Bethany Lutheran Church | 4500 East Hampden Avenue | Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 | www.bethany-denver.org | 303-758-2820
HOLD ON: A Witness to the Light ADVENT 3 | 8:15 A.M. & 10:15 A.M. | DECEMBER 17, 2017
Gathering
PRELUDE People, Look East Robert A. Hobby
Please use the prelude as a quiet time to prepare yourself for worship.
WELCOME
You are invited to stand.
ADVENT DIALOGUE
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.
God knows those times when we bring darkness upon others.
Forgive us, O Lord, when we fail to be beacons of your light.
In these days we prepare for your breaking into the world and into our lives anew.
Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Refresh our hearts that long for you.
Please face the processional cross.
GATHERING HYMN Go Tell It on the Mountain Hymn #290
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.
BIBLE VERSE OF
THE MONTH
Isaiah 61:10a
I will greatly rejoice in
the Lord, my whole
being shall exult in my
God.
The Sunday School age
children will lead the
congregation in the
hymn Go Tell It on the
Mountain. The
congregation will sing
the verses and the
children will sing the
refrain.
2
KYRIE
3
HYMN OF PRAISE Joy to the World (vs. 1) Hymn #267
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
let ev’ry heart prepare him room
and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and heav’n and nature sing!
Please be seated.
ANTHEM (10:15 a.m.) Baby Lyin’ in a Manger Peter Combe
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING
Savior of the nations, come.
Make your home here in us.
Feed us with your love,
That our faith shine ever new and our lives reveal your light.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
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 Je-
sus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
Word
LESSON Isaiah 64:1-4, 8-11 Holy Bible pg. 770-771 (OT)
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
You are invited to stand.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
LESSON
Isaiah 64:1-4, 8-11
Though the people had
returned to Jerusalem
from exile in Babylon,
they continued to face
hardship and
oppression. In the
language of the jubilee
year described in
Leviticus 25, the
prophet, moved by the
spirit of the Lord,
announces deliverance
for those who are
oppressed and comfort
for those who mourn.
4
The Holy Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
GOSPEL John 1:6-8, 19-28 Holy Bible pg. 94-95 (NT)
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY (8:15 a.m.) People, Look East Hymn #248
ANTHEM (10:15 a.m.) Feliz Navidad arr. Audrey Snyder
SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM (10:15 a.m.) (see back of bulletin)
Amelia Marie Littlejohn, daughter of
Patrick Littlejohn and Maile Turner, born August 26, 2016
APOSTLES’ CREED (8:15 a.m.)
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.
PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.
After sharing the Peace, please be seated.
Offering
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Christmas Eve, Messiah, We’re Hiring
OFFERING Hear the Angels Sing (8:15 a.m.) Phil Kadidlo &
Robin Mann Welcome, Advent (10:15 a.m.) Rick Seaton
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Response: Lord in your mercy…Hear our prayer.
GOSPEL
John 1:6-8, 19-28
John’s gospel
describes Jesus as
the “light of the
world.” John the
Baptist is
presented as a
witness to Jesus,
one who directs
attention away
from himself to
Christ, the true
light.
BAPTISM
In baptism we are
received into the
family of God, that
is, the Church. In
baptism Amelia
Marie will be washed
into Christ and
clothed with
Righteousness. As
people of God we are
called to join all
God’s people for the
sake of sharing
God’s love and grace
in the world.
Meal
WELCOME TO THE LORD’S TABLE
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
PREFACE It is indeed right, our duty and our joy... ...we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS
5
THE LORD’S
PRAYER
Our second grade
students engaged
with the Lord’s
Prayer for two
weeks with their
families and are
leading us in
reciting the prayer
this morning at our
10:15 a.m. worship.
Congratulate them
on their learning!
6
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.
THE DISTRIBUTION
Bethany welcomes all to receive the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion. An
usher will direct you forward for communion. There are several stations across the front
of the seating sections. Groups are welcome to visit a communion station together. You
will receive a piece of bread in your hand, please dip the bread into the cup of wine. Those
who are not receiving communion are invited to receive a blessing. Note that the commun-
ion station at the center has gluten-free bread and alcohol-free wine.
LAMB OF GOD
COMMUNION MUSIC Born ‘Neath a Star (8:15 a.m.) Cynthia Gray
Carol of the Bells (10:15 a.m.) arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Niño Lindo (10:15 a.m.) Ruth Boshkoff
COMMUNION HYMN Love Has Come Hymn #292
You are invited to stand.
