THE FIRST SUNDAYOF ADVENT

OH COME, EMMANUEL

Advent means “coming toward.”  Advent also marks the time of the beginning of a new Church year.  Advent is the coming of Jesus the Messiah who is, who was, and who is to come.  In Advent we begin to  see Jesus not only as the baby born of Mary, nor only as the one who will come again in the final judgment and fulfillment of all things, but as the one active in our lives here and now.  Christ stirs up those powerful promises from the past and offers us hope from the future so that he may begin his gracious rule in our lives and in our community of faith.  Our Advent worship is a time when we again remember that in Christ-who-comes-to-us we are always encircled by the love of God.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS, 

AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS

Pastor:  The Sun of Righteousness shall rise with shining beams of healing.       From the one who was, who is, and who is to come:                                Grace and peace be with you all.

People:  Amen. 

Pastor: A voice cries in the wilderness:

“Prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

and all flesh shall see it together.”

People: A voice says, “Cry!”

And I said, “What shall I cry ?”

All flesh is grass,

and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers,

the flower fades,

when the breath of the Lord blows upon it.

Pastor: The grass withers,

the flower fades;

but the word of our God will stand forever.

Therefore, let us confidently draw near

and confess our sins before God.

(Pause for silent confession.)

Pastor: Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

God is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

God does not faint or grow weary;

God’s understanding is unsearchable;

God gives power to the faint,

and to you who have no might,

strength shall be given.

People: And we who wait upon the Lord shall renew our strength,

we shall mount up with wings like eagles,

we shall run and not be weary,

we shall walk and not faint.

GATHERING

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL WITH PRAISE AND PRAYER,
AND PREPARE TO HEAR GOD’S WORD OF LIFE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People:  And also with you. 

Pastor: Let us pray together.

People:  Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come.   By your merciful protection     alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of     justice, for you live and reign with the Father 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

BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

First Sunday in Advent

Pastor: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.

You call all nations to walk in your light

and to seek your ways of justice and peace,

for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near.

People: Bless us as we light the first candle of this wreath.

Rouse us from sleep,

that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes

and welcome him into our hearts and homes,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

[click on the link below]

Second Sunday in Advent

Pastor: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.

John the Baptist calls all people to prepare the Lord’s way

for the kingdom of heaven is near.

People: Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.

Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit,

that we may be a light shining in the darkness

welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Third Sunday in Advent

Pastor: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.

Your prophets spoke of a day when the desert would blossom

and waters would break forth in the wilderness.

People: Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.

Strengthen our hearts

as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.

May he give water to all who thirst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Pastor: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe.

In your Son, Emmanuel,

you have shown us your light

and saved us from the power of sin.

People: Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath.

Increase our longing for your presence,

that at the celebration of your Son’s birth

his Spirit might dwell anew in our midst,

for he is our light and our salvation.

Blessed be God forever.

Amen.

SONG DURING THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

“He Came Down ”

[click on the link below]

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

SECOND READING

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. 

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 

GOSPEL READING

Luke 21:25-36

‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’ 

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 

‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’ 

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“O Lord, How Shall I Meet You”

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, Audrey Hedlin, Liz Sand, Robin Stamm and baby Constantine, Mona Neher, Carl Rausch, Joanne, Bill, and Jocelyn Adams, Oma Ywo, Joan Schock, Jennipher Karst, Jody Giesbrecht, Hannah, Wendell and baby Russell Francis, Helen Neher, the family of Norm Gregory, the family of Mary Anderson (Evelyn Robson’s mother), the family of Joel Zimmerman, the family of Roger Nostbakken, the family of baby Maverick Gallant (Bev Gregory’s great-grandson), the family of Ray Johnson (the brother of Doris Turner), and the family of Katherine Meger (Joshua Bratvold’s great grandmother).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the children and people buried in unmarked graves at residential schools and First Nation lands, and all those who have suffered the trauma of residential schools, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, the coup in Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Mozambique, Hong Kong, the Palestinians and Israelis, the civil war in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Belarus, Lebanon, the Rohingya Muslim refugees and the ethnic Karen of Myanmar, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from earthquake, hurricane, and political disasters and the 15 kidnapped persons, the people of Iqaluit dealing with contaminated drinking water, those in northwestern Washington, southern B.C., especially the communities of Abbotsford, Merritt, and Princeton, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland devastated by torrential rains and flooding, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community still threatened by the coronavirus and fearful of the omicron variant.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “REVEAL YOUR MERCY.”]

Pastor:   Who has measured the waters in the hollow of her hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed with dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?  It is to this God we offer our prayers longing for the fullness of redemption, saying, “God of all hopefulness,” and responding, “Reveal your mercy.”

