GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS December 11, 2011

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by John Ketcher in thanksgiving for Pastor and Paula Walter and for the many blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ. THOSE WHO SERVE

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Gracious Lord, Giver of joy through the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life, grant by Your Holy Spirits power that I live my life rejoicing in the gifts that you have freely given to me. As I continue to receive these blessings with joy empower me by that same Spirit to be bold to share the joy of my salvation with others whose lives are burdened by troubles, heartaches and disappointments so that they too might grow to know and rejoice in Your all-sufficient grace. In Your name I pray. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! It is a blessing to have you here this morning, members and visitors alike. Advent is a special season of preparation for Jesus Second Coming in power and glory even as we prepare to celebrate His First Coming in meekness and humility as the Babe of Bethlehem. There is reason for joy for us in both of those comings, for He came to save us and He will come again to take us to Himself for eternity. We are glad you are here today! This morning, in the absence of our Pastor, the Service will be led by two of our lay members. Kevin Ray will serve as liturgist and David Witte will deliver the sermon. We invite you to come and worship again. We ask everyone to fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher during the Offering. Children will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs. Restrooms are also located downstairs in this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions please ask one of our greeters or ushers.

Pastor: Liturgist: Preacher: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeters: (8:15) Altar Guild: (8:15) Acolyte: (10:45) Cantor: (10:45) Ushers: (10:45) Greeters: Altar Guild: Choir: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (10:45) (10:45)

(Wed. evening)

Rev. James C. Walter Kevin Ray David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Perryn Andrews Randy Middaugh Roy Andrews, Roy Bullard, Gary Proud Debbie Penny Bette Bogart Kaylee Hammond Samantha Saenger Jon Cline, Gervais LeBlanc Jacob Ralston, Jeff Ralston Tim and Sandy Sweeney Bette Bogart Adult Choir Ginny Ralston and Beverly Sanders Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

AS WE GATHER
Advent prepares us to celebrate the arrival of Jesus our Savior. We acknowledge that He has already come to earth as the Son of Mary, and He does already enter and abide now in hearts of faith by Word and Sacrament. The only thing left is His final coming again to judge the living and the dead. Today, Rejoice Sunday, reminds us that all three of these advents are occasions for joybut John the Baptist would remind us that this is true, as long as Jesus is the center of attention! John absolutely refused to talk about himself. When forced to, he said only I am not the Christ. John reminds us that we must decrease and Jesus must increase. That is a good reminder for us during this hectic and sometimes distracting season.

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, December 18th, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, are: The Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, The Epistle Reading: Romans 16:25-27, and The Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38.
Grace Lutheran Church P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225 www.gracelutheranlr.org Telephone Number: 501-663-3631
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THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.

Confession of Sins
A Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. C O most merciful God, who has given Your only-begotten Son to die for us, have 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 Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Mark 16:16; John 1:12

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: When All the World Was Cursed LSB 346
When All the World Was Cursed - Flor Peeters

A Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son 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 and Absolution

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

Service of the Word

Introit
A Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, C and grant us your salvation. A Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, C for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. A Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, C that glory may dwell in our land. A Yes, the LORD will give what is good, C and our land will yield its increase. A Righteousness will go before him C and make his footsteps a way. -4Ps. 85:89, 1213; antiphon: Ps. 85:7

Invocation
A In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

Exhortation

Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 32:5

A Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. A Our help is in the name of the Lord, C who made heaven and earth. A I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, C and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. -3-

Gloria Patri

Salutation and Collect of the Day

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

A Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Canticle: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

LSB 357

Sit

Anthem

Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion - Kenneth Kosche

Old Testament Reading

A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Public domain

Isaiah 61:14, 811

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Gradual

Zech. 9:9; Ps. 118:26, alt.

The reading of the Holy Gospel. A This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of | Zion.* Shout aloud, O daughter of Je- | rusalem. Behold, your king is com- | ing to you;* righteous and having sal- | vation. Blessd is he who comes in the name | of the Lord.* From the house of the Lord we | bless you.

Apostles' Creed
1 Thessalonians 5:1624

Epistle
A This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Stand

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His 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 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.

Alleluia and Verse

A Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.

Matt. 11:10b

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.

Holy Gospel
A The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the first chapter.