BLESSING
Sending
BENEDICTION
ANTHEM (8:15 a.m.) Baby Lyin’ in a Manger Peter Combe
SENDING HYMN (10:15 a.m.) Joy to the World Hymn #267
DISMISSAL Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE Angels, from the Realms of Glory Robert A. Hobby
7
Liturgical Text and Worship Notes: From Sundays and Seasons.com © 2017 Augsburg For tress. All r ights reserved. Repr inted by
permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS006681.
8
WORSHIP LEADERS
PASTORS Pastor Gary Sandberg, Pastor Russ Britton, Pastor Brigette Weier
ORGANIST Rick Seaton
ASSISTING MINISTER Vicky Daub
LECTOR
(Coordinator: Ron Gusé)
Koren Holden (8:15 a.m.)
Elton Winters (10:15 a.m.)
MUSICIANS Sounds of Praise, Paula Wills, Director
Cherub Choir, Zach Rodasti, Director (8:15 a.m.)
Sounds of Praise, Paula Wills, Director
Cherub Choir, Zach Rodasti, Director
Alpha Ringers, Alex Rodasti, Director
ReBELLion, Alex Rodasti, Director
Celebration, Juli Dowell, Director
Jubilation & Inspiration, Juli Dowell, Director
Anada Gusé, Accompanist (10:15 a.m.)
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTERS The McCreesh, Craven, and Wittebort families (8:15 a.m.)
Charlie, Michelle, Peyton, Graham, and Beckett Jones (10:15 a.m.)
ACOLYTES Sam Johnson, Emily Johnson (8:15 a.m.)
Lucy Gray, Mia Maturo (10:15 a.m.)
COMMUNION SERVERS
(Coordinators:
Karen Tennien, 8:15 a.m.
Alison Betts, 10:15 a.m.)
Sylvia Boedeker, Peggy Furgason, Diane Herrmann,
Koren Holden, Mel Stolzenburg (8:15 a.m.)
Arlis Adolf, Judi Burchfield, Gretchen Hack,
Morris Hack, Lori Roenfeldt (10:15 a.m.)
SACRISTAN
(Coordinator: Dave Malucky)
Dave Malucky
USHERS
(Coordinators:
Dave Okes, 8:15 a.m.
Andy Gift, 10:15 a.m.)
Steve Esterline, Bill Herrmann, Dave Kirchner, Gary Miller,
Scott Scholbe, David Scott, Bud Setzer, Richard Will (8:15 a.m.)
David Admire, Andy Gift, Ben King, Lowell Palmquist,
Judy Sturm, Julane Powell (10:15 a.m.)
SOUND TECHNICIANS
(Coordinators: Forrest Guittar, Laura Romig)
Erik Boss, Trevor McLean
ALTAR GUILD
(Coordinator: Linda Sather)
Gwen Grace, Gail Hipke, Jean Lindsey, Carol Rankin, Karol Setzer
NURSERY ATTENDANTS Kathy Shearer
ACCESSIBILITY AT BETHANY
Hearing Assistance: Please see the
Sound Tech in the sound booth if you
need a hearing assistant device.
Please see the ushers for a
large print bulletin.
We welcome our new worshipers today! Please fill out the green welcome sheet in your bulletin, and join in
fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. To learn more about Bethany’s Bible studies and various ministries, pick up
a Life Together at Bethany booklet at the Welcome Center or download it from our website - www.bethany-
denver.org. Bethany hosts New Worshiper Information Sessions quarterly and then receives new members.
Schedule a home visit with a pastor to discuss how Bethany’s ministries might connect with your faith journey.
Contact Sarah at [email protected] for more information about becoming a member.
Worship Schedule
Sundays: 8:15 & 10:15 a.m. ~ Wednesdays: 6:30 p.m.
Also available: Watch live streaming and archived services at www.BethanyLive.org.
EDUCATION AT BETHANY:
Christmas break for Sunday School, Confirmation, and Children’s Music will be Sundays, December 24 and 31, and Wednesdays December 27 and January 3. There will be an Epiphany Celebration for all in the Fellowship Hall at 9:25 a.m. on January 7. Regular classes resume on Wednesday, January 10, and Sunday January 14. Merry Christmas!
Beginning January 7, the education time will
start at 9:25 a.m. and end at 10:05 a.m. This
allows for more flexibility! TODAY AT BETHANY Poinsettias: Today is the last day to contr ibute
towards the cost of a poinsettia in honor or in memory
of a loved one. Look for the red envelopes in the pew
racks or at the Welcome Center. $25.00 donation.
