GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH THE ALTAR FLOWERS

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God by Bill and Maia Bischof
January 2, 2011 in thanksgiving for their wedding anniversary and in honor of their father Rudy Bischof.
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
THOSE WHO SERVE
PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Almighty and Eternal God, You chose me to be Your own before the foundation of the Pastor: Rev. James C. Walter
world, that I should be holy and blameless before You. In Holy Baptism You adopted me to be Director of Parish Music: Nathan Beethe
Your child and gave me the holiness of Christ. Grant that I trust Your promises made certain in Secretary: Pat Funk
Christ Jesus my Lord, confident that I will receive my eternal inheritance. In Jesus’ name. Amen Early Childhood Center Director: Colleen Moorman
WELCOME Acolyte: (8:15) Megan Gipson
Welcome to everyone! It is indeed good for you to be here today as we continued in this Cantor: (8:15) Joel Junkans
blessed time in our Church Year. It is a time to rejoice in the comfort and joy that is ours through Ushers: (8:15) Bill Allaben, Bobby Bemberg
Christ as we celebrate together another Christmas and anticipate His coming again in great glory. Tim Loyd, Ed Mahnken
We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return Greeters: (8:15) Verna, Vera and Shirley Rieve
it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Restrooms are located on the lower level of this Altar Guild: (8:15) Janet Killough
building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. If you have Acolyte: (10:45) Kaylee Hammond
any questions please ask one of our greeters or ushers. Children are welcome in our Service and
Cantor: (10:45) Sharon Le Blanc
will be invited to come forward for a Children’s Message. Parents may accompany them. A
nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs for anyone who has need. Communion Assistant: (10:45) Rudy Bischof
Ushers: (10:45) Rudy Bischof, Rick Camacho
HOLY COMMUNION Jason Camacho, Richard Sanders
Holy Communion will be celebrated in the 10:45 Service today. In this sacrament we Greeters: (10:45) Maxine Biggers
receive Christ’s very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Those who are not members of Altar Guild: (10:45) Dawn Cline
Grace are asked to speak with our Pastor before partaking of this sacrament so that the unity of
Coffee Hosts: Gary and Angie Proud
faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request.
Communion instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to
Altar Guild: (Wed. evening) Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter
kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder Nursery Attendant: Mary Ann Dyer
distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor
says, “Take and drink.” NEXT WEEK’S READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, January 9th, The
AS WE GATHER Baptism of our Lord, are: The Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9, The Epistle
Reading: Romans 6:1-11, and The Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17.
As our children do not remain small for long but grow up quickly, so our celebration of
Christmas moves on quickly. On this ninth out of twelve days of Christmas, St. Luke has us fast-
forward twelve years and Jesus is well versed in the Scriptures. The main issue is His growth and Grace Lutheran Church
increase not only physically but especially in the wisdom of God. As Solomon prayed for P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225
wisdom as God’s greatest gift, today we are given a glimpse into God’s wisdom. It is the greatest www.gracelutheranlr.org
and highest wisdom that a person is not and cannot be saved by his own works or actions, but Telephone Number: 501-663-3631
solely by faith in the gift of Jesus. We become God’s children by His action of adopting us. For
all who may doubt this wisdom or their salvation, the Bible teaches that God has chosen you in
Christ. It is totally God’s action and gift. Therefore our salvation is completely in God’s hands.
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 THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE 6 The Son obeyed His Father’s will,
Was born of virgin mother;
FOR And God’s good pleasure to fulfill,
He came to be my brother.
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS His royal pow’r disguised He bore;
A servant’s form, like mine, He wore
To lead the devil captive.

