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, 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, Karen Larson, the family of Norm Gregory, the family of Mary Anderson (Evelyn Robson’s mother), the family of Joel Zimmerman, the family of baby Mavrick 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, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Mozambique, Hong Kong, the Palestinians and Israelis, the civil war in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Belarus and the refugees at the Belarus/Poland border, 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 safe return of all 17 kidnapped persons, those in northwestern Washington, southern B.C., especially the communities of Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Merritt, and Princeton, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and northern Spain devastated by torrential rains and flooding, those in the midwestern U.S. recovering from tornadoes, the communities in the Philippines ravaged by typhoon Rai, 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:  “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]

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

COMING UP AT KOG

– Sunday, January 2, in-person services resume at 6:30

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Thank you to everyone for your support of the Alzheimer’s Society. $226 has been contributed.  Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to everyone participating in collecting food items for Christmas Hampers.  We had food items for 6 1/2 hampers.  Thank you for your generosity.

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, good health, and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

Offerings.  

Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2021 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2021. (Please no cash for mail security reasons)

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

November, December, 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: –$4,729.03

October income/expenses: –$1,211.92

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

November 21: $70   November 28: $420

Weekly contributions for December:  December 5: $ 1,420  

December 12 and 19: $6190 and $200 for CLWR 

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.

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

A  Blue Christmas Service of Hope  

WELCOME

INVITATION TO WORSHIP

[L indicates words spoken by the Leader, C indicates words spoken by the congregation.]

L:  We wait for light but there seems to be only darkness,

and for brightness, 

but we walk in gloom.  

C:  We grope like those who have no eyes; 

we stumble at noon as in the twilight.

L:  We light the candle of Hope as we await the coming of Jesus, who is our source of hope. (candle of hope is lit)

C: Thank you, God, for the gift of hope, in our times of emptiness.

L:  Open our eyes, Lord,

      especially if they are half-shut

because we are tired of looking,

C:  or half open

          because we fear to see too much,

L:  or bleared with tears

because yesterday and today and tomorrow

are filled with the same pain,

C:  or contracted,

because we only look at what we want to see.

L: We light the candle of Peace, knowing that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. (candle of peace is lit)

C: Thank you, God, for the gift of peace in our times of uncertainty.

L:  Open our eyes, Lord,

to gently scan the life we lead,

the home we have,

the world we inhabit,

C:  and so to find,

among the grime and the greyness,

signs of hope we can fasten on and encourage.

L:  If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, 

    and the light around me become night,” 

C:  even the darkness is not dark to you; 

  the night is as bright as the day, 

for darkness is as light to you.

L:  We light the candle of Joy, knowing that our comfort and help come from God. (candle of joy is lit)

C: Thank you, God, for the gift of joy in our times of sadness.

L:  Give us, whose eyes are dimmed by familiarity,

a bigger vision of what you can do

even with hopeless cases and lost causes

and people of limited ability.

C:  Show us the world as in your sight,

riddled by debt, deceit and disbelief,

yet also

shot through with possibility

for recovery, renewal, redemption.

L:  And lest we fail to distinguish vision from fantasy,

today, tomorrow, this week,

open our eyes to one person

or one place,

where we – being even for a moment prophetic –

might identify and wean a potential in the waiting.

C:  And with all this,

open our eyes, in yearning, for Jesus.

L: We light the candle of Love, knowing that God is love revealed to us in Jesus Christ. (candle of love is lit)

C: Thank you, God, for the gift of love in our times of loneliness.

L:  The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, 

and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, 

light has dawned.

C: You are the Light of the world, O Christ; 

be light in our darkness. 

On the mountains,

in the cities,

through the corridors of power

and the streets of despair,

to help, to heal,

to confront, to convert,

O come, O come, Immanuel.

OPENING PRAYER

L:  God of compassion and consolation, 

hear our prayer in this Advent Season 

for ourselves, our families, our friends,

and those who live among us 

who live with the painful memories and circumstances of loss.  

We ask for strength for today, 

courage for tomorrow, 

and peace for the past.  

We ask these things in the name of Christ our Lord 

who shares our life in joy and sorrow, 

death and new birth, 

despair and promise.