—
Our Fourth Metro Caring Food Breakdown is
TODAY in the Fellowship Hall between services.
Help breakdown bags of rice and beans into quart
sized with sponsor-donated funds from the Stephen
Ministry and the Benevolence Ministry Team.
—
Handel's Messiah: Colorado Bach Ensemble, under
the direction of James Kim, will be presenting the full
Messiah in the Bethany Sanctuary today at 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit
www.ColoradoBach.org.
—
Need some votive candle holders to complete your
Christmas decorations? We have some! Stop by the
table in the Fellowship Hall and check them out. Then
give a donation for them at the Welcome Center.
—
The Global Mission Ministry Team is selling fair
trade coffee, tea, and chocolate in the Fellowship Hall.
Proceeds help small farmer growers in Latin America,
Africa and Asia through Lutheran World Relief, Equal
Exchange and Divine Chocolate.
—
ELCA World Hunger Christmas Ornaments: Have
you ever selected a gift for someone in need from a
Christmas tree in a store or shopping mall? Now you
can do the same thing at Bethany to support ELCA
World Hunger. Pick up and pay for an ornament at the
tree by the Welcome Center. You can then give the
ornament to your loved ones.
—
Reverse Advent Calendar Food Drive: Instead of
getting a gift or chocolate every day in Advent, put a
non-perishable food item in a box each day. Pick up a
list in the Fellowship Hall or at the Welcome Center.
Bring your full box to Bethany, and we will get it to
Metro Caring.
—
BECC Gift Cards are available in the Fellowship
Hall. Your purchase helps support our own Bethany
Early Childhood Center! You receive the dollar
amount on the gift card and BECC receives 5%.
Thanks for your support!
—
Flowers Today are given by Jim & Joyce Deutsch in
celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary, and by
Geoff & Kayla Tibbals in celebration of their 1st
wedding Anniversary (married at Bethany 12-17-
2016). Beginning January 1, flowers will cost $50. 9
Sign up to donate flowers in 2018 at the Welcome
Center.
THIS WEEK
Do you have an eye for Poinsettia arranging? Come
help decorate the Sanctuary for our early Christmas
Eve Service on Wednesday, December 20. We will
meet at 4:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, but come when you
can! Services start at 7:00 pm. We will also be
arranging poinsettias in the Sanctuary, Great Hall, and
Chapel on Saturday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Contact Laura Romig at [email protected].
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
ADVENT FOUR: There will be one service on
Sunday, December 24 at 9:15 a.m. in the
Sanctuary.
—
CHRISTMAS EVE: There will be services at 1:00,
3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 p.m. See page 11
for more information.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVANTS:
Ushers are par ticular ly needed. You can be
quickly trained to be wonderful hosts for the
many people who will come to Bethany this
Christmas. Sign up at the Welcome Center, or at
http://signupschedule.com/bethany.
We do have a few spots open for Communion
Servers. Sign up at the Welcome Center .
We are looking for Great Hall Hosts for the 3:00
and 5:00 (and potentially 9:00) worship services
on Christmas Eve. These are families that will
intentionally worship in the Great Hall and
welcome people into the hall when the Sanctuary
has reached capacity. Please contact Pastor Gary
if you and your family are willing to serve in this
way ([email protected]).
LOOKING AHEAD
January 7 in worship we will celebrate the Day of
Epiphany! We will hear the story of the Magi and
celebrate in the Fellowship Hall between worship ser-
vices with crafts, pancakes and fun! Invite a friend!
—
Theater & Theology: The next play on the schedule
is “Zoey’s Perfect Wedding” on Tuesday, January 30.
Disaster after disaster follow one unfortunate bride
down the aisle, from brutally honest boozy speeches to
a totally incompetent wedding planner. Watch in awe
as this wildly funny fiasco destroys her expectations
with the realities of commitment, fidelity and growing
up. Pay $35 each for your tickets by Sunday, January 7
at the Welcome Center
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gifts Processer / Bookkeeper: We are hir ing a gifts
processor for Bethany and bookkeeper for the Bethany
Early Childhood Center. Approximately 20 hours per
week. Monday mornings at Bethany are required, but
other hours are flexible. Please contact Pastor Gary
with questions, or submit resume to gary@bethany-
denver.org.
—
Bethany Early Childhood Center is seeking a
part-time cook (20-25 hours a week) to serve
nutritious and delicious meals to our young students.
Contact the BECC director, Keith, at keith@bethany-
denver.org for more information and to submit a
resume.