7 To me He said: “Stay close to Me,

Pre-Service Music I am your rock and castle.
Your ransom I Myself will be;
Lighting of the Chancel Candles For you I strive and wrestle.
For I am yours, and you are Mine,
Prelude And where I am you may remain;
The foe shall not divide us.
Ringing of the Church Bell
10 “What I on earth have done and taught
Opening Hymn: Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice LSB 556 sts. 1, 5–7, 10 Guide all your life and teaching;
So shall the kingdom’s work be wrought
And honored in your preaching.
But watch lest foes with base alloy
The heav’nly treasure should destroy;
This final word I leave you.”
Text and Music: Public domain

Confession and Absolution

Stand

The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation

5 God said to His belovèd Son: P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
“It’s time to have compassion. C Amen
Then go, bright jewel of My crown,
And bring to all salvation. Exhortation
From sin and sorrow set them free;
Slay bitter death for them that they P Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our
May live with You forever.” Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

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 P Our help is in the name of the Lord, Service of the Word
C who made heaven and earth.
P I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,
Introit Ps. 147:1, 5, 11–12; antiphon: John 1:14
C and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
P The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory,
Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination. C glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

P Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God;

Confession of Sins (8:15) C for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

P Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by P Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and C his understanding is beyond measure.
deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your
grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. P But the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
C O most merciful God, who has given Your only-begotten Son to die for us, have C in those who hope in his steadfast love.
mercy upon us and for His sake grant us remission of all our sins; and by Your Holy
Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You and of Your will and true obedience to P Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through C Praise your God, O Zion!
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
P Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son Gloria Patri
to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. To those who believe on His name
He gives power to become the children of God and has promised them His Holy Spirit.
He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.
Grant this, Lord, unto us all.
C Amen

Confession of Sins (10:45)

P O almighty God, merciful Father,

C I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I
have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. Kyrie
But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of
Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and
death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor,
sinful being.
P Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of
the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the
command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father
and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C Amen

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Gloria in Excelsis

Salutation and Collect of the Day

P Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word.
Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your
Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.

Sit

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Old Testament Reading 1 Kings 3:4–15 Holy Gospel Luke 2:40–52

P This is the Word of the Lord. P The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.
C Thanks be to God.

Gradual Is. 9:6; Ps. 98:1a

The reading of the Holy Gospel.

To us a child is born, to us a son is | given;*
and the government shall be upon his | shoulder. P This is the Gospel of the Lord.
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, | Mighty God,*
Everlasting Father, | Prince of Peace.
Sing to the Lord a | new song,*
for he has done | marvelous things!

Epistle Ephesians 1:3–14

Apostles' Creed (8:15)
P This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God. C I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
Stand
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
Alleluia and Verse
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
P The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. Luke 2:40
And the favor of God was upon him. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life T everlasting. Amen

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Nicene Creed (10:45) Sermon Hymn: Within the Father's House LSB 410

C I believe in one God,

the Father Almighty, Sermon Galatians 1:3-14
maker of heaven and earth “Our Destiny”
and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Stand

the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, Offertory
very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures
and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life T of the world to come. Amen

Sit
Sit
Offering
Children's Message
Stand

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Prayer of the Church Collect

P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to P Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down
their needs. from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to
the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and,
Each petition ends with the following: in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen
P Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.
Benediction
The prayers conclude with the following:
P The Lord bless you and keep you.
P Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace.
C Amen C Amen

Closing Hymn: From East to West LSB 385

10:45 Service continues on the next page
Postlude

Service Concludes (8:15)

T T T
Lord's Prayer

P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:

C Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name, Service of the Sacrament (10:45)
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth
as it is in heaven; Preface
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

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 Lord's Prayer

Proper Preface

P It is truly meet, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks
to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; for
in the mystery of the Word made flesh You have given us a new revelation of Your glory
that, seeing You in the person of Your Son, we may know and love those things which are
not seen. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we
laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Sanctus

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 Pax Domini

The Words of Our Lord

Agnus Dei

Sit

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Distribution Thanksgiving
Hymn: Children of the Heavenly Father LSB 725
Hymn: What Child Is This LSB 370
Hymn: Go Tell It on the Mountain LSB 388

Stand

Nunc Dimittis

Post-Communion Collect

P Let us pray.
O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent
Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us
pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but
always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled
constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Salutation

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Benedicamus THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. – Divine Service

Coffee and Fellowship
8:45 a.m. – Sunday School and Bible Class
10:00 a.m. – Divine Service with Holy Communion
MON - FRI: 7:30 a.m. – Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC)
MONDAY: 4:45 p.m. – 8th Grade Confirmation
7:00 p.m. – Board of Christian Education
TUESDAY: 9:30 a.m. – Tuesday Morning Bible Class
Benediction
12:00 noon – Sit and Sew
WEDNESDAY: 6:30 a.m. – Men’s Bible Study (St. Vincent’s)
7:00 p.m. – Mid-week Service
FRIDAY: 4:15 p.m. – 7th Grade Confirmation
SATURDAY: 9:00 a.m. – Take down the Christmas tree and decorations