Petitioner:  O Wisdom, come! Keep your Church awake and watchful at every moment, that we might see your awesome deeds in unexpected places and through them might make your name known to all people.  Help us to release our fears to you.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Ruler of nations, come! Stir up the leaders of the world and open their eyes to the hungry, poor, diseased, refugees, and oppressed everywhere, that they might work for peace, health, nourishment, and the good of all.  Keep this hopeful vision in the hearts of all people and strengthen all toward its fulfillment.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Branch of Jesse, come!  We wait and hope for what we already have.  We have been clothed in the light of Christ.  Teach us to live in these ways of advent hope until the great day when Christ comes to make all things new.  God of all hopefulness…

Pastor:  O Dayspring, come!  Come to those whose reason for hoping has given out, who seem to face nothing but fears and terrors: the suffering, ill, lonely, depressed, abused, addicted, and those broken by conflict, loss, and  grief. We remember especially before you ….   Send your Spirit of hope to all weighed down by worry and keep them in your constant care.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Key of David, come!  In this season of Advent as we present ourselves at font and table prepare us to remember that we always receive a gift beyond our deserving and a promise beyond merit.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Lord of might, come!  We give thanks for all creation – the sun, the moon, the stars, the roaring seas, the icy streams, the clouds, the forests and deserts, and all living things.  Help us to preserve what you have given us and to heal what we have damaged.  God of all hopefulness…

Petitioner:  O Emmanuel, come!  Send your Spirit and make this a community of faith that breathes hope, sings, prays, feeds the hungry, feasts on the messianic meal, points to the Light of the world, witnesses, loves, practices the mercy of God, turns away from the temptations of consumerism, and so confounds all who would deny your grace or diminish your love.  God of all hopefulness … 

Pastor:  Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord whose coming is certain and whose day draws near.

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 Christ.  

The peace of Christ be with you always.

People: And also 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.
Gracious God,

People: you have done great things for us,

and holy is your name.

Bless all we offer you —

our selves, our time, and our possessions.

Teach us patience and hope as we care for all those in need

until the coming of your Son,

Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord.  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

BENEDICTION

Pastor: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding

keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The God of hope strengthen your hearts 

as you await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The God of love break in upon you with the Spirit of light and healing

to be among you and remain with you always.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“Rejoice, Rejoice Believers”

DISMISSAL

Pastor: As the rain and snow come down from heaven,

and return not but water the earth,

so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth.

It shall not return to me empty.

And you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing,

and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Go in peace.  Serve our God.

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY AT KOG 

THIS WEEK AT KOG

COMING UP AT KOG

– Sunday, December 12, Congregational Budget meeting after the service

– Sunday, December 19, Blue Christmas service

– Tuesday, December 21, Church Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom

– Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve service

 Sunday, December 26, no in-person service, but an on-line service 

King of Glory will hold our regular in-person worship services—following the provincial protocols recommended—on a weekly basis at the regular time 6:30 p.m.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

October, November, and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG

2021 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,180.50     Weekly Budget:  $964.73

2021income/expenses: –$3,517.11

October income/expenses: –$2,212.24

Weekly contributions for October:  October 3: $520  October 10: $0

October 17: $320    October 24: $0  October 31: $370

Weekly contributions for November:  November 7: $ 1,540   November 14: $100

November 21: $70

One of King of Glory’s service projects for the year is support of the Alzheimer’s Society.  Church Council has designated the Sundays in November for  a free will offering to be collected for the Alzheimer Society.  Please give generously.  To date $116 has been contributed.

On Eagle’s Wings Advent Reflections are available at the back of the church.

Massive floods and landslides have devastated parts of British Columbia. CLWR is accepting donations now on its website at clwr.org/BCfloods. Donations can also be made by phoning our office at 1.800.661.2597 (Monday to Thursday, 9:00 – 16:00 CDT) or by mailing a cheque to 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5.

During the Sundays in Advent (December 5,12,19) King of Glory will again be collecting food items for Christmas Hampers.  Our goal is food items for 10 hampers.   A list of suggested food items is included.  Thank you for your generosity.

Congratulations and God’s richest blessings to Jennipher Karst, Jody Giesbrecht, Hannah, and Wendell on the birth of Russell Francis.  God’s spirit of health, well-being, and joy be with you all.

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.

We acknowledge the officers and members of the Church Council:  Wayne Turner, Chairperson, Jennipher Karst, Vice-chairperson.  Lauren Sarich, Secretary, Pat Sarich, Co-treasurer, Karen McKenzie, Financial Secretary and Evelyn Robson, Kyle Sarich, Karen Larson and Don Sanders as Council members at large.  We keep these people and their ministry of servant-leadership in our prayers asking the Spirit to send them wisdom, guidance, and understanding.

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.

Christmas Hampers

Suggested food donation items

peanut butter

jam/jelly

margarine

processed cheese spread

coffee and tea

macaroni and cheese dinner

flavoured rice and noodle mixes

spaghetti/pasta and sauces

soups, soup base, soup mix

dried beans and lentils

dry cereal

powdered milk

flour 

sugar

stuffing mix

cranberry sauce

ready-to-eat and condensed soups

canned meats

tuna

salmon

brown beans

hot chocolate

canned vegetables

potatoes

carrots 

onions

Checklist and Guidelines for Re-opening Worship Services

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc before the service

One person preps worship materials [pastor]

Six feet distancing  recommended

No sharing of pencils, pens, etc.

No serving of food or beverages

Try not to use the washrooms

Open doors and windows if possible

Use/wear face masks, but you may sing quietly recommended

Hand sanitizer available

No physical contact (e.g. sharing of the peace, no passing of offering plate)

Communion procedure: distribution in a way that maintains physical distancing

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc after the service