John 1:68, 1928

Sit

Hymn of the Day: On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry

LSB 344

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Sermon Prepare the Way of the Lord

Stand

John 1:68, 1928

Prayer of the Church

A Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. Each petition ends with the following:

Offertory

Psalm 51:1012

A Lord, in Your mercy, C hear our prayer. The prayers conclude with the following: A Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen

Lord's Prayer
A Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: C 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
Sit

Matthew 6:913

Collect Offering
Stand On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry - Kenneth Kosche

A Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen - 10 -

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE

Benediction
A C
2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of our Lord T Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen

SUNDAY:

Closing Hymn: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns Postlude

LSB 348

The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns - Charles W. Ore

MON - FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY:

FRIDAY:
T T T

SATURDAY: NEXT SUNDAY:

8:15 a.m. Divine Service Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor 9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Pastor Walters Bible Class Young Women of Grace Bible Class 10:45 a.m. Divine Service 12:00 noon Childrens Christmas Program Practice 5:30 p.m. ACTS Dinner at Butcher Shop Steakhouse 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) NO 7th Grade Confirmation 6:00 p.m. Childrens Choir 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study (St. Vincents) 5:30 p.m. Advent Dinner 5:45 p.m. Handbell Choir 7:00 p.m. Advent Evening Prayer Service 3:30 p.m. ECDC Childrens Christmas Program 4:15 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation 9:00 a.m. Childrens Christmas Program Practice Cookie Walk between services in Parker Hall

