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:  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.

 “Joy To The World”

[click on the link below]

SECOND  READING:  Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, 

“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?  

For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  

They told him: “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:  

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, 

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; 

for from you shall come a ruler 

who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”  

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.  Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, 

“Go and search diligently for the child; 

and when you have found him, 

bring me word 

so that I may also go and pay him homage.”  

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.  On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage.  Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Reader: This is the Word of celebration.

People: Thanks be to God.

“In the Bleak Midwinter”

[click on the link below]

THIRD READING:  Matthew 2:13-23a

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”  

Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.  This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, 

“Out of Egypt I have called my son.” 

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.  Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:  

“A voice heard in Ramah, 

wailing and loud lamentation, 

Rachel weeping for her children; 

she refused to be consoled, 

because they are no more.”

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 

“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.”  

Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.  But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there.  And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee.  There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled,

“He will be called a Nazorean.”

Reader: This is the Word of lament and deliverance.

People: Thanks be to God.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

[click on the link below]

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, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Audrey Hedlin,  Mona Neher, Oma Ywo, Owen Peterson, Helga Halldorsdottir, Evaline Sanders, the family of Norm Gregory,  the family of baby Mavrick Gallant (Bev Gregory’s great-grandson), the family of Katherine Meger (Joshua Bratvold’s great grandmother), the family of Lois Jenkins (Ann Salmon’s mother), the family of Helen Neher (Carol Sarich’s mother), the family of John Beaven (Bev Gregory’s brother), and the family of Carl Rausch.  

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, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Palestinians and Israelis, Ethiopia and Tigray, Myanmar and the Rohingya Muslim refugees, Lebanon, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the 100 million refugees and displaced persons, the people of Haiti suffering from disasters, 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 the many omicron variants.

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

TODAY AT KOG

THIS WEEK AT KOG                                                                                                                                  – Thursday, January 5, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,”  7:30 p.m. Hosted by Karen Larson. We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street.

COMING UP AT KOG                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 – Sunday, January 8, Coffee Social after the service.  Hosted by Renita Falkenstern.      – Thursday, January 19, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,”  7:30 p.m. Host needed.  We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street.                                – Wednesday, January 25, Women’s Breakfast Out at  TBD, 10:00 a.m.                                   – Thursday, January 26, Church Council meeting via Zoom, 7:30 p.m.                                    – Saturday, January 28, Men’s Breakfast Out at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar Avenue, 8:30 a.m.

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

2022 Budget:  $48,854       Monthly Budget:  $4,071.17     Weekly Budget:  $939.50

2022 income/expenses: $2,167.56

October income/expenses: -$1,786.50

Weekly contributions for November:  November 6: $1170.00  November 13 and 20: $3740   November 27: $300

Weekly contributions for December:  December 4: $920  December 11: $710

December 18: $4330

“A Short History of Grace”. This Bible and theology study looks at the ways grace is interpreted from the time of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, through St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther and to contemporary theologies of liberation. 

They’ll have you in stitches!  Bev Gregory is hosting (154 Arrand Crescent)  quilt-making bees to send quilts to various organizations throughout the city.  Quilting is every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You are invited to thread your way through this gathering of fun and service.  Bring your own lunch – they’ll turn it into a potluck – and fabrics, particularly flannels, and see what patterns emerge.

Thank you to Renita Falkenstern, Karen Larson, Doreen Matschke,  and Carol Sarich for hosting theCoffee Social after the Blue Christmas service.

Thank you to everyone who donated food items for Christmas Hampers.  We had enough food to help stock eleven and a half hampers.  Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to everyone who donated in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.  $260 was been contributed. Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to all involved in the Quilts and Comfort Quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory and their friends.  Our quilting worker-bees have lost count, but guesstimate 42 quilts will be distributed to LutherCare Communities, the Wellness Centre, and the Bishop Klein Community School Program and  Comfort Quilts will be given to individuals suffering from sickness, significant change in life, loss or grief.   Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Carol Sarich, Lois Rombough and Sherry Andrews, to Irma Torgunrude who donated material and Iris Kristjansdottir who provided boxes.

Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are calling on Canadians to pray for those affected by the flooding in Pakistan, and to give generously to support their urgent humanitarian needs, and for those suffering from the war in Ukraine  as the Government of Canada announces a special matching fund for donations in response to this tragedy. Please give what you can by donating at clwr.org/pakistan or clwr.org/hungercrisis or by calling 1-800-661-2597 (office hours Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm), and pray for all those who are affected by the flooding and war. 

Offerings.  

Even though we are not all meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

Our Mission Statement

King of Glory Lutheran Church is a community of people believing and recognizing, through worship, fellowship and faith, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Our Mission is to all of God’s children including people of all ages, female, and male, all races and colours and regardless of their religious and social background or sexual orientation.

By the grace of God, we are called to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

Sunday, December 25,  There will be no Christmas Day service at King of Glory. 

There is a Christmas Day service at Resurrection at 10:00 a.m. 

WELCOME, EMMANUEL

CHRISTMAS EVE

GATHERING

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

Pastor: Welcome on this holiest of nights. As Mary readied herself to give birth to Jesus, let us prepare ourselves to welcome this birth into our own lives, let us prepare our hearts to receive the wonder of God’s love, let us prepare our minds as heaven and earth sing of great joy. 

People: Come let us worship God! 

Pastor : The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; 

On those who lived in darkness and despair God’s new light is shining! For God has given us great joy, a harvest of good news! 

It is as if a great burden has been lifted from us. 

People: A child has been born for us, 

God’s son has come to us. 

And he will be our ruler. 

Pastor: He shall be known as the Wonderful Counselor,

People: The Mighty God! 

Pastor: Everlasting Father! 

People: The Prince of Peace! 

Pastor : He will rule with justice and righteousness. 

His realm is one of Peace! 

God has done this out of love for us and all people! 

People: God’s promise has been fulfilled. 

Christ is born! 

Come, let us worship God!

“O Come, All Ye Faithful ”

[click on the link below]

Lighting the Advent Wreath

Pastor: Advent, the season of preparing, is over. 

Our waiting is finished. 

Now is a time of fulfillment and celebration.

People: In the darkness of night, we give thanks for light.

We light a candle of hope: 

hope for ourselves, and for God’s beloved world.

Light candle

We light a candle of peace: 

peace in our hearts, and on earth.

Light candle

We light a candle of joy: 

joy to the world, and within our whole being.

Light candle

We light a candle of love: 

the promise of God’s love for us, and for all creation.

Light candle

And now the hour has come and the season is fulfilled. 

Light Christ candle

We light the Christ candle, 

the light of the world, 

the light of possibility. 

Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People:  And also with you. 

Pastor: Let us pray together.

People:  Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light.  Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, whom with you and the Holy Spirit we worship and praise, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“O God, We Long For Better Days”

[click on the link below]

WORD

THE CHURCH HEARS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD ACTING
IN THIS AND EVERY TIME AND PLACE

FIRST READING:   

Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
   who announces salvation,
   who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
   together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
   the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
   you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
   he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
   before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
   the salvation of our God. 

“Love Has Come”        [click on the link below]                 https://youtu.be/MXlQyyVZF-E

SECOND READING: 

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. 

GOSPEL READING: 

Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

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!’ 

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. 

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

[click on the link below]

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

[click on the link below]

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: 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: We pray for the world suffering under the darkness of sin and death, that you would guide leaders and all citizens of this earth to desire and work for the end of hostilities and bring justice and peace to the whole creation.  God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:  We pray that the people of this earth work for ways to sustain the world you have made.  Turn fear, turmoil, and selfishness into fruitfulness, justice, and provision for the basic needs of all.  Where pollution and exploitation 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 grace and peace …

Pastor: We pray for all who are in need of comfort, peace, hope, and for whom this season is a burden.  We pray for all who are affected by this pandemic. We remember especially those whom we name in our hearts before you ….   Let your Word soothe body, mind, and spirit, and may Christ who is the Light of the world shine brightly on them.  God of grace and peace…

Petitioner:  O Ruler of nations, you surprise us by bringing greatness from the smallest and the least.  Guide the nations and their leaders to listen to the little one ones, the poor, the unemployed, the homeless, the marginalized and the refugees. Through your Spirit turn the high and mighty ways of power and self-interest into humble inroads of security, justice, and peace.  God of grace and peace … 

