. Amen.

BENEDICTION Grace from God’s own heart, peace from the + Child in the manger, and strength from the Spirit of life be blessings for you today and forever. Amen.

SENDING HYMN “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” (vs. 1 & 3) HYMN #270

DISMISSAL Glory to God in the highest! Peace to God’s people on earth! Go in peace. Share the joy of Christ. Thanks be to God. We will!

POSTLUDE “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” D. Cherwien From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2015 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #24150. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Christian Copyright Solutions Worshipcast License #7366