COME, LET US WORSHIP CHRIST,
WHO IS BOTH LORD OF TIME AND BORN INTO TIME
GATHERING
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL WITH PRAISE AND PRAYER,
AND PREPARE TO HEAR GOD’S WORD OF LIFE
GREETING
Pastor: The grace and lovingkindness of our Saviour Jesus Christ
Word made flesh,
born of the Virgin Mary,
be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
People: The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
Pastor: Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness,
on then light has shined.
People: We have beheld Christ’s glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father.
Pastor: To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
People: In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
Pastor: Blessed are you, Prince of Peace.
People: You rule the earth with truth and justice.
Pastor: Blessed are you, Son of Mary.
People: You share our humanity.
Pastor: Blessed are you, Son of God.
People: You dwell among us as the Word made flesh.
Pastor: Reveal yourself to us in word and sacrament
People: that we may bear your light to all the world.
Pastor: Jesus, the bright Morning Star, shines light in the world.
People: By day and night he shines for all to see.
Pastor: Jesus was born in the midst of injustice and poverty
People: that the world may see the justice and richness of God.
Pastor: God so loved the world that God sent Jesus,
People: so that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life.
Pastor: Jesus is the light of the world.
People: Jesus is the light of our lives.
Pastor: Sing to God a new song!
People: A song of hope, joy, and peace around the world.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us pray.
People: Gracious God of heaven and earth,
you have thrown a lifeline to us in our darkness,
a beam of light that shines through Jesus.
Though born in a manger, he is the firstborn of all creation.
Though crucified on a cross, he is the Lord of life.
Fill us with the wonder and joy of his presence in the world and in our hearts.
Shine into our hearts the light of your wisdom
and open our minds to the knowledge of your Word,
that in all things we may think and act according to your good will
and may live continually in the light of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
WORD
THE CHURCH HEARS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD ACTING
IN THIS AND EVERY TIME AND PLACE
FIRST READING: Psalm 98
O sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
have gotten him the victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Reader: This is the Word of Praise and Thanksgiving.
People: Thanks be to God
“Joy To The World”
[click on the link below]
SECOND READING: Isaiah 63:7-9
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us,
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely”;
and he became their savior
in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Reader: This is the Word of hope.
People: Thanks be to God.
“In the Bleak Midwinter”
[click on the link below]
THIRD READING Luke 2:8-14
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 Saviour, 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 host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
Reader: This is the Word of joy.
People: Thanks be to God.
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
[click on the link below]
FOURTH READING: Luke 2:15-21
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. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Reader: This is the Word of celebration.
People: Thanks be to God.
“Carol at the Manger”
[click on the link below]
FIFTH READING: Luke 2:21-40
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for the revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary,
“This child is destined for the falling
and the rising of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be opposed
so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed;
and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
.
Reader: This is the Word of Holy Wisdom and understanding.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON
[click on the link below]
HYMN OF THE DAY
“Good Christian Friends Rejoice”
[click on the link below]
TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS
Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Hildegard Schneider (Renita Falkenstern’s mother), the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Mabel Zolotarchuk (Circle West member), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).
We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH
[The congregational response after each petition is: “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]
Pastor: As the heavens and earth are filled with the grace and peace of God in the Word made flesh, let us place our needs and our thanksgiving before the Creator of heaven and earth , saying, “God of grace and peace,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”
Petitioner: God of light, we pray for your Church around the world as it gathers to worship and is sent to serve, that you would clothe us with your compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, and bind us together with your love, so that we might announce your peace and bring good news to all ends of the earth. God of grace and peace …
Petitioner: O God, ruler of the universe, send your holy gift of peace upon our world. We pray that nation shall not rise up against nation. Break the rod of the oppressor. Make the leaders of nations, provinces, and communities to be lovers of goodness and truth, that all within the global and local community may be nurtured and protected. God of grace and peace …
Petitioner: O God, provider for all creation, may every season work for your good purpose. Enlighten people everywhere to respect and care for the gift of creation, so that seas, hills, and all the earth may joyfully sing of your presence and glory. God of grace and peace …
Pastor: O God, source of all life, comfort those who suffer with sickness, who are beset with anxiety and depression, who are mourning, and who feel alone. We remember especially before you …. Embraced by your steadfast love, heal them of anything that would prevent them from trusting in your saving power. God of grace and peace…
Petitioner: O God, who chose to dwell among us, we pray for our congregation, that in all decisions and actions of the New Year we might be mindful of our calling as your children through baptism. Shape us into a people that live and serve as those who have received the Spirit of Christ in our hearts. God of grace and peace …
Petitioner: O God, guardian of our lives, be with and protect all those who choose to travel or to gather with family and friends. Be with those who work and those who rest during these days of Christmas celebration and New Year festivities. Let the grace and love of Christ and the hospitality of the people of faith be with all as we meet with one another through phone, facetime, internet, Skype or ZOOM throughout this season. God of grace and peace …
Petitioner: O God, guide of time and history, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Help us to ponder with Mary, Simeon, and Anna all that you have done for us and fill us with hope and joy. Grant that in this coming New Year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event which gives us joy forever — the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. God of grace and peace …
Pastor: Receive our prayers, gracious God, and fill us with hope as we behold your presence among us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Amen.