Petitioner: Welcoming God, reveal your wonder to us in the midst of our Christmas celebration, that the grace and love of Christ and the hospitality of the people of faith, through the wonders of telecommunications and internet and ZOOM, be with all who, although unable to be present in person among us, are still our guests at worship and in our homes throughout this Christmas season.  Help us to ponder with Mary all that God has done for us and fill us with hope and joy.  God of grace and peace … 

Petitioner:  We pray for all those who travel and gather with family and friends.  Be with those who work and those who rest during these days of  Christmas celebration.  Whatever our situation and setting, and especially for those who find the holidays difficult, may we encounter your gracious and loving presence among us. 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 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: we give you thanks for the greatest gift of all, Jesus our Savior, who came to live as one of us and showed that you are never far from us. Accept these gifts that we now offer to you, as a token of our thanks for all that you have done for us. Use us and our gifts to help spread the news that you love all people, and that you always keep your promises. 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: Leader:  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.

May Christ, born into time to bring endless peace,

guide your days and years in righteousness

from this time onward and forevermore.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN

“Silent Night, Holy Night!”

[click on the link below]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Go out with joy to the world.

Serve in the name of Christ

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMING UP AT KOG

– 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.

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

Coffee Social after the service

THIS WEEK AT KOG                                                                                                                                  –Monday, December 19, Church Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom                                                        – Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve candlelight, carol and communion service with                    St. David’s/Trinity 7:00 pm

COMING UP AT KOG                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         – Sunday, December 25,  There will be no Christmas Day service at King of Glory.                                                                                                                      – There is a Christmas Day service at Resurrection at 10:00 a.m.                                                                      – Saturday, December 31, Men’s Breakfast Out at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar Avenue, 8:30 a.m.                                                                                                                                                                 – Thursday, January 5, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,”  7:30 p.m. Host needed.  We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street.                                                                                                – Sunday, January 8, Coffee Social after the service.  Hosted by Renita Falkenstern.                                                                                                             – Thursday, January 19, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,”  7:30 p.m. Host needed.  We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street.  

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

2022 Budget:  $48,854       Monthly Budget:  $4,071.17     Weekly Budget:  $939.50

2022 income/expenses: $2,167.56

October income/expenses: -$1,786.50

Weekly contributions for November:  November 6: $1170.00  November 13 and 20: $3740   November 27: $300

Weekly contributions for December:  December 4: $920  December 11: $710

“A Short History of Grace”. This Bible and theology study looks at the ways grace is interpreted from the time of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther and to contemporary theologies of liberation. 

Thank you to Renita Falkenstern, Karen Larson, Doreen Matschke,  and Carol Sarich for hosting theCoffee Social after the Blue Christmas service.

Thank you to everyone who donated food items for Christmas Hampers.  Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to everyone who donated in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.  $260 was been contributed. Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to all involved in the Quilts and Comfort Quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory and their friends.  Our quilting worker-bees have lost count, but guesstimate 42 quilts will be distributed to LutherCare Communities, the Wellness Centre, and the Bishop Klein Community School Program and  Comfort Quilts will be given to individuals suffering from sickness, significant change in life, loss or grief.   Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Carol Sarich, Lois Rombough and Sherry Andrews, to Irma Torgunrude who donated material and Iris Kristjansdottir who provided boxes.

 Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are calling on Canadians to pray for those affected by the flooding in Pakistan, and to give generously to support their urgent humanitarian needs, and for those suffering from the war in Ukraine  as the Government of Canada announces a special matching fund for donations in response to this tragedy. Please give what you can by donating at clwr.org/pakistan or clwr.org/hungercrisis or by calling 1-800-661-2597 (office hours Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm), and pray for all those who are affected by the flooding and war. 

Offerings.  

Even though we are not all meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

Our Mission Statement

King of Glory Lutheran Church is a community of people believing and recognizing, through worship, fellowship and faith, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Our Mission is to all of God’s children including people of all ages, female, and male, all races and colours and regardless of their religious and social background or sexual orientation.

By the grace of God, we are called to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

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.

Stir up the wills of all who to look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; 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

Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
   the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
   and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
   the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
   the majesty of our God. 