C:  Amen.

BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

[click on the link below]

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]

SCRIPTURE READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

A reading of Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills;

From where is my help to come?

My help comes from the Lord,

The maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved

And he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel

Shall neither slumber nor sleep;

The Lord himself watches over you;

The Lord is your shade at your right hand,

So that the sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;

It is he who shall keep you safe.

The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in,

From this time forth for evermore. 

L:  This is the Word of Hope.

C:  Thanks be to God. 

“Lost In The Night ”

[click on the link below]

Silence for personal meditation

L:  Let us pray:

C:  Steadfast and loving God, in the midst of our struggles and frustrations we ask, “how long?”  Show us your compassion.  Hold us in your love.  Give us the courage, patience, and strength to face each new day.  Hear our prayer for the sake of Christ who faithfully endured all the struggles of humanity.  Amen.

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 3:12-16.

Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in christ Jesus.  Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you.  Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

L:  This is the Word of Joy.

C:  Thanks be to God.

“Come, Now, O Prince of Peace ”

[click on the link below]

Silence for personal meditation

L:  Let us pray:

C:  Ever-present and assuring God, within the hectic pace of our lives and       in all our turmoil and uncertainty give us your peace.  Enable us to slow       down our lives, to find room for you, and to know of the certainty of       your promise of abundant life.  Hear our prayer for the sake of Christ,       who is born our prince of peace.   Amen.

A reading from the prophet Isaiah 35:5-10

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

And the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then the lame shall leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;

the burning sand shall become a pool,

and the thirsty ground springs of water;

the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,

the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there,

and it shall be called the Holy Way;

the unclean shall not travel on it,

but it shall be for God’s people;

no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.

No lion shall be there,

nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;

they shall not be found there,

but the redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,

and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;

they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Silence for personal meditation

    L:  Let us pray:

C:  Life-giving and renewing God, turn our mourning into joy, our fear into faith, and our loss into blessing.  Renew and transform our lives that they may be lived in joy in your presence and in witness and service to your whole creation.  Hear our prayer for the sake of Christ who is the beginning and end of your love for us and all creation.  Amen.

A reading from the Gospel according to John 1: 1-5

In the beginning was the Word;

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

This one was present with God in the beginning.

Through him all things came into being,

and apart from him not a single thing came to be.

That which had come to be in him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race.

The light shines on in the darkness,

for the darkness did not put it out/overcome it.

L: This is the Word of Love.

C: Thanks be to God.

Silence for personal meditation

L:  Let us pray:

C:  Comforting and consoling God, when adversity and fear confront us and seem to overwhelm us come to our aid.  Still the storms in our lives, calm our fears, and soothe our pain.  Hear our prayer for the sake of Christ who comes to us and walks with us throughout our life-long journey. Amen.

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Canticle of the Turning”

[click on the link below]

A LITANY OF REMEMBERING AND LIGHT

[click on the link below]

L:  This first candle we light to remember those whom we have loved and lost.  We pause to remember their name, their face, their voice, the memory that binds them to us in this season.  (Pause while the first candle is lit.)

C:  Let your light shine upon them, O God, and may your eternal love surround them.

L:  This second candle we light is to redeem the pain of loss:  the loss of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health. (Pause while the second candle is lit.)  We pause to gather up the pain of the past and offer it to God, asking that from God’s hands we will receive the gift of peace.

C:  Refresh, restore, renew us, O God, and lead us into your future of promise.

L:  This third candle we light is to remember ourselves this Christmas time.  We pause and remember these past weeks and months:  the doubt, the anger, the disbelief, the down times, the poignancy of reminiscing, the hugs and handshakes of family and friends, all those who have stood with us.  (Pause while the third candle is lit.)  We give thanks for all the support we have known.

C:  Let us remember that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  

L:  This fourth candle is lit to remember our faith and the gift of hope which the Christmas story offers to us.  (Pause while the fourth candle is lit.)  We remember that God who shares our life promises us a place and time of no more pain and suffering.

C:  We  remember and trust in the one who shows the way, who brings the truth, and who bears the light.

INVITATION TO LIGHT CANDLES

At this time you may pause the recording and get a candle or candles light them and offer your prayers for all you wish to remember before God. 