THANKSGIVING
THE COMMUNITY PRAISES GOD FOR THE GRACIOUS GIFTS OF
CREATION AND THE SAVING DEEDS OF JESUS CHRIST
THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE
Pastor: Since we are forgiven and renewed by God’s Spirit, let us also be reconciled with one another and share the Peace of the Lord.
The peace of Christ be with you always.
People: And also with you.
(The congregation greets one another with a gesture of peace, using these or similar words:
“Christ’s peace be with you.”)
THE OFFERING
(We worship God with the offering of our selves, our time, our talents, and our possessions.)
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Leader: Let us pray.
Good and loving God,
People: we rejoice in the birth of Jesus,
who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.
Bless the gifts we offer this day,
and let them be blessings for others.
With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven,
we shout for joy at the coming of your Son. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor: Let us pray with confidence in the words our Saviour gave us:
People: Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
SENDING
ALL RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF GOD, LEAVE IN PEACE,
AND ARE SENT OUT TO SERVE
Pastor: It is you, loving God, who lights our path with truth.
People: Your word, Jesus is truth.
Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger
People: to gather in wonder with the shepherds.
Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger
People: to kneel in reverence with the wise ones.
Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger
People: to sing for joy with the angels.
Pastor: In the brightness of his life
People: cast away the darkness of injustice, poverty, and hunger in the world.
Pastor: It is you, loving God, who meets us on our way.
People: In the light of Jesus, show the world the way of life.
Pastor: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
People: Praise God, all creatures here below!
Pastor: You are the shepherds telling the story.
People: We tell it in the streets and across the land.
Pastor: You are the wise ones worshiping with thanksgiving.
People: We worship with gifts of song and service, talents and treasures.
Pastor: You are the angels announcing peace.
People: We live with joy and go now in peace.
BENEDICTION
Pastor: May Christ, born into time to bring endless peace,
guide your days and years in righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore;
and the blessing of almighty God,
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
People: Amen.
CLOSING HYMN
“O Come, All Ye Faithful ”
[click on the link below]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
Pastor: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,
the obedience of Joseph,
the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
the determination of the magi,
and the peace of the Christ child.
Go out with joy to the world.
Serve in the name of Christ
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021. King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021. Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.
COMING UP AT KOG
– Sunday, January 3, King of Glory online Worship service.
– Sunday, January 10, King of Glory online Worship service.
November, December, and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG
2020 Budget: $49,536 Monthly Budget: $4,128 Weekly Budget: $952.62
2020 income/expenses: $1,983.88
September income/expenses: $3,356.23.
Contributions from November 1 through December 3: $2295
Offerings.
Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them. Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there. Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2020 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2020.
Send your contributions to: King of Glory Lutheran Church
3318 Merritt Street
Saskatoon, SK S7M 3P6
Thank you for your generosity.
The Quilting Group delivered bedding to The Lighthouse and Interval House in November –
20 Quilts as well as various sheets, towels, pillow cases and blankets. Thank you for your service.
Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers. Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.
The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/ It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations.
Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory
King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC. They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures. Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.
Additional Prayers
Petitioner: Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection. May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow. Hear us, O God of life …
King of Glory Lutheran Church 