Strengthen the weak hands,
   and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
   ‘Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
   He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
   He will come and save you.’ 

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 traveller, 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. 

SECOND READING                                                                                                                James 5:7-10                                                                                                                                   Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 

GOSPEL READING

Matthew 11:2-11

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way before you.”
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight.” ’

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“Hail To the Lord’s Anointed”

[click on the link below]

Hail to the Lord’s anointed ! Great David’s greater Son : 

When to the time appointed The rolling years shall run, 

He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free; 

To take away transgression, And rule in equity. 

The heavens – which now conceal Him In counsels deep and wise – 

In glory shall reveal Him To our rejoicing eyes ; 

He who with hands uplifted Went from the earth below, S

hall come again all gifted, His blessings to bestow. 

He shall come down like showers Upon the new-mown grass, 

And joy and hope, like flowers, Spring up where He doth pass. 

Before Him, on the mountains, Shall Peace, the herald, go ; 

And righteousness, in fountains, From hill to valley flow. 

 Kings shall fall down before Him, And gold and incense bring ; 

All nations shall adore Him, His praise all people sing, 

Outstretched His wide dominion O’er river, sea, and shore, 

Far as the eagle’s pinion, Or dove’s light wing can soar.

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Audrey Hedlin,  Mona Neher, Oma Ywo, Owen Peterson, Helga Halldorsdottir, Evaline Sanders, the family of Norm Gregory,  the family of baby Mavrick Gallant (Bev Gregory’s great-grandson), the family of Katherine Meger (Joshua Bratvold’s great grandmother), the family of Lois Jenkins (Ann Salmon’s mother), the family of Helen Neher (Carol Sarich’s mother), the family of John Beaven (Bev Gregory’s brother), and the family of Carl Rausch.  

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 victims, injured, families and communities of James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Weldon who have experienced tragic murders and stabbings, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Palestinians and Israelis, Ethiopia and Tigray, Myanmar and the Rohingya Muslim refugees, Lebanon, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the 100 million refugees and displaced persons, the people of Haiti suffering from disasters, 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 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.   God of all hopefulness ….

Petitioner:  O Ruler of nations, come!  You promise to give wisdom to the leaders of the nations and justice to all people.  Guide those whose courage falters in times of crisis, that they may govern with fairness, compassion, and faithfulness.   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 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…

Pastor:  O Dayspring, come!  You promise to turn mourning into dancing.  Come to the brokenhearted, to those whose reason for hoping has given out, the suffering, ill, lonely, depressed, abused, and those broken by conflict, loss, and  grief. We remember especially before you ….   Let them rejoice once again.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Lord of might, come!  We rejoice in your wondrous deeds, for your hands have created us and all that exists.  Anoint our hands to be extensions of yours in caring for the earth and all its creatures, that the splendor and diversity of creation proclaim the glory of our God.  God of all hopefulness ….

Petitioner:  O Key of David, come!  In this season of Advent help us to prepare for your coming in lives of 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 …

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

“All Earth Is Hopeful”

[click on the link below]

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 18, Blue Christmas service                                                                         – Monday, December 19, Church Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom                             – Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve service with St. David’s/Trinity 7:00 p.m.                                                                       – Sunday, December 25,  There will be no Christmas Day service at King of Glory.  There is a Christmas Day service at Resurrection at 10:00 a.m.                                    – Saturday, December 31, Men’s Breakfast Out at Ricky’s at 8:30                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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

2022 Budget:  $48,854       Monthly Budget:  $4,071.17     Weekly Budget:  $939.50

2022 income/expenses: $2,167.56

October income/expenses: -$1,786.50

Weekly contributions for November:  November 6: $1170.00  November 13 and 20: $3740

November 27: $300

Weekly contributions for December:  December 4: $920

Thank you to everyone who donated in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.  $260 was been contributed. Thank you for your generosity.

“Advent Reflections” daily devotions for the Season of Advent from On Eagle’s Wings are available at the back.

Blue Christmas Service, Sunday, December 18

Christmas can be a difficult and painful time for some.  It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died.  It may be a time that has always been difficult.  Whether it is the death of a family member, relative, or friend, the end of a marriage or relationship, the loss of work, illness, depression, or the moving away from places that have been secure and welcoming – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending.

