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.