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL - As we observe this Second Sunday in Advent, Sunday School students studied the story An Angel Visits Mary. In the womb of Mary, Jesus, the Son of God, became a man so that we sinful people might become adopted children of God and share in the inheritance of heaven. Parents might ask, How does God make us His children? What do we inherit as Gods children? SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS Pastor Walters Bible Class meets at 9:45 a.m. this morning in Parker Hall. In Pastors absence, the class will still meet in Parker Hall. OUR THANKS to Kevin Ray and David Witte for leading our worship services this morning. Kevin is a 2011 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska and plans to attend Concordia Seminary in St. Louis next year. David is a 2006 graduate of Concordia University Chicago and formerly taught at Lutheran High School. He is a Chaplain in the Army National Guard with a rank of first lieutenant. Pastor Walter and Paula are attending their son Pauls graduation at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana.
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Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Dec. 11 Lance Whitney Dec. 12 Carryl Blackburn, Linda Royster Dec. 14 David Cannon Dec. 15 Justine Baker, Sam Cate Dec. 16 Emma Jane Ohnemus REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Sherry Bischof is hospitalized at St. Vincents Medical Center following surgery. Carroll Holzhauer is recovering from surgery on Friday. Larry Jones continues his recovery at home. Jeanette Keehn continues her at home. Dave Graf continues healing from an injury to his eye. NOTES AND CARDS Please remember our sick and home bound members in your prayers and send them a note or card to let them know were praying for them. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 12/4: 194 (8:15 127 and 10:45 67). 2nd Advent Evening Prayer Service 12/7: 81. Offerings: Sunday 12/4: $9,891.00. 1st Advent Evening Prayer Service 11/30: $916.00. Fan into Flame: $325.00. Building Fund: $620.00. THE YOUNG WOMEN OF GRACE will meet for Bible study each Sunday morning in the classroom downstairs in the church. Bible study materials are provided, and child care is available in the church nursery. Contact Gina Junkans for more information. CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE is during the Sunday School opening each Sunday morning. Please have your children downstairs by 9:45 a.m. They will also practice today following the 10:45 service and on Saturday, December 17th, at 9:00 a.m. The Christmas Program will be Sunday afternoon, December 18th, at 3:00 p.m. SENIOR YOUTH GROUP is selling wooden crosses and ornaments between services today on the bridge. They make a wonderful gift - they will be selling them until Christmas. Contact Suzanne Lambert or Joel and Gina Junkans if you have questions. ACTS CHRISTMAS DINNER is this evening, December 11th at the Butcher Shop Steakhouse, 10825 Hermitage Road in Little Rock. Come at 5:30 p.m. to visit and we will sit down to order at 6:00 p.m. If you have questions about your reservations talk with Sammye Sue Harrill or Riley Middaugh this morning.
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ADVENT EVENING PRAYER SERVICES will be held each Wednesday: December 14, and December 21 at 7:00 p.m. The theme for these services is VOICES FROM THE EDGE Advent Encounters Preparing the Way. Join us this Wednesday for worship at 7:00 p.m. and dinner at 5:30 p.m. ADVENT DINNERS will be served at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday prior to the Advent Service. This week the Young Women of Grace and the Board of Evangelism will be serving Chicken Soft Tacos and Spanish Rice. Join us for dinner and fellowship before our Advent service. 7th GRADE CONFIRMATION CLASS will NOT meet on Monday. 8th GRADE COMFIRMATION CLASS will meet on Friday at 4:15 p.m. in the Parlor. HOLY BAPTISM Nora Olivia Robinson, daughter of Phillip and Ashley Robinson, was received into Gods kingdom of grace through the sacrament of Holy Baptism on Saturday, December 3rd. Her sponsors are Brandon and Laura Helms. Nora is the greatgranddaughter of Jim Robinson. CONGRATULATIONS to Sheila Meadows and David Drago who were married last Saturday, December 3rd here at Grace with Pastor Walter officiating. Congratulations and Gods blessings to Sheila and David. CONGRATULATIONS On Monday evening Christina Junkans received the C. R. Bates Spiritual Aims Award presented by the Kiwanis Club of Pulaski Heights. Pastor Walter and Joel and Gina Junkans accompanied Christina to the awards dinner. Congratulations, Christina!! OUR THANKS to Joel, Gina and James Junkans and Angie Proud for decorating our Christmas trees in the sanctuary. Theyre beautiful. Also, our thanks to Sammye Sue Harrill and ACTS for purchasing new lighted trees for the church. THANK YOU We have a new banner for Advent in the sanctuary. Our thanks to Sammye Sue Harrill for using her gifts and talents to design and make this banner. CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - On Tuesday, December 13th, at 6:30 p.m. Christ Lutheran School will present their Christmas Program along with their Christmas Band and Choir Concert. Join them for a wonderful evening of music while supporting our Grace children who attend Christ Lutheran School.
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2012 ALTAR FLOWERS 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 2012. The chart fills up quickly, so sign up now. 2012 OFFERING ENVELOPES Your 2012 offering envelopes are ready and on the table in the breezeway. Please pick them up today, but do not use them until after the 2012 year begins. 2012 ALTAR GUILD The Altar Guild schedule for 2012 is on the stand by the breezeway door. Please sign up for the month and service in which you wish to serve. COOKIE WALK - Join us in the Fellowship Hall next Sunday, December 18th, during coffee time for the annual Cookie Walk. What is a Cookie Walk? you ask. It is a Grace Christmas tradition, something between a cookie exchange and a bake sale. We ask that you bring cookies to donatejust pack them in a tin or on a plate and bring them to church that morning. Then come to the Cookie Walk and purchase a bag to fill with the cookies of your choosing. The proceeds from the event help two Grace Lutheran families. Enjoy an assortment of Christmas cookies baked by our wonderful cooks while knowing your generous donation helps bring smiles to others. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (DCFS) East Office has a need for wipes, juices, canned lunches: spaghetti, soups, ravioli, and gently used coats for the children that come through their office for foster care. DCFS is also working on their visitation room they can use books, building blocks and hard toys - things that can be easily cleaned. No stuffed animals. If you can help with any of these items, please place them in the DCFS container on the bridge. The staff at the East Office is very appreciative of our efforts and sends their thanks. For more details, talk with Abby Buchanan or Pat Funk. 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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ADVENT EVENING PRAYER SERVICES

The theme for our Advent Mid-Week services is VOICES FROM THE EDGE Advent Encounters Preparing the Way. Come and worship with us as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to hear the Good News of forgiveness that comes through Him. ADVENT SERVICES December 14 7:00 p.m. December 21 7:00 p.m. ~~~~~~~~~~ ADVENT SUPPERS ADVENT SUPPERS will be served at 5:30 p.m. each week. following menus will be served. December 14 Chicken Soft Tacos and Spanish Rice Served by Young Women of Grace and the Board of Evangelism Chili with all the extras, salad and dessert Served by LWML Evening Guild The

December 21

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