A Blue Christmas Service is for those for whom the Christmas season seems more filled with sadness, stress, and loss than celebration.  It is a service that centers on God’s gifts of comfort and hope to all who struggle at this time of year.  Through prayers, scripture and music this service affirms how the Good News of Christmas is for those who struggle and mourn – and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness.

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

Thank you to all involved in the Quilts and Comfort Quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory and their friends.  Our quilting worker-bees have lost count, but guesstimate 42 quilts will be distributed to LutherCare Communities, the Wellness Centre, and the Bishop Klein Community School Program and Comfort Quilts will be given to individuals suffering from sickness, significant change in life, loss or grief.   Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Carol Sarich, Lois Rombough and Sherry Andrews, to Irma Torgunrude who donated material and Iris Kristjansdottir who provided boxes.

Offerings.  

Even though we are not all meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

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 Worship Services

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc before the service

Disinfect/sanitize washrooms if used

One person preps worship materials [pastor]

Six feet distancing recommended

No sharing of pencils, pens, etc.

Open doors and windows if possible

Use/wear face masks, optional, but 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.

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son.  By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; 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

Isaiah 11:1-10

A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,
   and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
   the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
   the spirit of counsel and might,
   the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. 

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
   or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
   and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
   and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
   and faithfulness the belt around his loins. 

The wolf shall live with the lamb,
   the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
   and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze,
   their young shall lie down together;
   and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
   and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
They will not hurt or destroy
   on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
   as the waters cover the sea. 

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. 

SECOND READING

Romans 15:4-13

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
   and sing praises to your name’;
and again he says,
‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’;
and again,
‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
   and let all the peoples praise him’;
and again Isaiah says,
‘The root of Jesse shall come,
   the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.’
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

GOSPEL READING

Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight.” ’
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume 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. 

‘I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ 

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”

[click on the link below]

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry 

Announces that the Lord is nigh; 

Come, then, and hearken, for he brings 

Glad tidings from the King of kings! 

Then cleansed be every breast from sin; 

Make straight the way for God within; 

Prepare we in our hearts a home, 

Where such a mighty Guest may come. 

For Thou art our Salvation, Lord, 

Our Refuge, and our great Reward. 

Without Thy grace our souls must fade 

And wither like a flower decayed. 

Stretch forth Thine hand, to heal our sore, 

And make us rise and fall no more; 

Once more upon Thy people shine, 

And fill the world with love divine. 

To Him Who left the throne of Heaven 

To save mankind, all praise be given; 

Like praise be to the Father done, 

And Holy Spirit, Three in One.

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Audrey Hedlin,  Mona Neher, Oma Ywo, Owen Peterson, Helga Halldorsdottir, Evaline Sanders, the family of Norm Gregory,  the family of baby Mavrick Gallant (Bev Gregory’s great-grandson), the family of Katherine Meger (Joshua Bratvold’s great grandmother), the family of Lois Jenkins (Ann Salmon’s mother), the family of Helen Neher (Carol Sarich’s mother), the family of John Beaven (Bev Gregory’s brother), and the family of Carl Rausch.  

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 victims, injured, families and communities of James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Weldon who have experienced tragic murders and stabbings, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Palestinians and Israelis, Ethiopia and Tigray, Myanmar and the Rohingya Muslim refugees, Lebanon, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the 100 million refugees and displaced persons, the people of Haiti suffering from disasters, Nigeria, Pakistan, and New South Wales, Australia devastated by torrential rains and flooding, the people of Puerto Rico, Atlantic Canada and Newfoundland pummeled by hurricane Fiona, those in Cuba, Florida, and South Carolina buffeted by hurricane Ian, the people in Indonesia and the Solomon Islands recovering from earthquakes, the murdered and wounded victims of a hate shooting in Colorado Springs, 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 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! Through remembering our baptism you give us faith to repent, to turn to you, to rid ourselves of everything that is unfruitful in our lives.  Cleanse us from being distracted by the darkness of this season, even by the thoughts of our own worthiness, and turn us toward the light of Christ and the abundance of his gifts.   God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Ruler of nations, come! Turn the hearts of the leaders of the world and the leaders of this nation to work for peace among one another that the well-being of the people may be served.  Replace pride and power with the wisdom to bring justice and security to all.  God of all hopefulness …