We pray because of the people and circumstances that brought us here. 

We pray because God knows us from the depths of our hearts, and God comes to each one of us to assure us with the Spirit’s love and Christ’s compassion. 

“Nothing Can Trouble ”

[click on the link below]

PRAYERS

L: In the spirit of this season of waiting and expectation, let us confidently ask God to come and be our light and life, our hope and joy.

L:  For ourselves as we participate in whatever way we can this Christmas, O God, our light and our hope, hear our prayer,

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

L:  For our families and friends that they may continue to help and support us, O God, our light and our hope, hear our prayer,

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

L:  For all the people we have loved and that have died, for all the losses that we know, that all may be redeemed by your promise of grace, O God, our light and our hope, hear our prayer,

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

L:  For all our families and friends that they may know love and peace and joy in you, O God, our light and our hope, hear our prayer,

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

L:  For our world, that it may find the peace proclaimed by the Christmas angels, O God, our light and our hope, hear our prayer,

C:  And in your merciful love, answer.

L: God of great compassion and love, listen to the prayers of these your people.  Grant to all, especially the bereaved, the sick, and the troubled ones this Christmas, the blessing we ask in the name of Christ, our Emmanuel, God with us.

C:  Amen.

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 the Lord 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.

Prayer for the Night

Pastor: Let us pray.

Lord,

it is night.

The night is for stillness.

Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is a long night after a brief day.

What has been done has been done;

what has not been done has not been done;

let it be.

The night is dark.

Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives

rest in you.

The night is quiet.

Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,

all dear to us,

and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.

Let us look expectantly to a new day,

new joys,

new possibilities.

In your name we pray.

People: Amen.

(A New Zealand Prayer Book, 184)

Pastor:  We return to the world from which we came: a world of pain, a world of promise; the world which God so loved that the Bethlehem baby was born.  Listen to the voice of the angel who says, “Fear not.”  Be filled with the Good News of God, through this child, God’s gift of new life for all.  Amen

CLOSING HYMN

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ”

[click on the link below]

SENDING

ALL RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF GOD, LEAVE IN PEACE,
AND ARE SENT OUT TO SERVE

BLESSING

Pastor:  May Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shine upon you and scatter the    darkness from your path.  Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,    bless you now and forever.

People:  Amen

DISMISSAL

Pastor: God of the watching ones,

the waiting ones,

the slow and suffering ones,

the angels in heaven,

the child in the womb,

People:  You have given us your benediction

your Good Word for our souls,

that we might rest and rise

in the assurance of your company.

Thanks be to God.

It is our prayer that the peace and quiet assurance that comes with knowing 

that God in Christ, our Emmanuel, is with us be with you this Christmas and in the year to come. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY AT KOG                                                                                         

THIS WEEK AT KOG

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

COMING UP AT KOG

– Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve service, 7:00

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

– Sunday, January 2, in-person services resume at 6:30

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Thank you to everyone for your support of the Alzheimer’s Society. $226 has been contributed.  Thank you for your generosity.

During the Sundays in Advent  King of Glory is again collecting food items for Christmas Hampers.  Our goal is food items for 10 hampers.  Thank you for your generosity.

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.

November, December, 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 November:  November 7: $ 1,540   November 14: $100

November 21: $70   November 28: $420

Weekly contributions for December:  December 5: $ 1,420 

Offerings.  

Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2021 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2021. (Please no cash for mail security reasons)

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

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.

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.

THE THIRD 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 the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the     preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the       fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, 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

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.

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.

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

[click on the link below]

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

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion;
   shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
   O daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgements against you,
   he has turned away your enemies.
The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
   you shall fear disaster no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Do not fear, O Zion;
   do not let your hands grow weak.
The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
   a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
   he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
   as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you,
   so that you will not bear reproach for it.
I will deal with all your oppressors
   at that time.
And I will save the lame
   and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
   and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home,
   at the time when I gather you;
for I will make you renowned and praised
   among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
   before your eyes, says the Lord. 

SECOND READING                                                                                                     Philippians 4:4-7                                                                                                                              Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

GOSPEL READING                                                                                                                  Luke 3:7-18      John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’ 

And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’ 

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ 

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. 