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL - Today in Sunday school, we learned about the boy
Jesus and His visit to the temple. The Gospel of Luke records this for us in Luke 2:41–52.
This Bible story will provide a great basis for family discussion about parents and
children. But, more importantly, it can be used to talk about who this boy Jesus really
is—both for His parents and for us. Talk about the Fourth Commandment and ask the
children how Jesus responded to His earthly mother and her scolding. Discuss how Jesus
interacted with the Pharisees and how they reacted to Him.

SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS – Pastor Walter’s Bible Class meets each Sunday morning in
Parker Hall. Pastor is leading a study on the book of Genesis.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GOD’S BLESSINGS TO:

Jan. 3 – Judy and Tommy Borchert, Betty and Bob Bryant
Jan. 5 – Wendy and Bob Schmidt
Closing Hymn: From East to West LSB 385
Jan. 6 – Hope and Rob Wistrand

Postlude
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD’S BLESSINGS TO:
Jan. 2 – Edwin Mahnken, Doris Parker
T T T Jan. 3 – Diane Roberts
Jan. 5 – Sharon LeBlanc
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Jan. 6 – Joni Jones, Elsie Westerfield
Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Jan. 7 – Perryn Andrews, Jaxon Ham, Lindsay Stoker
Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
Jan. 8 – Irvin Clawitter, David Cossey, Bradley Stillman, Jason Sutterfield