Petitioner:  O Lord of might, come!   Establish harmony in all creation, that all living things may work according to your loving and generous purpose.  Make the lion of our pollution and destruction and the lamb of your restoring creation lie down together so that this extraordinary hope may fill the earth with your goodness and glory.  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 ….   Soothe the weary, calm the worried, bring comfort where there is pain, and wholeness where there is loss.  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 Root of Jesse, come!  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…

Petitioner:  O Emmanuel, come!  Send your Spirit and make us into 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, 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

“Fling Wide the Door”

[click on the link below]

Fling wide the door, unbar the gate;

the King of glory comes in state; 

the Lord of lords and King of kings, 

the Savior of the world who brings 

his great salvation to the earth. 

So raise a shout of holy mirth 

and praise our God and Lord, Creator, Spirit, Word. 

He is the rock of our belief, 

the heart of mercy’s gentle self. 

His kingly crown is holiness; 

his scepter is his loveliness; 

he brings our sorrows to an end. 

Now gladly praise our king and friend, 

and worship him with song 

for saving us from wrong. 

Oh, happy towns and blessed lands 

that live by their true king’s commands. 

And blessed be the hearts he rules, 

the humble places where he dwells. 

He is the rightful Son of bliss 

who fills our lives and makes us his, 

creator of the world, 

our only strength for good. 

Come, Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ; 

our hearts are open wide in trust. 

Oh, show us now your lovely grace, 

upon our sorrows shine your face, 

and let your Holy Spirit guide 

our journey in your grace so wide. 

We praise your holy name, 

from age to age the same!

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 4, Advent Potluck at 5:00 p.m.                                                                 – Sunday, December 4,  Congregational Budget meeting

THIS WEEK AT KOG 

COMING UP AT KOG                                                                                                                   – Sunday, December 18, Blue Christmas service                                                                         – Monday, December 19, Church Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom                             – Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve service with St. David’s/Trinity 7:30 p.m.                                                                       – Sunday, December 25,  There will be no Christmas Day service at King of Glory.  There is a Christmas Day service at Resurrection at 10:00 a.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

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

2022 Budget:  $48,854       Monthly Budget:  $4,071.17     Weekly Budget:  $939.50

2022 income/expenses: $2,167.56

September income/expenses: -$1,786.50

Weekly contributions for October:  October 2: $940  October 16: $460.00

October 30 : $620.00

Weekly contributions for November:  November 6: $1170.00  November 13 and 20: $3740

November 27: $300

Thank you to everyone who donated in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.  $260 was been contributed. Thank you for your generosity.

“Advent Reflections” daily devotions for the Season of Advent from On Eagle’s Wings are available at the back.

Blue Christmas Service, Sunday, December 18

Christmas can be a difficult and painful time for some.  It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died.  It may be a time that has always been difficult.  Whether it is the death of a family member, relative, or friend, the end of a marriage or relationship, the loss of work, illness, depression, or the moving away from places that have been secure and welcoming – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending.

A Blue Christmas Service is for those for whom the Christmas season seems more filled with sadness, stress, and loss than celebration.  It is a service that centers on God’s gifts of comfort and hope to all who struggle at this time of year.  Through prayers, scripture and music this service affirms how the Good News of Christmas is for those who struggle and mourn – and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness.

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

Thank you to all involved in the Quilts and Comfort Quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory and their friends.  Our quilting worker-bees have lost count, but guesstimate 42 quilts will be distributed to LutherCare Communities, the Wellness Centre, and the Bishop Klein Community School Program and Comfort Quilts will be given to individuals suffering from sickness, significant change in life, loss or grief.   Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Carol Sarich, Lois Rombough and Sherry Andrews, to Irma Torgunrude who donated material and Iris Kristjansdottir who provided boxes.

Offerings.  

Even though we are not all meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

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 Worship Services

Disinfect/sanitize worship space and entrance etc before the service

Disinfect/sanitize washrooms if used

One person preps worship materials [pastor]

Six feet distancing recommended

No sharing of pencils, pens, etc.

Open doors and windows if possible

Use/wear face masks, optional, but 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