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!”

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 baby Mavrick 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, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Mozambique, Hong Kong, the Palestinians and Israelis, the civil war in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Belarus and the refugees at the Belarus/Poland border, 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 12 kidnapped persons, those in northwestern Washington, southern B.C., especially the communities of Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Merritt, and Princeton, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and northern Spain devastated by torrential rains and flooding, those in the midwestern U.S. recovering from tornadoes, 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! Deliver your people, captive to sin.  Through baptism and forgiveness you have anointed the Church with your Spirit and given us glad tidings of comfort and joy to proclaim to all who are imprisoned by doubt and fear, and to witness joyfully to the one who is coming with gentleness and peace.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Ruler of nations, come! Stir up the leaders of the world to work for ways of justice and to sustain the world you have made. By your Spirit raise up prophetic voices today to challenge all that enslaves people and condemns many to lives of subsistence, poverty, disease, violence, and injustice.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Branch of Jesse, come!  We wait and hope for what we already have. In this season of Advent help us to prepare for your coming in lives of joy and thankfulness.  Open us to experience your grace in unexpected places. Feed and strengthen us by your gifts of grace, that we may share them with others.  God of all hopefulness…

Pastor:  O Dayspring, come!  Come to those whose reason for hoping has given out, whose brokenness and sorrow accentuate a sense of incompleteness and abandonment: the suffering, ill, lonely, depressed, abused, addicted, and those caught in conflict, loss, or grief. We remember especially before you ….   Send your Spirit of love that all might walk in the light and life of your presence.  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.  May those who worship in this place find confidence in the welcome of genuine community and the warmth of your holy hospitality.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Lord of might,come!   We pray for the earth, for deserts and glaciers and rain forests, for the protection of dormant vegetation and hibernating animals.  Give us wisdom in the care of the creatures and landscapes we live among and give us joy in your creation.   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

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

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 

 Sunday, December 12, Congregational Budget meeting after the service

THIS WEEK AT KOG

COMING UP AT KOG

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 7:00 p.m.

 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.

November, December, 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 November:  November 7: $ 1,540   November 14: $100

November 21: $70   November 28: $420

Weekly contributions for December:  December 5: $ 1,420 

Thank you to everyone for your support of the Alzheimer’s Society. $226 has been contributed.  Thank you for your generosity.

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

THE SECOND 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 our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son.  By his     coming give to all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation;        through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, 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

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

Malachi 3:1-4

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. 

SECOND READING

Philippians 1:3-11

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. 

GOSPEL READING                                                                                                                  Luke 3:1-6      In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
   and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
   and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ’                                                                                                                              

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”

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, Chilliwack, 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! Deliver your people, captive to sin, in an exodus more magnificent than the exodus from Egypt and a homecoming from exile more filled with hope than the return from Babylon.  With patience and gentleness guide your people into lives of faithfulness and lead them out into the world with lives of love and service.  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, 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. In this season of Advent remind us that your Word stands forever, even though the things of this world fade like the grass.  Shape this community into a place of welcome and support for all people.  Feed and strengthen us by your gifts of grace, that we may share them with others.  God of all hopefulness…

Pastor:  O Dayspring, come!  Come to those whose reason for hoping has given out, whose brokenness and sorrow accentuate a sense of incompleteness and abandonment: the suffering, ill, lonely, depressed, abused, addicted, and those caught in conflict, loss, or grief. We remember especially before you ….   Send your Spirit of love that all might walk in the light and life of your presence.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Key of David, come!  In this season of Advent we remember that you are the giver of new beginnings.  Your forgiveness authors for us new life.  In our waiting and watching show us signs of your work in and among us of a world redeemed, a Church reformed, and lives restored through the gracious coming of Jesus, the Word made flesh.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Lord of might,come!  Stir up all the people in this world work for ways to renew and to sustain the world you have made.  Where pollution disrupts our air and water and land give us the wisdom and the will to care for the abundant gifts and resources your creation bestows upon us.   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

“Hark, the Glad Sound!”

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   November 28: $420

Thank you to everyone for your support of the Alzheimer’s Society. $226 has been contributed.  Thank you for your generosity.

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