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REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Linda Royster is recovering at home following hip replacement surgery.
Ann Tschiemer has returned to Good Shepherd Nursing Center with hospice care.
Michael Parscale is continuing his struggle with cancer.
LAST WEEK’S STEWARDSHIP – Attendance: Sunday 12/26 10:00: 126. Christmas
Eve: 230. Christmas Day: 75. Offerings: Sunday 12/26: $2,763.25. Advent Mid-Week
IV 12/22: $2,016.50. Christmas Eve: $2,589.00. Christmas Day: $1,408.00. Building
Fund: $335.00. Fan into Flame: $150.00. Memorials: $195.00. Member Assistance:
$25.00.
2011 OFFERING ENVELOPES – There are still some 2011 offering envelopes on the
table in the breezeway. Please pick them up today. Your envelope number has probably
changed so do not use any 2010 envelopes – please throw them away.
2011 ALTAR GUILD – The Altar Guild schedule for 2011 is on the stand by the
breezeway door. Please take time to check the schedule and sign up for the month and
service in which you wish to serve. If you would like to help but have not previously
done so, please contact the church office. Thank you for volunteering your time!
2011 FLOWER CALENDAR is posted in the Ushers’ room at the back of the sanctuary.
Please sign up on the date that you would like to place flowers on the altar in 2011. The
chart fills up quickly, but there are still a few Sundays available.
PORTALS OF PRAYER for January – March, 2011 are on the table in the back of the
sanctuary. The January devotions have started so please pick up your copy today.
Remember to recycle you old Portals of Prayer.
7th GRADE CONFIRMATION class meets on Fridays at 4:15 p.m. in the Parlor.
8th GRADE CONFIRMATION class meets on Mondays at 4:45 p.m. in the Parlor.
POINSETTIAS – Thank you to everyone who gave poinsettias to decorate the church for
Christmas. The chancel area is beautiful! Please leave the poinsettias until after next
Saturday, when we take the Christmas decorations down. Thank you!
SIT AND SEW - Bring your project and join the Sit and Sew group on Tuesday,
January 4th, at 12:00 noon in the downstairs classroom in the church. Contact Carole
Nichols or Sammye Sue Harrill for more information.
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CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – We will be taking down the Christmas decorations on
Saturday, January 8th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please take an hour or two out of your
busy schedules to help us take down the trees and put away all the decorations. Thanks!!
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS meets each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the downstairs
classroom in the church. They are beginning a new Life Light Series on Mark. Contact
Joan Ann Olsen if you’re interested in attending.
2011 THRIVENT BUILDS – HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – Our thanks to Diane Roberts
for being the Grace coordinator for the past couple of years. Diane plans to step down, so
we need a new coordinator to represent Grace in this project. The 2011 Build committee
will have a short kickoff meeting on Saturday, January 8th at 9:00 a.m. in the Christ
Lutheran Church fellowship hall. They will discuss the location, a tentative build
schedule, fundraising and volunteer goals. Please contact the church office or Diane if
you would like to volunteer to be the Grace Congregation coordinator. Thanks!!!
FOOD FOR THE POOR – Your parish was among more than 1,800 congregations
throughout the country that welcomed one of our speakers to preach about the needs of
the poor in the Caribbean and Latin America. By allowing Food For The Poor the
opportunity to share our mission with your parish family, you have helped bring the love
of Christ to suffering children and families. Your remarkable generosity this year and
that of our donors has helped us:
- feed approximately two million people daily;
- build more than 9,500 houses for destitute families, many were living in tents
- ship over $1 billion worth of goods
- construct 124 artesian wells, water treatment and sanitation projects
- care for more than 3,600 orphans
- support numerous schools, clinics and churches
You and your parish will be remembered here at our headquarters in a special “Thankful
Thursday” prayer service on January 6, 2011. May God continue to bestow His blessings
upon you and your parishioners… Robin G. Mahfood, President/CEO
FAN INTO FLAME – We now have 46 responses to our Fan into Flame campaign, which
include 44 pledges and one time gifts totally $56,760.00. Of this amount we have
received $13,380.00. Even though our pledges now exceed our goal of $50.000.00,
please consider an offering to this Synod-wide campaign for national and international
missions. Please return your one-time gift or three year pledge in the offering plate or
mail it to the church office. Cards and envelopes are in the church office. Thank you!
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BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION will meet on Monday, January 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. MEMORIALS –
in the Church Parlor. Bob Bryant is the director.
IN MEMORY OF MR. LOUIS BORCHERT – Father of Tommy Borchert
TO GRACE MEMBER ASSISTANCE FUND
JANUARY NEWSLETTER – Watch for the January Newsletter to reach your home this
By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig
week. We were delayed due to the printing of five service folders this past week.
IN MEMORY OF MR. ROBERT H. SCHMIDT – Father of Bob Schmidt
SEMINAR ON ISLAM – “The Crescent and the Cross: Islam and Christianity” seminar
TO GRACE GENERAL FUND
will be presented by Dr. Paul L. Maier on Saturday, January 29th, 2011, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30
By Bob and Betty Bryant
p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1196 DeSoto Boulevard, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
Tickets are $15.00 which includes materials, sack lunch and coffee break refreshments.
IN MEMORY OF PAUL AND JEANNE NOLTE
Registration forms are available in the church office or call Faith at 501-922-5700 or 501-
TO GRACE GENERAL FUND
915-8292. The deadline to register is January 24th. See the flyer on the bulletin board by
By Roger and Jennifer Viola
the Parlor for more information.
IN MEMORY OF MR. HENRY BOGART
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY begins next Sunday, January 9, 2011, from 4:00 –
TO GRACE GENERAL FUND
6:00 p.m. here at Grace. Dave Ramsey, the founder and host for Financial Peace
By Rudy and Sherry Bischof
University, is a nationally syndicated personal money management expert. Childcare
will be available. The cost is $100 per couple/single. If you want to attend and have not
registered, please contact Randy Middaugh for details.

ACTS RUMMAGE SALE ITEMS – Please call the church office before bringing items to
the church for storage in the ACTS Room for the next Rummage Sale. We need to open
the storage room for you. Please do not leave your items in the downstairs hallway.
Thanks for your help in keeping things orderly downstairs.

KROGER GIFT CARDS - Our ECDC earns funds each month when you use a Kroger
Gift Card purchased from the ECDC. It works like this:
- Buy a gift card for $5. (it is already loaded with $5)
- At Kroger Customer Service Desk, load the gift card with an
amount of your choosing. An amount equal to 5% of your
purchase is rebated to our ECDC.
- When purchasing groceries, use the gift card.
- When the card is empty, reload and repeat.
Kroger Gift Cards are available in the Grace church office or from Colleen.

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