—
Help wanted — Volunteer Receptionist: We are
accepting applications for persons to volunteer as a
receptionist. We are still looking for volunteers for
Monday and Tuesday mornings and Fridays.
Applications are available in the office or at the
Welcome Center.
—
Pause for Advent: This Advent season, Bethany’s
Health and Wellness team is challenging Bethany’s
community to support the Offline October movement
with their own Pause for Advent campaign. Join the
team by pausing your social media use for Advent
2017 (December 3 – December 24). Questions?
Contact Vicky at church or at [email protected].
GENEROSITY UPDATE
Bethany Fund: Expected Actual
November $169,516 $119,188
Fiscal TD $684,037 $653,285
December 3, 2017 $55,957
December 10, 2017 $31,343
Renewal For Growth: As of December 12, we have
received 207 commitments for a total of $1,461,370
towards our goal of 500 commitments and $1.6M.
10
11
ADVENT 4 | CHRISTMAS EVE | CHRISTMAS worship schedule
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 7:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve Join us for a full Christmas Eve service with Chancel Choir and Carillons, Communion, and Candlelight. If
you are traveling over the Christmas weekend, or if family coming in becomes stressful, allow this worship to
give you Christmas at Bethany. Invite friends and neighbors who may be in the same situation.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 9:15 A.M. | Advent 4 Bethany will observe Advent 4 at one service on Christmas Eve morning. Join us in the Sanctuary for worship
featuring a classical guitar duet. (The Nursery will not be staffed at this service.)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve (Live Nativity) Join us for a unique outdoor service in the courtyard. Children can participate by donning a costume of an an-
gel, shepherd or other character. Just show up a little early and take part. We will have live animals as a part of
this family-friendly service. (The Nursery will not be staffed at this service.)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve These 4 traditional worship services include Communion and Candlelight, and special music from the below
Bethany and guest ensembles:
3:00 P.M. — Bethany’s Children’s and Youth Choirs, Celebration, Inspiration, and Jubilation
5:00 P.M. — Denver Brass and Bethany’s Bell Choir, Carillons
7:00 P.M. — Denver Brass and Vocal Soloists
9:00 P.M. — Denver Brass and Bethany’s Chancel Choir (The Nursery will not be staffed at
this service.)
*** Please note that the 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. worship services will include seating in both the Sanctuary
and Great Hall. Please come early to find a seat, or consider worshiping at one of our later services. We
anticipate that for the 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. services, congregants will be seated in the Sanctuary.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 11:00 P.M. | Christmas Eve This service will feature a softer worship style, with Harp and soloists. It will also include Candlelight and
Communion. (The Nursery will not be staffed at this service.)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 10:15 A.M. | Christmas Day We will hold one worship service at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary on Christmas morning. (The Nursery will not
be staffed at this service.)
Celebration of Holy Baptism
L: We gather at these living waters. Throughout history, God’s saving action toward God’s people has taken place through wa-
ter. Let us pray:
Most Holy God, you created the seas, rivers, and lakes; you saved Noah and his family from the floods; you led
the Israelites through the Red Sea and quenched their thirst with water flowing from a rock. Through the
waters of the Jordan River, you proclaimed Jesus your own beloved son and so through these waters of
baptism, you proclaim that we, too, are your own beloved children, now and forever. Amen.
L: Parents, do you wish Amelia to be baptized into the promises of God? R: I do.
L: People of God, do you promise to support Amelia as she continues her journey of faith? C: We do.
We make promises and assume responsibilities at baptism. God promises us unconditional love and life forever, and we know
that our journey of faith encompasses certain promises so that our lives reflect this love. Parents, do you promise to:
live with her among God’s faithful people, bring her to the Lord’s table,
teach her the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,
place the holy scriptures in her hands to nurture her faith and prayer life, so that she may know and trust God,
encourage her to proclaim Christ in her life, care for others, the creation that God made,
and work for justice and peace? R: I do.
L: Parents, sponsors and people of God, do you promise to support and pray for Amelia in her new life in Christ?
C: We do.
Together we confess our faith in God, who creates, redeems and sustains us.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
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.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
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
Baptism: Amelia Marie, Child of God, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer: Sustain Amelia with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.
Blessing: Amelia Marie, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ
forever. Amen.
L: Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Let us welcome our new sister in Christ!
C: We welcome you! We promise to walk together on our journey of faith, to participate in God’s mission
of love and reconciliation for all of creation and to praise God with our whole lives. We are One in Christ!
Amen!
L: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: And also with you.
After sharing the Peace, please be seated.
12
Top Related